REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE FACULTY SENATE

Meeting Minutes

February 11, 2008

104 Gore Hall                                                                                                  4:00 pm

 

Members excused:

 

I.          Adoption of the Agenda

Approved

II.       Approval of the Minutes: February 11, 2008

Approved

III.    Remarks: Provost Dan Rich – Dr. Rich announced that the FYE is under review, and he has met with faculty to discuss the FYE.  Dr. Rich will also meet with students in the future.  The University hopes to launch a pilot program in the fall; further updates will soon be reported to the Faculty Senate.

Dr. Rich gave a report on the Historic Overview of Strategic University Indicators; the presentation is available online, http://www.facsen.udel.edu/sites/Provost.aspx, click on Overview of Strategic University Indicators.  Currently over 24,000 applications for fall 2008 have been submitted.  The grade point average of applicants has been stable the last three years, with an average of 3.6.  Graduate student applications decreased after 2003 due to federal limits on overseas applicants and limits placed by foreign governments.  The University’s increase in graduate student support has increased the percentage of full time graduate students compared to part time students.  The stipend for next year will be increased to $14,500.  The reduction in the number of students enrolled as University Studies (formerly undeclared) is due to a deliberate effort by the University to place students into a major when admitted.  The University also reported higher graduation and freshman retention rates.  Dr. Rich reminded the Faculty Senators that a
Delaware forum will be presented May 10.  President Harker will discuss the University’s Strategic Plan.

Leila Lyons reported on the WebCT problems that required the learning management system to be taken off line for about one week.  Problems were first notice February 10th.  The University contacted the vendor, Blackboard, and work over the next couple of days found that the problem was due to a few corrupt files on the University’s server.  The system was taken down February 14th.  It took longer than expected to get the system back online.  Only a single contractor in
British Columbia, Vancouver was able to help.  Full support of WebCT by Blackboard will end Oct 2009; after that, a lower level of support will be available.  Sakai has been tested in courses by a number of faculty as a replacement for WebCT.  Fred Hofstetter gave a presentation of Sakai and how to incorporate course content into Sakai based on his experiences.  Dr. Hostetter, Education, has published online a movie demonstrating his experiences with Sakai at http://www.udel.edu/fth/sakai.  Bob Simons, Psychology, also gave a demonstration of his experiences with Sakai.  Dr. Rich announced that the University recently made the decision to replace WebCT with Sakai.  The decision on how to make the transition has not been determined.  The transition from WebCT to Sakai will be gradual.

IV.     Announcements: Senate President Alan Fox

A.     Report from Dr. Matt Robinson, Chair, Student Life.  The Faculty Senate Committee on Student Life was charged with assessing the student life program.  Dr. Robinson gave a summary of the report and stated that some of the committee recommendations have been incorporated into the temporary program in effect spring 2008 and the new program being developed for 2008-09.  The final program should be brought to the Faculty Senate for approval at the April meeting.

V.        Items For Information

A.     Mission Statement  The changes to the University’s Mission Statement have been approved by the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate and will go to the Board of Trustees for final approval.

VI.     Consent Agenda

A.     Announcements for Challenge

1.      Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the minor in Physics (attachment)

2.      Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the BS in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy and Astrophysics (attachment)

3.      Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to add a new minor in Astronomy (attachment)

4.      Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to delete Chemical Physics Concentration – BS Physics (attachment)

5.      Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to delete Materials Physics concentration – BS Physics (attachment)

6.      Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to Anthropology Minor (attachment)

7.      Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request for a name change in CES (Area Studies Program) (attachment) (attachment)

8.       Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the Music Education-General Choral Concentration: Piano XMV Piano BMAS (attachment)

9.      Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the Music Education General Choral Concentration: Voice BMAS (attachment)

10.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the major in Medical Technology (attachment)  (attachment) (attachment) (attachment)

11.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the BA in International Relations: Delete Russia/Central Europe Area Specialization (attachment)

12.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the admission requirements in Sport Management BS From January 4th meeting (attachment)  (revised rational 1-17-08)

13.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the major distribution requirements Economics BA/BS Economics Education (attachment) (attachment) – Subject to review in three years

14.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the minor in Strength and Conditioning (attachment)

15.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the major in Athletic Training (attachment)

16.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the IFST BS major: Human Services – Clinical Services, and Administration and Family Policies concentrations (attachment)

