SENATE MINUTES

Meeting Date:

4/11/02

Status of Minutes:

APPROVED

Senate Session:

XVIII

Meeting Number:

14

Present:

Present: P. Travis, S.A. Davis, N. Sidell, H. Biblehimer, B. Ganong, B. Cunningham, R. Maris, J. Tan, A. Longoria, S. Thornsley, B. Wallace, B. Holtman, R. Dodson, A. Gaskievicz, M. Syrett, K. Sullins for J. Werner, M-D. Schmid, I. Newman, M. Chester, S. Brown, R. Keller, J. Floyd, J. Warner, M. Lane, N. Cooledge.

I.

P. Travis called the meeting to order at 3:33 p.m.

II.

Minutes of March 28, 2002 were approved as electronically distributed (J. Floyd/M. Chester).

APPROVED

III.

Treasurer's Report (P. Travis for C. D'Ortona)

P. Travis reported that the account balance is $274. Contributions can still be made so an additional book scholarship can be awarded.

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APPROVED

IV.

Announcements

1. J. Halstead approved all curricular actions of 3/14/02, including the global course definition, the cross listing of ENG 280 and ANH 281, the deletion of the associate's degree in accounting, several changes for Health Sciences and the final course outline for UNV 100. Also approved were the two curricular actions from 3/28/02: a series of actions for the Business/Economics and Art Departments.
2. P. Travis reminded that Senate election ballots are due in F. Chua's office on 4/12 by 4:30 p.m.
3. P. Travis announced that S. Carrish has been named the Director of the Honors Program for the next two years.
4. M. Lane announced that P. Keller has been named as Director of the Center for Effective Teaching. M. Oyallon will remain as Director of the Study Abroad Program.
5. M. Lane reported that the Languages and Literature Department has developed an on-line test for writing placement with three possible outcomes for students: ENG 090 is required, ENG 090 is not required, or test out of ENG 112. This is effective immediately and will be used with placing incoming students. Today, chairs received forms to use in changing course sequencing. All courses will be renumbered for the 2003-4 academic year. The deadline for submission to AAC for curricular change consideration related to this will be 10/4/02. A motion was passed today by the Board of Governors that establishes 120 credit hours for baccalaureate degrees unless otherwise required by accrediting agencies or legislative regulation. This will be effective for those matriculating in the fall of 2003. Any program currently requiring more than 120 hours will need to become compliant with this. Here, 21 programs now require more than 120 hours. Curricular action will be required and both AAC and APC will need to consider the changes. The deadline for submission of changes will be in December. Department chairs will be notified of this via e-mail.
6. P. Travis announced that J. Halstead's responses to curricular actions are being sent electronically to chairs of the originating department by the Provost's office, effective since Senate actions of 1/24/02.
7. B. Wallace asked for indulgence of Education/Special Education students on 4/12 who may be late for classes due to an on-campus conference that lasts all day.
8. H. Biblehimer announced the free blood pressure and cholesterol screening on 4/16, sponsored by the Wellness Committee.

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V.

Committee Reports

A.

Academic Affairs (H. Biblehimer)


No motions were presented by AAC.

AAC appointed membership of the newly formed WIG Committee: K. Guenther (chair), E. Eidenier, M. Launius, W. Sanders, M. Syrett, P. Savoy and K. Thorne. Appreciation was extended to all who volunteered to serve.

The deadline for curricular action to be considered by Senate this semester is 4/14 at noon.

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B.

Academic Planning (B. Ganong)

APC recently approved changes to Philosophy, Master of Library Science, and the BA in Art History. They will discuss program changes to the Exceptional Persons program that is currently in moratorium.  

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C.

Administrative Affairs & Elections (P. Travis for F. Chua)

P. Travis announced that early in the fall, a special election will be held to elect a member to the Tenure Committee.

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D.

Student Affairs & Admissions

No report.

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E.

Information Technology (B. Holtman)

Reactions from C. Beckman to questions raised previously were presented. First was concern about using the personal calendar feature available on my.mansfield that was dependent on the stability and reliability of the server. C. Beckman responded that no matter what technology is being used, it will become obsolete at some point. Each user must decide individually what he/she is willing to use, given that change is inevitable with software. The server that the new calendar resides on has been very reliable. If there is change planned in software, at least one semester's notice will be given. Regarding a replacement for BlackBoard, C. Beckman responded that at this point it is a rumor, although she cannot guarantee that the Chancellor's Office will continue to support this product. M. Lane interjected that IT is exploring the cost of purchasing our own site license. If a change is made regarding BlackBoard, C. Beckman guarantees that it will not go away without a lot of kicking and screaming from IT, Administration and a whole lot of our sister schools. As soon as IT knows BlackBoard or anything else we depend on is going away, users will be informed.
Regarding increased notification of IT changes, C. Beckman responded that a variety of ways currently exist, including IT training newsletters, requests for software additions every semester, University Days presentations, postings on my.mansfield and through the IT Committee.
Regarding clarification of the computer replacement policy, C. Beckman explained that the survey developed by J. Moore is one factor in the replacement formula. The survey states in its introductory paragraph that "it will be used- along with other information- to help us develop a computer replacement plan." Responses to the survey along with an inventory of the user's desktop to determine if the computer is adequate to the tasks the computer is used for are considered. IT considers what the manufacturer's requirements are for the software supported on the machine. If a machine is below that base requirement, it is replaced or upgraded. M. Lane added that what the computer looks like should not be evaluated, but its capabilities.
A. Longoria asked for assistance with computer problems related to running Windows 95. He was encouraged to contact the help desk.
The format of the fall survey is unwieldy; can it be streamlined? The IT Committee meets next week and will discuss this concern.
Finally, a town meeting is being considered on IT issues during fall semester.

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F.

Library Advisory (M. Syrett)

A report will be given to Senate at its next meeting.

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G.

Provost (M. Lane)

No report.

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VI.

Old Business

A. Longoria requested that faculty encourage students to attend the five French films being shown over the next two months. The first, "Autumn Tale," will be shown on 4/25 in Allen Hall at 1:00 p.m. Two additional films will be shown in May and two in June.

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VII.

New Business

P. Travis extended appreciation to all Senators, committee members and chairs for their past commitment to the faculty governance process. Senators were encouraged to invite new faculty to become involved, as there are a number of committee positions that will be available.

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VII.

Meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m. (Davis/Longoria).

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