I. Minutes of previous meetings
II. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
When asked about the percentage of faculty who normally participate in APSCUF votes, Dr. Heintzelman indicated that a higher than usual turnout is expected in April since there is potential for a strike authorization vote. She also responded that the rationale for needing greater input from faculty on instituting an Honor Code was shared at Meet & Discuss. She indicated that APSCUF is concerned that junior faculty might be pressured by senior faculty during a vote taken at the departmental level. It was pointed out that the plans for collecting votes allow for anonymous voting or that a double-envelope system could be used to address this concern. It was further clarified that there appears to be an issue of whether Senate or APSCUF is responsible for conducting this vote. The possibility of multiple polling stations on campus was raised as a way to increase faculty participation in voting.
The question of needing a majority of eligible votes rather than a majority of votes cast was revisited. It was noted that the specification for support from the majority of faculty was based on the fact that the success of an Honor Code System is dependent on significant faculty buy-in on campus. Concern was expressed about whether the need to maintain current voting practices is important if appropriate alternatives are possible. Dr. Heintzelman was asked whether there are additional concerns from APSCUF that have not yet been shared with Senate. She indicated that there were also concerns that Senate may also take over voting on items like the General Education proposal and that the Honor Code System is not a curriculum issue.
A Mowrey/Wismer motion to table the issue of voting on the Honor Code System was approved with one abstaining vote.
III. Report of the Student Senate President
Several questions raised by faculty were addressed: dance studios will be moved to the basement level, Brooks Hall classrooms will be retained, lounge spaces should appeal to commuting students. Additional discussion was held regarding how to ensure that the facility is beneficial to non-traditional students. A suggestion made was offering family access to the fitness facility. Dr. Prabhu noted that the needs of non-traditional students are being considered carefully across campus. No other fees should be affected by this project, and graduate students would only be affected if they pay this fee currently. Concern was expressed about putting off the increased fee until so late in the project since the students making the decision about the increased fee will not be the ones required to pay it. Mr. Moyer indicated that the delay avoids charging students more before they have access to the improved space. A gradually increasing fee that parallels completion of various phases was suggested. A question was raised regarding the role of Student Services Inc. for the renovated SMC. Mr. Robert Slabinski responded that they would continue to manage the space as they do currently. However, he pointed out that the planned Sports Education Center encompassing Brooks Hall would be instructional. It is intended primarily for intramural use and could potentially tie in closely with the Wellness department. Concern was raised about where events will move during the renovation process. It was shared that this has not been completely addressed yet but will be considered by the architects.
IV. Report of the Graduate Student Organization
V. Report of the Administrative Officers
Provost Prabhu distributed a timetable for the upcoming Middle States accreditation process. [see Attachment #1] He noted that subcommittees are needed to address each of the 14 standards specified by MS. He highlighted the new Institutional Assessment and Assessment of Student Learning as important overarching standards. He also pointed out the new General Education standard. Dr. Prabhu reminded faculty that Millersville does a good job of carefully considering new programs, like the FYE, for implementation.
However, he indicated that in order to be prepared for MS, we will likely need to move forward with programming under consideration with the understanding that changes can be made as needed.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Associate Provost Burns reminded faculty of upcoming campus visits by candidates for the position of Assistant Vice President for Institutional Planning and Assessment. He encouraged faculty to attend and ask questions. Dr. Burns also reminded faculty that it is not too late to plan for DL courses to be offered in the summer.
Follow up was requested on the issue of errors in online registration information being posted. It was noted that some chairs received old schedules to review instead of the current information. Dr. Burns replied that discussions are underway on how to make this process run smoothly and allow adequate review. He noted that some departments did not return reviewed information. The need for accuracy in the posted course information was stressed. The potential impact on graduate students was noted in particular since they take fewer courses and have significant scheduling considerations to accommodate.
Another question raised was whether the agreed upon cap of 30 students in writing courses would be firm. Dr. Prabhu noted that the cap is 30 + 10% which is really 33 and is generally checked with the department. Concern was expressed about the Registrar automatically adding extra students into these courses since it conflicts with additions being made manually by faculty. It was pointed out that faculty or departments are able to best discern when it is appropriate to add students based on their situation. There was vigorous opposition expressed to the administrative requirement of a cap of 33 rather than the 30 agreed to at Meet & Discuss.
VI. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
Senator Warmkessel distributed an updated Proposal for Revised Gen Ed Curriculum with changes from faculty feedback and discussions in Senate. [see Attachment #2] She noted that a motion would be brought to the next meeting regarding a vote on the proposal. A document was also distributed regarding methods for integrating revision into writing assignments. [see Attachment #3] This is meant to be shared with colleagues.
UCPRC
Senator White noted that there is only one remaining meeting of UCPRC where course proposals will be considered for Fall 2007. Faculty are also encouraged to bring DL course review proposals.
First Readings
(1) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BA INTL majors. Proposal to update the International Studies program.
(2)CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BA INTL minors. Proposal to update the International Studies program.
(3) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
COMM 311: Environmental Advocacy, 3 credits, G1. Proposal to create a course to explore how citizens and public groups influence policies and practices affecting natural and human environments.
(4) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ENGL 483: Politics, Film and Electronic Media. Proposal to add a P designation.
(5) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ELED 376: Assessment for Instructional Planning. Proposal to add a W designation.
AOAC
Senator White reported that issues of oral communication, technical competency and scientific reasoning are being worked on. She noted plans for random testing of scientific reasoning and an upcoming survey regarding technology.
APC
Senator Luek noted that at the last meeting she had expressed concern about the proposed form of determining GPA for Latin Honors. However, upon review of the proposal, she is now in favor of the proposed revisions. The proposed revisions to Latin Honors were approved without dissent.
Honors College
It was noted that regular students must complete a semester abroad in order to satisfy Perspective requirement for General Education and that this is different than the proposal presented for Honors College students. The proposal allowing Honors College students to satisfy their Honors Perspectives requirement with 3 hours of study abroad was approved with one abstaining vote.
VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
VIII. Proposed Courses and Programs
(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
GOVT 361: The Politics of Race and Ethnicity, 3 credits, G3. Proposal to create a course to examine the role of racial and ethnic minority groups in American politics was approved without dissent.
IX. Faculty Emeritus
X. General Education Review Committee
XI. Other/New Business
XII. Adjournment
Respectfully submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Faculty Senate Secretary