The meeting was called to order at 3:40 P.M. by Doug DeVinny, Chair.  Also attending were members Chris Evans, Fran Kavenik, Mary Lenard, Dennis Rome and Ann Statham.  Guests were Peggy James and Susan Takata.  Evelyn Zepp was present as Secretary of the Faculty.

1) MINUTES

              The minutes of November 21, 2006 were approved as distributed.

2) ANNOUNCEMENTS

              Prof. Zepp shared a letter from System President Kevin P. Reilly re the Senate's action on criminal background checks.

3) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

              The Committee members discussed with Profs. James and Takata the year's agenda for the Committee on Academic Planning.  Profs. James and Takata noted the workshop held earlier in the semester, as part of an attempt to make the PAR process more transparent and clear.  They shared the most currents drafts of guidelines for miniPAR/PAR proposals and for the Preliminary Position Proposal.  When the Committee considers PARs, Department Chairs will be invited to come and speak. 

              The question arose as to whether the University has a Strategic Plan.

              Profs. James and Takata were asked about the workload for CAP--PARs and Program Reviews.  Prof. James replied that the combination was intended to make CAP more proactive, to be able to take a more integrated approach to positions.

              It was noted that the cycle of Program Reviews is out of balance.  The question was raised as to whether the five-year cycle is mandated.

              Part of the problem has to do with intake of materials.  People send an e-mail on Thursday for a Monday meeting.

              Program Reviews might be handled by sub-groups of the committee, which would report in-depth on the materials to the whole committee.

              "Employability" as one of the important needs criterion was discussed.  This would not only be job training, but various skills the students learned.

              Departments will request data, and so will have a chance to make sure that the data are correct.

              The members offered to assist CAP in any way possible.

                                                  Profs. James, Takata, Evans and Kavenik left the meeting at 4:20 P.M.

4) NEW BUSINESS

              There was no new business.

5) MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

              There was some discussion of the administrative reviews scheduled for this year.

              Members noted that there had been no discussion with governance in the appointment of the interim Provost.

              A confidential matter was discussed which could have implications for restructuring the committee.

6) ADJOURNMENT

              The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 P.M.