Announcements:

Dean Savage reported that the philosophy search committee will close the search today or tomorrow.

The physics search committee interviewed their fifth candidate this week. Dean Keedy said that the candidate is one of the developers of the WHAM telescope. The University of Wisconsin scope can be run by computers from remote locations, LC, for instance. He has an NSF grant for three more years of access to the telescope and an option to renew.

Dean Keedy said that he and Michael Mooney are in the process of completing a proposal to the Keck Foundation and will deliver if to Keck by the May 15 deadline. The grant would provide two additional positions, one in computer science and another in geophysics. In addition, two new interdisciplinary courses will be developed for non-major students; 1) a course focused on using the scientific method in laboratory and field observations (category A), and 2) a course based on observations and mathematical modeling using the scientific method (category B).

Dean Atkinson announced that candidate Bruce Podobnik has accepted the position in sociology.

The tenure-track position in psychology still not filled. There will be another candidate on campus April 1.

Robert Werking, a candidate for the position of Director of Watzek Library will interview on campus today. His presentation will take place at 11:30 a.m. A final candidate will interview this Friday.

Agenda Items:

Dean Keedy said that the mathematics faculty wants to put a lower cap on introductory courses. Currently the cap is set at 35, but in reality there are usually 38-42 students. They requested the cap be placed at 30 for a one-year trial. The Council approved the request.