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Governance Minutes ArchiveFebruary 24, 1992
Minutes University Council Meeting February 24, 1992 Dr. McComas called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present:C. Forbes, M. Ridenour, E.F. Carlisle, J. Falkinham, T. Goodale, L. Harris, G. Hooper, W. Allen (for L.A. Swiger), H. Doswald, R. Sorensen, S. Crumwell (for J. Buffer), G.W. Clough, S. J. Ritchey, D. Smith, D. Hewitt, P. Miller, N. Dodl, J. Robertson, F. Thye, R. Heller, G. Holtzman, J. Ficenec, B. Crittenden, L. Geyer (for N. Marriott), T. Rakes, A. Snoke, Lisa Jansen (for L. Barroso), C. Luch, C. Vargo, M. Byrne, T. Stoll, B. Rexroad, P. Larkin, Guests: Bill Burleson, Spectrum; Cornel N. Morton, EO/AA; Paul Knox, University Forum on Liberal Education (U.F.L.E.); Patricia Kelly, U.F.L.E.; Guy Hammond, U.F.L.E.; Susan Brooker-Gross, U.F.L.E.; Carol Burch-Brown, U.F.L.E.; Jon Shepard, U.F.L.E.; C. Gene Haugh, U.F.L.E. Absent: J. McComas, R. Smoot, C. Steger, P. Gherman, E. Blythe, P. Eyre, L. Rees, G. Bunce, K. Mottley 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as distributed. The motion PASSED. 2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 1992 The University Council minutes of the meeting of February 10, 1992 were approved with corrections. 3. FIRST READING, COMMISSION ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES RESOLUTION, 1991-92A, CONCERNING THE REVISED UNIVERSITY CORE CURRICULUM. Dr. Carlisle, chair of the Commission on Undergraduate Studies, described the history of the resolution and accompanying REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY FORUM ON LIBERAL EDUCATION, noting that in Spring of 1990, a special committee was established to review and propose revisions of the universi- ty's core curriculum. He recognized the thorough and time-consuming efforts of the members of the University Forum on Liberal Education (UFLE), comprised of Prof. Carol Burch-Brown, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Programs; Dr. Susan Brooker-Gross, Dept. Head of Geography; Dr. James Craig, Dept. Head of Geological Sciences; Dr. Leon Geyer, President of the Faculty Senate; Dr. Guy Hammond, Professor of Religion; Dr. C. Gene Haugh, Professor of Agricultural Engineering; Dr. Russell Jones, Associate Professor of Psychology; Dr. Patricia Kelly, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction; Dr. Paul Knox, Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning; Dr. Rebecca Lovingood, Professor of Housing, Interior Design and Resource Management; Dr. Barbara Pendergrass, Assistant to the Vice Presi- dent of Student Affairs; Dr. Bevery Sgro, Director of the Division of Student Affairs; Dr. Jon Shepard, Dept. Head of Management; Dr. Bruce Wallace, University Distinguished Professor of Biology; and Mr. William Kuster, representative of the Student Government Association. The commit- tee's 36-page report, he announced, details all of the proposed changes. Dr. Carlisle then asked Prof. Carol Burch-Brown, chair of the UFLE, to summarize the major points of the core curriculum resolution. Prof. Burch-Brown described the lengthy process required to draft the report, including a comprehensive review of the existing core curriculum, a campus-wide survey of the strengths and weaknesses of current requirements, an analysis of writing skills in undergraduate classes and programs, a look at enrollment patterns, and a review of related documentation, such as the university's Self-Study. She highlighted the importance of campus-wide consultations involving faculty, students and administrators. The final report was approved by CUS in February, 1991. She summarized the following major aspects of the proposal: o The structure of the core curriculum will be based on the following Areas of Study (as opposed to departmental divisions): (1) Writing and Discourse, (2) Ideas, Cultural Traditions and Values, (3) Society and Human Behavior, (4) Scientific Reasoning and Discovery, (5) Quantita- tive and Symbolic Reasoning, (6) Creativity and Aesthetic Experience (a minimum one-credit hour in the arts), and (7) Critical Issues in a Global Context; o A university writing program will be established to support the devel- opment of writing-intensive courses and the enhancement of writing throughout the curriculum; o A standing university-level committee will be formed to give leadership to the core curriculum and to make final curricular recommendations to CUS concerning the inclusion of courses in the core curriculum; o A comprehensive handbook on liberal education and the core curriculum will be published this summer for all students, faculty and advisors. Dr. Clough commended the UFLE for their excellent work, then expressed his belief that the arts requirement should be designed so that it becomes a sound, intellectual exercise. He also stressed that technological studies should be included in the core curriculum and recommended that a follow-up assessment process be developed and implemented once the new structure is in place. Prof. Burch-Brown agreed with his concerns regarding the validi- ty of the arts requirement. She also replied that technological studies would be included in Area 7, "Critical Issues in a Global Context." With regard to assessment, Prof. Burch-Brown pointed out that the proposal allows for a course-by-course assessment, but concurred that the "broad picture" should be reviewed at a later time. Dr. Carlisle added that the State Council for Higher Education mandates an assessment of liberal educa- tion programs; thus, he added, the new core would be evaluated through this process. Dr. Geyer pointed out that the Core Curriculum Committee would also be responsible for assessing the new core curriculum. Ms. Rexroad expressed concern for how the changed requirements might impact students already enrolled at Virginia Tech, e.g., will current students be required to take additional credits to accommodate the new system? Prof. Burch-Brown responded