Attending: Dr. Tom Metzger, Chair; Dr. Elizabeth Baranger; Ms. Eileen Baylis; Dr. Catherine M. Bender; Ms. Diane B. Brubaker; Dr. David M. Crossman; Dr. Kerry W. Holzworth; Dr. Evelyn Talbott; and Dr. Anthony Silvestre

1. Report from the Chair: Dr. Metzger

Dr. Metzger reported that the recent Senate meeting dealt with computer issues that had been before this Committee. It was announced that new bandwidth had been purchased, that a new server has been added for Course Info, and that a number of modems are being replaced. More information is available on the web at www.technology.pitt.edu.

He also reported that neither the Planning and Budget Committee nor the Teaching Excellence Committee has met since our last Committee meetings and that he had nothing to report from them. He did note that the RFA for teaching excellence awards is out and that about $200,000 is available for awards this year.

2. Draft Self-Study: Dr. Baranger

Dr. Baranger passed out copies of the draft self-study that is being prepared for our accreditation. Copies will be mailed to those not attending the meeting. Dr. Baranger explained that every ten years, the University can chose an area around which it can develop a self-study. It chose the undergraduate experience. The document is being circulated and input is sought. Dr. Metzger asked that Committee members review the document and be prepared to discuss it at our next meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2001 form noon till 1:30 in Room 637 WPU. Members who are not able to attend but do have comments should send them to Dr. Metzger by that time. After the meeting, he will develop a response in time for Dr. Baranger's deadline.

3. SEPC Survey regarding part-time faculty: Dr. Metzger

Dr. Metzger distributed a draft of a survey developed from previous meetings and input from other faculty interviewed by him. There was a great deal of discussion about the survey and a number of changes were suggested. Dr. Metzger will revise the survey and pilot it among some faculty and bring it back to the Committee.

4. Student recruitment and retention

In his role as a member of the GSPH Diversity Committee, Dr. Silvestre spoke with a number of minority students who expressed discontent about the climate at the University. The students spoke of feeling isolated and not particularly welcomed. Some felt that their advisors were not informed about cultural issues and not able to respond to their concerns. Dr. Silvestre examined the University web site and found that it did not send a clear message of inclusion. For example, the page on the University's history only referred to women twice and never to racial or ethnic minority issues, or other issues of concern to our non-traditional students, gay and lesbian students, or students with special needs. The Committee suggested that the issue of climate for minority students be discussed at our February meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 1:38 PM

Respectfully submitted: A. Silvestre

The next meeting of the Committee is on January 9, 2001 at noon in 637 WPU.

The Committee will meet in February on February 13, 2001 at noon in 637 WPU.