Minutes of the Educational Policy Committee March 28, 2007

Present: Katie Best, Judy Bromen, Ashley Brown, Robert Carlson, Jannifer David, Richard Davis, Bill Fleischman, John Hiller, Steve Hedman, Jill Jenson, Vince Magnuson, Mary Ann Marchel, Robert McFarland, Mary Jean Menzel, Rudy Perrault, Arlen Severson, Terrie Shannon.
Excused: Gloria Brush, Richard Seybolt
Guest: Carol Bock

The minutes of the 3-7-07 meeting were approved.

Learning outcomes
There is an increased expectation of higher education, both internally and externally, regarding what skills a student should have upon graduation. In this regard, many institutions of higher education have begun to focus on learning outcomes. The Twin Cities Faculty Senate has recently proposed the following undergraduate student learning outcomes. These are to serve as the guiding principles for teaching and learning at all levels of curricular decision-making on the Twin Cities campus.
 At the time of receiving a bachelor’s degree, a student:
--Can identify, define, and solve problems
--Can locate and critically evaluate information
--Has mastered a body of knowledge and a mode of inquiry
--Understands diverse philosophies and cultures within and across societies
--Can communicate effectively
--Understands the role of creativity, innovation, discovery, and expression across disciplines
--Has acquired skills for effective citizenship and life-long learning.

Our campus does not currently have a set of over-arching learning objectives. Committee members were in agreement this is something our campus should consider. What might be the mechanism for assessing that these outcomes have been reached? It was suggested that assessment could be reached aggregately. Some of these outcomes are discipline oriented and best met within individual departments. But it was also suggested that these not be viewed as the sole responsibility of departments, but as a campus-wide responsibility. The campus as a whole (i.e. liberal education requirements, major and minor requirements, non-academic programs, etc.) should be accountable for how learning outcomes are being met. It was suggested that the next step be to take this issue back to the collegiate units for discussion and feedback. This topic will be continued at our next meeting.

Faculty ratio
Earlier this year EPC was asked to review the ratio of tenured/tenure-track faculty, specifically the extent to which the ratio of full professors and associate professors compared to assistant professors is appropriate to satisfy our mission. Data have been reviewed and discussed in previous meetings throughout this academic year. Faculty at the associate and full professor levels have not grown at the same rate as those at the assistant level because faculty that were hired to keep pace with enrollment are just now beginning to complete the promotion and tenure process. The committee was asked to consider both short and long term solutions to the issue of faculty retention. Recommendations included implementing a stronger mentorship program for faculty who chose to stay as well as implementing a systematic exit interview at the collegiate level with faculty who chose to leave. It was also noted that increased mentorship at the associate level might be particularly beneficial. A report will be sent to ECCA outlining these discussions.

Vice chair nominations
Eligible members include Jannifer David, Bob McFarland, John Hiller and Mary Caprioli. Mary Caprioli has agreed to be nominated. A vote will be taken at the next meeting.

Inappropriate use of electronic devices in class
This item was tabled for discussion until our next meeting.

Meeting adjourned 3:55 p.m.