Physics
Department Meeting
March 04, 2005
Jarvis Hall Science Wing 103J
Members present: Mark Larchez (chair), Ellen Carlson, Robert Foley, Paul Henkiel, Laura McCullough, Jim Pejsa, John Rompala, Alan Scott
M. Larchez called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.
1. ‘Announcements’:
a) ‘Science Ed concentration was submitted and approved by the Arts and Sciences Council last week.’
b) ‘Jim and Ellen are launching purchase of (i) computer for research lab (ii) power supplies for lab and classroom use.’
c) ‘Thanks to Alan Scott for providing a more useable cart set-up for the portable projector.
d) Other: J. Pejsa is formulating a process for the transition from desktops to laptop computers in labs.
e) Other: It was suggested that members attend one of L. McCullough’s classes in advance of the coming retention decision.
f) Other: F. Schultz has been elected as Vice Chair of the Faculty Senate.
2. ‘Minutes for the meeting of 2005-02-18’:
· Item 2 should read “than” rather than “then”,
· Item 6b should end with a single period.
Motion: (Foley/Scott) The Physics Department accepts the minutes of its 2005-02-18 meeting as amended.
Action: Approved on a Voice Vote.
3. ‘Faculty Senate: report from department Senator McCullough’:
a) The Provost advised Senators that the administration is considering initiating an ROTC program. He asked for input on the suggested action.
b) University budget adjustments include: the elimination of ten to twelve non-instructional positions, the introduction of two to three instructional positions, and returning 775 K to system.
c) The new Science Building tops the list of projected System Capital Improvements.
d) F. Schultz was elected as the Vice Chair of the Faculty Senate
e) The Senators approved a resolution supporting Governor Doyle’s policy extending benefits to domestic partners of state employees.
f) All faculty members should note the several personnel policy changes enacted and approved by the Senate. E-copies have been sent to all faculty members.
4. ‘Hiring: Faculty position beginning Fall 2005 (Personnel Committee)’:
a) More than sixty applications have coming in. Recruiting Tool #1 will be employed starting on Monday.
b) No further action was initiated.
5. ‘Budget – special -Another RFP for substantial spending is expected soon.’:
No changes were suggested in the previously formulated funding list.
6. ‘Budget – regular’:
a) M. Larchez and E. Carlson presented a summary of current budget status and anticipated activity. Supplies and Service along with Travel totals 2.2 K after the purchases described in ‘Announcements’ above.
b) The utilization of Access to Learning funds was discussed and a list of items for purchase formulated. The items added to the exiting list include; diffraction gratings, Hoot-tubes, graph paper, magnifiers, and electric motor kits. It was suggested that in the next funding cycle, the department investigate the possibility of distributing lab software to students.
c) Regular Support and Services will be used to acquire a quality fax machine based on suggestions offered by R. Foley. A. Scott noted that a new Van de Graf generator is needed. He will search for information on a replacement. It was suggested that the department acquire a DVD burner. P. Henkiel and R. Foley will search for information and options for this purchase. Funds remaining after these anticipated purchases will be held for future use.
E. Carlson asked that members for final decisions on the disposition of their profession fund.
7. ‘Fall Class schedule’:
M. Larchez distributed a draft of the Fall Class schedule and asked members to review it and note any discrepancies.
8. General Education Assessment:
Consideration of this item was deferred.
9. Other:
A. Scott will present an account of the last Applied Science Committee meeting at the next department meeting.
10. Adjourn;
The meeting was adjourned at 10:02 a.m. by common consent.
Respectfully submitted,
JTR