Faculty Senate Approves Professional Degrees, Policy Changes
At its April 21 meeting, the Faculty Senate approved new degrees and minor programs, changes to the Academic Calendar, and policy modifications.
The Senate approved two new minor degree programs out of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. The School of History, Technology, and Society and School of Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC) will partner on a new interdisciplinary minor in social justice. LMC will also offer a new minor in science fiction studies.
Two new programs will provide opportunities for earning degrees from Georgia Tech via distance learning. One is a Professional Master’s in Sustainable Electrical Energy, targeted toward working engineers in the electrical energy and power industries. The other is a Professional Master’s in Manufacturing Leadership.
“These new degrees are products of the continued collaboration between Professional Education and our colleges,” said Provost Rafael L Bras. “They are another example of how we continue to use technology to provide broader access to higher education, as well as our commitment to providing lifelong learning opportunities.”
The Senate also approved items from the Student Regulations Committee. One item was the approval of proposed changes to the Academic Calendar that will be phased in during the next two years. Changes include alterations to the Dead Week policy and final exam schedule, as well as the addition of class holidays around Thanksgiving and July 4.
Additionally, the Senate approved minor changes to the wording of the Student Code of Conduct to reflect Georgia Tech’s Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy. This policy previously addressed only students, but now addresses all campus populations. The Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy was previously known as the Student Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy. The policy changes were, in part, introduced to comply with the Title IX law from the Department of Education.
Two modifications to the Faculty Handbook were approved, with one requiring a second vote in the fall. The approval to reorder requirements for Senior Researcher promotion was approved and is reflected in an April 2015 version of the handbook.
During the meeting, Bras honored Ron Bohlander for his nine years of service as secretary of the faculty and previous service to faculty governance in other positions. Bohlander was given a wooden chair bearing the Georgia Tech seal.