Back to: Senate home page | UNCW. || Comments to Senate Secretary.  

Faculty Senate Minutes

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Roll Call

Absent: Adams (Nursing), Byington (Fac.Welfare), Cami-Vela (FLL), Clark (Business), Clements (Psy.), Dodd (Fin.Aid Cmte.), Dutka (Library), Earney (Acct.), Errante (Admis. Cmte.), Garris (Info.Sys.), Hayes (Cur.Stds.), Huntley (Pub.Srvc.), King (Music), Lerch (Anthro.), Leutze (Chancellor), Roscher (Acct.), Sigler (Econ.), Sizemore (Eval. Cmte.), Tyndall (ITSD), Weber (Communications), White (Cr.Writing)

Approval of Minutes

The minutes were approved as posted.

Special Order of the Day: Election of Faculty Senate President

President Dan Noland was re-elected by acclamation.

Individual Reports:

1. Provost Cavanaugh

• All students' names will be read at the December graduation. In response to faculty objections that the new graduation practices will usurp the function of departmental graduations, the Provost answered that this was an issue the students felt strongly about and that it was an "experiment," so that if it did not work out, we could change it.
• There is as yet no definite news about the budget, though there have been projections of approximately $1 billion shortfall.

2. Faculty Assembly Delegate Veit

• The issue of email privacy will be discussed in the next meeting of the Assembly.
• In consequence of a motion from the Assembly, the requirement in the Calendar that we have fifteen weeks of classes, excluding exams, has been changed to the requirement that institutions may have fifteen week semesters, including the exam period.

Committee Reports:

1. The Building and Grounds Committee motions concerning the siting of the fine arts classroom building, motion 02-4-10, and concerning smoking outside of classroom buildings, motion 02-4-11, both passed:

a. The amended motion concerning the siting of a new fine arts classroom building in the woods behind Friday and Dobo Halls was approved (02-4-10; passed):

 Whereas, the proposed site is a valuable habitat for migratory birds and is an important outdoor classroom for about 240 undergraduate students each year, and

Whereas, the site will ultimately bring to the center of campus a huge volume of traffic and could necessitate the need for a  parking deck and would create nighttime security and traffic flow issues in the middle of campus, and

Whereas, destroying these woods would send a negative environmental message to the the local community, and

Whereas, in recommending the proposed siting, Resolution 94-4 of the UNC Faculty Assembly was ignored: a resolution stating that “it falls within the obligation of the University of North Carolina to exemplify and encourage responsible stewardship of our natural resources, especially land,” and that further, “campuses of the University of North Carolina [are to] give serious consideration to the impact of all their land-use plans on biological diversity and public health, and in that consideration to seek the advice of faculty with appropriate expertise,” and

Whereas, faculty with appropriate expertise were not consulted in the decision, nor were biological and educational concerns adequately addressed, nor were faculty consulted in a timely manner, and 

Whereas, the SACS report stipulates that “The Faculty has the responsibility and authority to provide to the administration recommendations concerning the development and implementation of  . . . policies affecting academic life,” and

Whereas, the members of the Buildings and Grounds Committee agree that UNCW should see itself and thus be seen by the community and the UNC system as a whole as one exemplifying sensible and careful stewardship of any and all undeveloped land on its campus, and further that preserving wooded land of campus should and could be a fundamental and important part of our commitment to University as Arboretum, and our commitment to being a leader in an environmentally aware and respectful entity, and

Whereas, there is an alternative site for the classroom building on the front of campus between Kenan Hall and Kenan Auditorium and another site for the possible arts center,

Be it resolved therefore, that the Chancellor reconsider the decision to site the arts building on the woods in question, after consulting with the Faculty Senate Building and Grounds Committee and appropriate environmental experts on the faculty and in fact, use the proposed site between the present art classroom, Kenan Hall, and the performance hall, Kenan Auditorium, along Wagoner Drive for this classroom building; and further that future performing arts center and parking deck be sited at the corner of Hurst and Wagoner Drives, thereby affording events parking for the arts center, athletic events, student overflow parking with one structure.  

There was considerable discussion of this motion. Among the additional points made against the proposed site and in favor of the motion were:

• There will be serious traffic problems caused by the new siting.

• The woods in which the buildings will be situated are environmental areas which nest several species of animals and are used for teaching purposes.

• The decision process basically ignored the Faculty Senate B&G committee.

Among the points made in favor of the proposed site and against the motion:

• The alternative sites pose more serious problems, in terms of distance from the "ten-minute walk circle," noise issues with Trask events, and, above all, the potential of the increased cost involved in splitting the classroom building and performance hall (when it is built) to kill the project.

• Arts faculty members were involved in the process.

