Deans’ Council Minutes
Boardroom BA 290

November 28, 2006

Council for Undergraduate Research – Dr. Allan Headley, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, will be the contact for Texas A&M University–Commerce.

Procedure 11.04.99.RO.12 – “Masters & Doctoral Assistantship” – The recommendation was made that departments be allowed to determine how Graduate Assistants are awarded; however, the department cannot lower the requirements to anything less than what has been established by the Graduate School . The Graduate School standard for admission is 2.75. Once the award is made, the student has to maintain a 3.0 to GPA.

Procedure 12.01.99.RO.02 – Annual Evaluation of Faculty – Pertaining to section (3) (a) (1) (Course Syllabus) Recommendation was made that faculty also list in their syllabus their telephone number with their contact information. Discussion was held regarding (5) (Merit). It was decided that the teaching ratio (60%) needed to be revised. Since the university is moving toward research, the ratio needs to be revised (i.e. 50/30/20 or 50/40/10) The Provost plans to meet with Faculty Senate President, Dr. R. N. Singh, to discuss the ratio. Discussion was also held regarding the need to establish a third year review of faculty so there are no surprises in the faculty's sixth year review. Additional discussion was held regarding a web based portfolio. The concept of a web based portfolio is currently being developed Dr. Leah Wickersham and Dr. Sharon Chambers .

Graduate Certificate Procedure - (PDF Document) – At the November 27, 2006 meeting, the President's Advisory Council (PAC) approved the Graduate Certificate Procedure.

Deans Council & Directors Meetings – (PDF Document) Directors in the Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) division will be joining Deans Council every other meeting to discuss and share information. The schedule for future joint meetings was shared. In the event agenda items only pertain to Deans Council members, ASA Directors will adjourn to allow time for Council members to meet in closed session.

Search Update - Dr. Ashley provided an update on the progress of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs search.

Position Vacancies - There will be a $591,000 cut in faculty/staff dollars. Factors to be considered include faculty workload; upper/lower level of semester credit hours; proposed 5% merit pool for next year. The plan is that there will be no reduction of force of filled positions.

President's One-Time Funding Initiatives for Increased Enrollment – Dr. Hendrix reported approximately forty (40) proposals were received proposing to increase enrollment utilizing the President's One-Time Funding Initiative funds. The committee met and final recommendations were presented to the President. Twenty (20) proposals were approved, and award letters will be mailed later this week.

Honors College – Dr. Raymond Green, Director, recently presented to the Provost the plan for the Honors College . The plan included 1) admission process 2) eligibility criteria, and 3) other unique factors to be considered for the Honors College . The target is for the initial class admission in the fall semester. Ideally the target was to be first time freshmen; however, that may change.

UPDATES:

Enrollment Management - Approximately 854 students have been cleared for graduation. Letters and ticket were mailed together. Registration this year is earlier than last year. Thus far, fifty four (54) students have already enrolled for the spring semester. Last year prior registration did not begin until the end of December. The relocation of Robert Hodges and his staff to the second floor of the McDowell Administration Building is scheduled for the second week of December.

Student Affairs – The International Student Services Office will be relocating to the third floor of the McDowell Administration building. A grand opening will be held once the move is completed. Feast of Carols is scheduled for December 1 - 2.

College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) – The COEHS plans to move their Advising Center from Young Education North to Binnion Hall.