Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes, 2009

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
9:30-11:00 A.M., November 2, 2009
B105 Jessup Hall

Attendees: David Carew, Clay Dungy, Carol Fethke, Rose Friedrich, Tony Franken, Norbert Malik, Ray Muston, H.D. Hoover, Gerald Rose, Robert Sayre, Nancy Sprince, Jerry Walker

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Tony Franken at 9:32 AM.

Clay Dungy was introduced as the replacement for Richard Lynch.

A moment of silence was held for Richard Lynch who died recently. A memorial service will be held at McBride Hall on Sunday, November 22, 2009.

Minutes: There were no additions or corrections to the minutes of the October 5, 2009 meeting.

New Business:

Changes in the health and dental benefits were discussed. Participants are being encouraged to elect UI Choice (by having a smaller rate increase for UI Choice than for Chip II and other adjustments to the plans). Chip II is expected to end at some point in the future. There will be a meeting Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Parkview Church at 1:30 PM about health and dental benefit programs for retirees. The University is self-insured so rate increases are a function of past experience. Costs are expected to continue to rise as participants age and experience more health problems. Interest in learning more about the process by which benefit provisions and levels are determined was expressed by several attendees. There was also interest in having a benefits spokesperson meet with the EFC to discuss the process. It was noted that assessing insurance benefits would be facilitated by having data on the costs of using external benefit providers like HMOs. A sub-committee of the EFC consisting of Carol Fethke, Rose Friedrich and Ray Muston was created to learn more about the process and what issues the EFC may want to explore in the future.

The retirement programs at Iowa, UNI and Iowa State differ. A three person subcommittee of the Board of Regents is reviewing the state universities’ benefit plans to try and make them more comparable. Employees can elect to contribute to their retirement funds to compensate for the 2% reduction in the UI contribution. However, this cut represents a serious problem, particularly for those who are early in their careers. Federal legislation that would cap flexible benefits programs’ tax deductibility at $2,500 is being considered. This may reduce current employees’ ability to contribute to their own retirement plans.

Public forums to discuss strategic planning are scheduled for November 5, 2009 (University Capital Center) and November 10, 2009 on the medical school campus. Ray Muston is attending meetings of the Outreach and Civic Engagement group.

Old Business:

Recommendations for a speaker for the annual meeting are urgently needed.

Tony Franken’s letter to the provost suggesting emeritus faculty could be used to help improve student retention has not been answered.

Committee Reports:

Faculty Council/Senate: Rose Friedrich reported on the October 5, 2009 meeting of the Faculty Council. The Council was updated on the Partnership for Alcohol Safety, the joint effort of the UI and business leaders. It was noted that there is no representation on the 34 member steering committee from any faculty who have direct contact with freshman and sophomores in their classes. For those who teach, alcohol is an academic as well as a health issue. Heavy drinkers have grade-points that are one-fourth to one-third lower than student averages. New initiatives include required alcohol skills training for UI Greek chapters and mandatory on line health assessments for all UI sophomores to provide immediate feedback on risks.

The Ombudsperson’s Annual Report to the Council disclosed a 15% increase in cases (487 being new) over last year. Problems remain similar to last year but were intensified due to flooding, recession, layoffs, pay reductions and sexual assault involving athletes. There have been numerous cases of staff and faculty spiraling downward due to a combination of poor health and poor work performance. Reluctance to talk openly about health problems, especially mental health problems, discouraged people from seeking treatment.

The Council learned details of changes in health and dental coverages. As noted above, those changes encourage greater use of UIHC. For example, co-payments for UIHC services will decline relative to copayments for non-UIHC office services. Premiums for single coverage for Chip II will rise more than those for UIChoice. The Funded Retirement and Insurance Committee is considering dropping Chip II as fewer and fewer people elect it. FRIC is working with UIHC to develop a questionnaire assessing employees’ level of satisfaction with UIHC care they receive.

An extended Council discussion of budget cuts included questions on how the cuts occur.

Bob Sayre reported the Council agreed that the pain of budget reductions should be shared equally but that there was little agreement on specific implications. In the EFC discussion, Carol Fethke pointed out that the strategic implications of across the board cuts should receive attention as they have a greater adverse impact on departments with low costs of instruction, threatening enrollment and tuition income associated with those departments. Doug True, who made the presentation about reductions to the Council, seeks opinions on these issues. No conclusions were reached by the Council. At the EFC meeting it was noted that President Mason’s report on the reductions can be found on the web.

EFC Secretary: Rose Friedrich and Jerry Walker will assume the EFC Secretary’s duties for the months of December through February.

UIRA: Rose Friedrich said that Pat Kelly attended the October 13, 2009 meeting of the UIRA and reported the following developments. There was a question as to whether the UIRA needed a liaison with the EFC. It was agreed that the representative from the EFC provided that capability. The FRIC wellness committee reported there is discussion of eliminating the death benefit payment for future retirees. Since there is no complete Listserve of all retirees, UIRA suggested working with EFC to compile this information, with Ray Muston as the contact person.

Elections: Nothing to report

Emeriti Listserve, Web site and Handbook: Nothing to report

Senior College:  Nancy Sprince reported the bylaws of the EFC and Senior College are inconsistent and need to be aligned. Tony Franken met with Bob Wallace and determined that an alliance between the Senior College and OLLI is not feasible at this time. Fall courses went well. Spring courses have been determined and brochures will go out before Christmas.

