Meeting of the School of Arts and Sciences                                             August 12, 2008

 

Meeting called to order at 9:32AM by Dr. Churella.

 

1.  New faculty introductions from each department.

• Biology – Ms. Veronica Allen: Biology Lab Manager; Dr. Ratnappuli Kulasiri: Physics; Mr. Eric Smith: Astronomy and Physics (Temporary Faculty)
• ETCMA – Dr. Jim Werner: Digital Media and Graphics; Dr.  Laura Palmer: Graduate course in Information Design; Mr. Jeffrey Greene: Temporary Faculty
• Math – Dr. Sarah Holliday; Dr. Jennifer Vandenbussche
• SIS – Dr. Roger Soiset; Dr. Will Skutans; Brian Gridley: Political Science (adjunct); John Cunningham: History (adjunct); Ted Waterfall: History (adjunct)

 

2.  Old Business

Dean Gabrielli provided for review the revisions of the by-laws from the April Meeting and stated the by-laws were recently updated with revisions

Dean Gabrielli explained that A & S has a Nominations and Elections Committee without members.  The committee needs two at-large members whose role and responsibility are to nominate colleagues for positions.

 

Dr. Nancy Reichert nominated herself for the position.

 

There was a motion from the floor to nominate Dr. Mark Stevens.

 

Dr. Reichert and Dr. Stevens were unanimously voted to the Nominations and Elections Committee.

 

3.  New Business

Dean Gabrielli explained that there is a recommendation from administration to institute a First year Experience (FYE).  The FYE will have a theme that will be cross-disciplinary for first-year students and will carry over to speakers, courses and campus activities.

 

Dean Gabrielli informed A & S has been charged to select the theme for the 2008-2009 school year.  There will also be one faculty member and one at-large member for the FYE standing committee.

 

Dean Gabrielli opened the floor for discussion on the theme ideas

• Dr. Patterson proposed adding Energy Alternatives
• Dr. Nunes proposed adding Network Society.
• There was a comment from the floor that sustainability is a free standing item.
• There was a comment from the floor that Network Society already ahs student interest and as a theme can provide a broader picture of what it entails.
• Dr. Nuhfer-Halten commented that the theme was intended to be campus-wide and not just for first-year students following a model created by Kennesaw state University
• A proposal from the floor to add Modern Influence of Mathematics
• There was a question from the floor about the kinds of activities the students would be involved in and the learning outcomes.
• Dean Gabrielli responded that the students would be block scheduled into learning communities and Student Activities would coordinate to invite speakers and possibly concerts focusing on the theme

 

There was a motion from the floor to postpone implementation of the theme until there is adequate time to prepare.

 

Dean Gabrielli stated that if A & S does not choose a theme, someone else will choose the theme.

 

The motion to postpone was withdrawn.

 

Dr. Newell offered INTERFACE lectures as a way to incorporate the chosen theme.

 

There was a motion from the floor to use email to discuss the theme ideas and bring to a vote by September 1, 2008.

• The dialogue would not be as robust as in person
• Dr. Newell would have to withdraw the offer to use INTERFACE lectures
• Dean Gabrielli stated that such a motion would interfere with fall planning and integration

 

The motion was amended to discuss and vote by the end of the week.

The motion did not carry.

 

Dr. Churella called for a straw vote for the topics

• Sustainability – 1
• Technology and Society – 0
• Globalization – 8
• On-line society – 8
• Energy Alternatives – 15
• Network Society – 25
• Modern Influences of Mathematics – 7

 

4.  Updates and Dean's Remarks

Dean Gabrielli announced that the new degrees of Chemistry and Psychology have 26 and 21 majors respectively.

 

Dean Gabrielli announced enrollment numbers are up about 6% from last year which puts the school at approximately 4700 students.

 

Dean Gabrielli announced that the Political Science major and the graduate degree in Information and Instructional Design are still in the decision process and a full proposal will be prepared once the decision has been confirmed.

 

Dean Gabrielli announced there is a new tutoring center currently in the final stages of construction in Homell Dormitory.  The center will have 2 classroom size rooms, a testing room, offices, a small computer lab and one-on-one tutoring space.  Once furniture is delivered the tutoring center will be staffed and opened early in the semester.

 

Dean Gabrielli announced the Academic Plan is in the first stages of circulation.

 

Dean Gabrielli explained that SACS on-site visit is not the only preparation A & S has to point its focus.  An off-site team will be reviewing written materials and as departments there needs to be a focus on plan implementation and assessment for the year.

 

Dean Gabrielli announced that SPSU may have to cut the operating budget upwards of 10% however we are at an advantage because we are currently in a growth spurt. 

�      10% equates to approximately 2.4 million dollars

Typically Academic Affairs accounts for 60% of the operating budget, however, Dean Gabrielli stated that it may only be 50% of the cuts.

 

There can be no certainty on the amount of the cut or the types of cuts until after elections since we are in an election year.

�      Capital Equipment will be cut first by an estimated $300,000 – $400,000

�      Any unfilled positions will be cut

o   First Year Experience Director will be a volunteer

o   Critical Searches will be saved

�  Psychology

�  Chemistry

�  Geography

�      There is a possibility that travel budgets will be cut as well however, there is no present indication that will happen.

 

5.  Announcements

Dr. Churella asked to acknowledge Dr. Terry Carter and Dr. Tom Nisley for their work serving as Moderator and Secretary, respectively last year.

 

Dr. Nunes announced there will be a change in Regents Test that is USG-wide

• It will now be used as a diagnostic
• All first semester students have to take the test in the first semester and any subsequent semester until they pass
• Students now have to register for Regents Test (listed as RGTT)
• Any student who does not pass has three means of remediation

 

 Dr. Newell announced upcoming calendar events in the university calendar

• Future City – 3^rd Saturday in January
• Science Olympiad – Last Saturday in February
• Boy Scouts day of Merit – March
• Girl Scouts earth day – April

 

Dean Gabrielli announced the status of the Teacher Training Curriculum for STEM Education

• There is a new dean at Kennesaw State University
• No agreement as of now
• A & S may end up creating its own program which could result in four new positions
• Two options for the program
• Finalize agreement with the new dean at Kennesaw
• Begin to create the program within A & S

 

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:34AM.