The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Academic & Student Development, Athletics, Foreign Languages, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Nursing.

I. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the November 1, 2011 meeting of the Faculty Senate were approved as corrected.

II. Proposed Courses and Programs

Second Readings

(1) CHANGE TO GRADUATE COURSE
NURS698: Scholarly Project. Proposal to revert grading from Pass/Fail to letter grade to foster quality work on projects was approved without dissent.

(2) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BA Geography, Environmental Studies option. Proposal to modify required and required related courses to enhance the quality of student preparation in the field was approved without dissent.

Senator Kelly noted minor corrections and that the environmental science courses listed are intended to direct selection of G2 courses rather than provide specific content in the area.

III. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson

Faculty Senate Chair Pro Tempore Saunders served in place of Senator Börger-Greco.

IV. Report of the Student Senate President

Mr. Jordan Smith reported that Dr. Rebecca Mowrey was approved as the Student Senate Faculty Advisor. He also noted an open forum on IT and Library issues and required allocation sessions for student groups.

V. Report of the Graduate Student Association

Ms. Lauren Heslin reported on a successful fund raiser for flood aid and traveling socials.

VI. Report of the Administrative Officers

Associate Provost for Academic Administration

Dr. Adams reminded faculty to place textbook orders for spring classes.

A question was raised about whether registration appointments for students might be scheduled outside class times. Mr. Smith shared his perspective as a student was that this would be suitable.

Assistant Vice President of Academic Services

Vice President Redmond noted that Academic Advisement recommends that advisors look for student holds that might mean the student will be blocked from registering.

VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees

UCPRC

First Reading

(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDSE 340: Content Area Literacy for Diverse Classrooms, 3 credits. Proposal for a course that explores research-based strategies for effectively teaching in inclusive multilingual settings.

(2) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BS Geology. Proposal to replace ESCI 425 with ESCI 421 in major field requirements.

(3) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ERCH 455: Teaching Mathematics to Young Children, 3 credits. Proposal for a course to train teacher candidates to effectively deliver core mathematics content and develop skills for keeping current in best practices in math education.

(4) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
MDLV 456: Teaching Middle Level Mathematics, 3 credits. Proposal for a course in pedagogy for teaching middle level mathematics with technology and hands-on instructional strategies.

Senator Kelly reported on behalf of the English Department that ENGL 240 will no longer carry the W label. It was noted that the spring 2012 schedule still indicates the W.

VIII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees

None.

IX. Faculty Emeriti

A Wright/Neuville motion that Dr. James E. LaPorte be granted the honorary title of Assistant Professor of Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology Emeritus was approved without dissent. [see Attachment #1]

A Wright/Wushanley motion that Dr. George A. Kerekgyarto be granted the honorary title of Associate Professor of Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology Emeritus was approved without dissent. [see Attachment #2]

X. Continuation of "Frameworks" Discussion

Several senators provided department comments on the concept of framework proposals and the idea of simultaneous review. Points made included:
• Possibly use an established time frame in which framework proposers would then submit relevant courses.
• Proposers need to allow sufficient time for review process before planning to offer. Programs cannot expect courses to be rushed through because framework is already in place.
• There is no clear answer to what time frame is reasonable for getting a course approved. Complete and thorough proposals do not take as long as ones that need additional materials submitted or revisions made.
• Frameworks benefit departments wanting to develop something in response to an immediate need.
• Need to identify anticipated courses and outcomes but perhaps without complete syllabi.
• Framework programs using current courses might be given a preliminary or temporary approval for a fixed time followed by an evaluation.
• Faculty focus is primarily on offering quality programs that prepare our students well.
• Simultaneous review might be inherent in the use of an electronic workflow for proposal reviews.
• Millersville seems to have a longer review process for curriculum but may also reap higher quality in programs because of significant review.
• Perhaps there could be a temporary approval of a time-sensitive proposal followed by a more complete review.

A Neuville/Walsh motion to charge APC & GCPRC to use Senate feedback from November 1 & 15 and additional discussions to inform development of a model for the use of frameworks in curriculum and to report regularly to Senate on progress was approved without dissent. Senators were encouraged to seek more departmental feedback.

The current framework proposal from Foreign Languages to shift from a linguistics focus to a cultural approach was revisited. Dr. Mowrey asked the Provost what is needed from curriculum bodies for presentation to the Chancellor’s Office. Dr. Prabhu indicated that the significant progress made to date and a likely time frame for implementation would be appropriate. Dr. Mowrey noted that GCPRC would continue to review the proposal by standard practice.

XI. Other/New Business

Dr. Mowrey reminded senators of Faculty Senate’s role in informing academic issues and curriculum. She noted that issues of work environment or things that need to be negotiated with the administration should be directed to APSCUF Rep Council. Dr. Prabhu welcomed discussion in any forum but agreed that negotiation happens via Meet & Discuss.

It was noted that, effective immediately, proposals for conversion to Distance Learning should include a Dean’s input on resource implications.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Aimee L. Miller
Faculty Senate Secretary

Action Summary