College
of Arts & Sciences Meeting
Fairfield University
10 February 2012
Alumni House
MINUTES
Prof. Epstein (Chair, CAS Committee) called the
meeting to order at 3:39p.m. There
were approximately 71 faculty members present.
Proxies submitted: Laura McSweeney as Matt ColemansÕs
proxy
Manyul Im as Joan WeissÕ proxy
Susan Rakowitz as Irene MulveyÕs proxy
Susan Rakowitz as Joe DenninÕs proxy
I. Approval
of Minutes
MOVED by Prof. Lakeland and seconded by Prof. Sapp, that
the minutes of the November 11th meeting be approved as submitted.
Motion PASSED [64 in favor, 0 opposed, 7
abstained]
CORRECTIONS: no proposed amendments or corrections
submitted
II. ASCC Motion
to adopt the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program
Chair
briefly introduced the ASCC motion.
MOVED
by Prof. Sauer and seconded by Prof. Sapp that the Bachelor of Professional Studies
previously offered by University College continue to be offered under the
auspices of the College of Arts & Sciences.
Chair opened the floor
for discussion.
Dean Crabtree provided
brief historical notes on the BPS motion.
She explained that the Committee on University College made the original
suggestion that the CAS look at adopting the BPS. The Academic Council
Subcommittee on University College Matters made the same recommendation, and
sent it to the A&S Curriculum Committee (ASCC) to discuss. The ASCC considered
the question of adopting the BPS and voted in favor; the committee focused its
review on curricular issues (not governance structure). Prof. Johnson, Curriculum Committee
Chair, confirmed that the committee reviewed exclusively curricular issues.
The Dean added that
due to accreditation requirements, the Dolan School of Business cannot house
the BPS, but the DSB will accept BPS students into classes as they currently do
(in the event that the CAS adopted the BPS), and that there would be no
enrollment constraints to that.
Prof.
Sapp asked for information on enrollment numbers and advising impact of BPS.
Assoc.
Dean Perkus responded:
¤ 62 current
students (declared as BPS)
¤ 12-15 BPS graduates
per year, on average
¤ Average number of
BPS graduates/year has been declining in past years
¤ Recent decline in
BPS numbers will continue, barring new marketing campaign
¤ In the event that
CAS would adopt the BPS program, the annual number of BPS graduates per year
would likely be 12-15.
Associate
Dean Perkus stated that all part time students currently enrolled at Fairfield
have a modified core program. He
said that the proposed changes for part-time students (those that have been
accepted by Academic Council and going to the General Faculty in March for
discussion) would require all other
part-time students, that is, those pursuing degrees in CAS, DSB, and SOE to
have the same core curriculum as their full-time counterparts, with the
exception of the BPS, which exists for a particular market of students.
Prof.
Bowen expressed frustration with the motion because background information on
the BPS motion was distributed to CAS faculty only 24 prior to the
meeting. Several professors voiced
agreement with BowenÕs remarks. The Dean affirmed that this was a mistake.
Prof.
Johnson noted that the motion was intended by the proposers as a means to
procure feedback from the CAS faculty prior to further deliberations about the
possible adoption of the BPS program.
Dean
Crabtree explained that the ASCC deemed the BPS governance structure as beyond
their purview, and as a result they forwarded the matter to the CAS Planning
Committee. The Planning Committee
decided to send the motion to adopt the BPS to the CAS faculty meeting for
feedback and for a vote, and then to consider the will of the faculty regarding
the appropriate governance structure for the BPS (if adopted). The plan was to see bring back a motion
on governance structure for a vote at the March CAS meeting.
The
Chair asked if a vote on the motion to adopt the BPS was absolutely necessary today.
The
Dean said that if the vote is delayed until March we could continue discussing
the issue today and folks could consider the supplemental documents over the
next month. She discussed her
original ambivalence about the adoption of the BPS program and how several
faculty members and faculty committees convinced her to support the idea; over
the past few months, multiple committees have voted in support of or otherwise
encouraged the adoption of the BPS program by the College of Arts &
Sciences. Dean Crabtree also
suggested that upon adoption of the BPS, the College could develop a schedule
to formally review, revise, and/or rename the program. But weÕd have to adopt
it first as the process for program revision is different from the process for
consideration of the administrative home for the program.
Prof.
Lakeland asked if the CAS adoption of the BPS might inadvertently facilitate the
migration of some full-time CAS students into a BPS. Specifically, he asked what would prevent
a full-time CAS student from transitioning to a BPS track?
Assoc.
Dean Perkus answered that nothing currently exists to discourage or prevent a
full-time student from transferring to the BPS program except for the fact that
such a student would not earn a Bachelors of Arts (BA)/Bachelors of Science
(BS); instead the student would earn the Bachelors of Professional Studies
(BPS). Dean Perkus added that the
College could develop administrative rules to close any potential BPS loopholes
that faculty and the Dean perceive are currently problematic.
The
Dean explained that the BPS serves multiple populations in different ways. Originally the BPS was designed for
older/returning/working students seeking a second chance at completing a
college degree. Now the BPS serves a second major category of students; that
is, younger students who shift from full-time to part-time status at Fairfield
for a variety of reasons (often medical or economic) along with those in their
early 20s who have dropped out of other colleges for whatever reason.
Prof.
Bowen noted that in the supplementary materials provided for todayÕs CAS
meeting that Associate Dean Perkus states that approximately half of current
BPS students are the type of student for which the BPS program was designed
(older, re-entry to college); the other half are students who started in a BA
or BS degree program and, for one reason or another, ended up in BPS.
Prof.
Lopez asked if the rationale for CAS adopting and offering the BPS is
altruistic (serving students seeking a second chance) or economic.
Dean
Crabtree said that the BPS is in fact a low-cost, community-oriented program,
and that many faculty have expressed deep support for these students. She also explained that the CAS stands
to gain from the adoption of the BPS. She noted that, currently, most courses
taken by BPS students are in the College, and most advisors for BPS capstone
experiences are in the College, but we donÕt get credit for the revenues
generated. If we adopt the program, the College would receive credit for
generating BPS revenue (and our share of that), and we would have the authority
to oversee the program, formally review it according to our Guidelines for
Academic Program Review in the College, propose program revisions, manage marketing
campaigns, etc. She also noted that
the program itself is not resource intensive Ð BPS students take open
seats in existing courses, and are already advised through all the usual means.
The Dean drew attention to what she described as the two big questions that
faculty should closely examine when considering the BPS: academic integrity and
faculty oversight/leadership.
Dean Im spoke in favor of the motion. He said that the BPS program expands the
mission of the university in positive ways. In particular he noted that BPS students
in his courses bring desirable diversity into his classes.
Prof.
Rakowitz spoke in opposition to the motion. She said that we offer a strong liberal
arts program, characterized not only by breadth of the core curriculum, but by
adding depth to their liberal arts
education by completing concentrated majors. Because there are no majors for the BPS (there
are instead, interdisciplinary concentrations that students propose) she
expressed concern that the BPS could potentially Òwater downÓ the Fairfield
brand. She asked how well we are
serving BPS students by offering a program without a major.
Prof.
Bowen asked for clarification on the BPS program. She asked what is a BPS major, how many
classes is a BPS major, and how many semesters of coursework must be completed
at Fairfield University?
Associate
Dean Perkus explained that the BPS student essentially pursues a ÒLiberal
StudiesÓ concentration. This is a
10-course ÒmajorÓ consisting of nine courses in at minimum of two disciplines
plus a capstone course. He said
that all current BPS concentrations are essentially different versions of the
same liberal arts major. He added
that for the simplicity of the motion, we are only considering having only a
liberal studies concentration for the BPS. If adopted, the College faculty
could look at appropriate revisions.
