October 20, 2003, 11:00 am, Room 211B
Present: Colin Danby, Andrea Kovalesky, Sandeep Krishnamurthy, Jane Van Galen, Barbara Van Sant and Linda Watts
Absent: Frank Cioch, Patricia Kelley
Guests: JoLynn Edwards, Bruce Kochis and Ron Krabill
Review of Minutes:
In order to maximize discussion time for this meeting's central action item, review of the EC minutes from the prior meeting was tabled until our next session.
Discussion/Action: Pre-Proposal, Masters of Arts in Cultural Studies
The EC conducted a review of the pre-proposal of the Masters of Arts in Cultural Studies and welcomed JoLynn Edwards, Bruce Kochis and Ron Krabill from IAS to the deliberation process. JoLynn, Bruce and Ron made opening remarks, and then responded to questions about the contemplated degree and the pre-proposal document.
This degree program grows out of the 1998 IAS strategic plan for three graduate programs: Policy Studies, Cultural Studies and Environmental Studies. The MAPS program has been the realization of one of those degree programs. The IAS representatives, JoLynn, Bruce and Ron stated that this program will be cross-programmatic, foster team-taught courses in Nursing, Education and MAPS and expand upon existing service learning projects. Community outreach has been initiated with some of the community colleges, arts agencies, non-profit organizations, and with other entities within the UW, including the Walter Chapin Simpson Center for the Humanities.
The EC reviewed the pre-proposal with care and interest. Members expressed concern that internal communication at UWB has not been entirely sufficient, especially as it pertains to the cross-programmatic implications of implementing the degree. Another concern registered was equity in resource allocation across degrees and academic programs- in terms of overall budget construction, faculty lines, staffing levels, and administrative support. As the initiative proceeds, additional and/or updated data concerning student demand for the degree program was strongly advised.
IAS departmental approval for the M.A. in Cultural Studies will be voted on tomorrow and JoLynn will inform the EC of those results. The EC will postpone voting on the pre-proposal until a departmental decision is reached. [Action Update: The Oct. 21 meeting of IAS program faculty ratified the MACS pre-proposal, and renders it eligible to an EC vote.]
The EC will deliberate and vote on the M.A. in Cultural Studies by paper ballot before the next EC meeting on November 10.
Minutes submitted by Barbara Van Sant
