GENERAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Minutes of the September 9, 2004 meeting
8 a.m. in the Meadow-Lark Rooms of the Memorial Union

Members present: Virginia Clark Johnson, Michael Christoffers, Bob Harold, RaNelle Ingalls, Marina Ioudina, Sudhir Mehta, Char Myhre, Larry Peterson, Doug Rymph, Orv Swenson, Cindy Urness, Robyne Williams, Kristi Wold-McCormick, Kate Haugen

The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. by Larry Peterson. Kate Haugen served as recorder for the meeting.

Bill Slanger, Director of the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis, presented the results of the Senior Results of Academic Profile (AP) administered Spring 2004. Eight self-selected volunteers were recruited from each of the eight colleges, with 36 actually completed the 3 hour exam. The average ACT composite of the sample was 25, and average GPA 3.32. Results show that NDSU scored higher in all eight of the normative categories than the 14 peer institutions used as comparisons. The mathematics scores at NDSU are impressive; writing and reading are the weakest. Improvements needed for next survey include a larger sample – from better recruitment methods – in order to be in line with the other peer institution samples, and to better represent the levels of NDSU seniors in the eight categories.

Larry Peterson explained that the information he provided to Philip Parnell in the system office, per the request of Provost Schnell, on general education assessment was pulled from past years' annual reports of the committee.

Dale Sullivan, Head of the English Department, will attend the Gen Ed committee meeting on September 16 to report on the proposal regarding the English course requirements, and expanding them to a more vertical curriculum model.

The committee began review of the Gen Ed Outcomes rubrics. It was moved and seconded (Harrold/Urness) that a 5 year review of the rubrics be implemented, with on going editorial revisions made as needed. The motion was approved.

Larry Peterson clarified that the rubrics are to be guidelines, rather than requirements. and they are intended to communicate requirements of a course to all parties. Larry will draft a preface for them indicating this. They will be posted on the web, and communicated to faculty through Senate, and the faculty list serv.

Harrold/Swenson moved that Outcome #2 ("Locate and use information for personal and professional decisions") be approved; motion passed.

Swenson/Rymph moved that Outcome #3 ("Comprehend concepts and perspectives needed to function in national and international societies") be approved; motion passed.

Outcome #4 ("Comprehend intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics") was re-worded for item #8 to “Relate meaningfully to a diverse group of others”: Motion (Rymph/Myhre) passed. Swenson/Christoffer moved to approve revised outcome; motion passed.

Harrold/Urness moved to add item #5: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of various methods of inquiry, to Outcome # 5 ("Comprehend concepts and methods of inquiry in science and technology, and their applications for society"). The motion was approved. Swenson/Myhre moved to accept amended outcome; motion passed.

Outcomes 1, 6, and 7 will be reviewed at the next meeting, Thursday, Sept. 16 in the Meadow Lark rooms.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.