Deans Council Meeting
Provost Conference
May 6, 2008

Attendance: Dr. Mary Hendrix, Dr. Hal Langford, Dr. James Klein, Dr. Brent Mangus, Dr. Jon Travis (attending for Dr. Allan Headley), Dr. Sharon Chambers, Dr. Deborrah Hebert, Stephanie Holley, and Cynthia Rhodes. Minutes prepared and submitted by Cynthia Rhodes.

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) – QEP Committee Co-Chairs, Drs. Leah Wickersham and Rusty Waller met with Deans Council members to begin the collection of data in the preparation of the QEP. The committee plans to spend the summer months collecting data from upper-level administrators. Faculty and students will be targeted during the fall semester. The committee has already adopted a purpose statement, guidelines, and established a three (3) year timeline as follows:
            Year One – Planning and Describing
            Year Two – Implementation and Assessment
            Year Three – Implementation Assessment and Improvement

Merit Guidelines – (PDF Document) - The Provost shared FY 2008 merit guidelines with Council members. Deans will receive their college/division (electronic) spreadsheets with detail listing of employees, positions, current salaries and the merit allocation. The goal is to finalize the merit raise data so that salary increases will be effective September 1.

Budget Allocations – Recent additional FY 09 budget allocations made by the President as a result of the Project Implementation Team’s recommendations include:

1) Full implementation of the Honors College

2) Merit pool of 5% for faculty and staff increases.

3) $ 100,000 allocations to a central pool for Graduate Assistantships which are targeted to assist the University in the achievements of their goals and objectives as outlined in the Strategic Plan.

4) $ 500,000 for designated online programs

5) $ 140,000 (Marketing)

6) $ 40,000 (Fund raising)

7) $ 80,000 (Presidential discretionary)   

2008-2009 Curriculum Changes – (PDF Document 1) (PDF Document 2) – Dr. Chambers presented the proposed curriculum changes for academic year 2008-2009. (Notation was made by Dean Langford that Professional Accountancy should reflect 154 hours and Management Information System should reflect 121 hours.) After review and discussion, the Deans voted unanimously to approve the proposed changes contingent upon the noted change.

Council members briefly discussed the possibility of the university using the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS). Everyone agreed its use would provide a uniform method for monitoring and transferring course work for freshman and sophomore level students. Dean Holley agreed to look into this matter to determine if the university could begin using the TCCNS for lower-division courses.

Summer Schedule – Deans Council members discussed the feasibility of implementing a flexible work schedule for offices during the summer months. Utilizing a flexible summer schedule for employees would assist in the reduction of work-related expenses (i.e. transportation and child care costs), as well as, improve employee morale. Dr. Hendrix agreed to present the idea to PAC for consideration.

We Care Program – We Care is the new customer service program for students and visitors who want to provide feedback (positive or negative) regarding experiences they have had with the university. There is a link on the current student portal website where feedback forms can be accessed and submitted electronically: http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/home/university/WeCare/

Dr. Hebert shared the program’s procedure with the group. The drop boxes are checked periodically and Dean Holley receives copies of all submissions. Procedures for the program were shared with Council members. (PDF Document)

Fulbright Scholar Program – Information was shared regarding the Fulbright Scholar Program. (PDF Document). More information can be found at www.cies.org

Voting on Faculty Promotion – Following the adjournment of the Deans Council meeting, the Provost and Academic Deans remained to consider faculty promotions.