March 3, 2015 Academic Council Meeting Minutes

The dean called the meeting to order at 10:30.

1. Approval of Minutes of February 3, 2015

Dr. Bill Ross moved approval of the minutes of February 3, 2015. Dr. Jon Dattelbaum seconded. With no further discussion, the minutes were approved by voice vote.

2. Revised Course Proposals

HCS 201 and MUS 229/ANTH 279 were presented as revised course proposals.

Dr. Jennifer Nourse moved approval of the revised course proposals. Dr. Con Beausang seconded. With no further discussion, the revised course proposals were approved by voice vote.

3. Changes to Majors, Minors, and Concentrations

Dr. John Vaughn, Director of Pre-Health Education and Co-coordinator of the Healthcare and Society Program, discussed the proposed HCS Major Revision.

Dr. Vaughn explained that the most significant revision is the addition of an entry-level survey course which would be a prerequisite for other courses in the program.

Dr. Dan Palazzolo voiced concerns that the proposed HCS Major Revision would present staffing implications.

Dr. Beth Crawford said that PSYC 299 will not be offered.

Dr. Sydney Watts said that one of the history courses taught by adjuncts could not be guaranteed.

Dr. Linda Boland brought up the fact that there are likely hidden prerequisites behind some of the courses listed, as is the case with some of the Biology courses.

Dean Skerrett suggested that a committee of Academic Council members be created to explore the staffing implications presented by the proposed HCS Major Revision.

Dr. Linda Boland, Dr. Dan Palazzolo, and Dr. David Lefkowitz were mentioned as possible committee members.

The Dean called the question. 

  

With no further discussion, the proposed HCS Major Revision was approved by voice vote.

Dr. Con Beausang, Dr. Dan Palazzolo, and Dr. Sydney Watts abstained from voting.

4. Continued Discussion of Three-Year Merit Review Guidelines

Dean Skerrett presented a PowerPoint outlining proposed revisions to the Three-Year Merit Review Guidelines.

Discussion ensued regarding the Dean’s use of the word “context.” The Dean requested suggestions for rewording the provision. The Dean will bring a further revision of the Guidelines to the next Academic Council meeting. 

The meeting adjourned at 11:45.

Respectfully submitted,

Matt Oglesby