School of Arts and Sciences

Department Chair Meeting

Thursday, October 12th, 2006

11am – 12pm

D-127

Those in Attendance: Alan Gabrielli, Andrew McMorran, Julie Newell, Mark Nunes, Phil Patterson and Laina Pond.

Agenda

  1. Updates from the departments
  2. Updates from Deans’ meeting and USG ACC meeting
  3. Equipment proposal priorities
  4. Course learning objectives – and other assessment issues, as time permits

 

  1. Updates from the Departments:
    1. Math – There will be an MAA Pizza lunch for current Math students today at noon. The Spring Semester 2007 schedule is almost complete and will be entered into banner by the deadline. Alan suggests that each department run the schedule report in Banner, to help catch scheduling errors. Andy plans to contact the Mechanical and Architecture Departments to discuss designating classroom space for students. Alan notes that during the last Deans’ meeting, it was determined that whole course sections will not be reserved for specific majors.
    2. BCP – This past Friday the department held a Cell Dynamic lecture on the value of a biology degree. The lecture was attended by about 30 students.
    3. SIS – The schedule has been entered into Banner, with the exception of six courses. Julie reminds everyone of the Interface Lecture on Urban Planning, to be held on Wednesday, October 18th at 7:30pm. Alan suggested that Julie invite the Civil and Architecture Departments to the lecture.
    4. ETCMA – Donna McPherson has decided against transferring to the Registrars’ Office, and will remain the Administrative Assistant for ETCMA. A Donna Appreciation Day is being planned to celebrate her decision to stay. President Rossbacher approved a living memorial for Ken Rainey. Mark introduced the idea of having an ongoing faculty colloquium. He also explained his concerns for many of the 2+2 students having trouble in English 1102 because of writing, listening and reading deficiencies. In response to this problem, Mark is thinking of offering a course to acclimate these students to SPSU, with emphasis on reading, writing and listening skills. The department is also interested in offering concentrations in English, to assist in distinguishing between the BA and BS in English.
  2. Alan provided highlights on the USG Academic Advisory Committee meeting. During this meeting there was some discussion of options for the Regent’s exam, which includes allowing more opportunities for students to opt out of the exam. Reexamining the core curriculum is also being considered, with an increase in the liberal arts focus. USG AAC attendees were asked to think about system-wide course learning objectives. Alan, Julie and Mark discussed their opinions on these issues and revision possibilities. Alan briefed everyone on the last Dean’s meeting discussions. There is a consensus that Management Business should be separate from ETM, and there may be a School of Business soon. The school will not have a Dean, but could eventually, depending on growth in the program. A new mid-level engineering position has been developed, and will assist with the new Mechatronics Engineering and the Construction Engineering programs. Currently a search is underway for the ETM Dean, but no search has begun for a new CSE Dean. There will be new advisor training sessions, that will consist of four basic advising courses. The courses will run between one and two hours long, and may be required for new faculty beginning Fall 2007. Alan passed out “Common Learning Outcomes for the Curriculum” handout, and discussed the department CPR’s.
  3. After handing out the priority list for the EDP requests, Alan asked that everyone take a look at the list and encouraged comments or questions regarding the list items. There were seventeen proposals received, and their assigned priority level was based on how much money the department received last year and how many students would be affected by the proposal. Alan explained that a few of the items should be taken care of through the Operating budget, and that Zvi may provide money for smaller ticket items.
  4. All course objectives should be available at either the A & S website or the Department websites by Spring Semester 2007. Alan announced that the Georgia Highlands @SPSU enrollment is at 614 students. The next Banner version will be available on January 1st and there may be required training for Banner users. Alan asked that Department Chairs notify students of the Distance Learning Fee of $187 per semester hour, for all students that register for an on-line course. Zvi has asked that everyone send him information for the Annual Report. The Chemistry proposal will go downtown in December, followed by the Psychology proposal in January.
  5. The meeting was adjourned, and next Department Chair meeting will be held on Thursday, October 26th at 11am.