The meeting was called to order at 4:07 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Athletics, Biology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Music, and Special Education.

The minutes of the March 6, 2012 meeting of the Faculty Senate were approved as corrected.

II. Proposed Courses and Programs

Second Readings

(1) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
HIST 105: Craft of History, 3 credits, W. Proposal to modify course content, add minimum grade of C- for BA History or BSE Social Studies credit, add W label, and add pre-requisite of ENGL110/110H was approved without dissent.

(2) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
HIST 107: Pre-Modern World Cultures, 3 credits, G3. Proposal to establish a course exploring World History from early human culture to the start of the Protestant Reformation geared towards general education population rather than BSE SS and MID LEV Education majors was approved without dissent.

(3) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
HIST 230: Modern Jewish History, 3 credits, G3, W. Proposal for a course to survey the history of Jews in the mid eighteenth-twentieth centuries was approved without dissent.

(4) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
HIST 241: Imperial Russia, 3 credits, G3, W. Proposal to add G3 and W labels was approved without dissent.

(5) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
HIST 280: Pre-Colonial Africa, 3 credits, G3. Proposal for a course to examine major social, economic, and political developments in pre-colonial African societies was approved without dissent.

(6) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
HIST 330: Nineteenth Century Europe, 3 credits, G3, W. Proposal for a course to explore the social, political, intellectual, cultural, religious, and economic history of nineteenth-century Europe was approved without dissent.

(7) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
HIST 340: Twentieth-Century Europe, 3 credits, G3, W. Proposal to add W label was approved without dissent.

(8) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
HIST 388: Twentieth-Century Africa, 3 credits, G3, W. Proposal for a course to survey major developments in twentieth century Africa was approved without dissent.

(9) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
HIST 480: History of Medicine, 3 credits, G3. Proposal for a course exploring the history of medicine, health, and disease from the ancient world to the present was approved without dissent.

III. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson

Faculty Senate Chair Börger-Greco announced the selection of Dr. John Wallace from Biology as Educator of the Year. She then shared about a joint letter proposed by Dr. Julian Onderdonk, President of the West Chester University Faculty Senate, to represent faculty perspective on the budget to legislators. A resolution for Dr. Börger-Greco to work in conjunction with peers on the advocacy letter on behalf of Faculty Senate was approved without dissent. Any feedback or key points to include should be communicated to Dr. Börger-Greco.

Dr. Mowrey reported from APSCUF on a campus rally and trip to Harrisburg to represent PASSHE schools and urged faculty and students to get involved in advocacy initiatives.

IV. Report of the Student Senate President

Mr. Jordan Smith reported on upcoming elections and funding issues.

V. Report of the Graduate Student Association

Ms. Brittany Grear reported on finding ways to get feedback from graduate students across campus and a résumé review session.

VI. Report of the Administrative Officers

Provost

Dr. Prabhu reminded faculty of Spring Convocation to be held tomorrow.

Executive Deputy to the President

Dr. McCollum reminded faculty that personal communication to local elected representatives is a critical component of advocacy regarding state allocations for education. He encouraged faculty efforts and noted, on behalf of Dr. McNairy, that the Administration supports efforts to oppose the proposed cuts and is also voicing their concerns on behalf of the campus. He noted that Dr. McNairy spoke to the Senate Appropriations Committee on behalf of PASSHE. While the hope is to limit reductions, he pointed out that cuts are not likely to be held even or to be covered by tuition increases. Dr. McCollum also pointed out the impact of cuts to Key93 funds that support infrastructure projects. He did indicate the Higher Education Modernization Act relaxes some restrictions on competitive bidding and allows the President and Advancement solicit more funding for the MU Foundation. Dr. McCollum shared that savings on campus projects could be about 10-15% and a recommendation by Senator Brubaker for local thresholds could increase those savings. Another savings measure noted was a consortium approach to purchasing.

Associate Provost for Academic Administration

Dr. Adams encouraged faculty to attend Spring Convocation even if they need to miss part of the program or did not RSVP.

Vice President for Student Affairs

Dr. Breaux commented on efforts to work with Millersville Borough to improve off-campus student housing options through education of both students and rental property owners. She noted a fall meeting with property owners, a fair for off-campus housing, and a brochure addressing student responsibilities as renters. Dr. Breaux also highlighted an opening on Borough Council for a student representative and encouraged any interested students to contact Student Affairs. It was suggested that the student member receive a stipend similar to local council members.

Information was requested on the report in local media that MU declined a substantial donation designated to sustain the recently-cut men’s track and cross country teams. Dr. Breaux indicated the cuts were deemed necessary to meet budgetary constraints and that, while generous, the funding offered would not ultimately cover the gap or provide stability to the programs in the long term. She encouraged the affected athletes to consider forming a Club Team. Dr. McCollum clarified that this was a Management decision rather than the Council of Trustees, represents the first coaching cut despite elimination of over 100 faculty and staff positions, and moves Millersville closer to Title XI compliance. Dr. Prabhu also highlighted the greater impact of budget cuts that affect class sizes and academic environment. It was pointed out that significant administrative costs, time, and effort have been expended just on responding to this difficult decision and that budget concerns are impacting all aspects of campus life.

VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees

Bylaws Committee

Senator A. Miller communicated a recommendation to dissolve the International Selection Committee in light of changes to global education opportunities that have eliminated the need for this body.

GERC

Senator Cardwell announced the CAE will host discussions to inform faculty across campus about the proposed changes to General Education and APSCUF will conduct a vote to address this issue separate from elections.

VIII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees

None.

IX. Faculty Emeriti

None.

X. Provisional Framework Proposal

Discussion of key points included:
• Clarity is needed about what happens if courses are not approved for a degree that has a Provisional Framework approval.
• The need for an inherent deadline is critical and has been addressed in revisions to the proposal in light of discussion on February 7. The timeline in the proposal is for initiating the curriculum review process beyond the department and indicates it should generally not be more than one year.
• This approval process should allow the Administration to submit a letter of intent to PASSHE and begin pursuing approval by the Board of Governors. Implementation of the program on campus will still be dependent on approval of the complete curriculum as needed.
• Development of this process was in response to curriculum committees recently needing to act quickly but without guidance for how this should happen.
• A concern was that incomplete programs could potentially put students in the position of needing courses that are not yet available.
• Proposers of programs would be accountable for meeting all requirements laid out.
• Approval of a program concept could stimulate faculty in developing courses.
• APC has discussed whether this broader perspective on program review might become a standard approach.

A Robinson/Igyor motion to suspend discussion and approve the Provisional Framework Approval proposal as revised in response to the February 7 Senate discussion was approved without dissent. [see Attachment #1]

Meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Aimee L. Miller
Faculty Senate Secretary

Action Summary