Annual Meeting: The date, time and location have not yet been determined. Recommendations for a speaker are needed.

Research Council: Nothing to report

Funded Retirement and Insurance: See previous discussions in Old Business and Faculty Council.

Hancher: Nothing to report

Libraries: Graduate and honors students will now only need to review materials once each year. The Google license is being renegotiated. Deferred gifts are down 50% to about $980,000. Kindle is being considered for students’ textbooks.

Guest Speaker: Nicole Nisly, Co-chair of the UI Charter Committee on Diversity, Co-chair of the provost’s Internalization and Diversity Strategic Task Force, Professor of Medicine, Diversity Officer for the Department of Internal Medicine (among other responsibilities)

Due to many similarities in the needs of international and minority students, and while also recognizing important differences (e.g., in student sources of support), the provost combined diversity and international planning. The provost stresses two tasks, advancing the goals of increased enrollment, retention and support of international and minority students, and closing gaps between elements of those students who are receiving less attention than others. Sustainability differences were discussed. Foreign students are self-funded or supported by grants or families whereas many minorities are from lower economic strata and need aid. Staff members are the primary sources of services to these students. More faculty involvement is needed. Methods to improve the situation for minority and international students include increased international and minority content in course and research activities, improved mentoring by faculty, adding to faculty promotion and tenure criteria the nature and extent of international and minority effort, increased study abroad opportunities for minorities, and improved housing. It was noted that, if created, a ListServe for emeritus faculty could be used to help match minority and international students with interested retired faculty.

Adjournment: The meeting ended at 10:54 AM without a formal adjournment.

Next Meeting: Monday, December 7, 2009 in room B5 of Jessup Hall. Our speaker will be Crissy Canganelli, executive director of the Shelter House.

Respectfully submitted,

Jerry Rose
Secretary

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Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
9:30-11:00 A.M., October 5, 2009
B105 Jessup Hall

Attendees: David Carew, Rose Friedrich, Tony Franken, Al Hood, Pat Kelly, James Lindberg, Norbert Malik, Ray Muston, H.D. Hoover, Kenneth Hubel, Gerald Rose, Nancy Sprince, Jerry Walker

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Tony Franken at 9:30 AM.

Minutes: There being no additions or corrections the minutes of the September 14, 2009 meeting were approved.

New Business: Tony Franken announced that Richard Lynch had resigned from the committee. His replacement will be Clay Dungy, as Dungy was the candidate for the council when Lynch was elected. Members present approved a motion to offer Dungy this position.

Old Business: Strategic Planning Committee Representation: Pat Kelly and Ray Muston volunteered to serve. Pat is awaiting contact and Ray has been invited to attend a meeting

Senior College / OLLI follow-up: Tony Franken discussed the relationship between OLLI and the Senior College with Bob Wallace. Tony and Al Hood will discuss this further with Bob next month.

Committee Reports:
Faculty Council/Senate: Rose Friedrich will attend the next Faculty Council meeting and Bob Sayre will attend the next Faculty Senate meeting. Rose and Bob met with previous Senate president, Mike O’Hara, last year to discuss under what conditions EFC members would be able to attend closed sessions. No conclusion was reached at that time. They plan to meet with current Senate President David Drake to pursue this issue. (See the report below on President Drake’s views.)
EFC Secretary: Nothing to report
UIRA: Pat Kelly and Rose Friedrich will alternate attending UIRA meetings.
Elections: Nothing to report
Emeriti Listserv, Web site and Handbook: Revisions to the handbook have begun.
Senior College: Things continue to go well for all but one of the courses. Attendance has neared 400. Work is beginning on the spring schedule.
Annual Meeting: Suggestions for the guest speaker are welcome. A date has not been set.
Research Council: There has not yet been a meeting of the council.
Retirement and Insurance: Carol Fethke attended the last meeting.
Hancher: There will be another forum soon. (It will be Monday, October 12, 6:00-7:30 p.m., in Macbride Hall.)
Libraries: Nothing to report.

The January 2010 EFC meeting was discussed. Because only six attendees would be able to attend it was decided that there would be no meeting unless business arose that required a business meeting.

Guest Speaker: David Drake, president of the Faculty Senate noted that his primary role is to assure that faculty views are heard by the administration and Regents. To that end he has one on one meetings with individual Regents, “testifies” at Regents meetings when requested to do so, and meets at least monthly with the president, weekly with the provost, and more often with other administration personnel. Despite heavy research obligations he spends about 90% of his time in his presidential role. One of his two major concerns is the plight of the music and fine arts faculty. The second is sustainability and budgetary/financial constraints and reversions. The allocation of substantially diminished state resources is a very difficult issue to be resolved by the administration. He again emphasized that the faculty’s views must be heard in that process. More reversions are anticipated and they come with little warning. A number of other issues were discussed in a question and answer session. The major ones were concerns about undergraduate admission standards, attracting the best graduate students if TA positions are reduced, possible ways to improve retention of freshmen, health campus and athletic construction projects that some incorrectly believe are funded with state money, changes in the mix of students (e.g., a declining proportion of Iowa students and growing numbers of foreign and out of state students), ways to deliver off-campus courses that do not sacrifice the quality of an Iowa degree, tuition rates, and students’ changing expectations and values (e.g., their desire to feel personal connections to faculty and their utilization of digital technology). Suggestions were made for using retirees to serve on university committees and to help make new undergraduate students feel welcome and better connected to people at the U of I. President Drake concluded by promising to discuss with his Senate and Council colleagues the EFC’s request to be permitted to attend closed sessions. He also promised to permit EFC members to ask questions at meetings he chairs. (Let him know prior to a meeting if possible.)

