Faculty Meeting Minutes

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29 March, 2004 FPC Faculty Meeting Minutes

1. Welcome

Waldron called the meeting to order at 3:12 p.m.

2. Faculty Policy Council Report

Waldron reviewed the agenda stating that the purpose of the meeting was to reflect on the accomplishments of the faculty over the past year. Waldron thanked all FPC representatives and alternates for their work over the past year. Specific accomplishments included: 1) Faculty review of the Dean of the College of Education; 2) Adoption of new doctoral research requirements; 3) Reviews of the Associate Deans; and 4) Development of draft procedures for pre-tenure review.

Waldron stated that FPC elections are currently underway and we will be electing new representatives soon.

3. UF Faculty Senate Report

Clark reported on UF Faculty Senate activities over the past year. The Faculty Senate has been involved in the development of a document entitled “Principles of Shared Governance.” This document was ratified by the Senate and endorsed by the Board of Trustees. Clark encouraged faculty to review these documents on the Faculty Senate website. One major change that occurred in the constitution of the Faculty Senate was defining who has faculty status. The Senate is proposing new policy committees to address faculty issues. One issue is salary compensation. Clark stated that President Machen is a supporter of shared governance. Strangis reported on the activities of the Faculty Senate Task Force on Quality of Life. She stated that President Machen is going to examine the climate at UF and has hired a private firm to conduct a quality of life survey.

4. COE Commencement Ceremony

Vernetson reported on the COE Commencement ceremony. She encouraged faculty to attend. The ceremony will be held on May 2, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. President Machen will speak at the commencement. The COE will be hosting a reception prior to the commencement at the O’Connell Center beginning at noon. She encouraged faculty to review the commencement information on the COE website.

5. Associate Dean Search

Kranzler updated the faculty on the Associate Dean search. There are four candidates that have been invited in for interviews: 1) McLeskey; 2) Clift; 3) Bensen; and 4) Prout. These interviews will be held in the next month.

6. NCATE/DOE Update

Webb updated the faculty on NCATE/DOE activities within the COE. He announced that the COE passed NCATE; however, the Florida DOE report suggested that assessment was an area that needed improvement. The College has already initiated activities in this area in preparation for the next visit.

7. Dean’s Report

Emihovich thanked Rob Webb for his service to the College.

Emihovich disseminated a listing of faculty and students who had received awards over the past year and requested that missing information be sent to her office.

Emihovich discussed several personnel changes that will impact the College. Mary Driscoll will be leaving the College and Kay Hughes is moving from the Dean’s office to the UCED.  She will be hiring replacements for these positions.

The College is transitioning to PeopleSoft. This transition will be completed by July 1, 2004.

Scholarship of Engagement awards will be held on April 27, 2004. The purpose of these awards are to honor student scholar recipients and scholarship of engagement recipients.

Emihovich stated that graduate student enrollment has declined; however, the College has initiated strategies for increasing recruitment and enrollment. Twenty-three alumni and 1 presidential fellowship were awarded. In addition, the Dean has allocated funding for 5 more fellowships. This will assist in recruiting graduate students, funding a total of 29 incoming students. In addition, she is going to be raising the graduate assistantship stipend for state funded positions.

Emihovich has created two new research professorships with foundation money. This year, the College has been able to bring in over a million dollars through fundraising efforts. Funding will go towards distance education and online education as well as hiring supports for these programs.

A number of faculty searches are underway, including the following positions: 1) Associate Dean; 2) Director of Alliance; 3) Director of Research Office; & 4) departmental faculty searches.

Emihovich will meet with individual departments to discuss her report to the Provost.

During the next year, Emihovich believes it is important to develop a strategic plan for the College to create a vision for 3, 5, and 10 years from now.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

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3 February, 2003 FPC Faculty Forum Minutes

Faculty Forum Notes

The first faculty forum was held on February 3, 2003. Twenty-three faculty attended and all departments were represented. The Long Range Planning Committee facilitated and began the forum with a list of questions around the two topics:

How do we increase a sense of college identity?

