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Scenes from Faculty Senate

Joint Strategic Planning Committee

Thursday, January 17, 2008

2:05 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.

President's Conference Room, Green Hall

Attendance: Robert Carothers, M. Beverly Swan, Peter Alfonso, Tom Dougan, Bob Weygand, Dayle Joseph, Jim Miller, Laura Beauvais, Joanne DiBello, Domingo Morel, Abu Bakr, Ann Morrissey. Guests: Don DeHayes, Linda Acciardo

Minutes: The Minutes from the November 29, 2007 Meeting were approved.

The Voluntary System of Accountability: The committee discussed the possibility of participating in the Voluntary System of Accountability (see http://www.voluntarysystem.org/) and its implications for URI. After discussion, it was agreed that the University would not be able to make a final decision without a plan and proposed timeline from the individuals and departments that would provide the necessary data. It was agreed to ask individuals responsible for the data to develop a plan and timeline, which could be the basis for further consideration by the JSPC.

The Capital Improvement Plan: Vice President Weygand reported on the status of capital improvements, including those approved in recent bond issues and those slated for subsequent bond issues. He explained the difference between general bonds, which were the responsibility of the state and revenue bonds for which the University is responsible for paying the debt service. He noted that the State was moving towards revenue bonds. He also reported on asset protection and concerns that the expected funding would not be available.

Updates from JSPC subcommittees: Representatives from each of the subcommittees, Access to Excellence, Performance-Based Budgeting and Faculty/Staff Student Engagement, reported on their initial meetings and agreed to provide reports to the JSPC in April.

Announcements: President Carothers urged members of the JSPC to participate in the Equity Forum, which was scheduled for February 1.

Vice President Dougan reported that students would be moving back to the residence halls that weekend in anticipation of the beginning of the spring semester.

Next JSPC Agenda: Ms. Morrissey reminded the committee that their next meeting was scheduled for February and asked members to forward agenda items for that meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.