Adjournment: The meeting ended at 10:52 AM without a formal adjournment.

Next Meeting: Monday, October 5, 2009 in room B5 of Jessup Hall. Our speaker will be Nicole Nisly, chair of the U of I Diversity committee.

Respectfully submitted,

Jerry Rose
Secretary

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Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
9:30-11:00 A.M., September 14, 2009
B105 Jessup Hall

Attendees: David Carew, Rose Friedrich, Carol Fethke, Tony Franken, Al Hood, James Lindberg, Norbert Malik, Ray Muston, H.D. Hoover, Kenneth Hubel, Gerald Rose, Jerry Walker

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Tony Franken at 9:30 AM.

New Business: Tony Franken provided a summary report of the meeting of the Big Ten Retirees Association this summer. About 50 people, half from the Iowa City area, attended. The focus of the meeting was on academics in the Big Ten. Our Senior College was of interest because other schools do not have equally developed (or any) similar programs. The Association has a web page maintained at the University of Michigan.

Introduction of Members: Attendees introduced themselves and their college affiliations.

Strategic Planning Committee Representation: In response to a letter to the Provost the EFC was requested to submit names of EFC members interested in serving on Strategic Planning Committees. Those EFC members who are interested should contact the Provost’s office.

Old Business: There was no old business discussion.

Committee Appointments:
Faculty Senate/Council Representatives: Robert Sayre, Rose Friedrich, and Al Hood as alternate.
EFC Secretary: Gerald Rose with Jerry Walker and Rose Friedrich as alternates.
EFC Liaison Representative to the UIRA: Rose Friedrich and Pat Kelley.
Elections Committee: Pat Kelley, James Lindberg and David Carew.
Emeriti Listserv, Web Site, and Handbook: Norbert Malik (chair) and Ray Muston.
Senior College Members: Richard Lynch, Nancy Sprince, and Al Hood.
Annual Meeting Committee: David Carew (chair) and Carol Fethke.
Research Council Representative: Kenneth Hubel and H.D. Hoover.
University Libraries Committee Representative: Jerry Walker and H.D. Hoover.
Funded Retirement and Insurance Committee Representative: Carol Fethke and Ray Muston.
Hancher Committee Representative: James Lindberg, Jerry Walker, and Kenneth Hubel.

Committee Reports:
Faculty Council/Senate: David Drake, president of the Faculty Senate will be our speaker at the October meeting. At that time we may want to discuss with him whether our representatives can attend closed meetings of the Senate. (As an advisory unit the Senate is not subject to the Iowa open meetings law. However, some of its members report preferring to avoid closed meetings when possible.)
EFC Secretary: No report
UIRA: No report
Elections: Nothing to report
Emeriti Listserv, Web site and Handbook: Al Hood reported that the Provost’s office had not supported past efforts to maintain the Listserv by updating lists and email address of new and deceased retirees. The consensus appeared to be that without that support a Listserv is not viable. There is no EFC web page. There was no report regarding the handbook. The rumor that emeritus faculty email would cease being supported has been denied by an IT employee and no one in attendance knew of anything to support the rumor.
Senior College: Al Hood reported things are going very well. All but one course is full or has substantial enrollment.
Annual Meeting: Moving the date to May did not affect attendance and June meetings are easier to set up. So the meeting will remain in June.
Research Council: No report
Retirement and Insurance: There will be a meeting on Friday September 18th to discuss insurance needs for those between the ages of 62 and 65. Faculty interested in early retirement face a two week deadline for applying. It appears likely that in 2011 there will be a change in the flexible benefits program for employees. It is unlikely to affect retirees. Faculty members who are about to retire are reminded that they should sign up for Medicare Part B one month before the retirement date. There will be a meeting on November 3, 2009 at Parkview Church to discuss next year’s health and dental insurance options for retirees.
Hancher: No report
Libraries: No report

Guest Speaker: John Streif, Men’s Intercollegiate Athletics Trainer, discussed his work at the U of I since he began in 1966. His seven day a week responsibilities include detailed planning and execution of road trips by the men’s teams, negotiating with hotels and bowl representatives, assuring first class experiences for all athletes, coaches, and other entourage members, and doing everything possible to help student athletes cope with issues they face. He tries to help athletes who are traveling or injured to view their situation as learning and personal growth opportunities. It is clear that John feels an extremely strong affection for and commitment to the U of I, the athletic department, and student athletes.

Adjournment: The meeting ended at 10:56 AM without a formal adjournment.

Next Meeting: Monday, October 5, 2009 in room B5 of Jessup Hall. Our speaker will be David Drake, president of the Faculty Senate.

Respectfully submitted,

Jerry Rose
Secretary

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Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
Annual Meeting
10:00 A.M., June 15, 2009
S401 John Pappajohn Business Building

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Patricia Kelley.

Opening Remarks: Welcome from Susan Johnson, Associate Provost. Johnson noted that despite current circumstances such as the flood effects and budget problems, we are in the process of emerging as a stronger institution. There is a strategic initiatives process now underway looking at special areas of the university for further advances.

Introduction of council members: Patricia Kelley introduced the council members to the assembled group.

