Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes

January 16^th, 2008

Senate members present:  Ruth Frickle, Glen Avantaggio, Gloria Rose Koepping, Chris Gan, Jack Harton, Darryl Brice, Sherri Chun, Eena Hibbs, John Dunn, Jin Do, Michael Armstrong, and Dusty Wilson.

The meeting was called to order at 3:08 in room 411 of the Library.

As we had a quorum, the minutes from Nov. 7th^th, Nov. 28^th  and Dec. 5th were approved.

Old Business

Testing Center Data Gathering

Chris Gan met with Lance Gibson and Robin Loveless from the Testing Center on Dec. 12.  It was a productive meeting and will be shared with the other committee members; Darryl Brice, Dusty Wilson, and Shannon Proctor.  This committee will continue to get data from Faculty about their testing needs and pursue partnerships that can restore testing services to students.  Ruth will also be meeting with Toni Castro soon to determine how we can partner with them to increase services.

Honors Designations

Students who have a G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher can graduate “with honors” as they receive their diploma.  This is different than being an Honors Scholar.  The text from the catalog that defines the “Highest Scholastic Achievement Award” is confusing and unclear.  We will seek clarification on this point.

Formalizing PR&R procedures

Jack Harton volunteered to research PR&R procedures.

New Business

Discipline Committee Alternates

Dusty Wilson, from the Discipline Committee, asked for a procedure for selecting alternates to the Discipline Committee.  The Senate agreed that the alternates could be appointed by elected committee members.  Chris Gan and Michael Armstrong volunteered as alternates and were accepted by Dusty.

Changes to the CAF

A copy of the new CAF form was distributed and it was noted to contain the addition of College Wide Outcomes (CWO).

Prof Tech classes transfer

Some classes that used to count only as “Gray Area” classes now count as part of the degree.  This is due to increased transferability of  Professional Technical Degrees to the four year schools.

Student Achievement Initiative

Ruth handed out information on the new statewide Student Achievement Initiative from the State Board.  This is a new initiative that measures college’s improvements in the steps that students take toward higher achievement (completing the first 15 credits, completing the first 30 credits, etc.).  It will award funds for improvements and build a framework for assessing student retention.

An unrelated question about Common Course numbering was also brought up during this time. Ruth said she didn’t know the status on that project, but she would research the transition timetable and get back to us.

College 100 requirement query

Ruth posed a question from Gwen Spencer and Susan Landgraf about making College 100 mandatory for new students.  Senate members had a number of comments.  Some members didn’t want to penalize all students.  Others thought it is difficult to convince students what they need.  Many wanted data to show it’s effectiveness before we consider any additions to the degree.

There was also a general statement about the waitlist problems that occurred this quarter and the need for an improved process next quarter.

Our next meeting is February 6^th, 2008.

Meeting Adjourned at 3:57 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Gloria Rose Koepping, Faculty Senate Secretary