How do we balance doctoral education and research with the demands for teacher education and service?

Much of the initial discussion focused on the importance of a college identity given the current political climate and societal views of teacher education. Several ideas for promoting our identity with both internal (UF) audiences and external (legislators, public, school districts) audiences were discussed including:

Have a public information officer who can promote the college highlighting:

  • What graduates say about their education at UF.
  • The quality of the teacher education program.
  • Current research related to evidenced-based practices.
  • Current research in teacher education.

Promoting these highlights through:

  • Issuing white papers on current “hot” topics.
  • Linking the dissemination of research and practices to educational policies.
  • Holding regular press conferences to speak to critical issues.
  • Having an exhibit board available for events that highlights projects, grants, and outcomes.

The discussion around balancing doctoral education and research with the demands for teacher education and service was a bit less focused but some ideas did emerge.

  • It’s probably too difficult to have a large undergraduate program and do the amount of high quality research expected from Research 1 institution. Several ideas were considered around this notion:
  • Evaluate faculty loads especially related to supervision of practicum and intern students.
  • Recruit the support of all department faculty in the discussion around teacher education.
  • Reevaluate PROTEACH

    • – Have we designed a program that we can’t really do?
    – Have we prioritized and looked at what has the most impact for kids?
    – What roles can “clinical” faculty have in helping relieve the heavy workloads in the teacher education program?

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11 October, 2002 FPC Faculty Meeting Minutes

October 11, 2002

Room 250 Norman Hall

Welcome

The meeting was called to order at 3:10 pm.

Correa welcomed Dean Emihovich, new FPC members, Department Chairs,  Dr. Fran Vandiver from P. K. Yonge, and all faculty to the Fall Faculty meeting.

Introductions

New faculty members in the College of Education were introduced by respective department chairs, including:

Dr. Larry Tyree, Department of Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations

Dr. Penny Cox, Program Coordinator in the Department of Special Education

Dr. Karen Parker, ESOL Coordinator in the School of Teaching and Learning

New faculty from P. K. Yonge Developmental Research School were introduced by Dr. Vandiver, including:

Lauren Bartoy (4th grade), Justin Brooten (Middle School- Life Science), Jeff Boyer – (High School – Integrated Science), Kerry Delatorre – High School – Math), Jackie Evans (Kindergarten), Amy Hollinger (3rd grade), Randy Hollinger (Middle School – Science), Angie Johnson (Elementary Special Education), Eddie Ladner (Physical Education), Renee Ladner (Physical Education), David Mitchell (High School – Sociology), Amy Murphy (Middle School – – Language Arts), Maria Rinehart (High School – Math),  and Barb Williams(Elementary Special Education).

Correa introduced the College of Education’s new Dean, Catherine Emihovich, to the faculty.

Faculty Policy Council Update

Vivian Correa reviewed the new Faculty Policy Council web site, which can be found at https://education.ufl.edu/committees/fpc/. The website includes information on the COE Constitution, FPC and standing committee membership, Minutes of FPC and Dean’s Advisory Council meetings, a calendar, and Archives of last year’s FPC minutes.

It was announced that draft policies for faculty review will be posted on the website. The proposed “Guidelines for Tenure and Promotion” have been posted and they are available in HTML and PDF formats.

Topics to be addressed by the FPC this year include:

  • Tenure & Promotion Procedures
  • Graduate Admissions Policies
  • COE research infrastructure
  • Evaluation of Associate/Assistant Deans

Dean’s Announcement

Dean Emihovich announced that $15,000 would be available for faculty travel to present research papers at national and international conferences.  Associate Dean Kranzler will chair a committee that reviews applications for the travel funds. Dean Emihovich stated that the travel funds may be available for presentations that have already occurred (with available receipts).  The travel funds must be used by June 30, 2003.

