University Theme Committee

1997-1998 Annual Report

Submitted 5/5/98 by Joel B. Piperberg, Chair

1997-1998 Members	Department	Term Expires
J. Piperberg, Chair elected from Faculty Senate	Biology	2000
D. Denenberg	Educ. Foundations	2000
B. Nakhai	Business Administration	2000
B. Schneller	English	1998
D. Schultz	Mathematics	1998
I. Wheeler	Counseling/Human Development	1998
Jennifer Adams	Student
Tanya Murphy	Student

Meetings:
Two meetings were held during the academic year (10/20/97 and 4/10/98). The first meeting served as a discussion of the procedure for writing a handbook containing hints for those selected to administer an annual theme. Its composition was suggested by Provost McNairy. The handbook, currently in draft form, will be finished during the Summer of 1998. The second meeting consisted of meetings with the proposers of themes for 2001-2002 (see below). No formal minutes were taken at either meeting. Average attendance was 5 members.

Motions Forwarded to Senate:
4/21/98--Recommendation to select as the 2001-2002 academic theme "A World of Diversity in Our Own Backyard."
Motion approved by Faculty Senate.

Other Deliberations and Actions:
1. The Committee solicited from Faculty, Staff and students suggestions for the 2001-2002 Academic Theme. Three suggestions were received. The titles are listed below and copies of the original proposals are attached to this report:

Theme					Proposer
Unity Through Diversity					Rita Smith-Wade-El (Psychology)
Biodiversity					Daniel Yocom (Biology)
A World of Cultures in Our Own Backyard					Jamie Byrne (Communication and Theatre)

The Committee met and conferred with the proposers of all three themes to hear their ideas about the intended focus of and events related to their themes and decided to recommend to the Faculty Senate for the 2001-2002 Academic Theme "A World of Diversity in Our Own Backyard" (proposed by Jamie Byrne). The Committee also encouraged the other proposers to resubmit their proposals in the future since both were considered to be strong proposals.

Matters Currently in Committee:
The University Theme Handbook mentioned above is in draft form. It is our hope that it will be completed over the Summer and ready for distribution.

Future Plans:
Next year, the Committee will solicit suggestions for the 2002-2003 Academic Theme and monitor the progress of other themes presently in preparation.

Additional Information Comments:
None.

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