ACADEMIC SENATE MINUTES

DATE: March 29, 2007

PRESENT: Agnes Samples Rakesh Sah

Sandie Rietz Bruce Brumley

Audrey ConnerRosberg Johanna Mitchell

Keith Edgerton Gershon Bulgatz

Noreen Lee Craig McKenzie

Matt Redinger John Cech (ex-officio)

George White (ex-officio)

ABSENT: Mark Hardt – excused Lorrie Steerey – excused

Tedee Cuomo (student) – excused Alicia Esteves (student) – excused

David Garloff (ex-officio) Tasneem Khaleel (ex-officio)

Gary Young (ex-officio) Mary Susan Fishbaugh (ex-officio)

Karen Heikel (ex-officio) Terrie Iverson (ex-officio)

Stacy Klippenstein (ex-officio)

GUESTS: Vern Gagnon Cindy Rossmith

Liz Tooley Valerie Martinez

Lonnie Schrag

PRESIDING: Audrey ConnerRosberg, Chair

Audrey ConnerRosberg called the meeting to order at 3:50 p.m. in room B57 of the College of Technology.

The minutes of March 22 were accepted as presented.

I. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Item 64 AS in Nursing. New program.

Item 64.a Certificate of AS in Practical Nursing. New program.

Item 64.b NURS 202 Pharmacology II. Delete course.

Item 64.c NURS 122 Maternal/Child Nursing. Delete course.

Item 64.d NURS 101 Introduction to Nursing. New course.

Item 64.e NURS 230 Fundamentals of Nursing. New course.

Item 64.f NURS 232 Pharmacology. New course.

Item 64.g NURS 234 Gerontology. New course.

Item 64.h NURS 240 Core Concepts of Adult Nursing. New course.

Item 64.i NURS 242 Core Concepts of Maternal/Child Nursing. New course.

Item 64.j NURS 244 Core Concepts of Mental Health Nursing. New course.

Item 64.k NURS 246 Leadership Issues. New course.

Item 64.L NURS 248 Transition to Registered Nursing. New course.

Item 64.m NURS 250 Pathophysiology. New course.

Item 64.n NURS 252 Complex Care Needs of the Maternal/Child Client. New course.

Item 64.o NURS 254 Complex Care Needs-Mental Health Client. New course.

Item 64.p NURS 260 Complex Care Needs of the Adult Client. New course.

Item 64.Q NURS 262 Advanced Clinical Skills. New course.

Item 64.r NURS 264 Managing Client Care. New course.

Þ Motion by Keith Edgerton, seconded by Craig McKenzie to accept Items 64, 64.a, 64.b, 64.c, 64.d, 64.e, 64.f, 64.g, 64.h, 64.i, 64.j, 64.k, 64.L, 64.m, 64.n, 64.o, 64.p, 64.Q, and 64.r for information.

It was cited that there have been several programs that have come forward recently that seem to completely ignore the arts and sciences. The Psychology of Aging has been offered by the College of Arts and Sciences for many years, yet this new program has a new course on aging (Item 64.g). Cindy Rossmith, Director of Nursing at the College of Technology, stated that this is basically a cookie-cutter curriculum and we are not allowed to deviate from it. There are, however, arts and sciences components woven into the program. This program will be the same across the state and is limited to 72 credits. Dean John Cech noted that Flathead Valley Community College brought their ASN proposal to the Board of Regents a couple meetings ago, and they were directed to change their courses to align with the state standard. We don’t want that to happen with our proposal.

Ms. Rossmith noted that the new Associate of Science in Nursing will have a four-semester point at which students can leave the program to become a LPN (this is Item 64.a). If students continue two more semesters, they will be able to test to become a Registered Nurse. Students who are already LPNs can also join in this program, taking the last two semesters, and become RNs. MSU-Bozeman currently has a wait list of over 400 students to get into their BSN program. Those students who are tired of waiting can come to MSU-Billings and get the ASN instead. Whether students take the ASN or the BSN program, both will take the same test to become RNs and, if successful, will be paid the same. The MSU-Billings COT ASN program also articulates into the RN to BSN programs at MSU-Northern, Montana Tech, and the University of Wyoming. Our ASN does not articulate to MSU-Bozeman at all. The ASN is considered a terminal degree.

It was noted that it seems we do not have a choice on the curriculum of this program. It’s all mandated by the State Board of Nursing and the Board of Regents.

The question was raised as to whether any new faculty will be needed to staff the new ASN program. Dean Cech stated they did receive a federal appropriation for start-up costs of this program, and the new FTE generated will pay for the program in the future. Provost White stated that there will be some reallocation of funds to pay for the new faculty line once the appropriation runs out.

Ms. Rossmith noted that 30% of students at the University of Wyoming program are from Billings. There is a huge need for this program in the community.

Þ Motion carried: six for, two against, two abstentions.

It was noted that sometimes the FTE and money that comes from a new program ends up going elsewhere in the University. Provost White noted that we are lump sum funded, but he is making every effort to support the areas of growth we do experience. The Provost Council, which includes Dr. ConnerRosberg, discusses whether to fund each new or replacement faculty line.

Item 70 New Program proposed to the BOR by the Department of Communication and Theatre in May, 2007: Minor in Health Communication. For information.

Þ Motion by Keith Edgerton, seconded by Sandie Rietz to accept Item 70 for information.

It was stated that the Senate doesn’t want a program to go to the BOR and then when it comes up for campus approval there is an unexpected cost for the new program.

It was cited that the Senate does not want to micromanage all academic programs, but it seems we keep growing new branches without the resources to sustain them. We as the Senate have to see things in a greater scope. Provost White agreed and stated that the annual reports, which will now come to the Senate every fall, will include enrollment targets and how they were or were not met.

Þ Motion carried: three for, none against, seven abstentions.

III. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

A. Committee Report/Inquiry: Required Attendance at UCC Meetings

Guest: Vern Gagnon, UCC Chairperson

Mr. Gagnon stated that the UCC would like to know when they should require faculty to attend their meetings. Currently, the UCC requests a faculty representative to attend the meeting when the changes appear to be substantial. Is there a standard for when faculty should attend?

It was stated that attendance should be mandatory for faculty proposing curricular changes. It was noted that it’s very beneficial when the faculty attend the UCC meeting.

Þ Motion by Keith Edgerton, seconded by Matt Redinger to make faculty attendance mandatory at UCC meetings where the faculty member(s) have a curriculum change or changes proposed.

Þ Motion carried.

It was cited that the Senate should also require faculty to attend its meetings to discuss curriculum changes, because the Senate will ask different questions. Mr. Gagnon noted that the UCC does discuss funding and staffing, and if there is a significant concern on a particular program, he would notify the Senate. He also noted that if the Senate sees something of concern, it should most definitely discuss it rather than just rubber stamping a proposal.

Provost White noted that the Board of Regents model requires both the committees and the full board to give notice before asking any questions of the campus representatives.

Þ Motion by Keith Edgerton, seconded by Craig McKenzie to adjourn this meeting in order to depart for the Faculty Excellence Awards.

The meeting adjourned at 4:54 p.m.

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