Oakland University Senate

15 March 2007
Minutes

Members present: Andersen, Berven (K), Cardiff, Clark, Deng, Dillon, Downing, Eberwein, Eis, Fink, Frick, Goslin, Grossman, Hamilton, Haskell, Hightower, Ingram, Khattree, Latcha, Lee, LeMarbe, Lepkowski, MacDonald, Magnan, Miller, Mittelstaedt, Moudgil, Murphy, O�Mahony, Pickard (for Otto), Reger, Russell, Sevilla, Shablin, Stamps, Stein, Sudol, Thompson, Twardy, Wendell, Williams, Wood, Zhu

Members absent: Berven (D), Eberly, Giblin, Goldberg, Graves, Klemanski, Mili, Polis, Schweitzer, Silberman, Townsend, Tracey, Voelck

Summary of Actions:
1. Informational Items:
--a. Approval of Modifications to Existing Graduate Programs � Mr. Downing
-----1. M.S. in Computer Science & Engineering and M.S. in Embedded Systems modified to offer a �professional option� requiring 36 credits of course work including 4 credits of an internship.
----2. Name change: from M.S. in Computer Science & Engineering to M.S. in Computer Science.
----3. Split the M.S. in Systems Engineering program to create a new M.S. in Industrial Systems Engineering.
----4. Merger of the M.S. in Software Engineering with M.S. in Information Systems Engineering in M.S. in Software Engineering and Information Technology.
----5. Increase number of required credits for the Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Graduate Certificate Program from 17 to 18.
--b. Faculty Access to Student Information � Ms. Gilroy
2. Approval of Minutes of 15 February (Mr. Russell, Ms. Stein)
3. Motion to approve Bachelor of Social Work program (Ms. Stein, Mr. Stamps). Second  Reading. Approved.
4. Motion to approve new major in Applied Health Sciences (Mr. Lepkowski, Mr. Goslin). First Reading.
5. Motion to approve B.F.A. degree in Dance, B.F.A in Acting, Musical Theater, Theater Design and Technology (Ms. Andersen, Ms. Eis). First reading.
6. Motion to endorse recommendation of Task Force on Classroom Use and Scheduling (Mr. Russell, Mr. Shablin). First reading.
7. Motion to approve policy on accepting credit hours that overlap two undergraduate minors. (Ms. Mittelstaedt, Mr. Shablin). First reading.
7a. Motion to waive second reading (Mr. Sevilla, Mr. Hightower). Defeated.

Mr. Moudgil called the meeting to order at 3:15 and explained the procedures with the audio equipment set up in the Banquet Room B. He thanked Senators for the suggestion to change the venue, but also noted that the next meeting will be held in the Elliott Hall auditorium. Next year�s Senate will meet in the Gold Rooms in the Oakland Center. Mr. Moudgil then thanked Mr. Preisinger for all his efforts in fitting the room with the appropriate audio system; Senators showed their appreciation with robust applause.

Mr. Downing presented the first informational item on the agenda, explaining the modifications to the various graduate programs that have been approved by the Graduate Council. Ms. Gilroy then addressed the Senate with an issue regarding faculty access to student transcripts. She remarked that access to automated degree evaluations via SAIL is important for professional advisers to carry out their work with students. Mr. Downing spoke on the benefits of access for advisers, as did Mr. Stamps. Mr. Stamps noted that coordinators of interdisciplinary programs also advise students and wondered whether they too should have access. Ms. Gilroy explained that a list of advisers from various units and programs would be compiled, and that they would be allowed access to the information. Mr. Goslin then offered his strong endorsement of the policy, noting that as a graduate coordinator, he believes that this is a long overdue tool.

The secretary proceeded with the roll call, after which the Minutes from 15 February were approved, with the correction of the spelling of Moon J. Pak noted by Mr. Russell (moved by Mr. Russell, seconded by Ms. Stein).

Old Business

Ms. Stein read the motion regarding approval of a new Bachelor of Social Work degree, and without any further discussion, the Senate voted unanimously to approve the new program. Ms. Mosby then addressed the Senate, expressing her gratitude for the decision, and noting the excitement of the students looking forward to the new degree opportunity.

New Business

Mr. Lepkowski motion to approve approval of a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Health Sciences was duly seconded by Mr. Goslin. Mr. Moudgil then invited Mr. Hightower to summarize highlights of the new major. On behalf of the Health Sciences faculty, Mr. Hightower described excitement about the new program, particularly in its applied focus, which provides a parallel track to the existing Health Sciences major. The program is specifically intended to transport associate degree graduates to OU, for the purpose of obtaining a bachelor�s degree. Professionals already working in the field will also be attracted to the program. Licensing bodies are continually upgrading their requirements; this increasing demand will be significant to those students already enrolled in community college programs (about 400 students currently at Macomb). The OU program will provide a missing pathway for students in southeast Michigan to obtain a bachelor�s degree. President Lorenzo of Macomb has expressed his strong support of the program. Mr. Hightower also commented that the program is very much in line with the �return to learn� initiatives of Governor Granholm.

