A proposal for an ad hoc committee on fall break was brought up to the University of Idaho Faculty Senate. The goal of the committee would be to investigate the need for a short fall break sometime in October, survey stakeholders and analyze the impacts. The issue was brought up due to concerns of the long stretch between Labor Day and Thanksgiving impacting student performance and mental health.
The motion passed for committee formation, 18-8.
All University Curriculum Committee items and program proposals were presented for approval with the opportunity for questions to the Senate.
UCC 306 approved the philosophy minor to increase from 18 to 21 credits for rigor. UCC 362 removed the Women’s Center internship from the women’s, gender and sexuality studies minor due to center closure. UCC 612 introduced a new master’s program in industrial and systems engineering supported by the Idaho National Laboratory and Micron. UCC 42 revised the biochemistry minor to require a lab and limit unrelated elective credits. Other UCC items were postponed due to absent presenters.
The chairs’ report, given by Tim Murphy and Kristin Haltinner, included news on a new security button system that is ready for testing in Teaching Learning Center room 132, saying that faculty and graduate instructors are encouraged to participate in testing.
The provost’s report, given by Torrey Lawrence, detailed the fall commencement schedule for Saturday, Dec. 13 with ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the ICCU Arena.
Lawrence emphasized the importance of all grades being submitted by Tuesday, Dec. 2,3 at noon, as he said it is critical for registrar, NCAA and financial aid audits and compliance.
Lawrence also reminded the Sente that the spring semester starts Jan. 14, and the spring final exam schedule is now available on the internet.
The UI Faculty Senate will meet every Tuesday throughout the remaining fall and spring semesters to discuss academic policy and campuswide events. Meeting agendas and minutes are available through the UI Faculty Senate website.
Scarlet Herway can be reached at [email protected].