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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA FACUTY SENATE Agenda for Meeting of September 8, 2003 3:15 P.M. Board Room 207 Gilchrist Hall CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the April 28, 2003 meeting ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Call for Press Identification 2. Comments from Provost Podolefsky 3. Comments from Faculty Chair, Carol Cooper 4. Comments from Chair Heston 5. Introduction of the new Deans of the College of Business and Education CONSIDERATION OF CALENDAR ITEMS FOR DOCKETING 851/761 Emeritus Status request for Joseph Sma l dino, Communicative Disorder, effective 7 / 03 852/762 Accept Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council report 853/763 Accept Annual Report (2002-2003) from the Liberal Arts Core Committee NEW BUSINESS Appointment of Senate Representatives to University committees ONGOING BUSINESS CONSIDERATION OF DOCKETED ITEMS 756 Accept report from the Committee on Admission, Readmission and Retention (from 4/ 28/ 03 meeting) 757 Approve motion from Faculty Chair, Melissa Heston, that curriculum be housed within the five academic colleges at UNI (from 4/28/ 03 meeting) ADJOURNMENT UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA FACULTY SENATE 851 Calendar item ____ Docket Number _ _ ___ Emeritus Status request for Joseph Smaldino, Communicative Title: _ _ _______ _______ _________________ Disorders, effective 7/03 Standard Motions __1. Place at head of docket, out of regular order. __2. Docket in regular order. __3. Docket because of special circumstances for _ __________~ And notify sender(s). __4. Refer to (standing commiUee) _____ _____________ _ _ 5. Refer to (administrative officer) _________________ __6. Refer to (ad hoc commiUee) ____________ _ _ ___ _ _ __7. Return to petitioner with request for a more specific proposal. __8. Return to petitioner with request for additional information and documentation. __9. Return to petitioner because of decision not to docket at this time. __10. Other procedural disposition _ __________ ______ _ NOTES / Request for Faculty Emeritus Status at the University of Northern Iowa I wish to retire from my position as _--+P-lo.>-l..C.l..l,f~e"","s.;;t' ..;;;,S~QL\¥-C_______________ at the University of Northern Iowa, effecti ve --,3J,,",""-,u~fVf--__I __.:::...2=--___1_----"-;(...::...06---=-_'2_::::;_ Month r Day Year I have twenty (20) or more years of creditable service in higher education, (List institutions and dates of employment.) Dat e tiRQ -/j2Lf Date (!Jn~o!P/Yicant V" ;}, CJ W~I ), r1r:l 3 Dau} College Senate Chair: Include a statement verifying that ten (10) years of meritorious service has been concluded with the University of Northern Iowa, (Use back afthisfarm ifmare space isrequired.) D~PGvv--tmCv\.T l.fea.d (l1rs'i-fCl.9&), D\5TCK541'.S·~ed 5c!-tCJ(d.-(J A-WiJA.'<'ci (,200 I),J FC{ I bi-"{IS t,T RQ5 "-~1<4 Fe-/fot:U s fA { ~ (2oc 1'\ j d tA-V'; fJ'S TE.N\ u-tre ds ~~~tw\.eYl.T ~:i: SF~~~V1 A ~.~~cr V~~~~)0--0 ~~GU.u'(~~\' ~~~ ~-.zt:~ b J 0 CC"L'-ef\. College Senate Chair . Date 7 { Date d 0 '«\d~(l3 ate Date Provost and Vice President Date President Date Please prepare this fonn: sign and submit to your department Head, When the process for approval has been completed, the Provost's office will make copies and distribute them to each of the above signatories and the Department of Human Resources . UN! Form 2A May, 2000 / ---- UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA FACULTY SENATE 852 Calendar item ___ _ Docket Number Accept Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council Report Title: ___________ ___________ __________ Standard Motions 1. Place at head of docket, out of regular order. __2. Docket in regular order. __3. Docket because of specia'l circumstances for _ ___________ And notify sender(s). _ _ 4. Refer to (standing committee) __________________ __5. Refer to (administrative officer) ________________ _ __6. Refer to (ad hoc committee) __~_ _______________ __7. Return to petitioner with request for a more specific proposal. __8. Return to petitioner with request for additional information and documentation. __9. Ret-urn to petitioner because of decision not to docket at this time. __10. Other procedural disposition ________ _ ~_______ _ NOTES I / Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council Report to University Senate April, 2003 Summary of Committee Activity There are two aspects of ongoing IAAC activity of which the Senate should be aware. First, as a part of every meeting of the Council, the Athletic Director reports on activities, problems, issues, and concerns of the Athletic Department. The members of the Council have an opportunity to question the Athletic director on any matters that they deem important. When there are questions or issues of concern to Council members, the Athletic Director normally pursues these issues and reports back to the Council. Second, the NCAA faculty representative also participates in each meeting of the Council as an ex officio member. The faculty representative keeps the Council appraised of his/her activities and concerns and makes Council members aware of NCAA standards and expectations as well as institutional compliance issues. Council members have the opportunity to question the facu lty representative on all matters relative to the NCAA. The following is a summary of specific IACC activity for the year: 1. Council members met with athletic team members in every sport. The purpose of