Minutes of the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs January 17, 2008 Present: Lesa Davis, Lidia Filus, Bradley Greenburg, Effie Kritikos, Janalyn Meehan, Emmanuel Nyadroh, Allen Shub, Brett Stockdill Absent: Cyndi Moran On Sabbatical: Steven Riess, Joaquin Villegas Ex-Officio: Provost Lawrence Frank, Janice Harring-Hendon Chair Greenburg called the meeting to order at 1:45 P.M. 1. Approval of the Minutes of December 6, 2007 Stockdill (Davis 2nd) moved for approval of the minutes of December 6, 2007 with changes. Motion approved 2. Report from the Chair Chair Greenburg reminded the Council members that a meeting will be held next Thursday, January 24th. Greenburg added that the February 21st meeting is being cancelled due to the State of University Address. Furthermore, another February meeting will probably be scheduled; further details will be announced. 3. Report from the Provost The Provost reported that enrollment is down 3-3 ½ % from last spring. This is a similar pattern as fall enrollment. Each 1% is worth $300,000. Freshman and graduate student enrollment is mostly impacted in this trend. The undergraduate Retention Enrollment Management Council (Deans and Vice Presidents) and the Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate, and Student Enrollment Services Advisory Committee are actively working on addressing these aspects. The Central Enrollment and Management Council have met twice in regards to admission. Findings reveal that admissions have remained constant, however, the yield is lower. Strategic planning has been concentrated on through activities, such as University Day and Town Hall meetings. This year’s University Day is being considered again for this process. President Hahs has asked for a review of her first year. This process will be similar to the recent review of the deans. In a few weeks, employees will be receiving a link to a standard questionnaire. The information collected will be forwarded to the Board of Trustees. 4. Report from the Curriculum Committee Stockdill moved to approve FL SPAN 410. Furthermore, Stockdill moved to approve Philosophy 261, 262 and 339. All motions were passed. Stockdill noted that materials were in regarding G&ES and ELED. 5. New Business Discussion regarding writing intensive project took place. Questions regarding the timing of course proposals were directed to Kate Hahn. Expansion of the grading scale to + and – was also discussed. It was noted that Banner could handle the expanded grading scale; however, some possible difficulties were noted. Grading policies, transfers and evaluation issues were noted. Discussion of a possible change to Minor requirement took place. Greenburg will contact Deans of the College of Education and Business to inquire about possible unintended consequences. In addition, he will look at minutes from the College Council of Academic Affairs to get a pulse regarding the minor requirement. Discussion of the Titles Varies Policy and Global Studies Major Task Force were tabled. 6. Adjournment Nyadroh (Stockdill 2nd) moved for adjournment at 3:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Effie Kritikos Acting Secretary Minutes of the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs December 6, 2007 Present: Lesa Davis, Lidia Filus, Bradley Greenburg, Effie Kritikos, Cyndi Moran, Steve Riess, Allen Shub, Joaquin Villegas Absent: Janalyn Meehan, Emmanuel Nyadroh, Brett Stockdill Ex-Officio: Provost Lawrence Frank, Janice Harring-Hendon Guests: Lawrence N. Berlin Chair Greenburg called the meeting to order at 1:45 P.M. 1. Approval of the Minutes of November 15, 2007 Shub (Kritikos 2nd) moved for approval of the minutes. 2. Report from the Chair Chair Greenburg reported that The second meeting of the WIFAC (Writing Intensive Faculty Advisory Committee) was held, and the group should be ready to develop guidelines for departments early in the spring semester. He still awaits suggestions of potential members for the Outcomes Assessment Task Force. The Council will revisit the discussion of guidelines for Titles Varies courses in January. The Council needs to consider options for forming a Task Force for the Global Studies program planning. 3. Provost’s Report Departments need to publicize late registration times for spring semester; enrollment numbers are looking low. With the move to the new registration system, the gap of time during which students cannot register for classes will be eliminated. The question was raised as to whether the new writing in the discipline requirement can be met in a language other than English. A lively discussion of the intent of the requirement followed, with the suggestion that the Department of Foreign Languages be asked to write an articulation of the best practice in their program to meet this requirement. 4. Curriculum Committee Report Moran (at the request of Stockdill) reported that a virtual meeting was held with Committee members, and moved that the following proposals be passed: TED ELED 312, 328S and 328M PHIL 218 CMT 105, 200, and 205 Motion passed. Moran moved to table the following proposals, pending a discussion with the department about possible revisions: PHIL 261 and 262 Motion passed. 