The University of Arkansas - Monticello Assembly held its first meeting of the spring semester Jan. 26. Most of the meeting focused on the revision of the UAM Assembly constitution and by-laws. Despite the large crowd, a quorum could not be declared. This prevented voting to change the current constitution and by-laws, ending the meeting with very little being accomplished in terms of changes to their governing documents.  

   After much discussion, some of which became heated, the assembly did vote on one general business item which could possibly affect the Assembly’s efforts to revise their constitution and by-laws. 

   “We voted to circulate paper ballots to all members to determine whether voting by paper ballot was acceptable,” said Dr. Linda Webster, Assembly chairwoman. 

   If the Assembly approves that voting by paper ballot is acceptable, work to amend the current governing documents of the organization could possibly begin. According to Webster, paper ballots will begin circulating immediately.

   In other assembly business, university administrators gave very brief reports from their respective divisions.

• Dr. Peggy Doss, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, indicated a pilot mentoring program is being developed for the UAM campus.

  “We understand the need for this program,” Doss said. “We are working with Academic Affairs to locate six mentors, each of which will be assigned 10 students.”

  The mentors will be responsible for working with their students to encourage academic success.

• Dr. Mark Davis, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration, updated the Assembly on the Willard Hall renovation process. According to Davis, renovations will begin sometime after the end of the spring term. The entire process will last approximately one year.

  Davis also made reference to the master plan currently in development stages for all UAM campuses. A draft of the plan will be presented to the university by the developers in April.

• Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs David Ray updated the Assembly on new faculty members. In addition, Ray announced the promotion and tenure committee has made its recommendations on those applying for promotion or tenure. He will review the recommendations and make suggestions to Chancellor Jack Lassiter very soon.

  According to Ray, both the Psychology and Social Work programs at UAM successfully completed the review process for the Program Review Committee.

• Dr. Lassiter ended the administrative reports. He commended the Assembly on its efforts to revise the current constitution and by-laws.

  “Even though we don’t always agree, this gives us an opportunity to discuss our opinions,” Lassiter said.

  Lassiter announced he will form a committee to study the university’s software technology. The committee will be charged with recommending how the current technology can be improved.

  Additionally, Lassiter announced the university will work to build a strong family spirit among its employees.

  “We are making an active effort to develop a strong spirit within our current faculty/staff,” Lassiter said. “We also plan to include our emeriti family.”

  Lassiter said the university will provide transportation for faculty, staff and emeriti to a Feb. 11 presentation of the Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra. This event will be one of many, according to the chancellor, that UAM plans to sponsor for current employees.

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