Undergraduate Studies Committee

Non-Voting Attendees: B. Benner (Undergrad Adm.), G. Broadhead (Hum), A. Collver (SLC), D. Geiger (Student Life), Orze (Ed. Services), J. Snapper (Undergrad College), G. Voland (Undergraduate College), G. Welter (Ed. Services).

The meeting is chaired by Prof. Voland.

The USC approves the minutes of the meeting of 11/01/02.

Prof. Broadhead, Director of the IIT Communications-Across-the-Curriculum program has asked the USC to consider several adjustments to the Basic Writing Proficiency requirement, as specified in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

The Committee notes that it has approved on 11/01 the policy that:

The following Students will automatically be considered to have met the Basic Writing Proficiency Requirement: (a) Students who have earned at least a C grade in a first-year or advanced writing course at an accredited college or university in the United States. (b) Students who have received credit for a first-year college writing course through the Advanced placement program.

It is moved and seconded that

Instead of a Writing Portfolio (as submitted in past years), entering students (other than those exempted by the policy above) will submit a diagnostic essay, preferably online prior to arrival at IIT.

The motion passes (11-0-1).

It is moved and seconded that:

Entering full-time students who do not submit a diagnostic essay by the end of Orientation Week in their first semester at IIT will be required to take COM-101 or COM-111 in their first semester. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the faculty advisor.

The motion passes (12-0-0).

It is moved and seconded that:

Students who have not satisfied the Basic Writing Proficiency requirement during their first academic year may not be allowed to enroll in the following year unless COM-101 or COM-111 in in their class list.

The motion passes (11-1-0).

It is moved and seconded that:

Students who dispute the evaluation of their diagnostic essay may appeal to the Associate Dean of the Undergraduate College. Upon a request from the Associate Dean, the CAC director will review fot e studentís records to affirm that the results were not misreported. The Associate Dean will then consult with the studentís faculty advisor before (a) exempting the student form COM 101/111 or (b) enforcing the Basic Writing Proficiency requirement in light of the CAC staffís original recommendation.

The motion passes (12-0-0).

The following motion is under discussion, and will be considered at the next regular meeting of the USC.

The CAC director will chair and periodically consult with two advisory boards: (1) a faculty advisory boards serving as a subcommittee of the Undergraduate Studies Committee and (2) a professional advisory board (with representation from area and national employers, professional groups, and alumni). Both boards will meet at least once a year to review the CAC program and make recommendations to the director. The faculty advisory board will also assist the director in the periodic review of relevant courses (ITPs, C-courses, and IPROs) to insure their consistency with CAC goals and policies. Based on this review, the CAC director will make recommendations to the UGA regarding the C-course designation for specific classes.

Prof. Snapper

Secretary to the USC.