Deans’ Council Minutes
October 17, 2006

December Graduation – The Registrar, Paige Bussell, attended the meeting and several options for December graduation was discussed. Council members agreed that commencement would be conducted at the field house and three (3) ceremonies would be performed: 1) Undergraduate Arts and Sciences & Business and Technology; 2) Undergraduate Education and Human Services; and 3) All Graduate Students.

Graduation Application – A draft graduation application form was presented by Drs. Headley and Murph. A lengthy discussion was held regarding which office ( Graduate School ; Registrar; Academic College ) would be the appropriate office for approving and signing off on the form. It was the consensus of the group that the Graduate School Dean should approve all graduate student applications for graduation. This topic was tabled for future discussion to allow Drs. Headley and Murph to get back together and discuss the process and form.

Reorganization – Dr. Murph discussed Enrollment Management's plans to combine Freshman and Transfer Admissions. Staff in positions such as transcript evaluator and admissions processors will be cross-trained. The combining of the Scholarship and Student Financial Aid Offices will improve how we package financial aid awards. The reorganization will enable the admissions and financial aid processes to become more effect and efficient; whereby, allowing more concentration and emphasizes to be placed on retention.

Classroom Utilization – The spring schedules were reviewed. Deans were reminded that if changes are needed, Thursday of this week is the deadline to submit changes. The Department secretary will need to enter the schedule. Discussion was held regarding classroom size. We do not have large classroom; most of the current classrooms are medium size.

Winter Mini and Spring Course Schedule - It was emphasized that winter mini and spring semesters would be the last opportunity to maximize enrollment for the base year. Advertisement for these semesters is critical for an enrollment increase.

Freshman Class Problems - Dean Klein discussed concerns his college has experienced with freshman students not showing up for classes. Efforts have been made in the College of Arts and Sciences to assist struggling freshman by calling students after a specific number of absences have occurred. There are also concerns regarding the large number of freshman students that are failing courses. It was suggested that training for faculty may be appropriate regarding how to work with the millennium student and/or new teaching techniques.

Core Curriculum Task Force – Dean Klein suggested that at task force be developed. The experience must be different at TAMU-C from that of a community college. TAMU-C must become a destination university. It was suggested that Dr. Klein work with the University Studies committee.

Northeast Texas Consortium - NETnet – The Provost reminded Deans to complete and return the NETnet Collaborative Program Study to his office so the survey information could be shared with the NETnet Executive Director. The due date is extended to November 1.

Dean of Students Search Committee – The search will begin soon to fill the Dean of Student position. Dr. Webber's retirement reception will be December 6. Faculty will be represented from each college, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Business Administration. The Provost requested the Council Members to provide him with names of nominees to serve on the committee no later than next week. Effective January 1, Brain Nichols, Assistant Dean will serve as interim.

Employees Enrolled in 6 Semester Hours During Normal Work Hours – TAMU-C regulations conflicts with TAMUS policy regarding the number of semester hours that an employee can be enrolled during normal work hours. This needs to be reviewed.

Procedure 11.04.99.RO.16, Graduate Certificate Procedure – The proposed procedure regarding graduate certificate procedure was discussed. Council members voted animously to accept the procedure.

Graduate Stipends – Discussion was held concerning there not being any written guidelines regarding the expectations of graduate assistants. Currently the requirements for all graduate assistants are the same. There should be a higher expectation for graduate assistants especially concerning their grade point averages. A graduate assistant that teaches should have a higher score than one that does not teach. Dr. Headley will take these concerns to the Graduation Council and bring them back to Deans Council at a later date for discussion.

Presidential Retreat – The Provost reminded members of the October 19 th President's Retreat. The focus will include building ideas of teamwork and how to achieve the President's established enrollment goal of 10,000 students in 3 years. Every department and college should have an increase in enrollment within the next 3 years.