Dean Emihovich stated that a mini-grant program would be initiated through the new CARE office. The goal of this program would be to provide small incentive grants that could support faculty in research areas and lead to the development of grant proposals for external funding.

Associate Dean’s Comments

Associate Dean Webb announced that work is continuing on the development of a comprehensive college website.  Behind the website is a college database that includes information on faculty, courses, and programs.  Fall syllabi have already been submitted and requests will go out soon for Spring syllabi. Faculty will be asked to put their vita in NCATE ready form.  A template will be disseminated and faculty can fill this form in or send a current vita to someone designated by the Department Chair to assist with the task.

The NCATE site visit is scheduled for April 5th – 8th.  The NCATE Planning Committee is making progress on getting all materials together. The importance of the Conceptual Framework of the College was stressed. The site team will expect faculty to be aware of the framework.  The Conceptual Framework of the College of Education is:  The College of Education and affiliated programs prepare reflective professionals who create, organize, disseminate knowledge; promote democratic values; and serve diverse communities.

Associate Dean Webb stated that all building projects are on time.  The classrooms have been renovated and we all need to continue to keep them in good condition.

Open Discussion

Correa stated this is a new era for the College of Education. We are beginning our second year of shared governance, we have a new Dean, there are new directives from the UF administration, and NCATE will be here in April 2003.  There are many issues and initiatives for the faculty to consider: ideas about research, our sense of community, the culture at the COE, student and faculty diversity, perceptions of the Lastinger Center and Opportunity Alliance.

Do we have a tacit vision of the College of Education?

Correa asked what the faculty’s collective thoughts were on themes and /or visions in the College of Education and opened the floor for discussion.Points raised during this discussion included:

· How do we represent ourselves to other colleges?  The issue of using one strategy or vision to satisfy multiple constituencies, or multiple strategies and visions was discussed. Can one vision satisfy all groups that we interact with – faculty, college, university, school district, and state of Florida?

· Who are we are trying to reach – traditional or non-traditional students?

· How do we serve Florida?  There is a need to be concerned about school children in Florida, working conditions for teachers, and financial support for education.  The College of Education is not provided with enough resources, nor is the public schools. Uncertain how we should respond, but people in government are making education decisions without talking to us as education faculty.

· Public education is in jeopardy and the existence of colleges of education is tied directly to the public education system.

· Recently a packet of information from trustees indicated that Colleges of Education do not measure up to science and medicine in universities across the country.  It is important to educate our trustees regarding teacher education, research, and all we are doing to impact public education in Florida.

· While attending a recent convocation for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, there was a lot of discussion regarding children and families, but no mention of the College of Education. It is important that we become a part of these conversations.

· Across the state the University of Florida and the College of Education is respected by alumni and educators. But, we are not at “the table” when issues regarding education are discussed. Our presence is not felt in the Florida Department of Education.  They are always asking for faculty to come to Tallahassee and become involved in state issues – but we often view ourselves as “above the fray.”  We need to get to Tallahassee and become more politically involved, participate in conversations, present a proactive orientation, and make a concerted effort toward capturing the knowledge and passion of the faculty in the College of Education.  The College is known for “…..” We need to fill in the blank.

· We need to make people aware of what we do and how we do it.  The COE has a long history of research, cross-departmental collaboration, and a focus on translating research into practice. This needs to be communicated to the public.

· How succinct is our research, who does it affect, and how do we affect schools in Florida? We need to disseminate our research in a format that educators and the public can readily use.

· Have we done a perception assessment? How is the College of Education perceived by others?  By other colleges at UF, by the people of Florida, by the legislature?  How do we present ourselves and how can we alter their perceptions? We need to develop a strategic plan to do this.

· How do we change perceptions of those who have already formed an opinion.  People don’t seem to think much of Colleges of Education right now. We are consumed by meeting the standards of other people and groups.  Maybe we need to become a “charter COE”. This will remove a number of the regulations and external demands, so we can find our own niche.