these team meetings is to make student athletes aware of the IAAC and its mission to oversee the athletic program as it relates to the academic quality and integrity of the university. Team members thus have a contact person on the IAAC to whom they can turn should they have problems or concerns as students and athletes. Team members . are informed about the missed-class policy and are urged to comply with it in all respects. Council members also use these meetings to inform team members of postgraduate scholarship opportunities available to them. 2. Council members conducted exit interviews with students participating in intercollegiate athletics. An attempt is made to contact and interview each graduating student/athlete or when the student/athlete has quit the team. The interviewer asks questions concerning the recruiting and admission process, academic advising and tutoring , financial aid, the quality of the athletic experience, the quality of the academic experience, possible conflicts and problems with coaches and schedules, and satisfaction with their experience as student athletes. When these interviews produce information which would raise questions or concerns, these matters are pursued to resolution with the appropriate parties. In general , the exit interviews indicate that the experience of the student athlete at UNI is a highly positive one with a few problems. J ./ 3. The Council reviewed, as it does annually, grade reports for student athletes. The Council also examined and discussed data comparing academic performance by sport and in comparison with the non-athlete portion of the student body. Some of those highlights are: • The five-year graduation rate for UNI student athlete is 67.53% whereas the graduation rate for the student body as a whole is 62.36% during this same period of time. • Represent 3.5 to 4% of the undergraduate student body. • Sixteen percent of the student-athletes help meet the 5.3% of the undergraduate diversity of the student body. • In the fall semester 2002, all student athletes averaged a 3.02 GPA. • In the fall semester 2002, 131 student athletes or 32% had a 3.00 GPA or better. • One women's team had a 3.53 GPA and another had all of its team members earn a 3.00 GPA or better. • The highest fall team GPA for the men was 3.29 and the lowest was a 2.43. 4. The Council reviewed and discussed data on minority student retention at UNI, comparing retention rates of student athletes with those of minority students who are not athletes. The Council will continue to examine such data in the future, in an effort to understand long-term trends. 5. An agreement has been formalized between the IMC and the Athletic Director whereby at least one IMC member, selected by the IMC or its chair, will be appointed to all future search committees for new head coaches. This arrangement is reflected in the revised mission statement, which is included in this report. 6. The Council reviewed the status and academic performance of student athletes who are considered "special admission" cases, comparing their performance with that of "regular admissions" students. This review will be continued on an annual basis. 7. The Council met with new coaches, Sachin Kirtane, Women's tennis coach, Stacey Simmer, Women's swimming coach, Christy Hebert, Women's softball coach, as well as athletic administration staff members: Julie Bright, Senior Associate Athletic Director/Business Services, Justin Sell, Associate Athletic Director/Internal Operation, and Colleen Heimstead, Life Skills Coordinator. We discussed with them their respective duties of their jobs and for the coaches, their expectations for team members, their philosophy of coaching, etc. The Council will continue to meet with all incoming head coaches and athletic administration staff personnel. 8. The Council now includes Student Athletic Academic Council (SMC). The representative keeps the Council updated on a monthly basis concerning all aspects of the academic issues of student athletes. The Council has made significant progress on improving student representation on the committee. / -- 9. The Council has undertaken an overall of its Exit Interview procedures in order to improve the quality of each of this important activity. The exit interviews may be completed in person, by mail or by the use of the IMC web-site. Report submitted by: Lea Ann Shaddox, Chair Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council April 28, 2003 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA FACULTY SENATE Calendar item,_ _8_S_3_ _ Docket Number ___ _ _ Accept Annual Report (200 2-2003) from the Liber al Ar t s Title:_ _ ____________ __________ ____ _____ Core Committee Standard Motions 1. Pl,ace at head of docket, out of regular order. __2. Docket in regular order. _ _ 3. Docket because of special circumstances for _______ ____ _ And notify sender(s). __4. Refer to (standing committee) ___________ _______ __5. Refer to (administrative officer) _____ ____________ _ _ 6. Refer to (ad hoc committee) _____________ ____ _ __7. Return to petitioner with request for a more specific proposal. _ _ 8. Return to petitioner with request for additional information and documentation. __9. Return to petitioner because of decision not to docket at this time. __10. Other procedural disposition _ _________________ NOTES MEMORANDUM TO: University Faculty Senate FROM: Beverly Kopper Coordinator, Liberal Arts Core SUBJECT: Annual Report from the Liberal Arts Core Committee 2002-2003 Academic Year DATE: May 1,2003 The mission