December 1, 1998

December 1, 1998

MINUTES OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL

Motion to approve by McDougall, seconded by McGowan.  Minutes approved unanimously.
 

Action Items

 

1. Proposed new options in the B.S. in Agribusiness:  It is proposed to add four options to the B.S. in Agribusiness:  Agribusiness, Horticulture, Animal Science, and Technology.  Questions were raised about the particular intent of the "technology" option and what the meaning of "technology" is in this context.  Ford indicated that in the context of agriculture it is not restricted to expertise in technologies.  Jones observed that the preponderance criterion (more than fifty percent of required courses must be in the core) is not met by the Technology option.  Shaw responded that the technology option in industrial technology is only 50% core and was approved by the CBHE.  There was a brief discussion of possible incorporation of business courses into the agribusiness major.  McDougall moved and McGowan seconded approval.  The proposal was approved unanimously.

 
2. Change in options in the B.S. in Agriculture:  Ford explained that there is now a certification opportunity available in agriculture which was not available five years ago.  The proposed curricular changes are patterned after the new certification requirements.  McGowan moved and Shaw seconded approval.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 
3. Elimination of the B.A. in Economics:  McDougall detailed background for proposed elimination of the B.A. in Economics.  The major no longer attracts majors and the Department of Economics is turning its energies towards developing alternatives that appeal more directly to students' professional goals. McDougall moved and McGowan seconded approval.  The motion was approved unanimously.
   
   
4. Revision of the B.S.B.A. in Economics:  It is proposed to add two options to the B.S.B.A. in Economics: Business Economics and Financial Economics.  The revised curriculum will allow the Department of Economics to appeal more directly to students' professional goals, as indicated above. McDougall moved and Kellerman seconded approval.  The motion was approved unanimously.