· It is a good time for growth, to be proactive. In the past two years we have begun to move from a departmental focus to a new college-wide focus. How do we maintain this college-wide focus and improve upon it?

· We need to focus on research and providing training to public schools.  We need a vehicle to disseminate information. PK Yonge is one place this can be done.

· What should our job be?  What should the best colleges of education be doing?  We don’t necessarily need to produce more educators to meet all the shortage areas in the state and in the country. We could prepare the BEST teachers, counselors, and school psychologists. We could also work to show others how to prepare better educators, we could focus on helping others develop good preparation programs. To do this we need to have programs that push the edge and move into new territory.

· There is a need for more integrated programs that cross departmental lines. We need to remember that the students we are preparing at the COE are moving into an integrated world in public schools.  They have to work with other educators. Our programs need to have the same focus. Right now there is too much isolated instruction within programs.

· We should be working with others across the university to improve teaching and instructional experiences in higher education. We can be a resource to improve instruction in the whole university.  We know about good teaching!

· While we want to be helpful to the Florida DOE, it’s often much easier to be oppositional. It’s easier to disregard the state and keep doing our isolated work in higher education. But we need to be more engaged in helping the DOE and public schools. What happens now is we suggest practices to public schools that are far beyond what they can possibly do. So they view us as “out-of-touch” and it’s easy for us to just return to the university and keep doing our work. It is unclear how we get out of this trap and start being perceived as helpful, but we need to change the current circumstances.

· Presently, we are reactive.  We need to become proactive.  There is a need to lobby in Tallahassee;  to present alternative ideas about how to address the educational needs in the state.  There are approximately 40 alternative certification programs in the state and many would welcome our input as they try to figure out how to prepare educators to meet current shortages.

· We might consider partnering with FSU as they have access to people in Tallahassee. There are many common themes and issues we could address and it  would benefit UF to do this.

· Most people entering teaching do not come from programs like UF. So, how do we make our teacher education programs different from the alternative certification programs? And, how can we be helpful to community colleges, small colleges and districts that are providing many of the alternative certification programs?

· We always appear to be responding to external pressures and also internal pressures within the university (like the bank).  We need to stop and think. We need to reflect about ourselves, the college and figure out how we want to change.

Correa thanked the faculty for their comments and suggestions and stated the need to continue this conversation in the future.

Dean’s Reflections

Dean Emihovich reflected about issues and concerns that were identified during the conversation.  She suggested that we might consider forming smaller groups to continue these conversations in a round-table type discussion.  Emihovich noted that in addition to the concerns identified, faculty expressed have very strong emotions  – anger, passion, and frustration.  We need to figure out how to harness this emotion and use the energy to move forward in a proactive way.  Some reflections offered by Dean Emihovich included:

· We need to channel our voice, passion, and knowledge to the right people. Those that will give credence to our ideas and help us promote change.

· We need to be more collaborative and present ourselves as a team.  We need to have a college identity as well as a personal identity, and we need to balance these two perspectives.

· Can we identify partners that will help us? Alumni think highly of the College of Education.  We need to tap into our alumni within the state and nationally to build our resources and form a network.

· We have an obligation to public education; that is why we are here.  We all want better education for our children. We need to strengthen and build relationships across campus and across the state regarding K-12 education.  The number one issue in the state is education. We need to capitalize on this public sentiment.

· We should think about a partnership, and possibly a joint retreat, with the College of Education at Florida State University.

·  We need to stay focused on scholarship and professional education.  We may need to do this differently than we are currently – possibly through multiple and/or different models.  We need to focus on quality – sharing ideas with K-12, community colleges, and other colleges and universities.

· Diversity is another issue that we need to consider. This involves the recruitment of faculty and students. We need to have conversations about diversity and we think about our present culture at the college, the university, and the community.  “What are we inviting faculty and students to?”

