Minutes of the Faculty
Meeting
for May 2, 2002
The meeting was called to order by Chancellor Keating at 3:35 in 101 GRNQ.
Faculty members present were T. Castor, D. Cress, L. Duetsch, C. Evans, T. Fossum,
L. Gellott, W. Graffin, G. Greenfield, S. Hansen, P. James, D. Kaufman, F. Khan,
W. Leeds-Hurwitz, P. Lyter, R. Martin, R. Moore, E. Wallen, and G. Wood. Also
present were B. Blanchard and A. Crist
By prior agreement between the Chancellor and the University Committee, a motion was on the floor to convene as a Committee of the Whole for the purpose of discussing the draft chapters of the self-study for continuing accreditation. MOTION APPROVED on a voice vote.
Also by prior agreement,
Professor James chaired the Committee of the Whole. She began by asking Professor
Duetsch to describe the process the Accreditation Steering Committee has been
following. He said draft chapters posted at <http://uwp.edu/staff/gov/admin/nca/drafts/drafts.cfm>
have already drawn a good deal of comment from faculty/staff members;
revised drafts and a draft of chapter four should be posted by early June. Professors
Duetsch and Gellott welcomed further input on any/all aspects of the self-study.
Professor Gellott said that
the departmental strategic plans - which can be found at <http://www.uwp.edu/admin/academic.affairs/stratplan.cfm>
- were the primary raw material for much of chapter three. Professor
Duetsch noted that some departments have updated their plans in recent months
and urged those that have not to do so as soon as possible, especially the portions
pertaining to assessment. Professors Duetsch and Gellott asked departments to
bring forward examples in which the assessment of student learning outcomes
led to program changes that obtain a better outcome.
Professor Graffin asked whether it is necessary to make changes if the department is satisfied with its student learning outcomes. Professor Khan said it is not, but said it is difficult to imagine that continuous improvement would not be possible. Professor Greenfield agreed, saying the evidence needs to be examined in any event.
Professor Gellott said she will soon complete drafting the portions of chapter three that deal with diversity and regional service. She has already begun to incorporate many comments/suggestions into revisions of the posted drafts. Professor Duetsch said the self-study will need to be ready for submission to the Higher Learning Commission in October.
Chancellor Keating said he hoped for better documentation of the quality of student services, and Professor Gellott assured him that she will incorporate new information when she receives it.
Referring to chapter two, Professor Graffin expressed skepticism that the evaluation of teaching by departments is based primarily on indicators of student learning, as called for in UWPF 6.01(2). He noted that student teaching evaluations are given substantial weight in the merit process, for example, although they are not a direct measure of student learning. After some discussion, there seemed to be a consensus that this matter deserves further attention (in the self-study and in practice).
Professor James suggested that the Committee of the Whole rise without report, and underscored the need for input on the revised drafts when they are posted. She said that the University Committee will continue to comment on subsequent drafts as work on the self-study proceeds throughout the summer.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:35.
