Senator Griffiths pointed out that in some areas faculty will need to be involved before the third year if students have to prepare for professional testing.
Dr. Colson-Clark replied that some areas do this already, particularly nursing and social work. Dr. Freeman-Taylor asked why the first two years with an advisor when the core is now only 32-36 hours?
Dr. Colson-Clark said that she would consider other plans, but that 2+2 is best practice.
Senator Obielodan asked where do transfers enter the system, especially those who come with an A.A. degree. And how do we keep students out of classes that they are not eligible for?
Dr. Colson-Clark said students get a curriculum guide for their area of interest so they can take responsibility for their academic progress. She also asked what other sign-offs should our registration system require? University College is trying to put together a holistic approach that includes students and academic units. She also responded that transfers should go to the departments. Transfer transcript analysis should be done in the departments.
Mara Merlino noted that, for some departments with few faculty and large enrollments, taking on advising will be a big workload. Is there more that can be done to automate the system for things like pre-requisites?
Dr. Colson-Clark said that University College has requested funding for DegreeWorks and other software that would automate these processes. She also said that by the time students get to the departments for advising they should know what track they are on and what they need.
Dr. Colson-Clark also announced that there will be a Career Fair October 28.
Dr. Schneller/Graves Academics/Research /Accreditation & Assessment
Dr. Schneller noted that Dr. Graves has been assembling curriculum guides for every program and much of that work is done. She reported that Business is having its accreditation site visit. She also announced a number of grants including ones to agriculture for work with farmers and education for teacher education.
On the government relations front, she pointed out that the Build Back Better Act in progress in the U.S. Congress has many measures affecting higher education. We should stay informed and contact our representatives.
Dr. Schneller announced that Dr. Lauren Graves is leaving Kentucky State University. Dr.
Schneller will be picking up some of Dr. Graves' work and Institutional Research will take some of it.
Dr. Graves reported that most 2021 assessment reports are in, and they all should be.
Review the Qualtrics data in reference to the Resolution and decide next steps
President Clay reported that the poll regarding the Faculty Senate Resolution on University Governance had 59 respondents. Forty said that the Senate should go forward with the resolution. Nineteen said we should not. The Professional Concerns Committee will consider this information and recommend further action, or inaction, at the next Senate meeting.
9.. Senate Committee Reports [5 minutes each]
Academic Policy Committee report [5 minute time limit]
APC Chair Kristopher Grimes reported that he met with the provost about the four-day class week. APC wants feedback from all faculty on this issue. They are developing a survey that we will be seeing soon. APC and the provost want your input.
Curriculum Committee report [5 minute time limit]