Attendees: Dean Adams, Mckenna Christensen, Carter Dorsett, Bill Freese, Brad Haderlie, EJ Hook, Kris Johnson, Sarah Knoebl, Sean Peterson, Richard Rudnicki, Stran Knudsen, Mike McNiel, Tony Campeau, Gregory Gilpin and Kane Urdahl

Classroom Committee Policy & Procedure Update

Richard Rudnicki introduced a draft of the Classroom Committee Policy & Procedure. The purpose of updating the document is to formalize responsibilities and streamline committee membership.

  1. Update seeks to modernize the committee’s charge, define classroom spaces, identify committee activities, define activities needing committee approval
  2. Updated college rotation seeks to ensure representation from all colleges while still allowing for member overlap
    1. Rob Maher expressed via email and convey by staff, the need for more faculty representation as the classroom is the workplace of faculty.
    2. Kris Johnson asked that the library be included as a college in the representation cycle and suggested Extension be added.
    3. Dean Adams suggested that the policy note that Classroom Committee meetings are open to the public
      1. Will Freese expressed his concern that off rotation college faculty may be left in the dark.
      2. Richard responded that open meetings would allow for off rotation faculty to be involved in conversations but would not be able to vote.
    4. Tony Campeau expressed the benefits of the registrar being a member of the classroom committee including scheduling discussions and feedback.
    5. Richard stated that the library will be added to the college rotation, this would in turn include the addition of an extra faculty seat in line with Rob Maher’s request.
    6. Kris suggested that the committee should have a secondary invitation list to include individuals working in areas related to the charge of the committee (Facilities, UIT)
      1. Tony agreed with this suggestion
  3. Brad Haderlie questioned the “ownership” of classrooms, is there an ultimate owner of these space or is it collective?
    1. Richard responded that classrooms are technically owned by facilities but are managed in collaboration with facilities, registrar, UIT, Classroom Committee.
    2. Tony explained that he had received a call about classroom erasers, and asked who is responsible for things like that?
      1. EJ responded that erasers are a custodial responsibility since they are needed for cleaning purposes.
      2. Tony expressed that Classroom Committee needs to understand these nuances to be a resource for the campus community.

Romney Occupancy Survey

Dean Adams introduced developing a Romney Hall occupancy survey. Occupancy surveys are typically distributed after a year of use, Romney Hall has now had 2 semesters of use.

  1. Dean explained that Colin Smith had previously lead occupancy surveys.
  2. Dean questioned if previous surveys were developed with assistance from the registrar and the Office of Planning and Analysis.
    1. Tony responded that the registrar had not been involved, it was primarily developed by the Classroom Committee. Tony suggested using focus groups instead.
  3. Dean asked the group their thoughts on developing a focus group over a survey.
    1. Brad expressed that the outcome will be dependent on how the survey is built and that a focus group could enable more nuanced answers.
    2. Tony stated that the group needs to decide what we want to learn from the survey or focus group and expressed that he would be happy with either or both options.
    3. Dean explained his experience with focus groups in the Art Department.
      1. Dean asked one student from each class section to participate.
    4. Carter questioned Tony’s experience with focus groups and what the composition was like.
      1. Tony explained that they were able to develop three key takeaways from the group and expressed the need to keep participants talking. Tony added that focus groups can create a community that want to give feedback.
    5. Carter stated that he was in favor of a focus group.
    6. Dean explained that focus groups can be directed to certain users including staff, faculty, and students.
    7. Kris stated that both methods have merits but questioned whether focus groups would leave people out. A survey would allow for more people to give feedback.
      1. Dean suggested the committee poll faculty who have taught in Romney to see what they prefer.
    8. Kris Johnson asked the group whether the Romney Hall whiteboards have been installed.
      1. Tony said he had seen some of them being installed and that he has received inquiries about the roller whiteboards.
      2. Kane stated that all whiteboards have been installed
      3. Kris expressed the library’s desire to take the roller whiteboards if they have not already been claimed
      4. Kane stated that facilities have no current plans for the whiteboards.
    9. Brad Haderlie questioned the group whether a subcommittee should be formed to develop the Romney Hall occupancy survey/focus group.
      1. Brad, Tony, Kris, Mike, and Stran will serve as the Romney Hall occupancy survey/focus group subcommittee.