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Academic Affairs Minutes
April
4, 2006
Ellen Shanahan invited all to attend the Forum on
the Mexican art exhibition, to be held on April 13 at 12:15, as
well as the reception which will immediately follow the Forum. The
opening night of the BCC Players’ spring production, “A
Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” will be on
April 20.
Bias Incident
Susan Pinsker spoke about the bias incident on campus in which some
anti-Islamic flyers were posted in various spots on campus on two
occasions. The Diversity committee met to determine what course
of action could be taken and subsequently met with the president
and Dean Feinerman as well as the College Senate. Suggestions have
been made to deter these incidents, among them posting signs indicating
a “hate-free” campus, bringing speakers to campus to
talk about the Islamic religion and culture, integrating diversity
awareness into the curriculum, and conducting a diversity day.
Chris Laney questioned whether the posting of some
political cartoons would be permitted or appropriate. Although some
may find these offensive, opinions, if identified, should be shared
and are helpful in the learning experience. It was also suggested
that there be a bulletin board where individuals could express their
editorial opinions.
Honors Program
Stacy Evans shared that 300 letters have gone out to students eligible
for the honors program and that three honors courses will be offered
in the fall. Faculty should send students interested in joining
the honors program to meet with Stacy. The Honors committee will
be distributing the policy and guidelines for the honors program.
Educational Affairs
Annette Guertin presented three proposals for information purposes
only that have been approved for the Fall 2006 semester. Proposal
2006-1 adds Children’s Literature as an option to fulfill
the program literature requirement in the Liberal Arts Early Childhood
Education Concentration. Proposal 2006-2 changes the program requirement
of Choral Ensemble to Ensembles in the Fine Arts Music Concentration.
Proposal 2006-3 broadens the areas of study for the Fine Arts Theatre
Program.
Instructional Technology
Nancy Walker shared that Nick Langlie has resigned his position
as Coordinator of Instructional Technology in order to take a position
in New York. In order to provide coverage during the interim, Janet
Collins has been given a full-time temporary position as instructional
technology assistant. She will provide basic assistance for WebCT
needs.
Additionally, Nick has been contracted to provide assistance with
more complicated WebCT issues for 10 hours per week. It is hoped
that his position will be filled by July 1.
Bulletin Boards
Dean Feinerman will be sending out the policy regarding bulletin
boards. Faculty have been asked to identify bulletin boards specific
to their areas.
Search Committees
Search committees are being formed to interview for full-time faculty
positions in the following disciplines: Criminal Justice, ADN and
LPN Nursing, and Mathematics.
Department Chairs
Dean Feinerman announced the individuals who will take on the responsibility
of department chair for the fall 2006 semester.
Questions, Comments, and Concerns
Julie Hannum thanked faculty members for their participation in
the career day.
Dean Feinerman asked for volunteers to participate
in the Student Affairs’ retreat scheduled for June 6.
Nancy Travis shared that, although the committee has
received some papers from faculty for review of written communication,
non-comp source, others are needed. A workshop will be held at the
end of the semester; honorariums will be given for attendance and
participation. Karen Carreras-Hubbard also requested that papers
be submitted for the critical thinking competency.
Recorder: Pam Coty
March 7, 2006
Dean Feinerman announced that there will be
two all-college meetings each semester starting next fall. The dates,
to be announced, will be Thursdays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Accreditation
President Raverta announced that the NEASC report, which will focus
in part on assessment, is due on August 15. BCC will need to be
clear on how we are closing the loop; how we know students are learning;
what we do when we find out what they are learning. He and Dean
Feinerman attended a NEASC workshop two weeks ago, during which
the program review process was discussed. NEASC expects program
reviews to be done on a regular basis and include an external evaluation
and measures of program effectiveness. The external evaluation can
consist of evaluation by external accrediting agencies, review by
state boards, external consultations, benchmarking against peer
institutions, and/or analysis of best practices.
The new standards, against which BCC will be measured
for the fall 2009 accreditation visit, were also reviewed at the
workshop. President Raverta reported that these standards are more
complicated, more prescriptive and inter-related, and will necessitate
continuous effort to achieve.
Crisis Management
President Raverta indicated that the evacuation of the buildings
in response to the discovery of a small fire on campus was performed
poorly. He stressed the importance of evacuating the buildings during
an alarm. It was brought to his attention that there was confusion
because a prior announcement had been made regarding testing, and
it was suggested that notice be given only on the day of the testing.
