EDUCATIONAL POLICY COMMITTEE
Minutes
February 14, 2008

Attending: S. Birrell, H. Dettmer (Chair), M. Gilbert, K. Hall (committee staff), R. Honey, R. Ketterer,
Philip Kutzko, M. Niño-Murcia, D. Redlawsk, and A. Segre.

Excused Absence: J. Menninger, J. Kimberley (student member).

• The minutes from February 7 were approved with a minor correction.
• H. Dettmer reviewed the history and purpose of the Associate Dean’s Curriculum Fund, asking if the fund should be refocused for the next award cycle. The Educational Policy Committee supported the fund’s current emphasis on service learning and study abroad, with several members describing strong faculty interest in those areas. EPC recommended a partnership with International Programs to enhance the visibility of the fund as well as continued and more prominent exposure through CLAS.
• The committee made minor clarifications to the CLAS policy for responding to a UI cancellation of courses because of severe weather. The revised policy will be posted on the CLAS Teaching and Curriculum web page. The Educational Policy Committee also stressed the importance of The University of Iowa canceling courses by 6:00 a.m., following the protocol of the Iowa City Community School District. Many UI faculty reported learning of the recent cancellation of classes during or immediately after their first class, resulting in confusion and frustration.
• EPC reviewed guidelines for proposing a new major. During the discussion, EPC agreed that a stronger statement concerning consultation with those affected by or involved with the new major must be included in the guidelines. Analysis of faculty expertise in the proposed major also must be required. The committee suggested reviewing the parallel Graduate College guidelines to see if any other items should be added. EPC also recommended that the Office of the Provost form required for any new major be available online and completed before an EPC review. Detailed preparation by the sponsoring academic unit will enhance the new major’s success and is well worth the effort. A second document will be written concerning new tracks and the steps for CLAS approval.  Both will be available on the CLAS Teaching and Curriculum web pages.
• Associate Dean Helena Dettmer updated EPC on the progress of the General Education Advisory Committee (GEAC), which is overseeing the restructuring of the General Education Program. Around fifty DEOs have reviewed GEACs work to date, making important recommendations. The project is far from complete, and EPCs feedback at early stage will be very helpful. The item will be on the EPC agenda soon.