Prof.
Bowen expressed concern that the BPS program does not provide students with the
opportunity for depth in a specific discipline.
Prof.
Braginsky spoke in favor of the motion.
She said that she works with BPS students regularly, and that the BPS is
not a Òwatered downÓ degree. Prof.
Braginsky stated that Fairfield University does well by its BPS students, and
that many of our BPS students are heroic.
Prof.
Abbot requested clarification on the number of classes/semesters that BPS
students are required to complete at Fairfield.
Prof.
Mielants CALLED
THE QUESTION.
Calling
the question FAILED (11 yes votes
did not meet the 2/3 requirement).
Discussion of the motion continued.
Prof.
Lakeland spoke in favor of the motion.
He, like Prof. Braginsky, applauds our BPS students, but he expressed
concern that a BPS offered by the CAS could become a Òsecond bestÓ way to
finish a Fairfield education.
Prof.
Pearson spoke in favor of the motion and agreed with Prof. LakelandÕs comments,
with the caveat that quality control was in order.
MOVED by Prof. Pearson and seconded by Prof. Keenan to
postpone a decision on the BPS adoption until the next meeting of the CAS.
Prof. Sauer
noted that many committees on the campus have seen the value of adopting the
BPS program, but he would also like to hear from CAS colleagues as a whole
before committees and individuals devote more time to this issue.
Prof. Davidson
spoke in favor of this motion to postpone, and explained that informational materials
on the BPS issue were distributed one day prior to todayÕs CAS meeting. He said he was concerned with the idea
of offering a less-marketable and less thorough degree program through the CAS. He requested more time to fully consider
the ethical dimensions of offering or adopting such a program.
Prof. Im asked Associate Dean Perkus to describe our BPS
students.
Perkus
responded as follows: the BPS is not a top-tier degree. Our BPS students typically people who
have struggled, want a Fairfield University degree, and will accept an
alternative path to that goal. Our
BPS students are: women in their late 20s to 40s, mothers, laid-off people seeking
new careers, and various professionals working to transition into new fields. Associate Dean Perkus added that the BPS
will never be a large program. He
said we could consider ways to steer BPS-seeking students toward our B.A. and
B.S. programs, and housing the BPS in the CAS may support such a process.
Prof. Rosivach reported that he was involved in recent committee discussions
on the BPS issue. Specifically he
participated in discussions on a modified Core program for the BPS. One rationale for a modified BPS Core
was the lack of evening language course offerings. A second rationale was the restricted
schedules of many BPS students. A
third rationale was the transfer issue.
Prof. Rosivach further explained that many of our colleaguesÕ
objections express concern over academic erosion. If anything, Rosavich
said, this proposal establishes new barriers to the academic erosion. He added that some students are currently
getting Fairfield degrees with this modified core. He said that the BPS has been a backdoor
approach for a weakened core, and this motion corrects that. With an advising component managed by
the CAS, faculty could easily steer BPS students to stronger programs, as
appropriate.
Prof. Abbot
asked what happens to the BPS is we vote yes or no today.
Dean
Crabtree explained that a ÒnoÓ vote would most likely lead to the eventual
closure of the BPS program if the University College is closed. All current BPS students would be
permitted to continue and complete their programs under currently existing
guidelines. The Committee on University College would be responsible for
shepherding such a program closure, if it became necessary.
Dean
Crabtree added that if adopted by the CAS, the BPS would undergo a formal
academic program review using official CAS guidelines. In addition, upon
adopting the BPS the CAS would establish a governance structure for the BPS
program. The Dean said that we
could adopt one of two existing governance models, or we could invent something
new. The two existing governance
structures that could work for managing the BPS program within the CAS:
¤
That like the Individually designed major (IDMJ) with
an Associate Dean facilitator and faculty committee
¤
That like our Interdisciplinary Programs, with a
faculty Director and steering committee
Both of
these models exist within our current Governance Document.
