General Education Council

Minutes <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:date Month="10" Day="17" Year="2005">10/17/2005</st1:date>

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Present: P. Cox, R. Cole, L. Fuller, G. Graham, D. Parsons

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1.� Announcements/Reports

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Pam Cox was welcomed as the Business rep for a 3-year term.

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No Humanities rep has been elected, as yet.

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Cole distributed the letter from Provost Salins that rolled the date by which campuses must submit Strengthened Assessment Plans from November, 2005 to February, 2006.

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2.� GLS100 Global Cities was considered for inclusion in the Humanities category.� These had come before the Council and there was general support at that time, but members wanted to see actual syllabi to get a sense of the humanities components.� The Council reviewed syllabi for <st1:City><st1:place>Paris</st1:place></st1:City>, <st1:City><st1:place>Rome</st1:place></st1:City>, <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City>, and <st1:City><st1:place>Moscow</st1:place></st1:City> versions of the course.�

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The course was approved 4-0-0.

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3.� The request that Music majors be exempt from �baseline� Computer & Information Literacy was considered.� This request was premised on them being required to take MUS 206 Introduction to <st1:place>MIDI</st1:place> and MUS 113 Introduction to Music Literature and History.

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Conditional approval was given, 4-0-0.

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The Music department needs to clarify why the catalog does not show that majors are required to take these courses.� Some members of the Council believe that these changes to the major were discussed and approved at Faculty Assembly.

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The Council will also ask that the Music department consider adding the words �Research skills� to the course outline for MUS 113.� Specifically,

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a)� SECTION III. COURSE DESCRIPTION the last sentence should be recast to read:� �Research skills, writing styles and documentation appropriate to the field of music will be introduced.

b) SECTION VI. COURSE OBJECTIVES H. should be recast to read:� �Research, discuss and write about music in an organized and intelligent manner��

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4.� MUS 382 Recording Technology I for inclusion in the Writing Plan, Level 2 was discussed.� While the memo and class assignment from Dan Wood give a sense of the thrust of the course, the working syllabus is too sparse to get a full appreciation for the course objectives.� The Music department will be asked to forward a copy of the UCC Course Outline for MUS 382.<o:p></o:p>

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5.� THT 359 Costumes & Culture for II�C&C and HD-GIGA was discussed.� This is a resubmission and the department has implemented the suggested originally made by the Council.

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The course was approved 4-0-0.

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6.� The Council reviewed BIO 289 Computer Applications in Biology for inclusion in the forthcoming category of Computer and Information Literacy.

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The course was approved 4-0-0, effective fall, 2006.

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7.� POL 303 Ancient & Medieval Political Thought was discussed for inclusion in the Western Heritage category.� The course aligns with System learning outcomes, and matches the content of others approved courses in this area.

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Because one voting member left to teach a class, there was discussion about how many people constituted a quorum.� It was generally believed that that 4 of the 6 voting members needed to be present.� But on the chance that only 3 of 6 were need a vote took place.� The course was approved 3-0-0, pending clarification from chairs of PPC & FA regarding what constitutes a quorum on a Faculty Assembly Council.

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[Directors note:� Joan Carroll and Susan Camp ruled that 4 of 6 members must be present to have a vote.� Hence, this item will be re-introduced at a subsequent Council meeting.]

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Respectfully submitted,

Robert Cole

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General Education Council

Minutes <st1:date Month="10" Day="21" Year="2005">10/21/2005</st1:date>

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Present: P. Cox, R. Cole, C. Hirsch, R. Mandel

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1.� No quorum was attained.

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2.� Mandel overviewed GenEd assessment requirements from SUNY System Administration and our campus plans.

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Respectfully submitted,

Robert Cole

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General Education Council

Minutes <st1:date Month="10" Day="26" Year="2005">10/26/2005</st1:date>

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Present: P. Cox, R. Cole, L. Fuller, C. Hirsch, R. Mandel, D. Parsons

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1.� Minutes from <st1:date Month="10" Day="17" Year="2005">10/17/05</st1:date> were approved 4-0-0.

