D R A K E U N I V E R S I T Y
Minutes of the Faculty Senate meeting, October 15, 2003

The regular meeting of the 2003-2004 Faculty Senate was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by President Nancy Reincke. The following senators were present for all or part of the meeting: Alexander, Bartschat, Clapham, Courard-Hauri, Dougherty, Esposito, Lovell, Morrow, Rankin, Reed, Reincke, Rozycki, Schaefer, Sheehy, Soltis, Vitha

Absent: Allen, Lyons, Petersen, Shulman, Wade

Secretary's note: a set of Fall 2003 athletic schedules were distributed to each Senator.

The September 2003 minutes were accepted as presented.

Reports from President Maxwell and Provost Troyer were not presented as they were out of town on University business.

Report from President Reincke

-- President Reincke distributed a current faculty status sheet which was presented to the Board of Trustees' last meeting. The document was prepared by Sue Wright and Vice President Payseur.

Unfinished Business: none presented

New Business:

Senator Bartschat, who serves as the faculty representative to the Board of Trustees Institutional Advancement Committee, introduced the speaker Vice President for Institutional Advancement John Willey.

Mr. Willey began his remarks by thanking the body for the opportunity to speak. He expressed interest in this session opening up the desired dialogue between his division and the faculty. He stated that the national economy does have an impact on the discretionary monies that both the personal and corporate worlds have to spend on non-profit institutions, including Drake. His need is to review this perplexing situation and sort through what Drake's situation is in reality.

The current public regard for higher education is not very high right now. There are surveys stating that the public values when individuals stay in school, and yet there is a drastic contrast in the public understanding and acceptance of the quality of education from 40-50 years ago. We know that outcomes are measured; and there is seriousness in the academy. He congratulated the faculty on their work. As a former teacher; he believes that the message is simply not being heard by the public at large.

The demography and behavior of our country and world has changed and will continue to change drastically in the very near future. Women are in control of a greater percentage of personal and corporate monies. Likewise, with women and other former underrepresented groups; Drake must alter the message. We need to learn how to speak and listen to these emerging groups.

Drake is a cohesive institution with a rich heritage that speaks to the mission. Mr. Willey continued that Drake is some ways Ôold wine placed in some new bottles'. There is some very good thinking going on and certainly shows that there is value in student thinking. There is a blending of humane letters; applied sciences and professions. This place has taken on tough questions, many of which the outside world is challenging and Drake is a place that the world needs.

Mr. Whiley continued by outlining what he sees as his immediate challenges. He indicated this set of issues have been also presented to the Senior Advisory Council. There is a need to raise money and raise appreciation for Drake. There is a need to build a culture here inside the institution and outside that will provide resources. For the next six months or so the raising of money will turn on something basic fundraising principles. The current state of the office and the database will not allow for finely tuned fundraising. The Banner software is something he is familiar with and he considers being a good system, but will take time to complete the conversion and implementation. The technology issues within his division are a major concern. He outlined his short termed goals such as funding the Centers initiatives and expanding annual giving by 2006, Drake's 125 anniversary year.

He continued that a consistent question which he has received concerns putting development personnel out in the college/schools. He expressed that at this point there is not space in the Kinne Center building or budget for this plan but he will follow this concern.

Vice President Willey stated that he identifies with the belief that the faculty are the university.

Senator Esposito asked how the national do-not-call list will affect Drake. Mr. Willey's reply indicated that it will not affect Drake's ability to communicate with constituents. Other senators offered questions concerning such issues as: Drake initiated email solicitations, electronic alumni newsletters, accessing third party databases, new graduate email satisfaction, and Peggy's parties. The Vice President listened and responded politely to the inquires and comments.

President Reincke gave a brief history of all University Senate. . LouAnn Simpson was introduced and offered her perspective on what aspects were present in the faculty and staff and student comprised University Senate. She indicated that the assets to this organization included having a governing body which was a venue for the whole University and having administrators accountable in this joint group.

Dr. Don Adams, Sue Wright and Rick Morrow were introduced as other persons present at the meeting who had direct knowledge of the University Senate governing body. The University Senate was larger then current body. Some drawbacks to the model were presented such as students being frustrated that their votes were not perceived as effective enough to pass a resolution and the phenomenon of non-faculty voting on academic issues.

Ms. Wright indicated that the change in governance was, among other reasons, believed to bring about positive change as it was something new and worth a try. Dr. Adams shared his viewpoint that the former system fostered accountability and community building. Senator Alexander offered his experience of committee work which included staff members and how they bring a good perspective to a wide variety of discussions. Senator Lovell offered that he was at Drake when there was the University Senate. He believes that any discussion is better off when all parties are jointly at the table with any issue. Senator Rankin offered an opposing view to the effectiveness of the University Senate. She did not recall that the body could make policy effectively and was too large to move agenda items efficiently. She recalled that the smaller group was a welcome change and wanted there to be a serious discussion regarding changing to any larger governing structure.

Senator Rozycki stated he did not understand that there was anything broken with the current structure. He was in favor of gathering input from various campus groups.

President Reincke thanked the body for their comments and indicated the issue will go back to the Senate Executive Committee. There will be more information gathered and discussions held before being presented to the Senate

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by Secretary, Nancy Geiger