of the University ofNorthern Iowa is to provide a learning environment that is founded on a strong liberal arts curriculum. Objective 1.3 in the 2001-2006 Strategic Plan is to strengthen the UNI general education program and simultaneously increase understanding of and commitment to the role and value of a liberal arts education as the foundation 0 f a university education. The Liberal Arts Core (LAC) Committee has worked diligently during the 2002-2003 academic year to meet this objective by focusing on the following areas: 1) enhancing the overall LAC, 2) completing category reviews, 3) updating the category review process, and 4) developing a comprehensive student outcomes assessment program. The activities undertaken and completed related to these areas are discussed below. General COncerns of the Committee are also discussed. The final paragraphs list the Committee members for the 2002-2003 academic year. Enhancing the Overall LAC A LAC web site was developed as a means of sharing information and promoting understanding of the Core. This site provides a mechanism for students, faculty, staff, parents and prospective students to access information about the importance of a liberal arts education, the purpose and goals of UNI's Core and each Category within the Core, specific course descriptions and other valuable information. The LAC Coordinator has continued to focus on activities designed to increase understanding of and commitment to the role and value of a liberal arts education as the foundation of a university education at UNI. The Coordinator reviewed the web site and the activities of the LAC Committee with all College Senates, the University Faculty Senate, the Academic Affairs Council, the Council of Department Heads, and the Academic Advising Advisory Council. In presentations to parents of new first year and transfer students duri ng winter, spring, summer and fall orientation sessions, the Coordinator discLlsses the importance of the LAC. The importance of the LAC is also discussed with all first-year students, in addition to their parents. On Febn13ry 26,2003 the Coordinator met with the Academic Advising Advisory Council to discuss the activities of the LAC Committee, review the LAC web site, receive feedback from the advisors, and discuss ways of improving the LAC. These types of meetings are seen as an important means of enhancing the overall effectiveness 2 LAC Committee Fina1200J-2002 Report of the Core by opening up communication lines and facilitating collaboration among those involved in the various aspects of the Core. The Coordinator, in conjunction with the Associate Provost, also maintains contact with the Registrar, Associate Registrar and Director of Academic Advising during the registration process to monitor the LAC course enrollment patterns and course needs. The LAC Committee spent several meetings during the spring semester addressing the MGT recommendation that "The University ofNorthern Iowa should evaluate its general education requirements and reduce the number of required hours to a level more in line with the other Iowa universities and similar universities in other states". The Board of Regents recommended that, "The University ofNorthern Iowa should evaluate its general education requirements". The LAC discussed LAC requirements and a possible reduction in the number of hours required and procedures for allowing more double counting of courses. These discussions included the Humanities Coordinator and faculty, the respective College Deans involved in the delivery of Core courses, the Associate Provost, and Provost. Final decisions regarding possible reductions and increased double counting of courses have not been made at this time but will be brought forth to the University Faculty Senate during the fall 2003. The LAC Committee examined the general education requirements at the University of Iowa (UI) and Iowa State University (ISU). Depending on the major, the general education requirements at these institutions range from approximately 30-46.5 credit hours. UNI requires all undergraduate students to complete 47 credit hours. Since UNI's largest major is elementary education, the Committee was particularly interested in the general education requirements for UI and ISU students in this major. It would appear that UI requires its elementary education majors to complete approximately 36 hours of general education plus a 4th semester competency or the departmental equivalent of foreign language. Iowa State University requires its elementary education majors to complete 46.5 credit hours of general education. The LAC Committee also examined the general education requirements at similar universities in other states. It would appear that Dakota State University requires 43 hours, Southern Illinois University 37-41 hours, Tnlman State 42 hours, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay 37-48 hours, and Western Illinois University 43 hours. Completing the Category Reviews On November 25, 2002 the Category 1 (Civilizations & Cultures) Review Report and the Committee's recommendations were presented to the University Faculty Senate. The Category 1 Review Report was also distributed to Provost Podolefsky, Associate Provost Koch, and Deans Lubker and Wallace. On March 24, 2003, the Category 3 (Natural Science & Technology) Review Report and the Committee's recommendations were presented to the University Faculty Senate. Included witb this report was a new proposal for Capstone. The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Senate