Oct. 14, 2010
Engineering technology degree on hold in senate
by Erin Rosacker
Faculty Senate president Micheal Owen told senators at their Oct. 12 meeting that a proposed bachelor of engineering technology degree in information and computer engineering technology requires more discussion before it returns to the group. The degree drew criticism based on its similarity to existing programs when it was introduced to senators in May, and was pulled from last month's agenda.
Owen said that faculty in the management information systems department are drafting a document to outline their concerns with the program, and talks with computer science faculty and a newly established university computer coordination committee also are planned. The computer coordination committee includes faculty representatives in computer-related departments and members from the deans' offices in Business, Engineering and Liberal Arts and Sciences.
"Hopefully, we can come to some kind of resolution about that major in the not-too-distant future," Owen said. "We will have discussion. It will come to the senate floor to be voted upon."
Administrative reviews
Senators will vote next month on modifications to the Faculty Handbook (section 5.7) dealing with the review of central administrators. The changes would add two vice president offices (Extension and outreach, and research and economic development) to the review cycle.
The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs is being reviewed this year. Senators approved the membership list of the committee charged with the review. Doug Jacobson, University Professor in electrical and computer engineering, is chair.
More on FERPA
Vice president for student affairs Tom Hill fielded several questions about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) following his presentation at last month's meeting. In response, senate leaders invited associate vice president for student affairs and university registrar Kathy Jones, and associate counsel Keith Bystrom to talk further (PDF) about the privacy law.
More information about FERPA is available on these ISU web sites:
