Physics Department Meeting Minutes - October 14, 2005
Jarvis Hall Science Wing 103J

 

Members present: Mark Larchez (chair), Bob Foley (Recording secretary), Jo Hopp, Jim Pejsa, Laura McCullough, John Rompala, Alan Scott

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

 

A.  At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Mark Larchez convened in open session the UW-Stout Physics Departmental Promotion Committee – consisting of all department members except members applying for promotion.  The committee members were: Mark Larchez (chair), Robert Foley (Recording secretary), Jo Hopp, Jim Pejsa, Laura McCullough, and John Rompala.

 

B. The chair directed the committee that the meeting and decision must take place according to the Physics Department Bylaws and UW-Stout's established rules.

 

C. The following operating procedures were established:  In accordance with his request, the single promotion applicant Alan Scott would appear before the committee in open session to make brief remarks and answer any questions the committee might have. The committee would then meet in closed session to consider the information presented by the candidate and contained in the application materials.  A single yes or no vote would be used in closed session to determine the committee's recommendation. The committee would then reconvene in open session.

 

D. Alan Scott made brief remarks and answered questions from the committee members.

 

E. A motion was made, seconded and passed (unanimously) to convene in closed session to consider personnel matters, as permitted by s. 19.85(1)(c) and s. 19.85(1)(f), Wis. Stats.

 

F.  The personnel committee convened in closed session.  After discussion, the personnel committee voted on the application.  A motion was made, seconded and passed (unanimously) to convene in open session.

 

G.  In open session, the personnel committee chair, Mark Larchez, announced that the committee's decision would not be disclosed until the time specified by the UW-Stout promotion procedures.

 

H.  A motion to adjourn was made and passed.  The meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m.

 

Minutes submitted by Robert Foley

 

The general department meeting then resumed.

 

I. Announcements

1. The Stoutonia had a nice article on the new Science Education Program which current Laura McCullough is program chair.

2.  Spark tape for the acceleration of gravity experiment has been located and will be purchased.

 

II. Department Minutes

Approval of the Minutes of the Department Meeting of October 7, 2005 was deferred until the next department meeting.

 

III. Faculty Senate Report

The faculty senate has not met since the last department meeting and so there was no report.

 

IV. New Course Proposal

The department was asked to approve a new course, Phys-296 Physical Geology, for the Wisconsin-in-Scotland Program.  After discussion, Bob Foley moved approval of the course and Jim Pejsa seconded.  The motion passed.

 

V.  Laboratory Equipment and Procedures

There were some difficulties with the Vernier LabPro voltage and current probes.  Replacements were available.  The problem may be intermittent.  A list for staff members to write down needed equipment and supplies will be posted on the door in SW113.  John Rompala suggested staff members discourage flip-flop footwear in laboratories as they came be a safety risk.

 

VI. Student Access Funds

Mark Larchez stated that the department will be requesting a Physics Laboratory Technician from student access funds.  Laura McCullough may use some of the student laboratory monitors to search the web for useful simulations and physics applets.  Bob Foley will use some of the Student Access Funds to purchase inexpensive calculators for College Physics II students in his sections.  Also plastic physics summary/equation sheets will be purchased for a number of physics sections.

 

VII. Spring Semester Offerings and Staffing

Mark Larchez announced that it appears the department will be able to hire a full time temporary academic staff position for second semester.  Paul Henkiel has expressed interest, and Mark will proceed with hiring procedures.

 

 

Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

Submitted by Robert Foley