University Requirements Curriculum Committee
Minutes March 14, 2014
Present: R. Duncan, M. Ellis, M. Fisch, J. Graham, M. Haley, L. Hanson, L. Hoeptner-Poling, T. Laux, R.
Lorenz, C. McVay, I. R. Nettey, D. Palmer, E. Pringle, E. Sinclair-Colando, C. Uher, J. VanGeest, D. Warren
Not Present: J. Arhar, K. Burhanna, N. Cain-Bish, A. Burns, P. Evans, F. Haldar, T. Kandakai, T. Motter, E.
Robison, F. Smith, R. Walker, W. Willoughby, C. Wunderlin, B. Yonkof
Guest: Mark James (Environmental Health), Sonia Alemagno (College of Public Health), Andrew Tonge
(Mathematics)
Meeting called to order at 2:34 pm by D. Palmer
Sign-in sheet circulated
Minutes from January 10, 2014 meeting approved
Curricular Proposals:
The question as to the status of a moratorium on the Kent Core was again raised. According to Paul
Farrell, President of Faculty Senate, the freeze has been lifted. Every college that wants a course in the
Kent Core should have one. However, the issue of whether to remove courses for colleges that already
have courses in the Core is still a concern. The Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Public Health, and Applied
Engineering, Sustainability and Technology have all submitted applications to have courses accepted in
the Kent Core.
College of Arts and Sciences: Department of Mathematics – Requesting temporary Kent Core status for
three courses. This is in direct response to the State of Ohio’s directive for remediation free pathway for
students who achieve 22 or greater on the Math ACT. The request for temporary Kent Core status for
Modeling Algebra Plus (5 credits) is a combination of Basic Algebra III (2 credits) and Modeling Algebra
(4 credits). Algebra for Calculus Plus (4 credits) combines Basic Algebra IV (2 credits) and Algebra for
Calculus (3 credits). Lastly, Algebra for Calculus Stretch II (3 credits) is the second course in the Stretch
sequence; the first being Algebra for Calculus Stretch I (3 credits). When both courses are taken, the
student receives Basic Algebra III (2 credits), Basic Algebra IV (2 credits), and Algebra for Calculus (3
credits). Therefore, temporary Kent Core status is being requested for Modeling Algebra Plus, Algebra
for Calculus Plus, and Algebra for Calculus Stretch II. Motion by Nettey, seconded by Sinclair-Colando;
Motion carried
College of Public Health: Introduction to Global Health – Requesting Kent Core status in the Additional
Category for Introduction to Global Health. Because of its interdisciplinary status, the course does not fit
into any of the other categories. If this request is accepted, the understanding is Public Health will
reapply to the Ohio Transfer Module for approval. Motion by Fisch, seconded by Hanson to grant Kent
Core status to Introduction to Global Health in the Additional Category; Motion carried
College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology – Requesting Kent Core status for
Introduction to Sustainability. There are still issues with the broad nature of the course and the
assessment instrument. It was decided to table the motion until the April meeting; motion by Fisch,
seconded by Haley. Proposal tabled.
Other Curricular Proposals:
College of Arts and Sciences – Geography is requesting ELR status for GEOG 4/5/70492 Study Away in
Geography. Additionally, they are requesting both a graded and ungraded section of the course.
Justice Studies has revised the requirements for its ELR course JUS 46792 Internship. Lastly, Justice
Studies is inactivating a WIC, JUS 32400 Research Methods.
Reports:
Diversity – D. Warren
Discussed Evaluation Plan, gleaned objectives, criteria, and guidelines, and designed a protocol for
assessment. A survey was done and a content analysis completed based in the criteria/goals for the
diversity requirement. A discussion about what to do about courses that don’t have objectives and/or
criteria was held. The committee feels it needs a more concrete charge; perhaps return to the original
1992/92 report for guidance. The objective has evolved; we need to look at what we have and make
recommendations for change. The sub-committee will write a recommendation to move this issue to
either EPC or Faculty Senate where it can receive further attention.
WIC – I. Nettey
Report has been done in draft format and issued to members of URCC for review and final comments.
Overall, students indicated that their writing has improved as a result of taking a WIC. It is anticipated
that a final report will be issued in April 2014.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Next meeting is scheduled for Friday April 11, 2014 at 2:30 pm.
There being no other business before the committee, meeting adjourned at 4:15 pm.