UW-Stout Physics Department Meeting Minutes

4-4-2008      Jarvis Hall  SW 103-J

Call to Order: 9:35 am

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

1. Announcements

a) Overloads: no one expressed interest in overloads for next year

b) Textbook decision: The text book being considered comes with Mastering Physics (software).  We would have to buy the code for students after the first year (rental resources will by the first code).  Bookstore won’t sell codes.  Being looked at by faculty senate (see below).

c) Speaker Dr. Henry Petroski 10:15am, Friday, April 4: Laura encouraged everyone to go

d) Other:

1) Laura mentioned that Joe Wright was okay with College Physics becoming an algebra based course.  Laura will be talking with Scott Springer

2) Ellen got more moving boxes.  They are being stored in rm. 109

3) John suggested sending the instructional computer in rm 121 to surplus.  Everyone agreed.

2. Minutes: Minutes from the 2008-03-28 meeting were approved (motion by Alan, second by John)

                      Approval for all other minutes were deferred

                                    2008-02-15

                                    2008-02-22

                                    2008-02-29

                                    2008-03-07

3. Faculty Senate Report: John sent memo to department about ongoings in senate

1) Looking into what to do about the codes for instructional resources, discussing using the technology fee

2) A study is being done to examine changing back to the 50min class periods.  Not sure if it is the length of time in the classroom or the number of days for a given number of credit hours

3) A study is being done to examine the pay scale for summer and winter

4) Jo mentioned that the physics department was put on the list for sponsoring departments for the proposal for the Entitlement to Plan a BS in Cognitive Science which was going to be voted on by the senate this week.

4. Budget: Marlann’s computer cost-share money will be used this FY.  Since we did not have two computers to buy, this year we are able to put the cost-share money back into the pool, generating ~$2000 more in our budget.  Suggested items included:

1) LoggerPro Software upgrade ($60) – all agreed

2) Server Battery (~$100) – all agreed

3) Extra computer power supplies for the lab rooms.  1 for each room

4) Astronomy lab software and site license

5) 1F capacitors

6) Lens Plus Set

7) Fresnel lenses

8) Model Functioning Ear

9) Photogates

5. adjourn: 10:05 am

Minutes Respectfully submitted by Jo Hopp