Spring 2008
The Educational Policy Committee had a very busy spring semester. Highlights concerning educational policy, curricular additions or changes, and the progress of the General Education restructuring project are summarized below.
Approved minutes are available at the EPC web site. If you have questions or suggestions for the Fall 2008 agenda, please contact me.
The General Catalog for 2008-2009 is currently in production; curricular changes approved below will be reflected in the new edition of the Catalog.
Curricular Additions and Changes
The American Sign Language Program proposed a minor in American Sign Language in order to provide an opportunity for students wanting to work in the Deaf community or to attend graduate school in Deaf Cultural Studies. EPC approved the ASL minor on January 31, and it has since been approved by the Provost. Students may now declare the minor.
The Department of English proposed a creative writing track with selective admission and limited enrollment, continuing the discussion about this track with EPC from Fall 2007. The Educational Policy Committee approved the track, noting the importance of maintaining and enhancing Iowa as the Writing University (January 31). Students may apply beginning in the fall.
The Department of Philosophy proposed converting the PEOPLE Certificate to a major; EPC met on April 17 to discuss the proposal with Political Science and on May 1 with Philosophy. EPC expects the proposal to return to the committee during the Fall 2008 semester.
On March 27, the School of Art and Art History presented a proposal to add one credit hour to intermediate and advanced studio courses, allowing students to earn appropriate credit for work performed. EPC recommended the changes to the College, and they have been approved.
The proposal for a new track within the undergraduate French major that combines the study of French and Arabic was presented by the Department of French and Italian. EPC approved the track on April 17, and it will available to students this fall.
Policy Decisions
EPC reviewed guidelines for areas proposing a new major, stressing that consultation with those affected by or involved with the new major must be addressed clearly in any proposal. Analysis of faculty expertise is also required. The guidelines are now on the CLAS Teaching and Curriculum web pages (February 14).
On March 13, the Office of Admissions directors discussed transfer equivalency and articulation agreements between UI and other colleges and universities. EPC recommended that the College not accept transfer credit for any course required for a major if the grade is a C- or lower. CLAS will continue to discuss this matter and its related details with the appropriate CLAS committees and University administrators.
EPC discussed the exception to the CLAS residence requirement. Courses offered by the Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Economics, Elementary Education, and Science Education are offered by the Colleges of Medicine, Business, and Education and consequently do not count for the CLAS residence requirement unless a students also earns a major from one of these departments. This exception is permitted since CLAS confers these undergraduate degrees. Since these departments have close ties and affiliations with disciplines and traditions within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, EPC agreed that the granting of the residence exception is appropriate and should continue (April 3).
On April 10, EPC discussed the issue of student absences from class when an exam or quiz is involved. Under University policy, faculty are required to offer a make-up exam. EPC emphasized that faculty may and should ask for proof that a student’s absence is legitimate before providing a make-up exam. This policy should be stated clearly on the syllabus and reviewed during class. EPC will return to this topic at a future meeting.
On May 1 and May 8, EPC examined proposed revisions to the Educational Policy Committee section of the CLAS Manual of Procedure, which has not been updated for a number of years. The Educational Policy Committee made additional revisions and approved the recommended changes. Revision of the Manual by other CLAS committees continues.
Restructuring of the General Education Program
On March 6 and on April 3, EPC discussed drafts of the restructured GE Program. EPC’s in-depth suggestions for the General Education Advisory Committee concerning the restructuring are available in the March 6 EPC minutes. The General Education Advisory Committee web site also gives background information on the restructuring project as well as approved minutes and various draft plans under discussion. A timeline for the project is included.