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2.� Announcements/Reports

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Cole will check into possibly using the Critical Thinking ACT exam to replace the �blue book� waiver exam we currently offer.

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3.� POL 303�� Ancient & Medieval Political Thought was reintroduced for deliberation because a quorum was lost at the previous Council meeting.

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The course was approved for inclusion in the Western Heritage category, 4-0-0.

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4.� Writing/Oral Comm Plan additions BIO 460 Conservation Biology and ZOO 370 Comparative Anatomy seem appropriate for �Level 2.�� However, course proposals are need for each to demonstrate that the writing components have been covered in the list of learning objectives.

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5.� BIO 207 Understanding Evolution for KF Natural Sciences was provisionally approved 4-0-0.

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The course proposal needs to contain a learning outcomes statement to the effect that �students will be made aware of the methods scientist use to study evolution.�

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6.� The Council reviewed BIO 289 Computer Applications in Biology for inclusion in the forthcoming category of Computer and Information Literacy.

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The course was provisionally approved 4-0-0, effective fall, 2006.

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The course proposal needs to contain a learning outcomes statement to the effect that �students will become familiar with library electronic databases.�

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Respectfully submitted,

Robert Cole

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General Education Council

Minutes <st1:date Month="10" Day="31" Year="2005">10/31/2005</st1:date>

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Present: R. Cole, G. Graham, C. Hirsch, L. Fuller, R. Mandel, D. Parsons

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1.� General discussion about allowing double-dips across GenEd categories.� In question are HIS202, HIS203, MUS117, PBJ463, WST300, PHY303.

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Points made included contrasting opinions on depth/ breadth versus economy for students.� Some questioned the burden on students in 3-2 programs who cannot� take advantage of double dips.

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Cole will pull number of actual students enroll in these courses.� He will also talk with chairs/directors in majors where this might have greatest impact.

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Item was tabled.

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Respectfully submitted,

Robert Cole

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General Education Council

Minutes <st1:date Month="10" Day="31" Year="2005">10/31/2005</st1:date>

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Present: R. Cole, G. Graham, C. Hirsch, L. Fuller, R. Mandel, D. Parsons

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1.� General discussion about allowing double-dips across GenEd categories.� In question are HIS202, HIS203, MUS117, PBJ463, WST300, PHY303.

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Points made included contrasting opinions on depth/ breadth versus economy for students.� Some questioned the burden on students in 3-2 programs who cannot� take advantage of double dips.

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Cole will pull number of actual students enroll in these courses.� He will also talk with chairs/directors in majors where this might have greatest impact.

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Item was tabled.

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Respectfully submitted,

Robert Cole

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General Education Council

Minutes <st1:date Month="11" Day="30" Year="2005">11/30/2005</st1:date>

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Present: R. Cole, P. Cox, C. Hirsch, L. Fuller, R. Mandel, D. Parsons

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Mandel presented the Council with the options available for Strengthened Campus-Based Assessment of Critical Thinking, Writing, and Mathematics.� She also shared the views of faculty from these areas with whom she had consulted prior to developing the Plan that must be submitted to System Administration in February, 2006.

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The Council endorsed using �a rubric and standards determined by discipline-based panels of faculty� for Critical Thinking and Writing.� The Council, through subsequent email communication, endorsed using a �Nationally-Normed Exam� for Mathematics.

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Mandel will present this plan to Faculty Assembly for approval prior to filing the report with System Administration.

