The minutes of the May 2, 2006 meeting of the Faculty Senate were approved as corrected.

II. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson

Dr. Börger-Greco thanked senators for participation in a successful commencement held May 13. She also thanked Dr. Carol Phillips for her years of valuable service in Senate and wished her well in her upcoming retirement.

III. Report of the Student Senate President

None.

IV. Report of the Graduate Student Organization

None.

V. Report of the Administrative Officers

Executive Assistant to the President Phillips

Executive Assistant to the President Phillips commented that a very successful summer program is underway.

Provost Prabhu

Provost Prabhu thanked Dr. Phillips for her hard work and strong leadership on campus. Dr. Prabhu also noted that summer enrollments are excellent.

VI. Faculty Emeritus

None.

VII.Task Force on Future Directions for Major Campus Lectures and Events

Dr. Carol Phillips distributed an updated version of the report from the Task Force on Future Directions for Major Campus Lectures and Events [see Attachment #1]. She noted that Senate provided positive feedback at the last meeting and work is already underway on upcoming co-curricular activities relating to the Citizenship theme. She highlighted the revisions to membership based on recommendations given at the last Senate meeting. Faculty representation on the University Theme Committee will be elected by Faculty Senate rather than appointed by the Provost. School Deans and the Chairs of the Women’s Commission and Commission on Cultural Diversity were also added. A Saunders/West motion to endorse the Task Force recommendation of the purpose, objectives and membership of the University Theme committee and to remove the University Theme Committee section from the Faculty Senate Bylaws was approved without dissent.

VIII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees

Academic Policies

Senator West returned two proposals to Senate for consideration. The first proposal addressed removal of students from courses for which pre-requisites were not met [see Attachment #2]. The proposal had been modified to specify that the professor should notify both the Registrar and the student by the end of the drop period. The proposed policy regarding removal of students not meeting course pre-requisites was approved without dissent.

The second proposal was to modify the policy on taking less-advanced courses to allow students to repeat courses in order to improve their overall GPA as needed for graduation or competency requirements [see Attachment #3]. Dr. Robert Smith expressed concern from Mathematics that this policy places the focus on grades rather than learning. He expressed fear that it will also create an environment where upper-level students fill seats in already-crowded lower courses, keeping early-career students from getting into classes they need. He further reiterated that this policy circumvents good advising of students to repeat courses for the purpose of mastering content. Senator DeCaria also expressed that Earth Sciences was not able to support this proposal.

A question raised was why the proposed change is needed. Senator West commented that it addresses the needs of only a few students. A further reminder was made that the policy does specify that each request would have to be approved by the appropriate department chair. It was noted that advising has already helped improve early awareness among BSE students regarding GPA requirements. The question of defining less-advanced courses was raised again. It was noted that these can be defined within a department and enforced in the Banner registration system. The proposed policy allowing students to repeat a less-advanced course in order to raise GPA to meet graduation or competency requirements was defeated. One supporter commented that their vote was cast based on the fact that the policy does allow departmental chairs to deny student requests.

UCPRC/GCPRC

First Readings

(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
BIOL 360: Histology, 4 credits. Proposal to create course to study cellular architecture and cell and tissue function in mammalian systems.

(2) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
WSSD 390: Athletic Training Techniques with Surface Anatomy, 3 credits. Proposal to create course to introduce fundamental principles and basic techniques used by Certified Athletic Trainers.

(3) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 140: Bio-Related Technologies, 3 credits. Proposal to create course to introduce technologies used in the study of living organisms.

A question was raised about the content of lab work for Bio-Related Technology. The response was that lab experiences and activities would be integrated with lecture content.

(4) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 291: Foundations of Technology Education. Proposal to revise course objectives to meet accreditation expectations.

(5) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 391: Curriculum and Instruction in Technology Education. Proposal to revise course objectives to meet accreditation expectations.

(6) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 435: Manufacturing Enterprise, 3 credits. Proposal to create course to explore the processes required to take a product from concept to market.

(7) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 491: Seminar in Technology Education. Proposal to revise course objectives to meet accreditation expectations.

(8) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 496: Innovations and Design Methodologies, 2 credits. Proposal to create course to learn methodologies appropriate for teaching advanced innovation and design activities.

Senator Anna requested a waiver of the two-meeting rule for approval of these courses (3-8 above) to support changes to the Technology Education major that will bring it into compliance with the 126-credit mandate by fall 2006. An Anna/Bookmiller motion to waive the two-meeting rule for the six EDTE course proposals was approved without dissent.

(9) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
EDTE, Major in Technology Education. Proposal to change major to reduce credits to 126.

Senator Anna requested a waiver of the two-meeting rule for approval of this curriculum change (9) to bring the Technology Education major into compliance with the 126-credit mandate by fall 2006. An Anna/Bookmiller motion to waive the two-meeting rule for approval of the EDTE major in Technology Education was approved without dissent.

