College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science

Executive Council Minutes

March 4, 2009

 

 

Members Present:  C. Cornett, H. Evensen, M. Gill, O. Jadaan, J. Kile, D. Kunz, J. McDonald, M. Meyers, L. Riedle, P. Sealy, and R. Shultz

 

Absent:  J. Clifton, P. Parker

 

Visitors Present:  Tammy Salmon-Stephens

 

Minutes from February 11, 2009 were approved.

 

Announcements:

1.     Julie spoke with the Registrar’s Office regarding the last day to drop/withdraw from a class which is Monday, March 23rd.  Due to first tests being given right before spring break, students will not have results until the last day to drop/withdraw.  Registrar’s is giving them an extension until Wednesday, March 25th.  After a brief discussion, Lisa will contact the Registrar’s Office to see if all the Departments in the College of EMS can have the drop/withdraw date extended to Wednesday, March 25th.

2.    Hal announced that the College of EMS Expo deadline for project entries is Friday, March 6th.  A motion was made by Chuck and seconded by Osama to have classes in Ottensman and Engineering Halls cancelled on Thursday, April 2nd because of Expo.  The motion carried.

3.    Osama said that Pioneer Preview is scheduled for Friday, March 6th. 

4.    Rich shared with everyone budget issues.  He said that UWP’s share of the 100 million System budget cuts would be 1.8 million with an additional 200 thousand as part of 1% reduction.  There will be a 5-6% tuition increase for the fall 2009 semester which should take the 1.8 million deficits down to 1.2 million.  Rich had asked each Department Chair to identify courses that could be rotated, combined, or have reduced sections.  He strongly stated to watch that courses/sections are not run with low numbers (below 20).  If there is a logical reason for low enrollment in courses/sections, please discuss this with Rich so he can defend/justify that reason.

 

Rich gave an update on the following hiring of positions.  The Mathematics search is closed.  The replacement for M. Patterson in Chemistry will remain an academic staff.  He is going to recommend the moving forward with the two General Engineering positions because this Department is helpful to the other engineering programs.  He is not sure about the Nano or civil engineering position at this time.  Rich is very confident that there won’t be any position cuts or layoffs on-campus with full-time/on-going positions.  At this time, the only thing that is being looked at is the money so we all need to tighten our belts.  The question of raises was asked and Rich said “0” for the next two years except for the 2% that was budgeted for in last year’s monies will be received in June.  He said that health care costs will go up, but not sure how much at this time.  The Collaborative Programs will not be taken away.  Rich will keep everyone updated on the budget issue.

5.    Rich met with Computer Science and Software Engineering and they have agreed to join the programs already streaming courses. 

6.    Rich indicated that Industrial Engineering is also considering streaming video options.

 

Discussion Topics:

1.    Textbook Policy – Lisa Riedle

Lisa handed out a sheet on UWP’s textbook policies.  If you have supplemental books, you must list the costs in your class schedule submissions.  Currently, the charge can not cost more than $7.00 per credit.  Discussion followed.

2.    Shadow Day Mentors – Lisa Riedle

Shadow Day will be on Wednesday, April 22nd with a possible tri-state Shadow Day on Wednesday, April 29th.   Lisa said that more mentors are needed.  She asked everyone to send her the names and contact information for mentors as soon as possible.

3.    GE Report – Osama Jadaan

Osama went over the report and gave a brief explanation (GE report was emailed to everyone a couple weeks ago.)  Rich thanked Osama for the report and also for adding the gender and minority status break downs.

4.    GE 1030 Committee Update – Osama Jadaan

Osama handed out a copy of the GE 1030 Committee Meeting minutes and gave a brief explanation.  He said that he along with Philip Parker and Jim Almquist will apply for an Assessment Activity Grant.  Discussion followed.

5.    D/F Policy – Lisa Riedle

Lisa had asked each Department to submit their D/F policy and she has received those.  These policies will not be in the new hard copy of the undergraduate catalog, but we will submit updates for the electronic version when ready.  The Committee will continue to update Executive Council on any changes.

 

Other

1.    Rich said that DIN requests are due today, March 4th, but he extended the deadline to

     noon, Monday, March 9th.

 

 

Meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.