Manoa Faculty Senate Committee on
Administration and Budget Meeting Minutes
April 20, 2009, 12 noon, Hawaii Hall 208

Present:  Ross Christensen, Mary Tiles, Matt McGranaghan, Judith Inazu, David Duffy, Bob McHenry, Shirley Daniel

Minutes of the 6 April meeting were approved.

Reorganization Process:

A draft report, “Reorganization Procedure for UH Manoa”, from a subcommittee of Inazu and Duffy, was read, discussed and amended.  The report attempts to lay-out the committee's understanding of the steps to be followed in a reorganization, based on the several administrative policies (notably A3.101 and M3.101).  Informed consultation can avoid the stalled indecision that has resulted from several recent reorganization attempts.  Crucial to the process is that the draft plan for a reorganization have sufficient detail that its merit can be judged.  The report is to be conveyed to VC Cutshaw for consideration.

Institutional Grant (Proposal) Writing Office:

Discussion was postponed.

Sabbatical Leave Policies:

The committee discussed faculty concerns over emerging differences across colleges in de facto policies on granting of sabbatical leaves.  Recognition of the importance of these study breaks for research as a normal part of an academic career was affirmed, as were their status in the contract and the authority of the Deans in granting them.  Concerns that equitable and transparent access to sabbatical leave be maintained, especially in the face of budgetary restrictions, were raised.

FY 2009-2011 Appropriated Funds Distribution Flowcharts:

Three flowcharts (from VC Cutshaw's office, dated April 16 2009 4PM) showing distribution scenarios of appropriated funds under the current State House, and State Senate (with and without Federal Stimulus) plans were distributed.  The bottom line is that the campus is projected to have negative carryover balances for the period.

On-going planning:

A discussion ensued on the question: “Do we have an effective way to work with the administration on budget on an ongoing basis?”  The roles of the currently seated ad hoc Budget Working Group, the defunct Manoa Budget Advisory Committee, and of this committee were raised, as was the effect of turn-over and reorganization in the administration over the past several years. Concern that a stable, known, budget setting structure should be in place was voiced. The committee tentatively agreed that the ad hoc Budget Working Group reflects the appropriate constituency for the Manoa campus and perhaps should function as the Manoa Budget Advisory Committee. CAB agreed to bring the issue up with VC Cutshaw at a future meeting.

The committee adjourned at 2:20 PM  

Respectfully submitted,
Matt McGranaghan