1.    PRELIMINARIES

A.    Attending: Kratz, Rogo, Smith, Dial, Hjelm, Lawrence, Sato (for Neill), Sutter, Mullin, Wilkins.

        GUEST: R. Hatzenbuehler

        Absent: Salzman, Bowman, Cady, Fisher, Paulson

II.    ANNOUNCEMENT

Mullin reminded people that the workshop, partially sponsored by the Council, to be delivered by David Bleisch on October 14.

A.    Update on Assessment Activities and Workshops: Lawrence and Hatzenbuehler described this year's assessment report, noting a significant increase in activities by departments.  Dial and several other people reported that they think faculty now see assessment as a 'normal' activity and something that helps them.

Two workshops and a discussion group are scheduled for this term.  A workshop on Testing and Grading is currently running; a workshop on Critical Thinking will begin in November, and is full for this term.  A discussion group on Teaching New Freshmen is underway and has twelve active participants.

B.    Retention Report: The retention report is not yet finished.  Lawrence reported that it should be finished soon and that Dr. Lawson and others in the administration have taken an active interest in this problem.  Several members suggested possible causes for students' leaving.  Further discussion was postponed until the report is ready.

C.    Proposed Library Courses: A request for discussion of a proposed required library course had been submitted by Rosmarie Fouad.  There was general discussion of the feasibility of adding an additional course to the general education requirements and whether any assessment results give an indication of the level of students' skills.  Wilkins noted that all education majors are assessed in this area, and she was delegated to talk with Rosmarie about this topic and report back.

D.    Academic Program Review: Lawrence reported that this item did come up on the President's Staff Meeting agenda as expected last week, so that the role of assessment information in program review is not yet clear.  Certainly, alumni to teach students to organize a search for using the library's resources.  Another suggestion involved having the library (perhaps through a development grant) prepare a document or program to help students develop the skills they will need in many classes.  Students can bypass the instructions they don't need but wouldn't be able to get past the important steps.  Members generally favored the idea of having a competency requirement in how to use the library but questioned whether an additional course was the best way to accomplish this goal.

Approved:

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