The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Interdisciplinary Studies and Nursing.
I. Minutes of previous meeting
II. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
III. Report of the Student Senate President
Ms. Farrelly inquired about making textbook lists available online, noting that currently this information is not available until just before classes begin. Dr. Prabhu responded that new federal law now requires that textbook lists be made available with course schedules. He indicated that faculty cooperation will be needed for collecting and providing these lists to students. Several concerns were raised about how to make these lists available for the benefit of students while maintaining flexibility for faculty when choosing texts for classes. The need for making sure students are aware of possible changes after the initial posting was stressed. It was noted that other course materials, art supplies and trade paperbacks are not included. Dr. Sherlynn Bessick commented that it is difficult to prepare assistance for students with disabilities with only a short notice about textbook information.
IV. Report of the Graduate Student Association
V. Report of the Administrative Officers
Provost Prabhu reported that he and Mr. Bruszewski visited school councils to answer questions about budget issues. They are also willing to speak with other faculty groups as requested and will share at the next Faculty Senate meeting. Dr. Prabhu reminded faculty that the state budget will be discussed by the governor tomorrow. A question was raised about the difficulties students are encountering in securing funding. Dr. Prabhu responded that many lenders are no longer in existence and that endowments are down significantly. He noted that more will be known in April and May. He also indicated that Millersville will do what we can to assist students, including requesting that stimulus initiatives be used to support education. Concerns were raised about cuts in tutoring for Foreign Languages and at the Writing Center. Dr. Prabhu responded that he would check into these issues further.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Associate Provost Burns distributed information about upcoming undergraduate recruiting events and encouraged faculty to participate. [see Attachment #1] Senator Saunders commented on her experience with these events, highlighting the positive interaction faculty can have with potential students and their families. Interested faculty may contact Dr. Doug Zander to get involved.
Dr. Burns reported on discussions with the Registrar and IT about the possibility of photo rosters for classes. He indicated that setting these up seems feasible but implementation will take some time. It was noted that some online courses may specifically choose not to use these. It was noted that students had raised a question about whether these photos could be updated.
Dr. Burns noted that Spring Convocation is planned for February 19 and requested that faculty RSVP regarding attendance.
VI. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
Senator Sikora reported on the results of ASC hearings from January 2009. He indicated that use of a rubric helped maintain consistency among appeals. Dr. Sikora also noted that Campus Police were called in to deal with an aggressive student. The police will conduct building walkthroughs to help monitor future hearings. Dr. Sikora also reported that the committee is discussing the addition of two more student members and alternates.
UCPRC
First Readings
(1) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ECON, Political Economy, Financial, Economics option. Proposal to limit the required related course choices to MATH 151, 161 or 211.
(2) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
SPAN334: Spanish American Civilization II, 3 credits. Proposal to create a course covering the history and culture of the Spanish Americas from 1824 to contemporary times.
UCPRC also reported approval of the following courses for the D label: BIOL207, CHEM372, CSCI426, EDFN376, EDUC403, LATS201, MATH102, NURS360, PSYC318.
GERC
Dr. Fred Foster-Clark reminded senators that applications are being accepted for General Education Coordinator.
VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
VIII. Proposed Courses and Programs
(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
GOVT323: Government and Politics of the Middle East, 3 credits, G3, D. Proposal to create a course that examines Middle Eastern politics and the impact of national, economic, gender and religious perspectives was approved without dissent.
(2) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC303: Technology Assessment: The Amish and Others, 3 credits, P, D, web. Proposal to create a course to explore how the use of technology is assessed, contrasting the approach of certain Anabaptist groups to those of North Americans in general was approved without dissent.
IX. Faculty Emeriti
X. Election of Senate Officers
XI. Report on Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
XII. Discussion of Requirements for Serving as Chair of Faculty Senate Committees
XIII. Other/New Business
Meeting was adjourned at 5:37 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Secretary of the Senate