2015-2016 Senators in Attendance: K. Adu, S. Anglin, M. Arter, G. Baird, I. Basak, P. Basak, S. Bonta, D. Brinkel, J. L. Campbell, J. Carnicella, K. Chick, M. Comanescu, S. Corle, A. Cox, S. Dillen, W. Dorabiala, A.R. Eckenrode, W. Engelbret, T. Elkin, L. Emili, B. Englebret, S. Findley, C. Freie, J. Gil, L. Haefner, M. Harris, J. Huffman, I. Hurd, D. Hurtibise, T. Krainer, L. Jacobson, M. Johnson, A. Marvasti, M. McNicholas, S. Mohammed, K. Moist, K. Musset, M. Nemanic, J. O’Harrow, C. Oliver, D. Parry, K. Pearson, J. Peca, B. Pinter, M. Probst, N. Pyeatt, E. Seymour, S. Shepro, E. Siegfried, B. Trumpbour, J. Vallejera , J. Weiss, W. White, F. Zaffino, A. Zanin-YostY. Zhu
Senators Absent: S. Bonta, P. Das , J. Lockard, C. Mahan, D. Page, S. Rizvi, J. Rosson, E. Siegfried, R. Singer
Also in Attendance:
University Faculty Senators:
V. Brunsden, N. Rowland, B. Seymour
Ex-Officio:
B. Black, P. Hopsicker, E. Levri, J. Ryoo, B. Wiens-Tuers, D. Zimmerman
Visitors:
B. Baird, J. Sinclair, P. Moran, J. Scott, B. Happeny, B. Pinter, L. Emili
Amir called meeting to Order (12:18 pm)
Roll Call (via sign-in sheet)
Approval of the Minutes—Approved
Announcements from the Chair
Invited Speakers (15 minutes)
Joanne Peca: Two-Factor Authentication and Other Computer Security Measures
- Been here 6 years; always trying to increase the security profile at PSA;
- Put together 10 points for improving security profile
- This is an opt-in approach where we call the IT Helpdesk and request to be transitioned into system, e.g., administrative rights, using UCS e-mail/webmail, two-factor authentication, re-setting password questions.
- A key issue discussed is the need to use the UCS e-mail system browser interface rather than the desktop version in order to keep e-mail from downloading to individual machines; the UCS system allows e-mails to remain on a mail server avoiding problems with e-mails that contain SSN or other private forms of data that would “contaminate” individual machines.
- Amir reinforced Joanne’s message about the importance of this security
Joseph Scott: CANVAS Training
- Goal to have everyone trained by Fall 2016
- What’s the same—names change, but the core learning management system stays the same
- Canvas Transition—last semester for ANGEL is Spring 2017; staff will be trained as well; specialized break-out sessions to tackle specific aspects of canvas and build community of canvas supporters
- Lose very little, but need to re-think how we do things
- Streamlined interactions between calendar, grade book, syllabus agenda
- Fully mobile interface with notification system
- One inbox with filters
- Simpler grade book tool (speedgrader)
- Robust rubric tools and outcome mapping
- Data analytics package
- Better support 24/7 phone and live chat, community forums
- Tools to enhance active learning
- Tools to build quick mediate-rich webpages
- Scheduling system for office hour appointments
- instructure.com; canvas.psu.edu
- Recommended playing in sandbox and master course
- Amir reinforced message discussing changes to profession, access to material, etc.; technology is driving changes in system, and we need to keep up. We should embrace access to training and workshops
Elizabeth Happeny: Bystander Training Initiative
- 6 decades of teaching
- Adjunct English teacher
- Green Dot Initiative—University wide
- Interested in reducing incidences of sexual violence, domestic violence, bullying at the campus
- Want to be known for being a safe place for men and women
- 20 trained as trainers at UP, and hoping to get student trainers to enhance buy-in over time among students.
- Want to create a cultural phenomenon similarly to cultural shifts created by social media usage—in the climate of the University.
- Delegating, distraction, direct intervention
- Amir reinforced Betsy’s message encouraging all to get involved.
Amir announcements—discussed two reports forwarded to senators—salary report, please read and consider reports.
Reports of the Committee Chairs (20 minutes)
Academic Affairs (Marc Harris)
Marc reported that Chancellor development funds reviewed; dual generation challenges—wanting to help students who are also young and parents, and how to help them progress—tasked with how to implement this programming here
Curricular Affairs (Dave Parry)
Vote on the Criminal Justice degree proposal—3 different programs, but all changes to CJ—to BA, BS, and Associate program
- CJ 290—1 credit course, switch to variable credit
- SOC 250w and 207 should be interchangeable
- BS—change total number of credits, to move from 124 to 121 to align with degree requirements at other campuses including UP
Changes approved
Associate Dean has proposed that many proposals come across AD’s desk, and requested that CA also review the proposals to broaden the scope of people seeing the proposals even if not formally reviewed
Faculty Affairs (Juan Gil)—No additional report beyond Start-up funds report submitted to admin
Committee on Campus Climate and Diversity (Beth Seymour)—Lisa Emili reported meeting with administration about forensic issues associated with budget; report on budget will come by end of Spring semester.
Reports of the University Faculty Senators (10 minutes)
C. Mahan—working on report for promoting Fixed Term faculty; many recommendations mirror the process currently exist at Altoona. Included will be a fixed term committee, dossiers will be developed by candidates; eligible for promotion after 5 years; notice of termination requirements will be included; types of titles associated with fixed term promotion will be included; N. Rowland added that a promotion committee will be produced and FT Faculty will no longer vote on members of P&T committee members, and TT Faculty will not vote on committee for FT.
Peter asked about titles; college of nursing already working on this and will University senate override individualized process developed through their process.
Amir suggested the key is support for FT Faculty
Remarks from the Chancellor & the Associate Dean
B. Weins-Tuers reported for Lori; indicated that 10-point security plan is up and running in various offices and nothing negative overheard
Updated Adler report—construction phase is on hold because of State budget
Kick-starting assessment as we are going to be expected to do this and it’s the right thing to do
Call for New Business
Announcement from Bob about Ombudsman election will proceed; have two candidates, but if others want to be included for O. please let Bob know.
Adjournment (1:05 pm)