President's Report - May 2, 2022 Faculty Senate Meeting 1. I received a request to vote on a COAI resolution that supports a report by the Knight Commission on revenues in intercollegiate athletics. I asked for comments from the Senate Athletics Committee and the Executive Council and informed the Chancellor and Provost about this issue. I cast a vote in favor of the statement to support the Knight Commission plan. 2. I expressed concern about the lack of transparency in the Budget process this year noting that the actions did not align with the BAM procedures. The Senate Budget and Planning Committee did receive a report from Vice Chancellor Cimino last week and will report on that today. I encourage the Senate to insist that next year's process follow the guidelines set for BAM. 3. At the University Leadership Council meeting on Aril 6 I expressed concern that the bill that creates the Civics Institute is contradictory in that it indicates that all UTK processes will be followed, yet states explicitly that the Director of the Institute will make decisions to hire faculty, while that is the purview of the Provost in our processes here. 4. The Senate has collected comments and suggestions as to how UTK might assist those in higher education in the Ukraine. Vice Provost Neisler has provided an outline for processes in place if a unit wishes to provide support for an individual Ukrainian faculty member or student. Loretta Link has this information and can pass it on to you if your unit wishes to pursue support for an affected individual. 5. I attended the University Faculty Council meeting in Nashville and encourage you to thank the System administration and particularly Vice President Carey Whitworth for their efforts to work with legislators to both provide the extensive support for UT that arose this legislative session and for their efforts to ameliorate the potential harm that could have arisen from certain proposed legislative actions. President Boyd and the System administration have actively participated in UFC meetings this year, and regularly responded to questions from the various Senate's leadership. The UFC consistently asked for faculty representation on the Board but the Board has firmly denied this. 6. I attended the Tennessee University Faculty Senates (TUFS) meeting this past weekend and the UTK administrator responses in providing guidance for the impacts of the Divisive Concepts bill was applauded by several representatives from other Tennessee campuses. There are consistent concerns across the campuses with regard to administrative bloat and the professionalization of higher education, that has led to the reduction of faculty involvement in various aspects of university activities. 7. I was informed by the Chancellor of the decision to hold another football game at a time that interferes with classes. I expressed concern about the decision and its impact on teaching, particularly for courses that only meet once a week. In subsequent meetings with the Provost and Chief of Staff, the Senate leadership brought up several issues associated with this decision that we hope will foster more effective planning for this next year. 8. Finally, I thank you for the opportunity to again serve as President and for the wonderful support I have received from the leadership team of the Senate. I encourage you all to support Beth Schussler next year as you have me. I particularly thank Brooke Killion and Loretta Link for all their efforts this year - I could never have dealt with the variety of issues that arose without their assistance and their guidance.