Political Science Department Meeting
10/11/13
In attendance:, Ted Gimbel, , Susan Johnson, Li Xia Lollar, Jane Gottlick, Jolly Emrey, Peter
Wagner, Paul Adoghame, Chris Chapp, Zohreh Ghavamshahidi
Absent: Craig Heatwole, Dominique Walsh, John Eyster, Larry Anderson, Karen Moore, Anne
Hamilton
Meeting called to order at 1:30
1. Motion to approve minutes approved (Gottlick/Adoghame).
2. Announcements:
a. Emrey noted that the department will be conducting face-to-face this year.
b. Ghavamshahidi and Emrey will have post-tenure review this year.
c. Leda Nath urges to participate in the Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Political
Science Association/Sociological Association.
d. Dawn will be absent several days next week. We are urged to prepare for exams well
in advance.
e. Chapp previewed results of the diversity survey.
f. Chapp will pursue a speaker for the Kyle lecture.
g. Ghavamshahidi noted the Peace Conference will now be April 10-11. We are urged to
submit proposals.
h. Ghavamshahidi noted the creation of a new college-level committee on Inclusive
Excellence. Currently, meetings held on Tuesdays each month. The committee is
focused on curricular matters within each department.
i. Wagner noted a German elections special program has held, with roughly 40 students
in attendance. Election events like this might be useful, and could be used to grow the
major.
j. Wagner will be on sabbatical in the spring semester. Wagner is interested in a
leadership role in the International Studies program in the future.
k. Senate met and new standards passed unanimously.
3. New Business:
A. Search Update. Nine completed applications have been received. Seven
additional applications are in-progress. We are urged to advertise the position. The job
position advertisement can be found on ejobs and the UWW HR website.
B. Growing the Major: Model UN – Jane Gottlick. Currently developing a
proposal to take to the dean. Work to identify other programs that might be interested,
as well as conferences that might be good opportunities for students.
C. Scheduling Grid. A new grid will be implemented in 2014. There are new
common start times and only 10 minutes between classes. 75 minute class are now
offered throughout the day. Discussion of how the grid has changed, and the
motivation for the changes.
D. Plaques. Individuals can now make gifts to the university, such that rooms
will be named after a donor. Donors make decisions about where plaques are placed.
The department now has two plaques.
E. Department Goals: Articulating Course Levels – Jane Gottlick. Emrey, Wager,
and Gottlick have convened discussions to clearly articulate distinctions between
100/200 level courses. Gottlick is currently soliciting feedback to bring about greater
consistency in coursework between the different levels. We are urged to articulate
systematic differences between 100/200 level courses, as well as use the circulated
document as guidance for revisiting our own course expectations.
F. Adoghame circulated an “issues in curricular development” document
specifying unique attributes used to recruit majors in other departments. Other
departments take significant steps to improve the “marketing” of the major. Website
improvements could also assist in the development of the major. New courses, such as
first year seminars, might also improve the profile of the major. Discussion focused on
the importance of marketing, how this might influence teaching load, and the process of
course approval. There was agreement that this needs to be part of an ongoing
conversation.
4. Adjournment (Ghavamshahidi/Wagner) at 2:45
Minutes submitted by Chris Chapp.