University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
College of Letters & Sciences
Dean’s Advisory Council Meeting
Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2015
5:00 P.M.
Laurentide Hall 4120
Call to Order
I.
Present:
A.
Jeremy Buck
B.
Erin Everett
C.
Melissa Kennedy
D. Taylor Peltier
E.
Andrew Phillips
F.
Tasia Pinkham
G.
Monica Ripp
H. David Sacket
II.
I.
Cynthia Stevens
J.
Hannah Welsch
K.
David Travis
Absent:
A.
Alison Andrew
B.
Ariana Hansen
C.
Zach Herriges
D. Kathyrn Deane
E.
Kiwane Kemp
Roll Call
Guests/Announcements
Round Robin
I.
Last Meeting Homework Assignment
A.
Biology: internships, research, projects, alumni feedback, as well as a new Math 141 requirement (like in
Chemistry) to reduce 40% failure rate to expose students to note-taking and study habits.
B.
Physics: the new 3D printer!
C.
Chemistry: Chemistry Club--no need for being a Chemistry major.
D. English: Professional Writing Program taking on LEAP project (action plan approved) to help LEAP edit and
develop their publications to reach students and motivate them to use LEAP as a method of motivating them
to finish their degrees.
E.
Women’s Studies: new internships, etc.
F.
History: new professor.
G.
Geology: new CPR training; simulating Environmental Science tracks in department; two main organizations
doing well, Geology Club revived.
H. Psychology: new classes for children to teach them about psychology.
II.
I.
Math: actuarial job position at State Farm.
J.
Social Work: new internships, etc.
Homework Assignment
A.
Addressing Professors
1.
2.
3.
Dr., Mr./Mrs., First name/Last name
a)
Will default to formal in first emails.
b)
Later emails will follow how professor signs?
c)
What about around others--default to formal.
d)
One-on-one, informal email situations--less formal.
Do they specify how they prefer to be addressed?
a)
Many do in class on the first day.
b)
Many do on the syllabus.
What if they respond with just their first name? Does that give you permission?
a)
Difference in female vs. male professors?
(1) Definitely more issues with women--women are less likely to be
assumed to be doctors, professors, etc. out of stereotype.
(2) Do professors need to be less sensitive to this?
(3) Do students need to be reminded about that?
B.
Back to Campus Safety
1.
Date Rape Drug Possession
2.
Student Awareness and Precaution
3.
How safe do you feel?
a)
a)
Led to discussion last semester.
LEAP project to make sexual harassment training mandatory.
a)
Men have many reasons to feel unsafe as well.
b)
Most women have an antagonizing experience at some point.
(1) Incidents on campus--how deal with stalking in classroom setting?
(2) Training for military and for other groups on campus a good model for
other forms of education.
c)
What about LGBTQ crimes and hate crimes?
(1) Whitewater has a very heterogeneous urban/rural mix:
(a) Many rural students not exposed to as many different types of
students, less likely to see different types of people.
(b) Incorporate into freshmen introduction?
(c) Incorporate this education into high school level?
(d) Students self-segregating in classrooms?
(i)
White privilege and comfort zones--still need that
comfort zone, so it’s hard to break through.
(ii)
Support groups are needed, but more action is needed
to pull those students into other groups.
(e) Is this too much to try to change at the University level? Are
people more set in their ways by the time they get here?
(i)
A burden for primary and secondary education?
(ii)
More different types of people in other parts of the
country--initiatives in higher education have been
impactful for LGBTQ relations throughout the past 20
years, but not much has been done with race relations.
New Business & Reports
I.
Budget freeze and rumor mills:
A.
In Madison and Milwaukee, more effects.
B.
Whitewater more research-based, less affected:
C.
II.
1.
One faculty search in jeopardy here, but otherwise okay.
2.
Not the first freeze, but perhaps one of the worst.
3.
Not envisioning any major effects from this--students should not notice a big change.
4.
Governor making a big impression for presidential candidacy.
Budget announced February 3, 2014:
1.
A cut to budget for running the university is likely.
2.
UW-Whitewater is likely to be given more authority to govern itself.
Chancellor Search?
A.
Open sessions for discussing the next Chancellor.
1.
As representatives to department, your voices should be heard here.
Assignment for Next Meeting
1.
To be set with next agenda.
Adjourn