November 2, 1999

November 2, 1999

MINUTES OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL

Present: 

Buis, Cron, Gifford, Hinkle, Holt, Janzow, Jones, Kellerman, Keys, McDougall, Miller, Naugler, Pittman, Shaw, Stennis-Williams, Train (McGowan)

Guests: 

Cobb, Duben, Lilly, Yeo
 
1. Minutes of September 7, 1999.  Approved. 

 
2. Action Items 

 
1. Program Change, B.S. in Physics:  Cobb was asked to explain the proposed changes to the B.S. in Physics.  The main change would be to drop EP222 and add EP100, a one-hour introductory course to computer software.  This course was originally only required for the Engineering Physics program, but they now want to require it for all physics programs.  This is the only change, which would change the program from 125 hours to 126 hours.  McDougall asked if EP222 is a required course.  Cobb advised that it is not; it is a pre-engineering course adopted to facilitate transfers to the University of Missouri at Rolla.

 
2. Program Change, B.S. in Engineering Physics:  Cobb was asked to attend to explain the proposed changes to the B.S. in Engineering Physics.  The program would now require EP100.  In addition, they had hoped to include UI300 and 400 level courses in the program, but they have found that this is not feasible.  The hour allotment needs to change because of the 6 hours that they thought would be filled with UI classes.  They are planning to add 3 elective hours and eliminate the other 3 hours.  With the addition of EP100, the total hours would change from 134 to 138, which is on par with other engineering physics programs.

 
3. Deletion of the B.A. in Physics:  Cobb advised that the department has never granted a B.A. in Physics, and that there has never even been a student who majored under the B.A. in Physics.  Since there has been no student interest in the program, they propose to drop it.  Naugler moved to approve the two program changes and the program deletion in physics.  Shaw seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.  Holt advised that the deletion of the program would go before the Board of Regents at the December meeting.

 
4. Proposed Changes to Core Curriculum, B.S. in Biology:  Train gave some background information.  In 1995, related to Strategic Planning, they had an external review of the program since they are not accredited by any entity.  They also conducted an extensive self-study prior to the review, and looked at all aspects of the department.  The reviewers suggested that they look at revising the curriculum.  The reviewers suggested that having 10 areas of emphasis in the biology program was too much, and that students were specializing too early.  Train and Lilly advised that they have taken the original 10 emphasis areas and narrowed it down to 3 areas of emphasis with a common core.  There will be a new course (BI190) that will go through the approval process; three 200 level classes (BI/BO/ZO) with Research Methods being the fourth 200 level course; a living systems course (General Education course within the major); an evolution course; an experiential learning course; and three core specializations.  There will still be 40 credits on the major.  There will be more required courses in the core at the recommendation of the external reviewers and the determination of the department.  There will be more physical science courses (chemistry, physics, math).  The biomedical emphasis will be aimed at the pre-health professions (dentistry, medicine, chiropractic).  These changes are coming about because of discussions in the department about needed changes, with the review team giving the impetus to make the changes, and the changes have been approved at the department and college level.  Discussion followed.  McDougall asked how they will validate that students in the program have achieved the goals and objectives.  Lilly said that the objectives will have been met by the time they have completed the 200-level courses, as judged by course grades and performance on the major field achievement tests.  Lilly said the Biology Department believes that the core needs to be driven by the objectives and has designed the courses to attempt to achieve this.  There was some discussion about the term “core specialization.”  McDougall expressed concern that there are no criteria for “core specializations” and that this is not a term approved by the Board of Regents.  Train commented that they don’t see this as any different from “area of emphasis” or an “advising track,” which are both commonly accepted terms.  Lilly commented that the Registrar’s Office has provided credit studies that allow faculty to focus on a group of courses and make internal adjustments without having “official” options.  It was determined that since there are no other 200 level requirements, electives will be at the 300-500 level.  It was decided that the best way to view the program would be as one major with advising tracks.  Pittman moved to approve the changes to the core curriculum.  Gifford seconded.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 
5. New Emphasis in the Masters in Secondary Education:  Yeo was asked to discuss the proposed new emphasis.  He advised that they are restructuring the core of the Masters program to offer an undefined Masters.  Currently, the Masters is specific either Art or Physical Education.  The goal is that by opening 15 hours, students can come in and work with an advisor to discuss areas of interest.  The proposal has come before Academic Council before, but there have been problems with the name of the program.  The “Interdisciplinary Studies” title was not approved, and it is hard to come up with a title for a generic studies program besides “generic studies.”  The proposal is being presented this time under the name of “Educational Studies,” and has been approved at the departmental and college levels.  Cron moved to approve the new emphasis area.  Stennis-Williams seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

 
6. Change to Nutrition Minor:  No one was in attendance to present the material.  Holt advised that this will be tabled until the December meeting, and he will review in the meantime to see if this is a major change.

 
7. Change to Information Systems Program:  Duben was asked to explain the revision.  Duben advised that IS130, Visual Basic I, has been added to the program.  In the past, this course has been allowed as an option by student petition and department waiver, but they want to officially add this to the list of acceptable courses.  Train moved to approve the revisions.  Miller seconded.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 
8. Graduate Assistant Proposal:  Holt advised this will be tabled until the next meeting since Burton had a schedule conflict and could not be here to discuss it.