MINUTES OF THE FACULTY MEETING -- MAY 24, 2005

ATTENDEES: D. Boucias, M. Branham, E. Buss, J. Capinera, P. Choate, J. Cuda, D. Dickson, T. Fasulo, J. Foltz, H. Frank, J. Gillett, D. Hall, G. Hall, A. Hodges, M. Hoy, P. Kaufman, B. Kern (via video conference), O. Liburd, J. Maruniak, H. McAuslane, M. Scharf, J. Stimac, C. Tucker, G. White.

Meeting convened at 10:05

Capinera announced that the meeting was being video-conferenced as a trial run to see how the online video-conference (polycom) works; Bill Kern participated from Ft. Lauderdale. If transmission was successful we will transmit Gainesville faculty meetings statewide on a regular basis, and encourage two-way statewide participation.

Capinera announced that the department had received a large donation of insect specimens from all over the world, courtesy of Russell Hill of Pensacola. They are in three cabinets containing Cornell Drawers located in the back of room 2216. They are excellent for showing the diversity of insects, the evolution of form, etc. Myrna and Nick have the key to access them. They are not to leave the Cornell drawers (i.e., do not handle them) or the building, please, or they will be damaged. Other insects, principally Lepidoptera, are available in Riker mounts, and these can be borrowed for school visits, etc., as they are much less likely to be damaged by transport. The latter are housed in the wood cabinets of 2216.

Myrna is setting up a meeting to discuss importation of insects for biological control (meeting has been set for 10:30, Tuesday, May 31). We need to hear from faculty that have had negative experiences in this area. Dr. Jones has agreed to communicate our issues in Washington, so we need to have some specific issues outlined.

The first royalty check has been received from the publication of the Encyclopedia of Entomology (about $14,000). We had about $6,000 in royalties from other publications allowing us to establish a new student endowment. The department also has received an endowment from Dave Williams for a student support, which will be separate from the royalties received from publications and is earmarked for urban entomology.

We have several faculty who have received promotions: Tom Fasulo to Senior Associate, William Overholt to Associate Professor, and Oscar Liburd to Associate Professor.

Capinera passed out a copy of an article on the mental health of graduate students and the increase of students suffering from depression. He then introduced Dr. Jim Probert, a Licensed Psychologist from the Student Health Care Center, to present information on what we can do to detect the warning signs of depression, and to help students. Dr. Probert stated that there has been an increase in the number of students coming forward to seek help. He also stated that the suicide rate at UF has increased in the last few years. Some of the warning signs are noticeable change in behavior, social isolation, no interest in activities, and preoccupation with death. He suggested that the best thing we can do to help is listen, empathize, and acknowledge the stress that the student is under. If anyone hints that they are thinking about suicide you need to talk to them about it and also call the Suicide Intervention Center. Dr. Probert said that we should try to motivate the student to seek help. He also stated that some students drink alcohol to avoid their problems but it only makes things worse. If the student becomes violent and abusive you need to call UPD or Student Services. We need to become more sensitive and listen to these students. Communication with these students is very important. Support for student mental health is available immediately when requested.

Capinera introduced Dr. Graham White who gave an update on deployed war fighter protection from disease carrying insects program. Dr. White was hired temporarily to be the liaison between the Department of Defense and the USDA on the research of vector diseases, and is employed by the Department. He stated that out of 47 grant pre-proposals, 18 were selected and 8 were funded. Two of these were awarded to faculty in the department, Dr. Phil Koehler and Dr. Mike Scharf. The program has been awarded $5 million/year for the next three years, though the program will likely run longer.

A vote was taken on individuals to be appointed to affiliate and graduate faculty. Dr. Paul Goldstein and Dr. Jacqueline Miller were voted on for affiliate and graduate faculty. Votes were unanimous for both. Dr. Phillip Kaufman was unanimously voted to be appointed to the graduate faculty.

Norm Leppla announced that the Departmental Retreat to discuss the upcoming review would be held on June 28 and 29.

There will be no faculty meeting in June.

Meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon.