UW-Stout Physics Department Meeting Minutes

Friday, December 15, 2006

Jarvis Hall, SW 103J

 

Members Present: Mark Larchez (chair), 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 discussed the learning access fees.  Recruitment of a laboratory assistant to replace Levi is underway and should be done by the end of this semester.  Laura indicated that she will serve as an informal supervisor for the lab assistant.

 

2. Spring enrollment figures were passed around by Mark.  There was some discussion about Jim Pejsa’s overload assignment and University Physics I.

 

3. John announced that he was taking on an independent study student for the Atomic and Nuclear course in the spring.

 

4.  Mark mentioned that classroom enrollment can impact classroom assignments.  The department is still looking for a tutor for the tutor lab.  Names of suggested students should be submitted.

 

5.  Mark reminded everyone that final exam week needs to have meaningful activities for the students and that faculty/staff are required to be around for professional development week in January. 

 

6. It was recommended that the department have its first meeting in the spring semester on Wednesday, January 17th.  Jo recommended the meeting be in the morning.  (Subsequently changed to Tuesday the 16th if possible.)  Doug Wahl was interested in meeting with all the departments for input into the RFP for the new laptop contract.  The department decided that a meeting was not necessary but if members had comments or recommendations, they should be conveyed to Doug directly.

 

7. Ellen announced that the office help schedule for finals week will be posted.  Open lab times will also be posted.

 

Minutes Approval

 

1. Laura moved to accept the minutes from the December 1, 2006, meeting and Jim 2nd it.  Motion passed. 

 

Faculty Senate Report

 

1. (Laura substituted for Alan at the last Faculty Senate meeting.) Laura reported that a purple colored, bubble answer sheets for computer marking can be used.  The old ones can still work but one cannot mix the two.  People Soft software was being installed for administrative work.  Laura announced that a polytech subcommittee was forming and is seeking individuals interested in contributing.  The BS in Applied Science program review was accepted.  Discussion about the review process began.  Senate approved future timelines for sabbaticals and promotions.

 

New Business

 

1. Mark discussed the need to maintain consistency in scheduling science classes.

 

2. Laura passed around two documents related to the department’s definition of research.  Alan moved and Jim 2nd the motion that we review these documents.  Discussion began to clarify some aspects.  Jo moved to table this discussion for another meeting and Alan 2nd the motion.  Motion was tabled.

 

Budget

 

1. Mark (with Ellen’s help) passed around a budget spreadsheet.  The spreadsheet listed several categories.  It listed funds already spent, funds already committed, travel already spent, and funds available to be spent at the department’s discretion.  Discussion and clarification of the budget ensured.

 

It was announced that $2,395.87 was available to be spent. 

 

Jo was making an academic trip to Seattle and requested that the department pay for $400 to help defer travel expenses.  Mark requested a vote from the department to approve this request.  The vote passed and the request approved.

 

Alan requested $150 to help defer expenses associated with a trip to SENCER conference at UW-Parkside.  Mark requested a department vote.  The vote passed and the request approved.  (Ellen mentioned that there was still some money left in the travel funds and would be put towards Jo and Alan’s request.  Jo and Alan are both using some of their individual allotment of $500 towards their travel.  But the requests above go above and beyond using their allotted $500.)

 

2. Discussion began about the department chair’s discretionary spending allowed each year.  Jim moved to allow the department chair $1,000 every year for discretionary instructional lab spending.  Laura seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

 

3. Ellen indicated an interest in having a similar motion passed for her in purchasing office related expenditures.  Jim moved to allow $5,000 to be used for office supplies every year.  Laura seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

 

Other New Business

 

1.  The department discussed inviting administration to a meeting in spring.

 

It was moved to adjourn.  Motion passed.