Deans’ Council Minutes
July 25, 2006

Members present: Dr. Frank Ashley , Dr. Hal Langford , Dr. James Klein , Dr. Allan Headley , Dr. Joe Webber , Dr. Sandy Weeks , Dr. Mary Hendrix , Dr. Yvette Underdue-Murph, Mr. Craig Wheeler

I. Enrollment Reports:

A . Dr. Murph briefed the deans on the progress of the seven-week enrollment initiative for fall 2006 (PDF Document). Significant progress has been made since the initiative was implemented two weeks ago. On July 24, 77 more freshmen and 13 more transfer students were enrolled than the same time last year. All in attendance agreed with the seven-week enrollment initiative overarch priority to increase the conversion rate of applications to admit to actual enrollment for the upcoming gall semester.

B. Deans discussed the need to maximize formula funding during the winter-mini and spring semesters. Deans were asked to work with their departments to develop specific plans to present at the next council meeting.

II. Improving Communication (PDF Document) —Dr. Ashley shared the document provided by The Growth Group. The consultant provided customer service training. Deans discussed various strategies for improving communication between and among administrators, faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Ashley indicated he will lead an initiative in the academic and student affairs division to improve communication.

III. Retention Proposal —Deans discussed processes and short-term and long-term strategies for improving retention, including how to allocate resources. Dr. Murph provided the deans with a list of students who have not registered for the fall semester and asked for deans' and department heads' assistance in calling campaigns.

IV. FY 07 HEF Allocation -Dr. Ashley asked that the deans work with department heads to establish a list of needs and submit to Dr. Hendrix by September 25.

V. Online Programming —Dr. Hendrix discussed existing processes and procedures for ensuring quality of online courses and degrees. Please see:

http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/itde/distance_ed_procedure.asp?menu=general

Charlotte Larkin and Maribeth McAnally will be invited to a future meeting to discuss issues.

VI. National Voter Registration Project —Deans voted unanimously not to participate in this research project.

VII. New Faculty Orientation —The new faculty orientation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, in the American Ballroom. Letters will be sent to all new faculty the week of July 31, 2006 .

VIII . Fall Faculty Meeting —Deans discussed strategies for improving communication and involving faculty.

IX. Procedure A12.06: The Graduate Council (PDF Document) Dr. Headley presented proposed revisions to Procedure A12.06. Deans voted unanimously to approve the procedure.

X. Other Business

A. Dr. Klein indicated he will be conducting training for his department heads on August 17.

B. Craig Wheeler informed the council that the library will be implementing new authentication processes this fall. Rather than using a proxy server, faculty and students (when off campus) will use their campus-wide and personal identification numbers to access online databases. In the past, passwords were provided at the beginning of every semester. This change will ensure full compliance with vendor regulations.

C. Dean Webber reminded everyone that Kayla Peak 's farewell reception will be held on August 9, from 2-4, in the Founder's Lounge and indicated that, in the future, the Student Guidebook will only be provided online.