USF Undergraduate Council - Minutes of February 26, 2007

Present: Celina Jozsi, Dell DeChant, Dewey Rundus, Larry Thompson, Nancy Tyson, Sharon Geiger, Sherman Dorn, Sandra Cadena.

Absent: Alecia Peacock, Natalie Shultz, Sara Goodman, Steven Reader, Tom Brantley

Guests: Barton Lee, Margit Grieb, Janet Moore, Kathy Hyer

The meeting was called to order at 3:07 p.m.

1. The minutes of February 12, 2006 were approved with amendments.

2. Discussion:
Revision of Council's "Overall Philosophy"
The Council suggested deleting second paragraph, which on the whole seems better suited for the charge. Language from this paragraph can be integrated into the section on the charge, pending revision of that section. The Council suggested revision in the first paragraph to reduce verbiage and to focus on the substance of the existing document. The First paragraph of Council's Philosophy now reads " The Undergraduate Council fulfills in continuity with the mission and strategic plan of the university. Members of the Council have responsibility for the University's undergraduate program as a whole, rather their individual colleges and departments. In all matters of review, evaluation and recommendation, the Council is guided by a general concern for the needs of undergraduate students and the greater community, the advancement of scholarship and research, and the necessity of relevant response to social and academic change. In such matters, the council will also be mindful of the University's obligation to provide sound general education for all undergraduate students and prepare undergraduates for professional and occupational pursuits.
3. Review of new course/curriculum proposals:

   • Certificate in Film Studies ---- was Approved.
   
   The College of Arts and Sciences offers this certificate through the collaboration of the Departments of English, Humanities and American Studies, Government and International Affairs, Languages & Linguistics, Philosophy, Art & Art History, Latin American Studies, Communication, and others. It is designed for majors in any field who wish to gain a multi-disciplinary understanding of film as an aesthetic medium and how it describes and has helped shape the socio-political situation of western civilizations. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the certificate course work is required. The certificate program was approved by all.
   • Certificate in Visual and Performing Arts Studies ----- was Approved
     The certificate in Visual and Performing Arts Studies is designed for majors in the College of Engineering who wish to further their understanding of the artistic creative process or for those who want to experience a focused study of the arts. It is a 15 credit hours certificate program and students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher to get the certificate. The certificate program was approved by all.

   • GEY 4327 - Understanding Policies and Practices of Long Term Care------------ was Approved.
   
   This course comprises of a survey Long Term Care environments. This course explores such issues as definitions of LTC, physiological conditions of LTC uses, the institutional setting, the socio-psychological context, and methods of evaluation and intervention. The course was approved by all.
   • GEY 4328 - Understanding Policies and Practices of Healthcare Operations--------was Approved.
   
   This course focuses on administration of long term care institutions from a group dynamics perspective. It lays emphasis on informed problem solving and decision making via analysis of the psychosocial and socio cultural environment in the nursing home community. The course was approved by all.
   • B.S. Gerontology Program:
   
   The Council decided to table it for the next meeting till two other courses of the same program are approved.
   • PHH 3420 Early Modern Philosophy:---------------- Tabled till next meeting.
   • PHH 3440 Late Modern Philosophy:-------------- Tabled till next meeting.

The next meeting will be Monday, March 26th, 2007. The meeting was adjourned at 4:48 p.m.

Please send any suggestions or comments to:
Mia Fluitt - webcat@ugs.usf.edu