August 13, 2019

Attendees:  James Marquart,  Arne Almquist, Paul Bernazzani, Katrina Brent, Brian Craig, Dan French, Derina Holtzhausen, Lynn Maurer, Brenda Nichols, Joe Nordgren, and Bob Spina.

I. Approval of Dean’s Council Minutes dated July 2, 2019

The minutes of the Academic Dean meeting, dated July 2, 2019, were approved as written.

II. GUEST: Amy Smith – Center for Teaching and Enhancement

Provost Kick- Off -  The annual Provost kick-off is scheduled next Wednesday, August 21st. There are all new presentations this year, including an outside speaker.  Please encourage your faculty to attend.

New Chair orientation – New Department Chair orientation is being held Friday, August 23rd.  Although all Chairs are encouraged to attend, attendance is mandatory for new Department Chairs. 

ACUE – Dr. Smith spoke about the National ACUE (Association of College and University Educators) certification that she presented to the Dean’s Council two years ago.  This is an online course for professional development on effective teaching practices.  The incentive for faculty is to receive a national certification, which will help with tenure and promotion. Funding support is being given this year by TSUS. An email with a link was sent to the Deans.  If you know of someone in your college that could benefit from this year long program, please have them apply.  There is an application process and applicants will be prioritized by those with the most impact with students, such as those that teach core courses. An official letter will be sent out.

GUEST: Dr. Judi Mann – LU Strong

RE: Update on Qatar Harvey LU Strong and Results of Planning Survey

Survey – There were 1,299 students who completed the Hurricane Harvey Quick Survey regarding their recovery from Hurricane Harvey.  Dr. Mann went over the highlights of the responses. Access to the full report is available if interested.

Funding Update -  Dr. Mann gave an update on the funding that has been awarded since April 2019 (see handout).  Funding is done every Tuesday so the numbers change weekly.  Many students are in still in great need.  A list of other resources available for students is being kept up by the LU Strong office.  Dr. Mann will craft a message for the deans to share in order to help get the word out to students of what assistance is available to them.

III. Hiring Procedures for Faculty – Brenda Nichols

Dr. Nichols discussed a few items involving new faculty hire packets.  There is a section on the Routing Slip under ‘‘Prior to scheduling on-campus interviews” that addresses the applicant pool being reviewed with the Dean.  The importance of this step in the process was stressed.

In addition, the importance of going off the list for reference checks was discussed.  We need to be getting more information on potential faculty.

Other :

Katrina Brent– Enrollment updates given, with a 12.8 % increase.   Dr. Brent is watching to see how the decrease in tuition from our sister colleges will affect us.  Dr. Brent shared what her projections are for our fall enrollment.  She is working with Dr. Almquist on individualized enrollment data.

Updates on LUTAP for spouses and dependents were given.  As far as faculty and staff tuition, they will now be allowed up to 5 classes per year.  (2 SP, 2 fall, 1 SUM).

Paul Bernazzani - Updates were given on the Science & Technology building along with the number of projected labs and classes.  Research labs are in the process of moving in.  Information given on the Maker Space event scheduled for September 4^th.  Everyone was invited.  

IV. Research Funding Report

A handout was given as an FYI showing where we are and what each college is doing in regards to research funding. It was also announced that in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, pre and post awards are splitting and the responsibilities will be split between staff accordingly.   

V. On-Line Learning – years ¾

It was mentioned that with the competitive environment with sister colleges lowering tuition, it is important to push years 3 and 4.

VI. SACS Update

Dr. Nordgren gave a SACS update.  All drafts are in with one or two that still need to be tweaked. Cross readings have been going on; turning now towards evidentiary documents.  Target date for having narratives turned in is Wednesday, and for the evidentiary documents there are 10 more days. At that point everything is locked and sent to Compliance Assist on August 25^th.

Other:

As faculty are returning to campus, Deans are encouraged to put teams together for participation in the upcoming Cardinal Conversations held at the President’s house.

The David J. Beck teaching excellence award applications are due this Friday, August 16th.  Eleven packets received to date.

VII. Office of Undergrad Research (OUR)

Dr. Maquart addressed some of the personnel issues affecting the Office of Undergrad Research.  Dr. Kumer Das is leaving and will be going to the University of Lafayette. 

Other:

Dr. Bill Harn is still serving in the Dean position for the Office of Graduate Studies. 

Negotiations are still underway for the ORSP position.

Dr. Amy Smith, Director of Center for Teaching and Enhancement, will be on Faculty Development Leave for fall 2019.

VIII. Score Sheets

Greg Marsh is working on the numbers now and Dr. Marquart will get the score sheets for the budgets out soon. He wants them tied to the strategic plan. 

IX. Other – Jim Marquart

1. Board of Regents meeting is next week at Sul Ross University in  Alpine.

2. There are a lot of activities going on the next couple of weeks with the start of the fall semester.  Deans asked to send specific college convocation details for next week as he plans to attend them all.

3. Plans are being discussed to come meet with all the departments during the fall semester. More information to come.

X. Adjourn