SOS FALL FACULTY ASSEMBLY Minutes
May 1, 2007
3:30-5:30 pm
Present: Voting members: Biology; P. Crowell, J. Li, Randall, Roper, Watson. Chemistry; Minto, Schultz; Computer Science; Raje, Zheng, Zou; Earth Science; Filipelli, Math; Boukai, Chin, Geller, Kitchens, Perez, Zhu. Physics; Gavrin, Kemple, Rao, Vemuri. Psychology; Appleby, Bigatti, Fastenau, Murphy, Stewart. Dean Bosron.
Non-Voting members: Biology: Yost; Chemistry; Blacklock
Meeting was called to order by President Ray Chin at 3:40 am.
The agenda was accepted and the faculty minutes from November 28, 2006 were approved.
Report of the Deans Administrations:
Interim Dean Bosron’s Report
Undergraduate Academics: In the past year science credits are up approximately 3% (campus as a whole is down). Twenty-six Science students are listed in the universities top 100. Approximately $65,000 in awards was dispensed at the Honors convocation. Fall Science admissions are up, with high quality students including at least 8 Bepko Scholars and 7 President and Plater scholars.
Graduate Academics: Graduate student funding from RIF income (approx $80K) and from a CTE proposal ($180K) will help support graduate students in science. Several (4) GANN proposals have been submitted,
The School Strategic Planning is still going on. The dean summarized the Administrative (A)-team findings as
1) Faculty overstaffing is not the problem.
2) A hiring freeze will result in loss of critical mass (prediction is now less that 100 faculty, down from high of 125)
Conclusion: we must increase income, and cut expenses so that we can grow faculty.
A proposal to recapture teaching lab costs from a student lab fee increase will help as these costs are currently coming our of the school general fund.
All teams should have short-term goals set by this summer, and the Research (R) and Undergraduate (U) focus groups will have reports out. Faculty groups should discuss these plans.
Ongoing searches include:
CS faculty and Chair
Chemistry/Combinatorial Chemistry faculty
Chemistry and Chemical Biology Chair
Signature Center faculty (Earth, Biol, Math)
Deans search: Greg Lindsey (SPEA) is chair.
Dean Bosron suggested it is important to be positive about the school, be confident that there is a way out of our problems, and the all faculty must be engaged in the search process.
The redesigned School Web page will be on line soon.
Business Agenda:
A motion for a voice vote to confirm the one candidate for Secretary/President-elect was made and seconded. Jane Williams (Psychology) was unanimously endorsed for this position.
The plan for this years Administrative Review was outlined by Ray Chin. The WEB based mechanism used last year (SURVEY MONKEY) is being used again this year. Associate Deans and Chairs will be reviewed
Watson briefly outlined bylaw changes that would impact faculty voting (basically incorporating all faculty as voting faculty). No substantial discussion was offered. The purpose of this discussion was to obtain feedback, thus a formal vote will be taken in the fall to accept or reject these changes.
Durgu Rao led a discussion of the Deans search process. It was clear from discussions that the faculty were intensely concerned for success in the search (representative comments follow). A number of specific recommendations were made. An effort to identify aspects that could be improved from the last search should be undertaken. Make resource package available ahead of time (including SOS web site and clear indication of financial situation), candidates must have adequate time to meet with faculty, to investigate credentials of candidate by contacting those in their discipline. Peer reviews are desired (not from administrators). Is it possible to fast track this position (get in place by Jan -08?)? Regarding confidentiality, only top visiting candidates will be identified. Dig deeply into backgrounds, those with information MUST channel that info to the Search Committee; departments can also assist in solicitation of info.
Jim Murphy, Chair of Awards and Nomination Committee spoke briefly of efforts to get more faculty nominees for awards. Also he described recommendations to establish set procedures for various nominations. It should be considered next year, for example, whether “at large” nominees (i.e. Individuals not recommended by a department) will be considered for certain awards.
Written reports of the School committees are attached (Appendices II-VII).
The assembly was adjourned at 5:00 pm.