17.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the minor in Musical Studies (attachment)

18.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the MA in School Psychology (Checklist 31) (Policy 05)

19.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the EdS in School Psychology (Checklist 32) (Policy 05)

20.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the course requirement for PhD in Physics (Checklist w/Policy 19)

21.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to add a Concentration in Sports Medicine for MS in Exercise Science (Checklist 33) (Policy 34)

22.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision of MS in Human Nutrition (Checklist 35) (Policy 36)

23.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the minor in Legal Studies (attachment) (revised attachment)

24.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the Political Science Major Concentrations (revised attachment)

25.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to delete major concentration in Journalism BAAS (revised attachment)

26.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the major requirements in Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences: Health Behavior Science/Fitness Management  (revised attachment 2-8-08)

27.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the major requirements in Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences: Health Behavior Science/Leisure Service Management (revised attachment 2-8-08)

28.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to three languages major FLL (attachment)

29.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the requirements for the minor in German (attachment)

30.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to Theater MFA Acting Concentration (Checklist 20) (Policy 21 Revised) (Catalog Copy 40)

31.   Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to Theater MFA Stage Management (Checklist 22 Revised)

32.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to Theater MFA Technical Production  Concentration (Checklist 23 Revised)

33.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request for New Biomedical Engineering Concentration for MS and PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Checklist 41) (2005 Policy 46) (Highlighted Policy 48) (Clean Policy 47.2) (Concentrations Catalog Descr 49.1)

34.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request for New Computer Systems and Networking Concentration for MS and PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Checklist 42)

35.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request for New Electromagnetics and Photonics Concentration for MS and PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Checklist 43)

36.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request for New Materials and Devices Concentration for MS and PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Checklist 44.1)

37.  Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request for New Signal Processing and Communications and Controls Concentration for MS and PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Checklist 45.1)

38.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the Biomechanics and Motor Control Concentration and Exercise Physiology Concentration:  Remove HESC 250 and revise for DLE (attachment)

39.  Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the degree program with a concentration in Biotechnology (revised attachment)

Approved

B.            Resolutions

1.      Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request for a new MS in Finance (attachment) (attachment) (attachment) (resolution attachment)

Whereas,    The University of Delaware seeks to provide quality graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, and

Whereas,    The department of Finance offers courses that support other departments’ graduate programs, and

Whereas,    The Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance in the Lerner College is a nationally recognized center that promotes progressive changes in corporate structure and management through education and interaction, and

Whereas,    The Lerner College has established the Exelon Trading Center, which is a state-of-the-art, discovery-based learning facility, and

Whereas,    The faculty of the Department of Finance desire to advance scholarship by offering graduate education in their own discipline, be it therefore

Resolved,   that the Faculty Senate recommends the establishment of  a program leading to the Master of Science degree in Finance provisionally for five years.

Approved

2.       Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to add a new MS in Fashion Studies (attachment) (revised proposal) (policy attachment) (resolution)

Whereas,    creation of a Fashion Studies graduate program was established as a major priority in 2005 as the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies was formed, and

 Whereas,    the University of Delaware is research-intensive and seeks to expand graduate education in areas of competitive strength, and

Whereas,    the Department as proposed a Master of Science in Fashion Studies integrating design, consumer behavior, and social responsibility, that is unique among other programs nationally and will have competitive advantage, and

Whereas,    the planning for this graduate program has been informed by industry leaders who have cited the need for professionals able to integrate consumer understanding with design to build consumer relevant products, and

Whereas,    the graduate certificate in Socially Responsible and Sustainable Apparel Business begun in Fall 2007 is a program unlike any in the world, and is has so-far enrolled six students and has received considerable attention in the apparel industry, and the Department has received numerous inquiries and expressions of interest about enrollment in a full Master’s program, be it therefore

Resolved,   that the Faculty Senate recommends that this degree be established in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies provisionally for five years.

 Approved

3.           Recommendation from the Committee on Graduate Studies (Charles Mason, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) that a minimum requirement of 60 credits for award of the Master of Fine Arts degree be affirmed and published (resolution attached).

