Bryon Clark (Chair), Betty Clay, Jane Elder, Steven Emge, Dick Hackett, Gene Hetsel, Linda Kallam, Shannon McCraw, Steve McKim, John Mischo, Sharon Morrison, Patty Pool, Josiah Schomer (Student Representative), John Topuz.
Gleny Beach, Jim Cunningham, Brad Ludrick, Charles Price, Chip Weiner (ex-officio), Cherry Wilmoth.
The meeting was called to order at 3:35 by the Chair. The minutes of the previous meeting (5 Oct. 04) were presented. Dick Hackett moved to accept the minutes. Gene Hetsel seconded. The minutes were accepted as written.
The Chair informed the council that he had taken a road trip Nov. 1-3 with Vice President Snowden and North Central Coordinator Weiner to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, SE Missouri State and SW Missouri State to examine their general education programs and possibly use them as models for our endeavor.
The Chair then presented to the Council proposed changes to the Computer Literacy component. Discussion ensued primarily regarding parameters for assessment. The Chair pointed out that assessment may be done in-course and that for some disciplines behavioral observation would be appropriate. He also admonished that grades are not a sufficient assessment tool by themselves. Another possibility for assessment would be exit surveys tied to obtaining clearance for graduation. The Chair also outlined work that had already been done in the Biology Department by using a pre-test/post-test format and then comparing students’ scores to their ACT Science, Science Reasoning, and Composite scores. This is a way to create a valid in-house instrument by correlation with a national standardized exam. Biology is also experimenting with the use of average lab grades which they hope to correlate with the ACT CAAP exam using cut scores. John Mischo discussed the possibility of using the pre-test/post test in his field (English) by comparing essays against an established rubric. The Chair pointed out that it is not necessary to test every student in every class. Sampling is acceptable. Also the point of pre-test/post-test is to demonstrate progress regardless of grades. Statistical significance need not be established. Raw numbers are sufficient.
A committee was formed to revise the Computer Proficiency Exam. Members of that committee include: Betty Clay, Gene Hetsel, Sharon Morrison, Patty Pool, and Dick Hackett.
Dick Hackett moved that the Council give tentative approval to the proposed changes in Computer Literacy. Linda Kallam seconded and the motion carried. Details of the proposed changes are attached. Final approval from the Council will be obtained once they have all had the opportunity to examine the attached document.
The Chair mentioned that some of the Orientation classes are not being taught by faculty but rather by staff. He asked the Council to consider whether or not this is appropriate.
The Chair informed the Council that he has met with Department Chairs (Academic Council) on the issue of General Education and has asked them to have a meeting with their respective faculty to elicit input. He is willing to come to those meetings and present the material if asked to do so. The timeline for this process is as follows:
Spring Break 2005: Assessment plans for General Education are due from the department chairs
Fall 2005: First data collection occurs. Material is modified as necessary.
Spring/Fall 2006: Data from which report will be written is collected.
June 30, 2007: Monitoring Report due.
The next meeting will be at 3:00 on Thursday, Dec. 9 at a place to be specified. The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.