Report of the election committee: Ken Hubel reported the results of the recent election. The new representatives include:

1. Engineering: Norbert Malik
2. Business: Gerald Rose
3. Liberal Arts: Al Hood and Patricia Kelley
4. Graduate College: Ray Muston

Special thanks: President Kelley noted that Debbie Millsap will give up her administrative duties with the Emeritus Faculty Committee; she will be replaced by Renee Sueppel of the Provost’s Office. A round of applause was given to thank Debbie for her previous duties.

Report of the Emeritus Faculty Council 2008-2009: President Kelley noted that there were monthly meetings of the council from September thru May, and that the minutes were on the website. All emeritus faculty are welcome to attend the council. We may be able to put future agendas on the website so that those interested may choose to attend.

Kelley announced:

a. Carl Orgren attended the meeting of the Big Ten Retirees Association this last year.

b. Kelley attended the Association of Retired University Employees this year. She felt it was a valuable experience. She noted that some institutions have more organized programs for emeritus faculty activities; such as temporary job assignments, volunteering opportunities, etc.

c. Kelley reiterated the policy that individual emeritus faculty are unable to purchase software at a discount from the bookstore; however, arrangements can be made thru one’s individual department for purchase.

d. There was some discussion of the URIA request for parking privileges similar to those of emeritus faculty.

e. A request for emeritus faculty participation in the strategic initiatives committee was made to Provost Loh. No response at this time.

f. There have been efforts to allow emeritus faculty representatives to the faculty senate to be included in closed sessions of that group.

g. Kelley noted that there will be no summer meetings unless circumstances require one.

Upcoming Big 10 Meeting: Sara Wolfson discussed the upcoming meeting which will be in Iowa City. The theme is the academic counterpart of the Big Ten, the Council for Institutional Cooperation. Sam Becker and the Big Ten commissioner will speak at the upcoming meeting, followed by discussion amongst members of the group. There will be a tour of the campus for visitors from outside Iowa City. There will be dinner Friday and Saturday nights with entertainment.

Action on the May 4, 2009 minutes: Approved.

Modification of Bylaws: George Lance announced that the council recommends that we allow the term of the secretary be extended to several years. This will require a paper ballot to the emeritus faculty

Questions from membership: James Spratt asked had there been discussion with President Mason on the budgetary impact of adding several members to the upper level of administration. Kelley responded that this will be discussed at upcoming meetings of the Emeritus Faculty Council.

Memorial Moment: A moment of silence was observed in honor of colleagues who died during the year.

Passing of the Gavel: Kelley passed the gavel to the upcoming new president of the Emeritus Faculty Council, Tony Franken. Franken thanked the group for offering this position to him and requested ideas for activities from the membership.

Guest Speaker: George Lance, chair of the annual meeting committee, introduced the speaker, Larry Weber, Director of the Iowa Institute of Hydro-Science and Engineering, and the Iowa Flood Center.

Weber discussed some items of last year’s major flood; the causes (snow, subsequent rain), and the analysis by the institute. They hope to develop predictive models for future flooding. They ultimately will have maps available on Google on potential flood conditions for individual properties.

Weber noted an upcoming program, the National Center for Flood Research and Education, will be funded by the National Science Foundation, and that The University of Iowa is an applicant for such funding.

He indicated that the Iowa Flood Center, partially funded by the state, has the mission to develop models for predicting floods, educate the community regarding the community regarding flooding, and to be a resource for people and programs in the state of Iowa.

Following Weber’s presentation, there were multiple questions relating to the floods, the effect on the university, and plans for the future.

Comments from Carl Orgren: Carl Orgren, who is leaving the Emeritus Faculty Council, brought to the association’s attention the needs for close attention to several issues including parking for emeritus faculty, emeritus faculty involvement in the strategic initiatives planning, and the Emeritus Faculty Council’s relationship with the Faculty Senate and Faculty Council.

The meeting was adjourned at noon, followed by lunch and fellowship.

Respectfully submitted.

Tony Franken
Secretary

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Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
9:30 – 11:00 A.M., May 4, 2009
B5 Jessup Hall

Present: Rose Friedrich, Kenneth Hubel, Carl Orgren, George Lance, David Carew, Pat Kelley, Richard Lynch, Jerry Walker, H.D. Hoover, Hyman Joseph, Carol Fethke, and Tony Franken, Phillip Cummins, Robert Sayre, Jim Lindberg, and Nancy Sprince.

Absent: none

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Patricia Kelley.

Action on Minutes: The minutes of the April 6, 2009 meeting were approved, with amendments regarding closed faculty council sessions and recreational services.

New Business:

1) List of faculty who has died in the past year was discussed. It was noted that there will be a silent moment to honor these faculty at the upcoming Emeritus Faculty Meeting.

2) President Kelley announced that this would be her last meeting of the Emeritus Faculty Council. She thanked the group for their assistance during the year. The group reciprocated by thanking Kelley for her contributions last year.

3) Annual Meeting. Larry Weber of The College of Engineering will be the speaker at the Annual Meeting.

Old Business:

COMMITEE REPORTS

Faculty Council/Senate: Bob Sayre and Rosemary Friedrich met with Michael O’Hara, current president of the faculty senate; and David Drake, president elect regarding attending closed sessions of the faculty senate and council. O’Hara was not particularly enthusiastic. It was recommended that we contact David Drake next year. We will make it clear that we are only asking for our representatives to attend closed sessions.

Bob Sayre discussed the election results and changes to the faculty constitution, which had been discussed at the faculty council meeting.

