1. Call to Order - The chair, Michael Gordon, called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. in Holton Hall 241.
   
   
2. Automatic Consent
1. Minutes #3, 2003-2004 (November 21, 2003) were approved unanimously.
   
   
3. Procedural Matter - None
   
   
4. Old Business
1. Extraordinary Accommodations for Students with Disabilities - Laurie Petersen gave a brief description of and handed out information about the Student Accessibility Center. She explained that there are stringent guidelines for a student to be certified as having a learning disability. Students must undergo psychological testing and provide significant documentation proving their limitations in cognitive skills. Laurie commented that Boston University was sued over this issue. To avoid lawsuits, BU and other universities, including UW-Madison, have created policies for students who have difficulties mastering math and foreign languages. Michael Gordon asked Laurie if there is a nationwide policy. She responded saying that there is not. She asked that APAC create a policy allowing extraordinary accommodations for students having a problem mastering math and foreign language skills. Laurie explained that students with difficulties in foreign languages are able to take sign language as an alternative, but there are no courses students can substitute for Math. Connie Jo commented that the C&CC is in the process of reviewing the L&S degree. She stated that in the college's mission statement, the Faculty has defined Math and English as vital for acquiring a degree at UWM. Tom O'Bryan expressed that historically Math and English always have been the core of the mission of the College. He mentioned that waivers have been granted in foreign languages, but not in Math or English. After much discussion, the Committee agreed to meet again to discuss this issue. Members asked Laurie to send them copies of policies already implemented at Madison and Boston University.
   
   
5. New Business - None
   
   
6. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
   
   
   

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Jo
Special Assistant to the Dean
Secretary to the L&S Faculty

Distribution: Dean Richard Meadows
Associate Deans Harris, Miller, O'Bryan, Schuster
Assistant Deans Horstman, Kissinger
Chairs (via email/web)
Secretary of the University

C:comm/minutes,2003-04.apac