that the staged implementation will not affect currently-enrolled students, as the first substantive changes in credit hour requirements do not occur until the Fall of 1994. She also stressed that all aspects of the core curriculum will be fully communicated through the core curriculum handbook and the undergraduate catalog. In response to a question from Dr. Crittenden, Prof. Burch-Brown detailed steps for implementation of the resolution, beginning with the establish- ment of the University Core Curriculum Committee and the drafting and approval of the student handbook. Dr. Crittenden expressed concern about the effective date of the resolution, "for students graduating 1996 or thereafter." He advised that the implementation date of the new core curriculum be delayed so that (1) detailed requirements can be worked out and published in the handbook, and (2) all currently-enrolled students will not be subject to any after-the-fact credit hour increases. Prof. Burch- Brown acknowledged his concerns but stressed that there are no substantive requirement changes for either currently-enrolled students or for freshmen entering Fall, 1992 or 1993. She explained that changes over the next two years will only relate to the university's manner of governing the core curriculum. The substantive changes, she reiterated, will take place over a period of two to eight years, with the writing program being the last to be fully implemented. Several students addressed the issue of the perceived reduction in course selection flexibility. Dr. Brooker-Gross responded that this was a topic of great concern to the UFLE, but stressed that the "Areas of Study" configuration in fact provides greater flexibility in course selection. Dr. Crittenden asked if the advanced placement process will continue in its present form or will changes result in an additional semester of English? Prof. Burch-Brown explained that the Department of English could not at this time increase the number of courses available; thus, the advanced placement policy will remain as is. She noted, however, that the universi- ty is increasing its writing requirements. Dr. Crittenden also expressed concern about the arts requirement, asking if the responsibility of provid- ing appropriate courses will rest exclusively within the Division of Performing Arts. Prof. Burch-Brown responded that this requirement can be accomplished through a variety of options in several colleges. Several council members questioned whether students are governed by the requirements stated in their freshman catalog, or by the requirements in effect at the time of their graduation. After some discussion, Dr. Carlisle stated that it was unrealistic to expect requirements to remain frozen over a four or five year period, but added that a representative of the Registrar's Office would be available at the next meeting to respond to these concerns. Dr. Haugh raised the issue of overlapping courses, particularly within Area 7, "Critical Issues in a Global Context," stating that it might result in restricting the number of courses available to students. Prof. Burch-Brown concurred that this was a concern of the UFLE, but stressed that this requirement is designed to encourage more departments to modify courses for inclusion in this general area prerequisite. Dr. Carlisle reminded members that there will be additional opportunity to discuss this resolution at the next meeting, at which time a vote will occur. He asked that any amendments to the resolution be made in writing prior to Thursday, February 27th. The resolution carried forward for second reading. 4. SECOND READING, COMMISSION ON RESEARCH RESOLUTION 1991-92D, CONCERNING SPECIAL RESEARCH FACULTY APPOINTMENTS. FIRST READING, FEBRUARY 10, 1992. Dr. Hooper explained that the resolution was amended to clarify several issues raised at the last meeting: (1) appropriate procedures for adver- tising, interviewing and hiring; and (2) the necessary qualifications for appointment to the rank of Research Scientist. He moved approval of the resolution. The motion PASSED. 5. SECOND READING, UNIVERSITY LIBRARY COMMITTEE RESOLUTION 1991-92A, CONCERNING THE PROPOSED POLICY ON LIBRARY DEPOSIT COPIES OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS. FIRST READING, FEBRUARY 10, 1992. Dr. Dodl moved approval of the resolution. The motion PASSED. 6. IN SUCCESSIVE MOTIONS, COUNCIL APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS. a. Commission on Graduate Studies, January 15, 1992. b. Commission on Student Affairs, January 16, 1992. c. Commission on Undergraduate Studies, January 27, 1992. 7. FOR INFORMATION a. Minutes of the Computer Committee, January 8, 1992. b. Minutes of the University Communications Resources Committee, November 20, 1991. 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS In connection with the two proposed legislative bond packages, Ms. Byrne announced that a voter registration drive has been organized for the week of March 16th in Newman Library and at Blacksburg High School. Full-page ads announcing the campaign will appear in the COLLEGIATE TIMES and the PRESTON JOURNAL. Speaking for the Faculty Senate, Dr. Geyer acknowledged the efforts students have made in connection with "Faculty Appreciation Day" on Febru- ary 25th. 9. QUESTION/ANSWER FORUM Dr. Snoke requested clarification of the possibility of a salary increase for faculty and staff. Mr. Ridenour responded that although no definite information will be available until the close of the legislative session on March 7th, he stated that the proposed 2% increase could not be considered a merit increase, but rather the restoration of funds lost as a result of the 1990 salary reduction. He added that, if approved, it will likely apply to all state employees who were on the payroll when that 2% reduction was made. The meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Larry A. Harris Executive Assistant to the President LAH:lg
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