Attending: Dr. Tom Metzger, Chair; Dr. Jack L. Daniel; Dr. Kerry W. Holzworth; Dr. Susan Neuman; Mr. Jason Palmer; Dr. Thom Schott; Mr. Michael Unangst and
Dr. Anthony Silvestre

The September minutes were accepted.

Report from the Chair:

Dr. Metzger reported that the resolution reaffirming University of Pittsburgh policies of non-discrimination and supporting lesbian and gay students was passed unanimously by the Faculty Assembly. The Assembly sent the resolution to the University Senate and a copy to the Board of Trustees. Dr. Metzger introduced the resolution to the Senate. The Chancellor spoke against the first three "whereas" clauses arguing that reference to news reports about the Chair of the Board's remarks should not be included in the resolution. Dr. Metzger amended the resolution by changing the language but the Senate voted it down 14-16. The first two "whereas" clauses were removed by a vote of 21-12. The revised resolution passed 35-0 with one abstention. Dr. Metzger expressed regret over the vote. Mr. Unangst and Dr. Silvestre expressed support for Dr. Metzger's leadership in the effort and their belief that the goals of the Committee had been met.

Dr. Metzger met with Dr. Diane Davis of CIDDE. She told him that they are in the process of filling the vacant positions discussed last spring. Her new hires include instructional design staff, who will focus on interactive testing. She also expressed her belief that CIDDE's absorption of the Office of Faculty Development will better serve faculty by providing one door to all service. Dr. Davis said that low demand and high cost in terms of staff resources justified CIDDE's emphasis on technological development and de-emphasis of other faculty programs. She also indicated that the day-long seminar on teaching excellence was being discontinued because the investment of an entire day was too great for many faculty and that it will be replaced with shorter presentations. Dr. Davis is newly reporting to Dr. Blair in the Provost's office. Dr. Metzger will invite them to meet with the Committee.

Part-time Faculty:

Dr. Metzger will follow up on his recent email on the issue since he has not had a reply.

Computer Fees:

Dr. Metzger announced that at the recent Faculty Assembly meeting, faculty were assured that the current modem pool would be sustained and no charges assessed for access to it. However, the University was considering bids by a number of companies to provide remote access for a fee to be paid by faculty members who wish to do so. The advantage to this access would presumably be shorter or no wait for a connection and better upgrades. A report on the issue is being completed and will be circulated to the Committee. A problem that remains to be addressed is whether the current modem system will be adequate for students as their use of it increases. While the movement of some faculty off of University modems might increase access for students and others who depend on the modems, it is not assured.

Dr. Metzger is writing a letter to the Provost asking him to generate an inquiry to all Deans and Directors about their incentives for faculty for excellence in teaching and the methods they use to assess it.

Announcements:

Ms. Ellen Baylis from the Staff Advisory Council will be joining this Committee. She is at 459 Cathedral of Learning and her phone number is 4.7015.

The next meeting of the Committee will be on November 10, 1999 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Room 637 William Pitt Union.

The meeting adjourned at 1:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Anthony Silvestre