Consultative Committee 
February 16, 2004

Guest:  Dean Schwaller

Faculty Center for Learning and Teaching:  Bert Ahern’s term as director is coming to an 
end; Dean Schwaller solicited input on finding a replacement.  The committee 
recommended discussing with potential candidates’ division chairs and disciplines to 
assure that an appointment would be possible.  A call for nominations/applications will 
go out from the dean’s office.  The faculty subcommittee of the Consultative Committee 
would be happy to supplement the Faculty Development Committee (which served as the 
screening committee last time) to screen applicants or serve in an advisory capacity.

Academic Affairs restructuring:  Due to retirements and other factors there will be 
changes in the academic affairs areas in the near future.  The Consultative Committee 
was asked how it envisions its role in this process.  The CC indicated that the committee 
could be of use as a sounding board and in order to alert the involved parties as to 
potential “landmines”.  Changes in the area of Continuing Education are also anticipated 
and CC may be asked to consult.

General Education Assessment:  An update was given about the General Education 
Assessment committee (a joint subcommittee of the Curriculum and Assessment of 
Student Learning committees).  In order to prepare for our next report of progress to our 
accrediting agent, we must show progress in the area of assessment and the area of 
assessing the general education program specifically.  One system will be piloted this 
spring and then re-evaluated.  Several possible concerns and objections regarding general 
education assessment were raised and discussed, including the question of whether all 
courses or students need to be assessed or whether some types of sampling would be 
appropriate.

National Survey of Student Engagement:  An update about the results of this survey was 
given.  According to this survey UMM ranks below peer institutions in the amount of 
writing students do.  The Curriculum Committee is interested in examining writing across 
the curriculum at UMM.