September 26, 2002 - 2:00-3:30 p.m.-- Newcomb Hall, Room 187

Present: Robert O'Connell, Kenneth Elzinga, Richard Warner, Daniel Hallahan, Pamela Kulbok

Guests: Kathryn Thornton, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs

Robert O'Connell, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, called the meeting to order.

Welcoming Remarks

New Degree Program in Computer Engineering

Kathryn Thornton gave the Committee an overview of the new degree program, and why the School of Engineering and Applied Science would like for all approvals of the program to be met this fall. The program is a combination of two already existing programs in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. Ms. Thornton said the students want the degree program on their diploma, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science would also like to offer the program to new students in the fall. The Engineering School has been working on the program since the late 1990's to create the joint program. There are approximately 130 students in the program, with approximately 50 new students each year. The new degree program will not require additional funding. A director for the program is needed, and this position is likely to be filled by an existing faculty member. Committee members asked questions and offered comments regarding the program. Kenneth Elzinga made a motion to approve the program, Richard Warner seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Robert W. O'Connell - Report on Ongoing Academic Affairs Committee Work

The Academic Affairs Committee needs to elect several new members, and Mr. O'Connell will make Senate contacts and appoint the new members.

The Committee will follow up on the Report on Graduate Student Funding, which was created last year. The Report will be redistributed, with a cover letter from Michael Smith, Chair of the Faculty Senate, to all Deans, department heads, and graduate student representatives. The Committee also discussed ways to address graduate student funding at the University, given the current budget situation. Suggestions, such as including graduate student funding in planning for the capital campaign, planning on ways to get the Report circulated, and to whom it should be circulated, and having a discussion with the local legislators on the importance of graduate student funding at the University, were all voiced.

In closing, the Committee decided they would like to have a joint meeting with the Executive Council, with Robert Sweeney, Vice President for Development, as a guest at the meeting. The Committee agreed that Thursdays or Fridays, after 2:30 p.m., would be a good time to hold Committee meetings.

The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.