Southern Polytechnic State University

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

¾ MINUTES ¾

August 14, 2006

Note:  At times, issues of confidentiality may require that some items discussed in meetings be excluded from these minutes.

Present:

Absent: 

            -0-

Meeting began:   2:32 p.m.

Handouts:  Dr. Szafran’s permanent schedule recommendation for the Math Department’s course

                  offerings.

                  Bachelor of Applied Science Degree Draft Proposal

Topics Discussed:

1.  Introduction of new Assistant Professors, Dr’s. Laura Ritter, Nicolae Pascu and William Griffiths.

2.  Overview of new proposed permanent schedule from Dr. Szafran.

            Discussion on recommendation to run low enrollment elective courses once every 2

             years. 

            Courses that are necessary for students to graduate in a timely fashion must run

            every year.

3.  Discussion of Bachelor of Applied Science Degree Draft Proposal designed for students entering SPSU from a 2 year Technical School.

4.  Budget Report:  A budget for the math department has now been allocated.  Please forward any financial requests for equipment, travel, etc.

5.  Announcements: 

            -  Chalkboard in D137 was removed because of chalk-dust damage to the computers.  A

                 whiteboard will be purchased when monies become available.

            -  Dr. Dillon announced that an article she produced will be published in the next issue of

                Focus.

            -  John Ziegler has retired.  He will take a one year leave of absence from the department. After that he will

                consider teaching part-time.

            - Peer Review committee needs a member. Someone at the rank of an associate is

               required.  Dr. Deng volunteered

            -  Dr. McMorran reported that at the department chair meeting, it was announced that all

                syllabi and department minutes should be available online.  Shirnett will assist faculty members who need

                help in posting their syllabi.

            -  Major and Minor curricular are now online

            -  The department is still in need of some lower level coverage.  Some old part-timers may be returning to

                assist with this need.

            -  Math 1111- There will be no need for graders in two sections of college algebra, thanks to an online

                grading system.

6.  Questions/suggestions:

-         Edwards asked about a Math course in the Computer Science department called “Math for Computer Sciences.” Should this course not be taught in the math department?

-         Pace inquired about course equivalency for an Ecore course  Calculus I.

-         Johnson suggested TI-89 workshop for non-math faculty members on campus.

Meeting adjourned 3:35 p.m.