Active Bills

Three bills were filed in the Senate during the Fall semester. The first, FSP 01 calls on the university to establish Individual Faculty Development Accounts under the control of individual faculty members. Faculty would be able to use the funds in their accounts to support any faculty development activity including (but not limited to) the purchase of books, journals, other periodicals, travel, and equipment. While the accounts would not necessarily take the place of all other professional development funds currently available, the proposal would give more faculty more control over their own professional development. When fully funded the accounts would total $1000 annually. The Budget Committee has unanimously recommended this proposal, which now goes before the full Senate in January.

FSR 02 calls on the university to establish a committee to review the university's health insurance offerings for dependents of UCO faculty. Concerned about the high cost of dependent health insurance, the resolution's authors want to ensure that university employees and their dependents receive the best possible health insurance benefits at the lowest possible cost. The resolution is being considered by the Personnel Policies committee.

Finally, FSP 03 calls on the university to establish a new Vice-President for Advancement position. The position, modeled after similar positions at our peer institutions would develop and nurture relationships with alumni, friends, corporations, foundations and media to foster goodwill, maximize financial support and strengthen the reputation of UCO. Furthermore, the heads of the UCO Foundation, Alumni Relations, and University Relations would report to this new Vice President for Advancement. The bill is currently being considered by the Senate's Budget Committee.

The Senate welcomes any and all comments on these three bills. Please contact your college's Senators to share your thoughts.

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