TO: Honors Program Committee
Steve Beyerlein, Chair John Foltz
Stacy Camp Alton Campbell, Director
Allan Caplan Robin Baker, HSAB Co-President
Dale Graden Kelly Deobald, HSAB Co-President
Jennifer Ladino Chris Price
Sanjay Sisodiya
RE: December 11, 2013 Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by Steve Beyerlein, with the following members present: Steve Beyerlein, Dale Graden, Allan Caplan, Stacy Camp, Sanjay Sisodiya, Robin Baker, Alton Campbell, and Chris Price.
AGENDA ITEMS
· Welcome and Introductions: Chair Beyerlein welcomed everyone and congratulated Alton Campbell on his appointment as Director of the University Honors Program.
· Honors Student Advisory Board (HSAB): HSAB Co-President Robin Baker reported that HSAB is beginning to plan for spring semester. They envision having one service event a month (in collaboration with other student groups on campus), another Trivia Night/Open Mic perhaps on a Vandal Friday and invite prospective students, and a couple of other events.
· Honors Program Update:
a. Use of UI Commons room 327- The large Student Lounge: Alton will discuss with HSAB, but the feeling is that the room is not being used efficiently and since space is a campus wide issue, perhaps it should be returned. Under consideration is trading the large room for a smaller space closer to the main office.
b. Matt Wappett Fire-side chat: Went well, 20 attendees
c. Rayce Bird has agreed to host a TTM spring semester
d. Study Abroad: Alton Campbell and Irina Kappler-Crookston developed a course proposal and submitted a course planning proposal (approved) for an Honors 2-3 week trip to Ecuador in May of 2015.
i. Nepal: Stacy Camp is planning a trip – John Foltz suggested that she contact Dev Shrestha who is on sabbatical for help in planning. Matt Wappett is also planning a trip to India.
e. Alton asked for ideas/suggestions for additional Seminars for 2014-15
f. John Foltz suggested that Alton explore the idea of asking the President’s Office to invite a few Honors students to the President Leadership Breakfasts. He said the small table discussion format would allow student voices to be heard and considered at these meetings.
g. With one exception, (John Byers class) Honors sections are full or nearly full. Alton will contact Dr. Byers to let him know his seminar will be cancelled.
h. The UHP will be hosting an Open House, Friday, December 13th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. for our Winter Graduates and to celebrate the conclusion of another successful semester. Committee members are encouraged to drop by.
· Honors Faculty/Student Course Contract Proposal (attached): allowing students to contract with faculty for Honors credits is a common practice in Honors Programs across the country. A draft of the proposal was given to Honors Program Deans at Univ. Montana and Boise State; and they were supportive of the concept and used similar approaches at their respective institutions.
a. The Contract will replace the existing Elective Agreement
b. The departmental courses will be transcripted as “HON” credits for easier tracking in the Program Office.
Discussion:
Robin Baker told the committee that HSAB had looked over the proposal and was supportive. Stacy Camp said she wished this was available earlier as she had students who would have qualified.
Dale Graden questioned the wording of “off the record credits” under Study Abroad Experience.
John Foltz moved that the Contract proposal be approved with the understanding that the wording under the Study Abroad section be revised. Allan Caplan seconded the motion. (The study abroad section was revised later that day and submitted to the Committee by email on 12/11 and everyone agreed by email to the new wording which is in the attached document)
· Steve Beyerlein asked that members send their schedule to Chris so spring meetings can be scheduled. Tentative plan is to meet in January, February and March.
· 11:32 meeting adjourned