The meeting was called to order at 4:09 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Art & Design, Athletics, Interdiscipoinary Studies, and Library. I. Minutes of previous meeting
II. Proposed Courses and Programs
(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 was approved without dissent.
(2) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BS Geology. Proposal to replace ESCI 425 with ESCI 421 in major field requirements was approved without dissent.
(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 was approved without dissent.
(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 was approved without dissent
Senator Kelly noted minor corrections to the MDLV 456 proposal.
III. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
IV. Report of the Student Senate President
V. Report of the Graduate Student Association
VI. Report of the Administrative Officers
Dr. Prabhu requested that changes to exam schedules only be made in consultation with school deans to avoid student conflicts. He reported that discussions with the Chancellor about the FORL program have been positive. Dr. Prabhu also pointed out the passage of the Higher Education Modernization Act by the State House. He highlighted that this would allow MU to offer professional doctorates. Dr. Prabhu pointed out that only one school will be able to offer a specific program so departments interested should make intentions known quickly.
A question about MU privatization was raised. Dr. Prabhu indicated the Administration is not currently advocating for this but it may become more relevant in the future. He noted that mandates imposed on PASSHE schools by the state become increasingly limiting in the face of reduced state funding.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Dr. Adams reported the recommendation of iClickers as MU’s automated response system and noted that they will be demonstrated at the Technology Showcase. Several issues about student use like flexibility and buyback value were discussed.
Assistant Vice President of Academic Services
Assistant 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
GCPRC
(1) CHANGE TO GRADUATE CURRICULUM
MEd Special Education PreK-8 Certification & MEd plus Certification. Proposal to revise programs to meet new requirements from Chapter 49-2.
GCPRC/APC
Drs. Mowrey and A. Miller shared a rough draft for Framework Curriculum Proposal Review process from Senate, GCPRC and APC discussions. Suggested edits to the proposal were:
GERC
Senator Cardwell indicated that GERC is considering changes that will reduce the overall General Education credits.
VIII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
IX. Faculty Emeriti
X. Vision Impaired Students
XI. Other/New Business
A question was raised about the new requirement for resource implications with DL proposals. Dr. Mowrey noted that Meet & Discuss negotiated this issue as a way to include administrative insight on financial impacts earlier in the review process.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Faculty Senate Secretary