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The Council voted to move forward with a proposal to �infuse� Critical Thinking.� The proposal to be presented at Faculty Assembly will read:

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SUNY Oswego General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Recommendation for<o:p></o:p>

INFUSION OF CRITICAL THINKING<o:p></o:p>

Effective AY 2007-2008<o:p></o:p>

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Wherein students will:<o:p></o:p>

Learning Outcome #1- - identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments as they occur in their<o:p></o:p>

�� own or others' work;<o:p></o:p>

Learning Outcome #2 - - develop well-reasoned arguments.<o:p></o:p>

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I. Redistribution of the General Education Competency of �Critical Thinking.�<o:p></o:p>

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A. The General Education category currently named �Critical Thinking� shall be dissolved and a discrete collection of �critical thinking� courses shall no longer be maintained by the General Education Council.<o:p></o:p>

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B. Major programs of study will �infuse� �Critical Thinking� in their curricula.<o:p></o:p>

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C. Major programs of study will identify Student Learning Outcomes associated with �Critical Thinking.�<o:p></o:p>

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1. Department/Program statements for �Critical Thinking� learning outcomes will include the SUNY-GER Learning Outcomes � Students will: - identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments as they occur in their own or others' work; - develop well-reasoned arguments.<o:p></o:p>

2. Departments/Programs of study are encouraged to establish �Critical Thinking� requirements that exceed SUNY-GER minimums.<o:p></o:p>

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D. Major programs of study will assess Student Learning Outcomes associated with �Critical Thinking.�<o:p></o:p>

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1. Department/Program assessment plans will incorporate the SUNY System Administration rubric for evaluating students� abilities to meet �Critical Thinking� learning outcomes.<o:p></o:p>

2. Assessment data for �Critical Thinking� shall be aggregated and submitted to SUNY System Administration in a timely manner.<o:p></o:p>

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E. Articulated transfer students will continue to receive �infusion� status for �Critical Thinking.�<o:p></o:p>

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3. There was discussion about the interpretation of the �85� score on Regents.� Is <st1:City><st1:place>Oswego</st1:place></st1:City>�s policy to be understood that students are exempt from additional Foreign Language if they scored 85 on the Regents exam AND studies for another year of the same language?� Or, is a �decent� score on the Regents exam plus an additional year of study adequate?

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Cole will sample some incoming folders to get a sense of� how the students break down.

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4. Discussion focused on the request that TESOL students be granted an exemption for Human Diversity�Tolerance & Intolerance in the <st1:country-region><st1:place>U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region>

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The exemption was approved 4-0-0.

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No quorum on <st1:date Month="11" Day="11" Year="2005">11/11/05</st1:date> or <st1:date Month="11" Day="21" Year="2005">11/21/05</st1:date>

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Respectfully submitted,

Robert Cole

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<st1:PersonName>Rob</st1:PersonName>ert Cole

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General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Minutes <st1:date Month="2" Day="13" Year="2006">02/13/2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p>

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Present: L. Bacher, R. Cole, P. Cox, C. Hirsch, L. Fuller, R. <st1:PersonName>Mandel</st1:PersonName>, D. Parsons, G. Whittingham<o:p></o:p>

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1.� Minutes of 11/30-2005 were approved<o:p></o:p>

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2.� Announcements: <o:p></o:p>

Leigh Bacher was welcomed as the one-semester sabbatical replacement for Graham.<o:p></o:p>

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Georgina Whittingham was welcomed�she had teaching conflicts with the fall meetings, which had already been scheduled by the time Faculty Assembly elected her.<o:p></o:p>

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<st1:PersonName>Chris</st1:PersonName> LaLonde <st1:PersonName>will</st1:PersonName> take over as the Director of General Education, beginning Fall 2006.� This is a three-year appointment.<o:p></o:p>

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2.� The Council discussed the Add/Drop options that faculty can place on the courses they teach.� It was agreed that General Education courses should be open for adding and dropping without instructor permission during the regular campus Add/Drop periods.� <o:p></o:p>

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Cole <st1:PersonName>will</st1:PersonName> work with the Registrar to have policy effected and to notify instructors.<o:p></o:p>

