D. Phillips reviewed the committee’s duties. They are as follows:

1. To consider policies regarding the quality, character, and extent of instruction and research at the University, including policies governing admission requirements, programs of instruction, curriculum, degrees, public service activities, and research and to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees with respect thereto.
2. To consider policies related to the educational purposes and responsibilities of the University and evaluate the same on a long-range basis, and to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees with respect thereto. 
3. To advise the President on any matter within the scope of the Committee’s duties.

J. Flanagan volunteered to be chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. 

Dr. Patricia Marshall, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs highlighted some of the academic events going on on-campus. She stressed that this is just a sample and by no means meant to be exhaustive. We have a vibrant campus. 

On Sept. 21, best-selling author and double falcon, R.A. Salvatore was on campus to discuss the future of storytelling. In September, we also celebrated Constitution Day, an annual event commemorating the signing of the Constitution, with a talk by Claudia Haupt on online speech regulation and protection. On Oct. 18 she attended the “Music Mega Mix” concert. A week later she attended the faculty recital. From Oct. 15-21 we celebrated STEM week with an impressive slate of events that included a STEM shadow day, a waste reduction panel, and a Mass Citizens’ Lobby Forum featuring Congresswoman Lori Trahan and the Mass Undersecretary of Energy, Judy Chang. Last week Dr. Yasser Derwiche-Djazaerly presented the first lecture in our two-part annual Harrod Lecture Series: On American and European Gothic. 

She next highlighted the Game Changers in Education program spearheaded out of our Education Department.  This program, brings together education majors and pre-service teachers from the US and diverse communities in Israel for interactive joint learning and facilitated online exchange focused on developing and applying creative negotiation skills. Also, Dr. Danette Day has continued our programming series at Abolitionist Park. The next thing highlighted, three key areas of the academic plan:

• Scholarship and Creativity
• Student Academic Success and
• New Academic Programs Offerings

P. Marshall emphasized that scholarship and creativity are vibrant here at Fitchburg State. She mentioned Dr. Kisha Tracy’s publication and Dr. Charles Sides’ recently published poems, and Professor Emeritus, James Colbert, published a translation. She noted the visual artists that have been busy presenting their work at local galleries. The recent copy of Community of Scholars publication was distributed, which provides a more comprehensive list of the scholarship and creative work being carried out by our faculty. Another focus area of the Academic Plan is Student Academic Success. She next talked about grants, the Faculty Academy and the career action plan. 

A discussion ensued. 

P. Marshall next talked about new academic offerings and building new programs. There are many opportunities for students to study abroad. She reported on the process of new academic programs and the various steps. 

D. Phillips asked about the length of time that it takes from inception to approval for a new program. P. Marshall responded that it may go simultaneously or, depending upon the needs and the complexity of the program, it could take a couple of years. There was a discussion on the institutional impact, program uniqueness, demand and the role of the All University Committee. There is an institutional infrastructure process where the President ultimately approves. 

E. Gregoire inquired on the alumni perspective integrated into the implementation and workforce of some of the noted programs. P. Marshall responded that one of the structures is that we invite alumni to sit on advisory boards. She noted that engagement is key in making sure industry needs are met in the program design. 

P. Marshall provided an update on the Digital Media Program. We were not allowed to market the program until we received the official approval from the Department of Higher Education. We had two new students start the program this past September. 

The new MS Construction Management program was explained and discussed. It’s currently in development and all constituents are involved. P. Marshall discussed the growing need for construction management. 

There was a discussion on contractors and their relationships with unions. 

P. Marshall discussed the two new programs in the pipeline, Arts Management and Entrepreneurship and Expressive Arts Therapies. 

Faculty members Jonathan Harvey, Assistant Professor, Humanities and Amy McGlothlin, Assistant Professor, Humanities were introduced. 

J. Harvey discussed the need in local organizations looking for artists with music theater experiences to serve in the community. These new programs will help fill that need. We have so many folks across campus who want to be part of these new programs and it adds to the excitement. 

A. McGlothlin commented that expressive art therapies can be applied in a variety of care settings and positions. 

Members of the Humanities, Communications Media, Behavioral Sciences, and Psychological Science departments are working to create these new majors. AIF award is supporting work on this program. 

There was a discussion.

J. Flanagan stated that it is important to know what is happening at the university. 

E. Gregoire suggested, for future meetings, is to talk about retention efforts, student support services in academic areas and how is the school being strategic with specific programs and how are they accessed. How is the school evaluating the academic programs currently being offered and are they aligned well? He mentioned that he attended the recent student townhall and listened to students’ concerns. 

P. Marshall thanked the committee for their time. D. Phillips stated that if anyone had any questions or suggestions for future meetings, to let her or the President know.