Will also discuss what it means to be KSU student

READ the philosophy statement.

A Faculty Senate vote today will decide the fate of a proposed new academic department within the College of Arts and Sciences.

If approved, the new department of applied social and behavioral research will focus on community-based research by looking into social health trends, such as crime and mental illness. It would include a new major, a bachelor’s of applied social and behavior research.

The establishment of such a department could link to a potential school of public health, Provost Robert Frank said.

The senate will vote on the establishment of a statement that will define what it means to be a Kent State student. This philosophy statement focuses on four key areas:

• Knowledge – Kent State graduates have a general knowledge that is a foundation for informed judgment and lifelong learning.

• Insight – Kent State graduates have the ability to think critically and creatively.

• Engagement – Kent State graduates have engaged in creative projects and outreach programs.

• Responsibility – Kent State graduates have experiences in diverse communities and real-world challenges.

The senate is also voting on whether the Educational Policies Council can change to include graduate studies. The proposal would have an undergraduate and a graduate committee under the umbrella of the EPC.

All of the proposals going before the faculty senate were approved by the EPC Oct. 5.

The senate will also hear a report from Michael Pfahl from the Office of the University Counsel about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

The senate is meeting at 3:20 p.m. today in the Governance Chambers of the Student Center.

Contact academic affairs reporter Maria Nann at [email protected].