MINUTES – Educational Policies Committee Meeting

March 20, 2007

 

 

Members Present: Mara Adams, Pat Connelly, Ragene Gwin, Kerry Manning, Bill McAleer, Lori Rodrigues-Fisher, Arun Pillutla, Brad Thiessen, Deanna Stoube, Jim Van Speybroeck

 

Guests: Aron Aji, Andy Axup, George Bailey, Barry Ferm, Fr. Bud Grant, Art Serianz

 

Meeting Time: 3:20 – 4:40

 

Keri Manning called the meeting to order at 3:20

 

 

Item 1 – Approval of Minutes:

  • Motion to approve minutes was made by J. Van Speybroeck.
  • Seconded by D. Stoube.
  • Minutes approved.

 

Item 2 –  Chemistry Department Five Year Review

  • A motion to accept review was made by M. Adams.
  • Seconded by J. Van Speybroeck.
  • Discussion:
    • George Bailey presented overview including program highlights and historical information pertinent to changes proposed.  The document reflects assessment findings, growth expectations, and personnel changes.  After a long self study process, the Department is seeking American Chemistry Society certification and will learn if efforts have been successful in an upcoming interview with ACS review committee.  Documented need for the following proposed changes was given with discussion following.
      • Delete CHEM 101 – No longer used / needed.
      • Change requirement for CHEM 301 to a pre- or co-requisite of CHEM 207
      • Change pre-requisite for CHEM 303 from CHEM 106 to CHEM 301
      • Delete CHEM 311 – No longer used / needed
      • Change prerequisite for CHEM 321 from CHEM 208/210 to CHEM 314.
    • J Van Speybroeck asked how department has been affected by increased need for general education courses due to influx of health science majors. 
      • General education enrollment is currently at a ‘healthy’ level
      • Most faculty teach overloads at close to maximum capacity
      • Lab space stretched to maximum
      • Want to keep non-science general education course offerings to meet varied student needs
    • L. Rodrigues-Fisher opened discussion regarding ACS approval with several other questions also addressed centering on credit hours, department operations, faculty coverage and the like.  It is important to note that the Chemistry degree will continue to be offered irregardless of outcome of ACS approval process.  Approval will allow majors different choices for type of degree and the distinction of graduating from an approved program. This distinction is expected to be reflected in employment and graduate school opportunities.
    • K. Manning noted dropping of CHEM 101 means no course will be offered at ACCEL.  Faculty responded that the course had not been offered since 1996; current students are not affected.
    • L Rodrigues-Fisher complimented faculty on recent National Chemistry Week activities.  A. Serianz described a potential summer camp initiative that might be worth studying.
    • B. Theissen asked for clarification regarding math department support courses.  It was noted that Math course content is correct; at this time most students seem to have skills needed to complete required work.
  • Motion Carried

 

Item 3 – Dean Aji Addresses Direction for College of Arts and Sciences

In an effort to increase communication among and between departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, a college curriculum development task group has been formed to open dialogue regarding the processes used to develop and expand programs.  This effort is meant to actively encourage new ideas and to provide avenues to support, facilitate, fund, research and or reflect faculty, department or college efforts. 

 

All new projects must go through Planning if funding is expected.  The group would be charged with asking important questions regarding staffing, facilities, and need prior to seeking EPC approval and to encourage interdisciplinary activity..     

 

Following the presentation, Committee members considered specific cultural issues and questions regarding the function of EPC.  Standards for approval, other models, changing the ‘culture’ of the review process were focus areas.

 

 

Next Meeting:  Next scheduled meeting is March 29.  It is expected it will be delayed until April 3.  K. Manning will confirm change by email.

 

 

Adjournment:

A motion to adjourn was made by M. Adams

Seconded by P. Connelly

Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 4:40 pm.

 

Minutes taken/submitted by

Ragene Gwin