Academic Standard and Policies
Minutes
February 27, 2009

Present

Laura Horani, Taylor Hanna, Phil Thurber, Virginia Somes, Tiffany Dollar, Michael Warwick, Karen Sanders, Rusty DeBord – recorder

Subject Area Committees

History – about two years ago this section was presented as a consent agenda to the EAC, and then as an action item.  It was decided there were some major problems and Scott Huff, Porter Raper and Steve Ward, among others, produced the language in this document.  They did not write up anything for when a SAC disapproves.  Currently DE wants to convert from 3 credits to 4 credits which is raising some issues around budget because of fewer courses offered and teaching load.  EAC leaders would like a more collaborative form of governance.

Discussion - Page 3 middle of the page remove the following and then discuss at EAC:  “There are many venues where this collaboration might take place. [no consensus reached on this phrase, which would follow a colon placed at the previous sentence: “discussion between stakeholders as appointed task force, pre-existing committees or other venues.”]

Fix headings throughout the document. Some, by their size and/or boldness, would indicate more importance or less importance than what is intended. Page 3 bottom of the page, the heading should read, “Contractual SAC Responsibilities”.  Page 5,” Additional SAC Responsibilities” should be changed to “Non Contractual SAC Responsibilities” .  Page 7, above ‘SAC Chairs’, a big heading “Leadership Responsibilities” should be added. 

Division Deans, page 8 – Karen Sanders questioned the deans’ role, especially where it says, “serve as a conduit between…”  The statement was clarified.  Deans must forward requests even if they don’t approve them.  They can, if necessary, add their justification for not recommending the change.  After discussion regarding page 8 the group decided the heading should be Administrative Liaison, rather than Division Deans/Administrative Liaison.   Administrative Liaison should be substituted where ever division dean is used on page 8.  Taylor will send to Margie Fyfield so the deans have a chance to provide input.

Taylor asked how this should be presented to EAC.  Consensus was to send this document, with all of the changes, out early via e-mail and then distribute only an updated clean copy at the meeting.

Syllabus

Taylor brought feedback from the syllabus component.  One instructor was concerned about the tentative schedule portion.  It was suggested that due dates be added for major assignments.  Laura Horani wanted to make sure instructors felt free to personalize their syllabus.  NellieLong suggested two people to contact concerning the ADA statement, which Taylor did, but hasn’t heard anything back.  Michael Sonnleitner offered a brief statement concerning guests/children in the classroom, which made people wonder if there was a school policy about children in the classroom.  If there is a policy it could be added to the optional section.  Some faculty would like the course description to be “aligned” with the CCOG instead of “from” the CCOG.  Those present felt the description should match, because “aligned” with the CCOG could open things up to too much interpretation.  Those present also agreed to change the heading “Required Area” to “Minimum Required Areas”.  It was also suggested that optional be removed from the Optional Content Areas and something like “Up to the Instructor” be substituted.  Wording for the ADA statement was discussed.  The key seems to be the “student will provide the instructor with appropriate OSD paper work.”  The Students’ Rights and Responsibility should be a requirement.

Instructor Qualifications

There are no qualifications required for Community Education courses, so in number 6 a sentence needs to be added, “These qualifications do not apply to community education or continuing education.”  Another sentence should be added that refers people to S701 for any changes made to instructor qualifications.   There should be a grandfather clause with a date to protect those already teaching without the qualifications.  And the opening paragraph should say this applies to all new faculty.

Next meeting – March 20th 1-3pm