5. FYE 109 Course Policies: Larry Berlin Berlin presented a draft of policies concerning the FYE 109 courses. Discussion followed regarding the failure rate of students enrolled in those courses, the potential recourse for students who fail to enroll for a course in their freshman year, the possibility of grade changes should a student repeat a failed FYE class, etc. A recommendation emerged to limit the opportunity to retake a course for a grade change to the student’s first year, i.e., should a student fail in the fall term, s/he may only retake the course in the spring, if offered, for a grade change. Kritikos (Villegas 2nd) moved to limit the opportunity for a student to retake a course for a grade change to the student’s first year and, if a student fails in the fall term, the course may only be re-taken in the spring. The motion was approved unanimously. 6. Adjournment Villegas (Davis 2nd) moved for adjournment at 3:06 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cyndi Moran Secretary Minutes of the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs November 15, 2007 Present: Lesa Davis, Lidia Filus, Bradley Greenburg, Effie Kritikos, Janalyn Meehan, Cyndi Moran, Emmanuel Nyadroh, Steve Riess, Allen Shub, Brett Stockdill, Joaquin Villegas Ex-Officio: Provost Lawrence Frank, Janice Harring-Hendon Guests: Dean Kate Forhan, Dean Janet Fredericks, Dean Maureen Gillette, Dean Varkey Titus, Alice Medenwald, Christina Ciecierski (Economics) Chair Greenburg called the meeting to order at 1:46 P.M. 1. Approval of the Minutes of November 1, 2007 Filus (Davis 2nd) moved for approval of the minutes. 2. Report from the Chair Chair Greenburg reported that The first meeting of the WIFAC (Writing Intensive Faculty Advisory Committee) was held, and the group will meet again soon. Progress should begin in the new year. He still awaits suggestions of potential members for the Outcomes Assessment Task Force. FCAA will NOT meet on December 13th as previously scheduled. 3. Report from the Provost There was no report from the Provost. 4. Curriculum Committee Report Stockdill reported that a virtual meeting was held with Committee members, and moved that the Geography & Environmental Studies prerequisite revision proposals be passed. The motion passed unanimously. Motion Regarding Contribution of Barbara Bales Nyadroh (Kritikos 2nd) moved to “praise and honor Barb Bales for her long service to the University, in particular to this Council and to the curriculum sub-committee.” Unanimous. 6. Discussion of the Proposal for a Major in Global Studies The Council members, Provost and guests had an energetic and thoughtful discussion of the proposed Global Studies major, including the need to examine goals for student learning outcomes, identify existing resources, seek new resources, and formulate a functional structure for developing a program that will seek and include input across the University. 7. Adjournment Villegas (Davis 2nd) moved for adjournment at 3:01 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cyndi Moran Secretary Minutes of the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs November 1, 2007 Present: Barbara Bales, Lesa Davis, Bradley Greenburg, Effie Kritikos, Janalyn Meehan, Cyndi Moran, Emmanuel Nyadroh, Steve Riess, Allen Shub, Brett Stockdill Absent: Lidia Filus, Joaquin Villegas Ex-Officio: Lawrence Frank, Janice Harring-Hendon Guest: Alice Medenwald Chair Greenburg called the meeting to order at 1:48 P.M. 1. Approval of the Minutes of November 1, 2007 Bales (Kritikos 2nd) moved for approval of the minutes as amended. 2. Report from the Chair Chair Greenburg reported that The next FCAA meeting will center on a discussion of the President’s proposed Global Studies major. The deans have been invited to participate and most can attend. Greenburg requested that members give some thought as to who might serve on a committee to create the new program, i.e., people with energy, expertise in related areas, etc. Outcomes Assessment Task Force: Greenburg repeated his call for suggestions of potential members. Greenburg announced that the first meeting of the WI-FAC (Writing Intensive Faculty Advisory Committee) will occur soon; this committee will advise on the implementation of the new writing requirements. 3. Provost’s Report Provost Frank noted that NEIU recently received a National Outstanding Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Member Institution Award. While NEIU is officially deemed an Hispanic Serving Institution by the Department of Education, that designation is based solely on the undergraduate population being 25% or higher of the total. Frank suggested we discuss what it means to us be an HSI, and what it should/could mean. 4. Curriculum Committee Report Bales reported that a virtual meeting was held with Committee members, and moved that the following course be approved if no challenges are received: Anthropology 215 (name change). Motion passed. Bales reported that the curriculum sub-committee met with Alice Medenwald and Ana Villate to discuss some curricular procedures. Some notes from that meeting include: Curricular transmittal forms will require some re-design in conjunction with the switch to Banner. If a course is designated as Gen Ed, the specific category should be noted. As part of the proposal checklist, we should add a box to indicate that depart-ments must check the status of the proposed course number, to avoid using numbers already in use, or numbers for courses in the system but currently inactive. Medenwald urges that departments examine their master lists of courses, and make courses no longer being taught inactive. 5. Minor Requirement and Title Varies Clarification (From College of Arts and Sciences Academic Affairs Committee) Provost Frank began the discussion by noting that outside consultants examining NEIU’s time-to-degree issues had observed that the minor requirement was unusual, and that our curriculum is highly structured compared to other institutions. General discussion followed as to the benefits of the minor, questions as to how students would fill hours beyond the Gen Ed and major requirements, what additional requirements other institutions have, possible alternatives to the minor requirement, potential impact on programs that only have a minor, etc. More discussion will follow in subsequent meetings. 6. Adjournment Nyadroh (Meehan 2nd) moved for adjournment at 3:08 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cyndi Moran Secretary Minutes of the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs October 18, 2007 Present: Barbara Bales, , Lidia Filus, Bradley Greenburg, Effie Kritikos, Janalyn Meehan, Cyndi Moran, Emmanuel Nyadroh, Steve Riess, Allen Shub, Brett Stockdill, Joaquin Villegas Absent: Lesa Davis Ex-Officio: Janice Harring-Hendon Guest: Kate Hahn Chair Greenburg called the meeting to order at 1:46 P.M. 1. Approval of the Minutes of September 20, 2007 Shub (Villegas 2^nd) moved for approval of the minutes of September 20, 2007 as amended. The motion was approved. 2. Report from the Chair The Writing Implementation Task Force: Greenburg has contacted former members, and invited them to continue on the Committee. The process is shaping up, and he’ll report further in subsequent meetings. The Outcomes Task Force will become a committee. Greenburg asked FCAA members to forward him names of potential individuals to serve; he will follow up with those recommendations. Greenburg shared an email from President Hahs, regarding her request for NEIU to create an undergraduate degree in Global Studies. As an early step President Hahs would like FCAA to confer with the deans to determine an appropriate mechanism for creating this program. Greenburg raised the subject of the recent change, requested by President Hahs and approved by the Council in May 2007, to move NEIU commencements from Sunday mornings (traditionally on Mother’s Day in the Spring term) to Saturdays, effective this Fall. Discussion addressed a potential need to reconsider this change for a number of reasons: Saturday ceremonies would not be an option for Orthodox Jewish families. We need to consider the work lives of our students and their families; work conflicts on Saturdays will (presumably) be greater than on Sundays. Addressing Mother’s Day specifically, the question was raised as to whether Spring commencement could be moved to another Sunday to avoid it. Addressing Mother’s Day specifically again, it was noted that HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) have scheduled com-mencements intentionally on Mother’s Day, as a double gift to mothers. Other local institutions, like Columbia College, schedule commencements on Mother’s Day. Nyadroh suggested that if student opinion is desired, the Student Government Association could be asked to weigh in. 3. Report from the Curriculum Committee Bales reported that a virtual meeting was held with Committee members, and moved that the following courses be approved if no challenges are received: HIST 480A, Readings in History: Race, Ethnicity & Nationalism (new course) The Graduate Program in Reading (change in admission requirements) TED ELED 340, Methods of Teaching Mathematics at the Middle School and Elementary Levels (new course). The motion was approved unanimously. 4. Kate Hahn: Title V and Writing in the Disciplines Kate Hahn, Coordinator for the Writing Intensive Program (formerly of the Center for Teaching and Learning), will be coordinator of Academic Literacy for the University, and administrator of the Title V grant. She addressed the Council regarding University plans to Rework English 101 Revise the English Placement and English Competency exams Work with departments to develop new courses or revise existing courses to meet the Writing in the Discipline requirement Establish a writing center to be housed in the Library Other issues related to the grant The grant will cover, among other things, stipends for workshops to train and support faculty, including a ten-week workshop to be offered Spring of 2008. Hahn would like to meet with each department to help determine implications for the writing requirement including course development, class caps, sections required, handling transfer students, issues of limiting course offerings to majors, options for classes to be offered under the greater umbrella of discipline instead on each individual program, issues facing non-traditional degree programs, impact on major require-ments, etc. Many, many issues will need to be addressed, but Hahn noted that this work is necessary to respond to our need for writing improvements. There will be much more to come regarding this undertaking and FCAA’s role in the process. 