Subject: Issues
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 14:00:28 -0400
From: Geoffrey Fox <fox@csit.fsu.edu>
Reply-To: gcf@nu.cs.fsu.edu
Organization: Florida State University
To: Joe Travis <travis@neuro.fsu.edu>
CC: "M. Yousuff Hussaini" <myh@zeno.math.fsu.edu>,
     "Kyle A. Gallivan" <gallivan@nu.cs.fsu.edu>

Many thanks for the opportunity to talk today.

Here as requested are my suggestions/concerns/comments
1) I suggest that "powers that be" (Abele Deans Youssuf) agree on a broad framework
   for CSIT to allow more detailed discussions and planning without continously debating cosmic issues
   This should include a statement ("agreement") as to
   a) Status of CSIT. Standalone Scoool reporting to provost
   b) Standalone courses and Masters/PhD programs
   c) "intent" behind faculty appointments with lines in one place and full time or split
      appointments elsewhere

2) I think it would greatly help CSIT if there was an agreement by fall 00 that Masters/PhD programs
   of general style described in current working documents will exist. Current uncertainity is
   I think bad for CSIT and makes it hard to make plans for faculty and students.

3) When people like me talk to CS, it should be done according to guidelines given to me by CSIT director
   A process to establish these guidelines needs of course to be set up

4) I think university has a serious problem with CS that they must address. CS needs help in establishing
   a vision and implementation plan that will allow it to improve. That plan should recognize that
   CSIT facilities and synergistic research/courses help CS. There is  some "competition" for
   students which is inevitable. CS should address competition by becoming a great department -- not
   by harassing CSIT

5) I think most difficult problem are untenured faculty and students in CS/Math who are "really" part of CSIT.
   I suggest that some joint CSIT-CS/Math committee be set up to monitor these people and ensure they are
   accidental victims of process