UIRA: Phil Cummins attended the April 14 meeting. There was a written request from the provost that emeritus faculty chair freshman seminars regarding retention of students. Upcoming programs with UIRA include Islam, Plum Grove, and UIRA picnic on June 16. Also discussed was the involvement of UIRA in the upcoming Big Ten Meeting.

Elections: Ken Hubel indicated that this was moving appropriately, he will report the results of the elections at the annual meeting.

Retirees Website: No Report.

Research Council: No Report.

Senior College: Dick Lynch announced that fall courses have been approved for next year and that they will pick two more of seven applications to fill out the field.

Annual Meeting: Kelly announced that Provost Loh will welcome the faculty to the meeting. She stated that as of yet, she had no answer from the provost regarding membership committees.

Hancher: No Report.

Libraries: No Report.

Retirement and Insurance: Hyman Joseph noted that the programs being considered include early retirement, changes in phased retirement, buy-out programs, reduced contributions for TIAA/CREF, and a three year vesting requirement for TIAA/CREF. Carol Fethke commented that the early and phased retirement proposals are now out. She further stated that the minutes of the retirement and insurance committee meeting are available on the web.

Big Ten Planning Meeting: Kelley announced that registration fee for the meeting would be $125, but UI Faculty, emeritus or active, can attend for the meal charge only. President Kelley passed a request list for those willing to drive people from the airport.

Guest Speaker: President Kelley introduced the speaker, Chuck Swanson, the director of Hancher Auditorium.

Swanson noted that he began his career with Hancher as business manager 24 years ago.

At a recent meeting regarding strategic planning for the next few years, Hancher’s mission was noted to be “striving to enhance lives for all Iowans through artistic endeavors”.

Fortuitously, they had some advance planning for activities in the event of flooding. The first move of staff was to the Lindquist Center. A week later they had the opportunity to see the extent of the damage. The first estimate was that it would be one year before Hancher reopened. The first decision was to cancel the big spectacle shows. They ended up cancelling 13 of 30 events scheduled for this year.

Swanson noted that there had been considerable support for Hancher from the community, from the state, and from artists around the world. For instance, they are scheduling three benefits to raise funds for Hancher. One of these is a chamber music group from the Eastman School which will be held at the Brown Deer facility. The second will be an appearance by Don Zanes, a family folk singer. Joffrey ballet will have two presentations, one at the Joffrey tower in Chicago and another at the Civic Center in Des Moines (on the eve of the Iowa vs Iowa State football game).

Next season there will be several events including a homecoming week performance at the Pentacrest, creative campus projects including a combined program of fine arts, the macular degeneration program, and the writing facility of UIHC with a presentation on the effect of loss of sight on individuals.

The Board of Regents has approved the concept of a new Hancher which will allow accommodation to changes and the growth of technical requirements that has occurred in the last many years. Proposed are rehearsal space, and audience needs such as handicapped facilities. They will probably be out of the building for about four years.

There were many enthusiastic questions and comments after Swanson’s talk. Points made were that the new Hancher should continue the geographic association with other fine arts, and that accessibility regarding the interstates and parking be considered. Swanson noted that ticket sales cover about 65% of needs, The University of Iowa pays employee salaries, and that the remainder comes from grants and solicitations.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

Next Meeting: The annual meeting luncheon is June 15, 401 Pappajohn. The date of the next Emeritus faculty council meeting will be announced.


Respectfully submitted,
Tony Franken, Secretary

[Go to Minutes Index]

 

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
9:30 – 11:00 A.M., April 6, 2009
B5 Jessup Hall

Present: Rose Friedrich, Kenneth Hubel, Carl Orgren, George Lance, David Carew, Pat Kelley, Richard Lynch, Jerry Walker, H.D. Hoover, Hyman Joseph, Carol Fethke, and Tony Franken, Phillip Cummins, Robert Sayre.

Absent: Jim Lindberg, Nancy Sprince.

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Patricia Kelley.

Action on Minutes: The minutes of the March 2, 2009 meeting were approved.

New Business:

1. Letter to/from Provost Loh. The faculty council had sent a letter to Provost Loh recommending emeritus members be appointed to the strategic initiatives committees of the university. Provost Loh replied that he would inform the committee chairs of this request.

2. Faculty engagement corps. Information has been distributed to all members regarding this program. Interested individuals are asked to contact the organizer of the program.

3. Regarding the annual meeting and by-laws. It was noted that the by-laws now allow for continuation of duties of office of members of the council if the committee approves, even if that person is not reelected for the new term of office. President Kelley noted that the by-laws require that the vote for Vice President and Secretary be held after the annual meeting. After some discussion, it was unanimously agreed by the council that Professor George Lance, as the organizer of the annual meeting, introduce our guest speaker, Provost Loh.

4. Upcoming Big Ten Meeting of Emeritus Faculty. President Kelley is asking for volunteers to provide trips to the airport for visitors to this meeting. She also noted that all university emeritus faculty are welcome to attend this meeting without any fees except for meals.

5. Role of emeritus representative to faculty senate and faculty council. Both Bob Sayre and Rose Friedrich discussed that they are excluded from closed sessions such as discussion on budget cuts. Both feel they could have had impact in recent material discussed in closed session. The committee agreed with their comments. A motion was made by Carl Orgren and passed unanimously that we request emeritus representatives be allowed to attend closed sessions of the faculty senate and council. The fall-back position would be to ask each president for permission each year. President Kelly along with committee representatives will talk with the president of the faculty council.