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3.� The <st1:PersonName>UCC</st1:PersonName> course outline for MUS 382� Recording Technology was submitted to the Council for consideration as part of the department�s Writing Plan, in Category II.� This submission was in response to the Council�s previous deliberations on this matter.� The minutes from <st1:date Month="10" Day="17" Year="2005">10/17/2005</st1:date> read<o:p></o:p>

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MUS 382 Recording Technology I for inclusion in the Writing Plan, Level 2 was discussed.� While the memo and class assignment from Dan Wood give a sense of the thrust of the course, the working syllabus is too sparse to get a full appreciation for the course objectives.� The Music department <st1:PersonName>will</st1:PersonName> be asked to forward a copy of the UCC Course Outline for MUS 382.<o:p></o:p>

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The UCC course outline, like the previous materials, is very skeletal in nature.� Furthermore, there is no clear specification for the writing components required in the course, or the percentage value writing holds in grade calculations.<o:p></o:p>

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Writing assignments for Category II should be developmental in nature, generate feedback from the evaluator, and allow for rewriting.� For this course to be added to the Writing Plan, the UCC course outline needs to codify the nature and extent of the writing activities.<o:p></o:p>

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As an aside, the memo from Dan Wood implies that the major writing project in his course is a �final written assignment.�� An 8-10 page paper turned in at the conclusion of the course does not allow students to develop their writing.<o:p></o:p>

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Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p>

Robert Cole<o:p></o:p>

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General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Minutes <st1:date Month="2" Day="21" Year="2006">02/21/2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p>

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Present: L. Bacher, D. Bozak, R. Cole, P. Cox, C. Hirsch, L. Fuller, R. <st1:PersonName>Mandel</st1:PersonName>, D. Parsons, G. Whittingham<o:p></o:p>

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1.� Minutes of <st1:date Month="2" Day="13" Year="2006">2/13/2006</st1:date> were approved<o:p></o:p>

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2.� CHI 201/202, FRE 201/202, JPN 201/202, SPA 201/202 were reviewed for inclusion in the Humanities category.� The courses had been �de-listed� effective fall 2006, in response to System Administrations concerns that there was a lack of �humanities� focus.<o:p></o:p>

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The revised course syllabi were approved for inclusion as GenEd Humanities, pending receipt from the MLL department of new course outlines in the standard UCC Proposal format, including a bibliography.� Upon receipt of the outlines, the registrar will be notified of our decision, and the category designation will become effective.� The revised outlines should also be submitted to UCC for their approval (including GER201/202).<o:p></o:p>

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3. ANT 335 Experimental Archaeology was reviewed for II�ENS.� While there was enthusiasm for the potential this course holds in terms of Intellectual Issues, there remain a few concerns.<o:p></o:p>

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A.� The prerequisite for 9 Social & Behavioral Sciences hours is too much.� Consider reducing this to 6 hours, which is the minimal amount students will have after completing their Knowledge Foundations portion of General Education.� Also, consider including, �or permission of instructor� to accommodate transfer students.<o:p></o:p>

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B.� In the Course Description there is no indication of the types of learning activities the students will engage in, nor is there a statement about teaching methods.� Consider adding these items, thereby demonstrating that the course meets the guidelines of an Intellectual Issues course in terms of active learning.<o:p></o:p>

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C.� The Course Description lays out seven segments or topics for the course, but it is unclear what issue(s) under girds, or organizes the course.� The guidelines state that an Intellectual Issues course� �will entail rigorous, multidisciplinary explorations of important themes, issues, or questions� in the Natural Sciences� engage[ing] students as active learners in the arguments, debates, and controversies that emerge when different perspectives are brought to bear on complex issues.�� Consider how the Course Description can be recast to make more evident the organizing �issues� that drive ANT 335.<o:p></o:p>

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4.� There was discussion regarding waiver exams for the new �Computer & Information Literacy� category.� Cole will check into the ETS exam.� He will also invite Rameen Mohammadi (CS) & Karen Shockey (Library) to a future meeting to discuss this.<o:p></o:p>

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Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p>

Robert Cole<o:p></o:p>

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General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Minutes <st1:date Month="2" Day="28" Year="2006">02/28/2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p>

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Present: L. Bacher, R. Cole, C. Hirsch, L. Fuller, R. <st1:PersonName>Mandel</st1:PersonName>, D. Parsons, G. Whittingham<o:p></o:p>

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1.� The Council was alerted that in reporting out to Faculty Assembly its decision to limit the �Add� option on GenEd courses, concerns were raised and a request was made to bring this to a full vote of the FA.

