Undergraduate Academic Council
Meeting Date:
Monday, March 13, 2006, 9:30-11:00 AM.
Present:
J. Philippe Abraham, Scott Barclay, Seth Chaiken, Richard Collier, Robert Gibson, Anne
Hildreth, Carolyn Malloch, Lisa Trubitt, Daniel Truchan, Guest: Sue Phillips
Quorum
It was determined that a quorum was not present at the meeting of March 6th, Further, it was
determined there was not a quorum at the beginning of this meeting. The Chair noted that only
two individuals had informed him they would be absent and another member of the Council was
expected to arrive a bit late. Since lack of attendance has been a continuing problem, it was
discussed whether printing the names of absent members would help (distinguishing those
excused absences who had contacted the Chair concerning prior commitments.) It was also noted
that the Senate has guidelines for removing members with excessive unexcused absences.
Subsequently, an additional member of the Council arrived. It was moved that "A quorum being
present, all actions taken at the March 6th, 2006, meeting be confirmed." The motion passed
unanimously.
Minutes:
Minutes from the March 6th, 2006 meeting were reviewed and corrections acknowledged. The
minutes were approved as corrected. It was agreed that the minutes should be shorter, only
summarizing discussions and principal points, and with no reference to individuals (other than
perhaps "A member suggested....." etc.
Curriculum and Honors Committee
- The proposal to phase out the Geology major was discussed and approved. The Council also
approved the new "Geology" track for the Environmental Science major. The implementation
date was approved as Fall 2006; students who matriculated before that date will be able to
complete the Geology major but may, if they choose, switch to the new Geology track in
Environmental Science. As with any new or deactivated program, the proposal must now be
approved by UPC before it can be presented to the University Senate.
- The Sociology/Public Policy BAMA program was considered and approved.
- The French/MBA and Italian/MBA BAMA programs were considered and approved, with a
note that the Italian program needs to list for students those courses in the program that fulfill
general education requirements. A suggestion was made that a foundational business course be
taken sometime before the senior year, would be useful (i.e., the senior year should not be the
first time a student has an idea of what is involved in the School of Business curricula).
General Education
A list of the committee's activities of the past two years was distributed, which also included
some of the changes that might be made to streamline general education. It was noted that unlike
UAC Minutes, 3/13/06
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those campuses that created courses to match the SUNY-wide general education, Albany used
existing courses. Another table was distributed summarizing what categories freshman vs.
transfer admits have and lack as they progress year by year at the University.
To encourage more courses to be proposed, the Associate Dean has contacted numerous
departments. In addition, the General Education Committee is continuing to identify courses it
believes should be part of general education and contacting the department from which the
courses are taught; in addition, that body is also considering making the proposal process easier.
A sample of the web "roadmaps" developed by Advisement Services for every undergraduate
major program was distributed. It was noted that for students who are considering a double major
or who may later change to a different major, this must be taken into consideration in planning
the student's program.
In the ensuing discussion, the problem of math and writing preparation was mentioned. One
member suggested a month-long orientation, during which students could take a general
education course, get a better understanding of the challenges students face, and receive
placement in math and English.
Concerning existing mismatches of what the General Education Committee believes is desirable
and what departments are able and willing to offer, it was suggested that resources might be
shifted but, if this does not occur, students should not continue to be caught in the middle. The
inability of the University to provide sufficient, appropriate, and timely lower level writing
courses is an example.
Undergraduate Minor
A raw table of data was distributed concerning freshman and transfer admits who had not yet met
minor requirements. It was felt additional data are needed.
Next Meeting:
The next Undergraduate Academic Council meeting will be held Monday, 3/20/05, 9:30 AM, LC-31.
ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED TO ATTEND THE
MEETING.
MEMBERS WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING ARE
REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE CHAIR IN ADVANCE.
Minutes Taken:
Notes taken by Dick Collier on behalf of Joanne Baronner, Undergraduate Studies.