Old Business:

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Faculty Council/Senate: Rosemary Friedrich noted that the faculty senate entered a closed session to discuss proposals regarding decisions on how to respond to decreased funds available to the university.

Bob Sayre indicated that the main discussion at the last council meeting was regarding changes in by-laws (which do not need regent’s approval). There was some discussion regarding the TRIP program (temporary reduction in pay).

UIRA: Rosemary Friedrich reported on the meeting of March 10, 2009, which included nominating officers for the upcoming year, reports on a variety of cost-saving measures, and the action that 118 UIRA members now receive electronic news letters rather than paper copies.

Elections: Ken Hubel reported on a meeting with Debbie Milsap, protocol has been developed which is unchanged from prior years. Nominations for the emeritus faculty council should be received by May 8, 2009.

Retirees Website: George Lance indicated that the site is up and running.

Research Council: No Report.

Senior College: Dick Lynch noted that there is good feed-back regarding the current classes.

Annual Meeting: See new business.

Hancher: No report.

Libraries: Jerry Walker announced that this summer the library will celebrate its five millionth acquisition. The response of the library to the reduction in funds will be difficult; some library branches will be eliminated. Walker also commented that recreational services are enforcing policies that no one will be eligible for free recreational services. There will be single point of entry to rec facilities in the future. Alumni will get a reduced rate, but not emeritus faculty. (Perhaps this will be an issue for next year)

Retirement and Insurance: No report.

Big Ten Planning Meeting: No report.

Guest Speaker: President Kelley introduced the speaker, Tom Walz, Emeritus Professor of Social Work and Family Practice who now serves as director of Extend the Dream Foundation.

Professor Walz distributed an organizational chart of the Extend the Dream Foundation and discussed the various activities of this group. These include Uptown Bill’s Coffee Shop, Uptown Bill’s Small Mall, the E-Commerce Center, the media activities of Sackter House, and the F Street Shop. Some of the small businesses at these sites include Ed’s SuperGraphics, Uptown Bill’s Coffee Shop, Bill’s Book Mart, Mad Hatter’s room, The Vintage Shoppe, The Framery, Music Shop, Media Group, Furniture refinishing group, and Ramp/Chore handyman services.

He indicated the Uptown Bill’s Small Mall was a venue for evening music on the weekends with a focus on non-alcohol related entertainment. Similarly the facility is a site for AA meetings.

Professor Walz requested new volunteers for the programs of the foundation. He discussed upcoming need for space, perhaps as a joint provider with The University of Iowa for non-alcohol related programs. Most volunteers now come from the School of Social Work, College of Nursing and the Entrepreneurship program at the College of Business.

Following Professor Walz’ presentation, there were numerous questions and comments from the audience, including the suggestion that the “non-drinking committee” of The University of Iowa might be a source of support.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

Next Meeting: Monday, May 4, 2009, B5 Jessup Hall. Chuck Swanson will report on activities regarding Hancher.

Respectfully submitted,
Tony Franken, Secretary

[Go to Minutes Index]

 

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
9:30 – 11:00 A.M., March 2, 2009
B5 Jessup Hall

Present: Richard Lynch, Rose Friedrich, Carl Orgren, George Lance, H.D. Hoover, Jerry Walker, David Carew, Nancy Sprince, James Lindberg, Carol Fethke, Pat Kelley, Tony Franken, Hyman Joseph

Absent: Phillip Cummins, Robert Sayre

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Patricia Kelley.

Action on Minutes: The minutes of the Monday, February 2, 2009 meeting were approved.

New Business:

1. Patricia Kelley proposed a slate of officers for the upcoming year, Tony Franken as President and Nancy Sprince as Vice President/President Elect. There were no further nominations, and the candidates were approved unanimously.

2. Committee assignments – President Kelley suggested having notes (a 2 sentence summary) about the work entailed in each committee, so everyone knows what they are committing to when volunteering for various committees.

3. Suggestions for new speakers. One suggestion was that we have Richard Saunders from health benefits talk with us regarding changes in benefits for Emeritus Faculty. Carol Fethke agreed to talk to Mr. Saunders.

Old Business:

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Faculty Council/Senate: Rosemary Friedrich reported. Highlights of the meeting of February 17, 2009 included approval of the revised parental leave policy, and discussion of options for budget cuts. Further discussions regarding budget cuts were made in closed sessions with Provost Loh.

UIRA: Rosemary Friedrich reported on the meeting of February 10, 2009. Items discussed included a future tour of the Hawkeye Hall of Fame, over 100 UIRA members received their newsletters by email, and a consideration of increasing the dollar amount of life insurance policies of those retiring in the future. President Stevenson will review and update the UIRA entry in the Retirees handbook.

Elections: No report. (Ken Hubel is working on assignments with this duty)

Retirees Website: George Lance is awaiting more responses from individuals regarding material to be included in the website.

Research Council: No report.

Senior College: Dick Lynch noted that there were 375 enrollees in the Senior College this year and that all things were working well.

Annual Meeting: No report. George Lance did note that Debbie Millsap has things set up for the annual meeting and that Provost Loh will be the speaker.

Hancher: No report.

Libraries: Jerry Walker noted that at the previous meeting of that committee that the Librarians felt they could take up to a 5% cut without severe effects. Limited space for study in the library was noted.

Retirement and Insurance: No report.

Big Ten Planning Meeting: Carl Orgren noted some details regarding the meeting.

