Present: Susan Coultrap-McQuin (presiding), Michael Ameigh (recording), Rolando Arroyo-Sucre , William Bosch (CELT), Lanny Karns, David King, Rhonda Mandel, Linda Rae Markert, Mark "Ted" Morey, (COLT) Maria Nakamura, Mehran Nojan, Walter Opello, Yvonne Petrella, Mary Schoeler, Sara Varhus.

1 - Mark Morey, co-chair of the Committee on Learning and Teaching, administered a survey on "learning-centeredness" to the Council.  All members were asked to respond to a variety of questions related to the quality of education at SUNY Oswego.  The survey is being conducted on numerous levels across campus with input from students, faculty and staff.  COLT will report findings at a future date in a summary document for presentation to the campus community.

2 - Susan congratulated the School of Business for its impressive showing as a top tier program according to a new publication of The Princeton Review titled "Best 143 Business Schools" published this month by Random House.

3 - A draft of the posting for the search for Dean of Graduate Studies was discussed.  A number of changes and clarifications were proposed.  A revised draft will be distributed.

4 - Discussion on current professional development activities (continued):  Susan asked the Council to describe the purpose of professional development activities on campus as we begin thinking about what might need to be added or changed. One purpose is to improve teaching/pedagogical skills. A list of related activities and initiatives across units was then assembled informally:

·        departmental mentors;

·        funding of travel for untenured faculty to development workshops, conferences;

·        grants specifically aimed at improving teaching and scholarship;

·        "brown bag" events such as study groups, discussion panels;

·        formal instruction such as CourseSpace training;

·        library resources including in-person seminars and online databases.

Other purposes identified included expanding research activities and encouraging outreach.

Susan asked what expectations could we support through professional training.  Responses:

·        training for advisement;

·        mentoring of new faculty;

·        training for the first year experience;

·        "Catalyst" project;

·        breakfast meetings with external constituencies.

Susan asked that lists of active professional training and enhancement opportunities be sent electronically to the Provost's Office (Rhonda is compiling for our next discussion in a couple of weeks).

-Adjourned