• Delays now might jeopardize the building itself.

b. The motion concerning smoking at building entrances on the UNCW campus was approved as amended (02-4-11, passed):

Whereas the Chancellor’s Council on Health and Wellness recommends that: smoking be banned from entryways to all campus buildings, and

Whereas the Chancellor has approved a smoking ban which has been successfully implemented at the entryway and steps to Westside Hall, and

Whereas the Chancellor’s Council on Heath and Wellness is undertaking a highly publicized campaign that promotes campus beautification, environmental health of campus community members, and increased smoking cessation opportunities and programs,

Be it therefore resolved that smoking be banned from all entryways, landings and steps to all campus buildings at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and that appropriate signage banning smoking be placed at these locations.

There was also considerable discussion of this motion, including whether the ban should be limited to one entrance, whether new areas had to be designated for smokers, and whether it would be necessary to enforce the ban.

2. The University Curriculum Committee submitted several motions, two of which passed (motions 02-4-12 and 02-4-13):  

a. As Consent Agenda items, the following courses for oral and computer competency were approved (02-4-12; passed):

1. For oral communications competency:

a. ARH 290: Practice of Art History, for Art History.  

b. STT490: Case Studies in Statistical Consulting, or STT498: Internship in Statistics for Statistics.

c. FST495: Senior Seminar in Film Production, or FST496: Senior Seminar in Film Study for Film Studies. 

2. For computer competency:

a. THR 311: Computer-Aided Drafting, for Theatre (renumbered  THR 211 in new catalogue).

b. FST/COM 201: Introduction to Film Production, or FST 395:Intermediate Seminar in Film Production, for Film Studies.  

c. STT305: Statistical Programming for Statistics.

b. The following minors/majors/programs were approved (02-4-13; passed):

1. Choral Music. Requirements for a Minor in Choral Music: 24 hours.  MUS 111, MUSL111, MUS 112, MUSL112, MUS 114, MUS 271 and 272.  Choral Ensemble Experience: minimum of 6 semesters to include some experience in both large and small ensembles. Solo singing study: minimum of 2 semesters of 2 credits each (total of 4 semester hours). Choral-based independent study and/or elective study of at least 1 semester hour.

2. Community Health. Requirements for a Minor in Community Health: 24 hours. HEA 105, HEA 207, HEA 234, HEA, 245, HEA 301, HEA 452, and six additional HEA hours of which at least 3 hours are at the 300 level or above. In selecting courses to fulfill the six elective credits, students are strongly encouraged to consult with the faculty in health education. An overall 2.00 grade point average is required in courses counted toward the minor .

3. Statistics/major. Requirements for a Major in Statistics for the B.S. degree:  The Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics provides a variety of options for students wishing to study statistics.  The program prepares graduates for careers as applied statisticians in government, business, and industry.  Those students interested in further study beyond the bachelor's level, may take coursework giving them the theoretical depth required to pursue graduate degrees.  In recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of statistics, coursework in other disciplines such as biological, environmental, or social sciences can be undertaken, depending on the students' interests.  Since statistical practice routinely involves computers, the use of standard statistical software is integrated into most courses. Computer Competency Requirement: To satisfy the oral competency requirement for the B.S. degree in statistics a student must successfully complete STT 305. Oral Competency Requirement:  To satisfy the oral competency requirement for the B.S. degree in statistics a student must successfully complete STT 490 or STT 498. Core Requirements: 29 or 27 hours. MAT 161-162 or MAT 151-152; STT 215, 305, 315, 350, 411, 412, 490 or 498. Elective Requirements:  18 hours. Two of STT 420, 425, 430, 435, 465, 475 and at least 12 hours of collateral coursework in a substantive area of statistical or mathematical theory or application, approved by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.  These courses may come from different disciplines and some must contain mathematical or statistical content. An overall average of 2.00 or better is required for all 300-400-level statistics courses counted toward the major.

4. Statistics/minor: Requirements for a Minor in Statistics: 18 hours in statistics. STT 215, 305, and at least eighteen additional hours in statistics at the 300-400 level. An overall quality point average of 2.00 or better is required for all courses counted toward the minor.

5. Political Science/minor in International Affairs: 21 hours. Core courses: PLS 220, 425. Choose 3 courses (9 hours) from PLS 222, 422, 423, 426, 495, 498. Choose 1 course (3 hours) from: PLS 230, 330, 331, 332, 335, 336, 338, 339. Choose 1 course (3 hours) from: PLS 334, HST 301, 379, 380, ECN 426, MGT 352.

c. The motion concerning Basic Studies requirements in Foreign Languages was referred to an Ad-Hoc Task Force, to be appointed by the Faculty Senate Steering Committee, that is to report back to the Senate by the April meeting (motion 02-4-14; referred to ad-hoc task force).

