The University Senate

of Michigan Technological University

Minutes of Meeting 508

7 September 2011

Synopsis:

The Senate

· Presentation by Dr. Chandrashekhar Joshi, Research Award Winner

· Proposed Senate Meeting Dates for 2011-2012 approved

· Senate Standing Committees for 2011-2012 approved

1. Call to order and roll call. President Rudy Luck called the University Senate Meeting 508 to order at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, September 7, 2011. The Senate Secretary Marty Thompson called roll. Absent were representatives of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics, Physics, School of Technology, Academic Services C, IT, USG, GFC, Staff Council and Senators Sha, Caneba, Panian and Koszykowski.

2. Recognition of visitors. Guests included Shreya Kumar (GSG), Chandrashekar Joshi (School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science), Stacey Kukkonen (DMG), Zach Kukkonen (CEF) and Kevin Cassell (GSG).

3. Approval of agenda. Luck asked if there were any changes; there being none Luck declared the agenda stood approved.

4. Approval of minutes from Meetings 506 and 507. Luck asked if there were any changes; there being none Luck declared the minutes for meetings 506 and 507 stood approved.

5. Presentation: “2011 Michigan Tech Research Award Winner - Dr. Chandrashekhar Joshi”

Barkdoll, Research Committee, introduced Chandrashekhar Joshi. Joshi gave a brief presentation about his recent accomplishments in the area of bioenergy. He discussed the need for continued research in biofuels. Joshi’s work focuses on cellulosic sources, such as trees, to generate the ethanol used as a biofuel. He provided details regarding genetically engineering trees for use as feedstock in biofuel production. Joshi concluded by thanking his students, collaborators and the Michigan Tech community. Barkdoll inquired about the role of the Incredible Hulk (IH) gene. Joshi noted that the primary function of the gene appears to be making the plant grow faster. Luck thanked Joshi.

6. Report from the Senate President

Luck acknowledged all the new and returning senators, and the senate assistant. He demonstrated the usefulness of the senate website. Luck noted that the Staff Council makes the calendar with senate meeting dates before they are approved (see below for New Business). He then discussed the role of the senate, answering the timeless question, ‘What does the Senate do?’ Luck referenced the website for those seeking information about his presentations to the Board of Control. He noted that the three main functions of the senate as; faculty setting up programs and degree regulations, issues relevant to employment (compensations, benefits, etc.) and, governance arising from faculty and institutional reputation. Luck noted all senators since 1958 and all proposals are can be found on the senate website. He then demonstrated the use of the search engine by providing a brief history of parking policy at MTU. He noted that the recent evolution of parking at Tech has changed from, ‘where we should park’ to ‘how much we should pay for parking’. Luck pointed out that position of the University Senate on the governing organizational chart. He noted the senate committees, responsibilities and authorities, and gave multiple examples of senate accomplishments. Luck concluded by requesting that each senator make a suggestion about what might be done to improve the functioning of the senate.

7. Report from Senate Standing Committees

Rudiger, Institutional Planning Committee, provided an update on campus parking. She noted that a full time parking enforcement officer was hired and a consultant was retained. Rudiger provided some highlights found in the draft report noting the Carl Walker consultants will be back on campus to discuss their report. Luck asked for a motion to invite the consultants to the senate. Barkdoll moved to invite the consultants to present their report to the senate; Herbig seconded the motion. Luck asked for discussion. Scarlett requested the draft report be available prior to their visit in the senate. Rudiger affirmed the report would be made available. Gierke said we can read it individually and decide whether to invite the consultants based on the content. Rudiger said there will be an open forum to meet with the consultants. Mullins moved for a voice vote; Gierke seconded. The motion to invite the consultants to the senate passed by a majority vote. Luck said he will ensure a focused discussion. Rudiger said the report would be made available to the senate.

Gierke, Curricular Policy Committee, stated that a modification of the accelerated master’s degree proposal approved last year is being discussed and will include a research option. Luck asked if the committee was seeking input. Gierke declined and noted the committee was discussing the modified proposal.

8. Old Business

None.

9. New Business

Approval of Proposed Senate Meeting Dates for 2011-2012

Luck asked for discussion; there being none Luck asked for a voice vote; the proposal stood approved.

Approval of Senate Standing Committees for 2011-2012

Luck asked for discussion; there being none Luck asked for a voice vote; the proposal stood approved.

10. Adjournment. President Luck adjourned the meeting at 6:32pm.

Respectfully submitted

by Marty Thompson

Secretary of the University Senate