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Educational Policies Committee Agenda February 5, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - January 8, 2026
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Center for Civic Excellence
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda February 5, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - January 8, 2026
• R401 - Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• Sub 120 Credit Degrees
• Catalog Deadlines
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

February 5, 2026, Caa

Minutes

No abstract provided.

Faculty Senate Chronicle February 5, 2026, Lisa Appeldorn

The University of Akron Faculty Senate Chronicle

Minutes for the regular meeting of The University of Akron Faculty Senate on 02/05/2026,

Mackenzie River Freshwater Controls Early Sea Ice Formation In The Eastern Beaufort Sea, M. J. Zahn, S. Fournier, I. G. Fenty, M. Steele, M. Wood, P. Gaube

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Arctic sea ice plays a critical role in Earth's climate system, and as it continues to thin and retreat, understanding the processes driving its variability is increasingly important. Using satellite data and a coupled ocean–sea ice model, we examined how freshwater from the Mackenzie River influences fall sea ice formation in the Beaufort Sea. An “ice bridge” between the coast and offshore ice edge consistently forms over the river's freshwater plume, with its location and extent varying interannually with freshwater distribution. Regions influenced by the plume experienced sea ice onset an average of 3 weeks earlier than adjacent, saltier waters. …

Green Technology: A Systematic Review Of Ai And Iot Solutions For A Sustainable Future, Nesma Abd El-Mawla, Mohamed A. Berbar, Nawal A. El-Fishawy, Mohamed A. El-Rashidy, Mahmoud Badawy

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Green technology offers a solution to the pressing environmental crisis. It can change the structure and generation of waste so as not to harm the earth, and people can become environmentally friendly. To address complex environmental challenges like climate change and pollution, innovative Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are essential. These technologies can help optimize resource use, reduce waste, and promote sustainable development. However, it's crucial to balance economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection when implementing green technologies. This survey paper systematically examines the landscape of Green Technology, focusing on its pivotal components: Measures of …

What Is Happening In The World Today And Why: Humanity’S Evolving Consciousness And The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

What is happening in the world today and why? Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels. Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say. However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born--to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be. That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an …

Bulk Absorber Acoustic Characterization Via The Two-Cavity Impedance Tube Methoda), Anthony Ciletti, Janith Godakawela, Martha Brown, Bhisham Sharma

Michigan Tech Publications

The primary goal of this study is to investigate and refine the two-cavity impedance tube method for acoustic characterization of bulk porous materials, specifically addressing previously unexplained inaccuracies in the prediction of surface impedance and absorption coefficients. Unlike the conventional two-thickness approach, the two-cavity method requires only one sample thickness and involves conducting measurements at various air cavity depths behind the sample. The initial analyses revealed previously unidentified numerical instabilities, resulting in anomalous predictions of sound absorption at specific frequencies. Through systematic investigation and use of calculated data, the numerical origins of these anomalies are uncovered and a practical solution, …

Solvability Factors And Psychological Stressors In Cold Case Sexual Homicides: Insights From Investigators And Detectives, Jamie Borba

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore solvability factors and psychological stressors experienced by investigators and detectives who work on cold case sexual homicides. The study includes eight participants’ perspectives of conditions that influence case solvability and psychological challenges inherent in investigating unresolved sexual homicide cases. Guided by the resource-based theory, the research involved examining how investigative techniques, organizational support, and available resources contribute to the successful closure and clearance of cold cases. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using coding and thematic analysis. This involved understanding how resource and institutional constraints affect their ability …

Staff Education On Evidence-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Clinicians At An Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Ezinwanne J. Irobereachi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

N/A

Staff Education On Implementation Of De-Escalation Techniques In An Adult Psychiatry Facility: A Quality Improvement Program To Enhance Knowledge And Reduce Aggressive Behavior, Lilian Agbonzebeta Azenabor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Managing aggression and violence is a persistent issue in adult psychiatric facilities. Frequent aggression and violence can cause serious harm to staff, increase absenteeism and burnout, and lower job satisfaction. Stakeholders’ reports from the project site indicated inconsistent staff use of de-escalation techniques, highlighting gaps and the need to improve staff knowledge. The practice-focused question was: Will a staff education program specifically designed to implement a comprehensive staff training on de-escalation strategies increase staff’s knowledge? The purpose of this staff education project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based training program designed to enhance staff knowledge on de-escalation techniques. …

