Present: Susan Coultrap-McQuin (presiding), Michael Ameigh (recording), Mary Beth Bell, Lanny Karns, David King, Rhonda Mandel, Linda Rae Markert, Yvonne Petrella, Sara Varhus.

Faculty Recruitment and Hiring: The Council entered into a discussion related to searches and diversity.  There was a lengthy discussion of search practices.  Research has shown the educational value of diversity in the student body and the professoriate.  The possibility of interacting with those of different backgrounds and experiences can enrich student learning.  As we begin searches this year, we will work to broaden our pools using some new proactive strategies.  The group praised efforts within units to advance this goal.

Faculty Searches in 2005-2006: The Provost distributed a list of search requests from deans received earlier in the year and asked that those requests be prioritized by September 15th.  We will meet with Priorities and Planning on September 23rd.

Chair's Workshop: A workshop for department chairs is planned for the winter break.  Possible focus will be on working with adjuncts.

Two-year course offering schedules: The Provost reiterated her desire that departments begin to project course offering schedules for two years and share that information with students to allow them to plan their programs accordingly.

Tenure and Promotion workshop on September 22nd: We will ask faculty representatives from each school who were recently reviewed for tenure and/or promotion to talk about the process and share their presentation folders at the workshop.

E-mail accounts: The Office of Public Affairs has asked that faculty members who do not use their campus e-mail accounts as the primary account place a forward on them to move mail coming into those accounts to their preferred e-mail addresses.  We can ensure that they receive messages that way.

Construction/renovation: Several members praised the patience of faculty and staff during renovation and construction activity.

-Adjourned