The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Athletics, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Nursing.
I. Minutes of previous meeting
II. Proposed Courses and Programs
(1) CHANGE IN UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
GEOG: BSE Social Studies major. Proposal to require GEOG120: Human Geography rather than GEOG101 was approved without dissent.
(2) The proposal to remove the Graduate Dean from the membership of the GAAC was approved without dissent.
Dr. Burns commented on the administrative recommendation that the Dean of Graduate & Professional Studies hear final appeals for graduate students.
(3) The proposal to drop the requirement that chairs of curriculum-related committees be senators was approved without dissent.
Discussion was held about the request for this from APSCUF, whether to modify all committees this way, and how to enforce the expectation that chairs attend Senate meetings.
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
Provost Prabhu invited faculty to attend the Lockey lecture and Spring Faculty Convocation. He also commented about plans for spring commencement ceremonies, including the participation of graduates from December. A question was raised about the notification that all summer classes had to be taught in D2L since Bb access does not end until June. Dr. Prabhu indicated that specific cases could be addressed as needed and recommended first contacting Stephen Anspacher who is facilitating the transition process. Faculty and students are being urged to download any information from Bb they wish to retain.
Dean of Graduate & Professional Studies
Dean DeSantis announced that commencement rehearsal for graduate and undergraduate students will be held at 4 pm on Thursday, May 6. He emphasized that rehearsal is optional and students should not skip classes or exams to attend.
Associate Provost for Academic Administration
Associate Provost Burns reported that Millersville met all 14 standards from Middle States. Discussion of the suggestions and recommendations from the site visit will be held at the Faculty Convocation. It was noted that faculty who teach at 6 pm should be able to attend. Dr. Burns also announced the upcoming National Survey of Student Engagement, including related surveys geared for beginning students (BCSSE) and faculty (FSSE), and encouraged faculty to participate. He noted that only six sections of UNIV103 are currently in place for the fall and urged faculty to consider offering additional sessions.
Interim Director of Library Services
Dr. Warmkessel reported on the library renovation plans, noting that the contract should be official soon. The expectation is for the building to be vacated in summer 2011 and renovations to occur for up to two years. She invited all faculty to attend the April 20 Spring Scoop to learn about the impact on services and issues related to maintaining faculty and student access to critical resources.
VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
VIII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
IX. Faculty Emeritus
X. Other/New Business
Meeting was adjourned at 5:03 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Secretary of the Senate