Saint Mary's College General Education

Present: Chris Cobb, Chris Dunlap, Patricia Fleming, Janet Fore, Kitty Green, Laura Haigwood, Joe Incandela, Phyllis Kaminski, Jayne Kendle, Fran Kominkiewicz, Nancy Nekvasil, Charlie Peltier, Patti Sayre, Joanne Snow, Bill Svelmoe, Julie Tourtillotte, Nancy Turner


Excused: Daniel Party, Becky Stoddart

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The meeting began at 1:07 p.m. with Julie Tourtillotte offering the prayer. The minutes from the July 2nd meeting were then approved. Joanne Snow presented the announcements regarding a summary of the work of the committee to this point and the process to be used by the committee today.

Discussion was held regarding revisions to the LO2 sub-outcomes. Joanne Snow tracked all changes by revising the document through the use of a laptop and screen while the large group continued the discussion. The LO2 learning outcomes will be further revised to include the communication learning outcome and sub-outcomes as well as the critical thinking sub-outcomes. The LO3 learning outcomes were accepted as a working draft.

Discussion then commenced regarding the LO1 higher learning outcomes and sub-outcomes, specifically the ability to look at issues from multiple perspectives and the ability to make connections across disparate settings and areas of study. Specific outcomes were revised, and these will be emailed to the committee members by Friday, July 11th. Discussion then focused on the design of LO1. At this point, Dean Fleming shared with us the process Creighton University utilized to construct their general education program, focusing on one particular outcome. Phyllis Kaminski spoke of the vision of all those who founded the College and the importance of keeping that vision of tradition and the future of the students uppermost in our design discussions. Dr. Kaminski explained that the students will need to be prepared to deal with the changing world.

Dean Patricia Fleming suggested that the committee also choose a metaphor to help guide the general education discussion process. She also offered to assist the committee by offering resources to hold an all-day retreat next week, July 16, 2008.