MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

University Committee on Undergraduate Education

 MINUTES

April 24, 2014

10:15 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

Board Room, 4^th Floor Administration Building

Attending:  Henry Beckmeyer, Jan Brady, Doug Estry, Bradley Hammond, Amanda Holmstrom, Rob LaDuca, Peter Magyar, Richard Miksicek, Debra Nails, Helene Pazak, Matt Pontifex, Lynmarie Posey, Frederick Rodammer, Cynthia Taggart, Veronica Thronson, Jesenia Pizarro Terrill, Gina Vizvary, Abe Wheeler

Absent:  Eric Aronoff, Christopher Baldwin, Laura Dillon, Rita Kiki Edozie, Mitchell Goheen, Chris Melde, Renata Opoczynski, Coretta Patterson, Jason Porter, Evan Schrage, David Schweikhardt, Anita Skeen, Ryan Sweeder

The agenda was approved as amended by moving agenda item #6 to after agenda item #9.

The minutes from April 10, 2014 were approved.

Comments from the Chairperson

Chairperson Taggart reported the Committee that was working on the Academic Freedom Report took UCUE's suggeston that the "University Academic Hearing Board" be replaced with the name "UniversityAcademic Grievance Hearing Board."  Chairperson Taggart welcomed new members who will be joining UCUE for academic year 2014 – 2015.

Comments from the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education

Associate Provost Estry thanked Chairperson Taggart and Co-Chair Pontifex for their service with UCUE.  He also thanked all members of the committee for their dedication and outstanding work in support of undergraduate education.

Request to Phase Out and Discontinue the Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies (Action Item)
Gary Hoppenstand, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Letters
Jeff Grabill, Chairperson, Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures

The committee unanimously granted voice to Associate Dean Hoppenstand and Chairperson Grabill.

Associate Dean Hoppenstand began the discussion by stating that interest in the major has been declining in recent years.  When the major was created, colleges were interested in having a large number of students in classes, however there were a limited number of majors to choose from.  The core faculty in American Studies eventually moved to the English department with an attempt to bring back the American Studies major in a new form.  It was determined that students could take a number of courses in the popular culture studies area that were previously offered in the American Studies major.  Chairperson Grabill indicated that in an effort to create a program aligned with the needs of current students, faculty created a link to a film concentration.  Also, the major needed a direct connection to an employment strategy in order to be effective.

Voice was withdrawn from Associate Dean Hoppenstand and Chairperson Grabill.

The University Committee on Undergraduate Education duly considered and endorsed the Request to Phase Out and Discontinue the Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies.

Request to Phase Out and Discontinue the Undergraduate Specialization in International Business (Action Item)
John Wagner, Associate Dean, Eli Broad College of Business

Tomas Hult, Director, International Business Center

The Committee unanimously granted voice to Associate Dean Wagner and Dr. Hult.

Associate Dean Wagner indicated the College would like to discontinue the specialization in International Business since a minor is already in place.  The current specialization has served over 2,200 students through the years.  It has been determined that students are more competitive in the marketplace if they have completed a minor versus a specialization.  Dr. Hult added that  in order to obtain the minor, three additional credits will be added to the curriculum.

Voice was withdrawn from Associate Dean Wagner and Dr. Hult.

The University Committee on Undergraduate Education duly considered and endorsed the Request to Phase Out and Discontinue the Undergraduate Specialization in International Business.

Request for a New Linked Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiology and Master of Science Degree in Physiology (Action Item)
Deb Dotterer, College of Natural Science

Richard Miksicek, Associate Professor, Physiology

The committee unanimously granted voice to Ms. Dotterer and Professor Miksicek.

Ms. Dotterer and Professor Miksicek commented that, if approved, they envision the linked program would be for a small group of students.  Often the students in the linked degree are pre med.  A student will be able to complete both degrees in 10 or 11 semesters.

Professor LaDuca commented that the degree or wording should be made clear so as not to confuse students.

Voice was withdrawn from Ms. Dotterer and Professor Miksicek.

The University Committee on Undergraduate Education duly considered and endorsed as amended the Request for a New Linked Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiology and Master of Science Degree in Physiology.  The amendment reads:  The department welcomes applications from MSU Physiology and Lyman Briggs College Physiology undergraduate students.

MOOCs Subcommittee Report

See the attached document compiled by Cindy Taggart titled:  Feedback on Document Prepared by Subcommittee Discussing MOOCS and their Future at MSU

Request for an Extension on the Moratorium on Admission to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classical Studies (Action Item)
Gary Hoppenstand, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Letters

Helene Basson, Chair, Romance and Classical Studies

The committee unanimously granted voice to Associate Dean Hoppenstand and Chairperson Basson.

Associate Dean Hoppenstand indicated his support for a one-year extension on the moratorium in order to have additional time to speak with the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters regarding recruitment design, to build student numbers, and to discuss the concerns of disbanding the Classical Studies degree.  Associate Dean Hoppenstand and Chairperson Basson felt the additional year would give time to all parties involved to be able to have meaningful conversations.  Chairperson Basson indicated the department lacks faculty able to teach in the classical studies area.  One professor recently retired and another faculty person is scheduled to retire soon.  There is currently only one full-time faculty member in the classical studies area.  Chairperson Taggart pointed out that the moratorium was requested in 2010 and was extended once already.  She questioned why the departmental discussions have not yet taken place. Associate Dean Hoppenstand and Chairperson Basson simply stated that time has not been devoted to having the discussions.  Now with the threat to discontinue the program, a renewed interest in having a meaningful discussion has arisen. 

Voice was withdrawn from Associate Dean Hoppenstand and Chairperson Basson.

The University Committee on Undergraduate Education duly considered and endorsed the request for a final extension on the moratorium on admission to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies; the Committee further requests Provostial attention to the availability of ancient language instruction, which is a cross-college issue.

Election of 2014 – 2015 Officers

UCUE Chairperson:  Cynthia Taggart, Approved.

UCUE Vice Chair:  Matt Pontifex,  Approved.

UCUE faculty liaison to Athletic Council:  Fred Rodammer, Approved.

UCLL liaison to University Committee on Liberal Learning:  Abe Wheeler, Approved.

UCUE liaison to Military Education Advisory Committee:  Rob LaDuca, Approved.

Roundtable

Chairperson Taggart thanked all members whose terms were ending for their service to UCUE. 

Jan Brady reported that the construction at the football stadium is scheduled to be complete Fall, 2014.

As a follow up to the MOOCS discussion, Dr. Maygar pointed out that watching a professor lecture in an auditorium of 300 students is very similar to watching a lecture online.  The person to person contact that takes place during teaching is important and a MOOC does not provide that type of interaction.  MSU needs to continue to develop its core teaching strength. 

Respectfully submitted by Lynne Frechen