Prof. DeWitt
noted that, while he is inclined to support CAS adoption of the BPS, he agreed
with colleagues who voiced concern over needing more time to fully consider the
BPS issue and materials.
Prof.
Lopez asked how many students we would actually lose if the BPS were to close.
Dean
Crabtree responded that we are not talking about a large number of students.
Associate
Dean Perkus added that if we closed the BPS program, we would lose our BPS
students to local competitors such as Sacred Heart.
Prof.
Minors encouraged colleagues to maintain our sensitivities to the BPS issue,
and he added that we must consider Prof. PearsonÕs motion to postpone
discussion.
Prof.
Miners CALLED THE QUESTION. Associate Dean Im
seconded.
Calling
the question PASSES [unanimous vote]
Motion
(Prof. PearsonÕs motion to postpone a decision) PASSES [52 favor, 15 opposed, 0 abstained).
The Dean
informally polled faculty to ask if we would like to consider both the BPS
approval and the BPS governance structure
at the next (March) meeting. A
solid majority agreed that we should consider both the approval and governance
issue at the March meeting.
Prof.
Gil-Egui asked if it the committees who considered
the BPS issue could provide a modified report to address the concern that the
BPS would not be a back door for our traditional students who are pursuing B.A./B.S.
degrees.
The Dean
said that this concern over full-time students transferring to a BPS track is a
procedural question that should be addressed in formal program review and
revision if CAS adopts the program. Only then would we have the purview to
propose such policies and enforce them. It would become our (CAS) business and
not anyone elseÕs business.
III. Discussion
of CAS governance structure supporting BPS
Given the motion to postpone
discussion on the BPS issue, the Chair suggested that we move to item IV.
Prof. Bayne spoke strongly
in favor of a BPS governance structure with a faculty director and steering
committee.
Dean Crabtree agreed,
and noted that if approved by the CAS, a faculty-led governance structure like
that of other interdisciplinary programs would require no changes to the
governance document (other than, perhaps, the addition of references to the BPS
at various points). The Dean
encouraged faculty to send her emails with questions or concerns about the
proposed BPS program adoption and its governance structure at any time before
the March meeting.
IV. Call for
Nominations, Distinguished Teaching Award
The Chair announced that nominations are
open for the CAS Distinguished Teaching Award. The CAS Faculty Chair and Secretary will
distribute an email version of this call for nominations.
V. Calls for
Nominations: Chair of College Faculty, CAS Planning Committee
A. Chair of the
College Faculty, two-year term (Fall 2012)
The Chair announced
that nominations are open for Chair of the College Faculty (starting Fall
2012). The CAS Faculty Chair and Secretary will distribute an email version of
this call for nominations. The election of the new Chair are scheduled for the March CAS
meeting.
B. CAS Planning Committee, two-year term (starting Fall
2012) [Social Sciences]
The Chair opened the
floor to nominations for a two-year term as a member of the CAS Planning
Committee. The position is open to
a Faculty member in the social sciences. Position begins Fall 2012). The CAS Faculty Chair
and Secretary will distribute an email version of this call for nominations.
C. CAS Planning Committee, two-year term
(starting Fall 2012) [At Large]
The Chair opened the
floor to nominations for a two-year term as a member of the CAS Planning
Committee. The position is open to
a Faculty member in any division. Position begins Fall 2012.
With no further
nominations, the Chair moved on to the next order of business. The CAS Faculty Chair
and Secretary will distribute an email version of this call for nominations
VI. Call for
Nominations for Merit Review Committee
2
The Chair opened the
floor to nominations for the CAS Merit Review Committee. This two-year position begins
immediately.
Prof. Im nominated Prof. Pagano. Prof. Pagano respectfully declined. With no further nominations, the Chair
moved on to the next order of business.
VII. Brief remarks by the Dean
A. Budget
and Faculty Search Update
1.
