UW-Stout Physics Department Meeting Minutes

Friday, December 1, 2006

Jarvis Hall, SW 103J

Members Present: Mark Larchez (chair), Robert Foley, Jo Hopp, Laura McCullough, Jim Pejsa, John Rompala, Alan Scott (recording secretary), and Ellen Carlson

The meeting was called to order by M. Larchez at 9:05 a.m..

Announcements

1. Mark indicated that the enrollment for spring semester classes is strong and most classes are full. The Statics and Strengths course along with Soil Mechanics filled up fast.

2. Mark announced that we need to recruit at least one more tutor for this spring.

Minutes from September 22, 2006, were reviewed. Several corrections were identified and made. Jim moved to approve minutes, Alan seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Faculty Senate Report

1. Alan conveyed to the department discussion in senate regarding new laptop contracts in 2008, keyserver issues, campus “Ethics Statement” and “Culture of Affirmation Statement”. The latter two items were emailed to dept. members.

2. Alan encouraged everyone to participate in the campus-wide listening sessions. Concern was expressed that people should make known the drawbacks of collapsing the science departments into one department if this was your position as it relates to Goals 2010 and campus priorities. The senate discussed tenure dismissal and criminal background checks for new hires.

3. Alan presented information about the current polytechnic statement that is being developed for presentation to the board of regents. Talked about the COOP (Continuity of Operations Plan).

Applied Science Committee Report

1. Jo solicited input regarding a possible GPA requirement for applied science majors. The department discussed the matter but no strong consensus was formed on whether to support a minimum GPA.

2. Jo discussed the biotech concentration plan sheet and what physics course it requires. The matter was discussed. The general consensus was that students in this concentration should complete University Physics I and II. Alan indicated that most biotech students were pre-professional.

Bob expressed concern that the College Physics course needs to drop calculus from the pre-requisite.

New Business

1. Mark indicated that the faculty senate has recommended that each department on campus develop their own definition of research. It becomes important for promotion deliberations. It was recommended that Laura develop such a statement. It was approved by consensus.

2. Laura indicated that the chalkboards in the department were getting cleaned with a solution designed for dry erase boards. This was waxing the chalkboards and was undesirable. It should now be corrected.

3. Bob observed that broken equipment seems to accumulate in areas throughout the department. He recommended that all equipment malfunctioning or broken be placed in a central location. A table in room 122 SW was suggested as the location.

4. Mark indicated that a student laboratory assistant was needed. It would preferably be a sophomore. Four students were contacted and two turned down the job opportunity.

5. Mark and Ellen discussed the Learning Access fees rules and regulations. It was recommended that PHYS-211, Intro to Physics, and PHYS-150, Astronomy, be approved for the funds. PHYS-212 is already on the approved list.

(Time running out) Jim moved to adjourn, Alan seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Alan Scott