A meeting of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees convened at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021, on the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. The meeting was held in Stewart Center, Room 214, to allow for social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions were placed on the number of observers in the room, and other members of the media and the public who wished to observe the meeting virtually were provided such instructions. Everyone in the room was wearing a mask.

All committee members were present in person or, where specifically noted, by means of electronic communication pursuant to the Electronic Meeting Policy: JoAnn Brouillette, chair; Vanessa Castagna; Malcolm DeKryger; Noah Scott; and Professor Deborah Nichols (ex-officio). All other trustees were present: Sonny Beck; Michael Berghoff; Theresa Carter (virtually); Michael Klipsch; Gary Lehman; and Don Thompson (virtually).

Officers and administrators in attendance were: Mitch Daniels, president; Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity; Chris Ruhl, chief financial officer and treasurer; Jim Almond, senior vice president, assistant treasurer, and assistant secretary; Steve Schultz, general counsel; Trent Klingerman, deputy general counsel (virtually); Janice Indrutz, corporate secretary and senior executive assistant to the Board; and Ron Elsenbaumer, chancellor of Purdue University Fort Wayne (virtually).

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of its last meeting convened on December 4, 2020, and an executive session convened on January 13, 2021.

II. APPROVAL TO AWARD POSTHUMOUS DEGREE

Provost Akridge respectfully recommended approval to award a posthumous Bachelor of Science degree to Ms. Amber Simler, who was a Computer Graphics Technology student at Purdue Polytechnic New Albany. He informed the Committee that, at the time of her death on November 20, 2020, Amber was taking 14 hours of classes and working on her senior capstone project, and she had a 3.93 grade point average.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval to award the posthumous degree to Ms. Simler. Trustee Brouillette expressed the Board’s sympathies and said she hoped the posthumous degree would provide Amber’s family some level of comfort. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

III. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE JOHN V. OSMUN CHAIR IN URBAN ENTOMOLOGY

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Barry R. Pittendrigh as the John V. Osmun Chair in Urban Entomology. He informed the Committee that Dr. Pittendrigh was returning to Purdue from Michigan State University, and he said Dr. Pittendrigh’s research had made an impact on insect theoretical genetics, ecology, and molecular biology. Provost Akridge discussed Dr. Pittendrigh’s work with the Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO) program and his leadership experience. He also cited one of five letters received in support of Dr. Pittendrigh’s appointment.

Trustee Brouillette remarked that she was “incredibly impressed” with the letters of recommendation. She said Dr. Pittendrigh’s experience, research, and reach were broad and in-depth, and she acknowledged that the SAWBO video library was a great tool. Chairman Berghoff pointed out that Dr. Eric Barker, dean of Purdue’s College of Pharmacy, provided a letter of recommendation. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of Dr. Pittendrigh’s appointment as the John V. Osmun Chair in Urban Entomology. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

Dr. Pittendrigh thanked the Board for its support and Dean Karen Plaut for bringing him back home to Purdue.

IV. FOR PURDUE FORT WAYNE: APPROVAL TO RESTRUCTURE THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES AND THE COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

On behalf of Chancellor Elsenbaumer, Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval of a proposal to restructure colleges at Purdue Fort Wayne. He explained that the College of Arts and Sciences would be separated into a College of Liberal Arts and a College of Science, which, he said, would allow each to develop a more focused mission and identity. Furthermore, the College of Professional Studies would be eliminated and the School of Education would become a stand-alone unit to expand its mission and better serve the educational needs of the Fort Wayne community. He added that the Department of Human Services would then become part of the School of Education, the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management would become part of the Doermer School of Business, and the Department of Criminal Justice and Public Administration would become part of the new College of Liberal Arts. Provost Akridge informed the Committee that both the Purdue Fort Wayne faculty and the University Senate Academic Organization Committee supported the proposal, and he said the new structure would be consistent with the structure at the West Lafayette campus. He concluded that these changes would result in a more cohesive, strong, and agile structure without expanding administrative overhead.

At Trustee Brouillette’s invitation, Chancellor Elsenbaumer remarked that restructuring the colleges as Provost Akridge described would provide many opportunities for Purdue Fort Wayne to highlight and create synergies between the programs, leverage assets, and expand connections and collaborations within Northeast Indiana. Trustee DeKryger expressed his belief that restructuring the colleges was logical and intuitive. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval to restructure the colleges at Purdue Fort Wayne as proposed. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

V. FOR PURDUE FORT WAYNE: APPROVAL OF NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval of a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program at Purdue Fort Wayne. The new degree would replace the Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs, which had a concentration in criminal justice. Provost Akridge explained that the degree program would prepare students to work in the major areas of criminal justice including policing, courts, and corrections, and it would also prepare students to pursue graduate degrees in public administration, public policy, and criminal justice and sociology, as well as law degrees. He added that Purdue Fort Wayne hoped to attract current police officers who wished to pursue a degree.

