Agenda

for the Physics Department meeting
to be held Monday, November 3, 2003 in GO313.

I. Call to order at 2:15 pm.

II. Approve the minutes of 10/27/03 meeting..

III. Announcements

A. The funding for the Lakehead Pipeline Scholarship will end following this academic year, so no new recipients for this scholarship will be named this spring.

B. L&S Curriculum Committee (K. Menningen 10/30/03 meeting): The meeting agenda was closely followed and no issues were discussed of any impact on physics.

C. L&S Standards Committee (K. Menningen 10/30/03 meeting): The committee has a new name – “standards” instead of “promotions” to emphasize its mission to approve portfolios based upon departmental and college standards. A timeline for the evaluation of portfolios was established, with the Dean completing his work by November 7, the committee completing its work by December 20 and the Provost beginning his evaluation before January 23, 2004.purp. No word whether fourth year candidates will be evaluated this year. Interim promotion standards are still in place.

IV. Old Business

A. Curricular matters:

i. Discuss the new four-credit expansion of the PHYSCS 210 Descriptive Physics course proposal.

ii. Discuss proposals to delete the PHYSCS 173 and 175 courses

iii. Discuss any information regarding how to offer online versions of ASTRONMY 114 Descriptive Astronomy and PHYSCS 150 From Einstein to Star Trek according to campus standards.

iv. Discuss the new materials science course proposal.

v. Discuss the new “Introduction to Engineering” course proposal.

vi. Discuss the streamlining of course requirements in the four major emphases.

B. Update the progress on the telescope renovation project.

C. Update the status of the Advisory Council meeting on November 15.

D. Update on the progress on updating the list of physics alumni.

E. Update on the progress on enhancing our department’s web site.

V. New Business

A. Elaborate on the plans for wireless networking in Upham Hall. Build a consensus on the contents of the new basement computer lab to replace UH19.

B. Discuss AIP Enrollments and Degrees report.

C. Discuss how to manage funds in the Federal Indirect account.

D. Discuss improvements to our merit and performance review procedures.

E. Plan a meeting(s) for informal discussions about the emphasis of the physics program.

F. Discuss the physics component of the Integrated Science and Business program.

G. Consider the purchase of a Classroom Performance System, which may only cost $275 per 75-student receiver, for UH141E.

H. Develop an appeal to keep our cross-listed courses.

VI. Adjourn