UW-Stout Physics Department Meeting Minutes

2007-12-7, Jarvis Hall, SW 103-J

 

 

Members present: Mark Larchez (chair), Paul Henkiel, Jo Hopp, Laura McCullough, Jim Pejsa, John Rompala, Alan Scott
 

Meeting was called to order at 9:05a.m.

 

Announcements

 

1. Mark announced that Ellen has found an additional tutor.  We need one more.

 

2. Mark discussed the Nano-STEM initiative.  It will involve hiring one instrumentation specialist and 3 additional faculty.  There is debate regarding what fields and departments these new hires will be in.  Jo and Laura volunteered to serve on the search committee for these new hires.

 

3.  Alan moved to select Jo and Laura to serve on the hiring committee as part of the Nano-STEM initiative.  Jim 2nd the motion.  Motion passed.

 

4. Mark discussed summer course offerings.  Astronomy, College Physics I, and Introduction to Geology and Soil Mechanics were being considered.  John expressed interest in teaching College Physics I on-line.  John also expressed interest in teaching Astronomy as a traditional lecture/lab.  Laura was concerned that John may exceed the maximum allowable credits for summer semester, but it was concluded that the maximum allowable would not be exceeded.  It was determined to keep the enrollment for College Physics I capped at 20 and Astronomy capped at 24.

 

5. Laura suggested we ask if Erin wanted to teach Introduction to Geology and Soil Mechanics during the summer, 2008.  Laura will look into it.  Alan can interact with her as needed.

 

6. Mark requested the department grant him emeritus status.  The request needs to be routed through the Dean.  Alan moved to grant Mark Larchez Professor Emeritus status in the physics department.  Jim 2nd the motion.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

7. Jo mentioned that PHYS-489 (Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience) has moved back to CIC.  Jo also indicated that an Entitlement to Plan a cognitive science major has been submitted to CAS.  There is currently a minor in cognitive neuroscience.  Jo will be teaching the laboratory for Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience in the Fall of 2008.

 

Faculty Senate Report

 

1. John indicated that a vote on the re-alignment plans was to occur on Tuesday (December 12, 2007).  There is a plan A, B, and C.  There is no current model.  John mentioned that adding schools requires system approval.  John will send an email with the latest version of C.  John indicated he is planning to vote affirmative for the STEM model.  This will place the physics department into the College of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).  A consultant was hired to evaluate the hiring process with particular attention for the school of education.  The faculty senate needs a new chair for up-coming years.

 

Minutes

 

1. Approval of the minutes was deferred.

 

New Business

 

1. Alan moved to enter into closed session.  Laura 2nd the motion.  Motion passed.

 

[Hiring committee was in closed session.]

 

2. The committee ended closed session.  Hiring was discussed.

 

Meeting adjourned 9:55 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Alan Scott, recording secretary