Three
searches were cancelled, four continuing, two completed in the fall. VP gave
Dean assurance that cancelled searches will be given priority in FYÕ13.
¤
Completed
in the fall Ð PY and PO
¤
Continuing
Ð RS (done); MLL, EN, PH Ð offers out
¤
Cancelled
Ð MA, EC, HI
2.
FY Õ13
searches
Expects to prioritize departments whose
searches were cancelled.
Expects to gain authorization to search in
perhaps 6 departments (out of a possible 9-11 requests), with some lines
remaining open for a year.
3.
Other
budget issues in FY Õ12 and FY Ô13
a.
While
communication from the President and SVPAA has not always been broad, laying
out vision and plan, we do need to read the writing on the wall and be more
proactive.
b.
We should
forego Òbusiness-as-usualÓ modalities and seek ways of streamlining--learning
to do excellent work with fewer resources or using resources more wisely.
c.
In this
budget climate, we can expect that there will be cuts, there will be need to
use restricted funds that programs have been saving for Òrainy daysÓ, there
will be slowed hiring, etc.
d.
The Dean
will continue to advocate for TT hires, including new lines using surplus from
retiring faculty salaries, and will seek to use these funds strategically to
enhance the undergraduate experience in high need areas and to support new
revenue generating programs.
e.
The Dean
will continue to support faculty research and travel.
4.
The Dean
asked faculty to keep in mind that Fairfield is not immune to whatÕs happening
in the larger higher education landscape (economy, affordability, public
opinion about value and cost of a college education)
5.
ÒThe Faculty
MemoÓ Ð The Dean expressed disappointment with the public airing (CT Post)
of dirty laundry. She reminded
faculty that airing grievances in public media can harm the institution and
gave some examples of how it already has affected students and advancement
officers working with donors. She urged folks to utilize the faculty and shared
governance bodies for this kind of business.
B.
Financial Aid and Admissions
1.
Financial
aid needs have skyrocketed. ItÕs an ever-increasing piece of the overall budget
and annual tuition rate increases are no longer an option to meet growing
costs.
a.
63% of
students receive grants or loans from Fairfield University
b.
15% of
this yearÕs freshman class is first-generation college student (down from 19%
and 21% in recent years)
c.
Our
financial aid budget has increased by 50%+ since 2005.
2.
We have
the largest applicant pool in institutional history for next year. This is
likely due, at least in a small way, to our holding the #2 spot in U.S. News rankings of Northeast regional
universities. Alumni giving, the
percentage of which is up, also has played a role in recent rankings by U.S. News.
3.
In this
Admissions environment, we need to communicate clearly what the ÒvalueÓ is of a
Fairfield education based on assessment of student learning outcomes (as
ÒoutputsÓ), alumni accomplishments, etc., in addition to the quality of our
faculty and programs (as inputs). The Dean has shared several ideas with
Department Chairs, who will be bringing those to departments for discussion. One idea is to facilitate Òoffice hoursÓ
for prospective students and parents on visits.
4.
We in the
Academic Division need to help our admissions and advancement efforts so,
hopefully, we will see more student applications, better yields, and better
fundraising. I also shared ideas about this with Chairs, and I hope we will
produce materials will help the staff understand and advance the College. These
things are essential for FairfieldÕs future, and weÕre all responsible for
helping the University get there.
C.
Announcements
1.
Anticipating
pre-tenure reviews. The Dean
encouraged faculty to engage in peer review of teaching with junior colleagues;
she suggested that colleagues who teach in the interdisciplinary programsÕ
cross-listed courses also participate to support the early career development
of colleagues not in their home department.
2.
Assessment
update
a.
Departments
got their NEASC questions answered and uploaded for the 5-year review. Associate
Deans Im and Perkus will follow up support the
assessment process.
b.
UCC seeks to
ensure the Core Curriculum has appropriate assessment. The Dean asked faculty to please respond
to requests from UCC to get revised core learning outcomes submitted for each
core area (natural sciences and soc/beh sciences have already submitted, as requested).