Guest Speaker: President Kelley and Carol Fethke introduced the speaker, David Hensley, Executive Director and Clinical Professor, Entrepreneurship Program at Iowa. Mr. Hensley noted that there are now 5 sites for the Entrepreneurship Program in Iowa, and the University of Iowa is the largest in the state. There is an element of life-long learning in that there is community out reach for further education and entrepreneurial activities.

The focus of the entrepreneurial program is to instill course skills to the graduates of the program including academic excellence, skill enhancement, business creations and youth development, teacher education and outreach programs.

Professor Hensley noted that The University of Iowa now offers a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management for undergraduates from the various colleges. There are about 750 students per year enrolled in the program. In 2007-08 there 228 graduates of the program. It was also noted that several of those courses are now on line and that they will soon offer an on line non-degree class.

The Entrepreneurial Program is staffed primarily by clinical and adjunct faculty. Most of these are people who have had real experience in entrepreneurial activities, with the majority still involved in business. The faculty are rated highly by the students. Research is accomplished primarily by interaction with colleagues in other colleges. There is now a laboratory for students working on actual case studies, with 64 student teams involved.

Professor Hensley responded to many questions after his presentation from an appreciative audience.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

Next Meeting: Monday, April 6, 2009, B5 Jessup Hall.

Respectfully submitted,
Tony Franken, Secretary

[Go to Minutes Index]

 

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
9:30 – 11:00 A.M., February 2, 2009
B5 Jessup Hall

Present: Rose Friedrich, George Lance, Jim Lindberg, Robert Sayre, Richard Lynch, H.D. Hoover, Pat Kelley, David Carew, Carl Orgren, Jerry Walker, Nancy Sprince.

Absent: Phillip Cummins, Carol Fethke, Tony Franken, Kenneth Hubel.

Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by President Patricia Kelley.

Action on Minutes: Minutes of the December 1, 2008 meeting were approved.

Old Business: It was noted that Emeritus faculty are able to purchase computers at faculty rates, but that software cannot. From the AROHE meeting, Kelley noted that there was no pattern on this matter, but that many --or most--universities have similar plans. Many emeritus faculty have software through their departments. THAT'S ALL. Thanks Carl.

New business: Announcement of the AROHE Newsletter which was passed around. Interested persons could borrow it; otherwise it will be kept for the file for new president. Announcement of letter from Provost, thanking us for our suggestions. Request: ask for a third person on library committee to fill in when both Walker and Sprince have conflicts. R. Lynch agreed to be third person.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Faculty Senate: Sayre reported Senate redrafting of faculty conduct policies, significantly improving the document. One concern expressed in the Senate was interest in protecting faculty from accusations of rudeness to administrators couched as violations of civil conduct. Honorary degree policies were refined.

Faculty Council: No meeting

UIRA: No meeting

Senior College: Richard Lynch reported the release of the Spring brochure. Senior College continues to garner widespread favor.

Annual Meeting: David Carew reminded Council of the June 15th meeting in Pappajohn to be addressed by Provost Loh.

Hancher: No meeting. Hoover noted potential return of Hancher facility in October, 2010. A discussion of University, State and Federal flood response and prevention ensued.

Big Ten Planning: Orgren reported on plans for the Senior College presentation at the 2009 Big Ten Meeting.

There were no reports for Elections, Libraries, Website, Research Council or Funded Retirement and Insurance.

Guest Speaker: President Kelley introduced Joan Kjaer, Communications Director for Iowa Public Radio. Kjaer noted that the Regents’ directed amalgamation of public radio activities is completing its third year. The new director (following the death of predecessor) has a background in fundraising. The Regents’ intent is to have public radio represent the Universities more uniformly, more effectively, and less didactically thus encouraging listener support. Implementation is left up to staff of the amalgamated effort. Programming is now delivered over 20 frequencies, each in one of four schedules: news services; classical music; the Studio One effort; or a blend of the above three. News service has the largest group of listeners.

Kjaer stated that such scheduling has increased uniformity, and a better spreading of resources across the state. However, it provides less diversity and results in specific losses—such as agricultural programming, and the Prairie Lights author presentations.

Questions and comments by Council members and Kjaer’s responses drew attention to the following:

Content within the four schedules is influenced by the number of listeners and cost of content. For instance, while classical music has a small audience the content is nearly free. Cost of unique programming results in excessive repetition of NPR feeds.

Funding from each of the Regents’ institutions is vulnerable. U of I has contributed about 1.5 million dollars annually. The CPR has given the amalgamation about $750,000 per year, and the combined member contributions, while not increased by the merger, have remained steady at about 2.15 million dollars. To the present, staff positions have not been cut.

Board structures vary, with KUNI having 401-C-3 status. More formal and consistent structure of the boards is needed. Their role is not oversight, but consultation.

Efforts continue to obtain a Des Moines FM frequency.

The Council meeting was adjourned at 11:00 A.M.

Respectfully submitted, Carl Orgren for Tony Franken, Secretary

[Go to Minutes Index]

 

Emeritus Faculty Council Minutes
9:30 – 11:00 A.M., January 5, 2009
B5 Jessup Hall

Present: Rose Friedrich, Kenneth Hubel, Carl Orgren, Nancy Sprince, George Lance, David Carew, Pat Kelley, Richard Lynch, Jerry Walker, H.D. Hoover, Hyman Joseph, Carol Fethke, and Tony Franken.

