Deans’ Council Minutes
October 31, 2006

Attendance : Dr. Frank Ashley , Dr. Allan Headley , Dr. Hal Langford , Dr. James Vornberg , Dr. Joe Webber , Dr. Mary Hendrix, Dr. Yvette Underdue Murph, Dr. Jon Travis , Dr. Linda Matthei and Mr. Gregory Mitchell. Dr. James Klein was unable to attend the meeting.

Lower Level Course Issue – There is a LBB accountability measures that relates to the number of lower-division courses taught by tenured or tenure-track faculty. Our target this year was 49%, but we failed to achieve the targeted percentage, with 43%. Dr. Hendrix presented a fall 2006 listing of faculty who are teaching lower-division classes. All accountability measures will be presented to the deans and discussions will be held at future meetings to determine how this measure, as well as other measures, can be addressed with the strategic plan.

Faculty Evaluations – At the next Board of Regents meeting, three university presidents in the System have been requested to present information regarding their university's Post Tenure Review policies and procedures. (TAMU-C; College Station ; Kingsville ) The presentation will be focused on how efficient and effective are the policies and procedures. The Council agreed that the Kansas State model for measuring learning outcomes would be ordered and used by each college. The Kansas State model measure how well learning outcomes are met. This information is needed and would be useful in the evaluation of faculty. Using the Kansas State model, information can be collected by course, faculty, department, college, etc. It was decided that the instrument would be introduced to faculty this fall. Dr. Hendrix asked the Deans to notify the VPAA office of the number of models that would be needed for their colleges. After completion, the VPAA office will collect the evaluations and forward to Kansas State for scoring.

At the conclusion of the Council meeting, a draft copy of University Procedure 12.01.99.RO.02, Annual Evaluation of Faculty, was provided to each Dean represented at the meeting. The draft reflected proposed revisions to the procedure.

Search for Dean of Student Affairs – Dr. Ashley announced that December 6 would be the date for Dr. Joe Webber 's retirement reception. A search committee is being formed and a search for Dr. Webber's vacant position will soon be underway.

Strategic Planning Committee – The Provost reviewed the proposed composition for the Strategic Planning Committee. Council members were requested to provide nominations for individuals to serve on the committee to represent their colleges and/or divisions. Council members suggested that there only be one (1) representative from the Graduate Council rather that the proposed two (2) representatives. Members suggested that the following areas also be represented on the committee: Metroplex campus, Athletic Department and the community.

Administrative Retreat Follow-Up – Notes from the retreat held on October 19, 2006 were shared with the Council. Members were asked to mark their calendars for the next meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2006. It was asked if the Provost could place “Centers of Excellence” on the agenda for the next retreat as some Council members felt additional/continued discussion was needed.

Liberal Studies Governance Document – Dr. Matthei briefly reviewed the governance document for the Liberal Studies program, as well as, duties of the Oversight Committee. She answered questions presented by Council Members regarding committee composition and responsibility. Dr. Matthei stressed that this program is not designed to prepare students to teach in the public school system.

Marketing and Strategic Enrollment Plans for Spring 2007 – Dr. Murph stated marketing is currently the responsibility of the Marketing Communications Department. However, in an effort to provide an update for the Council meeting, she talked with the Marketing Communications Director prior to the Council meeting. The Marketing Director has contacted “The Dallas Morning News” and plans to run advertisements in approximately two weeks. Dr. Murph expressed concern that unless advertisements are placed by Thursday of this week with “The Dallas Morning News”, marketing efforts via the Dallas newspaper will have little chance to reach potential students and affect enrollment for winter mini sessions. The Provost stressed that external and internal marketing efforts are vital in order to increase enrollment for winter mini and spring semesters. Telemarketing and email outreach are methods used to contact potential students. Council members expressed their concerns regarding an immediate need for a plan to be implemented immediately.

Dr. Murph recently received updated statistics that indicated the number of applications received were higher than previously thought. Diligent efforts are being made by Enrollment Management (EM) staff to get incomplete applications completed and processed so these students can be included in the EM statistics.

Miscellaneous Items:

Educational Testing Service (ETS) The Provost shared information from ETS regarding participation in their recruitment of Visiting Scholars to work at ETS for four (4) weeks during summer 2007. Applicants interested in the program should visit their website for more information: www.visitingscholars@ets.org

State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) – The Provost reminded Dean Council members of the SECC campaign and encouraged participation in its efforts.

One Time Enrollment Initiative – The Provost reminded Council members of the President's One Time Enrollment Initiative to Increase Enrollment offer. Proposals are to be submitted to the Vice President for Business and Administration, Attention: Alicia Currin. The due date is Friday, November 10.

Student Affairs Updates:

New Memorial Student Center – It is anticipated that ground breaking for the new student center will occur in spring 2007. The decision will soon be made as to which contractor will be awarded the construction assignment.

University Day is scheduled for November 18, 2006.

Library Services Updates:

John Mark Dempsey has co-authored a book. A book signing has been scheduled for November 15. More information will be issued regarding the event.

A recent survey was competed and based upon the results, a review is being conducted regarding the need to extend the library's hours for spring 2007.

The library is looking into a pilot project for digital storage for historical items.

Because of its central location, faculty would like a faculty lounge in the library.

Graduate Studies and Research Updates:

The Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium and Junior Faculty Workshop will be held on the campus of Prairie View A&M University from November 9 – 10, 2006.

Enrollment Management Updates :

Mr. Ronnie Brooks, TRIO Programs Director, received two (2) grants for the Upward Bound Program.

Student Financial Aid is implementing Early Awareness Program to assist students enrolled by January 1, 2007 with the financial aid process.

BANNER is still being reviewed and issued are being resolved.

College of Business and Technology Updates:

Recruitment Efforts - In an effort to recruit students, on November 24 -26, 2006, the College of Business & Technology faculty and staff are participating in “A Dickens of a Christmas” with a booth in downtown McKinney , Texas . Other colleges and departments are invited to join CBT in this event.

Libraries for Liberia – CBT faculty and staff are collecting new or used books to send to libraries in Liberia . The country's infrastructure is destroyed and the people are in need of library books and reading materials.

CBT recently purchased software for surveys. CBT (Chris Myers) is willing to share with other colleges or departments that may have the need to complete/collect necessary data that can be gathered from conducting student surveys.

In early December, CBT plans to offer a workshop on how to make money with camps and symposiums.

Extended Studies is looking for instructors to teach undergraduate correspondence courses. The contact person is Nancy Ward , Director.