April 13, 2021 Minutes

Council of Department Chairs

In attendance: Curtis Bennett, Barbara Taylor, Margaret Karteron, Henry Wu, Chris Brazier, Andreas Bill, Christine Whitcraft, Lisa Martin, Dessie Underwood, Rick Behl, Kris Slowinski, Will Murray, Babette Benken, Allie Puz.

 

NOTE: THESE MINUTES REFLECT DISCUSSIONS THAT HAPPENED ON THE DATE OF THESE MINUTES.  DUE TO THE COVID-19 SITUATION, THINGS ARE RAPIDLY CHANGING.  FOR OFFICIAL POLICY PLEASE WAIT FOR DOCUMENTS FROM THE APPROPRIATE OFFICES.   

 

  1. Approve agenda (10:00)
  2. Approve minutes from March 23
  3. Announcements
    1. Operations Update
      1. Commencement
        1. CNSM Ceremony is scheduled for May 31st 9:30 – 11:30 AM
        2. Key Dates:
          1. Name pronunciation deadline is now April 16.
          2. Last day for graduates to provide a photo and personal quote is May 1.
          3. Electronic tickets and Grad Passes will go out to student email addresses in mid-May
        3. As of now, faculty and staff are welcome to attend; we are unsure of specific seating, regalia, etc.
        4. Micro Stages will be spread throughout the stadium parking lot     
          1. After the ceremony, students will be able to gather with their guests on the micro stages to scan their Grad Pass. The students name will then be announced and their slide will appear for photo opportunities with guests.
    2. Dean’s Report
      1. GE/Academic Senate Update
        1. Senate is now pursuing Option 1 in the GE decision instead of the previously mentioned Option 3.
      2. New CARES Funding Proposals and Expanding Capacity of Labs
        1. Favoring making our lab classes more video/remote ready.
          1. E.g. Hyflex labs
        2. Feel free to think broadly. Additional employment, outdoor classrooms, furnishing building areas, etc.
        3. Submitting a proposal for summer and next academic year on May 15 to the division.
          1. Get proposals to Curt and Henry by April 30.
      3. Computer Purchasing and Enrollment in Management Systems
        1. The university is enforcing that all computers (bought state side or foundation side) must be enrolled in our management systems.
      4. Clarification on Worker’s List
        1. Each month we provide a list of essential workers on campus; working toward getting the department chairs on this list to ease the process.
        2. Any staff who are required or expected to be on campus at certain times should be on this list.
        3. We must still follow public health and university guidelines even though people are vaccinated.
      5. Travel
        1. There has been no change; all travel still requires a presidential or provost approval.
      6. Feedback on Proposal of a College Tech Advisory Committee
        1. Advocate and problem solve for the specific tech needs of the college.
        2. Part of faculty governance; get input from faculty and chairs so that issues and needs can be proactively addressed.
        3. Chairs suggested an Ad Hoc advisory group.
  4. Associate Deans
    1. Academic Programs
      1. Student Showcase Update
    2. Research
  5. SEF Discussion
    1. Designated vs. Competitive Funding
      1. Ranking by value/importance per departments.
      2. Alternate appropriate sources of funding.
    2. Written justifications should be course fee related.
    3. Departments should be able to spend the proposed funds in the right amount of time.
  6. New Business
    1. Graduate Research Fellowships
      1. 11 students submitted applications
        1. The college nominated 3 students for GRF.
        2. Pending GRF awards from the university, we will be able to fund all 11 students with D. Green Dean Funds.

 

Upcoming Dates:
Apr. 15 – Nobel Prize Lecture (CANCELED)
Apr. 20 – SEF with Students
Apr. 13-15 – CNSM Showcase
May 7 – Fellows Colloquium: Michael Peterson
May 31 – Commencement in Regional Stadium

Meeting Minutes were APPROVED on Tuesday, April 20, 2021

*Note: This reflects discussion on the date of the CDC meeting about policies, not actual policy. Faculty and staff should wait for official communication on each subject before acting.