Minutes from Department Meeting

May 12, 2005

Department members present: Batell, Chatas, Egan, Goldberg, Hatcher, King, Quail, Rombes, Beebe, Lenton

Announcements:

1)Dennis Bila announced his retirement to the college today. At this time, he would not like a farewell send off.

2)The University of Michigan needs two instructors for their summer bridge program (elementary/intermediate algebra).

Larry’s Message:

  • We will have two disciplines within the math department(Developmental and College level).
  • Faculty are encouraged to have joint appointments (with a demonstrated commitment to the program).
  • Up to two new full-time positions will be available for the new discipline.
  • Re-construction of LA 255 will start late September, early October (Space has been identified on the 3rd floor of SC for transition use along with the college testing center).
  • The new courses/format will begin January 2006.
  • The Math resource center will be available for all math students. It will include tutoring and computer resources.

What Larry’s messagedidn’tinclude:

  • Dictated number of credit hours
  • Dictated texts and curriculum
  • Dictated staff

Developmental Math Committee work:

  • Regularly scheduled meetings (Wednesday from 10:00-11:55 in LA 254).
  • The committee includes Kris Chatas, Mark Batell, Bob Hatcher, Mike King, Lisa Rombes, and Hanan Wahab.
  • Names for courses: Essential Foundations of Math and Essential Foundations of Algebra (proposed).
  • Solicitation from all departments their development math needs with a review of relevant course textbooks.
  • Integration of college needs plus problem solving and life skills to create content list.

Summer & Fall needs/goals:

  • The creation of a topic list for both classes.
  • Review and selection oftextbooks
  • Review and selection ofmajor computer course management program.
  • Creation of entrance/exit test for both courses.
  • Creation of a daily note book (schedules & topics).

Things that Kris will pursue:

  • Room and staff needs.
  • Creation of book evaluation template.
  • Coordination and communication between department & Administration.
  • Specifics of the math resource center (personnel, computers, and etc).
  • Logistics for Fall ’05.
  • In-service training (Nov & Jan) for participating faculty.
  • Faculty interest in teaching the Developmental Math courses.

Lessons learned:

  • Assessment is vital.
  • Syllabus review should regularly include material & assessment review.

Next meeting: Thursday, June 9th, 3:30 p.m.

Meeting adjourned: 4:20 p.m.