3. University
College update
a.
Academic
Council voted to recommend closure of UC. This will come to a vote at the March
GF meeting.
b.
Remaining
UC staff are moving to Kelley Center this semester (to more fully integrate
admissions and services for part-time students).
c.
If the General
Faculty vote to close UC passes, the Dean will work with chairs (e.g, at the annual summer retreat) to ensure a strong
deanÕs office role and departmental procedures for integration and support of
part-time students.
d.
BPS
transition will begin immediately, one way or the other, after the CAS vote on
adoption in March.
D. Good
News
The Dean encouraged faculty to stay focused on
the good works of our colleagues, who are dedicated teachers, accomplished
scholars, and vital leaders at Fairfield. As well, she asked faculty to focus
on the achievements of our students, and the joys of educating them.
1.
Fairfield University was the recipient of a ÒGreen Coast AwardÓ in the
university category. Presented by Connecticut-based Conscious Decisions
Magazine, the Green Coast Awards honor and recognize individuals, businesses,
services, and organizations throughout the state that are socially and
environmentally responsible. David Downie, Director
of the PoE, wrote the nomination and deserves kudos.
2.
In related news, the Volunteer Center of Southwestern
Fairfield County named Eugenia T. Zavras, Ph.D.,
assistant professor of the Practice of Biology, the ÒOutstanding Female Senior
VolunteerÓ of 2011 for educating kids about the environment. She was singled
out for the 25 years that she has volunteered at the Newfield Elementary School
in Stamford, where she teaches an environmentally based program called ÒRiverwalk/River StudyÓ that helps 4th grade
students learn about all aspects of fresh water and river ecosystems and
humansÕ impact the environment.
3.
Dr. Mike Serazio received the
Dissertation of the Year award from the National Communication Association at
their November meeting Ð this is an award given across all divisions and
interest groups, and is an extraordinary and extremely rare honor. He has
turned the project into a book that is being published by NYU press.
4.
Dr. Yohuru Williams, Chair-elect of History,
will be appearing on EBRU Today twice a month as a legal and political analyst.
ÒEbru Today" is a new morning news
program telecast worldwide. It made its debut January 9, 2012 on The Ebru Television Network. It is seen on RCN cable in NYC,
Philly, and select U.S. cities, Dish channel 782, and broadcast in many
nations.
5.
Dr. Mark
Demers was featured speaking on Dynamical Systems on NPRÕs Òwhere we liveÓ with
John Dankosky.
6.
Professor
Lynne Porter has been invited to be an Affiliated Artist with the Bloomsburg
Theatre Ensemble, which is celebrating its 35th season and has a
very distinguished place in theatre history and the cultivation of professional
artists, designers, and technicians. She has served as a guest designer on
productions over the years, and the invitation to become an Affiliated Artist,
which is a great honor, formalizes the relationship.
7.
Dr. Michael White received the Connecticut Book Award for Fiction for
his latest novel, ÒBeautiful Assassin.Ó Three MFA faculty members won
prestigious literary fellowships from the NEA (Nalini
Jones, Porochista Khakpour,
Suzanne Matson); will receive $25,000 to support their writing.
8.
These are just a few of the good things that have happened recently,
and certainly they are a subset of larger set of our many accomplishments.
E.
Announcement Ð Next Associate Dean, Jim
Simon
¤
Jim will
start this summer when Joan completes her term (Elizabeth Petrino
is the new Chair of English).
¤
Jim will
work on dismissals & probations, facilitating program reviews, supporting
the dean on logistics related to the rank & tenure external review process,
enhancing enrollment management procedures, and other routine and strategic
work for the College.
¤
The Dean
reminded faculty that Associate Deans are available for help with department matters.
VIII. Q&A
Prof.
Miners brought attention to Prof. LiÕs statement at last weekÕs General Faculty
Meeting regarding the recent vandalism in Claver
Hall. He said that we should all be
outraged by the crime, and that we should discuss it in every one of our
classes.
