Physics Department Meeting
April 1, 2005
Jarvis Hall Science Wing 103J

Members present: Mark Larchez (chair), Ellen Carlson, Bob Foley, Paul Henkiel, Laura McCullough, Jim Pejsa, John Rompala, Alan Scott (recording secretary), (last 5 minutes Ana Vande Linde was present)

M. Larchez called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

Announcements

1. Mark announced that Dean Murphy will be attending our next department meeting and is interested in discussing the department chair elections.  Mark also announced that the Science Wing remodeling project has made significant progress in the approval process.  Science Education concentration for the Applied Science program has been approved by the School of Education.

    Laura indicated that CIC is next to review the Science Education concentration.

2. Mark indicated that the old student worker computer in 103 office will be surplused.  The computer currently in the research room will be moved to replace this computer and a new computer will be placed into the research room.

    Jim indicated that the computer move will happen a week from Monday.  Power supplies (cord adapters) for laptops are being made available in the laboratories.  There was some discussion about the power supplies and compatibility with different laptops.

3. Mark indicated that a decision regarding the retention of Laura McCullough is fast approaching.

4. Mark indicated that summer meteorology course currently has about 16 students enrolled and that 21 students are needed for it to be offered.  The maximum enrollment is currently listed as 30.  It was requested to be 24.  Jim has expressed reservations about teaching the section if the enrollment goes beyond 24.  

    People discussed what impact it would have on future summer course offerings if meteorology was not offered.  Discussion happened about the possibility of converting meteorology from CAS to Continuing Education if needed.  No one was sure if this is possible or OK.

    It was agreed that if enrollment exceeds 24 for meteorology, the course would be cancelled at the request of Jim.

5.  Mark announced that the physics laboratory and classrooms will be open tomorrow (April 2, Saturday) because of the State Science Olympiad.

Minutes of Previous Meeting:  Laura moved to accept the minutes, Alan seconded the motion.  Motion was approved.

Faculty Senate Report

1. Laura provided the department with two pieces of information.  One was Approval to Plan for a B.S. in Professional Studies.  The other document described the Program Alignment Proposal.

Department Chair Election

1. Mark indicated that department chair elections are expected to be held shortly after April 1st.  The department needs someone from outside the department to conduct the elections.  People discussed possible nominations.

2. Bob moved to nominate Marty Ondris, Alan seconded the motion.  Motion was approved subject to the nominated person agreeing to run the elections.

Physics Minor

1. Mark had a student recently ask him about completing a minor in physics.  Mark indicated that only two more advanced courses were needed to complete the minor.  John agreed that Light and Color could be used to satisfy the minor.

    Mark asked if we should loosen the physics minor courses.  Bob noted that few students take the minor because of outside (the physics department) program changes forcing students to need more semesters to complete minors.  Mark discussed the possibility of letting courses outside the physics department count towards a physics minor.  No action was taken on this discussion.

Laptops in Labs

1. Jim indicated that over 75% of students used their laptops in his physics lab this semester.  There were virtually no problems and printing went smoothly.  John commented that he uses the drop-box software feature associated with E-scholar.

2. Jim recommended, starting in Fall 2005, that lab computers be removed from the physics laboratories.  With the exception of keeping two computers on the outside of the room for access.  Jim is developing an installer program for the laptops.  He will be working out issues on computer interfaces.  Mark indicated that Dennis has a report on using LabPro with the laptops.  Jim noted that we are in good shape.

3. Bob indicated that the hardwiring connections are a little bit faster but it depends on many factors.  The department agreed that a couple of computers should be kept in each room.

4. Alan has tried to use the keyserver for Starry Night Pro software.  In addition to the cost being quite high, the keyserver software expert reported several significant problems.  One problem being that this software connects to the internet for updates and this attribute has compatibility problems with the keyserver.  Jim noted that some software programs can be downloaded from our server.

5. John recommended that we remove the computers and the computer furniture (or computer desks).  Discussion occurred regarding the use of old faculty computers.  Perhaps these could be made available for open lab.  Jim can take care of surplusing the computers.  The department agreed on this course of action by general consensus.  

Hiring 

1.  The search committee will meet this Tuesday to further implement Tool #2.

Budget

1.  Mark indicated we will keep the same priority of items discussed at previous meetings.

2. Ellen talked about purchase request.  Everyone is to remind Ellen of their request.  She recommends post-it notes, with catalog #, on her door.  She will purchase supplies by Tuesday.

Fall Class Schedule

1. Mark indicates that no problems have been encountered.  General Education assessments are due today.

New Course Proposal

1. Ana discussed the basics of the Field Experience new course proposal for the Applied Science Program.  Ann Parsons is recommending students sign-up for Coops mainly because they are paid positions.  Field Experience course is general for non-paid positions but still give good experience.

2. Jim inquired if lab setup would qualify as a field experience?  Ana indicated that it must be approved by Ann Parsons and Forrest Schultz.

3.  Bob moved to approve the Field Experience new course approval.  Laura seconded the motion.  More discussion occurred about the details of this proposal.  Ana indicated that 320 hours of field experience is equivalent to 1 semester credit.  John inquired about University liability issues regarding the field experiences.  Ana indicated that Ann Parsons will deal with that matter with consultation from the Coop office.

4. Motion to accept the Field Experience new course proposal passed.

Meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by A. Scott