Faculty Council received reports from CSU’s president and interim provost on a variety of topics at its Nov. 7 meeting, ranging from personnel moves and discussions on the budget model to the Student Success Initiative. There were also discussions about Athletics and the Clark revitalization project.

CSU President Amy Parsons thanked Faculty Council members for their involvement in the ongoing discussions about adopting an alternate budget model for CSU, explaining that it’s been a couple of decades since the University redesigned its model.

Parsons also reviewed recent personnel moves, including the hiring of new Provost and Executive Vice President Marion Underwood, Vice President for Research Cassandra Moseley, Vice President for Engagement and Extension James Pritchett and interim Vice President for Enrollment and Access Kevin MacLennan.

Interim Provost Janice Nerger gave the council an update on the Student Success Initiative, noting that CSU is in the final year of a three-year, $9 million funding boost from the Board of Governors. The initiative will continue beyond this year, she explained, with a new leadership structure and investment in high-priority areas such as graduation and retention rates.

Other business

In other action at the Faculty Council meeting:

• The council elected several new committee members and approved some revisions to the Academic Faculty and Administrative Professional Manual, including a complete overhaul  of Section J, which articulates rights and responsibilities related to inventions, creative works, and course materials.
• In her report, Faculty Council Chair Melinda Smith said the council’s website is being updated this fall, and there are plans to start a council newsletter as well as host coffee sessions with the council’s executive committee that will be open to all faculty.
• The council had a lively discussion with Athletics Director Joe Parker after he delivered a presentation about student-athlete successes, a recent state audit report, the Athletics budget and the contributions the department makes to CSU and the community.
• Faculty Council also heard a presentation from College of Liberal Arts faculty about concerns regarding the relocations that will be required during the upcoming revitalization project for the Clark Building.

The next Faculty Council meeting will be on Tuesday, Dec. 5, over Microsoft Teams. For the schedule of Faculty Council meetings, approved minutes and agendas, lists of members of the Council and its committees and other information, visit the Faculty Council website.