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2.� There was a general discussion about the history of Writing Across the Curriculum, its present status, assessment, and its future direction.� It was agreed that the formation of a Task Force would be requested of Faculty Assembly.� It was agreed that Cole & Mandel would work on a document to submit to the FA (see below).

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Request to Create a Writing Across the Curriculum Task Force<o:p></o:p>

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The General Education Council calls upon the Faculty Assembly to request the creation of a Writing Across the Curriculum Task Force whose charge shall be to<o:p></o:p>

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A) Examine the need for the re-formation a Writing Across the Curriculum Committee<o:p></o:p>

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B) If, upon determination that such a Committee is needed,<o:p></o:p>

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1. Define the mission of the Committee<o:p></o:p>

2. Define the membership of the Committee<o:p></o:p>

3. Charge the Committee with reviewing<o:p></o:p>

a. the existing Writing Across the Curriculum guidelines<o:p></o:p>

b. assessment procedures for Writing Plans in the majors<o:p></o:p>

c. faculty development<o:p></o:p>

d. the need for a <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Writing</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place><o:p></o:p>

e. the staffing of a Writing Specialist<o:p></o:p>

f. other related Writing Across the Curriculum issues, as appropriate<o:p></o:p>

4. Establish a timetable for the Committee to complete its work<o:p></o:p>

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C)� Complete its work and cease to exist by December, 2006<o:p></o:p>

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Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p>

Robert Cole<o:p></o:p>

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General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Minutes <st1:date Month="3" Day="20" Year="2006">03/20/2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p>

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Present: L. Bacher, R. Cole, P. Cox, C. Hirsch, L. Fuller, R. <st1:PersonName>Mandel</st1:PersonName>, D. Parsons, G. Whittingham<o:p></o:p>

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1.� Minutes of <st1:date Month="2" Day="21" Year="2006">2/21/2006</st1:date> were approved 6-0-0

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2.� Minutes of <st1:date Month="2" Day="28" Year="2006">2/28/2006</st1:date> were approved 6-0-0

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3.� Announcements/Reports

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a.� Faculty Assembly members� resistance to allowing a change in open web registration for all GenEd courses was reported.� The GenEd Council�s request that all such courses be designated �Option 1� was tabled by Faculty Assembly until a discussion of the existing �Add� policy could be reviewed.� Meanwhile, Cole will speak with Andy Westfall to determine how many GenEd courses typically require permission of instructor.

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b.� A GenEd retreat will be scheduled for April or May.� Cole will solicit availability from Council members.

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4.� Parsons was elected chair of the Council for the remainder of the academic year.

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5.� Cole shared information regarding the ETS Information and Communication Technology Literacy exam.� The cognitive and technical skills the exam measures are good ones.� There is some question about the usefulness of the exam as a �waiver� instrument, and/or an assessment tool for <st1:City><st1:place>Oswego</st1:place></st1:City>�s �baseline� GenEd requirement.� Rameen Muhammadi (Computer Science) and Karen Shockey (Penfield Library) will be asked to share their opinions on the exam when they meet with the Council.

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There is a period from April 5-<st1:date Month="5" Day="5" Year="2006">May 5, 2006</st1:date> during which the administration of the exam will be free to institutions.� Cole will check into how we could take advantage of this.

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6.� The revised outline for MUS 323 Women and Music was reviewed for continued inclusion in the Music Department�s Writing Plan at Level 2.� This was approved 6-0-0.