Appendices
I. Proposed changes in the SOS Bylaws
II. Library Committee
III. Nominations Awards and Committee
IV. Research Committee
V. Graduate Affairs
VI. Educational Policy Committee
VII. Technology
Appendix I. Proposed changes in By-Laws, for discussion
SECTION I. FACULTY
Subsection 1. Membership
The faculty of the Purdue University School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, henceforth known as the FACULTY, shall consist of VOTING FACULTY and NONVOTING FACULTY. Meetings of the faculty as a whole shall be known as FACULTY ASSEMBLIES.
The VOTING FACULTY shall consist of members of the School of Science holding full-time tenured or tenure-track academic appointments at professorial ranks, i.e., Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors.
The NONVOTING
FACULTY shall consist of members of the School of Science holding full-time
academic appointments at non-professorial ranks, i.e., Senior Lecturers, and Lecturers, Research
Scientist, Associate Scientist, and Assistant Scientist and members determined by the voting
faculty to have faculty status. Emeritus members of the School of Science shall
also be nonvoting faculty unless otherwise determined by the voting faculty to
have voting status.
SECTION III. ADMINISTRATION
Subsection 4. Evaluation of Administrations
The Dean's Administration shall be evaluated on behalf of the faculty in prescribed academic years by the Subcommittee for Administrative Review (SAR), which will consist of the Departmental Steering Committee Representatives, the President of the Faculty, and the Secretary of the Faculty. While the mechanism for this evaluation may vary, the mechanism must:
a) be approved by the SAR,
b) be based on
input from the Voting Faculty,
c) evaluate the Dean's Administration in the context of the tasks for which it is responsible, and
d) be able to produce results by July 1 at the end of the prescribed academic year.
Each Department's Administration will also be evaluated in prescribed academic years by the SAR on behalf of the faculty of the respective Departments. While the mechanism for this evaluation may vary, the mechanism must:
a) be approved by the SAR,
b) be applied to all Departments,
c) be based on
input from the Voting Faculty of the respective Departments,
d) evaluate the Chair's Administration in the context of the tasks for which it is responsible, and
e) be able to produce results by July 1 at the end of the prescribed academic year.
The Dean will be reviewed by the SOS in his or her third full academic year in the role of Dean. Because the University conducts a campus-level review of the Dean on a five-year cycle, additional internal reviews by the SOS shall be conducted with appropriate timing so that the Dean is reviewed at least once every three years, either by the University or
II. Educational Policy Committee Report, Spring Semester 2007
Kathy Marrs
May 1, 2007
The Educational Policies Committee has the primary responsibility over the curriculum and academic standards for the School of Science. Among its responsibilities this committee shall:
i. receive, review, initiate, or make recommendations to the Faculty concerning matters related to academic policy within the School of Science,
ii. approve or disapprove of all courses to be added, dropped or significantly changed by any Department in the School of Science and report such action to the Faculty in a timely fashion,
iii. conduct a continuing review of the educational policies of the School of Science in relation to the policies of other units of the university and the university as a whole.
Committee members, 2006-2007 Academic Year:
Phil Fastenau, Psychology
Kathy Marrs, Biology (Committee Chair)
Barry Muhoberac, Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Snehasis Mukhopadhyay, Computer and Information Science
Mike Penna, Mathematical Sciences
Jeff Swope, Earth Sciences
Steve Wassall, Physics
Non-voting committee members and staff aide:
Andy Gavrin, Dean’s Office
Pam Crowell, Graduate Affairs, Dean’s Office
Joseph Thompson, Staff Aide to the Committee, Dean’s Office
FIS 206 Concepts of Forensic Science II
FIS 404 Forensic Biology II
GEOL-G306 Earth Materials
GEOL-G431 Wetlands Ecosystem
GEOL-G418 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
GEOL-G486 Soil Biogeochemistry
MATH 231 Calculus for the Life Sciences I (previously approved in fall 2006 as MATH 225)
MATH 232 Calculus for the Life Sciences II
MATH 518 Advanced Discrete Mathematics
FIS 205 Concepts of Forensic Science title change to Concepts of Forensic Science I and a course description change.
FIS 401 Forensic Science I title change to Forensic Chemistry I.
FIS 402 Forensic Science II title change to Forensic Biology I.
FIS 403 Forensic Science III title change to Forensic Chemistry II.