Dean Emihovich announced that two faculty searches have been authorized in the Department of Counselor Education. Two additional faculty searches and the directorship in the School of Teaching and Learning will also begin.

Correa remarked that we need to continue these conversations within departments and in small forums across the College.  The Faculty Policy Council will consider how it can assist in these conversations.

The meeting was adjourned at 5 pm.

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25 April, 2002 FPC Faculty Meeting Minutes

April 25, 2002

2337 Norman Hall

Faculty Policy Council Update

1. Accomplishments:

Stephen Smith reported that the majority of the members of the Dean’s Search Committee were College of Education faculty.  The FPC was able to generate a faculty discussion about the Dean’s search at the fall faculty meeting, and the FPC passed this along to the search committee when it was formed.  Some of the FPC suggestions were incorporated in the Dean’s search.  The FPC was able to schedule time with for faculty to meet with the candidates in the recent Dean’s search as well.

He also stated that the Faculty Policy Council had developed meeting protocols, established election criteria, assigned members to standing committees, provided documentation through meeting minutes available to all faculty, and developed a manual for FPC meetings, and procedures for the operating and standing committees.

Stephen Smith also announced that, through the cooperation with the Dean and Department Chairs, the FPC was able to establish a common meeting time where no classes would be taught by faculty for college and department committee work.  This time period is Mondays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The FPC was involved in the Dean’s Goal Setting Retreat and the Dean’s Budget Advisory Committee throughout the year.  Smith stated that the FPC will hopefully take its first vote next Monday to approve new language for the Graduate Catalog regarding the Ed.D., and the discussion regarding graduate admissions will continue.

2. Report on Operating Committees

Stephen Smith reported that the Operating Committees consisted of the Agenda Committee which sets the agenda for the FPC and is chaired by Stephen Smith, the College Curriculum Committee which is chaired by Vivian Correa, the Graduate Admissions and Petitions Committee, which met continuously throughout the year and is chaired by Hazel Jones, and the Undergraduate Admission and Petitions Committee, chaired by Sandra Witt.

3.  Report on Standing Committees

The Standing Committees consist of the following:

The Research Advisory Committee, chaired by Tracy Linderholm, made recommendations to the FPC about rewording the Ed.D. narrative in the Graduate Catalog.  Recommendations for next year’s committee include:  advising Graduate Studies Office on setting guidelines for grant submissions and the dissertation review process and its importance as a function of the Graduate Studies Office.

The Student Recruitment and Admissions Committee, chaired by Ruth Lowery, made recommendation to the FPC about alternatives to current college policy for graduate admissions.  Next year’s committee recommendations include:  issues related to the GRE for graduate admission in the College, and issues related to doctoral student recruitment.

The Faculty Affairs Committee, chaired by Nancy Waldron, engaged in fact-finding procedures related to Tenure and Promotion.  Next year’s committee will focus on communication in the COE about criteria for Tenure and Promotion, including promotion from Associate to Full Professor.

The Long Range Planning Committee, chaired by Jeanne Repetto, has investigated strategies for increasing research infrastructure.  Recommendations for next year’s committee include the use of an Executive Report, which outlines nine different areas for consideration.

4. Constitutional Revisions

Stephen Smith reported that changes for the constitution were identified and an ad hoc committee will serve next year to review and revise the constitution of the COE.

5. Future of FPC

Stephen Smith stated that he looked at the future of the FPC on a 3-5 year perspective.  The FPC’s first year was to explore and build, 2nd year will be more substantive with regard to some decision-making.  Smith has great optimism about the FPC’s third year of operation and beyond.

Introduction of Award Winners and New Staff (Ben Nelms)

Dr. Vivian Correa offered appreciation to Laurie Douglass and Susan Stabel for their assistance with taking minutes at the FPC meetings and the College Curriculum meetings.  Flowers were presented to both Laurie and Susan.

Dr. Stephen Smith presented Dr. Correa with flowers and a gift certificate in appreciation for her hard work and service as secretary to the FPC this year.