Educating Mental Health Staff On Standardized Intake Response And Appointment Scheduling Practices, Mercy Itesa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This evidence-based educational project focused on solving two problems at a private mental health clinic: Staff members used different methods to record patient intake information and schedule appointments. The methods staff used to interact with patients resulted in inaccurate documentation and longer response times. The project question was: Does educating staff on standardized intake procedures and appointment scheduling processes lead to better knowledge acquisition, as indicated by pre- and postsurvey results? The analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) instructional design framework and the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Models (JHEBP) were used in this educational project. A Walden University librarian …

Staff Education In Standardizing A Nurse-Led Fall Prevention Bundle To Reduce Inpatient Falls In Teleneurology Units, Tiffany Scott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Due to complex neurological deficits that raise the risk of falls, falls among persons admitted to inpatient tele-neurology units represent a substantial and continuous problem in nursing practice. A preliminary evaluation conducted at the project site revealed inconsistent fall prevention procedures, inconsistent use of risk assessments, and a lack of a standardized, evidence based strategy to lower fall risk in this especially susceptible group. A practice focused investigation into whether the adoption of a standardized, nurse led fall prevention bundle would improve staff adherence to fall prevention protocols and lower the incidence of inpatient falls over a six month period …

Isaiha Duckket V. The State Of Nevada, 142 Nev. Adv. Op. 9 (Feb. 05, 2026), Adrienne Jack-Sands

Nevada Supreme Court Summaries

In Duckket v. State, the Supreme Court of Nevada found no error in allowing a criminal defendant to represent himself despite multiple competency evaluations before and during trial, nor was his right to a speedy trial infringed when none of the delays were caused by the State.

Review Of Research On Ecological Protection Technologies For Highway Subgrade Slopes, Zhang Rui, Li Wangjun, Gao Qianfeng, Chen Bo, Gong Yi, Hou Yudong, Zhang Xiwei

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Safety, durability, and green low-carbon performance are key requirements for the development of highway slope engineering. Given the shortcomings of conventional masonry slope protection and vegetation-engineering composite systems with respect to construction duration, construction safety, and environmental impacts, this paper presents a systematic review of ecological protection technologies for highway subgrade slopes. The working mechanisms of typical ecological protection technologies, such as plant slope protection and attached-type slope protection, were systematically analyzed. Important Chinese and international research results on these technologies were summarized. The slope protection performance of different ecological protection technologies was discussed in depth, and future development trends …

Slope Reliability Analysis Based On Iwoa-Svm, Wang Jinfeng, Fan Shengtong, Xie Haibo

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To address the difficulties traditional slope reliability calculation methods face in considering the uncertainty among multiple variables and the large computational burden, this paper proposed a slope reliability analysis method based on the improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA) and support vector machine (SVM). First, the basic theory of SVM was described. The differential mutation strategy and adaptive weight factor were introduced to improve the whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and the performance of the IWOA was tested. Then, the key parameters of SVM were optimized based on the IWOA, and the slope reliability analysis model was constructed. Finally, by taking a …

Numerical Simulation Analysis Of Stiffness Reduction Effect For Pipe-Combination Piles, Chen Xiangyi, Wang Yanhua, Zhou Dequan, Wang Chuangye, Hu Hanqing

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to investigate the mechanism of bending stiffness reduction in the pipe-combination (PC) piles, Abaqus was employed to establish a numerical finite element model considering the interaction between lock joints. The variation in bending stiffness of PC piles was analyzed under different factors such as lock joint friction coefficient, pile head constraints, and combination methods, and the influence of neutral axis displacement on the stiffness of PC piles was analyzed through theoretical derivation. The results show that increasing the friction force between lock joints can effectively mitigate the bending stiffness reduction effect of PC piles. When the lock joints …

Stability Analysis Of Expansive Soil Slope Excavation In Overlying Rock Layers In Alpine Regions, Zhang Dawei, Mou Chao, Cui Guangyan, Li Xiaoshuang, Ding Yuanyuan, Zhang Wei, Qiao Jiachen

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Based on the slope project of Zhangbei‒Shangyi Expressway, indoor tests were conducted to obtain the mechanical parameters of rock and soil layers, variation law of shear strength of expansive soil with different number of cycles in dry-wet-freeze-thaw conditions was studied, and variation characteristics of mechanical parameters were revealed to deeply analyze the stability of expressway cutting slope excavation in the condition of expansive soil in overlying rock layers in alpine regions. By adopting MIDAS/GTS (SRM) software, the original slope excavation and support scheme of increasing the flattened down slope were simulated, and the improvement scheme of reducing the load by …

