CAPC Minutes - 04/29/11

Curriculum and Assessment Policy Committee (CAPC)

4/29/11

In attendance: Susan Steele, Cara Meade, John Swinton, Ryan Brown, Beth Broyles, Diane Gregg, Beauty Bragg, Alex Blazer, Kay Anderson, Sandra Hancock

Regrets: Will Hobbs, Carol Bader, Fadhili Mshana

Guests: Jan Clark, Amy Childre

I)  Officer Nominations and Election

            Jan Clark attended from ECUS to facilitate this organizational meeting of the 2011-2012 CAPC committee. She conducted officer nominations with the following results:

Chairperson – Ryan Brown

Vice Chairperson – Sandra Hancock

Secretary – Cara Meade

II) Information Item – Changes to B.S. in Special Education

            Amy Childre visited to speak on behalf of changes to the undergraduate degree in the Special Education Program from the Department of Special Educational and Educational Leadership.  With the assistance of a federal grant from OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs) from the US Dept. of Education, the special education faculty has been working to restructure the BS program in order to address new and pressing needs in the field. Dr. Childre explained the initiative and new program outcomes as well as key changes to the curriculum and program structure.  The following questions arose:

Q- Will the Foundations course cover the legal issues that the old course covered?

A- Yes, and even more. Now that it is a two-course sequence, we will be able to cover legal issues more comprehensively and have a more practical focus.

Q- What is the effective date of this change?

A- This will go into effect with the next cohorts beginning in Fall 2011 with the exception of the new math course in Area F which will be implemented with the Fall 2012 cohorts.

Q- Does this give them fewer electives?

A- No. They have never had the option of electives once they begin the cohort.

III) Discussion of CAPC policies and operating procedures

            The veteran members of CAPC explained to the committee some of the procedures and policies of the committee, for example, how an item ‘for information only (as the last one) works. CAPC does not approve new courses or programs. CAPC does vote on the discontinuation and deactivation of new majors and minors. Program changes do not need Senate approval. Naming of a new program however, does need Senate approval. John Swinton explained some additional operating procedures.

IV) Discussion of University Curriculum Committee (UCC)

            This discussion of if and how UCC will operate as a function of CAPC will be on the first agenda for CAPC for the fall. This committee needs to recommend ‘a home’ for UCC. Perhaps as an ad hoc committee of CAPC for 1 year then a subcommittee of the Senate? Please plan to discuss this at the next meeting.

A question arose regarding how the campus assessment committee(s) operates (if at all) under CAPC, given that part of CAPC’s charge is assessment? The answer offered is that they don’t currently function formally under CAPC but this committee can ask questions regarding assessment on campus.

V) College of Business agenda item for vote

            The College of Business is seeking to discontinue the MSN/MBA (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration) degree. There are currently no students in this degree program. John Swinton provided background information and the rationale for the request for discontinuation. Faculty from Nursing specifically concurred with the request. After further discussion, there were no questions from the committee. Ryan Brown called for the vote. Kay Anderson motioned. Susan Steele seconded the motion. All committee members approved.  This will go before the Senate in the fall at their first meeting.

VI) Discussion of CAPC meeting protocol for 2011-2012

            There was consensus that meetings would be informal but would follow Robert’s Rules for items of voting and whenever else necessary. In particular, the Rules will apply in the question of a Point of Order.  All committee members will be recognized and respected. A question arose regarding whether we should do a head count for each vote. A- No. This is not necessary. Anyone can move for a vote count if desired. Also, anyone can move for a secret ballot if desired. Committee decided that if a vote is not unanimous then vote counts will be recorded.

All business being conducted, a motion for adjournment was proposed at 1:21.

The motion was seconded.

All were in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 1:22.