Mark Larchez, Department Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:03 pm.
Members and guests attending: Mark Larchez (chair), Ellen Carlson, Robert Foley, Paul Henkiel, Laura McCullough, James Pejsa, John Rompala (recording secretary), Alan Scott, Clark Leeson (English Department)
1. M. Larchez introduced C. Leeson who is serving as College Associate for the College of Arts and Sciences. In this capacity he acts as liaison between member of the College and the laptop two initiative groups: the Laptop Training Team, and the Laptop Implementation Committee.
He distributed two memos. One outlined the faculty training programs to be offered this semester. The second was an invitation to department members to share their expertise in the use of classroom computers by participating in the development of these training programs. Both contained url’s for contacting those involved in this project.
Topics discussed included: laptop software and operating systems, the status of the wireless system, the use of Blackboard, implementation funding, and student acceptance of the laptop initiative.
C. Leeson left the meeting after responding to member queries.
2. Minutes of the January 15, 2002 meeting were distributed to member and considered for approval.
A motion to approve the minutes of January 15th as presented: was made by A. Scott and seconded by L. McCullough.
The motion passed on a voice vote.
As mentioned in those minutes, drafts of minutes are posted on the department web site as they become available. As an amendum to that procedure, members agreed that it would be helpful to be notified of these postings by e-mail.
3. The following announcements were made as presented in the meeting agenda:
A. The department’s retention/tenure committee has recommended that Dr. Scott be retained for 2003-2004 and that he be granted tenure.
B. Provost Sedlak has requested to meet with us.
Members noted that they welcomed a meeting with Provost Sedlak at a Friday meeting of his choice.
4. Department Senator R. Foley reported on Senate activity concerning the Marder Dismissal Case. The Senate is considering a resolution opposing the postition of the Regents on this matter.
5. The allocation of funds for “supplies and equipment” and for travel was addressed. Materials in various formats were distributed to members to assist them in reaching a consensus.
E. Carlson distributed copies of proposals and rationales members had submitted for consideration. M. Larchez distributed lists of items sorted by cost and by initiator.
The cost/value of a proposed portable classroom projection system was discussed. Members concluded that this proposal should not be supported with departmental funds.
Focusing was then directed to the list of items sorted by cost. The disposition of the members was formulated in a motion.
To begin ordering items ‘listed by cost’ lower than item #5:
Made by R. Foley and seconded by A. Scott.
In the following discussion of the motion members suggested that M. Larchez be given latitude in approving and prioritizing the purchases of the remaining items. Items remaining which relate to the projection system, save the DVD player, should be deleted from the list.
The motion and conclusions reached during that discussion were supported by a voice vote.
The proposals for travel funds were reviewed with the following motion resulting.
To approve the travel proposals requested:
Made by R. Foley and seconded by A. Scott.
The motion passed on a voice vote.
P. Henkiel reminded members that Stout Access Funds are available to support activities in the University, College and General Physics courses. Requests should be sent to him directly.
6. L. McCullough informed members that her research endeavors have resulted in invitations to make presentations, act as a consultant, and direct workshops. All of these activities will require time away from campus during the semester. Members assured her that they are willingly to cover courses during her absences.
7. L. McCullough will distribute suggested ways of complying with the new general education assessment guidelines from the General Education Committee.
8. R. Foley asked that demonstration equipment carts be assigned to individual instructors for their exclusive use. Members accepted this proposal.
9. No other items were brought to the floor for consideration.
10. M. Larchez adjourned the meeting at 10:10 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted
John T. Rompala