The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Chairs Meeting
August 5, 2009
2:30 p.m.
Building Stronger Programs and Departments
Present: Dean Nelson, Steven Boone, Joseph Ryan, Keshav Bhattarai, Amber Clifford, Henry
Wambuii, Jack Rogers, Lester Brothers, John Haydu, Michael Sawyer, Celia Kingsbury, and
Vicki Orcutt
1. Ongoing Issues:
 Summer School Up-date: Next meeting we should have definitive numbers for summer
revenue share
 Signage: Dean told the group that a meeting was held, and we received go ahead to
make signs (interim solution). Dean will ask Mick to send a letter around to the chairs
discussing outcome of the signage meeting.
 Getting the most from students: Support for large lecture sections: Larry Michaelsen will
share strategies. Hope to have workshop and then have a follow-up forum with Kathy
Desmond. Everyone has something to contribute, communicate with faculty the
importance of their inputs. Only six individuals have signed up for the workshop to date.
 Task Force on Campus Security: Questions came up about lab access. The only rooms
rekeyed in Martin are those rooms designed as classrooms…labs remained on separate
key. Dr Bhattarai discussed concerns with the challenge of providing access to labs for
students with the requirement to lock doors, other department chairs provided insight into
how they have met this challenge.
2. Luncheon with Emeriti Faculty: Vicki distributed the listing of emeriti faculty to each of the
department chairs. The dean requested they review the list for accuracy and completeness
because he is looking at having a luncheon with the emeriti faculty in groups of 25 or less. Dean
Nelson received positive feedback from the Chairs on this initiative.
3. Distance Learning and Instructional Technology: Dean Nelson asked the chairs what value
they saw in streaming video. All the departments commented on the fact streaming video
requires little memory and can provide current, high quality video to students. The
Communications Department uses it for on-line courses. Modern Languages uses it to showcase
their film winners. Reason the Dean asked the question is to inform the college of an upcoming
conference that addresses new technologies. Conference isn’t until next July but the Dean
wanted to know if the departments saw any value added in sending faculty to this conference
given by SidLit. All felt it would be beneficial and so the college will proceed with this initiative.
Dr Brothers asked if there was anyone who attended the conference this year and Dean Nelson let
the group know that Marla Selvidge attended and he has invited her to the Aug 19th meeting to
discuss.
4. Grants: Workshops/Proposals. Dean advised the group that with regards to grants persistence
pays off. No expectations of approval for all…just keep writing and sooner or later approvals
will come. We have already received three grants: One for Performing Arts, also the Essig
Collection, and Pleiades.
5. 2010 Issue of Renaissance: Recommendations regarding focus, theme, and distribution: Dean
requested feedback from the department chairs on the Renaissance Magazine. Comments ranged
from easy to read and engaging to donors are very pleased. Dean Nelson asked the chairs to
think about the mission of the college and where we are going and how the magazine can help.
6. Other:
 Dr. Sawyer mentioned that Mr. Rogelio Guedea, a mexican writer, will be visiting the
college December 2, 2009 and that he is available to speak with any class. There will be
an agenda developed.
 Guy Beck is a visiting professor and will be conducting a Hindustani Workshop in
September 09.
 Alumni Choir and Big Band Dinner is August 29th. Get your tickets sooner than later.
 Provost Faculty Showcase and President’s Gala. All are encourage to attend. These are
University events not just a Music Department program.
Upcoming Events:
Dean and Chairs’ Meeting with the President 1:30 pm, Aug 19, 2009, MAR 128
Large Classroom Workshop – Aug 28, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm, UN 237B
Upcoming Chairs’ Meetings:
Fall 2009 meeting dates beginning at 3:30 except Aug 19 will immediately follow the Presidents’
meeting; Sep 2, Sep 23 – Humanities Chairs only; Oct 7th, Oct 21 – Arts Chairs only; Nov 4, Nov
18 – Social Sciences Chairs only; Dec 2 and 16; Jan 6, Jan 20 – Arts Chairs only; Feb 3, Feb 17 –
Humanities Chairs only; Mar 3, Mar 24 – Social Sciences Chairs only; April 7 and 21; May 5th
and 19.
Summer 2010 meeting dates beginning at 2:30: June 2, 23; July 14.