passed the following P-1otion related to this proposal, "The CNS 3 LAC Committee Final 2001-2002 Report Senate agrees that Capstone should be a campus wide offering and support the proposed Category 7 in its broad intent". The University Faculty Senate tabled the Report requesting additional information and feedback from the other College Senates. As per the University Faculty Senate's request, additional feedback regarding the new Capstone proposal was obtained from the other College Senates and the Coordinator discussed the proposal with all of the Deans of the Colleges. On April 28, 2003, the University Faculty Senate voted to receive the Report. The Capstone proposal will be discussed at a University Faculty Senate meeting in the Fall, 2003. The Category 3 Review Report was also distributed to Provost Podolefsky, Associate Provost Koch, and Dean Yang. The Category 4 (Social Science) Review Team presented a draft report to the LAC Committee on March 3, 2003. The Committee discussed the Report on March 14,2003 and on April 4, 2003 held a consultative session with the Category 4 Review Team. The deadline for the final report is May 1,2003. This report and the Committee's recommendations will be presented to the University Faculty Senate in the fall of2003. The Category 5 (Communication Essentials) Review is scheduled for the 2003-2004 academic year. A letter (3 /3/03) regarding this was sent to Dean Lubker, College of Humanities & Fine Arts (CHFA) and Dean Yang, CNS providing them with the necessary documents to complete the review. The Coordinator and other members of the LAC Subcommittee on Students Outcomes Assessment, along with the Deans met with the Review Team on March 27,2003 to give them their charge and to discuss the review procedures, forms and student outcomes assessment. A member of the LAC Committee is serving as a liaison to the Review Team. Updating the Category & Course Review Process The Committee revised and subsequently approved (2/28/03) the LAC Catgory Review Policy. This was done in an attempt to facilitate the category review process and to ensure student outcomes assessment information is integrated into all category reviews. Developing a Comprehensive Student Outcomes Assessment Program A pilot project using two standardized instruments (Academic Profile; Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency -Critical Thinking) was initiated on March 26, 2002 and continued through the end of the spring semester. During the summer, 2002 the Student Outcomes Assessment Subcommittee met to analyze the data and review the results. This information, along with a first draft of a LAC Student Outcomes Assessment Plan was then shared with the Provost and Associate Provost. Summary The activities noted above have been undertaken to help reach goal 1.0, objective 1.3 of UNI's Strategic Plan (2001-2006) to strengthen the UNI general education program and simultaneously increase understanding of and commitment to the role and value of a liberal arts education as the foundation of a university education. It is also hoped that these efforts wi II address the concerns of the North Central Association of Colleges and / LAC Committee Final 2001-2002 Report 4 Schools accreditation team that "there is a need to better integrate the assessment of student academic achievement, through outcomes assessment, across an integrated -~ General Education curriculum...the current approach to the General Education program compromises its coherence and effectiveness" (Final Report, 2/2001, p.57). These efforts also reflect the Committee's deep commitment to providing our students with a liberal arts education that develops students' integrative understanding of the knowledge and proflciencies needed for realizing one's potential, instilling a life-long desire to learn and contributing to societal well-being. Likewise, the Committee hopes these activities also support faculty's efforts to provide our students with the knowledge and intellectual proficiencies that are characteristic of a liberal arts education.ana a welleducated person. General Concerns of the Committee 1. Ensuring consistency and quality across multiple sections of LAC courses. 2. Reducing the registration difficulties faced by students regarding LAC courses. 3. Increasing the number of LAC courses taught by tenure or tenure-track faculty. 4. Developing a student outcomes assessment plan that will enhance the quality of the LAC. S. Increasing the understanding and support ofthe LAC among students, faculty, staff and parents. 6. Integrating the purpose and goals of each Category into the indi vidual courses taught in that category. 7. Maintaining appropriate class sizes, particularly in writing intensive and highly interactive courses. Committee Membership: 2002-2003 Voting Members Scott Cawelti (Co-Chair) CHFA Lynn Brant CNS Jerry Smith COBA Roy Sandstrom CSBS Nadene Davidson COE Cliff Chancey University Faculty Senate Ryan Hoffmann Student Representative Non-voting Members Beverly Kopper (Co-Chair, Coordinator) Academic Affairs Susan Koch Associate Provost Reginald Green Academic Advising Philip Patton Registrar Lori VanI-Iooreweghe Academic Achievement /
Object Description
Title | University of Northern Iowa Faculty Senate Meeting Agendas and Minutes 2003-2004 |
Description | Meeting agendas and minutes from the Faculty Senate of the University of Northern Iowa. |
Subject | University of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate; University of Northern Iowa--Faculty; |
