By Stephanie Smith
Faculty Senate approves proposals, selects candidates
During the Faculty Senate meeting on June 5, 2002, proposals were approved for a new center and a new graduate certificate program Three men were elected as candidates for the final decision in choosing a faculty representative to the Athletic Association Board of Directors to the presidents’ office.
The center for Research in Mathematics and Science Teacher Development will begin inside the College of Education and Human Development. William S. Bush, a professor of mathematics education, will be spearheading the new center, which has a threefold purpose.
The first purpose is to conduct research on the development of mathematics and science teachers, including their knowledge of mathematics, science and pedagogy.
Second, the center will work to build exemplary models of teacher recruitment, teacher education programs, and professional development experiences through collaborative efforts among mathematicians, scientists, mathematics, and science educators and classroom teachers.
The third purpose of the center is to revise doctoral programs within teaching and learning in mathematics and science education to enhance their national prominence.
The newly approved certificate program at U of L is for African-American theater.
A graduate certificate in African-American theater would be a new program not only for U of L, but, according to the certificate proposal, it would be the first of its kind for any institution in the United States.
The motion was presented by Robert Staat from the Academic Programs Committee. Staat said such a program would establish the University of Louisville as a leader in this area of diversity.
The certificate program also would satisfy part of the Challenge of Excellence, which is designed to establish the University of Louisville as one of the most competitive schools in the country.
U of L currently offers a minor in African-American theater. A graduate certificate would require fifteen hours of approved coursework.
The senate-approved motions will now go the Board of Trustees for consideration. Copies of both proposals are available at www.louisville.edu/provost/docs.html under the headings “Centers & Institutes” and “New Program Proposals.”
The three nominees elected by the senate for the faculty representative position will now be judged by acting president Carol Garrison, who will cast the deciding vote for the position.
A list of the nominees are: William Dakan, College of Arts and Sciences; Rick Feldhoff, School of Medicine; and Richard Stremal, School of Medicine.