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7.� The revised outline for MUS 323 Women and Music was reviewed for inclusion in Intellectual Issues � Self and Society.� The course was approved 6-0-0.

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Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p>

Robert Cole<o:p></o:p>

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General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Minutes <st1:date Month="3" Day="20" Year="2006">03/20/2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p>

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Present: L. Bacher, R. Cole, P. Cox, C. Hirsch, L. Fuller, R. <st1:PersonName>Mandel</st1:PersonName>, D. Parsons, G. Whittingham<o:p></o:p>

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1.� Minutes of <st1:date Month="2" Day="21" Year="2006">2/21/2006</st1:date> were approved 6-0-0

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2.� Minutes of <st1:date Month="2" Day="28" Year="2006">2/28/2006</st1:date> were approved 6-0-0

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3.� Announcements/Reports

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b.� A GenEd retreat will be scheduled for April or May.� Cole will solicit availability from Council members.

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4.� Parsons was elected chair of the Council for the remainder of the academic year.

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6.� The revised outline for MUS 323 Women and Music was reviewed for continued inclusion in the Music Department�s Writing Plan at Level 2.� This was approved 6-0-0.

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7.� The revised outline for MUS 323 Women and Music was reviewed for inclusion in Intellectual Issues � Self and Society.� The course was approved 6-0-0.

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Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p>

<st1:PersonName>Rob</st1:PersonName>ert Cole

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General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Minutes <st1:date Month="3" Day="29" Year="2006">03/29/2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p>

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Present: L. Bacher, D. Bozak, R. Cole, C. Hirsch, L. Fuller, D. Parsons, G. Whittingham<o:p></o:p>

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1.� Minutes of <st1:date Month="3" Day="20" Year="2006">3/20/2006</st1:date> were approved 5-0-0

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2.� Announcements/Reports

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Faculty Assembly approved the request to create a Task for examining the need for a WAC Committee.� The GenEd Council�s request to infuse critical thinking was introduced.� Preliminary discussion took place and a full debate and vote is scheduled for April 10^th.

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3.� Cole provided more information regarding the ETS Information and Communication Technology Literacy exam.�� From April 5-<st1:date Month="5" Day="5" Year="2006">May 5, 2006</st1:date> the pilot administration of the exam is free to institutions.�� Only the �Core Academic Assessment� portion is being given.� This is the exam that is appropriate for students in High School, Community College, or Freshmen and Sophomores at a 4-year school.� In other words, this is what we have students take, if we were to grant a waiver of CSC101, or to assess students after taking CSC101.� ETS requires a minimum of 100 students to take the test, and it must be proctored for its 75-minute duration.

<o:p> </o:p>

While the offer of a free period for the exam is attractive, the mechanics of rounding up 100 students, providing computer locations for them, and proctoring the exam seems too daunting.� The difficulties of using existing CSC101 students for the exam were echoed by Rameen Muhammadi from the Computer Sciences department.

<o:p> </o:p>

4.� Guests Rameen Muhammadi from Computer Science and Jim Nichols from Penfield Library (Karen Shockey from Penfield Library could not attend) provided their views on developing a waiver �waiver� instrument for Oswego�s �baseline� Compuiter and Information Literacy GenEd requirement.

�

The essence of the problem is that the computer literacy exam we have traditionally used for granting waivers does not measure information management skills.� Natalie Sturr from Penfield Library provides a brief lecture (15-30 minutes) prior to administering an ICT test.� The possibility of having students sit through this lecture and then take both the computer skills test and the ICT exam was discussed.� There is concern on the Council that true information management skills, which require at least 1 credit hour worth of work to acquire, cannot be developed in a brief lecture immediately after which an exam is administered.

��

The most concrete suggestion was to explore the development of a 1-credit �Hybrid� course in information management/information literacy.� Students who passed the computer exam would subsequently enroll for the 1-credit quarter course.� Passing the course would grant them a waiver (and have the bonus of adding an hour toward their graduation requirements).� The course, offered at, say a 200 level, would be modeled after the existing 1-credit �GST 300 Library Research Techniques.�� The new course would be open to any student, not limited to students seeking a GenEd waiver.