Mr. Russell asked about the number of students from Macomb who graduate per year. Mr. Hightower noted that the 400 students are enrolled in about six programs; this year there may be 15 or 16 who will come to OU after their finishing their associate degrees. Mr. Russell asked whether other sources are possible, for example, WSU. Mr. Hightower expects that OU will be the leader in this direction, and that a much larger group of incoming students in the future is certain. Mr. Downing added that the dual enrollment between MCC and OU will be another attractive feature, because there is currently a backlog of students at Macomb who are waiting to take courses. According to Mr. Downing, the relationship between MCC and OU would allow students to mix and match courses with more flexibility. Mr. Russell asked whether the articulation agreement with Macomb would apply in this case. Mr. Rozek replied that the MACRO agreement does not affect this program. Ms. Thompson-Adams urged caution on the issue of support. There is legislation pending in Michigan that intends to bypass the 4-year institution in favor of promoting community colleges in the state to offer the Bachelor in Nursing. She pointed out that programs such as this might help stem the tide of such initiatives.

Mr. Moudgil then moved on the next item of new business, the approval of BFA degrees in Dance and Acting, Musical Theater, Theater Design and Technology. Ms. Andersen�s motion was seconded by Ms. Eis. Mr. Patterson and Mr. Knox from the Department of Music, Theater, and Dance gave summaries of the respective programs. A key goal of the programs is to move students to a pre-professional level, akin to what music has been doing. NAST (National Association of Schools of Theater) now prefers these program titles to prepare students for future work or graduate programs. Mr. Sudol added that this is a renaming of the status quo, and that these new degrees are preparing students for professional work. He further observed that enrollment in these programs is controlled because of space limitations, so there is no issue here of added enrollment. Mr. Stamps wondered about the cost per student in light of no enrollment growth; Mr. Sudol replied that the number of students showing up for auditions has doubled in the past year, with the number of students admitted determined by the available resources. Mr. Moudgil remarked that he hoped no new faculty lines would be requested without enrollment growth. Ms. Gilroy asked whether the existing B.A. programs would be eliminated, to which Mr. Knox replied that both tracks would be kept.

Turning to the next item of new business, Mr. Moudgil asked Mr. Russell make the motion to endorse Plan #2 of the Senate Task Force on Classroom Use and Scheduling. The wording of the motion was changed, and Mr. Shablin seconded. Mr. Shablin noted that Plan #2 of the report is described on pages 15-16 and 32-33. Mr. Moudgil reminded Senators that this is the first reading of the motion.

The final item of new business concerned a motion to approve a policy on accepting credit hours that may overlap between minors. Ms. Mittelstaedt read the motion; Mr. Shablin seconded. Mr. Grossman asked about the intent of the policy; Ms. Awbrey explained that the issue was brought to UCUI from the registrar�s office because some programs were double-counting a large number of credits for minors. Mr. Grossman asked for further clarification about the intent of the restriction and suggested that the wording of the motion be changed. Ms. Awbrey put forth a different wording, which Mr. Grossman believed was much clearer. Ms. Wood asked whether this policy would affect concentrations along with minors. According to Ms. Awbrey the policy would apply to minors, but that concentrations may also be considered. Ms. Gilroy added that the College has had a long-standing policy that no more than 8 credits may overlap minors, but that other units were using courses to fulfill several minors. The policy is intended to provide uniform standards across the university. A motion to waive the second reading was made by Mr. Sevilla and seconded by Mr. Hightower. Mr. Grossman asked about a deadline for a decision for fall catalog copy and suggested that the policy be considered further before a vote. Mr. Dillon expressed his concern about the wording of the motion. The question of waiving the second reading was called and defeated. Ms. Awbrey agreed that the matter could be explored further.

Mr. Moudgil turned next to the Good and Welfare. Mr. Grossman asked for an update on campus construction. Mr. Moudgil explained that Finance and Administration has dealt with the problem of old and rusted pipes that caused gas and water leaks, pipes which are now in the process of being replaced. Mr. Sudol asked about the technology updates to the classrooms on the third floor of South Foundation over the spring/summer; Mr. Moudgil confirmed that those updates would not be taking place this year because the timing for completion would not have been feasible prior to the start of fall term. Mr. Preisinger added that as a temporary measure equipment is now available on portable carts for faculty who need it. Mr. Shablin further observed that the elevator in SFH is scheduled for completion this summer.

Mr. Russell suggested that additional items could be placed on Senate agendas in the future that would be of interest for the Senate community. He asked Senators to think about possible issues for discussion and share them with the Steering Committee. Mr. Moudgil supported Mr. Russell�s suggestion and encouraged Senators to submit ideas to the secretary.

A motion to adjourn was met with general approval at 4:15.

Respectfully submitted,
Tamara Machmut-Jhashi
Secretary to the University Senate