Title

ASCRC Minutes 3/13/07

Members Present: A. Szalda-Petree, I. Crummy, L. Economides, J. Eglin, J. Graham, C. Henderson V. Hedquist, J. Luckowski, K. Nalty, T. Ness, A. Tabibnejad, L. Tangedahl, H. Thompson, P. Silverman

Members Absent/Excused: B. Bach, L. Hamilton, A. Walker-Andrews

Ex-Officio Present: D. Micus, M. Hoell

Guest: Don Potts and Shonna Trowbridge- College of Forestry and Conservation, Dan Pletscher - Wildlife Biology & General Education Committee

Chair Szalda-Petree called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m.

The 3/6/07 minutes were approved     

Communication: 

Unfinished Business

General Education model discussion

• College of Forestry and Conservation (2:10)
  Guest: Professor Potts and Shonna Trowbridge, Academic Advisor
  
  The Forest Resource Management is recognized as an extended major. The knowledge base in the sciences is expanding. Their students graduate with an estimated 130 -135 credits. The additional language requirement will be problematic. Currently the program takes advantage of symbolic systems and other courses that meet general education and major requirements. Seventy percent of their students from out-of-state. In order for the program to remain competitive it must not exceed four years. Transfer students often need upper-division courses and take advantage of the upper-division general education offerings.
  
  There is an increase in technology (GIS) required in the field. Students need to have at least a basic understanding of the new technologies to be marketable. Many of the students are not prepared for the level of math required of the program and must take preparatory math courses (lower-division prerequisites).
  
  Forestry currently has a 2 credit technical writing course that is very popular (11 sections). It was approved as 2 credits rather than 3 because 100% of the course is writing. If necessary an additional credit could be added to the course. Another issue for forestry is the enrollment in their upper-division writing course. The instructor is considering dropping the w.

General Education Review

• Perspective 2: Literary and Artistic Studies
  Several courses require clarification on one or more of the outcomes. The language on the third criteria needs to be better defined. It was interpreted in a variety of ways by instructors. The reviewers found that instructors expected them to infer information. The information on the form should make it clear how the outcomes are met. It is customary for reviewers to ask for clarification.

Recommended Writing Course Guidelines
The committee approved the writing course guidelines with the amendments made by the writing committee (document appended to minutes).

Continued discussion on General Education Model

• Wildlife Biology(3:00)
  Guest: Dan Pletscher, Director, Wildlife Biology (handout)
  
  Professor Pletscher analyzed the data on Wildlife Biology graduates and found that the mean number of credits is 144.6 and the median is 139. Most of the additional credits have to do with the students' math background. The program is ranked 4^th nationally but is not governed by an accrediting agency. When the University switched from quarters, the program gave students the choice between a course in physics, geology, or soils. Most programs require all three, and students recognize this need and often take the additional courses.
  
  Professor Pletscher is a strong proponent of foreign language. However he does not see how it can be added to the program in a required manner given the number of credits. A foreign language is suggested for students considering graduate school in Wildlife Biology.
  
  General discussion on Model
  The committee explored ideas about how to resolve the issues that are problematic for the various programs that have shared their concerns. The difficult work will be in revising the criteria.
  
  
  

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.