Paterson Fitness Center
Eric Nystrom reported on the expanded services offered by the fitness
center. There are 4-6 week sessions of various group classes, among
them spinning and conditioning, abdominal and core training. The
center will be refurbished to conform to national strength and conditioning
guidelines. Eric indicated that he would be willing to work with
faculty to incorporate health/fitness techniques into classroom
activities. He offered his services to anyone who would like an
orientation or counseling on fitness or the equipment.
Core Competency 07
Dean Feinerman indicated that Dr. Sperling will be on campus on
Thursday, March 9. She will be meeting with various committees on
campus, but anyone interested in speaking to Dr. Sperling directly
should feel free to come by G-10.
Nancy Travis shared that, during last fall, a group
of faculty started work on core competency 07: source paper in a
non-composition course. Their first task was to define standards
for the competency in more detail (see attachment to the agenda).
The next step is to begin examining student work from which to draw
conclusions. In order to gather information in preparation for examining
student work, she posed several questions to the group. Her first
question was which faculty members had submitted credit for core
competency 7; she then asked if faculty members would be willing
to share samples of their students’ work. In addition, she
asked for volunteers to read through and discuss the samples of
students’ work. Assistant Dean Curley recorded the responses.
Critical Thinking
Karen Carreras-Hubbard shared the progress that the critical thinking
committee has been making. After examining many models developed
by other institutions, they chose to follow the one adopted by Delphi.
They also worked to define the standard, creating a rubric for assessing
critical thinking. She also requested volunteers willing to share
samples of their students’ work.
Dean Feinerman stressed that, in order for this project
to succeed, faculty support is needed. The core competency/portfolio
project needs to be done in such a way that it improves student
learning and the involvement of all is necessary to make it work.
Recorder: Pam Coty
February 7, 2006
Costa Rica Travel Course
Dean Feinerman introduced Tim Flanagan and Tom Tyning, both of whom
have been conducting travel study courses at the college. After
providing a brief history, Tim indicated that the objectives of
the travel study courses are (1) to provide opportunities for direct
study, (2) to observe dynamic natural systems, and (3) to develop
skills for natural science careers. A slide presentation depicting
some of the sites and students’ experiences was shown. Tom
shared that, during the trip to Costa Rica, an 18-year-old student
discovered a new species of millipede. Although the cost per student
of $2300-2500 for each of these courses may seem prohibitive, Tom
reported that the students have found creative ways to cover these
expenses.
When asked how students are evaluated for a travel
study course, Tim reported that he considers three areas: participation,
which includes behavior and developing skills; submission of a journal;
and the presentation of a research project.
Title III Collaborative Grant
Dori Digenti shared progress to date on the Title III grant, which
is a 5-year collaborative grant between GCC and BCC for $1.7M focusing
on distance learning and online student services. The culmination
of the grant will be to offer a liberal arts degree online with
courses provided by both BCC and GCC.
To date, 20 online courses have been developed by
both BCC and GCC faculty and the infrastructure has been strengthened
at both institutions. Stacy Evans spoke briefly about the benefits
she experienced in developing an online course: (1) the online discussion
groups tend to build community and students have a tendency to investigate
subject matter more independently; (2) teaching online has given
her new insights into her effectiveness as a teacher resulting in
improved teaching methods.
During year 3, web advisor equipment and software
will be purchased and installed and a pilot will be conducted. Professional
development for both faculty and staff will be expanded. Peter Hagadorn
reported that an orientation module and modules for developmental
education will also be piloted.
Instructional Technology
Dean Feinerman reported that Nick Langlie was ill and that his presentation
would be rescheduled for the next meeting. She also shared that
Andrew Howitt was seriously ill, and she was sure that good wishes
sent his way would be appreciated.
Faculty/Student Grant Initiatives
Frank Schickor and Sandy Ketcham are serving on a Foundation subcommittee
which awards grant funds to projects involving faculty working on
projects with students. In the past, these funds have supported
several initiatives, including student attendance at a math contest
and the recording of the jazz CD. Information will be forthcoming
and those interested are encouraged to apply.
Questions, Comments, and Concerns
Annette Guertin announced that, in order to meet the catalog deadline,
course and program proposals should be submitted to Ed Affairs by
March 10.
Stacy Evans announced that the deadline for abstracts
for the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference is early
March. Posters will be distributed.
Susan Pinsker announced that the calendar of events
has been delayed and asked that faculty share news of the upcoming
events with their students. She is trying to locate speakers for
a presentation on Islam.
Constance Berman indicated that the deadline for mini-sabbatical
and professional development awards will be February 21.
Tom Curley indicated that safety issues with the theater
equipment are being resolved.
Recorder: Pam Coty
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