The meeting was called to order at 4:10 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Interdisciplinary Studies.

The minutes of the June 5, 2012 meeting of the Faculty Senate were approved as written.

II. Proposed Courses and Programs

Second Readings

(1) NEW GRADUATE COURSE
ENGL 614: The Profession of English Studies, 3 credits. Proposal for course that reviews history and present state of English studies as an academic discipline was approved without dissent.

(2) CHANGE TO GRADUATE CURRICULUM
MA/MEd English. Proposal to broaden the allowed courses that count for requirements discipline was approved without dissent.

(3) CHANGE TO GRADUATE CURRICULUM
MA/MEd English. Proposal to allow ESL courses to count as linguistic requirement discipline was approved without dissent.

(4) CHANGE TO GRADUATE CURRICULUM
MA/MEd English. Proposal to number the Writing Institute courses to allow counting within degree requirements discipline was approved without dissent.

(5) CHANGE TO GRADUATE CURRICULUM
MA/MEd English. Proposal to require a course in writing pedagogy within programs discipline was approved without dissent.

(6) CHANGE TO GRADUATE CURRICULUM
MA/MEd English. Proposal to eliminate linguistic courses as an alternative for English education electives discipline was approved without dissent.

III. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson

Faculty Senate Chair Börger-Greco welcomed senators and led introductions. APC was referred the issue of drafting recommended language for how changes are made to the General Education as part of the program description document, including instructions for appropriate notifications and time frames. A point of order was raised regarding the interpretation of the vote on Gen Ed program changes. It was noted that organizational bylaws supersede Robert’s Rules of Order while Robert’s Rules supersede past practice. Specifically, a majority of eligible voters cast ballots, qualifying as a quorum and each proposed change was approved based on the majority of votes cast. The point of order to act according to Robert’s Rules on the General Education changes was approved with two no votes and one abstention. The proposals to: 1) drop the 3-credit open elective; 2) allow counting of P courses required within a major program; 3) reduce the number of required W courses from four to three; and 4) remove the two-from-one department restriction for G1-G2-G3 blocks were approved.

IV. Report of the Student Senate President

Student Senate President Kelly Mathiesen reported on the upcoming first meeting of Student Senate and new student elections.

V. Report of the Graduate Student Association

None.

VI. Report of the Administrative Officers

President

President McNairy welcomed faculty back to a new year and invited them and their families to convocation followed by the annual garden supper. Dr. McNairy also noted that some faculty and staff may have received parking citations in error this week and indicated that there should actually be more spaces available.

Dr. McNairy also reminded faculty that the Pennsylvania state law regarding the recent Right-to-Know request for personal information supersedes federal law and Millersville is responding as required by law. She noted that efforts to change legislative language have potential for both positive and negative impacts.

The issue of faculty paying for parking permits was raised. Dr. McNairy responded that parking strategies are under consideration but that recommended fees would not be implemented without prior discussion with APSCUF.

Provost

Provost Prabhu welcomed faculty and noted 1900 new freshman and transfer students on campus. It was noted that economics seem to be impacting retention across PASSHE and there are about 4100 fewer students than anticipated for this year. Dr. Prabhu emphasized the need to keep up the appeal of an affordable and quality education. A concern was raised regarding the location of the crosswalk in front of the SMC clock tower at the apex of the turn.

Vice President of Student Affairs

Dr. Breaux reported on a great orientation and student convocation. She noted an overall good start for most students despite a few incidents on campus. Dr. Breaux also apologized to faculty who were mistakenly cited for parking in white spaces. She indicated that plans for replacing student housing over the next seven years will be announced soon.

Associate Provost for Academic Affairs

Dr. Adams reported on orientation of 16 new faculty and thanked Drs. Dreon, K. Bookmiller, Marquez, and Yalda for their involvement. Dr. Adams noted that needs for exploratory seminars were met, including some new major-specific versions.

Assistant Vice President for Academic Services

Dr. Redmond welcomed faculty and noted Mr. Sciarretta will be presenting information on initiatives from the Department of Academic and Student Development.

Dean of Arts & Humanities

Dean Umble encouraged faculty to visit the new and renovated spaces for upcoming events at the Winter Center.

VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees

None.

VIII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees

None.

IX. Faculty Emeriti

A Cook/Börger-Greco motion that Dr. Susan Luek be granted the honorary title of Professor of Psychology Emerita was approved without dissent. [see Attachment #1]

An A. Miller/Hardy motion that Dr. Mark A. Iannone be granted the honorary title of Professor of Chemistry Emeritus was approved without dissent. [see Attachment #2]

X. MU Transitions/MU Bridges

Mr. Joseph Sciarretta presented the basic principles of the MU Transitions and MU Bridges programs. He noted how these initiatives are meant to help students be successful after academic sanctions, including seminar meetings five times in the semester. Mr. Sciarretta encouraged faculty to consider ways they can support and encourage advisees to take advantage of these and other resources. In particular, he recommended the Student Inventory Profile as a tool that advisors could use with any advisee to increase awareness of academic success. Dr. Prabhu noted that the Provost’s Retention Scholars are working on understanding how to help students be successful.

XI. Other/New Business

Dr. Mowrey reminded senators of the collaborative spirit between Faculty Senate and APSCUF and encouraged open dialogue.

XII. Committee Elections

Previous nominations were distributed and the floor opened for additional nominations for the third regular election. An A. Miller/Börger-Greco motion to close nominations and cast a unanimous vote for each unopposed candidate was approved without dissent.

Previous nominations were distributed and the floor opened for additional nominations for an At-Large election. An A. Miller/Anderson motion to close nominations and cast a unanimous vote for each unopposed candidate was approved without dissent.

Meeting was adjourned following elections (5:40 p.m.).

Respectfully Submitted,

Aimee L. Miller
Faculty Senate Secretary

Action Summary