Faculty approves timely feedback motion

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Students should expect to receive comments on coursework more quickly, as the next edition of the academic handbook will have a section regarding ‘timely feedback.'

The motion to add the section was approved by a vote of 58-24 at Monday's faculty meeting. There were also two votes to abstain. The faculty did not specify when the motion would go into effect. Though the motion passed, it didn't go without differing opinions.

"We don't know if [the issue] is widespread. Even if it's not widespread we believe students need and deserve feedback," said Kathryn Millis, chair of the Student Life and Academic Atmosphere Committee.

One major point of discussion was the definition of feedback. The proposal covers feedback on individual grades or corrections, as well as discussion of or responses to class assignments and quiz answers.

Other faculty members were concerned that simply adding a new section to the handbook wouldn't be enough.

"I want to make sure this isn't just a toothless affirmation," said Jonathan Nichols-Pethick, professor of Communication and Theatre.  "We need a map to make sure this is actually happening."

There was also concern about whether or not students knew where to turn if they aren't pleased with the amount of feedback they receive.

Student Government President Christine Walker, a senior, said student government will be a passing a white paper to address this issue and make sure that students know where to go if they have academic concerns.

In addition to the approval of this motion, discussion also began on the proposal for the creation of the Environmental Fellows Program. If approved, the program would be added to the list of honors programs already in place.

After Jeanette Pope, a member of the Environmental Education Committee, conducted a survey of 318 students in 2009, she determined that there were students unsatisfied with environmental course offerings. Many of the students surveyed felt they weren't prepared to pursue a career that deals with environmental issues, and more than half of the students said they feel dissatisfied with the environmental education at DePauw.

A student involved in the program would be able to choose the major of their major, but would be required to complete the necessary coursework, an internship and a senior capstone course to graduate from the program.

The proposal is set to be voted on during the next faculty meeting in May.

Finally, the faculty approved the addition of a new Art History course, "Monsters and Marvels: Imagining the Other in Medieval Art."