The Policy Change Proposal recommends changing the period for evaluation of faculty by students from 10/31-11/13 to 11/9-12/11. This way students will drop appropriate courses before evaluations.

After brief discussion of the timeline and clarification of the fall break schedule the Proposal passed with no opposition.

Chair Moffett reported that Dean Shaw visited the APC meeting and asked their assistance in identifying best practices regarding Freshmentaking on-line courses. She requested this input by mid-term. This should include consideration of Hybrid lecture/on-line models. She suggested they talk with people on campus and especially Jennifer Miles to determine how this has been addressed in the past and how best to move forward. There was discussion about such factors as 1.) degree programs that are advertised as completely on-line, 2.) scheduling challenges with more lecture classes, 3.) distinction between entering or returning Freshmen and 4.) BCTC agreements. After a motion and approval to extend time for 4 minutes a Senator pointed out that with Dual Credit options High School students can take on-line classes and thus college freshmen should be allowed to as well. It was pointed out that the Dual Credit classes are actually taught and supervised by High School teachers and students have considerable guidance. Another issue for clarification is distinction between students who live on campus and those who do not, especially those who travel a considerable distance to campus. A Senator suggested that given all of the variables there will have to be established exceptions, as well as a process to apply for exception.

Committee Chair Ken Andries reported and submitted proposed changes to curriculum/program tracking documents, forms, and instructions to reflect the deletion of School Deans and Provost designation, and to streamline the process. These changes affect 1.) 171 CC New Course or Course Change Tracking Document, 2.) Program Change Proposal Form, 3.) CC Tracking Document and 4.) Curriculum Committee Instructions revised 8-9-15. The only places where the designation of “Provost” is not deleted is where reference is to the Faculty Handbook and the Faculty Senate Constitution because the title is still included in these documents.

Dr. James Obielodan, Director of Graduate Studies, said that graduate studies should address similar revisions to their forms and submit to the Curriculum Committee.

Vice-Chair Stephen Ulrich reported the committee worked to prioritize both past unapproved Action Items and new agendas. Those identified were 1.) Faculty Adjunct pay, 2.) Midterm grades vs. warnings, 3.) Status of Tenure/Promotion and Post-Tenure Review, 4.) Established guidelines for summer course loads, 5.) Split appointments in teaching/research/extension for Land Grant and related faculty review processes, 6.) Current travel and per diem policy, and 7.) Faculty hiring policy and process. The procedure possibly needs to be revised for more efficiency, i.e. is “complicated and convoluted”.

A Senator raised the question of how policy is set for Graduate students to receive paychecks and another Senator said it was state policy. Dr. Obielodan will get that information from the Graduate Council and send a copy to Senator Ulrich.

There was discussion of other items that have stalled and where they are at this time. President Smith said that several had been stalled on Dr. Downing's desk while she served as interim VPAA.

A Senator asked if the Faculty Handbook has been suspended or not and that there is confusion and ambiguity around this issue. Regent McFayden pointed out that it is a legal document and President Smith said that only the Board of Regents has the authority to suspend the Faculty Handbook and they have not done so to date.

Dean Shaw said that the Faculty Handbook is currently in the process of revision in Academic Affairs and that Chairs will be informed when it is completed.