Manoa Faculty Senate 11 Anticipated Issues AY 2004-2005

It is difficult to predict the specific issues we shall have before us this year but the following ( not necessarily in any order of importance) seem reasonably definite:

1. The University Affiliated Research Center (UARC)

This concept is before the Senate as we speak. The newly-created standing Committee on Research has begun discussions of the UARC. In essence the Navy has determined that UHM is a candidate for a UARC (the fifth nationwide). UHM is in negotiations (preliminary) with the Navy.

2. A revised policy on classified and proprietary research

A revised policy on classified and proprietary research should arrive at the Senate any day now. Developments in the post-9/11 world have necessitated a reexamination of current policy. There has been a discussion between SEC and Vice-President Gaines since last September.

3. Ethics policy

Ethics policy may also come before us. Recent cases ( confidential) have raised questions about the current ethical conduct (aka scientific misconduct) policy of UHM. Situation is murky pending outcomes of current cases. Medium probability of Senate seeing something this year.

4. System reorganization

It is unclear how consultation on this will proceed. This reorganization is linked (through position assignments) to the Manoa reorganization. Note: the 2002-2003 Senate considered censure of the System over that year's reorganization.

5. Manoa Reorganization

Last year's Senate reviewed a broad brush reorganization of the Manoa Chancellor's Office. Over the summer we received a semifinal proposal (conceptual) of reorganizations of the VCAA and VCSA (new Vice-Chancellor) offices. We are awaiting the fully-detailed final proposals as well as a rumored proposal for the VC Administration Office. These are complex and linked with the System Reorganization ( #4 above). It is evident that the October BOR target will not be met.

6. WASC Special Visit

This is scheduled for Fall (November ??) 2005 but preparations will begin soon. The Manoa and Systems reorganizations have bearing on the WASC visit. (See summer report).

7. Kakaako Campus

The SEC was notified last spring that we could anticipate a proposal on creation of an independent Kakaako campus sometime after completion of the JABSOM accreditation. The BOR has had an independent task force researching Kakaako options (see summer report).

8. Tenure and Promotion Guidelines

The Senate acted on proposed revisions to the Tenure and Promotion Guidelines in 1996. Nothing has transpired since. The SEC, UHPA and VCAA have agreed to revisit the matter this year.

9. Tuition increases

Budget discussions ( see summer report again) suggest an inevitable tuition hike. Public discussion of such hikes would begin in the spring.

10. Admission standards

CAPP began this discussion last year. The Chancellor's Office has asked the Senate to organize a series of fora on the subject of admission standards. Those present for last year's preliminary discussions know that this is a sensitive, controversial subject.

11. Mission clarification

The Manoa Chancellor has begun a discussion of the subject of mission clarification with the Council of Chancellor's. Few faculty have been presented the details of this concept which has strong implications for Manoa's future.