Mānoa Faculty Senate Executive Committee
Minutes of March 9, 2009

Mānoa Faculty Senate Executive Committee
Monday – Mar 9, 2009; Hawaiʻi Hall 208
Present: Crookes, Crosby, Hilgers, Keil, Ross, Tiles

A.  2:00 Regular meeting with VCRGE Ostrander

1.  SEC asked for another update on PBRC reorganization.  VCR noted that PBRC involves 9 programs; reorganization means that all positions associated with the programs have to be negotiated with associated unions before he submits reorg plan to BOR.  VCAA will conduct additional consultations before writing a reorg plan for BOR consideration. 

SEC asked if involved faculty members can choose their new units.  VCR suggested that the budget situation is “closing windows” and didn’t give a firm answer.

2.  SEC asked for update on Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i.  VCR reported that the Director Search Committee has met with the executive search agency.  Most of the job description has been crafted; still under discussion is whether the next director should have an internal or external focus.

UH System/BOR has taken over planning for the new building.  BOR has chosen to build on Lot A, not C as has been planned thusfar.  A major issue is funding, with the governor/legislature apparently intent on pulling tobacco-fund or G-fund dollars from CRCH operations.  The deletion of either will leave CRCH without funds to pay a new-building mortgage.  Long-term CRCH grant funding (and possible attainment of “comprehensive” status) is contingent upon there being new facilities.

3. SEC asked about the security of RTRF funds.  VCR noted that grantees often plan to expend funds over several months or years. Legislature wants to take some unspent funds to cover current or expected deficits.  VCR is trying to get legislators to understand the consequences of a raid on grant funds.

4. VCR sought SEC input on space allocation.  An emeritus professor with a grant has space VCR sees as underutilized.  A professor with a new, larger, grant has no space whatsoever.  SEC basically declined to advise VCR on what to do, noting that space allocation issues are difficult to navigate, and that emeritus status alone should not be an issue in space allocation.

5. VCR wants FS nominees of non scientists for service on the Distinguished Lecturer invitation committee.  SEC will ask CFS for names.

B.  Regular meeting of SEC

Minutes from the last meeting were approved.

1. Should FS election results be certified?  After discussion, SEC certified results.  It noted that where there are vacancies or lack of alternates, the college/school can be asked to appoint replacements.  SEC will ask CFS and other committees for advice on increasing voter turnout in future elections.

2. FS 4/15 meeting will include brief reports from the athletics director and FAR.

3. E-CAFE-related issues abound.  SEC will draft a memo to VCAA on some of the issues.

4. CFS has a list of all UHM committees that include faculty representatives.  It will recommend possible adjustments.

5. SEC received a memo from Mimi Sharma and Judith Kellogg on reporting lines for Study Abroad.

6. MET was informed that HI received $129,000,000 in new federal funding for education for which UH will have to compete with DOE.

7. Agenda for the next FS meeting was discussed.  Agenda will include the second CPM resolution on dossier simplification.

Respectfully submitted,
Graham Crookes