Faculty Policies Committee Minutes

August 31, 2009

Members present: Angela Bratton, Kim Davies, Paula Dohoney, Wally Evans, Mark Fissel, Sudha Ratan, Bruce Saul, Christine Terry, Mike Searles, Eric Zuckerman

1) Wally called the meeting to order at 2:35pm.

2) Minutes from 24August were corrected and approved. They will be posted soon.

3)  The “proposed” Course Evaluation Instrument was reviewed and two minor corrections were added. The Instrument (attached as “A” below) will be sent to the University Council.

4) Wally introduced the proposed descriptions of ASU Permanent Committees and solicited additional comments. The subsequent discussion incorporated other campus committees as well and additional questions were raised. Paula volunteered to consolidate the information and share it at our next meeting.

5) Wally announced that Dr. Debra Richardson will visit the FPC on 21September and discuss our new Teaching Center. Dr. Bloodworth will visit the group on 28September.

6) The FPC had a long discussion about work furloughs and made plans to bring up the subject again at the next meeting. Some of the topics covered include: furlough effect on: future raises, promotion, tenure, summer teaching; concern about future furloughs & timing; ability of USG to attract good faculty; reimbursement of faculty for sacrificed days; source of funds for promotions that occur during recession. The group was reminded that the decision was political and mandated by the Governor; many USG Presidents (including ours) had planned to take cuts that would not impact employees. There was a collective opinion that Junior Faculty were impacted most and a recommendation would be made to reimburse them first. The faculty should be warned about future furlough dates well in advance, so teaching plans could be formulated.

7) The next FPC meeting will be on September 14th at 2:30 in SH 1012W.

Adjourned at 3:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Bruce Saul

Attachment “A”:

Proposed course evaluation instrument (8-31-2009).

Section I: The Student’s Role

1. What is your reason for taking this course?

2. On average, approximately how many hours per week did you devote to this course outside of class and lab?

3. Compared to other courses at ASU, the amount of work outside of class required for this course was: much greater greater average less much less

4. How often did you seek assistance from the instructor outside of class during the term?

5. How difficult has this course been for you?

6. How frequently did you complete assignments on time?

7. How frequently did you attend class?

8. How often did you feel that you prepared well for graded assignments, such as tests, papers, presentations, projects, etc.?

9. My prerequisite courses prepared me sufficiently for this course.

10. My academic background prepared me sufficiently for this course.

Section II: Course Overview

11. The course objectives were clearly stated in the syllabus or in class.

12. The course objectives were achievable with appropriate effort and preparation

13. Doing the course assignments contributed to my learning the subject matter.

14. Overall the course materials were helpful (textbooks, handouts, online supplements, etc.).

15. Tests, projects, and other graded work were representative of the content of the course materials, lectures, discussions, and other assignments.

16. This course required in-depth thinking.

17. As a result of taking this course, my interest in the subject matter has increased.

18. After taking this course, I see how this course relates to other academic areas and/or practical situations.

Section III: The Role of the Professor

19. The professor stated clearly in the syllabus what methods of evaluation were to be used in the course.

20. The professor showed enthusiasm in the teaching of this course.

21. The professor encouraged students to ask questions and to participate in class.

22. The professor was available for consultation during posted office hours, by appointment, or electronically.

23. The professor showed respect for students.

24. The professor’s teaching skill helped me learn the material.

25. The professor gave clear instructions for course assignments.

26. The professor graded in a fair manner.

27. The professor gave feedback (oral or written or both) on tests, papers, and other assignments.

28. The professor returned graded assignments, except for long-term projects or papers, within one week.

29. The professor effectively and fully used the time allotted for the course.

30. The professor was well prepared for class.

31. During class, the professor kept the focus on material relevant to the course.

Section IV: Overall Evaluation

32. How would you rate the professor’s overall performance in this course?

33. How would you rate your overall performance as a student in this course?

34. How would you rate the overall effectiveness of the instructional methods?

35. The course evaluation was administered in accordance with the directions at the top of this form.

36. I anticipate that my grade for this course will be: