Executive Council Meeting 03/03/2009
Executive Council Meeting
March 3, 2009, 10:00 am, UW2 327
Present: Chuck Jackels, EC Chair, Pam Joseph, Bruce Kochis, Pete Nye, Suzanne Sikma and Kelvin Sung
Phone conference: Dan Jaffe
Guests: Steve Collins, Colin Danby, Ron Krabill, Eric Stewart and Elizabeth Thomas
Adoption of Agenda
The agenda was adopted.
Review of EC Minutes of February 24, 2009
The EC minutes of February 24, 2009 were approved.
Report of GFO Officers (none)
Reports from Program Representatives. None.
Reports of Standing Councils/Committees None
Special Reports.. None scheduled
Unfinished Business
A. Proposal for BA degree in Community Psychology - 2nd reading for discussion and action. (Eric Stewart, Elizabeth Thomas)
Chuck introduced Eric and Elizabeth and stated that this was the second reading for discussion and possible action on the BA in Community Psychology (CP). Eric submitted a proposal which had been revised after the discussion with the EC review on February 10. Eric indicated that Community Psychology is an interdisciplinary degree model that builds multiple pathways for students to achieve their academic goals. This degree leverages faculty strengths in IAS, cross programmatically, and in the community creating partnerships in teaching and scholarship.
EC discussion
- Models are emerging that do not structure programs like a traditional discipline-based major, and it is important to realize that there are underlying philosophical differences on how to handle curriculum.
- Long-term planning for degrees such as Community Psychology needs to support student learning across the curriculum to ensure that students are sufficiently prepared to evaluate research and scientific evidence.
- Basic Statistics (BIS 315) requirement of the present proposal may not be sufficient to meet learning objectives in a traditional psychology degree, but are considered appropriate by the CP faculty as a starting point for the degree. Some adjustment may be appropriate in the future as faculty and students gain experience with the new degree.
- Ongoing dialog regarding adding more advanced Statistic coursework to UWB degree programs more generally is recommended.
EC motion
Suzanne moved to pass the motion:
"The EC endorses forwarding the BA in Community Psychology proposal to the UW Registrar for Tri-campus review."
The motion was seconded, there was no further discussion.
Chuck called the question on the original motion. Hearing no objection, he called for a vote on it. The motion carried unanimously.
New Business.
A. Proposal for BA degree in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior - 1st reading for discussion. (Ron Krabill)
Ron submitted the proposal for a BA in Society, Ethics and Human Behavior (SEB) to the EC for review. This degree creates a solid framework that builds on a curriculum that incorporates multiple disciplines, providing students the opportunity to engage in a variety of research experiences. The SEB faculty is committed to facilitating experiential and creative learning opportunities inside the classroom and in community settings.
EC discussion
- Elective course overlap with the Community Psychology, Culture, Literature and the Arts and American Studies degrees is considerable. Should there be more designated core requirements in the SEB major as a means of clarifying and distinguishing it?
- The overlap in degree requirements between these majors are by faculty design. Students will direct their pathway through the degree with faculty guidance.
- The SEB Learning Objectives are very direct and clear, integrating similar themes into each of the core courses.
The proposal for the BA degree in Society, Ethics and Human Behavior will have its second reading at a later date, probably in April.
B. Proposal for BA degree in Science, Technology, and Society - 1st reading for discussion. (Steve Collins)
Steve submitted the proposal for a BA in Science, Technology and Society (STS) to the EC for review along with supplemental "Talking Points" that outlines the framework of the degree. This degree was developed to deepen mathematics and science literacy among liberal arts students while encouraging them to think critically about how scientific knowledge is produced and used. Steve discussed the lower division prerequisites in math, science, and technology required for the major. In reproducing the document before the EC, this section had been accidentally omitted. The major will create a bridge between the liberal arts and the professional and technical programs including Nursing, CSS and S&T.
EC discussion
- This degree is a great model, applying standards of interdisciplinary principles to a major.
- Steve will add pre-requisite and elective information to the proposal for its second reading.
- The proposal for the BA in Science, Technology and Society will have a second reading for possible action at a later date, probably on March 10.
The EC discussed more generally the faculty governance role in stewardship over academic integrity of new programs at UWB.
Meeting adjourned at 11:45 am
Minutes submitted by Barbara Van Sant
Next meeting will be March 10, 2009
Announcements;
Next Meeting: March 10, 2009, 10 - 12:00 PM. Possible items: Action on Standing committee motion. Discussion of admissions policy. 1st reading on NOI for Interactive Arts. 2nd readings on STS and SEHB degree proposals.