Physics Department Meeting Minutes
May 11, 2005
Jarvis Hall Science Wing 103J

Members present: Mark Larchez (chair), Jim Pejsa, John Rompala, Bob Foley, Laura McCullough, Ellen Carlson, Paul Henkiel, Alan Scott (recording secretary)

Mark called the meeting to order at 9:05 am.

Announcements

1. Mark indicated the supplies of scan sheets are running low.  Already purchased items were discussed.  FAX machine has been ordered, Van de Graff generator has been received, and the DVD recorder has been received.

2. Mark indicated that at the recent CAS council meeting pay raises were discussed.

Search Committee

1. Laura moved to enter into closed session.  Bob seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

(Convened in closed session.)

(Reconvened in open session.)

It was announced that the search committee assessed the strengths and weaknesses of candidates and sent results to the Dean.

Minutes

1. It was decided to defer approval of meeting minutes to a later date.

Budget

1. Ellen discussed the budget situation.  The deadline for requests over $5,000 is this Friday.  It was agreed that the department submit a request for new chairs in room 117 SW if there is any funds available from the Dean's office at the end of the semester.

2. The department has $1,900 currently in its supplies and services budget.  From this money, it was agreed to purchase memory for the computers at about $350, a grand tour of periodic chart and minerals for $635, three force plates for $600, four thumb drives for the labs at $158, and a power house demonstration kit for $144.  The remaining funds will be available on a first come, first serve basis for requested needs from the department.

3. Ellen indicated that learning access funds currently have $1200.  It was agreed to purchase $250 worth of magnifying glasses, $250 worth of electric motor kits, 30 Astronomy Study Guide sheets for about $160, 30 small spectroscopes for about $80, $65 for slinkies, and about $50 for LED that show static electricity of humans.  The rest would be made available for rulers and graph paper.

General Education Assessment

1. Mark reported that each person needs to submit their assessments for the general education science courses.  It is preferred that multiple choice questions have an item analysis.

Other

1. Laura indicated that a dinner honoring Paul's service to the department is tonight at 5pm.

2.  Laura also reported on Faculty Senate.  Faculty Senate has reviewed the restructuring proposal.  It is just a recommendation.  Changes were made to the Faculty Handbook regarding the definition of research.

3. Mark indicated that funds have been allocated for next year to purchase a new computer for the new faculty hire.  It was agreed that the new hire be sent minimum configuration specifications.  The department chair can correspond with the new hire during the summer to order the computer.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:30am

Submitted by A. Scott