II. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
A question was raised on the status of the vote on the Honor Code Proposal. Dr. Börger-Greco responded that she was not yet certain but would report on this soon. She noted that if the proposal passed, senators should review the full proposal for discussion in the fall. A concern was raised that some faculty members were not able to vote on some issues because of confusion over the different voting schedule for different issues. It was reported that some poll workers mistakenly indicated that voting on all items would be possible on Thursday.
Dr. Prabhu noted that APSCUF at the state level reported that the Strike Authorization vote passed.
III. Report of the Student Senate President
IV. Report of the Graduate Student Organization
V. Report of the Administrative Officers
Provost Prabhu encouraged faculty in their efforts finishing up the semester. He also noted that no comments may be made regarding the federal lawsuit filed against Millersville due to FERPA regulations. However, he stressed that the Administration is committed to supporting the academic standards and policies set by the Faculty. When questioned about the charge, Dr. Prabhu indicated that some information is available publicly via the Federal Court or in the media. He emphasized that only the student’s viewpoint has been presented since Millersville is not able to comment on the case. He noted that Millersville has issued a statement denying all allegations. Dr. Prabhu also highlighted that implementation of the revised General Education program is proposed for Fall 2008 and related issues will be coming up soon.
A question was raised about whether review is necessary for EDWs offered in DL format. Dr. Burns responded that if the EDW was originally approved as DL, no further review is needed but that his office is able to clarify this issue for specific courses if requested.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Associate Provost Burns reported that he is meeting individually with chairs regarding the Transfer Articulation legislation. He also encouraged faculty interested in the FYE Program and Learning Communities to attend the May 3 workshop.
Interim Assistant Provost Redmond
Interim Assistant Provost Redmond from the Division of Academic Support Programs and Learning Services noted that an outside consultant has looked into our AIM for Success program. An advisory committee made up of representatives from the three schools will be recommending and reviewing courses and delivery of services for spring and summer of 2008.
VI. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
Senator White requested that senators remind department chairs to return responses to the technical assessment information survey.
UCPRC
Senator White shared that the timeline for course proposal reviews set out and supported by Senate worked well this year. She noted that online courses to be approved for next winter session should be submitted soon.
First Readings
(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
GEOG 395: Advanced Geographic Information Systems, 4 credits. Proposal to create a course to provide advanced experience with GIS concepts and software.
(2) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC 281: Processing Metallic Materials. Proposal to revise course description, objectives and outline.
(3) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC 382(486): Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining. Proposal to change the course number from ITEC 486 and to revise course description, objectives and outline.
(4) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC 483: Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), 3 credits. Proposal to create a course investigating the form of automation that creates the link between computer-aided design and automated production systems.
(5) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC 485: Advanced Manufacturing Systems. Proposal to revise course description, objectives and outline.
(6) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BS ITEC, Manufacturing Technology and General Industrial Technology options. Proposal to change required and elective courses.
(7) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
AT ITEC, Manufacturing Technology and Mechanical Technology options. Proposal to change required and elective courses.
(8) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC minor, Manufacturing Technology and General Industrial Technology options. Proposal to change elective courses.
(9) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BSE EDTE. Proposal to change elective courses.
APC
Senator West distributed a proposal related to the PASSHE commonality issues for a minor refinement in the credits that determine classification of academic progress and standing.
GCPRC
Senator Mowrey distributed a proposal to specify membership of GCPRC as Graduate Degree Program Coordinators rather than Graduate Program Coordinators in light of the increasing number of total graduate programs. A question was raised about adequate representation of these programs. Dr. Mowrey responded that GCPRC is concerned that all programs have a voice and be appropriately represented and suggested formation of a broader group for that. She noted that separate graduate activities related to recognition of honors students and certification students are being implemented. Dr. Prabhu suggested the inclusion of an At-Large member representing Post-Baccalaureate and Certification programs. It was noted, however, that there is no collective meeting of this group and it is unclear how best to represent their interests effectively. It was pointed out that some members of GCPRC are very aware of needs of these students but that a workable approach for representation is needed.
GERC
Senator Warmkessel thanked Senate for the support and feedback that went into the revision of the General Education curriculum. She also gave special recognition to the hard work of GenEd Task Force members, GERC members and Dr. Frederick Foster-Clark. She distributed a report from the Implementation Sub-Committee with the recommendation that APC oversee this. Dr. Foster-Clark highlighted the expedited review process proposed for approval of W and D courses in light of the revised GenEd curriculum. He also pointed out the proposed periodic review of W, D and P courses to ensure that courses continue to meet objectives. He noted that UCPRC sub-committees including members with expertise in writing would do the review of W courses, UCPRC would make the final approval and Senate would be informed without needing to vote on each course. He mentioned that First-Year Perspective (FYP) courses would also be handled similarly with representation from the FYE program. However, persons proposing an FYP course would meet with FYE representatives to present their course. Dr. Foster-Clark pointed out the schedule proposed for departments to undergo review of W and D courses over the next two years and for recertification of W, D and P courses that will coincide with the regular 5-year Program Review cycle. A Warmkessel/Edeh Herr motion to forward the Implementation Proposal to Academic Policies Committee was approved with one dissenting vote.
VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
Senator Mowrey also distributed changes to the Graduate Faculty Status proposed by Dr. Phillips as part of the revision and reformatting the Governance Manual. It was pointed out that some issues considered minor by the administration, like the change of “guidelines” to “qualifications” could potentially be very significant. Dr. Prabhu commented that the Governance Manual online is currently out of date. Dr. A. Miller acknowledged the need for updates but expressed concern that proposed changes to these documents be considered carefully and approved appropriately by faculty before being put online. It was noted that the proposed documents also include approval dates that are not accurate. Dr. Burns responded that the documents are being transitioned from an html format to a Word/PDF document and that the dates were included as placeholders. He indicated that the new format will allow for a searchable index that can be readily linked and updated. Dr. Mowrey noted that the proposed recommendation to separate out smaller sections of information like the graduate faculty status out of GCPRC also creates a potential for a loss of organization over time. She suggested that links would allow searches to be directed to appropriate information wherever it is within the Governance Manual. A request was made for the administration to post the current, approved language perhaps with a note that it is under review.
VIII. Proposed Courses and Programs
(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ENGL 445: The Short Story: Its History, Development, and Genres, 3 credits, G1. Proposal to create a course to explore development of the short story genre that counts towards the Genre requirement in the major was approved without dissent.
(2) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BA GEOG, Applied option. Proposal to add 4 credits of calculus or pre-calculus to the Required Related courses.
It was noted that some credit inconsistencies on the accompanying major curriculum sheet. A Mollah/Kevorkian motion to approve the change to the BA GEOG, Applied option contingent on correction of the program credits listed was approved without dissent.
(3) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
MATH 393: Number Theory. Proposal to change the prerequisite from MATH 322: Linear Algebra to the more appropriate MATH 310: Math Proof was approved without dissent.
(1) NEW GRADUATE COURSE
ENGL 645: The Short Story: Its History, Development, and Genres, 3 credits. Proposal to create a course to explore development of the short story genre was approved without dissent.
The ITEC proposal to recognize OSEH and ITEC/EDTE as separate departments for the purpose of counting General Education courses was approved by a vote of 11 yes, 11 no and a tie-breaking yes vote from Senate Chair.
IX. Faculty Emeritus
X. Other/New Business
The meeting was adjourned at 5:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Faculty Senate Secretary