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Welcome and Introductions

This was an “expanded meeting” and several new attendees were introduced.

Initiatives of the Boulder Faculty Assembly

Paul Chinowsky, as Chair of the BFA, made a presentation on initiatives such as the Leadership Institute, faculty mentoring of freshmen, and faculty profiles. He also noted concerns over isolation and performance of students from lower economic status and the lack of broad participation of faculty in the BFA.

College Updates

Rob Davis announced that research awards were over $70 million again this past fiscal year and that the freshman class is over 900 students for the first time, with an average composite ACT score of 30 (out of 36) for the first time – this score is above that of our peer schools and close to that of our aspirational peer group. He also noted that we are on track for additional funding from campus next year for faculty, staff and student support. The Idea Forge in the Fleming Building has opened, the teaching labs and classrooms in the Biotech Building will be ready later this semester, and the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex will open next year. Rob also gave quick updates on the Pre-Engineering Program (over 600 new freshmen), the BA in CS (457 enrolled at Fall census), General Engineering Plus (42 students enrolled), and Materials Science and Engineering (17 graduate students). Proposals for MS and PhD degrees in Environmental Engineering and Science and a BS degree in Technology, Arts and Media are expected to go to the Regents soon.

The Idea Forge is Shaping Up

Daria Kotys-Schwartz noted that the garden level of the Idea Forge is open and classes are being held and tours provided. The rest of the space will be opened as staff are hired. She noted that the “Forge” is complementary to the ITL and the ATLAS hacker space, with the three together providing wonderful opportunities for students.

Open Mic for Other Updates from Departments and Programs

Doug Smith requested information on courses for the 2015 summer session. JoAnn Zelasko asked that attendees encourage students to apply for the Engineering Leadership Program, which is already up to about 150 students. Penny Axelrad announced that NAE President Dan Mote will give a seminar on November 7 at 4 pm. Lelei Finau described a redesign of the Peer Advocates program, including peer advising in the Engineering Lobby on Monday through Thursday evenings. Sarah Miller noted a record number (about 90) of prospective students attended the Minorities Explore Engineering Day. Derek Reamon shared that the General Engineering Plus team is helping students learn spatial visualization concepts, which have been linked to improved student retention in engineering, and Tanya Ennis announced that there is a new video for the GoldShirt Program.