Chancellor Elsenbaumer remarked that renaming the program provided students more clarity about career opportunities, with a much sharper focus on workforce preparation. He also said there was an increase in demand for the program. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

MASTER’S DEGREE IN MUSIC THERAPY

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval of a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy at Purdue Fort Wayne. He informed the Committee that the proposed Master of Music Therapy program would academically and clinically prepare students for board certification as music therapists and entry into the healthcare field. He explained that employers increasingly preferred to hire music therapists with master’s degrees and PFW had received much interest in the degree from prospective students. He added that PFW’s program would be the only clinically-oriented, advanced music therapy program at a public institution in Indiana.

Chancellor Elsenbaumer remarked that Purdue Fort Wayne was seeing great demand for the program, and he expressed his belief that it was the right time and PFW was the right institution to offer the degree. In response to a question from Vice Chairman Lehman, Chancellor Elsenbaumer explained that music therapy had become popular within the last ten years and, because the local hospital systems were finding that music therapy had a positive impact on patients’ recovery, they had greatly expanded their programs and thus sought to employ board-certified music therapists. He shared that he could personally attest to the positive effects of music therapy, having received it as a former patient himself. Trustee Castagna observed that music therapy was beneficial for people of all ages, including children. Trustee Brouillette said she applauded Chancellor Elsenbaumer for leveraging Purdue Fort Wayne’s strengths and assets to align with the needs of the community and demands of the future.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the Master’s Degree in Music Therapy. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes

VI. APPROVAL OF MASTER OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING – ONLINE DELIVERY

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to offer an online Master of Nuclear Engineering degree program on the West Lafayette campus. He informed the Committee that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected an increase in jobs, consulting, and management in the field of nuclear engineering, and he said industry had expressed a strong desire for Purdue to offer an online degree in nuclear engineering. He explained that the online program would be designed for working engineers and professionals and offer students a flexible plan of study to advance their skills without disrupting their careers.

Trustee Brouillette remarked that Purdue University’s nuclear engineering program had been very highly regarded for more than 60 years and said the online program would be advantageous for working professional students. At Trustee Brouillette’s invitation, Dr. Seungjin Kim, head of the School of Nuclear Engineering, remarked about the need for the degree program in the nuclear engineering industry, especially for workforce development in the military sector, and he expressed his belief that it was an essential program. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the Master of Nuclear Engineering Online Degree program. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

VII. ADOPTION OF UPDATED COMMITTEE CHARTER

Trustee Brouillette stated that the Committee had reviewed its charter to ensure it accurately reflected the work of the Committee since having been renamed the Academic and Student Affairs Committee. Saying it had been reviewed by the provost and general counsel, she called for a motion to adopt the following updated charter:

I. MISSION AND PURPOSE

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee (the “Committee”) is established under the Bylaws of the Trustees of Purdue University to maintain oversight of the academic functions of the University.

In furtherance of this responsibility, the Committee’s mission is: (1) to advocate for the academic success and personal and professional development of the student body at each of Purdue’s campuses, (2) to ensure the support of faculty and staff as they pursue excellence and success in their roles, and (3) to foster institutional excellence in the ongoing quest to elevate and enhance the impact and efficiency of the University’s research, teaching and engagement missions.

II. COMPOSITION

As provided in the Bylaws, after consultation with the Board, the Chairman shall appoint a minimum of three members of the Board to the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, who shall serve until the next biennial meeting (as defined in the Bylaws) and until their successors are appointed. In addition, the Chairperson for the Purdue University Senate shall, despite not being a member of the Board, serve as a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee during his or her one-year term as Chairperson.

III. MEETINGS

The Committee shall meet at scheduled stated meetings and may meet more frequently as circumstances dictate, whether in person or by means of electronic communication pursuant to the Board’s Electronic Meeting Policy.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Consistent with its oversight role, the Committee focuses on policies, programs, activities, and systems that promote an exceptional, equitable and inclusive academic and student life experience, with the goal of ensuring that students receive an outstanding, affordable, and rewarding education at Purdue University and that faculty and staff are able to pursue their highest professional aspirations. In fulfilling this charge, the functions of the Committee include, but are not limited to, the following:

The Committee works closely with the Office of the Provost to provide guidance and insight on strategic questions that affect the academic enterprise.

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee also cultivates and maintains a relationship with the University Senate through the Chair of the University Senate, who is an ex officio member of the Committee, as provided in Article II above.

Upon proper motion duly made “at long last” by Trustee Castagna and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval to adopt the updated charter.

VIII. REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY SENATE

Professor Deborah Nichols, chair of the University Senate, remarked that her report would be very brief. She informed the Committee that, at its January meeting, the University Senate passed resolutions to (1) extend the deadline for students to switch Spring 2021 courses from a letter grade to pass/no pass and (2) extend the deadline for students to withdraw from or drop Spring 2021 courses.

In response to a question from Chairman Berghoff, Provost Akridge explained the process for the University Senate’s vote and said the resolutions mirrored what had been done for the Fall 2020 semester. Trustee Scott thanked Professor Nichols for her successful leadership during the pandemic.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

By consent, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 a.m.