Review Of Study On Performance Of Interlayer Bonding Of Concrete Bridge Pavements, Lyu Songtao, Yang Dingling, Lu Weiwei, Duan Haihui

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To clarify how interlayer bonding performance of cement concrete bridge decks affects the durability of bridge deck pavements and to identify the technical methods, research challenges, and future development trends for improving interlayer bonding performance, the research progress on the interlayer bonding performance of bridge deck pavements in China and abroad was reviewed. First, the characterization models and bond failure modes of the existing interlayer bonding state of bridge deck pavements were summarized, and the influencing factors of interlayer bonding performance and their working mechanisms were analyzed. Second, current evaluation methods and indices for interlayer bonding performance were discussed, and …

Effect Of Calcined Constructio N Spoil On Mechanical And Shrinkage Proper Ties Of Uhpc, Chang Cheng, Wang Xufu, Wang Yu, Zhong Yuan, Zhang Bofa, Tang Yuxiang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

This study utilized calcined construction spoil from Guangdong as a partial replacement for cement in the preparation of green ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). The effects of different calcined construction spoil content levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) on the workability, mechanical property, and shrinkage behavior of UHPC were investigated. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to quantify carbon emissions. The results indicate that the incorporation of calcined construction spoil improves the fluidity of the UHPC mixture. At the age of 3 days, the effect of calcined construction spoil on the mechanical properties of UHPC is limited. However, at …

Influence Mechanism Of Admixtures On Strength Of High Volume Fly Ash, Liu Yang, Yang Jie, Yuan Heping, Lu Naiwei, Luo Dong

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

This paper investigated the effects of nano-silica (NS), metakaolin (MK), and silica fume (SF) as supplementary cementitious materials on the compressive strength of mortar with high volume fly ash. Through a comparative analysis, the study established the influence patterns of single and combined additions of various cementitious materials on the compressive strength of the mortar. The microstructure and reaction mechanisms of the specimens were analyzed using methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The results indicate that when NS or MK is used alone, the compressive strength of fly ash mortar at 28 …

Aggregate Crushing Behavior Of Asphalt Mixture Incorporating Waste Glass And Its Effect On Performance, Li Yiming, Li Xinze, Cheng Peifeng, Chen Xiule, Guo Shuang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Utilizing crushed waste glass as a substitute for natural aggregate in asphalt mixtures presents significant economic potential and environmental protection advantages. However, compared with natural aggregates, the low-strength glass aggregates are prone to crushing under load, necessitating an investigation into the crushing behavior of glass aggregates under load and its influence on the performance of asphalt mixture. In this paper, the crushing behavior of the mixture was analyzed through rotational compaction test and digital image processing technology, using the aggregate crushing index of the mixture as an indicator to evaluate its road performance. The results show that as the number …

Research On Properties Of Glass Sand Shotcrete, Gao Qingshui, Ma Kaikai, Guo Lingz Hi, Liu Hongtian, Huang Shimei, Han Song, Hu Peng

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to study the effect of glass sand on the properties of shotcrete, shotcrete was prepared by using glass sand instead of natural sand. Through the compressive strength test, splitting tensile strength test, drying shrinkage test, and chloride ion erosion test, the effects of different amounts of glass sand on the strength, shrinkage, and durability of shotcrete were analyzed. The results show that:① The 50% glass sand replacement rate has the least effect on the strength of shotcrete, and its 28-day compressive strength is only reduced by 2.19% compared with the control group; ② Glass sand can improve the …

Long-Term Performance Of Recycled Asphalt Mixtures With Various Frap Contents, Zhang Yongyuan, Meng Weihong, Yang Xin, Wu Hao, Zhan Yiqun, Xu Haoda

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

At present, in the refined recycling and utilization of asphalt pavement, the utilization rate of fine recycled asphalt aggregates (FRAP) is much lower than that of coarse recycled asphalt aggregates (CRAP). This not only leads to resource waste but also limits the larger-scale application of RAP in recycled asphalt mixtures. Therefore, this study systematically investigated the impact of FRAP content on the long-term performance of recycled asphalt mixtures through the semi-circular tensile (SCT) tests. Based on the energy evolution laws of strain energy (elasticity and plasticity) and surface energy during material fracture processes, corresponding improvement measures were proposed according to …

