Undergraduate Curriculum Forum (UCF)

Minutes 9/27/01

Present: C. Wieder, J. Stenzel, P. Cascella, S. DiFrancesco, H. Podnar, J. Fopiano, J. Tait, J. Mills, M. Shea, M. Macomber, D. Soneson, C. Lukinbeal, T. Paddock, F. Harris, N. Disbrow, M. Hartog, J. Fields, R. Page, T. Gemme, S. Bochain, D. Pettigrew, J. Dolan, C. Durwin, P. Hawley, V. Breslin, J. Bloch, E. Johnston, B. Elwood, L. Rebeschi, N. Derosta, L. Kohrn, R. Amenta, M. Heidmann, K. Mauro, C. Barrett, C. Serchuk

I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by J. Tait at 9:40 am.

II. Announcements:

 AAUP is sponsoring an academic forum regarding boundaries between departments and faculty councils with respect to curricular issues, on October 3, 2001 in Room 105-155.
 A reminder that many of us as well as our students may need help with regard to the recent tragedies in NYC and Washington and referrals can be made to counseling services to gain support.

III. Approval of Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the previous UCF meeting (9/13/01) were approved. Paperwork today included:

 PRAC Minutes, 9/13/01
 NPIC Minutes, 9/20/01
 UWIC Minutes, 9/20/01
 Elementary Education/Bilingual Education Dual Initial Certification (5/4/01)
 Time To Teach A Report from the SCSU Writing Board to the UCF On the Success of the Southern Writing Program Pilot Project (9/27/01)
 Motion To Establish The Southern Writing Program (9/27/01)
 Motion To Establish The Southern Writing Program Supporting Materials (9/27/01)

IV. Committee Reports:

Steering: The steering committee reported having had some scheduling problems.

New Programs and Innovations: (see minutes). A Special Topics Notification: WMS 400 "Feminism in the Age of Hip Hop" was noted. There was a discussion about the proposed Elementary Education/Bilingual Education Dual Certification Program. Lorrie Verplaste was unable to attend to present the proposal due to an out-of-town commitment. There was a question as to whether a summer class can be mandatory for undergraduates. Concern was expressed about the cost of summer credits for students and any financial burden that may present. Also, there was concern that required summer classes may be precedent setting.

Motion 1: A motion was made, seconded and passed by majority:

Move that this issue return to New Programs and Innovations for further discussion.

Since the program was returned to committee for further discussion, it was also asked that the proposal define sophomore/junior standing.

University Wide Impact: (see minutes). Discussed AUR courses. Committee reported that it did not reach a point where they could make a recommendation yet. The minutes were accepted.

Program Review & Assessment: Met with Dr. Gerber's Office to see which meetings could be attended. Everything will be done to facilitate the assessment process. A PRAC web page and web-based self-assisted tutorial are in development. The minutes were accepted.

V. Writing Board: (see handouts: Time To Teach, Motion, Supporting Materials)

A copy of the Time To Teach Writing Board document is available in the library and copies will be mailed out to UCF members not present today.

A history of the need to promote and support L courses was highlighted. It was reported that a coherent writing program has been developed versus the former listing of courses that the board began with.

VI. Adjournment:

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 am.

Minutes recorded by:

Joy E. Fopiano with support from Paul W. Cascella
Department of Counseling and School Psychology and Communication Disorders