MATH 441 Foundations of Analysis was approved to be changed to MATH 444 to be consistent with Purdue West Lafayette’s numbering.
MATH 442 Foundations of Analysis II was approved to be changed to MATH 445 to be consistent with Purdue West Lafayette’s numbering.
MATH 544 Real Analysis and Measure Theory had prerequisites changes approved based on numbering changes with MATH 441 to MATH 444.
STAT 523 Categorical Data Analysis had a title change to correct a typographical error.
MATH 424 The Teaching of Mathematics in Middle and Junior High Schools
MATH 425 The Teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools
At the conclusion of each regular semester, a summary of the Educational Policy Committee course and policy approvals should be shared with lead advisors in each Department. It was also approved that a meeting with lead advisors be held once a year, at the end of the spring semester, to discuss the approved policies and courses.
Changes to the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program were approved, including a new introductory course, FIS 206 Concepts of Forensic Science II.
FIS 205 Concepts of Forensic Science I will no longer be allowed to count towards Area IIIC Physical and Biological Sciences, based upon course revisions.
FIS 206 Concepts of Forensic Science II will be applicable to Area IIIC Physical and Biological Sciences.
TCM 220 Technical Report Writing was approved as a second composition course alternative. Departments who approved this option for their majors include biology, biotechnology, chemistry, physics, and psychology majors. The Department of Earth Sciences declined this option for geology majors. Decisions pending for computer science, environmental science and forensic science majors.
PHYS 100 Physics in the Modern World will not be allowed to count towards Area IIIC Physical and Biological Sciences, but may be used as a general elective.
A dual-degree program between the Department of Physics and the Department of Electrical and Computing Engineering was approved for physics and electrical engineering majors.
Internship opportunities were discussed, as the campus is moving to a more unified system of posting opportunities on the Web.
Electronic forms. As an informational item, many academic processes that require forms will be moving to an electronic mode. These include electronic withdrawal requests up to midterm and special credit approval.
Update on the Trustees’ resolution on general education requirements.
Update on IvyTech transfer courses and TransferIN.
Meeting Dates: 2006-2007 Academic Year:
The Educational Policy Committee has met twice since the last Faculty Assembly, and will meet once more in the coming weeks.
Meeting dates for the academic year: 10/7 10/30, 11/27, 2/2, 3/30, 4/27 (postponed until 5/7)
III. SoS Nominations and Awards Committee Report
(2006-2007)
Jim Murphy, Committee Chair
Committee members:
Ruth Allen (Biology)
Ray Chin (Mathematical Sciences)
Jeffrey Huang (Computer and Information Science)
Jim Murphy (Psychology – Chair)
Durgu Rao (Physics)
Gary Rosenberg (Earth Sciences)
Frank Schultz (Chemistry and Chemical Biology)
The SoS Nominations and Awards Committee met in November 2006 to discuss, review, and establish nomination procedures and guidelines for the upcoming meetings. The Committee also approved a new award category, the “Full-Time Lecturer Service Award.”
The committee discussed allocation of the Trustees Teaching Award nominees among the seven school departments. It was agreed that each department would be permitted a set number of nominations according to a ratio based on the number of full teaching faculty in the department. The allocation is: Biology – 2; Chemistry – 1; Computer Sciences – 1; Earth Sciences – 1; Mathematics – 3; Physics – 1; Psychology – 2. Departments were permitted nominees according to their allocation in each of two categories; tenure/tenure track faculty and lecturers. The committee evaluated all nominations in each category to select the most deserving recipients among the pool of nominations for the entire school, such that six awardees were selected from the tenure/tenure track faculty category and two awardees from the lecturer category.
During the spring 2007 semester, the Committee met four times to select the recipients of various Student, Staff, and Faculty awards. The recipients, along with their awards, are listed at the end of this report.
The committee concluded its charge by reviewing policies and procedures that should be addressed by the 2007-2008 Nominations and Awards Committee. Though the following rules have not codified into established procedures of the Committee, it is recommended that next year’s Committee should be more rigorous in establishing written rules and procedures to ensure uniformity from year to year in how award recipients are selected. Suggestions and or policies that should be revisited and firmly established before selecting awardees for the next year include:
At the last meeting, the N&A Committee announced that nominations would be sought for the SoS Faculty Assembly Secretary and for two faculty to serve on the IUPUI Faculty Assembly.