Prof.
Miners MOVED and Prof. DeWitt
seconded that the CAS faculty officially record our outrage over the Claver vandalism incident.
The
motion passed unanimously.
Prof. DeWitt offered a few
comments about the Òthe MemoÓ Dean Crabtree mentioned in her remarks. He said he was not sure who sent the
memo to the CT Post, and that he was not convinced that the press attention is
a big deal. He added that we are a
special, caring faculty and administration, and that we must focus on real
issues. He closed by saying that we
are capable of addressing the issues we face, but that we must remain unified.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Prof.
Bowen MOVED to adjourn the meeting,
and Prof. J. Johnson seconded the motion.
Meeting
adjourned at 5:09 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Scott M. Lacy
CAS Faculty Secretary
FUTURE CAS MEETINGS
Friday,
March 23, 3:30-5:00, Alumni House (elections for 2012-13)
Wednesday,
April 25, 4:30-6:30, Alumni House (annual celebration)
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1: BPS
MATERIALS, EXCERPT OF A&S CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
MINUTES
APPENDIX 2: CALL FOR
NOMINATIONS
¤ DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD
¤ CAS FACULTY CHAIR
¤ CAS PLANNING COMMITTEE (BEH&SOC
SCI)
¤ CAS PLANNING COMMITTEE (ANY
DIVISION)
¤
CAS
MERIT REVIEW COMMITTEE
APPENDIX
ONE
** DRAFT MINUTES (not
yet approved by A&SCC)**
EXCERPT OF A&S CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MINUTES
BCC 204, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2010 3:30-5:00 P.M.
RE: Bachelors of Professional Studies
ITEM 8: Bachelors of Professional Studies (BPS).
Prof. A. Perkus here to speak. Ruffini:
many questions can be asked, but motion should be that the ASCC recommend that
the University continue to offer BPS, that BPS continue to exist. Ruffini moves: Rosivach seconds.
ASCC should recommend to the college faculty of A&S that the University
should offer the BPS thru the College of Arts & Sciences. Ruffini continues: the up and down question is, is there a
role for continuing students outside of age 18-22. To have a degree program for
these students, we should approve this. If we only think in terms of 18-22,
then we should vote no. Crabtree: many committees discussed this. If we want
these students at Fairfield, degree program has to be tailored to their issues.
Accept old credits, portfolio credits. Etc. Perkus: if this is a degree for
non-traditional students, then we need the modified Core, as well. Ruffini: curricular vs
administrative issues should be discussed separately. Speaks in favor of
motion. Likes these students. Rosivach: speaks in
favor of motion. Underline that this is a separate degree. Core integrity for
the full-time undergraduates thus guaranteed. Garvey: GS399? Perkus: students
approach regular faculty member and 399 is pulled together, get 25 page
research paper. UC does not HAVE faculty. Thus moving into A&S is strong point
and would strengthen the program considerably and the appeal to students.
Zhang: will they get advisors? YES. They already have both staff advising
support and faculty advisors (most are CAS faculty). This would continue
Crabtree: secondary motion: we should make suggestions about administrative
structure, since it will come to us eventually. An interesting model would be
the individually designed major. Have a steering committee, etc. Faculty
director needed as well. We have model and supporting documents. Will move as
such if we pass Ruffini's motion. Johnson: we are
accepting BPS in Liberal Studies? Yes. Zhang: if students are admitted as
BPS students, can they be readmitted into standard program? Perkus: any student
who comes in as part time and wishes to matriculate into major, must got
through same strenuous process for admission as full-time students. Would have
to apply directly to program with the usual protocol: there will be no back
door transfer. Crabtree: just like one can transfer from school to school
within Fairfield, a student could also transfer from BPS to another major, but
then would have to meet all the graduate requirements of the new major
(including the Core). U. Perkus: half of existing UC students are from
Fairfield. Garvey: what is the interface with the other schools, given the
fourth bullet shows incorporation of business school, etc. Crabtree: business
school voted not to accept the BPS (for accreditation reasons), but would
welcome such students in their classes as they always have. Johnson: It makes
sense to keep the modified core for professional studies degree. Clarification.
