I. Minutes of previous meetings
II. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
III. Report of the Student Senate President
IV. Report of the Graduate Student Organization
V. Report of the Administrative Officers
Provost Prabhu urged faculty to submit grades by 3:00 p.m. on the Wednesday deadline to allow the Registrar time to process academic probation status. It was also noted that the academic calendars for 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 are posted on the Registrar’s website. Discussion was held regarding concerns about making up classes on Saturday due to the Monday holiday. Dr. Prabhu indicated that this allows all classes to meet the required 15 instructional weeks in the time frame dictated by the PASSHE common calendar. He noted that any other ideas on how to meet these restrictions are welcome. He emphasized that the current plan will allow the administration to ensure that appropriate classrooms are available and functional. A question was raised about classes held at Liberty Place. Dr. Prabhu responded that accommodations would be made on campus.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Associate Provost Burns noted that departmental chairs have been notified about W courses scheduled for review. He also indicated that the English Department will host training sessions about ways to meet the writing course requirements and that similar sessions may be held regarding Diversity courses. Dr. Burns reminded senators that faculty are being recruited to participate in the self-study committees as part of the Middle States review.
Dr. Prabhu noted that faculty teaching DL courses in Spring should complete the form regarding plan to meet guidelines of the new CBA, and Dr. Burns indicated that faculty teaching DL courses for Winter should complete the form as well. Information can be obtained from deans about any necessary changes to the master schedule.
VI. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
First Readings
(1) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
ITEC 251, Print Media Systems. Proposal to add ART 244 or COMM 201 as prerequisite options for ITEC 251 to accommodate art or communication students.
Bylaws
Senator A. Miller requested input from Senate about a possible recommendation from the Bylaws Committee to move the election process to the spring semester. This would make it easier for committees to begin work each fall rather than waiting for members or chairs to be elected. It was clarified that committee terms would remain September to August. A concern was raised about first-year faculty being unable to participate. In response, it was suggested that regular elections could be held in the spring and at-large seats filled in the fall. It was noted that it can be difficult for first-year faculty to serve on committees when adjusting to campus. Another concern was that faculty on sabbatical leave would be at a disadvantage. A straw vote showed support for the idea of holding two regular elections in spring but at-large elections in the fall.
VIII. Proposed Courses and Programs
(1) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
FORL, BA/BSE/Cert/Transf students. Proposal to require an online placement examination to determine appropriate course placement of incoming students into foreign language courses was approved without dissent.
The proposed FYI Seminar Review & Approval Request Form was approved without dissent. [see Attachment #2]Discussion was then held regarding a need to clarify language to specify that the FYI Sub-Committee reports back to UCPRC and that UCPRC makes the final approval. A Mowrey/Saunders motion to amend the FYI Review Process to specifically include UCPRC approval was approved without dissent.
IX. Faculty Emeritus
X. Other/New Business
Meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Secretary of the Senate