Deans’ Council Minutes
February 7, 2006

Three-Year Progress Report for New Doctoral Program – the THECB is asking for progress reports on newly approved doctoral programs. Questions include student numbers, progress, persistence and graduation rates; student and faculty publications, grants, awards; enrollment targets and actual production. The Provost asked if these issues might also guide future evaluations of older programs. Dean Headley, who serves on a THECB Graduate Advisory Committee, reported that the Committee is working on a strategic plan to meet state needs and that institutions with program review involving external reviewers would probably fare better in THECB reviews. (PDF Document)

Library Computer Lab -- Paul Zelhart reported that there are 60 stations and computers ready for the 1 st -floor general purpose lab, that electrical installation remains to be done. He has had one request for specialized software—for SPSS. Departments need to let the Director know of special needs so software can be installed in the start-up phase. The small lab with 20 stations on 2 nd floor is seeing heavy use.

Process for Reducing Total Hours for Degree - HB 1172 -- Joyce Scott briefed Deans on the provisions of HB 1172 stipulating the reduction of bachelor's degrees to 120 credits and asked them how to address this mandate. Deans agreed to look at all programs over 121, which is the norm at A&M-C and refer them to the Deans and department heads for discussion about curriculum revisions to reduce total hours to degree. Staff will investigate why A&M-C's degrees are 1 credit more than other institutions'.

Plagiarism Detection Tools -- Paul Zelhart shared a report (PDF Document) from a doctoral student who did a comparative analysis of two plagiarism detection tools—TurnItIn and MyDropBox. Based on this information and ease of use, the Deans recommended that A&M-C consider adopting a plagiarism detection tool--TurnItIn. Director Zelhart will prepare a brief that the Provost will circulate with the comparative study for input from the Student Government Association, the Faculty Senate, the Writing Center and the Graduate Council. Further issues: include expectations for ethical behavior and information on academic dishonesty and plagiarism in freshman and transfer orientations. It may be desirable to have some training/discussions as well for faculty after the adoption process is completed.

Midlothian Update -- Mary Hendrix reported a recent advising workshop in Midlothian yielded 29 students with interest in bachelors level EC-4, BAAS and criminal justice and graduate programs in education administration. Formal evaluation of student transcripts will be completed followed by consultation with deans and departments.

Graduate Assistantships - - Mary Hendrix reported having a visit from a faculty member and an international graduate student who perceived discrimination in GA hiring. Students go from department to department seeking employment. There does not appear to be a regular process for collecting and circulating applications nor for certifying English language skills. Dean Headley volunteered to look into the issue and report back.

Core Curriculum Assessment -- Randy McBroom reported on how A&M-C will meet the SAC's and THECB required assessment of core curriculum using ETS's MAPP short-form in a pilot project this spring. Concerns focus on student motivation, alternative approaches, validity of the tool.

Good of the Order – Dean Webber reported on Black History month, Hubbell Hall closing, conversion of Smith Hall to co-ed, finalizing an agreement for Student Health Services. Dr. Zelhart discussed gaining wireless access in the library; Dr. Murph will investigate non-paid students and why they did not enroll. Dean Klein reported on the opening of the Planetarium. Deans asked if the campus maintains a pool of qualified off-campus workers for emergency temp employment. Provost will discuss this with Mr. Crutchfield.