Dr. Stephen Smith was presented with a plaque for his service in chairing the FPC this year.

Dean Nelms announced that Dr. Fong was recently appointed Associate Professor; Dr. Cecil Mercer has received the Outstanding Doctoral Mentoring Award from the University of Florida; Dr. Stu Schwartz was awarded Teacher of the Year from the University of Florida and was the recipient of Earnest L. Boyer International Award for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology; and Dr. Rose Pringle was awarded Teacher of the Year from the College of Education.

Dean Nelms introduced new staff and faculty:  Jimmy Ebersole, Coordinator of special Events and Alumni Development; Mary Driscoll, Director of Development; Kay Hughes, Director of Professional Development and Communications; Dr. Theresa Vernetson, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, and Ms. Iona Malanchuk, Head Librarian for the College of Education.  Dean Nelms also mentioned that Suzanne Brown would be continuing as Assistant Director of the Library at the COE and that Cary Hunt was retiring after 30 years with the College of Education.

Iona Malanchuk thanked the faculty for their welcome and asked all faculty to let her know what their research interests and library materials needs are.  She would like to develop a profile of the colleges research interests, new terminology describing what faculty are working on, and individual contacts the faculty communicate with.

Dean Nelms announced the five UF Foundation Research Professors and congratulated them on their achievement:  Dr. Mary Brownell, Dr. David Miller,

Dr. Jamie Algina, Dr. John Kranzler, and this year’s recipient, Dr. Paul Sindelar.

Associate Dean’s Report (Rod Webb)

Associate Dean Rod Webb discussed the recent fire, which involved the elevator shaft in old Norman.  He stated that work needed to be done on evacuating the building within three minutes (not 20 minutes), everyone must evacuate regardless of tests being given or meetings being held, and the fire alarms need to be checked and kept in working order in both new and old Norman.  He also announced the beginning of the renovation of the Dean’s suite and stated that the monies used for this construction are funds that may not be used for programs or faculty or staff salaries.  Classrooms on the fist two floors of old Norman Hall also will be renovated.  Faculty will need to teach current classes across campus until the renovations are completed.

Dean Webb announced that the NCATE teams have met once every week.  Syllabi for courses can now be found on line and the NCATE group will begin collecting vita in preparation for the DOE and NCATE visits which will occur in February of next year.  Dean Webb stated that a mock visit would occur early in the fall 2002.  All programs need to be coordinated around a conceptual framework.  The faculty reviewed the conceptual framework and Dean Webb presented it at the Faculty Spring Meeting.  It states:  “The college of Education and affiliated programs prepare reflective professionals who organize, disseminate, and create knowledge; promote democratic values; and serve diverse communities.”

Dean Webb thanked Dr. Correa and Dr. Smith for their excellent leadership during the first year of the Faculty Policy Council.

Dean Search (Art Sandeen)

Dr. Art Sandeen stated that Dr. Paul George was out of town; therefore, he was reporting on the recent Dean’s Search.  He stated that two Dean candidates had been recommended to the Provost:  Dr. Catherine Emihovich and Dr. Peggy Fong.  The Provost will submit his comments and decision to the College as soon as possible.

Dr. Sandeen thanked the Dean’s Search Committee for their fine work.

College-wide Elections (John Gregory)

Dr. John Gregory stated that results of the recent college elections could be found on line as well as in a recent email from Dr. Larry Loesch.

Dean’s Personal Remarks (Ben Nelms)

Dean Nelms commented that, throughout the 43 years he has served as an educator, after each semester he felt a certain state of melancholy – just as he feels now at the end of his term as Interim Dean.  He said that the last two years serving as Interim Dean have been rewarding and pleasant, but he did not enjoy having to cut $587,000 from the college budget.  He thanked Associate Dean Webb,  Interim Associate Dean Kranzler, and Assistant Dean Vernetson for their very hard work.  He also stated that the College of Education is very much appreciated on the university campus and the deans of the various colleges on this campus and throughout the state of Florida are very supportive of our College of Education.  The Administration of the University of Florida also is supportive of our College and the College is held in high esteem politically across the state of Florida.

