Academic Council Minutes
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11/20/02
Final -December 30, 2002
College of Arts and Sciences
Academic Council
Minutes
DATE:
PLACE:
TIME:
November 20, 2002
Ballroom, Lewis Towers, WTC
6:00 PM
Members Present: D. Birge, J.A. Williams for P. Boyle, P. Chiarelli, G. Dobrov, T. Giaquinto,
M. Goldwasser, B. Fiorentino for J. Gondek, T. Gross-Diaz (Chair), L. Langman, A. LeBoeuf, J.
Librett, E. Lozano, H. Mann, J. Marley, J. Michael, J. McCarthy, R. Nackoney, D. Olson, B.
Pickett, R. Sedam, F. Smith, S. J. Suarez, Talarovich, J. Trahey, M. Udo, A. Vander Nat, A.
Vargas.
Guests: D. Crumrine, J. Wexler.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.
Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved with one amendment, Rome Center was
added to the New Business section. Unanimous.
Approval of the Minutes: The minutes of the 1016/02 meeting were approved with minor
changes – Unanimous.
2436 Dean’s Report – Dr. Fred Smith
1. Budget – Level #1 cuts have been made reducing the budget by $780k or 3%. A
second round of cuts will be necessary however; we won’t know the exact amount until
the end of the year. Dr. Smith noted that he was trying to minimize the impact on
people, trying to take care of people first. He explained why we are rushing so hard to
balance the budget by FY 04 noting that we have been spending too much of the
unrestricted endowment. This year’s budget was set anticipating a $17 million deficit
and there is only $35 million left in the endowment. The plan is to build a budget
without using any of the endowment income for the next five years, allowing the
endowment to grow.
2. Enrollments – Enrollments look strong and projections indicate that we will meet our
targets for Fall 2003. As of 11/20/02, we have received 6,400 applications for Fall
2003. At this same point last year, we had 4,600. To date 3,200 students have been
accepted, compared with 650 last year and 11 two years ago. He noted that with these
big enrollments, we must look at how many sections are needed to be offered rather
than what a department wants to offer. We will have judicious use of part-time faculty
and expect to hit the same enrollment as this Fall (02), maybe even +100. There is a
large desire and demand to come to Loyola, and everyone realizes that the reputation
could be damaged if the student/faculty ratio increases too much. Dr. Smith attributed
much of this success to Terry Richards, April Hanson and their team for doing a much
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better job of getting the word out about Loyola. He noted that the maximum Freshman
enrollment would be 1,750.
3. Advisory Capacity of Academic Council – Dr. Smith indicated that he was very
interested in forming a college-level committee out of the elected body of Academic
Council to review applications for Promotion & Tenure and Leaves of Absence. He
stated that he would like AC to seriously consider forming a committee. Promotion and
Tenure occurs each Fall, completed by the end of November. Leaves of Absences are
considered in October each year. He would like to see this committee in place for next
Fall. He noted that CFA wants more done at the College-level, with the CFA role
being more one of oversight. Currently, only the department, chair, and dean have
input. Dr. Smith agreed that the AC Charter may need to be revised, and could be built
into section #3. During a short discussion, concerns were expressed that only tenured
faculty participate in P&T to protect untenured faculty and keep them from being in a
difficult situation.
4. Science Education – Dr. Smith announced that CAS recently accomplished a real
victory by entering into an agreement with the City of Chicago and Chicago Public
Schools (CPS) to partner with them on grants. A joint degree will be developed
between CAS and the School of Education in the near future. We will train CPS
teachers, have greater access for student teaching and supervision of our student
teachers.
5. Rome Center – The President has identified a new Dean for the Rome Center, Eric
Apfelstadt from Santa Clara, who will answer directly to him. The new Dean has lived
in Italy and speaks the language. His academic appointment will be in Fine Arts as an
Renaissance Art Historian. He will be accompanied by his wife, Rebecca Edwards;
will also join the Fine Arts Department on the Music faculty. Dr. Smith noted that they
will be on campus soon and should be a real asset to an area that has been problematic
for sometime. They will be hired this semester and go over to Rome about August.
A short discussion followed. Dr. Mann noted that there was no search for this position
and that this was unusual. She also noted concern that there was no faculty from either
English or History in Rome this year. Dr. Smith responded that the current director
cannot pay more than 3 LU faculty per year. They use a lot of people in Italy. There
will never be a time when we have every discipline represented every year. Dr. Mann
inquired about the integrity of the academic programs. Dr. Smith noted that some of
the Rome faculty is very qualified, i.e., a former Ambassador of the UN is teaching in
Political Science. Dr. Smith stated that he wants a balance of LU and other faculty at
the Rome Campus. Dr. Birge noted that there is a maximum of 200 students at the
Rome Center and that half of these are not LU students. Several AC members
expressed concern that these tenured faculty appointments were not a result of
following normal procedures, including a search, open fora, etc.
2437 Chair’s Report – Dr. Gross-Diaz
1. Update from Last AC Meeting – A Meeting between Dr. Smith and Dr. Gross-Diaz is
scheduled to take place prior to the next AC meeting to discuss further what AC can do
for CAS. Dr. Gross-Diaz noted that she has not been able to meet to date with the other
AC Chairs. Dr. John Jenangelo has agreed to be a member of the Writing Intensive
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Subcommittee. Prior to inviting the Provost to an AC meeting, Dr. Gross-Diaz would
like to see members of the AC draw up a list of questions and issues for discussion.
She met with Fr. Garanzini and notes that he watches what AC is doing with interest
and looks forward to developing a good relationship.
2. WLUW – Dr. Gross Diaz met with Tim O’Connell, Chair of Communication and Dr.
Slavsky to discuss the WLUW situation. She indicated that AC had a problem with the
procedure used in negotiating the Local Management Agreement (LMA) and then
addressed academic outcomes of this agreement, i.e., oversight of students. She noted
that Craig Kois, Station Manager, has been hired by WBEZ and will have an adjunct
appointment in the Department of Communication. The two laboratory courses
(CUMN 140 and 146) will continue to be taught by Mr. Kois. Dr. Gross-Diaz had an
opportunity to look over the LMA and noted that LU will continue to have academic
oversight of the students, programming and the station. Students will always have
access as before. The President and an appointee, the Dean of CAS and an appointee,
the Chair of Communication and an appointee, will form a committee to oversee the
academic issues. Dr. Gross-Diaz insisted and they agreed to change the LMA so that
other members of the Department of Communication also are allowed to participate in
the Academic Oversight Committee. She noted that there is an “escape clause” stating
that LU can pull out at any time. Dr. Gross-Diaz has not met with Mr. Malinteasa of
WBEZ and believes that unnecessary since everyone seems to be fine with him.
Dr. Nackoney asked if the FCC approves this agreement. Dr. Gross-Diaz responded
that they seem to be content with the document and must sign off prior to execution.
Dr. McCarthy reiterated AC’s concern over not knowing what was in the contract and
the whole procedure of outsourcing the lab without consultation with the Department of
Communication. A similar issue is developing with Rome Center. Although we may
admire the outcome, it could have been avoided if brought to the department. Dr.
Gross-Diaz stated that the message has been repeated, that if this had been done by
procedure, it would restore some trust. Others agreed that both the WLUW and Rome
Center situations were bad presidencies and breaches of procedure. Dr. Williams noted
that is a happy outcome and that Dr. Gross-Diaz should be commended for her role in it
and for getting them to listen and make changes in the LMA.
3. AC P&T & LOA Committee – Dr. Gross-Diaz stressed that she believes that Dr.
Smith’s request that AC for a P&T/LOA Committee was an important charge. These
issues along with Core revision will require a lot of time and commitment.
2438 Committees Reports
I. By-Laws Committee - Dr. Olson
The By-Laws Committee met and discussed an amendment to the by-laws to the sections
referring to the Student Government.
2439 Motion from a Standing Committee: To amend the bylaws to change 1) all references to
the Student Government Association (SGA) to the Unified Student Government (USG);
and 2) to change the USG membership from four LSC and two WTC representatives to five
USG members, one to serve on each standing committee. Vote: 23 in favor, 0 opposed, 1
abstention. Motion carried.
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II.Core Curriculum Committee – Dr. Nackoney - No report at this time.
III.Curriculum Committee – Dr. Chiarelli
1. Chemistry – New Courses – The Chemistry department has proposed two new courses
which would combine the 1-year of General Chemistry labs (111 & 112) into a onesemester 2-credit course, CHEM 113. A similar proposal was made for the Organic
Chemistry Labs (225 & 226) into a new 2-credit 1-semester course, CHEM 227. Dr.
This change to the major has been used at the University of Wisconsin and University
of Minnesota. There are both pedagogical and financial reasons for making these
changes. Chiarelli noted that there is a high drop rate between semester one and two in
these courses. The new courses 113 & 227 would be taught in the second semester.
