Minutes, Truman Chapter of AAUP
April 7, 2006, 4:30 pm
University Club
Meetings are open to all university faculty members.
Faculty present: David Robinson (presiding), Martha Bartter, Marc Becker, Mike Davis, Roger Festa, James Harmon, Judi Misale, Mark Nordstrom, Steven Reschly; Students present: Sarah Saheb and Josh Kappel (Missouri Students United!)
1. Minutes of March 3 were approved.
2. Sarah Saheb and Josh Kappel (Missouri Students United!, http://www.yourstudentunion.org/) gave a presentation on attempts to form a student union in Missouri. They explained plans and ideas, including how its model of participatory democracy is different from earlier attempts such as the Student Association of Missouri (SAM). The scope of what it engages will be determined by the students who become involved. If this succeeds in Missouri it could become a model for other states. They would like our help and support in spreading information about the organization. They need volunteers to be on the faculty council. We encourage our members to become involved. President David Robinson will draft an AAUP resolution in support of MSU.
3. Update on annual State of University survey. Judi presented changes in trends over time in the survey that shows discontent with time, support, resources, and salary at Truman, and that morale is low even though commitment remains high. We discussed adding new questions about proposed curricular changes and changes in the faculty/student ratio. The survey will go out next week.
4. Adjournment, 6:00 PM
Respectfully submitted by Marc Becker, Secretary