Date Original | 2003-2004 |
Publisher | University of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate. |
Repository | University of Northern Iowa, Rod Library |
Repository Collection | Special Collections & University Archives |
Date Digital | 2013 |
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Type | document |
Language | en |
Description
Title | 2003-09-08 agenda |
Full Text | UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA FACUTY SENATE Agenda for Meeting of September 8, 2003 3:15 P.M. Board Room 207 Gilchrist Hall CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the April 28, 2003 meeting ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Call for Press Identification 2. Comments from Provost Podolefsky 3. Comments from Faculty Chair, Carol Cooper 4. Comments from Chair Heston 5. Introduction of the new Deans of the College of Business and Education CONSIDERATION OF CALENDAR ITEMS FOR DOCKETING 851/761 Emeritus Status request for Joseph Sma l dino, Communicative Disorder, effective 7 / 03 852/762 Accept Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council report 853/763 Accept Annual Report (2002-2003) from the Liberal Arts Core Committee NEW BUSINESS Appointment of Senate Representatives to University committees ONGOING BUSINESS CONSIDERATION OF DOCKETED ITEMS 756 Accept report from the Committee on Admission, Readmission and Retention (from 4/ 28/ 03 meeting) 757 Approve motion from Faculty Chair, Melissa Heston, that curriculum be housed within the five academic colleges at UNI (from 4/28/ 03 meeting) ADJOURNMENT UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA FACULTY SENATE 851 Calendar item ____ Docket Number _ _ ___ Emeritus Status request for Joseph Smaldino, Communicative Title: _ _ _______ _______ _________________ Disorders, effective 7/03 Standard Motions __1. Place at head of docket, out of regular order. __2. Docket in regular order. __3. Docket because of special circumstances for _ __________~ And notify sender(s). __4. Refer to (standing commiUee) _____ _____________ _ _ 5. Refer to (administrative officer) _________________ __6. Refer to (ad hoc commiUee) ____________ _ _ ___ _ _ __7. Return to petitioner with request for a more specific proposal. __8. Return to petitioner with request for additional information and documentation. __9. Return to petitioner because of decision not to docket at this time. __10. Other procedural disposition _ __________ ______ _ NOTES / Request for Faculty Emeritus Status at the University of Northern Iowa I wish to retire from my position as _--+P-lo.>-l..C.l..l,f~e"","s.;;t' ..;;;,S~QL\¥-C_______________ at the University of Northern Iowa, effecti ve --,3J,,",""-,u~fVf--__I __.:::...2=--___1_----"-;(...::...06---=-_'2_::::;_ Month r Day Year I have twenty (20) or more years of creditable service in higher education, (List institutions and dates of employment.) Dat e tiRQ -/j2Lf Date (!Jn~o!P/Yicant V" ;}, CJ W~I ), r1r:l 3 Dau} College Senate Chair: Include a statement verifying that ten (10) years of meritorious service has been concluded with the University of Northern Iowa, (Use back afthisfarm ifmare space isrequired.) D~PGvv--tmCv\.T l.fea.d (l1rs'i-fCl.9&), D\5TCK541'.S·~ed 5c!-tCJ(d.-(J A-WiJA.'<'ci (,200 I),J FC{ I bi-"{IS t,T RQ5 "-~1<4 Fe-/fot:U s fA { ~ (2oc 1'\ j d tA-V'; fJ'S TE.N\ u-tre ds ~~~tw\.eYl.T ~:i: SF~~~V1 A ~.~~cr V~~~~)0--0 ~~GU.u'(~~\' ~~~ ~-.zt:~ b J 0 CC"L'-ef\. College Senate Chair . Date 7 { Date d 0 '«\d~(l3 ate Date Provost and Vice President Date President Date Please prepare this fonn: sign and submit to your department Head, When the process for approval has been completed, the Provost's office will make copies and distribute them to each of the above signatories and the Department of Human Resources . UN! Form 2A May, 2000 / ---- UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA FACULTY SENATE 852 Calendar item ___ _ Docket Number Accept Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council Report Title: ___________ ___________ __________ Standard Motions 1. Place at head of docket, out of regular order. __2. Docket in regular order. __3. Docket because of specia'l circumstances for _ ___________ And notify sender(s). _ _ 4. Refer to (standing committee) __________________ __5. Refer to (administrative officer) ________________ _ __6. Refer to (ad hoc committee) __~_ _______________ __7. Return to petitioner with request for a more specific proposal. __8. Return to petitioner with request for additional information and documentation. __9. Ret-urn to petitioner because of decision not to docket at this time. __10. Other procedural disposition ________ _ ~_______ _ NOTES I / Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council Report to University Senate April, 2003 Summary of Committee Activity There are two aspects of ongoing IAAC activity of which the Senate should be aware. First, as a part of every meeting of the Council, the Athletic Director reports on activities, problems, issues, and concerns of the Athletic Department. The members of the Council have an opportunity to question the Athletic director on any matters that they deem important. When there are questions or issues of concern to Council members, the Athletic Director normally pursues these issues and reports back to the Council. Second, the NCAA faculty representative also participates in each meeting of the Council as an ex officio member. The faculty representative keeps the Council appraised of his/her activities and concerns and makes Council members aware