Attending: Sarah Linder, Estry Ang, David Crossman, Tom Metzger, Ellen Baylis, Sam Conte, Evelyn Talbott, Elizabeth Baranger, Catherine Bender, Kerry Holzworth

SUMMARY OF MEETING:

1. The minutes from the March 12, 2002 meeting were approved.

2. Dr. Talbott reported that 16 proposals were accepted to receive Innovation in Excellence Awards. These proposals, when combined, received $201,025 in funding and represented both graduate and undergraduate research from many different subjects within the university.

3. Samuel Conte, Ph.D., from the University's Office of the Registrar, reported on course time changes that the University will be implementing in January, 03-2. The changes include: the elimination of the 8:20pm class time slot, moving classes from 5:45pm-8:10pm to 6pm-8:30pm. Current University policy only allows for undergraduate day courses on the Pittsburgh campus to meet on a Tuesday-Thursday schedule. The change would also permit these classes to meet on either a Monday/Wednesday, Monday/Friday, or Wednesday/Friday schedule during early morning or late afternoon hours. These changes will only affect undergraduates at the Pittsburgh campus.

4. Dr. Talbott reported to the committee that she was contacted by a University Times reporter asking for comments about the Harvard grade inflation issue. Dr. Talbott asked the committee's opinion on whether she should comment or not. A discussion followed as to the reasons why a grade point average or distribution should increase over time. Dr. Metzger pointed out that the quality of students has increased over time accounting for part of a grade improvement. Dr. Talbott said she would reply that the committee as a whole has not been involved with this aspect of school activities. However, Dr. Baranger indicated that the FAS Gazette publishes data on grade distribution by classes each year. She suggested that he contact a Professor Beeson of the FAS Gazette about their analysis of undergraduate grades.

5. Dr. Baranger stated that she would contact the appropriate people about requesting a wording change in the VA HERL student contract.

6. The next meeting will be at noon, May 7, 2002 followed by the Faculty Assembly at 3 P.M. where our Part time faculty survey results will be presented. A copy of the report will be circulated beforehand. The meeting adjourned at 12:50 PM