Also discussed was how faculty were selected to appear as representatives of the School of Science on the IUPUI outstanding faculty website. The committee was not aware of the procedures used to select faculty for this accolade and it is suggested that information of the procedures should be sought and reviewed by the committee.
Award Recipients
Drew C. Appleby
Department of Psychology
Gabriel M. Filippelli
Department of Earth Sciences
None.
Marie L. Nguyen
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Chris W. Thomas
Department of Earth Sciences
Judy E. McBride
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Michelle R. Muething
Department of Psychology
Established in 1999-2000, the Partners in Education Full-time Staff Award recognizes staff that make significant contributions in support of their departments and the mission of our School. This award acknowledges an individual or individuals whose performance is most notable among his or her peers and who demonstrates exemplary service.
Debbie D. Dailey
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Joshua R. Dyer
Department of Psychology
Major: Clinical Rehabilitation Psychology
Bonnie G. Stevenson
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Major: Biology
(Note: Bonnie is employed with the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, but is a Biology major.)
The Trustees Teaching Award honors individuals who have a positive impact on learning through the direct teaching of students, especially undergraduates. Award recipients must have demonstrated a sustained level of teaching excellence and must have completed at least three years of service at IUPUI or IUPUC to be eligible.
Trustees Teaching Award for Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty
John F. Kremer
Department of Biology
Kathy J. Licht
Department of Earth Sciences
Eugene Mukhin
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Martin J. O’Donnell
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
B.D. Nageswara Rao
Department of Physics
John C. Watson
Department of Biology
Trustees Teaching Award for Full-time Lecturers
Lisa C. Ehrmann
Department of Psychology
Henry A. Hernandez
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Kristen K. Walker
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Mathematics
One nomination per academic unit/school sent to campus competition.
Eric M. Woerly
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Mathematics
Katie J. Schenk
Major: Psychology and Herron Fine Arts
David A. Ross
Major: Math Education
IV. Graduate Committee Report to the SOS Faculty Assembly
4/26/07
Pam Crowell, Chair
The Graduate Committee participated in the following activities during spring semester:
4//25/07
Marcos Betancourt, Chair
Around Nov 28, we agreed on how to split the monograph funds ($50,000 total) for each dept.
We also decided on not to use these funds for other activities, such as the PMC students request.
VI. SOS Research Committee Report to the SOS Faculty Assembly
4/26/07
Pam Crowell, Committee Chair
1. The Research Committee reviewed and ranked 30 Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) research, international travel, and summer faculty applications. The School of Science has been empowered by Purdue to make final decisions on the PRF research and international travel awards, and the School decisions are made by the Research Committee. Purdue selects summer faculty awards based on recommendations by the Research committee.
PRF Research Award: Stephen Wassall, Physics
PRF International Travel Awards:
Olgata Buse, Mathematical Sciences
Jake Chen, Computer & Information Science
Dring Crowell, Biology
Yuanshun Dai, Computer & Information Science
Rodrigo Perez, Mathematical Sciences
Vitaly Tarasov, Mathematical Sciences
Xukai Zou, Computer Science
PRF Summer Faculty Awards:
Fang Li, Mathematical Sciences
Pierre Andre Jacinthe, Earth Sciences
VII. Technology Committee Report Spring 2007
Presented 5/1/07
A. Gavrin, Chair
Purpose: To make recommendations to the Dean for the use of student technology fee money, and to discuss and recommend technology strategies for the School of Science
At the Fall meeting, I reported
“Due to the well-known budget difficulties in the School, technology fee allocations made to the departments in 04-05 and previous years were reclaimed to offset the School’s deficit. The status of projects from 05-06 will be reviewed. In order to remain true to the intent of the STF, the school will use reclaimed funds to support technical staff salaries in the departments, to the extent to which departmental staff support student technology.”
The outcome of this is now clear. All “reclaimed” funds were used as indicated, to offset the deficit by supporting the salaries and benefits of staff who have significant student technology responsibilities.
Subsequently, the committee has met and discussed the distribution of those funds remaining in the 2006-07 budget and priorities for future spending. In summary, the main points are