Research On Compaction Characteristics And High Compaction Paving Technology Of Ac-13 Steel Slag Asphalt Concrete, Wang Yaping, Yi Long, Zheng Wenzhang, Gu Meng, Wang Juyang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To solve the problems of difficult compaction and high porosity of steel slag asphalt concrete, a rotary compactor was used to analyze the compaction characteristics of steel slag asphalt concrete from the aspects of gradation, compaction temperature, and compaction energy index. By conducting orthogonal experiments in the test section, the influence of paving speed, vibration frequency of the screed, and vibration compaction rate of the hammer on the compaction degree of paving was analyzed, and the paving construction parameters of steel slag asphalt concrete were optimized. Research shows that the use of a median finer gradation can accelerate compaction rate, …

Experimental Analysis Of High- And Low-Temperature Rheological Properties Of Revulcanized Rubber Powder-Sbs Composite Modified Asphalt, Feng Hao, Yang Zhaodong, Feng Xuran, Lin Bin, Yao Ailing, Wang Kang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

This paper aims to explore the performance recovery of desulfurized rubber powder in the desulfurized rubber powder-SBS composite modified asphalt after revulcanization treatment. By using 18% rubber powder-2% SBS composite modified asphalt, a desulfurized rubber powder-SBS composite modified asphalt was first prepared via a microwave pyrolysis desulfurization process. Subsequently, a vulcanizing agent was added to the system to prepare the revulcanized rubber powder-SBS composite modified asphalt. Experiments determined the optimal microwave pyrolysis desulfurization duration for rubber powder to be 5 min, and the optimal sulfur dosage was 6% by mass of the desulfurized rubber powder. A comparative analysis of the …

Influence Mechanism Of Maintenance Rails On Vortex-Induced Vibration Of Twin Steel Box Girders, Sun Hongxin, Hu Lei, Chen Wei, Huang Wenjun

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Maintenance rails are an important passage for the safe operation and maintenance of bridges, significantly affecting the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) performance of main girders. A twin steel box girder cable-stayed bridge with the main span of 658 m was taken as the engineering background to investigate the influence mechanism of maintenance rails on the VIV performance of twin steel box girders. Combined with section model wind tunnel tests and two-dimensional fluid-structure interaction CFD numerical simulations, the vertical VIV performance of the main girder sections with and without maintenance rails was studied, and the mechanism of maintenance rails' influence on VIV …

Study On Structural Schemes Of Comb-Type Steel-Concrete Composite Girder Bridges, Xiong Zhihua, Pan Zhenhua, Di Di, Li Jun, Cheng Litao, Liu Hongyu

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To investigate the structural performance of novel comb-type steel-concrete composite girder bridges (with a span of 8‒40 m) and optimize their design schemes, this paper took the live load structural efficiency index as the indicator and comprehensively considered factors such as structural mechanical performance, engineering economy, and construction convenience. It also studied the mechanical performance of the negative bending moment zone and the seamless joint of the integral abutment using numerical simulation. The results show that ① for comb-type steel-concrete composite girder bridges with a span of 8‒20 m, the three-girder scheme is recommended; for those with a medium span …

Matching Analysis Of Cantilever Assembly For Wide Steel-Uhpc Composite Girder In Cable-Stayed Bridge, Chen Changsong, Wang Cong, Huang Gen

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To control the deformation difference bet ween the to-be-installed and installed segments during the cantilever assembly of wide steel-UHPC composite girders in cable-stayed bridges and achieve precise matching, this paper first introduced a matching method combining pre-hanging cables with crane unloading. Then, by taking the Guanyin Temple Yangtze River Bridge (a super-kilometer-span cable-stayed bridge with wide steel-UHPC composite girders) as the engineering background, a locally refined finite element model was established to analyze the vertical deformation laws of the matching sections during the cantilever assembly construction phase. Finally, the effects of matching sequence, pre-hanging cable force, and crane unloading ratio …

Study On Maximum Vertical Prestress Spacing Of Pc Continuous Box Girder Bridges, Wang Fan, Lu Xiaolei

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To clarify the distribution pattern of the stress field between vertical prestresses in large-span PC continuous box girder bridges and the layout criteria for the maximum vertical prestress spacing, an analytical solution for the web stress field under the action of two prestressed tendons was derived. On this basis, the distribution patterns of the vertical stress field under various prestress spacings and sectional heights were analyzed. Under the premise of ensuring a high-stress state in the web, this study proposed recommendations for the maximum prestress spacing by introducing the sectional stress uniformity index, addressing the blind zone of prestress induced …