(10) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
THEA 312: The History and Principles of Stage Design, 3 credits. Proposal to give course G1 designation.

Dr. Tony Elliot requested a waiver of the two-meeting rule for this course (10 above) so that this designation would be in place for fall 2006. An Elliot/Gilani motion to waive the two-meeting rule for approval of THEA 312 as a G1 course was approved without dissent.

(11) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE/GRADUATE CURRICULUM
FORL, BSE French/German/Spanish and Post-Baccalaureate certification in French/German/Spanish. Joint proposal to require a minimum grade of a B- or better in the French/German/Spanish linguistics course.

Senator Moine commented that this requirement has been in the handbook and enforced by the Foreign Language department for several years. However, official documentation for the requirement apparently had not been approved previously. He requested a waiver of the two-meeting rule to make the change (11 above) officially effective in fall 2006. A Moine/Ward motion to waive the two-meeting rule for the FORL grade requirement in linguistics proposal was approved without dissent.

(12) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
SOAN Major in Sociology. Proposal to change course options for required related courses.

(13) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
SOAN, Major in Sociology, Criminology option. Proposal to change course options for required related courses.

Dr. Carrie Lee Smith requested a waiver of the two-meeting rule for approval of these changes (12 & 13 above). A Smith/Kevorkian motion to waive the two-meeting rule for the SOAN changes in course options was approved without dissent. It was noted that for the Major in Sociology students cannot get credit for both MATH 130 and MATH 235. The decision was made to modify the proposal to note that students are required to take either MATH 130 or MATH 235 rather than including MATH 235 as an option for required related courses. The need for waiving the two-meeting rule was questioned in light of the necessary changes. While the changes will not be included in the catalog, they may be implemented via Banner for the fall semester. Revised documentation would need to be submitted to Deans’ Council immediately in order to have the change considered for fall 2006.

(14) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
PHYS 331: Fundamentals of Optics, 2 credits. Proposal to create lab-based course in physical optics.

Senator Gilani requested a waiver of the two-meeting rule for this course (14 above) to meet budget deadlines for purchasing necessary equipment. A Gilani/Luek motion to waive the two-meeting rule for PHYS 331 was approved without dissent.

Concerns were raised about the number of course and curriculum proposals requesting a two-meeting waiver at this meeting. It was pointed out that this creates a burden on UCPRC to review a large number of proposals during the last weeks of the semester. Dr. Prabhu also commented that forwarding so many proposals to Deans’ Council at this point makes it difficult for them to give a quality review of the proposals. He encouraged faculty not to let this be a pattern. Senator White noted that UCPRC intends to adhere to a tighter deadline schedule in the future and asked that senators relay this to departments. Dr. Phillips further noted that it is difficult to adequately communicate to students the implications of late changes since they cannot be included in the catalog. It was recommended that Senate revisit the issue of establishing a timeline for course approvals.

IX. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees

None.

X. Proposed Courses and Programs

Proposals with 2-Meeting Rule Waived (*numbers match First Readings)

(3*) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 140: Bio-Related Technologies, 3 credits. Proposal to create course to introduce technologies used in the study of living organisms was approved without dissent.

(4*) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 291: Foundations of Technology Education. Proposal to revise course objectives to meet accreditation expectations was approved without dissent.

(5*) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 391: Curriculum and Instruction in Technology Education. Proposal to revise course objectives to meet accreditation expectations was approved without dissent.

(6*) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 435: Manufacturing Enterprise, 3 credits. Proposal to create course to explore the processes required to take a product from concept to market was approved without dissent.

(7*) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 491: Seminar in Technology Education. Proposal to revise course objectives to meet accreditation expectations was approved without dissent.

(8*) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDTE 496: Innovations and Design Methodologies, 2 credits. Proposal to create course to learn methodologies appropriate for teaching advanced innovation and design activities was approved without dissent.

(9*) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
EDTE, Major in Technology Education. Proposal to change major to reduce credits to 126 was approved with one dissenting vote.

(10*) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
THEA 312: The History and Principles of Stage Design, 3 credits. Proposal to give course G1 designation was approved without dissent.

(11*) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE/GRADUATE CURRICULUM
FORL, BSE French/German/Spanish and Post-Baccalaureate certification in French/German/Spanish. Joint proposal to require a minimum grade of a B- or better in the French/German/Spanish linguistics course was approved without dissent.

(12*) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
SOAN Major in Sociology. Proposal to change course options for required related courses amended to reflect requirement for either MATH 130 or MATH 235 was approved without dissent.

(13*) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
SOAN, Major in Sociology, Criminology option. Proposal to change course options for required related courses was approved without dissent.