Dean Nelms stated that the College needs to work on outreach projects in schools throughout Florida, as well as stay in touch with alumni and work more closely with community colleges.  Dean Nelms reported that through the FPC, it was apparent that faculty governance could be collaborative rather than adversarial.  He also stated that we all need to be more aware of the College as a whole and we need collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation.  He commented that the College reputation is more important than rankings.  Dean Nelms thanked the faculty for their support over the past two years.

Smith requested discussion on items mentioned during the meeting.  Dr. Ross stated that faculty input is needed at the Glover Task Force meeting at Lake Wauberg Lodge on April 26th, and at a public forum at the Reitz Union Auditorium on Thursday, May 2nd, at 8 am. Moving some classes from the COE to the CLAS will be a topic of discussion and faculty input is needed.

Smith then presented Dean Nelms with a John Moran photograph of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings home in Cross Creek in appreciation of his service as Interim Dean.  Dean Nelms thanked the faculty for their support and collaborative efforts and for their help in laying a foundation for future faculty governance in the College of Education.

Smith thanked Deans Nelms, Webb, Kranzler, and Vernetson for their support in the formation of the FPC.

Dr. Phil Clark moved and Dr. Brownell seconded that the meeting be adjourned.  The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote at 4:15 pm.

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7 September, 2001 FPC Faculty Meeting Minutes

Friday, September 7, 2001

Room 250 Norman Hall

The meeting was called to order by Dr. Stephen Smith, Faculty Policy Council (FPC) Chair at 3:15 p.m.  He welcomed the faculty to the Fall Faculty Meeting and thanked them for attending the meeting.

General Information on Committee Structure

Smith stated that the FPC consists of members of the four College departments and school.  The members are Dick Allington, Phil Clark, Vivian Correa (Secretary), Bridget Franks, Dave Honeyman, Hazel Jones, Stephen Smith (Chair), Tina Smith-Bonahue, Jane Townsend, and Joe Wittmer.  An election will be conducted to add a two-year member representing the Department of Counselor Education.  The selection of a Parliamentarian is also needed.  Alternates from each department have also been elected to serve on the Council.  Operating committees were identified as

  • Agenda Committee (Smith, Correa, Clark, Nelms)
  • College Curriculum Committee
  • Undergraduate Admissions and Petitions Committee
  • Graduate Admissions and Petitions Committee
  • Standing Committees include:
    • Faculty Affairs, Research Advisory, Student Recruitment/Admissions, & Long-Range Planning

There is also an Elections Committee and Dean’ Advisory Committee

Function of Agenda Committee

Smith stated that the Agenda Committee consists of the FPC Chair, Secretary, Dean or Dean’s representative and one other elected FPC member. The agenda committee develops the agenda for the FPC and will act as a collector of issues/concerns related to College policy and distributor of these issues/concerns to the appropriate operating or standing committees.  Smith also explained that a discussion took place at the Dean’s Advisory Committee about the power of the Agenda Committee to act or fail to act on issues/concerns that come to the committee. Smith explained that, in the Constitution, the Agenda Committee is responsible for reporting its actions to the FPC so there is an accountability measure for the Agenda Committee’s decision making.

Web site

Smith encouraged faculty to review the FPC web site for a copy of the Constitution, the minutes of FPC meetings, and a list of faculty appointed to serve on the various committees.  The Web site address is education.ufl.edu/committees/fpc/main.htm

Deans’ Report
  • Dean Nelms commended faculty on their improved work performance and reminded them of the administrative support that is available.  Nelms read the mission of the College and encouraged faculty to support the search for a new Dean.  He also reported that Provost Colburn would be announcing the members of the Dean’s search committee in the near future.
  • In his report to the faculty, Associate Dean Webb also encouraged faculty to support the upcoming Dean’s search efforts.  He reported on the College’s preparation for NCATE, and added that the efforts include a strong emphasis on data collection.  A College committee has been established to assist in the preparation for the NCATE and the Department of Education accreditation visits.

