Cook will engage regularly with senate leaders

During the group's March 10 meeting, Faculty Senate president Meghan Gillette shared President David Cook's intent to frequently meet with senate leaders.

"I think it's important for faculty to know that he is used to having a lot of contact with the senate," she said. 

At North Dakota State University, where he previously served as president, Cook met with the faculty senate president every week. Gillette said bi-weekly meetings are scheduled through May between herself and Cook, and a meeting with the senate's president, past president and president elect will happen monthly.

Gillette said Cook will attend the April 14 senate meeting.

Senate office on the move

The Faculty Senate office is moving from the Lab of Mechanics to Agronomy Hall next week. The office will be located on the ground floor -- G0214 -- with a conference room at G0217.

 Other business

Senators will vote at the April 14 meeting on:

• A proposed undergraduate minor in vehicle systems engineering -- a field that needs more experts across the nation -- in the agricultural and biosystems engineering department. The 15-credit minor would educate students on the off-highway and on-road vehicle industries, ranging from agricultural tractors to autonomous passenger vehicles. Students would learn about engine power, fluid power and electrical communication, which are all foundational elements of vehicle systems engineering.
• A proposed 12-credit graduate certificate in art for students not interested or ready to pursue a fine arts master's degree but who want a studio art offering. It would provide students -- who must have an undergraduate degree in any field -- a chance to practice and build skills and enhance their portfolio if they decide to pursue a master's degree.
• Proposed new graduate specializations of entrepreneurial leadership in dietetics, medical nutrition therapy and general dietetics within the online master of professional practice in dietetics degree. Iowa State's program would be one of the first to have a focus area in entrepreneurial leadership, and medical nutrition therapy is the largest practice area in dietetics. The remaining courses not in those two offerings would become part of the general dietetics option. Electives also would be added for students to consider.
• A proposed revision to the Faculty Handbook in the section on research misconduct. The phrase "whether committed by an individual directly or through the use of assistance of other persons, entities or tools, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools" would be added and match the definition updated by the National Science Foundation.

Senators approved:

• An online graduate certificate in health care analytics to provide options for working professionals looking to upskill but not interested in ISU's 30-credit master's degree. The four-course certificate provides a baseline of understanding in health care analytics, data privacy and security. The credits can be applied to the master's program.
• An interdisciplinary 13-credit graduate certificate in responsible AI for AI practitioners that develops students' understanding of its proper use and development. Students will apply their knowledge of the risks and risk mitigation methodology to improve AI-driven decisions.
• A name change to the major and minor, from performing arts to theatre. Theatre is the industry standard, more recognizable to prospective students and their parents, and aligns with the department name.
• A name change for the community and regional planning major, minor and master's programs to urban and regional planning, to increase visibility and align the programs with the department name.
• A name change for the bachelor of arts in earth science degree to bachelor of arts in earth science education and studies. The degree is designated for students pursuing an education secondary major and assures students receive an earth science endorsement.