Striuli calls question, Rosivach
seconds. Passes unanimously.
APPENDIX TWO
DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD
Dear College Faculty:
On behalf of the College of Arts & Sciences
and Dean Crabtree, I am pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the ninth
annual College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Teaching Award. Your
committee for this award consists of me as chair, along with Kraig Steffen (Natural Sciences and Mathematics); Shannon Harding (Social and Behavioral Sciences; David McFadden
(Humanities); and Dean Robbin Crabtree (serving ex
officio).
We invite each Department and Program to nominate
a colleague for this annual award; nonetheless nominations may come from any
fulltime member of the CAS faculty. Nominations should consist of a
letter that explains, in two pages or less, the reasons for your nomination.
Rather than give you criteria, considering that
each discipline looks at teaching through its own lens, we leave this question
in your hands. Our promise to you is that we will read all of your
submissions carefully and make an informed decision as a committee of your
peers representing the range of disciplines in the College, the heart and soul
of this university. The members of the selection committee will not be eligible
for the award.
The deadline for submission of
letters is Monday April 2, by 4 p.m.
All letters must be submitted electronically as an MS Word e-mail attachment to
Jean Daniele, Assistant to the Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (jdaniele@fairfield.edu).
We look forward to honoring the recipient of our
Distinguished Teaching Award at the College of Arts and Sciences faculty
meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 25 at 4:30, in Alumni House. We
will present a $1,000 check and a framed citation, and there will be much
cheering.
If you have any questions, please feel free to
contact any of the committee members. We look forward to your
nominations.
Sincerely,
Bob Epstein, Chair
of the Faculty, College of Arts & Sciences repstein@fairfield.edu)
Kraig Steffen (Natural Sciences and Mathematics, lsteffen@fairfield.edu)
Shannon
Harding (Social and
Behavioral Sciences, sharding@fairfield.edu)
David McFadden
(Humanities, dmcfadden@fairfield.edu)
FACULTY CHAIR, COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
POSITION Chair,
College of Arts & Sciences (two-year term)
ELIGIBILITY Full-time
faculty
DATE Election
scheduled for the March 23 CAS Meeting (Friday, Alumni House, 3:30-5:00)
Nominations can be forwarded to either Bob Epstein (REpstein@fairfield.edu) or Scott Lacy (slacy@fairfield.edu); nominations will also be taken from the
floor. Faculty will elect the Chair at the March
23 CAS Meeting (term begins fall 2012).
CAS PLANNING COMMITTEE (2 POSITIONS)
POSITION College
of Arts & Sciences Planning Committee (two-year term, beginning fall 2012)
ELIGIBILITY Two
positions: one for Social & Behavioral Sciences, one in any division
DATE Election
scheduled for the March 23 CAS Meeting (Friday, Alumni House, 3:30-5:00
Nominations can be forwarded to either Bob Epstein (REpstein@fairfield.edu) or Scott Lacy (slacy@fairfield.edu); nominations will also be taken from the floor. The CAS faculty will elect the new committee members at the March 23 CAS Meeting.
MERIT REVIEW COMMITTEE
POSITION At-large
Committee member, CAS Divisional Merit Review Committees (two-year term,
beginning immediately)
ELIGIBILITY Social
& Behavioral Sciences
DATE Election
will be held during February 10 CAS faculty meeting (3:30 p.m., Alumni House)
Nominations can be forwarded to either Bob Epstein (REpstein@fairfield.edu) or Scott Lacy (slacy@fairfield.edu); nominations will also be taken from the floor.
The CAS faculty will elect the new Merit
Review Committee member at the March 23 CAS Meeting.