of NCAA standards and expectations as well as institutional compliance issues. Council members have the opportunity to question the facu lty representative on all matters relative to the NCAA. The following is a summary of specific IACC activity for the year: 1. Council members met with athletic team members in every sport. The purpose of these team meetings is to make student athletes aware of the IAAC and its mission to oversee the athletic program as it relates to the academic quality and integrity of the university. Team members thus have a contact person on the IAAC to whom they can turn should they have problems or concerns as students and athletes. Team members . are informed about the missed-class policy and are urged to comply with it in all respects. Council members also use these meetings to inform team members of postgraduate scholarship opportunities available to them. 2. Council members conducted exit interviews with students participating in intercollegiate athletics. An attempt is made to contact and interview each graduating student/athlete or when the student/athlete has quit the team. The interviewer asks questions concerning the recruiting and admission process, academic advising and tutoring , financial aid, the quality of the athletic experience, the quality of the academic experience, possible conflicts and problems with coaches and schedules, and satisfaction with their experience as student athletes. When these interviews produce information which would raise questions or concerns, these matters are pursued to resolution with the appropriate parties. In general , the exit interviews indicate that the experience of the student athlete at UNI is a highly positive one with a few problems. J ./ 3. The Council reviewed, as it does annually, grade reports for student athletes. The Council also examined and discussed data comparing academic performance by sport and in comparison with the non-athlete portion of the student body. Some of those highlights are: • The five-year graduation rate for UNI student athlete is 67.53% whereas the graduation rate for the student body as a whole is 62.36% during this same period of time. • Represent 3.5 to 4% of the undergraduate student body. • Sixteen percent of the student-athletes help meet the 5.3% of the undergraduate diversity of the student body. • In the fall semester 2002, all student athletes averaged a 3.02 GPA. • In the fall semester 2002, 131 student athletes or 32% had a 3.00 GPA or better. • One women's team had a 3.53 GPA and another had all of its team members earn a 3.00 GPA or better. • The highest fall team GPA for the men was 3.29 and the lowest was a 2.43. 4. The Council reviewed and discussed data on minority student retention at UNI, comparing retention rates of student athletes with those of minority students who are not athletes. The Council will continue to examine such data in the future, in an effort to understand long-term trends. 5. An agreement has been formalized between the IMC and the Athletic Director whereby at least one IMC member, selected by the IMC or its chair, will be appointed to all future search committees for new head coaches. This arrangement is reflected in the revised mission statement, which is included in this report. 6. The Council reviewed the status and academic performance of student athletes who are considered "special admission" cases, comparing their performance with that of "regular admissions" students. This review will be continued on an annual basis. 7. The Council met with new coaches, Sachin Kirtane, Women's tennis coach, Stacey Simmer, Women's swimming coach, Christy Hebert, Women's softball coach, as well as athletic administration staff members: Julie Bright, Senior Associate Athletic Director/Business Services, Justin Sell, Associate Athletic Director/Internal Operation, and Colleen Heimstead, Life Skills Coordinator. We discussed with them their respective duties of their jobs and for the coaches, their expectations for team members, their philosophy of coaching, etc. The Council will continue to meet with all incoming head coaches and athletic administration staff personnel. 8. The Council now includes Student Athletic Academic Council (SMC). The representative keeps the Council updated on a monthly basis concerning all aspects of the academic issues of student athletes. The Council has made significant progress on improving student representation on the committee. / -- 9. The Council has undertaken an overall of its Exit Interview procedures in order to improve the quality of each of this important activity. The exit interviews may be completed in person, by mail or by the use of the IMC web-site. Report submitted by: Lea Ann Shaddox, Chair Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council April 28, 2003 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA FACULTY SENATE Calendar item,_ _8_S_3_ _ Docket Number ___ _ _ Accept Annual Report (200 2-2003) from the Liber al Ar t s Title:_ _ ____________ __________ ____ _____ Core Committee Standard Motions 1. Pl,ace at head of docket, out of regular order. __2. Docket in regular order. _ _ 3. Docket because of special circumstances for _______ ____ _ And notify sender(s). __4. Refer to (standing committee) ___________ _______ __5. Refer to (administrative officer) _____ ____________ _ _ 6. Refer to (ad hoc committee) _____________ ____ _ __7. Return to petitioner with request for a more specific proposal. _ _ 8. Return to petitioner with request for additional information and documentation. __9. Return