As the semester nears its end, the University Faculty Senate yesterday looked at the year's accomplishments and discussed plans for the future.

"It is impossible to compile or summarize the accomplishments of the last year -- there are too many," said University President Joab Thomas, adding that the outstanding leadership of the faculty was the most important ingredient in the University's continuing success.

John A. Brighton, chairman of the University Future Committee, agreed the University had a successful year. He said the future committee was working hard as a team to bring about changes for the good of the University.

The effect of these changes on faculty concerned the committee, Executive Vice President and Provost Brighton said, stressing that personnel reductions would come from eliminating open positions.

The proposed changes have been an important part of faculty senate business, said James Smith, senate chairman. The changes will be included in a future committee report to be completed in May, he added.

The committee has "preoccupied much of our attention," Smith said.

Brighton agreed, adding that although the committee has worked hard they are just beginning.

"What makes it worthwhile is having the opportunity to improve," Brighton said. "We are re-looking at what our mission is, and what we are as a University."

The committee has taken a critical look at spending University resources, Brighton said. It also has been working on assessment and instructional improvement in undergraduate education, Brighton said.

Task forces for the life sciences, material sciences and environmental studies programs were also recommended by the committee, he said.

Improvements in recruitment, admissions and fund raising in the Commonwealth Educational System were also discussed at the senate meeting.

The changes were part of an open process, Brighton said.

"We have done everything we thought we could to keep people informed," Brighton said.