Academic Council minutes - February 2, 2016

1. Approval of Minutes of Academic Council Meeting from January 19, 2016

Dr. Bill Ross moved approval of the minutes of January 19, 2016. Dr. Doug Winiarski seconded. With no further discussion, the minutes were approved by voice vote.

2. Revised Course Proposals

CHEM 300 was brought to the floor as a revised course proposal. Dr. Jon Dattelbaum motioned to approve. Dr. Sam Abrash seconded. With no further discussion, the revised course proposal was approved by voice vote.

ENVR 322 and ENVR 325 were then brought to the floor as a revised course proposals. Dr. Sam Abrash motioned to approve. Dr. Mike Kerckhove seconded. With no further discussion, the revised course proposals were approved by voice vote.

MUS 134 was brought to the floor as a revised course proposal. Dr. Jeff Riehl motioned to approve. Dr. Walt Stevenson seconded. With no further discussion, the revised course proposal was approved by voice vote.

3. Report from the Ad Hoc Committee on B.S. Degree Requirements – Dr. Todd Lookingbill

Dr. Todd Lookingbill reported on the Ad Hoc Committee on B.S. Degree Requirements and presented a Committee Update, which offered revisions to the “Proposed New Language for the B.S. Degree Requirements” and “Current Language of the Requirements for the Major.”

Following Dr. Lookingbill’s explanation and summary, Dr. Bill Ross argued for the inclusion of more explicit criteria to evaluate when courses are based on a “foundation of calculus.” Dr. Ross suggested that these must be defined and met prior to the approval of any new courses.

Dr. Linda Boland echoed Dr. Bill Ross’s concerns, saying that the proposed new language is imprecise and vague.

Dr. Matt Trawick, speaking on behalf of the committee, responded that the committee has deliberately left the criteria open. The committee would prefer to let the departments state how their proposed courses meet the degree requirement of a course based on a foundation of calculus.

4. Professional Travel Expenses—New Per Diem Method

Dean Skerrett introduced the new per diem method for requesting reimbursement of professional travel expenses. She thanked Laurie Melville in the Accounting Office and Terri Weaver, Director of Budget and Operations in the School of Arts & Sciences, and the other budget directors for their vision and determination to create these new guidelines. Dean Skerrett urged all faculty members to read the FAQ associated with the policy.  There will also be training for administrative coordinators to aid with the implementation of the new method.

5. A&S NEXT

Dean Skerrett reminded the Academic Council that A&S NEXT takes place on Saturday, February 20, from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. This is the second offering of a career workshop for A&S students. After the initial pilot, Dean Skerrett considers the revised program to be substantive and exciting. President Crutcher will be the keynote speaker and A&S alums and faculty are planning to contribute to the program.

6. Tucker-Boatwright Festival – Dr. David Stevens

Dr. David Stevens, Associate Professor of English, spoke about the upcoming Tucker-Boatwright festival. This year the festival encompasses authors who blend literary concerns with what have traditionally been considered genre fiction tropes. Dr. Stevens also reminded Academic Council that all faculty members have brochures for the Tucker-Boatwright Festival in their mailboxes. Programs associated with the festival include a student writing competition and a book give-away for faculty, staff, and students. Dean Skerrett said that, as part of the Humanities Initiative, we are making an effort to elevate the significance and impact of the Tucker-Boatwright Festival, to make it a signature and festive event each year.

7.  As a final announcement, Dr. Jon Dattelbaum reminded Academic Council that there is a March 4 deadline for DAC proposals.

The meeting adjourned at 11:45.