This would enhance the use of limited resources for students who are successful in the
labs. He noted that between the two courses, approximately 156 students drop CHEM
111 and 225 in 1st semester. Additionally, students would be better prepared having
one semester of Chemistry lecture prior to lab. Also, safety issues continue to be a
concern with the poorer students. One-semester labs would better accommodate the
students and would free up some teaching assistants. One section each of 111/112 Honors section with Chemistry majors would continue to be offered during the Spring,
Fall and Summer semesters. Dr. Chiarelli offered the following motion.
2440 Motion: To approve the two new courses CHEM 113 and CHEM 227, and the changes to
the major as outlined in the proposal.
Discussion: Dr. Williams noted that the Curriculum Committee did not make a
recommendation for approval due to concerns by the Physics Department. Dr. Crumrine
noted that the Physics Department and Dr. Mallow object to having Physics majors in
Chemistry major’s courses. Dr. Pickett responded that Biology department also objects to
this proposal. He noted that it would be difficult for science majors to schedule labs.
Additionally, many students come in with deficits in Math precluding them from taking
Chemistry in their Freshman year and forcing them to schedule General Chemistry and
Physics in the same year with second semester requiring 9 hours of physics and chemistry
labs. The Biology Department understands the predicament in Chemistry. Perhaps a better
solution would be at the level of the Graduate Programs, by making the decision to put
more stipends into Chemistry, thereby increasing availability of Teaching Assistants.
Dr. Udo recognized that Biology majors would have 9 hours of lab in second semester and,
Physics majors would have would have even more - 12 hours of lab, which in both cases is
too much. She noted that this change would effect mostly non-Chemistry majors. Dr.
Crumrine stated that Chemistry majors could take either class, noting that majors’ classes
contain more physical chemistry than non-majors’ courses. He further stated that this
model has been very successful at other universities. Chemistry is trying to help increase
pedagogy and safety, while resolving financial issues.
Dr. Goldwasser expressed concern about the packaging of these labs. In General
Chemistry, 25-30 Chemistry majors vs. over 270 non-majors will be effected. This change
may make scheduling difficult if not impossible. He would like to see a plan drawn up for
Biology and Physics majors. Dr. Pickett added that the linkage through prerequisites will
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also cause problems. Completion of one year of Chemistry is required for 200- and 300level Biology courses. Dr. Williams suggested that this issue should be discussed between
the effected departments and if agreement can be met, brought back to the AC.
2441 Motion to Table: A motion was made to table Dr. Chiarelli’s motion to approve the two
new courses, CHEM 113 & 227, and changes to the major. Vote: 21 in favor, 3 opposed, 0
abstentions. Motion carried. Dr. Gross-Diaz refers this proposal back to the Curriculum
Committee to have the departments work out these issues.
2. New Course – BIOL 393 – Natural Resource Conservation
2442 Motion from a Standing Committee: To approve BIOL 393 – Natural Resource
Conservation. Discussion: Dr. Chiarelli noted that the Curriculum Committees’ questions
were answered by minor revisions to the course. Dr. Goldwasser asked if the Spring Break
out-of-country trip was required. Dr. Chiarelli responded yes, however, student who
could not make the trip, i.e., due to illness, would be able to make a presentation on other
work. Dr. Pickett noted that many courses have required trips that occur at non-class times.
Vote: 23 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions. Motion carried.
3. New Major – BS in Biology with Emphasis in Molecular Biology
2443 Motion from a Standing Committee: To approve the new major – BS in Biology with
Emphasis in Molecular Biology. Discussion: Dr. Chiarelli noted that this is a lab intensive
major whose graduates will be in high demand with Biotech firms. There are no new
courses proposed. This is a packaging of elective courses within a major. Dr. Birge
inquired if any other emphases are to be proposed. Dr. Pickett responded that Biology may
develop more emphases in response to the Provost’s desire for more focus in the majors.
Vote: 23 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions. Motion carried.
4. New Course PSYC 376 – Psychology of Religion - Dr. Chiarelli noted that PSYC 101
is the only prerequisite. The course has been taught as a topics course and crosslisted with Religion, Culture and Society Program. The department has asked to
remove the cross-listing for now, given that RCS is no longer an interdisciplinary
program. They may submit a cross-listing with Theology-Religious Studies at a later
point. Dr. McCarthy asked if this is a Core course noting that Theology has a course
on the same topic taught by a Psychologist as a 180 Core Course. How is it different
from THEO 180? Dr. Smith suggested that this should be sent back to the
departments where there could be a conflict. Dr. Goldwasser noted that the process is
to bring it to AC and before all departments. Dr. Langman stated that Sociology had
a similar problem with a course in Social Psychology. Sociology changed the title of
their course to differentiate the courses. Dr. Gross-Diaz recommended that this
course go back to the Curriculum Committee to work out with the departments any
overlap.