to petitioner because of decision not to docket at this time. __10. Other procedural disposition _ _________________ NOTES MEMORANDUM TO: University Faculty Senate FROM: Beverly Kopper Coordinator, Liberal Arts Core SUBJECT: Annual Report from the Liberal Arts Core Committee 2002-2003 Academic Year DATE: May 1,2003 The mission of the University ofNorthern Iowa is to provide a learning environment that is founded on a strong liberal arts curriculum. Objective 1.3 in the 2001-2006 Strategic Plan is to strengthen the UNI general education program and simultaneously increase understanding of and commitment to the role and value of a liberal arts education as the foundation 0 f a university education. The Liberal Arts Core (LAC) Committee has worked diligently during the 2002-2003 academic year to meet this objective by focusing on the following areas: 1) enhancing the overall LAC, 2) completing category reviews, 3) updating the category review process, and 4) developing a comprehensive student outcomes assessment program. The activities undertaken and completed related to these areas are discussed below. General COncerns of the Committee are also discussed. The final paragraphs list the Committee members for the 2002-2003 academic year. Enhancing the Overall LAC A LAC web site was developed as a means of sharing information and promoting understanding of the Core. This site provides a mechanism for students, faculty, staff, parents and prospective students to access information about the importance of a liberal arts education, the purpose and goals of UNI's Core and each Category within the Core, specific course descriptions and other valuable information. The LAC Coordinator has continued to focus on activities designed to increase understanding of and commitment to the role and value of a liberal arts education as the foundation of a university education at UNI. The Coordinator reviewed the web site and the activities of the LAC Committee with all College Senates, the University Faculty Senate, the Academic Affairs Council, the Council of Department Heads, and the Academic Advising Advisory Council. In presentations to parents of new first year and transfer students duri ng winter, spring, summer and fall orientation sessions, the Coordinator discLlsses the importance of the LAC. The importance of the LAC is also discussed with all first-year students, in addition to their parents. On Febn13ry 26,2003 the Coordinator met with the Academic Advising Advisory Council to discuss the activities of the LAC Committee, review the LAC web site, receive feedback from the advisors, and discuss ways of improving the LAC. These types of meetings are seen as an important means of enhancing the overall effectiveness 2 LAC Committee Fina1200J-2002 Report of the Core by opening up communication lines and facilitating collaboration among those involved in the various aspects of the Core. The Coordinator, in conjunction with the Associate Provost, also maintains contact with the Registrar, Associate Registrar and Director of Academic Advising during the registration process to monitor the LAC course enrollment patterns and course needs. The LAC Committee spent several meetings during the spring semester addressing the MGT recommendation that "The University ofNorthern Iowa should evaluate its general education requirements and reduce the number of required hours to a level more in line with the other Iowa universities and similar universities in other states". The Board of Regents recommended that, "The University ofNorthern Iowa should evaluate its general education requirements". The LAC discussed LAC requirements and a possible reduction in the number of hours required and procedures for allowing more double counting of courses. These discussions included the Humanities Coordinator and faculty, the respective College Deans involved in the delivery of Core courses, the Associate Provost, and Provost. Final decisions regarding possible reductions and increased double counting of courses have not been made at this time but will be brought forth to the University Faculty Senate during the fall 2003. The LAC Committee examined the general education requirements at the University of Iowa (UI) and Iowa State University (ISU). Depending on the major, the general education requirements at these institutions range from approximately 30-46.5 credit hours. UNI requires all undergraduate students to complete 47 credit hours. Since UNI's largest major is elementary education, the Committee was particularly interested in the general education requirements for UI and ISU students in this major. It would appear that UI requires its elementary education majors to complete approximately 36 hours of general education plus a 4th semester competency or the departmental equivalent of foreign language. Iowa State University requires its elementary education majors to complete 46.5 credit hours of general education. The LAC Committee also examined the general education requirements at similar universities in other states. It would appear that Dakota State University requires 43 hours, Southern Illinois University 37-41 hours, Tnlman State 42 hours, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay 37-48 hours, and Western Illinois University 43 hours. Completing the Category Reviews On November 25, 2002 the Category 1 (Civilizations & Cultures) Review Report and the Committee's recommendations were presented to the University Faculty Senate. The Category 1 Review Report was also distributed to