November 2, 2004

November 2, 2004

MINUTES OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL

Present:  Athinarayanan, Bertrand, Buis, Cron, Curtis, Ferguson, Hathaway, Jones, McDougall, Prater, Redmond, Shaw, Shepard, Starrett, Stephens, and Syler.
 
Guests:   Jai Dahiya (for McGowan), Steve Overmann, Chris Seyer (for Hinkle), Wes Mueller and Shuju Wu

1. Minutes of September 7, 2004. Stephens stressed the importance of reading the minutes for accuracy because it is an official record for policies and items approved and put in place by the Council.  Upon a motion by Shaw and seconded by Athinarayanan, minutes were unanimously approved.
    
2. Action Items
    
   1. Merger of Department of Geosciences with the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics: (Council members were previously provided with the handout regarding the merger with the agenda.)  Stephens reminded the Council that during the re-structuring three (3) years ago, these two (2) departments retained their identities under one chairperson.  This proposal will collapse the separate identities and the Geosciences program will dissolve into Physics and Engineering Physics.  Upon a motion made by Shaw to approve the merger, seconded by Prater, the motion was approved unanimously.
       
   2. Revision in B.S. in Environmental Science with the Elimination of Geosciences and Soil Science concentrations and Development of new concentration – Geoprocessing and Soils:  (Council members were previously provided a copy of the proposal with the agenda.) Shaw explained that the new concentration was created as a result of the elimination of the Geosciences major. Courses will be offered in alternating years using current manpower, and there will be no decrease in the offering of General Education classes.  Upon a motion by Shaw, seconded by Jones, the motion passed unanimously.
       
   3. B.S. Industrial Technology to Delete Electronics and Computer Technology Option and Add Telecommunications and Computer Networking Option:  (Council members were previously provided a copy of the proposal with the agenda.)  Shaw moved to approve the motion; Shepard seconded. Seyer (for Hinkle) stated that according to the “60% Rule” in the Bulletin, there were not enough senior level credit hours in 300 level or above.  He stated there were only 30 of the 78 hours listed and 60% of hours for a major should be in upper level classes.  After some discussion, Jones moved for a friendly amendment and approval with “the understanding that this is an exception to the 60% rule for upper level courses in the major.”  Curtis seconded.  The motion was approved unanimously.  Stephens stated that this issue will need to be looked at and suggested that we review the number of exceptions to the 60% rule that have already been through the approval process.
       
3. Information Items
    
   1. Actions Taken From Phase I and II Reviews
      Stephens stated that program changes presented as a direct result of Phase I or Phase II Reviews already have the approval of the Board of Regents and no action will be needed.  Any follow up coming out of the Reviews will then be considered as informational items.
       
   2. School of Polytechnic Studies Changes
      In view of that information, Shaw informed the Council that the School of Polytechnic Studies would be deleting the B.S. in Agriculture major and both options (Plant and Soil Science and AgriScience). The AgriBusiness option under the BS in AgriBusiness would be deleted, and options in Plant and Soil Science and Agriculture Industry have been added.  Mueller stated that under this course restructuring, which is in line under Phase 1 of Program Review, the Agriculture major will be discontinued and there will be a reduction of one faculty member next year.
       
4. Other
    
   1. College of Science and Mathematics Reduction in Degree Hours
      Dahiya announced that the College of Science and Mathematics College Council approved revisions in the Department of Chemistry degree programs to reduce the number of credit hours from 124 to 120 hours.  It was noted that the Chemistry Business option is still at 129 credit hours.
       
   2. 120 Hour Implementation
      Jones questioned when the 120 hour degree credit requirement for graduation would take effect.  His question was based on an e-mail from the Registrar.  It was discussed and determined that the new requirement is effective for the May 2005 graduates in those program that have reduced their hours to 120.  Stephens reminded the Council that she has encouraged all departments to look at their programs and noted that degree reductions do not have to have Academic Council approval, but should be submitted as informational items.
       
   3. 60% Rule
      Stephens asked that the Registrar’s Office check all programs that are not within the 60% upper level credit hour guideline.  Academic Council will be advised of the results and be on the agenda at the next meeting or when a report is ready.