A Discussion on the Dean’s Search

Smith stated that the FPC sponsored a meeting for faculty to meet with Provost Colburn on July 25, 2001, to discuss the Dean’s Search.  He encouraged faculty to review the minutes that have been placed on the FPC website.

Smith then facilitated a discussion on the upcoming Dean’s search related to desired characteristics of a Dean, involving faculty in the search process, developing recruitment strategies, and promoting the College.  Faculty suggested that the Provost and the members of the Dean’s search committee be provided copies of this discussion as they begin deliberations on the search.

Discussion on Desired Characteristics of a Dean: The faculty discussed various characteristics they wanted to see in a Dean. Some faculty felt strongly that a non-negotiable characteristic of a Dean would be their support of and experience with faculty governance.  The following summarizes other desired characteristics and are presented in a non-ranked order.  The Dean should:

  • have prior experience as a dean at a comparable university to UF
  • advocate for teacher education and the Colleges of Education with upper administration
  • possess a successful career and strong scholarship record
  • maintain a balance between development work outside of the university and hands-on-administration of the internal aspects of the College (e.g., external versus internal Dean)
  • work closely with education constituencies at the national, state, and local levels
  • become involved in State legislative issues related to education
  • support the College’s research efforts
  • embrace diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration
  • listen to faculty and represent faculty at all levels (university, state, local)
  • have new ideas and solutions about issues facing the College
  • support faculty governance and shared decision making

Discussion on Search Procedures:  It is hoped that all faculty, the FPC, and the Staff Council will have access to the Dean candidates during their campus visit.  Faculty supported the idea of including the FPC as part of the candidates’ interview schedules.  Faculty made the following suggestions related to the search procedures.

  • The search committee and Provost should be given a copy of the discussion generated by the faculty in today’s meeting
  • Dean candidates invited to campus should be given an opportunity to answer questions from the faculty in an open forum
  • Faculty should be provided background summaries on the visiting Dean candidates
  • While on campus, Dean candidates should be provided an opportunity to talk about their vision for the College
  • Dean candidates should also discuss what contributions they offer to the College
  • Faculty should be given multiple opportunities to meet with the candidates including informal and social venues
  • Faculty should provide the search committee with written feedback on each visiting candidate
  • It was suggested that the search committee extend the 2-day schedule so that faculty have more access to the candidates
  • Search committee members should consider composing a weighted system of measuring each candidates’ qualifications
  • The FPC should be given an opportunity to meet with the search committee during the final stages of selection
  • Dean candidates should address their short and long term goals and the longevity of their commitment to the position

Discussion on Strategies for Recruitment:  Faculty discussed various methods for recruiting Dean candidates including:

  • assisting in the identification of applicants for the position.
  • forwarding formal nominations of Dean candidates to the search committee.
  • generating a list of questions to be used for calling references.

Discussion on Promoting the College: Faculty discussed strategies for promoting the College during the Dean’s search.  Recommendations included:

  • A list of faculty publications from the last 5 years be compiled for Dean candidates.
  • A 1-2 page handout or brochure be designed to highlight the accomplishments of the College.
  • A compilation of college materials be mailed to the Dean candidates selected for interviews
  • College ambassadors serve as hosts during the candidates’ visits
  • Members of the Staff Council meet with and assist with the candidates visit on campus
  • The College’s web page be updated and ready for Dean candidate access
  • Candidates should be provided special “welcoming” touches to their stay in Gainesville (e.g., flowers or fruit baskets).

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

Vivian I. Correa, Ph.D.

Secretary, Faculty Policy Council

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