Whereas, UNCW has stated in its mission statement and its strategic plan for 2000-2005 that internationlization of the curriculum is an important goal and principal theme in the university’s development,

Whereas, UNCW SACS self-study produced a recommendation that the foreign language curriculum and Basic Studies requirements in foreign language do not currently support our mission statement or strategic plans,

Whereas, compared with many other peer institutions, both in the UNC system and elsewhere, UNCW’s foreign language requirement is minimal,

The University Curriculum Committee moves that the basic Studies requirement in foreign language be changed so that a student must complete at least 3 hours of foreign language study at the 200 level.  A student who is not prepared to enter a foreign language at the 200-level, may take a 100 level course in preparation, with the understanding that the 100-level course (s) will count as electives.  Further, in order to give highly regulated programs, such as Nursing and Education, time to adjust their curricula, the UCC suggests that this change be implemented in the 2003-2004 catalogue.

There was considerable discussion of this motion. Among the concerns:

• The proposal might have a negative effect on efforts in response to SACS concerns to diversify the foreign language offerings for Basic Studies.
• The proposal, if accepted, might commit the university to adding virtually all of the new faculty lines in the next few years to Foreign Languages.
• The proposal departed from the university's philosophy of Basic Studies, which is an introduction to ways of knowing; in all other areas, no more than 100 level courses are required.

d. The Environmental Chemistry Track, proposed by the Chemistry Department and the EVS program, but not approved by the University Curriculum Committee, was not approved (motion 2-4-15; failed).

Environmental Chemistry Track (BA in CHM, BS in EVS). Requirements: Mat 161-162, STT 215 or GGY 222 ; PHY 101-102 (or PHY 201-202) ; BIO 110; CHM 101-102; CHM 211-212 (with Labs) ; CHM 235, CHML 235 ; CHM 312, CHML 312 ; CHM 321, CHML 321 ; CHM 377, CHML 377 ; CHM 445 ; EVS 195, EVS 495 (or CHM 495) ; GGY 130, GGYL 130 ; GLY 220 ; TEC 101 and three (3) credits from among EVS 325, 330, 362, 380, 491, 498 or CHM 415, 417, 419, 420, 425, 435, CHML 420, 435, CHM 465, 466, 467, 475, 478, 490, 491* and 499*  (*If 491 or 499 is used, the student must take a total of three credit hours in 491 and may count only three of the six credit hours taken as 499 for credit toward the major.) This track is a total of 74 credit hours (failed).

Among the points made in discussion:

• The UCC thought this proposal raised the issue of "double-dipping," namely that a student could get credit for two different majors which were very similar in content (there is only 8 hours difference between these two majors)

• This was a vote about what would go in the Catalogue, not whether students could get the two majors on their transcript; by the Catalogue, any student with these courses is eligible to have both majors recognized.

• This was a vote to to indicate that the Faculty Senate was not in favor of creating majors which were basically simliar in content.

3. The following catalogue changes, based upon the 2001-2002 Undergraduate Catalogue pages and proposed by the Academic Standards Committee, were approved (motions 02-4-16, -17, -18; all passed):

a. Conversion of Incompletes (02-4-16; passed). Change the second paragraph on page 64 of the Undergraduate Catalogue, in the section titled GRADES AND REPORTS to (addition underlined):

At the discretion of the instructor, a student may be given a grade of Incomplete when the work in the course has not been completed for reasons beyond the control of the student. All incomplete grades must be removed according to a deadline established by the instructor, not to exceed one calendar year from the end of the semester in which the Incomplete was given, otherwise the "I" becomes "F." A student must not register for the class when attempting to remove a grade of Incomplete. No student will be allowed to graduate with an Incomplete grade on his/her academic record.  Such grades that have not been resolved at the time of graduation will be converted to an "F."  If a student meets graduation requirements, despite the "F," the appropriate degree will be awarded.

b. Auditing of On Campus Courses (02-4-17; passed). In the Undergraduate Catalogue in the section titled AUDITING on page 61change the paragraph to read (addition underlined):

The auditing of courses without credit is approved by special permission of the registrar and of the instructor involved. Individuals not regularly enrolled as students in the university who wish to audit courses will be classified as special students and will be required to pay regular tuition and fees. Auditing by special students is restricted to classroom-based courses only.  No distance education or computer-based courses may be audited by special students. These individuals must complete all registration and any other administrative processes in person at the Registrar's Office. University students in regular status will be permitted to audit courses and must pay the same tuition and fees required for credit courses.

c. Retention of Non-degree Seeking Students (02-4-18; passed). In the Undergraduate Catalogue in the section titled ADMISSIONS-SPECIAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS on page 32 change the paragraph to read (addition and editorial amendment underlined):

Any individual who already possesses a degree from a four-year regionally accredited college and wishes to enroll for an undergraduate course at UNCW must apply to the Office of Admissions before the application deadline date. An official transcript from the degree-granting institution must be sent from that institution to the Office of Admissions by the deadline date. Candidates seeking a second degree must apply as a transfer students and have transcripts from all colleges attended submitted by the application deadline date. Non-degree seeking students must meet the same retention standards as degree seeking students.

Old Business

None.

New Business

None.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:42 p.m.