Minutes of the Committee on Academic Planning
for March 8, 2001

The Committee on Academic Planning met on Thursday March 8, 2001 at 2:00 PM in Greenquist 344A.

Present: David Holmes, Donald Kummings, Doris Nice, Ronald Singer, and Gary Wood (Chair).

Not present: Michele Gee, Susan Takata.

I. Announcement regarding HPEA.

The chair informed the committee that approval had been given for a name change within the Sport and Fitness Management major. This major was initially approved by CAP and by the Senate with two tracks, Sport Management and Fitness Management. The two tracks were referred to as options. Subsequent to the approval, the department desired to use the
term concentration in place of option. Concentrations are recognized by the student records system and are noted on students' transcripts, options are not. In consultation with the Secretary of the Faculty and the University Committee, it was decided that the requested change was minor and editorial, and that the change could be made without further action by
either CAP or the Senate.

II. Winterim.

Ron Singer presented an overview of the first winterim. Five courses were offered and although the enrollments were low, the program caught the attention of the local press and brought some free advertising. An overall cost analysis which included the money spent on advertising the courses showed that there was a net loss of approximately $1000.

Analysis of other UW campuses shows that eleven of them offer winterim courses. Enrollments at the other institutions have grown steadily to the point where UW-Eau Claire was able to offer 57 courses in 2001 and UW-Milwaukee 91.

One likely explanation for the higher degree of success at other schools is that many of the courses offered during the winterim fill general education or major requirements. For the most part, the courses offered during the UW-P winterim did not.

A problem with the fee structure was also noted. The evidence is anecdotal, but there appeared to be a small number of students who were unable to take a winterim course because the tuition was due upon registration. These students were unable to use either their fall or spring financial aid to cover the cost of the tuition.

CAP recommends that the University offer winterim courses again in January 2002, and that the number of offerings be expanded to include courses such as general education courses that serve a broader range of needs and interests. The committee noted that care must be taken in selecting courses to ensure that they are appropriate for a condensed format.
Courses with a significant off campus component such as the Costa Rica Natural History course are also encouraged. Departments should be encouraged to discuss which of their courses might be appropriate for a winterim offering.

The University Committee should decide if continued winterim offerings require further Senate discussion or action.

III. Credit for Experience Based Learning

The CEBL proposal initially reviewed by CAP in May 2000 was modified in response to the committee's questions and suggestions and forwarded to the Academic Policies Committee. APC has reviewed the proposal and returned it to CAP. CAP recommends to the University Committee that the Faculty Senate Approve the Credit for Experience Based Learning proposal.

IV. Program Reviews.

Because of numerous delays, CAP still has on its agenda program reviews from the last cycle. With respect to the reviews from Chemistry, Sociology and Women's Studies, CAP supports the comments and recommendations of Dean Cress. Department Chairs and peer review committees are encouraged the complete and submit their reports on time, to solicit detailed comments from the outside reviewers, and to adhere to the proscribed format. The last point applies especially to the measurable outcomes portion of the strategic plan and the learning outcomes portion of the assessment plan. In general, the self studies contain very little data, and a number of outcomes that are either difficult to measure or are not really measures of success.

V. Position Authorization Request from HPEA.

The department of Health, Physical Education and Athletics has requested a one year Visiting Assistant Professor and a lecturer beginning fall 2001. While CAP is reluctant to make recommendations on PARs submitted outside of the normal review cycle, the unusual circumstances in this case justify the request. The department has only one full time faculty member and is obligated to offer courses for the new Sport and Fitness Management major. Approximately 50 students have declared the major. If the department intends to make these positions permanent, then they should submit a new set of PARs for positions beginning in fall 2002.

The committee will meet again on Tuesday April 3, 2001 at 2:00 PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 PM.

Submitted by,
Gary M. Wood, Chair