Deans Council Meeting
Boardroom, BA 290
June 17, 2008

Attendance:  Dr. Mary Hendrix, Dr. Sharon Johnson, Dr. Allan Headley, Dr. Hal Langford, Dr. James Klein, Dr. Sandy Weeks, and Dr. Deborrah Hebert. Absent from the meeting were Dr. Brent Mangus and Stephanie Holley. Minutes were taken and submitted by Cynthia Rhodes.

Enrollment Management – Orientation on Saturday, June 14, was a successful event. Dean Holley and Luis Franco were commended for their work in achieving a successful orientation session. Attendance was good and the event was very well organized.

Enrollment reports were shared with the Council. ( Summer II 2008; August Mini 2008; Fall 2008;) Due to the state of the economy and its impact on enrollment, the deans have been discussing strategies to increase fall enrollment. A couple of ideas being proposed are consideration of a pilot program for four (4) day class schedule for students in the fall and spring and the waiver of tuition for graduate students meeting certain criteria. These ideas have been presented to the President Advisory Council. Additional discussion will be necessary before decisions are made as to whether or not to proceed with the proposals. Later in the day, Deans Council plans to meet with VPAA Directors and Faculty Senate Executive Council members regarding their thoughts on the advantages and/or disadvantages that a four day class schedule would have on students and the university.

As Dean Holley continues to work together with Collin County Community College, plans are to begin the weekend college courses in the fall.

Graduate Admissions – In order to assist the colleges with identifying incomplete applications, Dr. Headley presented a report listing students with incomplete graduate applications. The report provides student contact information (including email addresses) as well as listed documents that are needed in order to complete their application. Dr. Headley stated all department heads should have access to this report which will aid them in assisting students. Information Technology staff will need to set up the department heads' computers so they can begin receiving this report. Everyone agreed that monitoring this report is a team effort and each department needs to designate staff to monitor this report.

Since many times the missing documents are reference letters, Dr. Johnson will work with Technology Services to get reference letters automated so individuals can submit them online.

Family Day – Discussion was held regarding various university events such as Mane Event Day, Family Day, University Day, Parent Weekend, etc., Dr. Hendrix plans to discuss with the President’s Council the university’s expectations. Discussion was held regarding the availability of home football games and community activities (such as the Bois Arc Bash) for university events. 

Provost Updates –

The Provost announced to the university last week that Dr. Klein, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has accepted the Provost’s position at Southern Oregon University. The Provost, President and incoming President have been in discussion regarding options for an interim dean. Hopefully, an announcement regarding an interim can be made soon.

The Board of Regents Academic Affairs Committee will be visiting the university on Wednesday, June 25, 2008.  Deans council members were asked to keep their schedules flexible until the Committee’s schedule is finalized.

The university has two (2) significant National Science Foundation (NSF) grant proposals which are currently being recommended for funding. 1) A scholarship grant for science, technology, engineering and mathematics ($653,000) and 2) A grant for major research ($314,000). Much of the success for the grant recommendations is due to the diligent work of Dr. Deborah Porter, Interim Director of Grants and Contracts. Dr. Hendrix commended Dr. Porter for the remarkable accomplishments she has achieved since accepting the position as Interim Director.