Noon, Faculty House


Attending:  Doug Caulkins, Vince Eckhart, Ralph Savarese, David Harrison, John Stone, 
Martha Voyles, Christopher McKee, Helen Scott


Minutes of February 11 approved.


Christopher addressed the faculty survey of library resources.  David Ellison, Rebecca 
Stuhr, Jen Greene, and Kevin Engle have drafted a short survey.  Christopher has 
completed editing the survey and informed the committee that it is ready for distribution.  
John Stone, as Chair of ISC, will distribute the survey via email near the end of spring 
break and will compile responses.


Anthro proposal:  The response from Harvard concerning the NSF short course 
was as expected.  Support for this proposal is divided among the committee.  The link 
between the NSF course and the departmental course being developed is tenuous.  
However, the ISC appreciates the experimental value of this type of proposal and the 
future implications for interdisciplinary work.  We need to be especially careful that we 
apply criteria equitably between all disciplines and proposals, and be as generous with 
future proposals that do not fit into our regular guidelines or time line, budget allowing.  
This proposal was passed with reservation.  The vote was not unanimous.  The ISC will 
request a more fully detailed report than normal from the faculty member in order to 
judge the effect of this experimental proposal.


The committee discussed the stipend structure for curricular development.  The ISC 
needs to move toward a more effective use of its budget, especially given that the 
Mellon technology fund has ended.  Most proposals come in batches-winter and spring 
proposals.  However, some proposals do not fall into these categories, for instance, 
faculty-faculty tutorials, field trips, NSF/NEH courses, and summer workshops.  It was 
suggested to reduce the course development maximum stipend ($2000).  No decision 
made.


Regarding field trips:  If a field trip can be anticipated, funding should be built into the 
departmental budget.  If it could not be foreseen, funds may be requested from ISC.  


Workshops:  Some are more typical of a reading and discussion group than a workshop 
format.  Reading group participants do not receive a stipend.  Materials are provided.  
Summer workshops need to impact course(s) in some way.  Perhaps stipend would be 
released only after workshop information had been incorporated.


Summer writing workshops:  Dr. Syntax is a popular and effective workshop, but some 
faculty would like to see other approaches to writing offered as well.  


Technology workshops:  Mellon grant has ended.  No stipends are provided for 
technology workshops. 


Agenda item for next meeting:  Location of ITS.  Don Smith will be invited to attend.