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Academic Policies Committee Minutes - August 31, 2001 |
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ACADEMIC
POLICIES COMMITTEE Meeting
Time: 8:00 am August 31, 2001 Presiding:
James Dunne Handouts: James Dunne handed out a copy of a letter, dated April 25, 2001, detailing the growing consensus regarding impacts of the new grading system on a number of University policies. This letter was sent to all department chairs, deans, and program directors in late April 2001. 1. The minutes of the April 20, 2001 meeting of the APC were approved. 2. Issues before the APC A. Impact of the New Grading System James Dunne summarized the consensus of the APC on University policies impacted by the new +/- grading system by reviewing a letter he had sent out in late April 2001 to all department chairs, deans, and program directors. This consensus is summarized in the letter as follows: Based upon the premise that the new “C-“ grade will be awarded for academic performance in the lower portion of the current “C” performance range: 1. “C-“ is the lowest grade that demonstrates competence. 2. No change to the current Retake Policy – a “C-“ grade is not eligible for retake. 3. “C-“ is the lowest grade that is converted to “S” under Option 2 Grading. 4. Credit may be transferred for courses with a C- or better. It was agreed that these changes to current policy would be written into legislation to be brought before the Senate at the Oct 12 meeting. B. Calendar Issues It was agreed that, for the most part, the review of the academic calendar carried out by the APC in the spring of 2001 was complete. No action is required as a result of this review. Pat Palermo pointed out that issues related to the proposed elimination of the August graduation might come before the APC this term. Joe Saliba reiterated the need seen by the Civil Engineering department for a full three weeks between the end of the second summer term and the beginning of the fall term in order to accommodate student surveying in a relatively dry part of the summer. C. Computer Requirements Oversight It was agreed that Tom Skill would be invited to an APC meeting later this term to give an overview of the computer requirements policy. At that time issues related to the possible requirement of notebook computers and of the servicing of student computers might be raised. It was agreed that the APC should be careful to share oversight on the computer requirement with the Student Policy subcommittee. D. Technological Improvements/Changes for Registrar It was agreed that Tom Westendorf would be invited to an APC meeting this term to give an overview of the current status of, and envisioned changes to, the registration process and distribution of information from the Registrar’s office. E. General Education Review A report from the General Education subcommittee is due to the APC on Nov. 1 2001. A review of that report will occupy the APC at that time. F. Competencies Program Oversight The APC will continue to monitor the implementation of the competency programs. Pat Palermo noted that a certification program for information literacy is being developed. This program is not part of the information literacy competency program but instruments useful to the competency program may be developed in certification program. As that certification program is developed, issues may arise which come under the oversight of the APC. G. Standing Oversight of Policy Changes across Academic Units It was agreed that policy statement with regards to curricular changes with implications across academic units should be carefully read by the APC to determine, precisely, the jurisdiction and responsibilities of the APC with regard to this policy. 3. APC Issues Priority and Timetable It was agreed that legislation regarding the impact of the +/- grading system should be the first priority of the APC. Such legislation would be brought to the full senate at the Oct. 12 meeting. After that issue is dealt with, the APC would invite Tom Skill and Tom Westendorf to review computer requirements and the state of the Registrar’s office. Oversight would continue on the implementation of the competency programs and general education. The meeting adjourned promptly at 9:00 am upon the exit of the APC secretary. Lively discussion continued as the secretary left the room. Submitted by Leno Pedrotti. |