Academic Policies Committee
Submitted by: Clifton Sutton, Chair
Committee Members: Esther Elstun, Carol Kaffenberger, Jean Moore, Susan Trencher
The Academic Policies Committee met regularly (eight times) during the academic year 2004-2005 and completed the
items of business indicated below.
- We reviewed catalog copy relevant to academic policies.
- We were asked to consider whether or not faculty have an appropriately strong role in the approval process for
multi-unit sponsored undergraduate degree programs. It was decided that no action need be taken at the current time.
- The Office of the Provost requested that we review, and possibly propose a suspension of, the current rule that
limits students on academic probation to a maximum of thirteen credit hours per semester. After consideration, it
we determined that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that a change in policy is warranted.
- We followed up on the extended withdrawal period approved for undergraduates by the Senate last spring, giving
consideration to whether or not such a policy should be established for graduate students. We accepted the advice of
the Graduate Council that no change in the withdrawal policy for graduate students should be made.
- We began a review of a proposal from the School of Law for a "three plus three" program, but the proposal was
withdrawn before any action was taken or recommended.
- We considered unique credit requirements concerning double majors, minors, and undergraduate certificates.
Three motions were passed by the Senate to establish new restrictions.
- We considered proposed changes in the history requirements for university-level general education.
[Motions to be presented at the Senate meeting of May 4, 2005.]
The Committee currently has several additional items, which are indicated below,
that it expects to consider during academic year 2005-2006.
- We've been asked to consider a review of quality concerns (of academic programs and faculty) associated with the
UAE campus. (Item AP2005-1)
- We've been asked to consider the development of a University Curriculum Committee. (Item AP2005-2)
- We've been asked to consider several suggested changes to the academic calendar. (Item AP2005-3)
Some of these items came to us rather late during the spring semester, and other items are such that they may be
better dealt with during the 2005-2006 academic year after more information becomes available or relevant deadlines
become nearer.