November 2, 2021 Minutes

Council of Department Chairs

In attendance: Curtis Bennett, Barbara Taylor, Margaret Karteron, Henry Wu, Andreas Bill, Dessie Underwood, Krzystof Slowinski, Allie Puz, Lijuan Li, Will Murray, Lora Stevens, Christine Whitcraft, Babette Benken, Jim Kisiel.   

        

NOTE: THESE MINUTES REFLECT DISCUSSIONS THAT HAPPENED ON THE DATE OF THESE MINUTES.  DUE TO THE COVID-19 SITUATION, THINGS ARE RAPIDLY CHANGING.  FOR OFFICIAL POLICY PLEASE WAIT FOR DOCUMENTS FROM THE APPROPRIATE OFFICES.      

 

  1. Approve agenda (10:00)
  2. Approve Minutes from October 19
  3. Announcements
    1. ASM
      1. HEERF deadline is now May 31, 2022.
        1. Student workers can work up to April 30, 2022.
        2. Notify Henry of any additional employment, proposal, etc.
      2. Vaccination Verification
        1. Last HR Report indicated that all but 1 in CNSM employee have uploaded vaccination verification.
    2. Operations Update
      1. RTP transfer from departments to college committee is on track.
      2. RSCA Committee formation is on track.
      3. Commencement will again by organized by college this year.
        1. May 16-18, 2022.
    3. Dean’s report
      1. Site Placement For Students (Internships and contracts that won’t agree to our liability)
        1. COVID has complicated liabilities
      2. GI2025 Updates
        1. Moving forward
        2. Concerned about the impact of high DF/W classes.
          1. We must develop some policies around this.
      3. Campaign and Dean’s Time
        1. The campaign will soon go public and will occupy a lot of the Dean’s time.
      4. Dean’s Office Reporting/Duties
        1. Coming back from COVID has shown some gaps.
          1. Tighten our structure, streamline communication, and provide more clear process steps.
            1. Chairs please send the Dean information about what is helpful moving forward.
            2. Remember that the Associate Dean’s are also empowered to help with issues.
  4. Associate Deans
    1. Academic Programs
      1. Reports from advisors on classroom climate discussion (Refer to Item 5A).
      2. Degree requirement waivers via ARS.
        1. Faculty advisors waiving or substituting requirements without consulting Kris can create problems with graduation requirements.
          1. Faculty Advisors should always consult with Kris if waiving a requirement so that we can follow the appropriate process.
    2. Research
      1. Exterior Door Keys Update
        1. Not yet resolved; solutions conversation is ongoing.
          1. Working to be careful with outside building keys; would like to avoid large key deposit charges.
          2. Proposals:
            1. Key drop in departmental offices to avoid schedule conflicts with BBS.
            2. Grade withheld until issued key is returned.
      2. HEERF Spending Update
        1. Purchase orders for Hyflex classrooms have gone through.
          1. We are unable to make changes throughout the process (as we originally anticipated) due to delays and supply chain issues.
        2. Department Chairs will receive an email from Barbara about original HEERF allocation to assess current spending.
    3. Grad Programs
      1. Cal Apply
        1. New system that interacts with PeopleSoft beginning Fall 2022.
      2. Reminder of money available for PostBac students whose graduation was affected by COVID.
  5. Conversation/Email Norm Discussion

A.Discussions about students

1)Use respectful language and always foster a growth mindset.

B.Discussion of norms for how we communicate with each other.

1)Multi-pronged initial approach:

a)Craft syllabi statements for future use.

b)Onboarding and training.

c)Consistent professional development.

Upcoming Dates:

Nov. 5th: 2021 MGSS Application Deadline
Nov. 8th: CNSM RSCA Applications Deadline
Dec. 10th (2:00-4:00): End of Semester Party
Feb. 21st: 2022 Summer Student Research Assistantship Application Deadline
Feb. 25th: 2022 ORED Multidisciplinary Grant Application Deadline
Apr. 4th:  Nobel Prize Lecture, Dr. Strickland

Meeting Minutes were APPROVED on Tuesday, November 16, 2021

*Note: This reflects discussion on the date of the CDC meeting about policies, not actual policy. Faculty and staff should wait for official communication on each subject before acting.