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Surely the non-medical faculty understands the effect that potential loss or diminishment of the UAB athletic program will have on UAB’s efforts to establish a positive campus environment. And surely they understand that without a good campus environment, the undergraduate and even the graduate programs will be adversely affected.

What, if anything does the faculty intend to do about this situation? Theirs is an extremely powerful voice which is yet to be heard. I can understand that individuals who lack tenure and are concerned for their jobs would be reluctant to come forward, but what about the Faculty Senate?

Good question.

One would have thought that something would have been said or done by now or at least be in the works.

NAS?

(12-02-2014 10:14 AM)the_blazerman Wrote:  Good question.

One would have thought that something would have been said or done by now or at least be in the works.

I have no idea if anything will be said or not, but there is a faculty senate meeting next Tuesday, so if anything were to be said, it might happen then.

Do they ever schedule impromptu meetings?

To be honest, I think even many on the medical side understand as well. People have made it out to be that this is the medical side vs non medical side and I don't necessarily agree. There are many of us on the medical side that have been and continue to be big supporters of UAB athletics.

(12-02-2014 10:15 AM)dragondrummer Wrote:  

(12-02-2014 10:14 AM)the_blazerman Wrote:  Good question.

One would have thought that something would have been said or done by now or at least be in the works.

I have no idea if anything will be said or not, but there is a faculty senate meeting next Tuesday, so if anything were to be said, it might happen then.

How are new topics brought to the floor? Do the officers have to introduce them or can anyone ask for a discussion of a particular issue? How is something like a vote of no confidence called for? Could someone with knowledge of how the Faculty Senate meetings work fill us in?

Next Tuesday may be too late.

What about the SGA? During the stadium fiasco, the UAB SGA President was VERY vocal and even had conversations with PBJ. Where is the SGA Pres now?

Speaking of faculty senate, I looked back at the minutes of the last faculty senate meeting on November 11, and Watts addressed the Rumors regarding Athletics, and this is the summary of what he said from the minutes.

"Rumors are buzzing about significant changes in Athletics. Please do not pay heed to rumors. The
Athletic Department, as every other department, is going through their strategic plan process to reach for
excellence. As in every other department, we are utilizing data-driven strategic processes to discuss which
areas we want to invest in. We would like to focus on 1 or 2 programs to grow to be nationally
competitive and to have a balanced budget. We appreciate what Athletics brings to the table; we are proud
of our athletics and do not consider them a lower priority. No decisions have been made yet as the
department has just begun their process."

Obviously this has all been said before, but I thought it was interesting that this is what he said. Focus on 1 or 2 programs and a balanced budget? How many athletics departments have balanced budgets? That is almost like asking for a marketing department to have a balanced budget, since all the money it generates isn't as direct as ticket sales and revenue, but in alumni involvement, giving, student enrollment, student engagement, and student retention, along with many other aspects, which aren't directly accounted for in the black and white revenue vs costs comparison of the department.

Translation from Watts - Bend over UAB, I'm ready to give it to you.

And this is JUST NOW making it here?

Focusing on being nationally competitive in football and basketball would go a long way in balancing the budget, right?

Not in their little minds... I'm sure bowling (the non-football variety) is as close to a "balanced budget" as they see.

Guess what 1-2 programs generate the most revenue and influence? Football and men's basketball.

Watts reportedly at UAB office today. Something may come out today.

I'm sure he is referring to basketball and soccer.

(12-02-2014 10:37 AM)BandGrad Wrote:  What about the SGA? During the stadium fiasco, the UAB SGA President was VERY vocal and even had conversations with PBJ. Where is the SGA Pres now?

That student has graduated. Not sure who is running USGA now. I'm sorely disappointed but not surprised at the lack of initiative from USGA.

(12-02-2014 10:56 AM)uab blazer 01 Wrote:  I'm sure he is referring to basketball and soccer.

You got it.

There is agenda published a week or two in advance as set by the officer/committee heads. This is sent out with attachments. The usual agenda is standing committee reports(if anything), president often makes a report, old business from last meeting, new business on agenda and a call for anything else at end of the meeting. The bylaws usually call for any major new items that will result in a vote be taken up at the NEXT meeting. So representatives can discuss any important matters with faculty in their respective departments. There are provisions in bylaws for emergency votes and extraordinary meetings but they are very rare and take almost unanimous consent to have.

Their are very pro- athletics on faculty including the east side at UAB. However at most colleges the majority of the faculty are indifferent to athletics.
Unless we can frame the issue as a threat to them (and most departments have already been cut). Very unlikely to happen in time.

(12-02-2014 10:28 AM)CajunBlazer Wrote:  

(12-02-2014 10:15 AM)dragondrummer Wrote:  

(12-02-2014 10:14 AM)the_blazerman Wrote:  Good question.

One would have thought that something would have been said or done by now or at least be in the works.

I have no idea if anything will be said or not, but there is a faculty senate meeting next Tuesday, so if anything were to be said, it might happen then.

How are new topics brought to the floor? Do the officers have to introduce them or can anyone ask for a discussion of a particular issue? How is something like a vote of no confidence called for? Could someone with knowledge of how the Faculty Senate meetings work fill us in?

The faculty appear to be as cowardly as Watts. They are refusing to speak publicly on the issue. They seem to not realize their jobs are also on the line with this.