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New Mexico State University URC Minutes - February 6, 2004

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Present: Becky Keele, Brenda Benefit, Barbara Coppola, James Cowie, Ida Baca (Everett Egginton), Wynn Egginton, Stephen Horan, Nirmala Khandan, Chuck Kozel, Linda Lacey, Ken Martin, Bernard McNamara, Martha Mitchell, Enrico Pontelli, Rudi Schoenmackers, Edmund Scribner, Rhonda Skaggs, Elizabeth Titus, Karl Wood

Absent: Lisa Dalton, Inigo Garcia-Bryce, Dean Hawkins, Richard Hills, Michael Hites, Kevin McIlvoy, Marc Pruyn, Rasler Smith

1. Minutes - Minutes for December 5, 2003, were approved with changes.

2. Information Regarding Guidelines on Graduate Faculty Appointments

Dean Lacey reviewed the guidelines for Graduate Faculty appointments including criterion for selection and re-appointment, length of appointment, and the role and responsibilities of members of the Graduate Faculty. These guidelines incorporate requirements set by New Mexico State University policy. To date, the Graduate School has seen 88 applications for either appointment or reappointment. Dean Lacey urged URC members to access the Graduate School’s website to get detailed information.

3. Subcommittee to Study NMSU’s Research Activity Compared to Peer Universities

Richard Hills charged the URC to form a subcommittee to study NMSU’s research activity in relation to comparable universities both by college and as a whole. Hills’ request proposed that each dean nominate two people to serve on the committee with representatives not necessarily needing to be URC members. Questions to guide the study are:

• How does NMSU’s overall growth in R&D expenditures and awards received compare to those of peer institutions?
• How does NMSU’s growth in R&D expenditures and awards received compare to those of peer institutions when analyzed by college/discipline?
• What contextual information might explain some of the trends identified?
• What are other institutions doing that NMSU should be emulating in order to be more competitive?

Becky Keele expressed hope that the first meeting of the subcommittee would take place by the end of February or the first of March.

4. Suggested Additions to the Vice Provost for Research Web Site

Wynn Egginton reported that she is working on the development of a web page to assist faculty members who are working on proposals. The site will include R&D expenditures, NSF program rankings, and other boilerplate information. Dr. Egginton asked for suggestions on content that would be helpful.

5. Update on Call for Nominations for URC’s Awards for Exceptional Achievements in Creative Scholarly Activity

Becky Keele mentioned that the deadline for nominations is Friday, March 12, 2004. Past awardees have given presentations at the URC Research Fair that is held during the Fall Semester.

6. Resignation of Becky Keele, Chair of URC

Becky Keele resigned as Chair for the remainder of her term. Stephen Horan agreed to act as Interim Chair. His appointment was approved unanimously.

7. Update on Vice Provost for Research Search

URC members voted in favor of having the Interim URC Chair send a memorandum to Interim President Flores concerning the Vice Provost for Research search schedule and and the perception that the committee is not allowing enough time to attract qualified candidates for the position. Another concern was opening the VPR search before the NMSU Presidential search had been successfully concluded.

8. P.I. Certification Training

Stephen Horan provided a schedule for Spring Certification. The remaining dates are as follows:

• February 25, 2004
• March 22, 2004 (may be changed)
• April 23, 2004
• April 28, 2004

9. Library Received the GO Bond Revenue

Dean Titus said the GO Bond Revenue passed giving the library $587,000 to spend on book and other items. Dean Titus requested that anyone knowing of weaknesses in the research collection submit a proposal. Proposals will be reviewed according to guidelines. The funds are to be used for one-time purchases only.

10. University’s Conflict of Interest Policy

Stephen Horan mentioned that the University’s Conflict of Interest Policy is being rewritten. Horan asked that any member with concerns or clarifications contact him.

 

The meeting adjourned at 4:08 p.m. The National Speaker Subcommittee and Research Awards Subcommittee met following the regular meeting.

Minutes by Frances Schumacher