9-30-2011 GAC Minutes
Minutes of the Council meeting for September 30, 2011
Approved by the Council on November 16, 2011
In attendance:
J. Baronner (staff), J. Bartow (staff), J. Bissonnette, F. Bolton (staff),
S. Commuri, C. Duncan, T. Groves (Chair), A. Krause, D. Mancini,
G. Robinson, M. VanUllen, K. Williams
Unable to attend: D. Dewar, B. Dieffenbach, L. Halpern
1. Group introductions were made at the start of the meeting.
2. Dean’s report – K. Williams
Dean Williams is Chairing the Strategic Planning Working Group on Graduate Education.
One of the first tasks that the Working Group is likely to take on is identifying criteria for
assessing the quality of graduate program. There is a need for outcomes measures that go
beyond reputational ranking. Diane Dewar is a member of the Working Group and will act
as liaison to GAC for the Group’s tasks. GAC will have the opportunity to review the
Group’s work.
3. Chair’s Report – T. Groves
Today is an organizational meeting only since GAC does not have enough business to enact.
GAC comprises three subcommittees: Committee on Curriculum and Instruction, Committee
on Admissions and Academic Standing, and Committee on Educational Policy and
Procedure. Jon Bartow has composed a list. All committees comprise of a quorum, but a
few more slots need to be solicited. A large part of GAC’s charter is reviewing graduate
programs. GAC at times will generate bills for Senate approval, and department
representatives will attend meeting to present their cases.
Chair Groves explained that due to Council members’ schedules, it was not possible for all
members to meet at the same time. The intention was to have as many members as possible
attend each meeting.
The Chair mentioned that proposals are submitted by a college, department, or school and
submitted to the Senate Executive Committee. From there the proposal is directed to UPPC
(University Planning and Policy Council) and GAC. Certain proposals such as a new
program, discontinuation of a program, or changes to an existing program will be presented
only to GAC. Once a committee has approved the proposal, the final authority is with GAC.
More extensive proposals, such as a new program, are forwarded to the State.
4
Old Business
Continued Discussion of CAA Assessment Reports
Assigned volunteers review assessment reports and offer suggestions for each program.
Once GAC votes and approves an individual program’s report, it is forwarded to the
University Senate for suggestion purposes only. Chair Groves requested members access the
GAC Minutes
September 30, 2011
Page 2 of 2
University’s web page to review the University Senate’s charter for academic assessment.
He also suggested members review the charter for both GAC and subcommittees. The report
for Criminal Justice is nearing completion. Work on Physics, Sociology, and Psychology
programs need completion.
5. New Business
Consideration of Draft GAC Committee Memberships
Jon Bartow mentioned that GAC committee membership comprises GAC members, students,
staff, and volunteers. By reaching out to Senate members, veterans from previous staff,
volunteers, and across all disciplines, diversity will bring strength to the committees. Once
committee membership has been completed, Jon will circulate the roster. He noted that
business is pending for both the Committee on Admissions and Academic Standing and the
Committee on Curriculum and Instruction. No business is pending for the Committee on
Educational Policy and Procedure. The Chair mentioned that the GAC tends to become
busier in the spring semester.
Future Meetings:
All meetings will be held in the MSC 102 Conference Room
- Tuesday, 10/25, 9:00-10:30 AM
- Wednesday, 11/16, 9:00-10:45 AM
- Friday, 12/16, 9:15-10:45 AM
END OF GAC 9/30/2011 MINUTES
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