The meeting was called to order at 4:10 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Athletics, Computer Science, Counseling & Human Development, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Music.
I. Minutes of previous meeting
II. Proposed Courses and Programs
(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ERCH 422: Teaching of Literacy, PK-4: Processes, Skills, and Strategies, 6 credits. Proposal for a course to develop pedagogy in the teaching of reading and the related language arts in grades Pre-K-4 was approved with one abstention.
(2) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
MDLV 425: Teaching of Literacy, 4-8: Processes, Skills, and Strategies, 6 credits. Proposal for a course to develop pedagogy in the teaching of reading and the related language arts in grades 4-8 was approved with one abstention.
(3) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
SPED 442: Effective Instruction for Students with Disabilities: Support for the General Education Curriculum (Strand II), 3 credits. Proposal for a course to prepare teacher candidates to provide effective instruction to children with mild disabilities was approved with one abstention.
(4) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 144: Digital Theory and Skills, 3 credits. Proposal for a course to introduce basic vocabulary and principles of visual communication and media theory was approved without dissent as amended.
Senator Igyor commented on potential overlap with offerings in Communications & Theatre. An amendment to change the catalog description to “principles of visual communication” was approved without dissent.
(5) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 340: Interaction Design, 3 credits. Proposal for a course to explore principles and methodologies associated with digital media and interaction design, including complex multi-media presentations and applications for the worldwide web was approved without dissent as amended.
There was discussion of the difference between clock hours and studio hours for art courses. The proposal was adjusted to list five studio hours rather than six.
(6) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 341: Motion Design, 3 credits. Proposal for a course to explore time-base visual communication environments and the tools, theories, aesthetics, and techniques used in time-based message building was approved without dissent.
(7) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 342: Kinetic Design, 3 credits. Proposal for a course to introduce broadcast design, film graphics, and the principles of motion graphics design was approved without dissent.
(8) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 343: Experience Design, 3 credits. Proposal for a course to synthesize and analyze relevant aspects of meaningful human interactions in a networked and mediated environment and how they relate to various aspects of life was approved without dissent.
(9) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 347: Design for Social Equity, 3 credits, D. Proposal for a D course to expose students to a wide range of materials that contribute to a more analytical and critical approach to graphics and interactive design was approved without dissent.
(10) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 348: Packaging in Design, 3 credits. Proposal for a course to train students in development of three-dimensional design solutions for presenting objects, products, and two-dimensional graphics was approved without dissent.
(11) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 493: Portfolio, 3 credits. Proposal for a capstone course for BA or BFA students in Graphic and Interactive Design where students create a professional quality portfolio of graphic design work was approved without dissent.
(12) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BA, BFA, BSE in Art. Proposal to update course offerings to include new courses in Graphic/Interactive Design.
Action on this proposal was postponed until approval of several related courses that had not yet been available electronically for first readings.
(13) NEW UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BSE in Early Childhood (PreK-4) and Special Education (PreK-8). Proposal to define the degree requirements for majors in Early Childhood (PreK-4) and Special Education (PreK-8) was approved without dissent.
(14) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BSE in Early Childhood (PreK-4) and Special Education (PreK-8). Proposal to change the Professional Bloc 1-Birth to K to three courses instead of five was approved without dissent.
(15) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
SPAN 371: Spanish in the United States, 3 credits, D. Proposal for a D course to examine the history and sociolinguistic aspects of the use of Spanish in the United States was approved without dissent.
It was clarified that this course is taught in Spanish.
(16) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ECON 323: Games and Experiments in Economics, 3 credits, G3, W. Proposal to remove ECON 101 and ECON 231 as prerequisites and to add the G3 and W labels was approved without dissent.
(17) NEW UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ERCH: Early Childhood (PreK-4). Proposal defining the requirements for retention in the early childhood education major was approved without dissent.
(18) NEW UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
MDLV: Middle Level (4-8). Proposal defining the requirements for retention in the middle level education major was approved without dissent.
(19) NEW GRADUATE POLICY
Proposal defining the Eligibility for Participation in Graduate Commencement Prior to Degree Completion was distributed. This proposal would allow graduate students to participate in May commencement if they plan to complete 1-3 credits of coursework during summer sessions immediately following and they have completed all other degree requirements was approved without dissent as amended for implementation in May 2013.
A concern was raised that this might not be appropriate for doctoral degrees, but it was noted that this would be addressed as those programs are developed.
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
President McNairy commented on the proposed 20% budget cut for PASSHE and reminded faculty that this is only the beginning of the process. She urged faculty to pursue opportunities to advocate for sufficient resources to provide quality education. It was noted that this should be done as a private citizen of Pennsylvania and not as a representative of MU or using university resources. Dr. McNairy noted that simply increasing tuition to fill the gap is not acceptable. She also indicated that no action has been taken by the BOG on the 5% freeze announced for all state government agencies.
Dr. McNairy also expressed understanding of the disappointment being expressed about the difficult decision to cut men’s track and cross-country teams from intercollegiate athletics. She noted plans to meet with Student Senate and the Coaches’ Union for further discussion.
Dr. McNairy reminded faculty that our enrollments are strong and admissions look good, indicating that MU is maintaining a solid presence and reputation.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Dr. Adams reported that 15 faculty will be serving as Retention Scholars to explore issues of student success and retention. Concern was expressed about the new process for university awards limiting the number of students that could be nominated and how the winners would be selected. Dr. Adams indicated that all faculty are still encouraged to submit nominees to their school but that each School Council would narrow that slate and move three nominees forward. The nominees will then submit supporting materials to be used by the Undergraduate Honors and Awards Committee in selecting winners.
VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
Senator Börger-Greco reported that the EYA Selection Committee plans to select this year’s winner on March 8 and announce the name to Faculty Senate on March 20. Discussion of related issues was discussed:
First Reading
UCPRC
(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
EDSE 471: Differentiating Instruction in the Classroom, 3 credits. Proposal for a course to train teacher candidates to develop and apply knowledge, skills, and dispositions in accommodating instruction for English-language learners and students with disabilities.
(2) NEW UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
BA Multidisciplinary Studies. Proposal to establish a degree program that allows students to work with faculty advisors to develop a unique course of study tailored to combine interests in multiple fields, culminating in an integrated capstone experience.
Dr. Downey indicated that revisions to this proposal were made based on feedback and concerns received through UCPRC and Senate. It was noted that issues brought up after the revision date are believed to be sufficiently addressed in the proposal.
(3) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 246: Sequence, Motion and Communication, 3 credits. Proposal for a course to study of narrative structures and spatial compositions as they relate to time and sequence.
(4) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 247: Intro to Experience and Interaction Design, 3 credits. Proposal for a course to focus on the fundamentals of user-centered design and usability issues surrounding Web-based interfaces.
(5) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ART 349: Information Design: Wayfinding, 3 credits, W. Proposal for a W course to introduce principles of Information Design: Wayfinding for environmental signage.
The ART proposal for the BA, BFA, BSE in Graphic/Interactive Design will be considered at the next meeting when these related ART courses have a second reading.
VIII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
IX. Faculty Emeriti
A Wagner/A. Miller motion that Dr. David A. Zegers be granted the honorary title of Professor of Biology Emeritus was approved without dissent. [see Attachment #2]
X. General Education Revision Proposals
A majority of the body approved continuing the discussion of proposal version 1 at the next meeting.
XI. Provisional Framework Approval
Meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Faculty Senate Secretary