I. Minutes of previous meetings
The minutes of the November 29, 2005 special meeting of the Faculty Senate were approved.
II. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
She noted administrative approval for the following curriculum changes:
IV. Report of the Graduate Student Organization
V. Report of the Administrative Officers
Dr. McNairy expressed concern that so few faculty are scheduled to participate in winter commencement. She noted that Millersville students have great respect for their faculty and appreciate our presence at commencement. It is also a way of marking the importance of this accomplishment, particularly for our many first-generation and non-traditional students. Dr. McNairy also commented that the First Friday faculty gathering was successful this fall and is planned for two dates in the spring semester.
Executive Assistant to the President Phillips
Executive Assistant to the President Phillips invited faculty to attend a special meeting on January 26 planned by the American Democracy Steering Committee. At this meeting, results will be presented from their audit of civic engagement. Dr. Phillips also reminded faculty that exam week is the 15th instructional week in the semester and that all classes must meet during this time.
VI. Faculty Emeritus
None.
VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
(1) CHANGE IN COURSE/CURRICULUM
B.A. PHYS Nanotechnology option: Proposal to introduce a Physics B.A. degree with an option in nanotechnology.
(2) CHANGE IN COURSE/CURRICULUM
B.S. CHEM Nanotechnology option: Proposal to introduce a Chemistry B.S. degree with an option in nanotechnology.
(3) CHANGE IN COURSE/CURRICULUM
BIOL Marine Biology option: Proposal to move BIOL375 Biometry from elective to required block.
An additional issue was brought to Senate by the UCPRC. A proposal submitted for online delivery of BUAD 452 during the winter session had already been approved by the department and school curriculum committee. However, it was necessary to act on this proposal immediately because the current CBA specifies a 30-day period for approval of distance learning proposals. A White/Edeh motion to approve BUAD 452 for online delivery as proposed passed without dissent.
Discussion followed regarding the need to address how to accommodate this short time frame for approval of distance learning proposals in the future. Several suggestions included UCPRC Chair providing an abbreviated review for Senate or electronic distribution of proposals to allow sufficient time for consideration. This issue will need to be addressed in Meet & Discuss so that an expedited approval process can be developed.
University Honors College
A proposal was distributed to Senate regarding the need to concretize the implementation of priority registration for University Honors College (UHC) students [see Attachment #1]. Steve Miller commented that recently UHC registration has been assigned for the same time as general senior registration and after eligible senior athletes. The proposal that UHC registration begin prior to regular registration but not later than eligible senior athletes nor earlier than students with special needs identified by Learning Services was approved without dissent.
Some discussion was held regarding priority registration for UHC students. It was noted that this practice is necessary to enable these students to complete the UHC requirements that are largely General Education courses. It was also commented that this also serves as a reward for the commitment of the UHC students to high academic achievement at Millersville.
VIII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
IX. Proposed Courses and Programs
Second Readings
(1) CHANGE IN COURSE/CURRICULUM
B.A. in PHYS: Requirement for PHYS 266 Electronics, 3 credits. Proposal to include Electronics in all Physics B.A. degrees was approved without dissent.
X. General Education Task Force
Elementary and Early Childhood Education expressed concern that current PDE review would significantly impact their ability to adequately consider the General Education proposals. It was noted that all elementary education majors might soon be required to add 6 credits of special education courses to their requirements. A similar prospect for secondary education majors would add 12 credits of special education and TESL courses. It was noted that the mandate for 120 credits in any major may be circumvented to accommodate requirements from accrediting bodies which may address this issue.
Another concern raised was that the vision and mission statements for Millersville are currently being rewritten. It was noted that it would be difficult to review General Education proposals without that statement. However, Dr. Phillips commented that the core of the vision and mission statements should remain unchanged, allowing review of General Education to go forward.
XI. Other/New Business
XII. Adjournment
Respectfully submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Faculty Senate Secretary