Academic Council Minutes, December 1, 2003

I.  Minutes 

• Approved

II.  General Agenda 

• Data Collection

--Richard Phillips indicated that registrations are running about 210 ahead of this time last year, probably owing to the change in fee payment and late-registration policy.

• Instructional Technology

--It was agreed that a notice about the change in fee payment and late-registration policy would be posted on WebCT to ensure that online students got the message.

--Chari Norgard will look into licensing possibilities for “Turn It In” or other online service for identifying plagiarized papers.

• Fort Bend Issues and Updates

--The provost reported meeting with Fort Bend faculty to identify problems, concerns, and items of interest.

--The chancellor was scheduled to meet with the presidents of Prairie View A&M and North Harris Community College on the proposed center on 290.  There may be a report at Provosts’ Council.

III.  Specific Agenda

• Faculty Development Conference Presentation and Research Requests/Reports

--Approved a development grant for conference presentation ($1,000) to Dr. Elizabeth Heywood for the 15^th Annual National Youth-At-Risk Conference, in Savannah, GA, in March.   

--Approved a development grant for conference presentation ($200) to Dr. Mary Natividad for the 15^th Annual National Youth-At-Risk Conference, in Savannah, GA, in March.   

--Approved a development grant for conference presentation ($1,000) to Dr. Ron Sardessai for The Association of Indian Management Scholars International Conference on Management, in Bangalore, India, in December.

--Accepted a grant funded conference travel report from Dr. Barba Patton.   

• Student Appeals

--The Council denied the request of a student for a W in a course in which the student had received an F for academic dishonesty.

• Academic Dishonesty Cases

--A student was dismissed effective immediately for academic dishonesty.  The student received an F for the course and administrative withdrawal from other courses.  The student may appeal for reinstatement after a period of two years.

--A case involving a breach of academic/professional ethics was referred to program faculty for further fact finding and determination of appropriate action.

• Success Initiative (THEA)

--The Council approved using a C as the minimal grade for designated “skill area courses” in reading, writing, and math for those transfer students that have not participated in the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), which has replaced the TASP.

DNS/kw
12/3/03