Southern Polytechnic State University

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

¾ MINUTES ¾

February 26, 2008

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

Present:

Absent: 

            Dr. Ritter

Meeting began:  2:05 p.m.

1. Changes in FCAR’s

Copies of “Summary of Results Table-Math 2240” and the current FCAR being used in Math 2240 were distributed. At the end of both the fall and spring semesters the Dept Chair must complete the “Results, by Section” column of the Summary of Results Table for all mathematics courses belonging to the core (1111, 1113, 2240, 2253, 2253H, 2254, 2254H). Upon completion of the spring semester, Results Table’s for all core mathematics classes taught within the past year (excluding summer) will be reviewed by the Departments Core Curriculum Committee. To assist in this task Dr. McMorran proposed that: (i)  FCAR’s should include the same Performance Criterion statements  that are already included within the “Summary of Results Table”, and (ii) another column be added to the FCAR in which faculty will record a single score to measure their students understanding of each Learning Outcome. Such a score will be calculated by instructors averaging over problems that have been asked either on class tests or on final exams. After some discussion Dr. McMorran was granted approval to make the requested changes.

2.  Assessing Student Advisement

Dr. McMorran distributed a first draft of a questionnaire that will allow the mathematics faculty

to assess it’s efforts in the area of advising mathematics majors. SACS expects such measures as part of a programs self assessment. It was announced that such an instrument could be administered annually (distribute early April, due May 31?). Students will not be requested to provide the name of their advisor. Student responses will be collected by Ms. Campbell. The Dept Chair would be responsible for producing a final report summarizing student feedback. After some discussion several modifications were made to various proposed questions appearing within this first draft. Dr. McMorran announced that there was plenty of time in which to make further revisions before distribution to students.

3.  The Safety Committee

It was announced that each School is to have a Safety Committee. For A&S Dean Gabrielli has requested a volunteer from each of the 4 departments. Dr. McMorran announced that anyone interested in joining the committee should contact him.

4.  New Calculus Class for Architecture

It was announced that the Architecture Department has questioned the benefit of having their students complete Math 2253, Calculus I. As an alternative they have expressed a preference for a course that includes trigonometry (in addition to what they already see in Math 1113) and 3D Geometry. After some discussion it was decided that additional information would have to be collected. In particular, (i) in what way does the current Math 2253 class fail to meet the needs of their students, (ii) exactly what topics would they like to include in any course developed to replace Math 2253, and (iii) how many students would take such a course?

Other Business:

Job search – 70 complete packets were received by 02/13/08. By mid-March, we should have a short list for both positions (Asst. Prof and Lecturer).

Calculators – It would appear that a number of students are opposed to buying their own calculator and would rather just borrow a TI-89 from the math office. Dr. McMorran announced that in the future students will be allowed to borrow a calculator from the department at most once per semester.

Dr. Jack Pace questioned the current calculator policy that requires faculty teach with the TI-89.  It was recognized that this policy should be discussed in more detail at some future time.

Summer Classes - Calculus III will be offered this summer.  If there is sufficient demand this course will be taught by Dr. McMorran. There was general consensus that 1113, 2253, and 2260 could all be offered over 5 weeks.

Tech Fee Money – A request for Tech Fee Monies has been made to (i) install projection systems in D204, D205, D219 and, (ii) replace all off the computers and monitors in D 137. If new monitors are acquired for D 137 then the flat screen monitors that are currently in this space may be distributed amongst the faculty offices. The large TV monitors will remain in D 201 and D 234.

PSLAMP - Dr. Griffiths announced that the PSLAMP committee is looking for faculty members who are willing to mentor students in Summer Research Projects.  Faculty members are to propose a topic, students are to be provided. Successful applications are to receive grant support in the amount off:  $3,000 – student, $2,000 – faculty member.

Meeting adjourned 2:57 p.m.