Minutes of the University Committee
for September 29, 2003

Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 12:07 PM by Prof Gary Wood, Chair. Present in addition were Profs Sylvia Beyer, Doug DeVinny, Christine Evans, James Kinchen and Don Kummings, members; Prof Walter Feldt, Secretary of the Faculty; Provost Rebecca Martin, Assoc Provost Jerry Greenfield and (later) Prof Anne Statham.

Business:

AASCU Foundational Dimensions Program
Provost Martin and Assoc Provost Greenfield discussed UW-Parkside's involvement with the American Association of State Colleges and University's (AASCU) Foundatinal Dimensions Program. The program, funded by several philanthropic foundations, "provides AASCU institutions with a means to evaluate and improve the first year of college."

Prof Greenfield started the conversation by stating that UW-Parkside had applied to be part of Phase II of the program, involving a
"Current Practice Inventory." UW-P was chosen as one of twelve institutions participating in this phase. Other participating
institutions are comparable to what the UW System refers to as "comprehensive institutions" (the non-doctoral four-year campuses in the System).

Last year, a task force was created, including involvement from the General Education Committee. This group prepared the
successful proposal.

The Provost said that she would keep the Committee informed concerning progress on the project.

American Democracy Project
Prof Anne Statham joined the meeting at this point. Provost Martin and Prof Statham informed the Committee on the University's involvement with the American Democracy Project, sponsored by AASCU and the New York Times.

The project centers about the declining rate of civic involvement of college students.

Prof Statham and Assoc VC Esther Letven, and Rita Thomas (student) will be involved in organizing campus discussions on the issue.

Examples of issues that might be considered are social justice, volunteerism and political involvement, including writing letters to the editor of newspapers and members of Congress.

The project is staged with initiatives being identified in year one, implemented in year two and assessed in year three.

A planning committee will be created. The Committee will be consulted concerning the membership and the General Education Committee, the Engaged University Council and the Department of Political Science and Law will be involved.

UW System / Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Transfer Plan
Provost Martin shared a draft plan prepared by UWS President Lyall to address legislative thrusts to increase the transferability of WTCS courses into the UW-System.

President Lyall's plan calls for the estabilishment of a list of WTCS courses that will transfer and apply to all UW institions. These courses will have common titles, course numbers and competencies at all WTCS institutions. WTCS students in applied associate degree programs will be able to transfer 25 credits from these courses and apply them toward satisfaction of general education and/or other degree requirements at UW institutions.

An additional highlight is to establish more 2 + 2 programs between WTCS and the UW which would allow more transfer credits. This will be on a program to program basis.

It is hoped that this plan will thwart efforts to legislate complete transferrability of WTCS credits, commonly viewed by UW faculty as extremely inappropriate.

Agenda - October 14 Faculty Senate Meeting
The Committee approved the Agenda for the Early Fall Meeting of the Faculty Senate to be held on Tuesday, October 14, at 3:30 PM in Molnaro D-137. See http://uwp.edu/staff/gov/senate/psf0304/psf1.cfm.

Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 1:10 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Walter T Feldt
SECRETARY OF THE FACULTY & Professor of Engineering