Academic Senate

California State University, Chico

( 530) 898-6201, Zip 020

M E M O R A N D U M

Educational Policies and Programs Committee
Sara Trechter, Chair                                            
September 06, 2007                                                             
EPPC Minutes–September 6, 2007, KNDL 209, 2:30 p.m.
Present:  Alexander, Berglund-Smith, Brady, Challinger, Chiang, Collins, Crotts, Edelmann, Ellingson, Ford, Gatton (Trechter proxy), Geddie, Lillibridge, Loker, Meadows, Misra, Song, Sudduth, Tinkler (Lillibridge proxy), Selvester, Way, Wyrick Not present: Bataller-Hodges, Daley, Ryder Fox Guests:   Ferrini, Flannery

1.         Approve minutes of April 26, 2007.
Minutes for the April 26, 2007 meeting were not available due to the death of Paul Spear, who had served as minute taker at the meeting.  Trechter recounted major topics of discussion at the April 26, 2007 meeting. 

2.         Approve today’s agenda.
The agenda was approved.

3.         Announcements.
Trechter clarified the intent of “announcements” on EPPC agendas.
Alexander noted the approaching deadline for NEH grants.
Trechter described the nature and purpose of “intent memos” announcing new courses and encouraged EPPC members to respond to the person issuing the intent memo with concerns they may have regarding a new course.
Trechter paid tribute to Senator and EPPC member Paul Spear, recently deceased, characterizing him as “an incredible voice to the committee.”  A seat and name tag in Paul’s honor will be placed at the EPPC table for the 2007-2008 AY.

4.         Introductions.
Trechter requested that members introduce themselves, and then requested that members circulate around the table and mingle informally to get to know each other better.
                       
5.         Suggestions for Professional Conduct—Review.
Trechter reviewed the document, Suggestions for Professional Conduct, describing it as “a nice guide to focus on and remember.”

6.         Approve Senate Bylaws: EPPC Procedures Policies and Guidelines.
Trechter reviewed the document, EPPC Procedures Policies and Guidelines. 
Under section VI. Functions,  Trechter noted, “I think this [EPPC] is the most important committee on campus.” 
Lillibridge/Crotts moved to accept the document.
Motion passed unanimously.
 
7.         New Option: Professional Science Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences—Action Item (Nishio/Houpis).
Trechter announced that the sponsors had requested that the item be withdrawn from consideration at this meeting and until resubmitted.
Lillibridge/Alexander moved to withdraw the item.
Motion passed unanimously.

8.         New Option: Environmental Health in HCSV—Action Item (Flannery/Ferrini).
Ferrini described revisions made to the document pursuant to consideration of the document as an introduction item.   Discussion focused primarily upon prerequisites. 
Motion passed unanimously.

9.         EM 99-05:  Ethnic and Non-western Graduation requirement—Discussion Item.
Trechter distributed (EM 99-05) Cultural Diversity Requirement. 
The cultural diversity requirement for graduation requires an “ethnic” course and a “non-Western” course, or one six unit course satisfying both requirements. 

Discussion focused broadly upon the following issues and related concerns: 
--         the distinction between ethnic and non-Western content is “somewhat false”;
--         identifying criteria for classifying courses ethnic or non-Western;
--         non-Western content taught in courses that are not non-Western;
--         subject matter; e.g., sexual diversity, not addressed in cultural diversity courses;
--         is meeting the requirement proving an impediment to graduation, and if so, why?
--         problems with substituting courses for ethnic and non-Western requirements;
--         the global nature of themes blending ethnic and non-Western course content.

A subcommittee was impaneled to broadly consider:
--         the need for an ethnic and non-Western requirement;
--         the need for revision of the policy.

Concern was noted that the charge to the committee may be ambiguous and the manner in which to gather data may be “worrisome.”  The argument that the present requirements prove an impediment to graduation may not be well substantiated.  The importance of consulting broadly with faculty and students was noted, along with the need to consult with students to identify gaps in courses presently offered. 

10.       Math GE Waivers and Substitutions—Discussion Item (Loker).
Loker distributed GE Math Course Substitutions at CSU, Chico:  A Guide to Frequently-Asked Questions, and prefaced discussion by stating, “I am uncomfortable about giving any student a waiver in math.”  He then requested that EPPC deliberate on the questions of waivers for the GE Math requirement.  Present policy (or practice) allows substitutions but not waivers, of the GE Math requirement. Loker noted a need for a policy governing under what circumstances to grant requests for substitution, and further noted that the university may have requirements that discriminate against certain groups “if we have a good reason for the requirement.”  Concerns were expressed that a policy on substitutions may open a floodgate of requests.  Ford noted that entrance requirements may serve to filter out students in need of absolute waivers in cases where substitution may not be appropriate (or possible). 
Trechter summarized discussion by identifying two broad concerns:
what is the current state of substitutions and do we like what we are doing, and followed up by asking the committee, “Should we consider waivers of the GE Math requirement?”
EPPC members responded NO with unanimity on waiving the GE Math requirement. 
DSS will be requested to address EPPC regarding course substitutions.

11.       Other.
None.
                       
12.       Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 3:41 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Joe Crotts, Secretary du jour