<o:p> </o:p>

Perhaps the course could be designated �GST 200 Introduction to Library Research Techniques,� and the existing course could be renamed �GST 300 Advanced Library Research Techniques.�<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Cole will continue discussions with the library folks about the feasibility of such a course, and he will explore securing development money for the course.

<o:p> </o:p>

Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p>

Robert Cole<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Minutes <st1:date Month="3" Day="29" Year="2006">03/29/2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Present: L. Bacher, D. Bozak, R. Cole, C. Hirsch, L. Fuller, D. Parsons, G. Whittingham<o:p></o:p>

�<o:p></o:p>

1.� Minutes of <st1:date Month="3" Day="20" Year="2006">3/20/2006</st1:date> were approved 5-0-0

�<o:p></o:p>

2.� Announcements/Reports

<o:p> </o:p>

�

��

<o:p> </o:p>

Cole will continue discussions with the library folks about the feasibility of such a course, and he will explore securing development money for the course.

<o:p> </o:p>

Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p>

Robert Cole<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Minutes <st1:date Month="4" Day="17" Year="2006">04/17/2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Present: L. Bacher, R. Cole, L. Fuller, C. Hirsch, R. Mandel, D. Parsons, G. Whittingham<o:p></o:p>

�

<o:p> </o:p>

1.� Minutes from <st1:date Month="3" Day="29" Year="2006">3/29/06</st1:date> were approved 5-0-0

<o:p> </o:p>

2.� Discussion of how Faculty Assembly will constitute a Writing Across the Curriculum Task Force was discussed.

<o:p> </o:p>

3.� Cole and Mandel will meet in early May with the library folks to explore the possibility of a 1-credit Information Literacy course.

<o:p> </o:p>

4.� There was some brief brainstorming of Program 2011 & Beyond.� Cole asked that ideas be forwarded to him for compilation.

<o:p> </o:p>

5.� Music 320 Music in the Renaissance was considered for approval as Intellectual Issues�Cultures & Civilizations.

<o:p> </o:p>

It was not clear what the �issues� in the course were.� For example, �What is Humanism� or �What is Nationalism & Internationalism� two topics from the course outline don�t appear to be contested, at least the their presentation to the students.

<o:p> </o:p>

The course was not approved, 5-0-0.

<o:p> </o:p>

Cole will work the department to help them think about ways to reshape the course.� The department�s representative will also be invited to attend an upcoming Council meeting, if they wish to further discuss the course.

<o:p> </o:p>

6.� MUS 329� Music & Politics was approved for Intellectual Issues�Cultures & Civilizations.

<o:p> </o:p>

7.� The request to allow MUS 329� Music & Politics to continue as a Level II writing course was tabled pending further clarification from the department as to the extent and nature of the writing requirements of the class.

<o:p> </o:p>

Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p>

Robert Cole<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Minutes <st1:date Month="4" Day="25" Year="2006">04/25/2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Present: L. Bacher, D. Bozak, R. Cole, L. Fuller, C. Hirsch, G. Whittingham<o:p></o:p>

�

<o:p> </o:p>

1.� Announcements/Reports

<o:p> </o:p>

Faculty Assembly made no progress on the request to infuse critical thinking.

The agenda for the upcoming retreat was distributed.

<o:p> </o:p>

2.� ART 380 Intro to Museum Studies was denied by system Administration for approval as a Humanities courses because it appears too applied in nature.� It was agreed not to ask for arbitration of this decision.

<o:p> </o:p>

3.� An exemption for� Computer and Information Literacy Information has been given to BA and BFA Art and Graphic Design majors.� These students must complete ART207, which was reviewed for the extent to which it meets all three learning outcomes.� 4-0-0.

