October 2, 2012

October 2, 2012

Academic Council (approved November 6, 2012)

Present:          Aguinaga, Barrios, Dowdy, Eddleman, Fluegge Woolf, Fritsche, Hinkle, Lilly, McDougall, McGowan, Roeder, Rogers-Adkinson, Randolph (for Bruns), Rosati, Timlin, and Weller-Stilson  

Guests:           Shelba Branscum, Karen Gleeson  

A. MINUTES: Upon a motion by Eddleman; seconded by McGowan, the minutes of September 4, 2012, were unanimously approved.  

B. ACTION ITEMS:  

1.   a.  MA Elementary Education – Moving Program Online      
Rogers-Adkinson moved approval of moving the MA in Elementary Education completely online; seconded by McDougall. Rogers-Adkinson explained that the program is currently offered through online and blended courses, and the move would be to 100% online. This is based on constituent feedback from alumni, districts around the state, etc. The curriculum of the program would not be changed. Hinkle reiterated that this is still transcripted as the MA in Elementary Education, and the emphases are still advising tracks. Motion passed unanimously.        

1.  b.  MA Exceptional Child Education – Moving Program Online      
Rogers-Adkinson moved approval of moving the MA in Exceptional Child Education completely online; seconded by McDougall. Rogers-Adkinson explained that the program is currently offered through online and blended courses, and the move would be to 100% online. This is based on a shortage of special educators at the state and national levels. The Autism emphasis is increasingly popular. McDougall questioned whether a student could possibly receive two masters degrees based on the course offerings for the emphases; Rogers-Adkinson explained that the curriculum and specific degrees are based on state licensure and that would hinder anyone from automatically receiving more than one degree based only on courses taken. Motion passed unanimously.  

2.   Child Life Services – Deletion of Minor      
Randolph moved approval of the deletion of the Child Life Services minor; seconded by McGowan. Randolph explained that the minor is outdated. Rosati questioned if any of the courses in the minor would remain; Branscum stated that most of the courses are offered in other degree areas, and would remain. There are currently two students in the minor, and the department will work with the students to complete the minor. Rosati questioned whether there are similar programs offered; Branscum stated that the curriculum for the Child Life Services minor was relevant to care in hospitals, etc, and that they have the Child Development program. Motion passed unanimously.  

C. DISCUSSION ITEMS:  

1.   Hinkle advised that mid-term grading opens on Friday, October 5, and is open through October 15. She mentioned that grade submission is not Moodle-friendly; the Council asked that she send an email to the faculty making them aware of that.

2.   Hinkle advised that there will be a Banner shutdown over Fall Break, October 11-12.

3.   Eddleman introduced his new senior administrative assistant, Karen Gleeson, to the Council. Karen attended the meeting for observation.  

Motion to adjourn made by McGowan; seconded by Randolph. Meeting adjourned.