Chemistry Department Meeting Minutes

November 19, 2004

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

HBC – Room 214.0

In Attendance: Madan Mohan, Lew Barnett, Lydia Bearden, Jessica White, Anita Thurwachter, Kathy Nabona, Matiur Rahman, Ya-Ping Huang, Al Dumbuya, Debbie Sackett, and Chris Uzomba

¨ The meeting was opened by Chris welcoming everyone.

¨ Chris asked everyone to submit their requests for the Master Plan. One suggestion was more lab top computers in classrooms used by Chemistry. These lap tops could be shared by all who use the rooms. Another suggestion, coming later in the meeting, was to ask for funds to start up CHEM 1411 at EVC, prior to offering it at that campus.

¨ The department will need to select another text book for Organic Chemistry. This may be the newest edition of Wade, or another book entirely. Chris agreed to have a list prepared prior to spring break for eligible voters to consider.

¨ The issue of electing another Department Chair was addressed. Since Chris is acting as the election official for our department, he CANNOT be chair next year. Eligibility to vote was discussed, but no one had the rules readily handy. It was pointed out that election rules were addressed in Administrative Rule #3.02.003.

¨ Some folks had sent their votes for CHEM 1405 to Chris. He handed out copies to everyone. It was suggested, and adopted, that the rules go to a committee for further consideration. The committee would report their findings, and submit the final list to the TF for vote at the March meeting. The committee is composed of Debbie Sackett, Kathy Nabona, Anita Thurwachter, Lew Barnett, and Jessica White

¨ Debbie Sackett asked, as a part of the NSF Grant (GET SMART), that a special section of one of the CHEM 1411 labs be devoted to students interested in becoming High School Chemistry teachers. The original course, CHEM 2477 (Theory and Use of labs in Chemistry Education), is unlikely to be successful due to articulation issues, and other factors. The students in this special section would be the exact same lecture for CHEM 1411; however, their lab would be different. Their lab experience would not be compromised in any way, however, they would gain lab experience that would assist them with their future careers as teachers. Some topics/lab experiments that would be included: exercises in graphical analysis, measurements using TI calculators with sensors, kitchen chemistry – science on a limited budget, preparation of an original lab exercise, evaluating labs for quality in HS setting, density, and qualitative analysis.

It was decided that this section could be offered. It will be coupled with a section for regular CHEM 1411 students. This way, the class has more chance of success. The section would be limited to EDUC folks, with the caveat that “instructor permission” is required. The course will be opened to other students, only if all sections are filled, and students are being turned away.

¨ Chris reported that e-staffing still doesn’t work - big surprise.