March 23, 2021 Minutes

Council of Department Chairs

In attendance: Curtis Bennett, Barbara Taylor, Margaret Karteron, Henry Wu, Chris Brazier, Andreas Bill, Christine Whitcraft, Lisa Martin, Dessie Underwood, Rick Behl, Kris Slowinski, Will Murray, Allie Puz, Dennis LuPresto, Shariq Ahmed. &Բ;

NOTE: THESE MINUTES REFLECT DISCUSSIONS THAT HAPPENED ON THE DATE OF THESE MINUTES.  DUE TO THE COVID-19 SITUATION, THINGS ARE RAPIDLY CHANGING.  FOR OFFICIAL POLICY PLEASE WAIT FOR DOCUMENTS FROM THE APPROPRIATE OFFICES.  &Բ;

  1. Approve agenda (10:45)
  2. Approve minutes from April 16
  3. Announcements
    1. Operations Update
      1. Potential for in-person Commencement; not on campus.
        1. The date range will change if we switch to an in-person Commencement; May 28-31, 2021.
        2. This decision is pending results of a poll and input from the Governor’s office.
        3. If the switch is made, everything will still be handled by Marching Order.
    2. Dean’s Report
      1. GE/Academic Senate Update
        1. Of 3 recommended policies, Senate will begin its discussion with the third policy (co-certifying US History and C3 categories).
      2. RSCA Update
        1. Most people are getting what they have requested, but there are still some issues to sort out. More updates to come.
      3. Tenure-Track Request Update
        1. We will find out more tomorrow (3/24/21).
  4. Associate Deans
    1. Academic Programs
      1. Student Showcase Update
        1. Large panels have been planned.
        2. Finalized names of faculty and students who will be participating in second sessions to Kris by Friday.
        3. Review Showcase Summary document and send any revisions to Kris.
      2. SI Sections and Reserve Capacity
        1. Need recommendations to Kris for number of SI sections.
        2. The schedule is online; college that have classes that offer online/in-person option need to determine how to evenly distribute reserve capacity.
          1. One option is to split the availability of those options between incoming students and continuing students.
          2. Please email Vanessa so that administration is aware of reserve capacity in place.
      3. Plagiarism Policy
    2. Research
  5. Hyflex Classrooms and Labs (11:00 Time Certain – Shariq Ahmed & Dennis LuPresto)
    1. 22 Hyflex classrooms available on campus; in the process of updating and outfitting classrooms.
      1. There are “low tech” options and higher tech options available.
        1. iPad on a tripod; mobile studio.
      2. Hyflex rooms are typically general large lecture classrooms (HSCI 100 & 102); not yet sure the number of students permitted at any one time in these classrooms.
        1. Lapel microphone, whiteboard-facing camera
        2. Instructor Station Cameras
      3. Smaller capacity rooms have audience-facing cameras; larger rooms do not.
        1. Ceiling-mounted microphones.
        2. Instructor Station Cameras
      4. Possible wet lab solutions:
        1. PTZ cameras can be remote controlled to move around the room.
        2. Cameras that can track the instructor.
      5. Active Learning Classroom Suggestions:
        1. Document camera above tables.
    2. Available Support
      1. Instructional videos and written documentation on ATS website.
      2. Support technician will be on site during common class times.
      3. Consultant relationship with ATS.
    3. Consider Future Application of Technology
      1. How things will change in the post-COVID era.
  6. New Business
    1. Submitted office requests are not reviewed by the Dean’s office until Fridays, please let faculty know.

Upcoming Dates:

Apr. 2 – SEF Proposals Due
Apr. 6 – SEF Discussion at CDC
Apr. 5-9 – Week of RSCA
Apr. 13 – SEF with Students
Apr. 13-15 – CNSM Showcase
Apr. 15 – Nobel Prize Lecture
May 7 – Fellows Colloquium: Michael Peterson
May 21 – Hybrid drive-thru commencement

Meeting Minutes were APPROVED on Tuesday, April 13, 2021

*Note: This reflects discussion on the date of the CDC meeting about policies, not actual policy. Faculty and staff should wait for official communication on each subject before acting.