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Tuesday, January 13, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section A·Page 7
SenEx Committee elects librarian as chairwoman
Melissa Ngo
Kansan Staff Writer
Mary Hawkins, who has worked at the University of Kansas for more than 25 years and has spent the last two years on the University Senate Executive Committee, has been elected as SenEx's new chairwoman.
"I know that this semester will be challenging, but I look forward to it." Hawkins said.
Hawkins, a librarian at Spencer Research Library, was elected in December by the members of SenEx. The previous chairman, Mohamed El-Hodiri, professor of economics, resigned to do a project in Russia.
Provost David Shulenburger said he was pleased Hawkins would take over the position.
"She has been a most able and diligent participant in faculty governance and is certainly up to speed on the many pressing issues facing us this year." Shulenburger said.
Hawkins came to the University in 1970 as a science cataloger with the libraries. She became assistant personnel director for the libraries in 1974. From 1976 to 1983, she was assistant dean of the libraries.
In 1983, she became assistant dean for public services, a position she held until 1994 when she began her current job at Spencer Research Library.
SenEx, a group of 13 faculty, staff and students, sets the agenda for University Council and University Senate, which pass policy proposals affecting the University community. Chancellor Robert Hemenway has final approval of SenEx decisions.
Student and Faculty Senate only make decisions concerning their
respective groups. SenEx differs in that its policies can affect the entire University.
Two important issues that SenEx will work on this semester are intellectual property rights and program review, Hawkins said.
The proposal has suggested departmental self-study and external review of programs as ways to improve the University's academic program, Hawkins said.
Program review is key, Hawkins said, because the University must prepare a proposal for evaluating its own academic programs by March, and SenEx must give feedback about this proposal by Feb. 13.
Intellectual property rights is a pressing issue at the University because of the increase in distance learning and questions about ownership of electronic courses, Hawkins said.
Chancellor retreats to country
Peace sought in cabin at Lone Star Lake
By Brandon Copple Kansan staff writer
If he is not at the office, not at home and cannot be found, Chancellor Robert Hemenway might well be at the lake house, reading a book or playing cards with his kids.
Hoping to establish a refuge, a private place off campus and away from the pressure of running a big state university, Hemenway and his wife Leah have purchased a cabin at Lone Star Lake southwest of Lawrence.
"When I first came to KU, a friend of mine, a former university president, told me I'd need to find a retreat, a place to go and think." Hemenway said.
"At first I didn't think much about it, but after two and a half
years, I understand. It's a high-pressure job," he said.
And the pressure rarely lets up. Hemenway works at least 65 hours a week, and he lives on campus in the chancellor's home. The Outlook.
Everybody knows who lives in the big white house, and nothing keeps people from dropping by. Mary Burg, the chancellor's executive assistant, said it was not uncommon for students to stop by late in the evening.
"Students come to his door all the time, and he always tries to invite them in to visit, if that's what they want to do," she said.
Living on campus and working long hours also makes it tough for Hemenway to spend time with his two boys, Zack, 14, and Arna, 10.
The chancellor said he hoped the Lone Star cabin will be a good place for spending time with his children.
"We wanted a place to be alone
Andrew Rohrback / KANSAN
with the boys before they get to the age where they're not at home as much." Hemenway said.
The cabin is sparsely furnished,
but livable and, besides, the chancellor's plans probably will not require any Persian rugs.
"I contemplate sitting on the dock, doing some reading and spending some time with the family," he said. "If I can do those things, I'll be satisfied."