August
22 , 2003
I.
Attendance: J. O. Chikwem, Dean K. R. Bhat, Chemistry
R. Langley, Chair, Chemistry S. Tsai, Physics M. Huq, Chair,
Physics L. Roberts, Physics L. Treisner, Math and Computer
Science G. Nagase, Chair, Math and Computer Science A. Shabazz,
Math and Computer Science S. Safford, Biology T. Banh, Math
and Computer Science P. Pathak, Math and Computer Science
J. Pathak, Math and Computer Science A. Barimani, Math and
Computer Science W. Williams, Physics P. Grillo, Math and
Computer Science T. Yamauchi, Math and Computer Science D.
Royer, Chair, Biology Department - Excused
II.
Welcome Address: Dr. Chikwem welcomed the faculty to
the new school year, congratulated them for their performance
in teaching, research and service in 2002/2003 school year.
He also welcomed all new faculty to Lincoln University. He
pleaded with all faculty to work even harder this school year
to increase the percentage of science graduates, improve retention
rates and obtain more funds from grants.
III.
ACT 101: Dr. Ayo Sanyika distributed handouts on the
activities of the ACT 101 program. She requested faculty to
send students to the laboratory if they are having problems
writing or mastering mathematics.
IV.
Retention: The following suggestions were made by faculty:
a) Key to success in the Sciences is mathematics. Mathematics
professors should use all the resources at their disposal
to help the students. Students should be encouraged to use
available tutorial services and instructor's office hours.
b) The grades of students should be updated after every quiz,
so that students can start pulling up their grades in time.
c) Professors should be flexible in assessing the performance
of their students. Second chance, make ups and extra work
can be used to improve grades. d) Many tests and quizzes should
be done each semester. The test with the lowest grade can
be dropped.
Tutorial
Services: The school will designate rooms in Dickey Hall,
Grim Hall and Wright Hall where tutorial services can be carried
out. Peer tutors will be engaged and instructors can volunteer
time whenever possible.
Minimizing
Friction in the Classroom: Friction occurs from lateness
and disruptive behaviors. Some instructors suggested asking
late student to contribute $1 for end of semester pizza parties.
Students who do not bring pens and pencils to the class can
deposit 25 cents for pencil which is refunded when the pencil
is returned. No cell phones should ring during classes. Points
can be removed or fines imposed for defaulters.
Curriculum:
The following areas were suggested for inclusion in the next
school year. · Environmental Engineering - Physics · Forensic
Science - Biology, Chemistry, Physics · Computational Physics
- Physics · Medical technology / Biotechnology - Biology,
Chemistry, Physics
Cultural
and Academic Excellence: Students should be encouraged
to have knowledge about themselves and their contribution
to humanity. Students should also be encouraged to be sensitive
to cultural issues. Professor were requested to research the
contribution of African Americans, so that this can be added
to the African American Experience course.
Meeting
Days: Faculty suggested that meetings should be held on
Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m.
Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