5. Minor Requirement and Title Varies Clarification A memo from the College of Arts and Sciences Academic Affairs Committee was circulated regarding the requirement of minors in some programs. FCAA has been asked to discuss that requirement and some alternatives in order to help shape a potential policy change. Members were requested to read the material and be prepared to discuss it in future meetings. The College of Arts and Sciences Academic Affairs Committee also sent a memo requesting a clarification of policies and guidelines concerning Title Varies and Revolving Topics courses. In the discussion it was noted to take Banner ramifi-cations into account with these guidelines. Chair Greenburg asked that FCAA members read both memos thoroughly; the discussion will continue at future meetings. 6. New Business Janice Harring-Hendon would like the Council to discuss the University’s incomplete contract and policies. 7. Adjournment Nyadroh (Villegas 2^nd) moved for adjournment at 2:55 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cyndi Moran Secretary Minutes of the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs October 4, 2007 Present: Lesa Davis, Lidia Filus, Bradley Greenburg, Effie Kritikos, Janalyn Meehan, Cyndi Moran, Emmanuel Nyadroh, Steve Riess, Allen Shub, Brett Stockdill, Joaquin Villegas Absent: Barbara Bales Ex-Officio: Provost Lawrence Frank, Janice Harring-Hendon Chair Greenburg called the meeting to order at 1:46 P.M. 1. Approval of the Minutes of September 20, 2007 Shub (Villegas 2^nd) moved for approval of the minutes of September 20, 2007 as amended. The motion was approved. 2. Report from the Provost The Provost reported some good news. First, NEIU received a Title V grant for $2.8-million over a period of five years to help fund the Writing in the Discipline Initiative. This will affect students entering NEIU beginning Fall of 2008. This grant was very competitive; the University hired a consultant who proved to be a critical part of process. Kate Hahn (The Center for Teaching and Learning, Linguistics) will be program director for the Writing in the Discipline Initiative. English 101 will be reformulated under stewardship of Vicki Byard (English Department). Peer tutoring will be established. Grant money will support faculty, peer mentors, equipment, etc. Each department will need to address course development; plans and processes will evolve. The second piece of good news is that the McNair Scholars Program has been renewed for the next five years. We received a very high evaluation. 3. Report from the Chair FCAA will need to address the review process for Writing in the Discipline courses. Greenburg suggested that members of last year’s Writing Implementation Task Force be invited to become members of the Faculty Advisory Council for Writing in the Discipline. Should members choose not to serve, FCAA can seek members who would fill similar roles. Departments will need to try to have some Writing in the Discipline courses in place for Fall ‘08, particularly to address the needs of transfer students, but certainly by Spring ‘09. Further discussion will take place. Announcement: FCAA’s own Steve Riess will deliver his Bernard Brommel Research Professor Lecture Tuesday, October 16^th, in the Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Building at 1:40 P.M. 4. Committee Formation The Curriculum Committee Joaquin Villegas, Teacher Education, for Fall semester; Effie Kritikos, College of Education, for Spring semester Brett Stockdill and Cyndi Moran, College of Arts and Sciences Barbara Bales, Dean of Students Office, will serve until her retirement. (Bales and Stockdill will co-chair for the next few weeks. Another co-chair for Bales will be named at a later date.) A representative from the College of Business and Management will be named at a later date. The By-Laws Committee Emmanuel Nyadroh, College of Business and Management Effie Kritikos, College of Education FCAA Representative to the Budgetary Committee Emmanuel Nyadroh, College of Business and Management (Chair Greenburg will be the alternate.) FCAA Representative to the Faculty Senate Steve Riess, College of Arts and Sciences FCAA Representative to the Faculty Council on Technology Joaquin Villegas for Fall semester The Task Force on Assessment representative will be announced at a later date. 5. Outcomes Assessment Task Force A discussion was held about the role of the task force in preparation for the North Central visit and the need for a continued role in supporting department assess-ment needs, particularly for program review. Further discussion took place regarding the process of formation members could be invited by FCAA, and the task force will report to FCAA. Greenburg requested that the Provost give a specific charge to the task force. 