Meeting began promptly at 10:30

Asnuntuck – Pat Hirschy
Capital – Kathy Herron
Gateway – Miguel Garcia
Housatonic – Jane Wampler
Housatonic – Simmie Nichols
Housatonic – Mark Leach
Manchester – Diane Hillyer
Middlesex – Alice Burstein
Naugatuck – Elaine Dinto
Norwalk – Joe Karnowski
Three Rivers – June Decker
Tunxis – Jean-Marc Cenet
 
Simmie started by asking what the purpose of the group is.  Miguel gave an explanation, citing all the work we did with common course numbering. 
 
Elaine asked for additional information for the MATYCONN Spring Newsletter.  Also, as a member of the nominating committee, she asked if anyone was interested in the offices open (especially secretary).
 
Alice provided a memorandum to the Academic Deans, Dean of Students and Registrars from Paul Susen.  The memo detailed the process for creating Banner Credit Courses.  As a result, Miguel said we want to make sure we stay an integral part of the common course numbering process in the future.   Pat expressed concern about our colleagues keeping Math Issues informed about changes.  Elaine said we need to make sure the course doesn’t already exist. Miguel suggested we write a letter to Phil, thanking him and asking him if we could lead the discussions for (Mathematics) during the Systemwide Professional Day scheduled for Fall, 2004. If this happens, we will need to decide what we want to accomplish at that meeting.   Miguel said we should also let Phil know that we want to be involved in deciding about changes to Common Course Numbering (new courses, changes, etc.)
 
Jean-Marc said some students are trying to transfer a course from Middlesex as Intermediate Algebra.  It was determined that the course might be the second half of elementary algebra.  It is possible they were a misinformed by non-math person.
 
Simmie said he believed there was too much material to teach in Intermediate Algebra in 3 credits.  Joe stated that Norwalk already has a 4 credit Intermediate Algebra.  Miguel said increasing the number of credits must come from the local level.  Kathleen gave some advice since she has been trying to increase Beginning Algebra from 3 to 4 credits.  The issue of granting transfer credits for a course, which is 3 credits at one college and 4 credits at another, was brought up. Jane said at her school in Louisiana, they had a similar situation.  Students had a choice of taking some courses as 3 or 4 credits.  They were able to take either one, but only 3 credits could be transferred.
 
Simmie wanted to know how we  (the community colleges in Connecticut) ended up as one system.  June said that it came about as a result of budgetary concerns. Alice provided the information about the reasons for common course numbering.  It was student initiated, and then proposed by the Board of Trustees.
 
June said that Three Rivers has an articulation with UConn that guarantees admission as a junior.  It requires two full years at a community college with 3.0 GPA.
 
A discussion about the math requirements for UConn ensued.  Students must complete the minimum requirement of Elementary Algebra within one full year.  If this is not completed then they cannot take any other courses.
 
Students at some of our community colleges are not allowed to retake a course more than twice.  At other colleges, students are not allowed to attempt a course more than twice.  It was mentioned that the Fresh Start Option would allow students to take or attempt a course more than twice
 
The objectives for Elementary and Intermediate Algebra as proposed by Tim Crane were brought up.  These objectives are part of the discussion taking place in the Math Basic Skills Committed.  Miguel thinks it would be a problem to try to agree on this great number of objectives.  Pat wants to look at this during the next meeting.
 
Pat suggested that we get a copy of all articulation agreements to make sure they are correct.  Everyone was asked to bring all written articulation agreements, including Tech Prep.
 
The remaining meetings will be held on April 2 and May 7.
 
Submitted by Joe Karnowski