April 7, 2015, Academic Council Meeting Minutes

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

1. Approval of Minutes of March 17, 2015

Dr. Sam Abrash moved approval of the minutes of March 17, 2015. Dr. Michelle Hamm seconded. With no further discussion, the minutes were approved by voice vote.

2. Changes to Major, Minors, and Concentrations

Dr. Jane Geaney moved a proposal for Changes to the Religious Studies Major and Minor. Dr. Michelle Hamm seconded.

Discussion ensued.

The Dean called the question. The proposed changes were approved by voice vote.

3. Report on Merit Allocations and Salary Framework for 2014-2015

The Dean reviewed a PowerPoint by the same title. It is available upon request.

4. Report on DAC’s Recommendation for Faculty Positions

Associate Dean, Dr. Vincent Wang, reviewed the PowerPoint. It is available upon request.

5. Report on Ad Hoc Committee for B.S. Degree Requirements

Dr. Bill Ross reported that the chairs and program coordinators for the A&S departments granting B.S. degrees met to discuss the proposal advanced by Dr. Malcolm Hill at two previous Academic Council Meetings concerning the requirements for a B.S. degree. The group comprised of: Dr. Bill Ross, Dr. Stephanie Cobb, Dr. Barry Lawson, Dr. Krista Stenger, Dr. Sam Abrash, Dr. Malcolm Hill, Dr. Ted Bunn, Dr. Michelle Hamm, Dr. Linda Boland, and Dr. Beth Crawford.

After meeting, the group came to a consensus that Dr. Hill’s proposal presents an opportunity for a broader discussion on the meaning and nature of a B.S. degree from the University of Richmond, and that any decision about specific requirements be part of that broader discussion. On behalf of the group, Dr. Ross then asked the Dean to instruct the nominating committee to form an ad hoc committee to review and discuss the requirements for the B.S. degree. He asked that the committee be populated before Fall 2015 and report back to Academic Council by mid-December 2015.

The meeting adjourned at 11:45.

Respectfully submitted,

Matt Oglesby