Minutes
Curriculum Committee
November 2, 2004
Members: James Swartz (Chair), Gerald Adams, Daniel Reynolds, Lee Sharpe, Jean Ketter, Rebecca Miller, Peter Clough, Courteney MacKuen, and Wayne Moyer.
Agenda:
1. The minutes
from the 10/05/04 meeting were approved.
2. Update on MIPs-the
divisions have not met to discuss the success or lack of success of MIPs.
3. Update on Independent
Major. The divisions have not met to discuss the question of a minimum GPA requirement
to do an independent major. The SGA CC has met to discuss the question of a
GPA requirement. They are in favor of a recommendation of a minimum GPA rather
then a mandatory GPA. This would avoid a long and possibly complicated appeal
process. In addition, when a student does not have the recommended GPA, the
adviser could ask for additional information such as a writing sample to judge
whether or not the applicant has the necessary skill to complete the senior
thesis. They pointed out that there is no current major that requires a minimum
GPA before you can declare that major. The committee will continue this discussion
after the divisions have met.
4. Transcript
Analysis. The Dean reviewed with the committee the transcript analysis report
generated by Carol Trosset. The committee found it to be an informative survey
which provides evidence to support that Grinnell has an effective advising system.
The committee recommended to the Dean that the report be circulated to the faculty
through department chairs.
5. Buffer Days.
The question of increasing the number of buffer days has been raised. Some students
are suggesting that each term be shortened by two days which would create 4
buffer days prior to the administration of the first final exam. In addition,
there would be a college-wide rule that would say that papers for any class
would be due no later than the Sunday before the first final exam period begins.
There are a number of issues that need to be explored. How would the faculty
make up the lost teaching days? Can you trade a Tuesday and a Wednesday for
a Thursday and a Friday? What impact would this have on New Student Days? How
much would it cost the college to be open 4 additional days per year? How would
this impact the break between fall and spring term? What impact would this have
on fall and spring sports? How would this impact the activities in Student Affairs?
The committee decided to look at the final recommendation of the Counseling
Task Force where the idea of extending the number of buffer days was suggested.