Whereas,    the Master of Fine Arts is considered a terminal degree, and

Whereas,    the Master of Fine Arts is viewed similar to a doctoral degree in academic status, and

Whereas,    the College Art Association states in its guidelines for M.F.A. standards the “the minimum requirement for the M.F.A. is 60 semester credits of course work at the graduate level,” and

Whereas,    all M.F.A. programs currently in the University require at least 60 credits, be it therefore

Resolved,   that the Faculty Senate recommends a minimum requirement of 60 credits for award of the Master of Fine Arts degree be affirmed and published.

 Approved

4.          Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to create a new major in Animal and Food Sciences (attachment) 

Whereas,    the Department of Animal and Food Sciences proposed to create a new curriculum, and

Whereas,    this requires establishing a new major: Food Science, be it therefore

Resolved,   that the Faculty Senate recommends the major be established provisionally for five years beginning Fall 2008.

 Approved

5.         Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to create a new major in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Biosciences (attachment)

Whereas,    the Department of Animal and Food Sciences proposes to create a new curriculum, and 

Whereas,    this requires establishing a new major: Pre-veterinary Medicine and Animal Biosciences, be it therefore

Resolved,   that the Faculty Senate recommends the major be established provisionally for five years beginning Fall 2008.

Approved

6.           Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to create a new major in Food Science (attachment) (resolution doc)

Whereas,    the Department of Animal and Food Sciences proposes to create a new curriculum, and 

Whereas,    this requires establishing a new major: Animal and Food Science, be it therefore 

Resolved,   that the Faculty Senate recommends the major be established provisionally for five years beginning Fall 2008.

Approved

7.          Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to delete the major and concentrations in Animal Science (attachment)

Whereas,    the Department of Animal and Food Sciences proposes to create a new curriculum, and

Whereas,    this requires disestablishing the current Animal Science major and all concentrations, be it therefore

Resolved,   that the Faculty Senate recommends the Animal Science major be disestablished, effective Fall 2008

Approved 

8.         Recommendation from the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (John Madsen, Chair) with the concurrence of the Coordinating Committee on Education (Amy Johnson, Chair) and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the request to delete the major and concentrations in Food Science and Technology(attachment)

Whereas,    the Department of Animal and Food Sciences proposes to create a new curriculum, and

Whereas,    this requires disestablishing the current Food Science and Technology major and all concentrations, be it therefore,

Resolved,   that the Faculty Senate recommends the major be disestablished, effective Fall 2008

Approved

9.            Recommendation from the University Senate Committee on Promotions and Tenure (Eric Kmiec, Chair) with the concurrence of the University Senate Committee on Rules and the Executive Committee (Alan Fox, Chair) for the revision to the Faculty Handbook Section IV – Personnel Policies for Faculty – Promotion and Tenure – Faculty Promotion and Tenure and Minimum Standards for Promotion (attachment)

Whereas,    faculty at the University of Delaware should be evaluated for promotion and/or tenure based on the departmental promotion and tenure guidelines and based on their assigned workload for the period under review, as established in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and

Whereas,    the proposed changes to the Faculty Handbook are aimed at clarifying that the scholarship of teaching or service are also a significant part of a faculty member’s contribution to the academic community, and

Whereas,    the proposed changes to the Faculty Handbook are aimed at clarifying that the scholarship of teaching or service are important criteria for faculty promotion and/or tenure at the University of Delaware, be it therefore

Resolved,   that the Faculty Senate endorses the proposed revisions, in Section IV of the Faculty Handbook, in the section on Promotion and Tenure, as outlined in the attached document.       

Approved

IV.       Regular Agenda

A.     Old Business:  None

B.     New Business: None 

VIII.     Introduction of New Business

Such items as may come before the Senate.  (No motion introduced under new business, except a motion to refer to committee, shall be acted upon until the next meeting of the Senate.)

A question was raised from the floor about the implementation of Breadth Requirements across campus in different units.  A motion was made to refer to committee for review and clarification of the wording and current practice of using the Arts and Sciences’ Breadth requirements in other units.  The Committee on Committees and Nominations and the Undergraduate Studies Committee would bring a report to a Faculty Senate meeting.

Motion passed

A question was raised from the floor about the Discovery Learning Experience (DLE) currently required of all undergraduate students for graduation.  A senator does not believe that the University has the quality or quantity of DLE courses to met the requirement and that the University should “derequire” the DLE immediately.  A motion was made from the floor for the General Education Committee to review the DLE and report to the Faculty Senate before this summer.

Motion passed

 

Adjourned 5:30.

Submitted by Donald Lehman