Members Present: D. Crowell (Biology), K. Nguyen (Dean’s Office), J. Kuczkowski (Dean’s Office), J. Luke (Mathematical Sciences), P. Fastenau (Psychology), K. Johnson (Secretary), R. Allen (Chair)
1. Reports/updates on SOS committee activity should be formally solicited;
such reports might be shared at Faculty Assemblies
2. Specification that each committee should include at least one representative
from each department
3. Clarification of status of scientist rank (with regard to SOS Bylaws)
4. Lecturer participation in administrative reviews
5. Creation of President-Elect or Past-President position on Steering Committee
to improve continuity
6. Can there be some small compensation for future SOS President (e.g., summer
salary) to make the position more attractive to potential candidates, and to
compensate for the enormous time commitment involved?
R. Allen asked SC members to bring additional ideas/issues for the 2004-2005 Steering Committee to consider to our next (April) committee meeting.
R. Allen distributed the proposed changes to the SOS Bylaws as well as an example of a mail ballot used previously for a Bylaws change. R. Allen asked for opinions concerning whether or not a single ballot could be used. R. Allen also added a stipulation that reports of reviews would be archived and then made available to relevant faculty, as needed. Discussion ensued concerning specific details of the proposed changes. R. Allen will finalize the changes agreed upon in a revised document that will be circulated to SC members for comments.
SOS president and Secretary positions are open. Nominees will be solicited by word of mouth and via email. There is at least one person interested in the position of president, and two people have expressed interest in the position of Secretary. Interested individuals should submit brief statements stipulating their interest in the position within the next week. Ballots should be distributed by April 15, at the latest. Ballots will be returned to K. Johnson (14 days after their dissemination).
R. Allen pointed out that it is surprisingly difficult to derive an accurate list of the SOS faculty. Therefore, before the mail ballot, R. Allen will send committee members a list of presumed department members. Please check this list and correct it, as needed (to eliminate people who have left, or to add people that for whatever reason, have been left off of the list).
P. Fastenau raised the issue of aggressively bringing back to campus candidates for the Dean position that have been rated favorably based on their first campus visit. It appears that the Search Committee is prepared to do this in the event that a candidate is entertaining another offer and needs to make a rapid decision.
Next meeting: Friday, April 30, 10 AM
Respectfully submitted,
K. Johnson, 3/26/04