1. President Howard Bunsis called the meeting to order at 3:33 p.m. in 300 Halle Library. About 20 members were present. Elaine Martin moved (Andreas Tomaszewski second) approval of the September 27 minutes, and the motion carried with one abstention of a member who was not at that meeting.

2. BOARD OF REGENTS met October 21, Howard reported. BOR approved a $180-206 million capital improvements program, with Pray-Harrold as first priority, but also including Mark-Jefferson, Sill, and other projects. Pray-Harrold project is estimated at $55 million. $15 million would be for an addition, the rest for renovating the existing building. EMU administration expects $28 million from the State of Michigan, even though the state only has $40 million for all university construction projects. Regents Wilbanks (who voted against the resolution) and Sidlik criticized the administration for the unreality of its proposal and urged a back-up plan. There is none at present. BOR voted to borrow $75 million. Howard suggested improving communication with the regents. Howard noted that although EMU administration pleads poverty, state appropriation has remained constant at about $76 million for three consecutive years.

3. HEALTH CARE: VP Business/Finance Stephen Holda says total EMU spending in 2006-07 will rise $7.6 million (2.8%) above this year. Administration expects to save money by making employees, especially new ones, pay more for health care. EMU-AAUP will not support this.

4. CLASSROOM/LAB CONDITIONS: Jim VandenBosch has obtained administrative agreement on a new system by which faculty can report problems to Physical Plant at 487-3380 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. PP will assign a work order number to each call. PP will send email confirmation. In a month, PP will have a web site to post complaints.

5. BARGAINING COUNCIL: Only half the departments have submitted names of their BC reps to the AAUP office. Howard urged the half which have not to do so.

6. GRIEVANCE REPORT: Elaine Martin said GO meets weekly with AHR’s Rhonda Longworth to solve problems. We have grieved a paid suspension. GRB met this morning in a case in which a faculty member did not request EMU-AAUP involvement. Members discussed the PPE process, including the need for faculty members to retain copies of student course evaluations. Department heads can ask to see them. Drew Nazzarro (GEOG/GEO) suggested that AAUP get feedback from faculty members in a department when a grievance arises. Discussion of the grievance process followed.

7. TREASURER’S REPORT came from Susan Moeller. Outside auditors have been in the AAUP office and have improved our financial processes.

8. OTHER BUSINESS: Andreas Tomaszewski (SAC) said the administration lacks a process for legal status for international faculty. He will work with AHR and AAUP to develop a process. Administration failed to file the required letter with INS for two new international faculty members this fall. Andreas is compiling a list of such faculty. Donna Killingbeck (SAC) advised AAUP to explain the history and current function of the chapter at new faculty orientation. On another front, HHS students will hold a seminar on avian flu November 30 at 6:30 p.m.

9. ADJOURNMENT at 4:35 p.m. on motion by David Tammany (ART).

Submitted by Mike Homel, EMU-AAUP Secretary