FACULTY MEETING MINUTES -- February 18, 2003

Attendees: B. Adams, C. Barfield, D. Boucias, J. Capinera, S. Choate, T. Fasulo, J. Foltz, H. Frank, D. Hall, G. Hall, M. Hoy, P. Koehler, P. Lawrence, N. Leppla, O. Liburd, J. Maruniak, R. McSorley, J. Nation, F. Slansky, G. Smart, J. Stimac, C. Tucker, S. Webb, S. Yu. and M. Litchfield

Meeting came to order at 3:05 PM.

Dr. Don Hall gave a report on the search for the taxonomist position. It has been advertised and we have received quite a few responses with some good prospects. Deadline for applying is March 15, 2003.

Faculty voted on William Overholt's appointment to the Graduate Faculty. Vote was unanimous. Question was asked, "Why was he hired at Assistant Professor level?" Position was advertised for Assistant Professor and cannot hire at higher level than advertised. Dr. Overholt will be eligible for promotion in a couple of years.

Capinera brought up the regulations of biologicals, plant pathogens; concerned mostly with citrus.

Capinera announced that the new Graduate Coordinator would be Don Hall. A question was raised about the concern of what effect this would have on the undergraduate program. It was announced that Carl Barfield would fill in the void for Undergraduate Coordinator. Dr. Smart said he was pleased with the choice.

The Biology Degree was discussed. The UF does not have one and the President suggested that colleges should come up with one. The Botany and Zoology Departments got together and came up with a curriculum for a Biology degree. It was to be approved by the Provost until departments in IFAS approached Dean Cheek suggesting they be allowed to come up with a program that would coincide with this proposed program. The program that Biology and Zoology (BOZO) put together includes two specialized degrees: Secondary Ed and Preprofessional degrees. Capinera suggested that the College of Agriculture could come up with biology degrees in Natural History (Entomology), Applied Biology (Agronomy), and Molecular Biology (Microbiology). The question was raised as to what the real issue was and the response was FTE in College of Ag - where students go, dollars follow.

A discussion followed on what the title of the program should be and what courses should be offered. It was suggested that undergraduate students be advised before they enter the program to insure that they get on the right track. It was suggested that the title of "Natural History" was not specific enough to attract students to the program. Several titles were suggested, none were adopted.

Capinera passed out a list of the Biology Core Requirements. It was suggested that perhaps some courses in the Med School should be considered in obtaining specialized degrees in Biology. Capinera suggested that anyone was welcome to come up with a curriculum for a Biology Degree program. They could consult with Don and Carl for advice. The time frame for coming up with a curriculum for a Biology Degree is soon.

A question was raised as to why we should be concerned about this. Capinera stated that due to the faculty in the DROP program, the President would reallocate these funds to colleges and departments that attract students. Boucias, Hoy, Koehler, Lawrence, and Maruniak will look into putting together a curriculum for this program. Capinera suggested that any faculty that was interested could come up with a program.

Smart announced the Third Annual Graduate Student Symposium. Erin Finn and Matthew Messenger are presenting talks; Barry Alto, Sonja Peters and Heather Smith are presenting posters. He thanked the faculty for their help in nominating students.

Meeting adjourned at 4:00.