Minutes
EMERITUS FACULTY COUNCIL MEETING
9:30 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2023
(UCC 2520-C, With Zoom Connection.)
Chair Berman called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m.
Roll Call:
EFC Members Attending: Christopher Atchison, Constance Berman, Warren Boe, Ana Diaz-Arnold, Minnetta Gardinier, Diane Huber, Sheldon Kurtz, Russell Lenth, Carol Scott-Connor, William Silverman, Bernard Sorofman
EFC Members Absent: Jacob Odgaard, Mary Ann Rasmussen, Shelton Stromquist, John Westefeld, Tricia Zebrowski
Other participants: John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian and
Giselle Simon, University Conservator
Guest Speaker: Chair Berman introduced Culshaw and Simon
Culshaw addressed changes in the operations of a contemporary research library with emphasis on people as the institution’s most important resource. There are currently 174 FTEs. at the Main and 6 other libraries. This is a slight increase from 167 in Nov of 22. However, he also noted that there is significant turnover due to retirements and other reasons.
He noted that the average visits during academic year are 22,000/week. It has been 10 years since the main library modernization was completed and there are needs for better fire suppression and to addressed deferred maintenance.
Budget – generally in good shape if flat. Library has a 14.5m budget with $13 million for publications. Journal subscriptions remain difficult due to inflation. He said they are now encouraging gift funds as part of the budget. Hawkeye campaign is an important source of funding.
Working with Big Ten on the Big Collection that will establish a system wide consortium of resources.
Other changes, many publishers are moving to “pay to publish” compared to “pay to read”
In sum, he said Iowa in good shape compared to peers.
Giselle Simon: gave a presentation on how medical technology, i.e. CT scans, are being used to better understand historical artifacts/books. She showed slides of scans which reveal printing in the binding materials. Funding is from the OVPR.
Approval of Minutes.
Sorofman offered an amendment to the September minutes which was made and with motion by Lenth, second by Berman, were subsequent unanimously approved.
Sorofman noted the need for a change in the October minutes which was approved and with motion by Sorofman, second by Kurtz, the minutes were approved.
New Emeritus Faculty
Name College Retirement Date
*Rebecca Blair, CLAS-Rhetoric December 31, 2021
Ludwig Gutmann, CCOM-Neurology October 31, 2023
Stephen McGowan CCOM-Int Med December 31, 2023
Thomas Waldschmidt, CCOM-Pathology January 4, 2023
Loyce Arthur, CLAS-Theatre Arts June 30, 2024
Arlan Johnson, CCOM-Ophthalmology June 30, 2023
Warren Darling, CLAS-Health & Human June 30, 2024
Recently Deceased Emeritus Faculty
Name College Date
John Schweitzer, CLAS September 28, 2023,
Adrianus Korpel, CEND October 1, 2023,
Barbara Thomas, CNUR August 12, 2023,
B. Eleanor Anstey, CLAS October 25, 2023,
Moment of Silence in Remembrance
New Business:
The EFC acted on a Permissive Conferral request from the College of Dentistry - moved by Silverman and seconded by Atchison to advise the Provost of EFC approval. The motion was approved with Sorofman abstaining.
EFC Committee Reports
Elections – Diane Huber, Mary Ann Rasmussen, Bill Silverman (Berman, ex officio) no report
Program – Ana Diaz-Arnold, Sheldon Kurtz, John Westefeld (Berman, ex officio) 12/4 Ed Gillen of Faculty Senate. Will discuss update on Faculty Senate with a focus on governance
Lecture Series – Carol Scott-Conner, Shelton Stromquist, Tricia Zebrowski. Carol – soliciting ideas on speakers looking for spring and fall. The next speaker is George Weiner on the 16th of November.
Webpage – Russell Lenth, Minnetta Gardinier, Bernard Sorofman – Lenth indicated all is well with the webpage
University Liaisons
Campus Planning: Jacob Odgaard – no report
Faculty Senate and Council: Minnetta Gardinier & Mary Ann Rasmussen – no report
FRIC: Sheldon Kurtz & William Silverman Kurtz updated his investigation into Wellmark requirements for retirees and PCP designation. He indicated there is need for clarity and suggested that retirees with Wellmark obtain clarification of that need.
Silverman noted that new Rx may affect rate setting however, it is not clear if the benefit will be extended to retirees.
Hancher and Art Museum: Ana Diaz-Arnold & Bernard Sorofman – no report
Libraries: Russell Lenth & Diane Huber – no further report
Parking and Transportation: Warren Boe & Carol Scott Conner – Warren announced there is a new parking ramp being constructed behind the transportation center – 595 new spots available by 12 of 24. He also said the University is purchasing electric busses at a cost of 1 million vs 600k per fuel powered bus.
President’s Committee on Athletics: John Westefeld & Tricia Zebrowski – no report
Recreational Services: Christopher Atchison – The University is highlighting new cross training facilities on the westside.
Research Council: Shelton - Stromquist – New security standards being developed at the federal level. How do you identify a student who may be pressured by outside forces? There was also some discussion of mental health concerns and campus safety.
Senior College: Warren Boe – schedule has been solidified with 12 courses – topics include: AI, Jazz, art patrons in the American West, crime and mystery fiction, native american history, history of slavery, Broadway triple threats, Shakespeare. Hemingway
UIRA: TBD
Berman adjourned the meeting at 11:01