Provost Podolefsky, Associate Provost Koch, and Deans Lubker and Wallace. On March 24, 2003, the Category 3 (Natural Science & Technology) Review Report and the Committee's recommendations were presented to the University Faculty Senate. Included witb this report was a new proposal for Capstone. The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Senate passed the following P-1otion related to this proposal, "The CNS 3 LAC Committee Final 2001-2002 Report Senate agrees that Capstone should be a campus wide offering and support the proposed Category 7 in its broad intent". The University Faculty Senate tabled the Report requesting additional information and feedback from the other College Senates. As per the University Faculty Senate's request, additional feedback regarding the new Capstone proposal was obtained from the other College Senates and the Coordinator discussed the proposal with all of the Deans of the Colleges. On April 28, 2003, the University Faculty Senate voted to receive the Report. The Capstone proposal will be discussed at a University Faculty Senate meeting in the Fall, 2003. The Category 3 Review Report was also distributed to Provost Podolefsky, Associate Provost Koch, and Dean Yang. The Category 4 (Social Science) Review Team presented a draft report to the LAC Committee on March 3, 2003. The Committee discussed the Report on March 14,2003 and on April 4, 2003 held a consultative session with the Category 4 Review Team. The deadline for the final report is May 1,2003. This report and the Committee's recommendations will be presented to the University Faculty Senate in the fall of2003. The Category 5 (Communication Essentials) Review is scheduled for the 2003-2004 academic year. A letter (3 /3/03) regarding this was sent to Dean Lubker, College of Humanities & Fine Arts (CHFA) and Dean Yang, CNS providing them with the necessary documents to complete the review. The Coordinator and other members of the LAC Subcommittee on Students Outcomes Assessment, along with the Deans met with the Review Team on March 27,2003 to give them their charge and to discuss the review procedures, forms and student outcomes assessment. A member of the LAC Committee is serving as a liaison to the Review Team. Updating the Category & Course Review Process The Committee revised and subsequently approved (2/28/03) the LAC Catgory Review Policy. This was done in an attempt to facilitate the category review process and to ensure student outcomes assessment information is integrated into all category reviews. Developing a Comprehensive Student Outcomes Assessment Program A pilot project using two standardized instruments (Academic Profile; Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency -Critical Thinking) was initiated on March 26, 2002 and continued through the end of the spring semester. During the summer, 2002 the Student Outcomes Assessment Subcommittee met to analyze the data and review the results. This information, along with a first draft of a LAC Student Outcomes Assessment Plan was then shared with the Provost and Associate Provost. Summary The activities noted above have been undertaken to help reach goal 1.0, objective 1.3 of UNI's Strategic Plan (2001-2006) to strengthen the UNI general education program and simultaneously increase understanding of and commitment to the role and value of a liberal arts education as the foundation of a university education. It is also hoped that these efforts wi II address the concerns of the North Central Association of Colleges and / LAC Committee Final 2001-2002 Report 4 Schools accreditation team that "there is a need to better integrate the assessment of student academic achievement, through outcomes assessment, across an integrated -~ General Education curriculum...the current approach to the General Education program compromises its coherence and effectiveness" (Final Report, 2/2001, p.57). These efforts also reflect the Committee's deep commitment to providing our students with a liberal arts education that develops students' integrative understanding of the knowledge and proflciencies needed for realizing one's potential, instilling a life-long desire to learn and contributing to societal well-being. Likewise, the Committee hopes these activities also support faculty's efforts to provide our students with the knowledge and intellectual proficiencies that are characteristic of a liberal arts education.ana a welleducated person. General Concerns of the Committee 1. Ensuring consistency and quality across multiple sections of LAC courses. 2. Reducing the registration difficulties faced by students regarding LAC courses. 3. Increasing the number of LAC courses taught by tenure or tenure-track faculty. 4. Developing a student outcomes assessment plan that will enhance the quality of the LAC. S. Increasing the understanding and support ofthe LAC among students, faculty, staff and parents. 6. Integrating the purpose and goals of each Category into the indi vidual courses taught in that category. 7. Maintaining appropriate class sizes, particularly in writing intensive and highly interactive courses. Committee Membership: 2002-2003 Voting Members Scott Cawelti (Co-Chair) CHFA Lynn Brant CNS Jerry Smith COBA Roy Sandstrom CSBS Nadene Davidson COE Cliff Chancey University Faculty Senate Ryan Hoffmann Student Representative Non-voting Members Beverly Kopper (Co-Chair, Coordinator) Academic Affairs Susan Koch Associate Provost Reginald Green Academic Advising Philip Patton Registrar Lori VanI-Iooreweghe Academic Achievement / |