See below under “Chair’s Report.”.
See below under “Provost’s Report.”
Don’t forget that The Faculty Senate wants to make sure that all faculty voices are heard. Go here to leave any thoughts, comments, or suggestions that you would like the Faculty Senate to consider.
At the start of the October faculty senate meeting, Dr. Bonner thanked President Eighmy for spending some time speaking with the senate about his vision before the meeting, and welcomed him back anytime. Dr. Bonner went on to say that UT System’s recent Student Success Summit included breakout sessions and keynote speakers. Campuses are working to develop plans so that “no student will drop out because of finances, advising, or belonging”. Other SYSFAC initiatives include a dual credit study (to be completed soon), a policy on workload, looking at ways to better support NTTs, and physician burnout on the medical campuses.
Dr. Thurow (Secretary of the General Faculty) said that UT System’s responses regarding questions on the workload policy have been posted to SharePoint. The policy draft will go to the coordinating board for approval. If approved, a taskforce will be needed at UTSA to construct its own version of the policy. UT System and the coordinating board will then approve the final policy.
Dr. Bonner said that the President has asked for faculty senate representation on three committees. Those listed below were nominated and agreed to serve: Finance and Budget Model Initiative – Natasha Burns (Kelly Suter as alternate) Student Success – Evangeline Aguilera (Pepe Chang as alternate) Strategic Enrollment – Xiaodu Wang (Dan Sass as alternate)
Dr. Agrawal said that the Honors College is piloting a “city-mester” which will give students experience in the community. A small group is planned to launch the program next fall. Graduation rates are up across almost all metrics: 4-year rates for Roadrunners (CAP students not included) are up 7% points in one year which is likely due to a change in admission standards 4 years ago. Retention rates are also up; however, Ph.D. production is still low. First year retention rates are still in the 70%s with a goal of 83-85% in 5 years (which is the national average for 4-year universities). 4-year rates are still in the 20%s and are working towards a goal of 40%s. 6-year rates are in the 30%s and the goal (also national average) is to be at 58-60%.
Dr. Agrawal said that last year five taskforces were launched: diversity, female faculty, graduate school, multicultural studies, and mental health. He said that the first online degree program (Cybersecurity) is up and running with approximately 100 people enrolled. Dr. Agrawal stressed the importance of defining a budget model going forward in conjunction with coding classes smarter (leading to more funding) and looking at ways to maximize student credit hour production.
An electronic vote was conducted in September for a statement from the Faculty Senate regarding the protection and support of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students at UTSA. The vote to send out this statement of support passed with a vote of 39 yes, 0 no, and 0 (active) abstentions. A copy of the statement was forwarded to the President and Provost.
Dr. Zapata said that the Diversity and Inclusion taskforce will be sending out a “diversity climate survey” to all faculty and staff in academic affairs. The survey looks to identify possible strengths/weaknesses at UTSA. He said that the survey will be sent out early next week and all who receive it are encouraged to respond.
Questions/comments about the newsletter?
Contact Chad Mahood: Chad.Mahood@utsa.edu