NPIC minutes 2/19/04

Present: Wes O'Brien, Charlie Dellinger-Pate, Robert Eldridge, Chuck Weider, Claire Novosad

The committee approved the logging of 2 special topics courses that had already been approved (signed by Jim Tait):
 
NUR 383: Health Professionals and Public Policy Advocacy

MDS 283: The Mediated Self

We discussed the Special topics definitions for the UCF website and the course schedule booklet. A question was raised about the level of scrutiny necessary for the approval of these courses. The Special Topics definition was unanimously approved by the committee, and therefore is a motion (2nded) for the UCF.
 
The Media Studies Program revisions were discussed. As the material was not available for prior dissemination to the committee members, we agreed that the discussion will be supplemented by electronic mail prior to our next meeting in order to finish this business in a timely manner. The committee agreed that in general, the revisions looked good, but minor revisions may be desirable. The following issues were discussed:
The revised cover sheet should be accompanied by the original cover sheet, so that the original signatures are readily visible.
The proposal form should undergo minor revisions, so that the changes in the department and school are apparent.
It was determined that the proposed time frame is realistic, in that it reflects the department's readiness to begin the program.
 
Motion

To make clear the nature and purpose of Special Topics courses for both students and faculty, New Programs and Innovations Committee moves that the following copy be included on the UCF web page and in the Schedule of Classes book as indicated below:

For inclusion as the first item on the UCF web page for Special Topics Courses:

Special Topics (X98) courses are offered periodically on an "experimental basis" reflecting faculty interests on topically important subjects.  These are typically courses in the process of development.  Special topics courses are not a permanent part of the curriculum, and may be offered at most three times.

For inclusion in a section on the UCF web page to be headed Procedure for Offering Special Topics Course Sections:

Initial and subsequent procedures for offering Special Topics X98 course sections follow:

The faculty member develops the X98 course section and completes the Special Topics Notification Section form, available on the UCF web site.
The proposal is reviewed by the faculty member's DCC.
The completed UCF form (along with any support materials) is submitted to UCF.
A form for a Special Topics X98 course section must be submitted each time the course is to be offered in time for the course to be included in the schedule of classes.  Submission deadlines are included in the Forms section of the UCF web page under Special Topics Course.
 
For inclusion in the new Special Topics Section of the Schedule of Classes book:

Special Topics (X98) courses are offered periodically to reflect faculty interests and/or address topically important subjects.  Special Topics courses are not a permanent part of the curriculum, and may be offered, at most, three times.

It is recommended that students consult their academic advisor before registering.

Listed below are the Special Topics courses for the current term, along with a description of each course.

To be added to the end of item 5 of the Special Topics Instructions on the UCF web page.

For specific procedures for offering special topics sections, see Procedure for Offering Special Topics Course Sections.