Liberal Studies Program Committee

Old Main—Room 304

March 6, 2007

Attendance:  Langdon Smith, Susan Parsons, Julie Snow, Jace Condravy, Jesus Valencia, Sharon Sykora, Deborah Wells, Catherine Massey, Chris Kreiser, Donald Zapien

Guests:  Alice Kaiser-Drobney, Donald Tompkins

L. Smith called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.

I.  Old Business

A.     Approval of minutes from February 13, 2007

A motion was called to approve the minutes from February 13, 2007

First:  J. Condravy

Second:  S. Parsons

All approved, motion passed.

II.  New Business

A.     Professional Studies

Request for approval of goal course in the Challenges of the Modern Age block:  Change Agents in Modern Organizations (73-325).  While the Committee acknowledged the benefits of this class, serious questions were raised regarding the assessment of the course, as well as whether it was appropriate for the Liberal Studies Program, and the title of the course itself.

A motion was called to table the request until further changes could be made.

First:  J. Condravy

Second:  C. Massey

All approved, motion passed.

B.     Professional Studies

Request for approval of goal course in the Challenges of the Modern Age block:  Grant Writing and Resource Development (73-325).  While the Committee acknowledged the value of this class, serious concerns were expressed regarding both the assessment of the course, as well as whether it was appropriate for the Liberal Studies Program.  Therefore, the Committee advised A. Drobney to refocus the course, making it broader and less “how to,” and also requested she narrow her assessment, focusing on specific outcomes for specific assignments. 

A motion was called to table the request until further changes could be made.

First:  S. Parsons

Second:  J. Condravy

All approved, motion passed.

C.     LSPC Assessment Plan

The Committee discussed recent additions to the Assessment plan instructions available on the I-drive, noting that directions addressing the format of file names for course assessments was added.  The Committee also discussed sending the instructions to department chairs to aid in assessment planning.  Finally, C. Kreiser suggested that a “general advice” section be added to the document to address common problems and concerns.

D.     Liberal Studies Five-year Program Review

L. Smith updated the Committee on the review process and Dr. David Starrett’s schedule.  L. Smith requested Committee participation during the faculty reception at the Alumni House from 4-5 p.m. on Monday, March 19, as well as at the Liberal Studies Committee lunch at the Staff Club from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, and finally during the exit interview in Old Main room 304 from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20. 

            E.  Miscellaneous

A motion was called to add an additional meeting date to the spring schedule for April 3, 2007.

First:  J. Snow

Second:  J. Condravy

One opposed, motion passed.

L. Smith called a motion to adjourn the meeting.

First:  J. Valencia

Second:  C. Kreiser

All approved, motion passed.

Adjourned 3:50 p.m.

Recorded and submitted by Katie Thomas (GA)