January 25, 2006

DEPARTMENT OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION

 

Minutes – January 25, 2006

 

 

Present:  Christa Brown, Kate Cady, Dan Cronn-Mills, Kristen Cvancara, Jim Dimock,                            Lou Eckert, Dave Engen, Brian Klosa, Kristen Treinen, Leah White

 

The faculty of the Department of Speech Communication met at 12 Noon on Wednesday,

January 25, 2006, in MH 215.

 

Opening Statement:  The faculty discussed and unanimously agreed on the following narrative statement:  “Speech Communication is a field of study inviting students to engage in the theoretically-informed practice of communication in their personal, professional and public lives.  Students who succeed in Speech Communication can expect to meet the following goals.”

 

Curriculum Decisions:  The faculty agreed on goals 1-8.  Dan suggested and faculty agreed to add the following to the list of curriculum revisions:

            9.   American Public Address course to modify to Topics course.

          10.   Rhetoric of Western Thought course to modify to Topics course.

          11.  All Special Topics courses (SPEE 240, 440, 640) be variable credits (1-3 credits).

 

Spring 2007:  The faculty should begin thinking about what they would like to teach during Spring, 2007.  Please give your suggestions to Dan.

 

Relay for Life / Colleges Against Cancer:  This event is scheduled for February 18th, 6 p.m. to

February 19th, 6 a.m., Myers Field House, MSU.  Christa Brown, Coordinator, presented a request for the department to be a full sponsor in the amount of $1,000.  After discussion, Kristen Cvancara moved that the department be designated as a full sponsor in the amount of $1,000.  Leah White seconded.  Unanimously passed.  Kathy will work with Christa Brown in processing the paperwork.

 

GTA-Faculty Teaching Observations:  Kristen Treinen encouraged faculty to observe the graduate teaching assistants.  The GTAs will be approaching faculty in the upcoming weeks.

Kristen will send to all faculty via e-mail the observation form.

 

Communication Day – February 15, 2006:  Dave updated the faculty on Communication Day.

A final schedule of events will be given to all faculty.  Faculty should encourage all Speech majors/minors to attend this event.

 

UST Undergraduate Communication Conference:  Faculty to encourage students to attend the University of St. Thomas Undergraduate Communication Conference,  April 21, 2006.

 

Undergraduate Research Conference / MSU:  The conference is scheduled for April 24-25, 2006.  Abstracts are due by March 1, 2006.  Please encourage your students to attend.

Other:

 

Fixed-Term Opening:  Dr. Earley has approved a regional search.  The department will begin thinking about what to be included in the position description.  Send ideas/suggestions to Dan.

 

Personnel: Leah reviewed the Spring Semester Personnel deadlines for Fixed-Term and First-Year faculty PDR deadlines.

           

MSU Student Assn. Leadership Scholarship:  Scholarship is in the amount of $1,000.  Application forms available in SU 280.

 

Spring Colloquium:  Nan reminded faculty when the graduate students present at the spring colloquiums, the Assessment Team will evaluate the speakers.

 

CTAM Service Award:  Dan announced that the CTAM Board of Governors has selected an outstanding individual who has been of service to CTAM.  Kathy Steiner is the recipient and will be recognized at the CTAM Convention in September.

 

The meeting adjourned at 1 p.m.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Kathy Steiner