<o:p> </o:p>

4.� Background information was provided regarding the efforts of the chair of the Communication Studies department to develop an oral communication lab.� There was Council support for the concept and the director was approved to write a generic letter of endorsement.

<o:p> </o:p>

5.� Cole said he was willing to write letters detailing Council members� levels of service to place in their portfolio.� If interested, members should contact him.

<o:p> </o:p>

Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p>

Robert Cole<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

General Education Council<o:p></o:p>

Minutes <st1:date Month="5" Day="10" Year="2006">05/10/2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Present: L. Bacher, R. Cole, L. Fuller, C. Hirsch, R. Mandel, D. Parsons, G. Whittingham<o:p></o:p>

�

1.� Minutes from the <st1:date Month="4" Day="25" Year="2006">4/25/06</st1:date> meeting were approved 4-0-0<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

2.� Announcements/Reports

<o:p> </o:p>

a. Cole reported that he and Mandel met with the library folks.� They�ve offered to

schedule workshops in the fall of 2006 for the information literacy component of the waiver exam.� Students who pass the computer literacy exam would then take a workshop and have to pass an accom<st1:PersonName>pan</st1:PersonName>ying test in order to get a category waiver.

<o:p> </o:p>

This stop-gap measure <st1:PersonName>will</st1:PersonName> allow the <st1:PersonName>GenEd Council</st1:PersonName> to spend more time considering the ETS exam as a waiver instrument.� It <st1:PersonName>will</st1:PersonName> also give the library staff time to think about developing a 1-credit Introduction to Library Skills course.

<o:p> </o:p>

b. Cole distributed a letter from a student describing her/his experiences with an Intellectual Issues course.� The document should be considered as one artifact among many in discussing the future of this GenEd category.

<o:p> </o:p>

c. Cole passed out information regarding the length of time left in each term on the Council.�� After Academic Year 2005-2006 these two <st1:PersonName>GenEd Council</st1:PersonName> terms <st1:PersonName>will</st1:PersonName> expire:

<o:p> </o:p>

<st1:place><st1:PlaceType>School</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName>Education</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> -- Dennis Parsons (2003-2006)

A&S Fine Arts/Library -- <st1:PersonName><st1:PersonName>Chris</st1:PersonName>tine Hirsch</st1:PersonName> (2003-2006)

<o:p> </o:p>

Terms expiring after AY 2006-2007 are:

A&S Natural Sciences -- <st1:City><st1:place>Lawrence</st1:place></st1:City> Fuller (2004-2007)

A&S Social Sciences -- Glenn Graham (2004-2007)

<o:p> </o:p>

Terms expiring after AY 2007-2008 are:

A&S Humanities -- <st1:place>Georgina</st1:place> Whittingham (2005-2008)

<st1:place><st1:PlaceType>School</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName>Business</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> -- Pamela Cox (2005-2008)

<o:p> </o:p>

d. Bacher reported that she has been charged with convening the WAC Task Force.

<o:p> </o:p>

e. Fuller, Hirsch, & Parsons reported that Faculty Assembly had moved deliberations on the Critical Thinking Infusion proposal to the fall of 2006 because the Assembly had pressing business that needed to be completed.

<o:p> </o:p>

3.� MUS 320 Music in the Renaissance for Humanities was reviewed and approved for inclusion

in the category of Humanities.

<o:p> </o:p>

4.� Academic Policies Council as that the <st1:PersonName>GenEd Council</st1:PersonName> examine including MAT 158 & MAT 258 for GenEd Math.� Cole distributed descriptions of these courses, along with the Board of Trustees� learning outcomes for the Math category.

<o:p> </o:p>

Because of time limits, there was little discussion of this matter.� The issues <st1:PersonName>will</st1:PersonName> be taken up in the fall, and the Math department <st1:PersonName>will</st1:PersonName> be invited to consult on the item.

<o:p> </o:p>

Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p>

<st1:PersonName>Rob</st1:PersonName>ert Cole