SENATE MINUTES

Meeting Date:

9/20/01

Status of Minutes:

APPROVED

Senate Session:

XVIII

Meeting Number:

3

Present:

P. Travis, S.A. Davis, N. Sidell, C. D'Ortona, H. Biblehimer, B. Ganong, M. Syrett, D. Rotella, B. Cunningham, D. Flesch for J. Kirby, A. Ghods, K. Sullins, A. Longoria, S. Thornsley, B. Wallace, J. Ulrich, B. Holtman, W. Evans, M. Matarese, K. Guenther for A. Gaskievicz, J. Werner, E. Eidenier for M-D. Schmid, I.Newman, M. Chester, S. Brown, A. Mabe, J. Floyd, L. Cass, D. Blouch, C. Coleman.

Guests: J. Halstead, D. Hefner

I.

P. Travis called the meeting to order at 3:34 p.m.

II.

Minutes of September 6 were approved as distributed electronically (Longoria/Evans).

APPROVED

III.

Treasurer's Report

C. D'Ortona was introduced as interim treasurer. The account balance is $253. The voluntary contributions will support a student scholarship. Senate reps were reminded to collect $10 dues from faculty. Checks should be made payable to the MU Foundation, with "University Senate" written on the "memo" line.

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APPROVED

IV.

Announcements

1. A brown bag luncheon, "Measuring academic quality, part II" will be held on 9-28 from noon to 1:30 in 307 AHSC.
   
   
2. J. Halstead introduced Dr. Dennis Hefner, President of SUNY-Fredonia and head of the Middle States Evaluation team. Dr. Hefner described the process that will culminate in his team's site visit here in March and a recommendation regarding accreditation. He has met with the steering committee and seen the draft document that was recently distributed. He encouraged faculty attendance and input at hearings that have been scheduled over the next weeks.
   
   
3. S. Bronn provided a facilities update. Renovations to Memorial and Straughn are slated for completion in October, along with the parking lot. Laurel Hall will be completed later this fall. Belknap is due for completion in December, with moving in occurring over winter break. Major renovations are set for Retan and Maple beginning in January. The planning process on Grant Science renovations has begun. A handout was distributed on faculty productivity that included indices that compared Mansfield with other universities in the system. We cost more than our peers, on average, in instructional dollars spent per student credit hour. Snyder forms were not used to compile this information. With the increase in enrollment, it is estimated that these numbers will improve. How this information is used was discussed. From a fiscal standpoint, S. Bronn indicated that this information is "strictly a measure that bean counters look at." It is used as part of the strategic planning process. The system reports these numbers in publications that are read by legislators.
   
   
4. Faculty were invited to attend a brown bag luncheon on 9-24 at noon in the sixth floor community room of North Hall. A discussion will be held that focuses on stress and response to students since the 9-11 terrorist attacks, and what may be anticipated in the future. The event is co-sponsored by Senate and APSCUF; refreshments will be provided.
   
   
5. P. Travis reiterated the importance of faculty input during the upcoming Middle States sessions. Faculty will help prioritize recommendations at these important meetings.

    

    

    

    

    

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V.

Committee Reports

A.

Academic Affairs (H. Biblehimer)


Two motions were presented by AAC.

MOTION ONE: Approve a Program Change for Philosophy - Pre-Law minor

Nature of the Program Change: Delete COM 204; add COM 425

Rationale for Change: Com 204 is no longer offered: it has been replaced by COM 425

Discussion: none. MOTION APPROVED.

MOTION TWO: Approve a Course Change Request for Library Science

Nature of the change: Change course description and content of LSC 560. Purpose the change: These changes are being made to meet PDE certification requirements. The 30 hour practicum option has been eliminated. Students already certified for K-12 library science will still take the course for 2 credits, but all students seeking K-12 library science certification will now be required to do a 100-hour practicum for a 4 cr. course. The course now also includes a one week residency requirement.

Course description for Catalog: LSC 560 - Seminar/Residency and Practicum in School Librarianship - 2 or 4 credits, online. This capstone course consists of an online seminar which includes a one-week residency required of all students, and for K-12 library science certification candidates, a 100 hour practicum, with at least 60 hours being "continuous," in a school library. The seminar includes readings, research, and threaded discussions on topics related to the school environment, teaching, and professionalism. Each student will create a professional portfolio, revise his/her resume and conduct a job search, assess his/her professional growth, and review professional organizations and continuing education opportunities.

Discussion: none. MOTION APPROVED.

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B.

Academic Planning (B. Ganong)

The committee has reviewed two associate degree programs from Health Sciences and, following clarification on a few issues, will be forwarding those to AAC.

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C.

Administrative Affairs & Elections

No report.

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D.

Student Affairs & Admissions (D. Rotella)

No report.

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E.

Information Technology (B. Holtman)

IT should be consulted before faculty purchase new academic software.
The concern was raised that students claim library computers have a virus. IT staff indicated that the feasibility of one solution, giving students space on servers (with Login) to eliminate data loss/disk problem issues, is a budget issue that would need to be made a priority.
An electronic "voting program" for university elections is in process and appears to be feasible.
A question was raised regarding how/if software can be created or obtained that converts Works files into Word and Excel formats.
A request will be sent to faculty to test the concept of a dedicated, staffed "testing lab" that could support online course and computer-heavy local courses. A survey will be drafted to determine if this is a priority.

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F.

Library Advisory

No report.

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G.

Provost (M. Lane)

No report.

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VI.

Old Business

1. One faculty member is still needed to serve as Senate representative to SGA; two are needed to serve on the CCSI Board. J. Maresco should be contacted if there is interest in the CCSI vacancies.
   
   
2. S. Davis is continuing to expend his energy is setting up a meeting date for the fall Faculty Assembly.

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VII.

New Business

None.

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VIII.

Meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m. (Flesch/Longoria).

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Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Sidell
Secretary of Senate