PCC 15-16-01 corrects tracking document for Action Items. Passed unanimously.

The committee discussed the lack of administrative response to revisions of the Faculty Handbook that were submitted by the Faculty Senate. President Smith reported that he inquired of Dean Shaw about the nature and status of the revisions she referenced at the September 14 Senate meeting. She indicated that they were reviewing the changes submitted by the task force three years ago. He reminded her that any revisions would have to go through the PCC and Senate. He asked her to designate someone in her office to be the contact for status of Action Items since the Senate no longer has an Administrative Assistant. An electronic depository for all action items could be maintained.

The committee discussed need for a more clear policy in the handbook relating to distribution of summer class load, that the travel policy for per diem needs to be adjusted up, that timelines for approval of travel in grants needs to be streamlined and made more practical.

Chair Andries reported that the committee met but have no action items and reminded Senators that Oct. 1 is the deadline for any curriculum changes for Spring 2016.

A Senator pointed out that Eng 101 is now 4 credits and all curriculum guides-sheets need to reflect such and UNV is 2 credits. Senator Andries said that UNV is not on common core forms.

A Senator raised the question of who oversees the accurate publication of core requirements.

Chair Moffett presented an Action Item to drop early final examinations for prospective graduates from the 2015-2016 Academic Calendar. Early finals were eliminated but they still show on the calendar and this action takes them off. Substantial discussion ensued relating to the advantages and disadvantages of no early finals for graduating seniors, as well as action that individual faculty can take to accommodate the Seniors. The Action Item passed unanimously by voice vote.

Chair Moffett met with Dr. Deneia Thomas, new Associate Vice-President for Academic Assessment and Evaluation. He said she indicated interest in assessment of student engagement but that she has only been on campus for eight days. Regent McFayden asked if she thought there was not sufficient faculty student engagement and Chair Moffett replied that did not seem to be her position but that she was just expressing interest in ‘best practices’. He also said she needs copies of NSSE reports that indicate student satisfaction with faculty.

The Senate discussed again the issues surrounding Freshmen and on-line classes. President Smith suggested that the Academic Policy Committee design a recommendation.

A Senator noted that degree audit forms need to be updated. They were last revised in 1999 and need the Liberal studies core included and the Application for Degree form needs updated as well.

Chair Ross reported that BASC is still on the hunt for an accurate and complete budget. The first budget provided by Gregory Rush was just a 2 page summation and the second, which was 12 pages, was just taken from Banner, with many obvious errors per known accounts and positions and reflected $29M less than the 2 page summation. Chair Ross pointed out that the low student enrollment figure directly impacts the budget,