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IV.Elections Committee – Dr. Udo– No report at this time.
2444 Student Government Report – Andrew LeBoeuf reported that the USG survey on the
proposed Intersession was quite successful. The survey was collected over 8 days on the
LSC and WTC campuses. 300 surveys were returned from Arts & Sciences, Schools of
Business, Education, Nursing and St. Joseph Seminary. Graduate students in the Law and
Business Schools also participated. The results were given to the Provost and included in
the data for making the decision. There were three options given to students, 1) January
semester, 2) May semester, 3) no change in current schedule. Upper classmen leaned
toward option #3. Lower classmen preferred the May intersession. The students will post
both the survey and the results on their Webpage.
2445 New Business – Dr. Gross-Diaz
1. Honors Program Revisions – Dr. Joyce Wexler brought the proposed revisions to the
Honors Program before AC requesting input, noting that early feedback, concerns and
interests were important to the development of the final proposal. She did not expect a
decision or vote on the plan this evening.
Discussion: Joseph Michael commented that the USG Academic Committee would
like to meet with the Honors Program Committee regarding the program revision. He
noted that they would like to see more courses available in the Natural Sciences. Dr.
Smith stated that the program should be more selective with fewer students and a
common set of courses. Dr. Wexler commented that these program changes were
intended to make the program more distinctive with qualitative differences. She noted
that contracting method of completing Honors courses resulted in a huge range of
experience and that quality control over the contracts was difficult. She suggested that
the interdisciplinary Honors Seminar could be used as a model for structure, which is
taught by faculty from different disciplines addressing how their discipline and
knowledge are constructed.
Dr. Wexler noted that some of the changes will depend on the new Core and it will be
difficult to implement everything in Fall 03. Dr. Nackoney inquired about resources,
noting that team-taught courses can be more expensive, especially if the program is
smaller. Dr. Pickett inquired how credit will be distributed for the courses when they
are team-taught. Dr. Gross-Diaz stated that she has taught contracted Honors courses
and denied more than she approved. She has been unhappy with the current system.
We need a rigorous program to send to Administration and ask them to provide the
needed resources. Dr. Wexler stated that the two proposed courses would vary
according to the faculty teaching. All courses would be team-taught. There would be
no cannon syllabus. A concern was expressed that only 3 credits were indicated for
non-western thought and that there could be a need for broader issues. Dr. Gross-Diaz
asked council members to continue to look at this draft and forward any comments or
ideas to her by the end of the semester.
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2. Rome Center – Dr. Gross-Diaz stated that she would like to take up the earlier
discussion at this point in the agenda.
2446 Motion: The Academic Council supports the development of Loyola's Rome Center,
through its academic programming and administration. At the same time we recognize that
there is still strong financial pressure on CAS programming and faculty as is clear from the
administrative freeze on faculty hiring. In this situation the Academic Council voices, and
asks its Dean to voice, serious concerns about the lack of due process utilized in the current
situation to strengthen the leadership of the Rome Center. Among these concerns are the
absense of a regular search procedure and the potential hiring, in this time of fiscal
constraint, of two positions.
Discussion: Dr. Vander Nat noted that there have been problems at Rome Center for over
10 years and that he is glad to see there is some action to resolve them. Dr. Mann
commented that her concern was related to the lack of procedure. Dr. Librett noted that
this institution has procedures in place and that there is a risk of making a mistake. Dr.
Williams suggested that we ask the Dean to express our discontent with the lack of
procedure. Dr. Mann reminded the AC that there have been a number of actions taken that
have gone outside of normal procedures including, the Academic Calendar changes, Rome
Center Appointments, changes in Promotion and Tenure, and the recent changes in the
Graduate Schools. All of these things came down as “done deals” without proper
consultation. Dr. Udo added that we can’t say that sometimes it is ok and sometimes it is
not. We need consistency. Dr. Langman commented that this new team doesn’t have the
institutional memory and there have been some problems with communication and
democracy problems. Vote: 16 in favor, 4 opposed, 2 abstentions. Motion carried.
3. Teacher Course Evaluations – A question was raised about whether TCE’s were being
done this semester. Dr. Smith stated that they are not required this semester and that
departments would be developing new instruments with more pertinent questions.
There will be a one-semester hiatus. The Computing Center will no longer tabulate the
Scantron sheets. Dr. Smith is working on getting the equipment and software available
CAS departments.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:37pm.