I. Minutes of previous meetings
II. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
Dr. Böger-Greco requested that Senator West describe upcoming changes to Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements. Dr. West indicated that there will be major changes to Elementary Education programs as the current K-6 certification will be divided into early and middle categories. She noted that there are also new course requirements for Secondary Education programs. It was stressed that it may be difficult to fit these into 120- or 126-credit programs even with an allowed increase of 3 credits. A comment was made that the credit limitation on programs was instated by PASSHE rather than PDE. Dr. McNairy noted that PASSHE is also dealing with how to meet the PDE requirements. It was pointed out that these changes must be implemented for students beginning in the fall of 2009. Dr. Prabhu noted that new programs must go to the Board of Governors meeting in January, 2009 for approval. He indicated that special meetings of curriculum bodies will likely be needed to meet this compressed time frame. Another comment was about the potential for changes to BSE degrees to impact BA degrees and General Education requirements. Faculty were invited to contribute ideas to meeting the PDE requirements.
III. Report of the Student Senate President
IV. Report of the Graduate Student Organization
V. Report of the Administrative Officers
President McNairy shared comments about the emergency responses over the last few weeks. She commended faculty, staff and students for their responses to these trying situations. Dr. McNairy indicated that a cautious approach was taken and that authorities will be investigating the student taken into custody. She highlighted the fact that several systems were overloaded but that the text messaging system worked well. Everyone is encouraged to enroll in this service. Ms. Terenzoni noted that there is poor reception for phones in some buildings. The availability of computers in classrooms was helpful for checking information through on Millersville University and WGAL websites. It was noted that the siren system is out for bids. Dr. McNairy encouraged everyone across campus to be aware of others around them and report any concerns to the police or Provost’s Office. She stressed that the decision to take action stemmed from serious concerns for the safety of the community. Discussion addressed how to make faculty aware of how to respond to student needs, whether buildings were locked and by whom, the need for all rooms to have a way to be locked from the inside and ways to inform police of a problem without alerting a threatening person. Senator White-Greenawalt shared concerns regarding not having clear safe locations in the library. Dr. McNairy commended the library staff and students for taking the calmest and wisest approach and agreed that advice on how to secure the library is needed.
Dr. McNairy reported that the fall convocation has been held on Thursday evenings in the past and conflicts with some classes. She indicated a desire to combine Convocation with the Garden Supper on Friday and asked for feedback. Several senators expressed enthusiasm for this idea as they often are unable to attend due to class schedules. It was noted that the 2009 Garden Party would be on September 11 and that some remembrance of the date will be planned.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Associate Provost Burns reminded faculty that the University Theme Committee is accepting proposals for the 2009-2011 theme. Ideas may be sent to Marie Zufelt.
VI. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
Senator White noted that 55 courses were submitted for W recertification. Of those, 16 are under review by the subcommittee, 16 have been approved and 39 remain to be considered. The following W recertifications were reported: ECON326, WSSD350, MUSI362, ESCI447, GEOG226, GEOG342, GOVT215, GOVT312, ECON225. She also reported that nine FYI courses have applied for approval and will be sent to the subcommittee. A question was raised about how many FYI classes are needed. Dr. Burns indicated that about 15 sections are planned. Dr. White indicated that the deadline for courses requesting the D label is April 4 for departments in the current review cycle.
First Reading
These proposals were distributed electronically for consideration as a first reading despite the cancelled March 18 meeting.
(1) NEW GRADUATE COURSE
SOWK608: Social Work Administration and Supervision, 3 credits. Proposal to introduce the knowledge and skills necessary to perform managerial and supervisory functions in public and private human services organizations.
(2) NEW GRADUATE COURSE
WSSD622: Sport Finance, 3 credits. Proposal to provide students with an improved understanding of sport finance issues.
GCPRC
Senator Mowrey briefly reviewed a proposal to add a +/- grading system to graduate courses. This proposal was distributed electronically for consideration as a first reading despite the cancelled March 18 meeting. [see Attachment #1]
Academic Policies Committee/General Education Review Committee
Senator West distributed the proposed General Education Curriculum document for review. [see Attachment #2]
VIII. Proposed Courses and Programs
(1) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BIOL: BS in Allied Health Technology. Proposal to create a new degree in Allied Health Technology with options in Medical Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Pre-Athletic Training and Respiratory Therapy was approved without dissent.
(2) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ANTH235: Historical Archeology, 3 credits, G3. Proposal to create a new course to study the methods and aims in historical archeology was approved without dissent.
(3) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
CSCI450: Artificial Intelligence. Proposal to add the general education W label was approved without dissent.
(4) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ENGL272: Introduction to Writing Studies, 3 credits, G1, W. Proposal to create a new course to study major areas of scholarship related to the practice of writing was approved without dissent.
Discussion was held about limited support for how the W requirement of “revised prose” is met. Senator Skinner responded that this retains flexibility in instruction but that the course studies the writing process used by the students themselves as well as writers. Senator White reiterated the sense from UCPRC that the specifications for the W are limited.
(5) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ENGL340: Visual Rhetoric, 3 credits, G1, W. Proposal to create a new course to study the use of visual design in communication was approved without dissent.
(6) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ENGL342: Reading and Writing for Civic Change, 3 credits, W. Proposal to create a new course to introduce the theory and practice of civic discourse as a means to effect change in communities was approved without dissent.
A question was raised about why an introductory course carries a 300-level number. It was clarified that the course introduces a specific field but is not a general introductory course.
(7) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ENGL466: Writing Studies Seminar: Special Topics, 3 credits, W. Proposal to create a new course to investigate topics in writing studies theory was approved without dissent.
A question about the revision process was addressed by explanation of several types of writing mentioned in the proposal. It was also noted that topics courses vary significantly.
(8) NEW GRADUATE COURSE
SOWK608: Social Work Administration and Supervision, 3 credits. Proposal to introduce the knowledge and skills necessary to perform managerial and supervisory functions in public and private human services organizations was approved without dissent.
An error in the agenda was noted, and it was clarified that this course is not repeatable.
(9) NEW GRADUATE COURSE
WSSD622: Sport Finance, 3 credits. Proposal to provide students with an improved understanding of sport finance issues was approved without dissent.
The proposal to implement the +/- grading system for graduate students was approved without dissent.
The Academic Honesty Policy rewording was approved without dissent. [see Attachment #3] A question was raised about whether this was relevant for undergraduate and graduate students. It was clarified that the intention was for this to be common language for all students and in all sources, including the online Governance and Policies, catalogs and brochure.
X. Spring 2009 Missing Monday
It was noted that APSCUF is working with the Administration to address this schedule. The idea of a 4-day exam schedule to allow the final day of classes to be held on Monday of exam week was discussed. [see Attachment #5] One concern mentioned was that more students may have three or more exams on a single day. Several senators indicated that they did not know how their department colleagues would respond. A Luek/A. Miller motion to recommend the 4-day exam schedule to APSCUF was defeated by 4 yes, 6 no and 12 abstaining votes. Senators were encouraged to send comments to John McLarnon before the Meet and Discuss scheduled for Friday.
XI. Other/New Business
Meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Secretary of the Senate