Deans Council Meeting
Provost Conference Room
June 23, 2009

Attendance: Dr. Gary Peer, Dr. Allan Headley; Dr. Brent Mangus; Dr. Christine Evans; Dr. Jerry Parish (attending for Dr. Hal Langford). Absent from the meeting was Dr. Randy McBroom and Dr. Hal Langford.    

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences - The Provost began the meeting with an introduction and welcome to Dr. Christine Evans, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Peer expressed his appreciation and stated that today is Dean Evans’ first official day on the job.

Wireless Priorities in Academic Buildings – The Provost asked deans to assess their areas and provide him feedback regarding locations on campus where wireless computer access was a top priority. Currently there are $100K available to use in updating wireless connections on campus and their feedback is vital to determine areas of need. This information is needed by the end of the week.

Space Reallocation – The Provost will meet with other Vice Presidents next week regarding the issue of space reallocation. Discussion will be held regarding space that will become available following the relocation of Student Success and Access to the Student’s One-Stop-Shop Center.  The Provost asked deans to provide him with their input regarding space that their college may need.  If there are no requests or need for space by the colleges, Dr. Peer has asked that deans include that information as well. This information is needed by Friday, June 26.   

2009-2010 Curriculum Change – Discussion was held regarding a recommendation that was received from a faculty member regarding a curriculum change in the Department of Psychology and Special Education. Action by Deans Council will be delayed until Dean Mangus can contact the department for further clarification regarding the recommendation.

Glenn Dowling Presentation – At a recent meeting of the University Executive Council (UEC), a presentation was provided by Mr. Glenn Dowling reflecting a formula based faculty workload model. Also in attendance were the Budget Review and Development Council as well as academic department heads.  The Provost asked deans to examine the information presented and to provide him with comments, questions or concerns regarding their academic departments. 

Undergraduate Experience Workgroup – Later in the day, the Provost will host a luncheon for this workgroup and plans to share with its members the need to identify and pursue ways to improve the quality of the undergraduate experience at the university. The basis for the workgroup is based upon THECB’s “Designing Texas “Undergraduate Education in the 21st Century” Report. http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/Reports/PDF/1699.pdf

Academic Service Standards – Academic Service Standards were recently submitted to the President and President’s Advisory Council (PAC). Following review, a suggestion was made to shorten the timeframe specified on the following standard:

                        Faculty Teaching Online:
                                    2.  will provide students written feedback on submitted assignments
                                                within 30 days, preferably 15

Discussion was held regarding what would be an appropriate time considering class sizes, number of work days versus calendar days, semester, and academic subject. Deans were asked to discuss this issue with department heads and faculty and provide him with feedback no later than Friday, June 26.