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Scenes from Faculty Senate

Joint Strategic Planning Committee

Thursday, September 9, 2004

1:00 - 2:35 p.m.

Green Hall President's Conference Room

Attendance: Robert Carothers, Tom Dougan, Robert Weygand, Faye Boudreaux-Bartels, Celest Martin, Karen Ramsay, Bill Rosen, Michael Rice, Jim Kowalski, Roxanne Gomes, Kevin Lopes, Ann Morrissey, Abu Bakr. Guests: Linda Barrett, Cliff Katz, Vern Wyman and Dorothy Escribano.

Announcements: Student Senate President Lopes said that he wanted the JSPC to be aware that students are extremely upset about the parking situation on campus. He announced that the fraternities had agreed with his proposal not to hold any parties during the first two weeks of school. He also reported on preparations that were underway for "Midnight Madness" and the Ludacris Concert.

Vice President Dougan announced that over 4,000 students had moved onto campus over the Labor Day Weekend. He said that the academic year was off to a good start and that his staff had received lots of compliments from parents. He also reported on changes in R.I. laws with regard to underage alcohol possession, the Town of Narragansett's strong actions with regard to noise control, and new requirements regarding beer kegs. He said that his staff was attempting to ensure that students who live off campus are informed about the new rules.

Vice President Weygand complimented Vern Wyman and his staff for their handling of the mold problem in Independence Hall.

President Carothers introduced Dorothy Escribano, who will serve as his American Council for Education (ACE) Fellow during the 2004-05 academic year.

Minutes: It was agreed to postpone consideration of the minutes of the August 5, 2004 meeting because they were distributed late and not everyone had an opportunity to read them in advance.

FY '05 Budget Update: Ms. Barrett reported on the proposed budget that was on the Agenda for the Board of Governors September 20 meeting and was expected to be submitted to the Governor on October 1. She said that the proposed budget includes an 8% increase in tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students and an 8.7% increase for out-of-state undergraduates. For in-state graduate students, the increase is 8.7% and for out-of-state graduate students, the increase is 11%. She reported that eight additional faculty positions related to undergraduate education, and three faculty positions in the Pharmacy Clinical program, supported by an increase in the Pharmacy free are also reflected in the budget. Four Nursing faculty positions supported by a portion of the increase in State Appropriation is also reflected in the budget. An additional $400,000 is included for Library capital, bringing the investment in Library capital to $1M over a three year period.

In response to a question from Faculty Senate Chairperson Boudreaux-Bartels, Ms. Barrett pointed out which items in the FY '06 budget reflected the priorities that had been previously identified by the Faculty Senate Executive Committee. Among the areas that are requested to enhance funding are the Library, PeopleSoft support, research and outreach, and new scholarship funds for junior and senior students who have significantly improved their GPA since freshmen year. For the third consecutive year, eight additional Graduate Assistantships are reflected in the budget; however, not reflected are additional Graduate Assistantships beyond the eight. Funds to help researchers defray the cost of out-of-state tuition for Research Assistants funded by grants remain in the base of the Provost's budget.

Ms. Barrett also responded to other questions about the '06 budget.

Capital Projects & Facilities Planning: Vice President Weygand reviewed for the JSPC, items on the Board of Governors Higher Education Capital Improvement Plan for 2006-2010 that pertained to the University.

Senator Rosen requested that the JSPC devote time at a subsequent meeting to the issue of the University's becoming more self-sufficient.

Agenda for next meeting: The JSPC was reminded that the next meeting had been scheduled for October 7 at which Mr. Murphy would present his factor analysis model.

The meeting adjourned at 2:35 p.m.