Curriculum Committee

Minutes of

September 30, 1999

Attendees: Dr. J. Harbin, Dr. J. Hastings, Dr. J. Johnson, Dr. J. Martin, Dr. A. Simonson, Pat Black, Carol Moore

The meeting was called to order by Dr. John Johnson, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Johnson announced that the Curriculum Committee would report to the VPAA’s office. NOTE: The Graduate Council will be reinstated at a later date. Dr. Johnson will prepare a memo to all Faculty regarding the Committee’s charge and remind the faculty on the upcoming deadlines for submission of substantive course syllabus changes.

New Committee responsibilities are listed on the attached document

composed by Dr. Jane Hastings – new Committee Chair

Regarding syllabus changes, substantive changes only should be reviewed and recommended for approval on the new Course Syllabus Change form. Dr. Johnson does not want the Committee to spend time reviewing non-substantive changes.

Dr. Johnson briefly mentioned the new weighted semester credit hour table and formula funding. The current average per SCH is $54.00. Formula funding for out-of-state students (and web-based course students) was discussed with System representatives this week. Possible approaches include:

1. Establishing a distance ed fee for all students example - $50 per credit hour/$150 per course + regular tuition

2. Political push to exempt TAMU-T from restriction on formula funding

3. Developing web-based supplements for existing curricula

Dr. Johnson will provide copies of all new degree program proposals to this Committee: Biology, BSN, Masters-Criminal Justice, and Engineering are being developed at this time. He would like the Committee to give consideration to: needs data, curricula impact, resources, etc.

Carol Moore is completing the new TAMU-T Core Curriculum form mandated by the THECB and now approved by the TAMUS BOR. She will develop a memo this week and distribute to all Faculty.

Dr. Johnson will remain an ex-officio member of this Committee. Future meetings will be recorded by rotating the staff secretaries.

See copy of Dr. Johnson’s memo to the faculty for additional information.

Below is a list of responsibilities which Dr. Johnson mentioned at our first meeting. Generally, he stated that we will review both undergraduate and graduate curricula, that we will report to him as VPAA, and that we will interface with the graduate council when it is formed.

1. Review new course proposals

2. Review new degree proposals

3. Approve web-based and other distance education courses

4. Assist in increasing curricular flexibility (symposia, 1 and 2 hour courses)

5. Examine new and existing degree proposals including two plus two seamless agreements with TCC and others

6. Examine mass communications broad-field program possibilities and meet with community colleges for joint dialogue

7. Examine Engineering Technology two plus two prospects

8. Examine distance education issues including fees

9. Examine media of existing courses

10. Sanction and make recommendations regarding currently proposed programs (nursing, biology, engineering, criminal justice) and reflect on how they impact existing curricula

11. Assist with SACS report for November, 2000

12. Make general recommendations to the VPAA regarding the curriculum

13. Recommend policy regarding courses appropriate for shortened format or distance education

14. Approve significant course syllabus changes

Please give thought to this list, and come to the meeting ready to suggest additions, deletions, priorities, and changes.