The meeting was called to order at 4:08 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Nursing.
I. Minutes of previous meeting
II. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
III. Report of the Student Senate President
IV. Report of the Graduate Student Association
V. Report of the Administrative Officers
President McNairy thanked Ms. Farrelly for her service as Student Senate President. Dr. McNairy outlined the current prediction of a $4.2 million shortfall for Millersville’s budget. She noted that no tenure or tenure-track positions will be lost but that equipment, travel, hours and one-time funds will be reviewed carefully. Dr. McNairy explained that tuition relief plans that will help with student enrollments are likely for fall 2010. A question was raised about funding for independent study. Dr. McNairy indicated that everything is being considered but there is more focus on expenses that do not affect student learning. She urged faculty to be conscientious about spending. Dr. McNairy commended the students and faculty who participated in presentation of research or visual arts last Friday. She also encouraged faculty to come celebrate graduation with our students.
Provost
Provost Prabhu noted that the option of a four-day exam schedule for spring 2010 will be discussed with students. He indicated that APSCUF and the Provost’s Office will work to alleviate issues related to students having more than three exams on any single day.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Associate Provost Burns extended thanks to faculty involved in drafting standards for the Middle States review. He noted that the intent is to have a Self-Study draft ready for campus in the fall. Dr. Burns also reported that Millersville has applied to the Engaging Departments Institute and noted that the Academic Theme Committee received four logos and nine activity proposals relating to the new theme.
VI. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
Associate Provost Burns extended thanks to faculty involved in drafting standards for the Middle States review. He noted that the intent is to have a Self-Study draft ready for campus in the fall. Dr. Burns also reported that Millersville has applied to the Engaging Departments Institute and noted that the Academic Theme Committee received four logos and nine activity proposals relating to the new theme.
First Readings
(1) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ANTH220: Ethnographic Methods. Proposal to add W label.
(2) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
BIOL390: Natural History of the Mid-Atlantic Shore, 3 credits, P. Proposal to create an elective course serving as an introduction to biological communities of the mid-Atlantic coast.
(3) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
CHEM342: Physical Chemistry II. Proposal to change pre-requisites to CHEM341 with a D or higher or permission of the instructor.
(4) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ECON318: Intermediate Microeconomics. Proposal to add MATH151 or MATH161 as a pre-requisite.
(5) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ECON323: Games and Experiments in Economics, 3 credits. Proposal to create an elective course using economic theory to explain decisions of economic agents.
(6) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
GEOG307: U.S. Environmental Policy, 3 credits, G3. Proposal to create an elective course examining major pieces of federal environmental legislation, including the role of interest groups and the public in environmental decision making.
(7) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
PHYS101: Survey of Physics, 3 credits, G2. Proposal to create a course introducing fundamental concepts of classical and modern physics.
(8) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
SCMA391/WSTU491: Women in Mathematics and Science, 3 credits, P, D. Proposal to create a course exploring the lives and discoveries of women in math and sciences (three disciplines represented in each offering).
(9) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
SPED237: Applied Foundations of Contemporary Special Education, 3 credits. Proposal to create a course required for the Foundations Bloc for the Dual certification “Early Childhood/Special Education” that explores contemporary and historical influences on special education in the American school system.
(10) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC425: Robotic Systems. Proposal to revise description, objectives, outline, course requirements, evaluation, and bibliography and to add assessment section.
(11) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC427: Designing Industrial Control Systems. Proposal to revise description, objectives, outline, text & materials, course requirements, evaluation, and bibliography and to add assessment section.
(12) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC467: Microcontrollers. Proposal to revise description, objectives, outline, and bibliography and to add assessment section.
(13) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ITEC494: Total Quality Management. Proposal to add MATH130 or MATH235 or permission of instructor as pre-requisite.
(14) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ENVI: Industrial and Environmental Health minor. Proposal to modify the required and elective course blocks to create flexibility and reflect the increased options for environmental courses.
(15) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ENVI: Land Use minor. Proposal to modify the required and elective course blocks to create flexibility and reflect the increased options for environmental courses.
(16) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ENVI: Environmental Policy and Regulation minor. Proposal to modify the required and elective course blocks to create flexibility and reflect the increased options for environmental courses.
(17) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ENVI: Quantitative Methods in Environmental Science minor. Proposal to modify the required and elective course blocks to create flexibility and reflect the increased options for environmental courses.
(18) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ENVI: Water Resources minor. Proposal to modify the required and elective course blocks to create flexibility and reflect the increased options for environmental courses.
GCPRC
Senator Mowrey distributed a proposal from GCPRC to establish a Graduate Academic Appeals Committee. This committee would review and make decisions on all graduate academic dismissal appeals, including dispositional appeals.
VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
VIII. Proposed Courses and Programs
(1) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BSE: PK-12 & Secondary. Proposal to add three courses and modify the Foundations Block and Professional Course in order to meet new requirements from PDE was approved without dissent.
(2) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDFN211: Foundations of Modern Education, 3 credits, D. Proposal to add D label and revise objectives to align with requirements from PDE relating to English Language Learners was approved without dissent.
(3) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BUAD. Proposal to require that matriculated students complete at least 30 credits and have a 2.25 grade point average in order to transfer into business administration was approved with 1 no vote and 3 abstentions.
Dr. Burns indicated that implementation of the foundations block curriculum recently established for Business Administration might make this additional step unnecessary or even counterproductive. Senator Dillon noted the need to limit BUAD enrollments to support the goal of AACSB accreditation. Dr. Prabhu indicated the accreditation process will take 5-7 years. It was noted that in the foundations block proposal there was a 2.0 GPA requirement. Dr. Dillon indicated that entering students would need to petition for admission to BUAD under the 2.25 GPA requirement. A question was raised about the value of pursuing AACSB accreditation since the program is already accredited by ACBSP. Dr. Prabhu responded that AACSB would help raise the competitive level of BUAD programs and that nine of the 14 PASSHE schools are already approved or in the same process. He also noted that some funds from appropriations have been reserved for this process.
(4) NEW GRADUATE COURSE
SOWK640-643: Special Topics, 3 credits. Proposal to create a course to provide an opportunity for exploration of issues and concerns related to the social work profession was approved without dissent.
(5) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
University Honors College. Proposal to modify the Honors College curriculum to facilitate inclusion of Freshman Year Experience and other program objectives was approved with 2 abstentions.
A question was raised about whether GERC provided input into the proposed changes. Senator Skinner responded that the proposal was not addressed with GERC. Dr. Dennis Downey indicated that the proposal should not affect General Education but should reduce complement and help students complete the Honors program while also participating in an FYE. It was noted that the intention is to bring the new courses mentioned through the regular approval avenues.
ASC
The updated bylaws document for the Undergraduate Academic Standards Committee, including addition of the Director of the AIM for Success Program as an ex-officio member was approved without dissent. [see Attachment #1]
ESCI Proposal regarding Senators
Discussion was held about the proposal to require that only non-probationary faculty serve as senators. Dr. Alex DeCaria highlighted the importance of senators feeling confident to speak openly on difficult issues in a situation where there is shared governance by faculty and administration. Opposition to the restriction was expressed, noting the value of diverse perspectives and insights. The idea of making this “preferred” rather than “required” was suggested. However, it was noted that junior members in departments adhering to the limitation would not be as competitive for promotion and tenure.
IX. Faculty Emeriti
X. Other/New Business
XI. Senate Committee Elections
Meeting was adjourned after elections
Respectfully Submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Secretary of the Senate