The meeting was called to order at 4:10 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Industry & Technology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Music, Nursing, Philosophy, and Social Work.
I. Minutes of previous meeting
II. Proposed Courses and Programs
(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ERCH421: Language Development and Emergent Literacy, 3 credits. Proposal to offer a course examining children’s oral language development and its contribution to emergent literacy, including a field experience was approved without dissent.
III. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
She also distributed a summary of revisions to policy language defining academic degrees approved by the Board of Governors on July 22, 2010. [see Attachment #1] Concerns were expressed about the potential impact on current degrees. Departments were encouraged to review the changes and respond to Dr. Prabhu.
Dr. Börger-Greco indicated that 21 candidates have been nominated for the Educator of the Year Award. She noted that a new Humanities/Social Sciences member of the EYA Selection Committee is needed to fill a vacancy and those senators should solicit nominations from their departments.
IV. Report of the Student Senate President
V. Report of the Graduate Student Association
VI. Report of the Administrative Officers
Provost Prabhu assured faculty that the administration takes seriously the issues related to weather delay decisions and is using the best methods to inform the process. He encouraged everyone on campus to use their best judgment regarding safe travel. A question was raised about whether faculty need to declare a personal day if unable to hold classes due to poor conditions. Dr. Prabhu indicated that would be appropriate if classes are officially in session. He also encouraged faculty to continue providing timely feedback on issues as requested by the Provost’s Office.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Vice President Breaux introduced Ms Michelle Perez, new Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, and Mr. Peter Anders, new Chief of MU Police. Ms Perez and Mr. Anders expressed their enthusiasm for getting started at Millersville.
Assistant Vice President of Academic Services
Vice President Redmond announced that the Academic Early Intervention System is ready for reporting on freshmen and athletes needing academic assistance. Dr. Prabhu reminded faculty this is one way that everyone can contribute to student retention which is especially important now as applicant numbers are dropping. He also emphasized the need for feedback on how campus initiatives are working.
VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
Senator Sikora distributed an interim report on the academic dismissal hearings held in January 2011. [see Attachment #2] He noted the higher percentage of approved appeals and indicated that students seemed to have provided better data in their appeals because of revisions made to the notification letter sent out to them. Dr. Sikora also expressed appreciation to the Registrar’s Office and Campus Police for their assistance with the hearing process. It was noted that students experiencing emotional distress are referred to the Counseling Center. Senator Saunders noted the Counseling Center should be kept informed of hearing dates so that someone can be available if needed. Revisions to the academic amnesty policy are also being explored by ASC.
UCPRC
First Readings
(1) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
PHYS471: Quantum Mechanics, 3 credits. Proposal to add MATH 365 as a pre-requisite.
(2) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ERCH465: Science for the Young Learner, 3 credits. Proposal to offer a course to provide an overview of the content and processes included in an early childhood (Pre K-Grade 4) science program and methodology appropriate for the school setting.
(3) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
MDLV466: Teaching of Science: An Inquiry Approach, 3 credits. Proposal to offer a course focused on the teaching of science through inquiry in the middle grades to build student understanding of the nature of science through active involvement.
(4) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
Middle Level Certification: Science Concentration. Proposal for a program to develop competencies in chemistry, earth science, biology, and physics.
(5) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
Middle Level Certification: Social Studies Concentration. Proposal for a program to develop competencies in economics, geography, government, and history.
Bylaws
Senator A. Miller announced a vacancy for the humanities representative on the Bylaws Committee and requested nominations. A Börger-Greco/Smith motion to close nominations and elect the unopposed candidate was approved without dissent.
VIII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
IX. Faculty Emeritus
X. Election of Senate Officers
A Luek/A. Miller motion to elect Senator Kendra Saunders as Faculty Senate Chairperson Pro Tempore was approved without dissent.
A Börger-Greco/Wushanley motion to elect Senator Aimee Miller as Faculty Senate Secretary was approved without dissent.
XI. Other/New Business
Meeting was adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Secretary of the Senate