UW-Stout Physics Department Meeting Minutes

3-28-2008      Jarvis Hall  SW 103-J

 

Call to Order: 9:08 am

Present: Ellen Carlson, Alan Scott, Laura McCullough, Jo Hopp (recording secretary), Jim Pejsa, John Rompala, Paul Henkiel

 

1.      Announcements

a)      Shredding Paper: the custodians requested that we keep shredded paper in bags rather than dump them into the recycle bins.  Laura will inquire about what should be done if we do not have bags available and if we are responsible for providing the bags

b)      Department chair election timeline: April 1st, according to the bylaws: M. Pickart will be contacting us after the 1st to initiate the process

c)      Advisement Day is next Tuesday April 1st: Laura reminded everyone of advisement day and no classes will be held

d)      Other:

1)      Jo Hopp’s retention decision meeting is next Friday (April 4).  She will provide information to consider and her evaluations will be available in Laura’s office to review.

2)      Jo Hopp discussed her research student’s experience at Posters in the Rotunda.

3)      Ellen will not be in the department from Friday afternoon, March 28 until Tuesday afternoon, April 1.

 

2.      Minutes: Approval of all minutes was deferred

 

3.      APSC plans discussion (nanoscience, biotech, environmental science): Laura has been sending these out.  Replies with comments should be sent back to her and/or to Chuck Bomar.  A couple comments have been sent concerning the various concentrations

 

4.      Textbooks:

1)      Textbook for college Physics: look at Randy Knight’s College Physics: Laura and Jo proposed changing the text for PHYS 241/2 to stated book.  This is an algebra based book.  A copy will be available in 103J for examination.  Laura will inquire about getting a copy of supporting materials.  A decision should be made by April 11.

2)      Withdraw Walker text from library? Laura suggested withdrawing the General Physics text from the library.  All were in agreement.

 

5.      Travel requests for 2008-2009: Jo Hopp and Marlann Patterson: Marlann Patterson (new hire) has a travel request for summer 2008 of ~$900, and Jo Hopp plans to attend 2 meetings in the fall 2008 although she is also seeking funding for those meetings through an additional source.  Laura was asking the department to consider shifting some money into travel expenses in the new fiscal year.  Laura will determine if funding a new hire prior to start of contract is possible/appropriate.  Alan Scott also mentioned he would like to go the WiAAPT meeting in the fall.  Ellen will bring budget breakdown to the next meeting to see if we can make shifts.

 

6.      Budget/ordering update:  Alan would like transportation to Madison and back for Science Olympiad ($180) reimbursed - department agreed.  Update given: $1000 left in general pool, access to learning is $0, office supplies is ~$3000.  Suggestion to shift $1000 from office supplies to general pool resulting in $2000 total in general pool.  Bring ideas for purchasing to the next meeting.  Ellen will order more boxes for use in moving offices.  Professional development funds should be used in the next couple weeks

 

7.      Summer enrollment update: College Physics 1 is about ½ full.  There are a couple students enrolled in Astronomy and Geology and Soil Mechanics.

 

8.      Fall Schedule:  No change from previous release of schedule.  May be some changes depending on the DIN hire.  Jo Hopp mentioned CNS 200 and 201 is on the schedule but difficult to find.  Nobody volunteered to teach a WinTerm class.  Discussion of College Physics 1 math prerequisite occurred.  Department agreed that a discussion should be started with affected programs on changing the math requirement to algebra, particularly since we are suggesting to use an algebra-based textbook.  Laura will start that dialogue.

 

9.      Geology Search Update:  All letters have been sent out indicating a failed search.  No current effort to start again.  Alan Scott suggested that we reconsider the tools and put more emphasis on the ability to teach physics.  Jo Hopp agreed to be the new chair of the search, department approved.  Paperwork should be submitted to initiate new search before the end of the year so that advertising can occur over the summer.

 

10.  adjourn: 9:55 am

 

Minutes Respectfully submitted by Jo Hopp