Minutes of the Educational Policy Committee, March 25, 2003

Members Present: Nathan Schlueter, Randy Richards, Theresa Schlabach, Bonnie Leonhardt, Pam Long, Michael Hustedde, Kris Eitrheim, Barb Wiese

Guests Present: Dan Zeimet, Hope Gardina, Rich Legg

Minutes of the meeting on March 4 were approved with the following corrections: Guests did not include Dan Bozik or Bob Banash. Rick Dienesch was present. The number of Biology majors is currently 95—there were 35 majors in the graduating class. (Barb Wiese moved, Kris Eitrheim seconded)

It was moved that the program review for the BES degree be approved.(Randy Richards moved, Pam Long seconded) Hope Gardina made a preliminary correction of a typo in the review: The Philosophy/Theology requirement should read 9 hours required, not six. She explained that the Bachelor of Elected Studies was a degree designed for returning adult students who had college credits from a variety of programs. It allows students to design their own program in consultation with an advisor after meeting certain requirements. The program had seen little activity until recently when students began using the ACCEL program to earn the degree. Since 1998, the number of majors has tripled and now numbers 44. It is expected that it will continue to attract adults working full-time. Discussion followed to clarify the PE requirement (2 hours are required, although Wellness Concepts is not required it is available in the ACCEL program), to discuss the multicultural category that includes some non-General Education courses as well as language-related courses. The age limit (over 23) is used because these courses are offered through ACCEL. Younger students could petition Board of Studies to use this degree option. The evaluation of writing was discussed. Survey information from graduates suggests many credit the program with improving their writing; Hope explained that portfolios of student work kept on file are also evaluated for evidence of skill improvement. Some of the BES students enroll in our MOL or other graduate programs; Hope will provide numbers. The motion passed.

It was moved to change the name of the Bachelor of Arts in Special Studies (BASS) to Bachelor of Special Studies (BSS). (Randy Richards moved, Nathan Schlueter seconded).

Motion passed.

It was moved to approve the review of the Bachelor of Special Studies (BSS) program. (Nathan Schlueter moved, Kris Eitrheim seconded) Hope explained that the program had been established originally to allow nursing students with two or three year degrees to finish programs when St. Ambrose had a nursing program, but had been dormant until recently. There is now a lot of interest among healthcare professionals with two-year degrees and nurses interested in completing four-year degree who are not part of our Nursing program’s regular offerings as they seek accreditation. The program has been changed to reflect the new General Education requirements. In answer to a question about the need for both the BSS and the BES it was explained that the programs grant credit for two-year degrees differently, so it was helpful to have two separate programs. The motion was approved.

The meeting was adjourned. (Nathan Schlueter moved, Kris Eitrheim seconded)

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie Leonhardt

For the Educational Policies Committee