Minutes of the Steering Committee Meeting
17 February 2011
3:30 p.m., 107 Samford Hall
(by Russ Muntifering, Secretary)

In Attendance:  Nedret Billor, Larry Crowley, Claire Crutchley, Kathryn Flynn, Robin Jaffe, Mary Ellen Mazey, Russ Muntifering, Ann Beth Presley, Andy Wohrley, Jim Wright

--The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m.

--The minutes of the 3 February 2011 Steering Committee meeting were approved without change.

--Samia Spencer, Chair of Faculty Welfare Committee, spoke with the group about (1) the need for greater visibility of maternity leave eligibility within HR procedures pertaining to claiming leave under the Family Medical Leave Act; and (2) the concept of a sick-leave bank. Dr. Spencer was encouraged to pursue these matters further with HR Employee Relations personnel and Faculty Welfare Committee.

--Robert Smith, Chair of Non-Tenure Track Committee, presented an item for discussion pertaining to guidelines for promotion of clinician- and research-series non-tenure track faculty. These could form the basis of a proposal to University Senate at some future date.

--We finalized the agenda for the March 1 meeting of University Senate, which will include three Action Items (vote on nominees for Rules Committee, proposed revision to Chapter 3 of Faculty Handbook pertaining to academic freedom, and a resolution on departmental administrator review) and two Information Items Proposed modification of promotion and tenure process, and update on Intercollegiate Athletics).

--The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.