(14*) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
PHYS 331: Fundamentals of Optics, 2 credits. Proposal to create lab-based course in physical optics was approved without dissent.

Second Readings

(1) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC 241: Drafting Communications. Proposal to update curriculum to meet recommendations for accreditation was approved without dissent.

(2) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC 245: Descriptive Geometry, 3 credits. Proposal to create course dedicated to the fundamentals of graphical mathematics and projection theory was approved without dissent.

(3) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC 342(242): Computer-Aided Engineering Drawing. Proposal to redesign course to concentrate on computer-aided engineering drafting and solids modeling was approved without dissent.

(4) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC 345: Statics, 3 credits. Proposal to create course covering elementary, analytical and practical approaches to the principles and physical concepts of statics was approved without dissent.

(5) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC 445: Design for Manufacture and Assembly, 3 credits. Proposal to create course that deals with methodologies and tools to define product development phases was approved without dissent.

(6) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC, BS CADD Technology option. Proposal to include 2 specialization areas, 3 new courses and 2 modified courses was approved without dissent.

(7) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC, AT CADD Technology option. Proposal to include 3 new courses and 2 modified courses was approved without dissent.

(8) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC, BS Mechanical option. Proposal to renumber course and add student selection of ITEC 448/445 was approved without dissent.

A DeCaria/Wismer motion to approve all the remaining ITEC proposals collectively was approved without dissent.

(9) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC, AT Mechanical option. Proposal to renumber course and add elective of ITEC 445 was approved without dissent.

(10) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC, BS Manufacturing option. Proposal to add ITEC 445 as technical elective was approved without dissent.

(11) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC, BS General Tech option. Proposal to add ITEC 342, 345 as technical options electives and ITEC 445 as acceptable R&D elective course was approved without dissent.

(12) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC, AT Manufacturing option. Proposal to add ITEC 445 as technical elective was approved without dissent.

(13) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC minor, CADD Technology option. Proposal to include 2 new courses (ITEC 345, 445) as electives and modify 2 existing courses was approved without dissent.

(14) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC minor, Mechanical Technology option. Proposal to add ITEC 445 as elective was approved without dissent.

(15) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ESCI, Meteorology minor. Proposal to be more aligned with BS in Meteorology and provide flexibility was approved without dissent.

(16) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ESCI 443: Climate Dynamics, 3 credits. Proposal to create course that gives a comprehensive treatment of the components of the climate system. Required course for Meteorology majors was approved without dissent.

(17) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ESCI, BS Oceanography. Proposal to rename to BS Ocean Sciences and Coastal Studies and revise options.

A question was raised regarding whether this proposal contained a hidden pre-requisite of ESCI 221 needed to take ESCI 362. It was also noted that students cannot opt to take PHYS 131/132 if PHYS 232 is required to ESCI 364. Senator DeCaria will return these proposals to Senate in the fall with these issues addressed. It was also pointed out that this name change cannot be used until the Chancellor’s Office is notified.

(18) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ESCI 467: Engineering Applications in the Coastal Zone, 3 credits. Proposal to create course covering application of coastal processes and engineering practices. Required course for BS Ocean Sciences and Coastal Studies majors was approved without dissent.

The currency of resources for ESCI 467 was questioned. Senator White responded that UCPRC addressed this and the older texts listed will also be supplemented with current journal articles. It was suggested that some of these articles be added to the proposal.

(19) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
PHYS BSE. Proposal to waive Perspectives requirement in General Education to meet 126-credit limitation was approved with several dissentions.

The concern was raised that General Education requirements are different for some students due to numerous exemptions of Perspective courses. Recent Gen Ed discussions highlighted strong support of P courses and support of uniform Gen Ed requirements for all students. There was recognition of the inconsistency between these general views and the need to find ways to trim curriculums to meet the 126-credit limitation for BSE students. It was noted that the recommendation for waiving P course requirements for students in the sciences is based on the idea that these students already take courses across several disciplines.

(20) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
CSCI 426: Adaptive Technologies, 4 credits. Proposal to create course covering adaptive technologies for the disabled was approved without dissent.

(21) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
SPED 312: Serving Individuals with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings, 3 credits. Proposal to create course covering special education for ELED majors was approved without dissent.

(22) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE/GRADUATE CURRICULUM
FORL, BSE French/German/Spanish and Post-Baccalaureate certification in French/German/Spanish. Joint proposal to require passing oral proficiency interview with at least an Advanced Low Level was approved without dissent.

A request was made to specify that students must achieve at least an Advanced Low Level score on the oral proficiency interview. A question raised was whether students receive any financial aid for the cost of taking this exam. It was noted that there is currently some help available although the cost of the exam is no different than the cost of textbooks for courses.

XI. Other/New Business

None.

XII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Aimee L. Miller
Faculty Senate Secretary

Action Summary