6. New Business Janice Harring-Hendon brought a handout regarding Banner issues for FCAA to review. A discussion was held about the issue regarding NEIU repeat policy and the grade included in a student’s average. Davis (Riess 2^nd) moved to approve the policy suggested in the memo, striking the last sentence, to read, “The last grade taken will be the only grade to count in the cumulative hours and GPA.” Motion passed. Another discussion regarding the issue of assignment of the calendar year to students took place. Davis (Kritikos 2^nd) moved to approve the policy suggested in the memo, with a slight amendment (in bold) to read, “The catalog year assigned to a student will be the academic year to which the student is admitted. An undergraduate student’s catalog year will be updated if the student ceases to attend for three consecutive semesters, which includes the summer. The catalog will be reset to the academic year the student is readmitted. Declaration of major does not effect the catalog year. A graduate student has six years to complete his/her program. If an extension is granted, the student’s catalog year will be updated.” Motion passed. 7. Adjournment Villegas (Nyadroh 2^nd) moved for adjournment at 3:06 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cyndi Moran Secretary Minutes of the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs September 20, 2007 Present: Barbara Bales, Lesa Davis, Lidia Filus, Bradley Greenburg, Effie Kritikos, Janalyn Meehan, Cyndi Moran, Emmanuel Nyadroh, Steve Riess, Allen Shub, Brett Stockdill, Joaquin Villegas Ex-Officio: Provost Lawrence Frank, Janice Harring-Hendon Guest: Angeles Eames 1. Old Business The Writing Implementation Task Force report, Recommended Guidelines for Writing Intensive Courses, has been sent out by e-mail. 2.Approval of Minutes of May 17, 2007 Villegas (Stockdill 2^nd) moved for approval of the minutes of May 17, 2007. The motion was approved. 3. Report from Outgoing Chair The Writing Implementation Task Force will act as an advisory committee to Kate Hahn regarding writing. The task force should set up writing criteria. The Title Varies courses need to be scrutinized. These courses are given three times then decisions must be made whether or not to make them a permanent part of the curriculum. A task force for catalog revision needs to be established. Hild announced that he is retiring. FCAA was his favorite group to work with because it dealt with things important to students and faculty, and it is composed of intelligent and caring people. Villegas (Bales 2^nd) moved to thank Hild for his services. Unanimous. 4. Elections Chair Hild called for nominations for officers of FCAA. Villegas nominated Greenburg for Chair of FCAA. There were no other nominations. Greenburg was unanimously elected chair by acclamation. Greenburg (Villegas 2^nd) nominated Kritikos for Vice Chair of FCAA. There were no other nominations. Kritikos was unanimously elected vice-chair by acclamation. Filus (Villegas 2^nd) nominated Moran for Secretary of FCAA. There were no other nominations. Moran was unanimously elected secretary by acclamation. 5. Report from the Provost Provost Frank circulated a document outlining NEIU Enrollment Management Structure. We discussed various councils and teams within, which will address issues of retention, time to degree, recruitment and others. There was a slight decline in enrollment this year; a discussion was held about potential contributing factors including tuition, competition, increase in UIC freshman class size, cohort proliferation at other schools, access to dorms, specific programs, etc. An environmental scan will take place as part of the NEIU strategic planning to determine links between area needs and our programs/offerings. 6. Assessment: Angeles Eames Angeles Eames, Executive Director of Assessment and Institutional Studies, addressed the Council. In response to the North Central accreditation review, NEIU has been asked to submit a strategic plan that will include evidence of strengthened and ongoing, continuous assessment of NEIU programs. Eames requested that the FCAA Outcomes Assessment Task Force, active prior to the Higher Learning Commission (of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges) visit, be reformulated as part of this assessment effort. Eames was asked to submit a specific request in writing for consideration by the Council. 7. New Business Janice Harring–Hendon reported on the progress of the implementation stage of the Banner system. The catalog entry was completed this Summer. The Summer 2008 schedule will be built online. Spring 2008 will be the last semester for CARS. Summer 2008 registration, financial aid, grade entering and other functions will all be online. Some curricular and policy issues, pertinent to FCAA, may arise in the switch to the new system. 8. Adjournment Bales (Shub 2^nd) moved for adjournment at 2:55 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cyndi Moran Secretary Denise Wilson Faculty Senate Office

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