If you missed the Sept. 30 Academic Senate meeting, or need a refresher, keep reading for the highlights from the meeting. For more information on the Academic Senate, click here.
Debate Calendar
Proposed Regulation P7-200 Research Administration Policy
Brent Brown, director of Office of Sponsored Projects, presented on a remarkably large and complex set of laws, regulations and internal policies apply to research activities that our students, faculty and staff pursue. This policy allows the VPR to address existing and emerging federal, local and sponsor requirements and guidelines that require an action or policy on the university’s part to ensure compliance, mitigate risks and effectively meet these growing legal obligations.
Prison Education Program (PEP) Application
Erin L. Castro, associate professor, Higher Education, associate dean, Prison Education, and Pamela Cappas-Toro, operations director, Prison Higher Education Planning Grant shared information about UPEP’s application process for the Prison Education Program. They also discussed the next steps needed to move this forward.
Information & Recommendation Calendar
Graduate Council 7-year Reviews
Helene Shugart presented the following:
Master of Statistics Program (MSTAT)
The Master of Statistics Program is the oldest interdisciplinary graduate program at the University of Utah, preparing students for careers in statistical methods across five tracks of study: Biostatistics, Econometrics, Educational Psychology, Mathematics and Sociology. Reviewers remarked positively on student outcomes relative to successful completion and placement, and they uniformly lauded the dedication and investment of the director and track representatives, who guide the program. To ensure continued growth and success, the program is encouraged to update program requirements and core curriculum, develop additional outcome metrics, and more effectively recognize and reward contributing faculty.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is an historically strong program, offering six degrees: two bachelor’s degrees (in Electrical Engineering and in Computer Engineering, respectively, the latter jointly offered with the School of Computing; two dual degrees (a BS/MS and an MS/MBA); a master’s degree, and Doctor of Philosophy degree. Reviewers commended the effectiveness of the department’s recent substantive revisions to the undergraduate program, in particular relative to curriculum and recruitment strategies; and the high quality and productivity of the faculty. Recommendations for continued improvement centered upon improving graduate student support, addressing departmental staff shortages and needs, and clarifying expectations for career-line faculty.