January 29, 2019

 Attendees:  James Marquart,  Arne Almquist, Katrina Brent, Dan French, Derina Holtzhausen, Lynn Maurer, Brenda Nichols, Joe Nordgren, Bob Spina, and Victor Zaloom.

I. Approval of Dean’s Council Minutes dated December 4,  2018

The minutes of the Academic Dean meeting, dated December 4, 2018, were approved as written.

II. GUESTS : Dr. John Bello-Ogunu and Dr. Mustapha Jourdini

Houston Shuttle Services for International Students – Summer 2019

Dr. Bello-Ogunu, VP for Division of Global Diversity, Inclusion & Intercultural Affairs, addressed the issue of Houston shuttle services for international students.  Lamar University has a contract with Sun Travel and the Office of Global Diversity has always been responsible for coordinating and funding the transportation for the international students each summer.  Dr. Bello-Ogunu shared a proposal for a new approach. 

         PROPOSAL: The Office of Global Diversity will no longer be solely responsible for getting the students here.  They would like to engage the academic departments and have them be the first point of contact. Once a student is accepted, then the Office of Global Diversity would contact the department and a faculty member, or someone in that office, would arrange pick up with Sun Travel. The goal is to make the student feel more welcome. In addition, the department will help fund the cost, approximately $44 per student. 

 The proposal was made and followed by much discussion.  No final decisions were made at this time.

Professional Development Workshops : Compliance with Homeland Security and Department of State Regulations

Dr. Jourdini, Director of International Student Programs and Services, reviewed his handout addressing F-1 and J-1 regulations.  F-1 is for international students and is regulated by Department of Homeland Security.  (LU is one of the universities authorized to host F-1 students).  J-1 is for exchange students and scholars regulated by the Department of State.    There are separate workshops to educate staff and faculty on both F-1 and J-1 regulations and laws. Deans were asked to encourage their faculty and staff to attend these workshops.  The next ones are February 12^th and 19^th.  If any specific training needed, feel free to request it.

III.  New TSI Requirements for Math Co-Req Courses – Katrina Brent

Dr. Brent distributed and briefly reviewed the new proposed TSI requirements for co-req math courses that were approved by the Mathematics Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. (Note: There were previously no math co-reqs).  Let her know if any questions or comments and she will take those back to the committee.

 * Brent also gave brief updates on recruitment/enrollment numbers for spring and fall 2019.

IV.  BOR Preparation

Dr. Marquart announced there are plans to revise how we handle curriculum, agenda items, new degree proposals, certificates, etc. for the quarterly Board of Regent meetings.  He will be planning a walk through prior to each quarterly meeting.   Department Chairs and/or Deans will be called over a week or so before the Academic Affairs call for the dry run and then he will have the Chair or Dean sit in on the calls.   

V. Core Grades

For areas where student success is less than 60%, an attempt is being made to find out where the problem is.  Data is being pulled to look at the syllabi as well as who is teaching, whether they are adjuncts, instructors or tenure track faculty.     

 VI. Grad Admissions Policy

Departments with Master programs need to review their entrance requirements and admission policies.  The goal is to have a more holistic approach.   

 VII. Dean Search

Maya Kirkhope with Academic Search Inc. will be on campus February 14^th & 15^th to kick off the search for a new Dean of the College of Engineering. 

 VIII. SACS – Joe Nordgren

Lamar University volunteered to host the Regional 60x30TX strategic planning meeting on February 26th.  The focus will be on three specific strategies.  Dr. Nordgren distributed handouts and reviewed the outline of the meeting and the preliminary regional targets.

 “Joe’s Crosswalk” – a handout was distributed showing where we are with SACS reports. Dr. Nordgren explained his table and answered questions from the attendees.  September 3, 2019 is the required date for electronic submission.  

 IX.  Other

Dr. Marquart and other executives will be making several trips to Austin over the next couple of weeks for TSUS Board of Regents, as well as Senate Finance and House Appropriation hearings.

 X. Adjourn – The meeting was adjourned at 4:00pm.