Meeting Place: NRG 2119

Meeting Time: 10:00 am

Participants: Paul Williams, Lala Guerra, Saad Eways, Chris Cavalli, Jim Heath , James Friedrichsen, Elliot Richmond, George Staff, Hadi Parhikhteh, Luis Cuellar, Karl Trappe, Ron Johns, John Cise, Cindy Carr Bob Blodgett, Gary Crane, John Blum, Peter Wehner, Qurrat Thakur, David Frohlich, Dean Becker, Clyde Springen, Bruce Darling, Larry Wigginton

1.) Call to Order

2.) Approval of Agenda: Approved

3) Approval of Minutes from: September

4.) Information items presented:

a.) Update on Evaluation Process –The evaluation process was explained to everyone at the meeting. James Heath reminded instructors about the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd year Portfolios due this year. Portfolios completed, should be sent to Lala at RVS.

b.) Astronomy Talk – James Heath’s talk in September went very well. He is planning on having all talks at CYP this semester. The next talk at CYP will be on October 17, 2009 at 7:00pm. The topic will be “Ptolemy to Tycho” He also mentioned that he would do all the talks again in the spring at RVS and the fall semester at the RR Campus. Other instructors showed interest in having talks too.

c.) SEO Update - Water week went well and the fieldtrip was successful. Students went to Eliza Springs and also had a tour at the Tom Miller Dam.

d.) Computer Tech Position – Still in process.

5.) New Business:

Minutes of GEOL/ESTE Subcommittee

Oct. 2, 2009

Participants Ron Johns, George Staff, Bob Blodgett, Pete Wehner, Cindy Carr, Bruce Darling

GEOL 1345

It had previously been decided that GEOL 1345 should not be added to the Core Curriculum (9/08), but this raises the issue of why it is even offered. The curriculum is outdated and the format makes assessment difficult. Maurine Riess is making progress on a distance-learning version of GEOL 1305 that will, hopefully, be ready for next fall. This course could then serve as the distance-learning course for the department. A decision was made to remove GEOL 1345 from the schedule for FY 2011 and then revamp its curriculum.

Meteorology

If we offer a meteorology course, for which a TCCN rubric already exists, it will almost certainly be popular. Dennis Dunn has expressed an interest in teaching it, but for a course to be successful it needs a full-time faculty sponsor who is willing and able to put the effort into maintaining and overseeing it. Pete volunteered to serve in this capacity, so plans to create such a course can move forward.

Honors Geology

There are about 40 geology majors at the college, and a suggestion was made to offer an honors section of GEOL 1403 with perhaps a bit more rigor designed for geology majors. There was general approval of the idea, as well as agreement that it should probably be offered at RGC.

Standards for courses

Some of the adjuncts have asked for more guidance regarding what is to be expected of students, especially in labs. Figuring this out will encompass some discussion and a review of the existing lab manuals, so a date was set for all interested parties to meet at 1:30 pm on Friday, Oct. 23.

Geology at Fredricksburg

There is a push to offer geology at FBG. Before we offer anything, however, especially a lab class, we will need to look at their facilities and make it clear what supplies and staffing they will need to provide. After coordinating everyone’s schedules, it looks like Friday, Dec. 11 will be the best time to go. A van will be reserved and we can make a day of it by checking out localities near there. Participants will include Pete, Bob, George, Cindy, Ron, and any other interested parties (Paul?, John?, Kay?, Dave?, Sarah?). Ron will check with Susan Nichols to make sure that works for her. Cindy was volunteered to write up the lab specs and supply lists.

Minutes of PHYS/AST/ENG Subcommittee

October 2, 2009

Participants Paul Williams, Lala Guerra, Saad Eways, Chris Cavalli, Jim Heath , James Friedrichsen, Elliot Richmond, Hadi Parhikhteh, Luis Cuellar, Karl Trappe, John Cise, Gary Crane, John Blum, Qurrat Thakur, Dean Becker, Clyde Springen, Larry Wigginton

Clarifying Language of the Exam standards - It was brought to everyone’s attention that the language of the exam standards needed to be clarified regarding the grading of problem solving. It was agreed that the issue would be referred to the Standard Committee.

Make the Physics Final Optional - There was a discussion of making the Physics final optional. Everyone shared their suggestions and concerns. It became clear that there was disagreement about what constituted a “comprehensive” final exam. This issue was referred to the standards committee.

Seminars for High School Physics Teachers

There was a discussion on holding seminars for High School Physics teachers. Everyone shared their suggestions and concerns. A proposal was suggested to propose a Regional Collaborative to retrain all 9^th grade IPC teachers as 9^th grade Physics first teachers.

Update on required topics for PHYS 1401/1402 - James Friedrichsen updated everyone on the development of his draft on required topics for PHYS 1401/1402. A final proposal will be shared with everyone in the November meeting. An idea was brought up to develop a quick demographic survey for students for the first day of class to determine where they stand in PHYS 1401 and 1402. There was a short discussion on the item. Everyone agreed to the survey.

New edition Hewitt Textbook for PHYS 1405 and 1407 - It was agreed that the new 11^th edition of the Hewitt textbook would be used for PHYS 1405 in spring 2010 and the 10^th edition for PHYS 1407. In summer 2010, both courses would use the 11^th edition.

Adopt a Physics teacher – Luis Cuellar pointed out a website called Adopt a Physicist, where physics students can go online and connect with people that hold physics degrees and have discussion forum. Anyone interested in the website can go to adoptaphysicist.org

Engineering Steering Committee - The Engineering Steering Committee will meet after the department meeting for 15 minutes

April Rider, McGraw-Hill - A meeting will be set for October 16, 2009 to meet with April Rider, McGraw-Hill representative, Editor of the Giambattista book and the technology developer for the Connect online homework to discuss the textbook and Connect. If you would like to attend, please email Lala