Summary - CNRS Chairs Meeting – October 23, 2014
Announcements
· Oct 24: F’14 Research Workshop Series, “Navigating Copyright in your Research,” 11 am-12 noon, Library Fishbowl, Rm 209.
· Oct 24: ITS Project Proposal submissions due by 5 pm to ITS project office.
· Oct 24: Spring 2015 schedule available online.
· Oct 25: Spring 2015 Course Material Adoption Campaign – Submit your orders online to: (http://www2.humboldt.edu/bookorders/).
· Oct 27-Nov 7: Faculty Advising
· Oct 29: 2014 Kieval Lecture with Dr. Benson Farb, University of Chicago, Sci B, Rm 135, 7:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. An abstract for Kieval Lecture can be found at: http://www2.humboldt.edu/math/news-and-events.
· Nov 6: Diversity Funding Grants online application and submission due by 5 pm to diversity office.
· Nov 7: Trione Graduate Scholarship Faculty Honoree applications due to the Office of Academic Programs.
· Nov 7: F’14 Research Workshop Series, “Sponsored Programs A-Z,” 11 am -12 noon, Library Fishbowl, Rm 209.
· Nov 10: Mark your Calendars! Scholar of the Year event with honoree Dr. Jeff Black, Wildlife Dept., 5-7 pm in JVD.
· CNRS Associated Student representative Nathaniel McGuigan joined today’s meeting. Department chairs introduces themselves and welcomed Nathaniel to our meeting.
Penelope Shaw: time certain 9:15 am
Center for International Programs Advisor Penelope Shaw attended today’s meeting to provide an overview of several international exchange and study abroad opportunities available to HSU students and the details of each. The four primary program types include: 1) The CSU International Programs (CSUIP), 2) HSU Faculty Led Programs, 3) Third Party Programs (USAC,CEA, etc), and the 4) Bilateral Exchange. Penelope acknowledges that the CSUIP year-long program can be challenging for science students as some course work may not be transferable. Penelope noted that the Study Abroad Credit Transfer Agreement can help alleviate this issue and must be completed prior to the student’s departure. In addition, she asked department chairs that if faculty know or find successful, yet affordable field-based study programs to contact her and she will make initial contact to inquire about an exchange partnership.
Penelope announced that guest visitors from Bangor University, Wales are visiting campus this week to see if an exchange program would be a suitable choice and is pleased that a few CNRS faculty have agreed to participate. Also, International Education Week (Nov 11-21) is happening soon with several science faculty giving presentations on their international experiences. A full schedule will be sent out soon. Handouts and International Program brochures from today’s presentation are available in the college office upon request.
STEM Center (INRSEP) update:
Steve Smith announced that HSU Emeritus Professor Patty Yancey will work part-time (3 days per week) at the STEM Center/INRSEP to assist students with the transition as the search for a new director is scheduled to begin soon. Bruce O’Gara has agreed to provide oversight with LSAMP activity. Several CNRS faculty (Richmond, Varkey, Johnson, Cappuccio, and Cappuccio) have agreed to visit INRSEP on Friday, Oct. 24 to discuss and assist students with the Graduate Fellowship Research Proposal (GFRP) application process. All CNRS faculty are welcome to visit INRSEP each Friday from 12 noon -1:30 pm to talk with students. Lastly, Biological Sciences is hosting a gathering for INRSEP students on Thursday, Oct. 23, 6 pm in SciB 135. All faculty are welcome to attend.
Faculty Teaching Consultant
Eileen Cashman talked about the newly formed Faculty Support Development Team, made up of five HSU faculty members, whose primary focus is to gain a better understanding of faculty’s professional development needs. In her role as the CNRS Faculty Teaching Consultant, Eileen is available to meet with faculty on an individual basis to discuss teaching techniques, review course evaluations to identify trends/issues and visit classrooms. Eileen realizes that for some new faculty, visits could potentially be uncomfortable but noted that all meetings are confidential. Upon request, she is also willing to attend department meetings to discuss development ideas and solutions surrounding achievement gaps and stereotype threat. Eileen is also facilitating a teaching circle every other Friday from 1:30-3:00 pm where faculty can talk informally about teaching.
Position Requests
Steve Smith distributed position data request forms for chairs to complete. Chairs were to review the documents carefully and refer corrections to him. One position request form per position must be completed. After some discussion, the following position request timeline was developed:
Nov 20: Position presentations by department chairs – all parties present.
Dec 4: Independent discussions with department chairs only.
Steve Smith and Rick Zechman will meet separately.
Dec 11: Joint discussion about requests with chairs and the Deans.
Monty Mola asked that one department faculty member each present for Computing Science and for Physics. Steve Martin asked that additional metrics be included I the request form: 1) the ratio of TT faculty to headcount of majors, and 2) the ratio of TT faculty to FTES. Steve Smith agreed to both suggestions.
Brazilian Science Mobility Project (BSMP): problems (e.g.) language, needs
The Brazilian government has provided funding for its students to study abroad in the sciences, and for many of the students attending HSU, department chairs reported that overall students have been very successful in the classroom. Some concerns were raised regarding language barriers, writing competencies and the possible need for additional resources (i.e. tutoring, advising needs, etc) and that some of courses offered to students are not on the spring schedule. Department chairs were asked to direct questions and/or ongoing issues to Steve Smith, Rick Zechman or Alex Hwu for resolution.
Educational Advisory Board Campus Success Collaborative, Phase II
HSU hired the Educational Advisory Board (EAB) to assist the University in exploring and developing improved student advising methods. At this time, Wildlife is the only department to participate in the pilot study. Steve Smith asked department chairs to consider participating in Phase II of the program, adding that the results of the pilot study may help departments decide whether the EAB Campus Success Collaborative is something they should participate in.