Absent: Phillip Cummins, Robert Sayre, Jim Lindberg.

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Patricia Kelley.

Action on Minutes: The minutes of the Monday, January 5, 2009 meeting were approved, with minor corrections by President Kelley which she has forwarded to the Provost’s Office.

New Business:

1. Herbert Proudfit’s request for emeritus status was approved unanimously by the committee.

2. Website: George Lance asked members of the committee to look at the website now and bring back comments for the upcoming meeting.

3. AROHE: President Kelley circulated a list of books on retirement. It was her suggestion that we continue with membership in this group if approved by the Provost’s Office. There was consensus that this was the correct approach.

4. Office of the Vice President and President-Elect: Pat Kelley noted that Jim Lindberg would be unable to fulfill these duties. She asked for volunteers to serve as current vice president and upcoming president. There were no nominations or self-nominations at the meeting. Therefore, Kelley will contact individuals on the committee regarding serving individually.

5. Letter from Provost Loh: There was discussion whether we should respond to his request for information on suggested budget cuts. The group thought our request to have a member of this group on the budget cut committee would be appropriate.

6. Committee assignments: Pat Kelley asked each member of the committee to send her a note about how much effort is involved with their assignment.

Old Business:

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Faculty Council/Senate: Rosemary Friedrich reported for Bob Sayre. Betsy Altmaier, faculty representative to the Big 10, reported that the NCAA has loosened its rules to allow the use of names and images of student athletes in advertising. The Council approved of a new parental leave proposal which gives slightly longer time off to parents of newborns. The committee discussed a request from the Provost’s office regarding a committee to advise the Provost on promotion decisions; the thought seemed to be that it would create more bureaucracy. Specific proposals would be looked at. Post-tenure reviews of faculty have been done differently, if at all, among the various departments and colleges. The Council voted to form a committee to look into this subject.

UIRA: Rosemary Friedrich reported on Phil Cummins’ visit there. Subjects under discussion included considering converting to an internet newsletter as a cost saving move, support for the group from the university rather than the Alumni Association, the problem of declining membership, and preparation for nominating and securing new board members and officers.

Elections: Ken Hubel will meet with Jim Lindberg and others to set up procedures for the upcoming election.

Retirees Website: As was indicated earlier, this is in the process of update.

Research Council: Ken Hubel noted several items of discussion at the Research Council meeting: a) the low rate of acceptance at the NIH for new grants (about 7%), b) a program TIG, a group employed by the university to help “polish” grant requests at the cost of about $10,000 per month, c) the conflict of interest policy is being revised to confirm exactly to the USPHS conflict document, d) Provost Loh noted the response to budget cuts, indicating that one way is to not replace staff who are resigning, leading to an approximately 10% cut that way, and e) a National Science Foundation policy limiting salary support of their investigators for two months of individual salary.

Senior College: Dick Lynch noted that enrollment is doing well. There has been some discussion of possible courses for next semester. Any further suggestions would be appreciated.

Annual Meeting: George Lance noted a need to move on this soon. It will be discussed at the next meeting.

Hancher: No report.

Libraries: No report.

Retirement and Insurance: No report.

Big Ten Planning Meeting: No report from the committee. Carl Orgren did note a need for faculty volunteers for a Cedar Rapids marketing group, the annual bus tour of Iowa by faculty on May 20-22, and diversity operations on the campus.

Guest Speaker: President Kelley introduced Associate Provost Barbara Eckstein who is the coordinator for the sustainability program at the University of Iowa.

Provost Eckstein said that the timing of this new program was fortuitous, in that sustainability is now a big issue for everyone. Also, the recent flooding on campus indicates that sustainability will be implicated in our response to this.

She indicated that there is now a task force from the Provost’s office looking at the sustainability in the University of Iowa curriculum and all the colleges. There is now in development a sustainability certificate which emphasizes economic, environmental and ethical aspects of sustainability in a transdepartmental program.

The certificate will provide for basic literacy in the appropriate sciences, make a connection across disciplines within the university, and promote specific engagement in individual projects.

Provost Eckstein responded to several questions from the committees.

1. The operations of the University of Iowa will be included in the sustainability project.

2. The learning groups will be students, those involved in lifelong learning, and continuing education projects.

3. There is a request for proposals circulating regarding organizing across disciplines’ programs, with suggestions for courses and faculty in this area.

4. She noted that the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health have some programs related to sustainability, especially as regards public health.

5. Funded research of this program is anticipated but there are many challenges here at the University of Iowa which will be addressed in the initial portion of the start up. As to the organization’s effort, Provost Eckstein noted that some universities have set up separate colleges for sustainability. This is not to be anticipated here. It will initially be hosted by the Provost’s office to avoid problems arising from the individual department or college procedures.

6. There was discussion of the flood mitigation process at the University of Iowa. She described the task force committee working on this, particularly as to replacement versus restoration of Hancher auditorium and the allied music buildings. A presentation will be made to the Board of Regents in the near future.

7. The minimum grade point average required for students in the program on sustainability is 2.0, related to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, so that students can tackle subjects that they are not otherwise exposed to.

8. It was noted that there is a need to understand the scientific approach to truth, as well as the effects of “public pressure” on activities.

9. She indicated there is considerable student interest in the sustainability program, with initial planning for 30-50 students in the first year.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

Next Meeting: Monday, March 2, 2009, B5 Jessup Hall.

Respectfully submitted,
Tony Franken, Secretary

[Go to Minutes Index]