Mark Larchez, Department Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.
Members attending: Mark Larchez (chair), Bob Foley, Paul Henkiel,
Laura McCullough, Jim Pejsa, John Rompala, Alan Scott (recording secretary),
Ellen Carlson, Nani McPherson (Graduate Assistant)
Forrest Schultz (guest), Mary Orfield (guest)
1. Minutes of the April 5, 2002 meeting were not distributed. The department was told that the minutes are on the web and they would be reviewed for approval at a later meeting.
2. Mark announced that Alan's tenure has been approved by all the necessary levels except the Board of Regents. Mark also indicated that he has been elected department chair for the next three years.
3. Bob reported on Faculty Senate issues. The current UW-System budget is being wrangled over in a very partisan manner in Madison. The "early retirement" program is in trouble. There are concerns regarding the programs selectivity for just unclassified employees. The faculty senate did not pursue the issue of the Provost changing a course grade. A grievance has been filed over this issue and it is being worked through the legal process.
[Mary Orfield, along with Forrest Schultz, gave a presentation on the proposed Materials Science concentration within the Applied Science Program.]
4. Mary indicated that this concentration needs a commitment from physics, chemistry, and biology. She passed around a tentative plan sheet for the concentration. Much of materials science involves metals, ceramics, and polymers. She reported the job prospects are strong for 4-year graduates in materials science.
Bob expressed concern about staffing the extra 11 credits that physics would need to cover. The current agreement involves an additional half-time allocation. It was also pointed out that these courses do not generate a large amount of student credit hours which is a concern for the department.
Mary indicated that Dean Murphy is supportive but concerns remain about the commitment of resources (mainly staffing) to the Applied Science program. Forrest shares the department's concerns about staffing. He indicated the Provost expressed interest in expanding the science offerings.
Mark inquired about the status of proposed concentrations. Forrest indicated that only Biotech and Materials Science are currently being seriously considered. He has heard a lot of discussion in the hallways about other possible concentrations but no extensive work has been done on these others. Forrest indicated about 38 students have been accepted into the Applied Science program for the fall semester '02.
5. Alan briefly discussed his recent submittal of a preliminary NSF grant proposal. It is an Instructional Materials Development (IMD) grant program that requires a preliminary proposal submitted before a full proposal. The grant requests a postdoctoral researcher, two undergraduate research assistants, travel and supply money, and three laptop computers. A quarter release time for Alan and the postdoct will have a quarter-time teaching load.
Ellen expressed concern about the extra work load this places upon her. She strongly recommended that money be requested for LTE to cover this work. Mark re-iterated concern that the grant not place additional work on Ellen. Overall, there was support for the research proposal.
6. Ellen and Paul reminded people to sign-up for room reservations during final exam week. Everyone should be signed up no later that Friday (5/3).
7. Mark talked about instructor evaluations. He indicated that non-tenured staff should do at least one class, each semester.
8. Nani thanked the department for their support during the past year.
9. Paul discussed the optics kit which is available. More kits are available to be given to the students.
10. Mark adjourned the meeting at 9:45am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alan Scott