Faculty Senate Minutes (2/14/11)

Tri-County Technical College

                   Faculty Senate Minutes

Date: 2/14/2011

Location: CD 142

Time: 1:30

Members Present: Katy Goforth, Keri Catalfomo, Jimmy Walker, Yvonne Vinson, Penny Edwards, Jennifer Beattie, Susan Curtis, Deborah Brock, Matt Woodall, Phil Smith, Marla Roberson.

Members Absent: Scott Brabham, Marilyn Vickery, John Woodson, Amoena Norcross, Donna Shannon

Guests: N/A

Presider: Katy Goforth

Approval of Minutes:

• Approved

1.      Issue discussed and major points of discussion:  

Katy reported her follow-up findings on questions from the previous meeting.

Budget restrictions for college: The budget was determined to be in better shape than originally thought and therefore no formal announcement will be made regarding travel. Everyone is encouraged to use good judgment regarding expenditures for travel and coordinate events with their specific deans and department heads.

Academic Fresh Start: The comments, suggestions and recommendations from faculty senate were presented to ADG. The decision was made by ADG to move forward with their finalized policy in order to make the catalog deadline.

Text and eTC messages: There were many concerns about the inconsistencies with text and eTC messages associated with college closings. The process is being investigated in order to have a better plan for future weather events. Marketing requests that faculty and students look on the college web site and not rely on TV and radio announcements for information regarding college operational status.

Action to be taken as a result of discussion, person(s) responsible, and timeline:

No further action

 2.   Issue discussed and major points of discussion: Attendance Policy

The Attendance Policy (Draft - Jennifer revised following previous meeting’s discussion) was reviewed. Several senators were in agreement that the policy should be presented to faculty; however, the senate did not want to ask for further revision. It was pointed out that faculty had previously been asked for input and this input formulated the contents of the current policy.

      Action to be taken as a result of discussion, person(s) responsible, and timeline:

It was determined that Penny would draft an email that could be sent out to faculty with the policy that was going to be submitted to ADG. Responses from faculty need to be submitted to senators by March 2, and senators are to report back at the March 14^th, meeting. 

NOTE: Message was developed and was available prior to the completion of these minutes and is include here. After much deliberation and taking into consideration comments from faculty, this is the final proposed Attendance Policy the Faculty Senate has agreed upon and will be forwarding to the Academic Delivery Group. If you have questions or comments please respond to _________ by March 2.

3.   Issue discussed and major points of discussion: First Day of Class Attendance

Extensive discussion pursued regarding the desire of many faculty to have a policy in place that allowed students to be withdrawn from a class should they not be present on the first meeting day of the class. Senators weighed in on how this type of action might be implemented based on the potential “wait list” option that will now be available for classes, as well as several other considerations. The discussion led to the realization that ADG would make the final decision. The senate was in agreement that prior to any further discussion/work on this topic that it would be best to have Katy informally bring this matter up for discussion in ADG. 

      Action to be taken as a result of discussion, person(s) responsible, and timeline:

Katy will take the Senate’s thoughts informally to ADG to see if there is merit for the Senate to work up a policy that works with the upcoming “wait list” that would allow faculty to withdraw students if they do not attend the first day of class.

4.   Issue discussed and major points of discussion: Faculty Senate Presence

Penny reinitiated a discussion about the faculty senate presence on campus. It was determined that there were no comments or suggestions placed in the F/S box on the professional development day. Phil Smith asked when there would be another such day and Deborah and Katy reported that this day would occur every other year. Thoughts were shared about how to notify faculty of senator elections, duties, and activities. It was discussed that posting minutes of faculty senate minutes on eTC has helped establish a presence. There was discussion about having a portal but many senators felt this would not provide any additional exposure.

Thoughts on things for next year’s senate to consider doing to inform faculty about senate function were shared and noted:

In Fall (after elections of adjunct faculty representatives)

            Picture of all Senators (place on eTC and with blurb in Connections

            Flyers in boxes with info about Senators and Senate

Action to be taken as a result of discussion, person(s) responsible, and timeline:

None

5.   Issue discussed and major points of discussion: Faculty Choice Award

Katy indicated that that she is looking into the number of awards that can be made this year. The intent is to award as many as possible. She will be looking to coordinate a committee to look at the applications. She plans to have more information at the March 14^th  meeting.

      Action to be taken as a result of discussion, person(s) responsible, and timeline:

Katy to determine how many awards can be made and set up a committee to review applications.

6.   Issue discussed and major points of discussion: Student Major Change Policy

Jennifer brought an “observation” before the senate. She cited concerns regarding the new policy for students to change their major. The policy states that students are to go their old advisor and have them print a major change form to fill out and take to their new advisor. There is concern as to why students do not have direct access to this form and why the “old” advisor should even be involved.

      Action to be taken as a result of discussion, person(s) responsible, and timeline:

Katy will email Dr. Buckhiester and Scott to get clarification.

Next meeting(s) date, time, and location:

March 14, 1:30, CD 142

April 18, 1:30, CD 142

Name of Recorder: Deborah Brock

Academic Delivery Group Minutes (2/8/11)

Academic Delivery Group Meeting

February 8, 2011

1:00 p.m.

Personnel Conference Room

Members Present:     Susan Allen, Jackie Blakley, Tim Bowen, Katy Goforth, Eugene Grant, Scott Harvey, Lynn Lewis, Gwen Owens

Members Absent:       

Others Present:         

Length of Meeting:  1 hour

Topics Discussed:

The minutes of the January 25, 2011 meeting were approved with minor changes.

Scott discussed Faculty Grade Summary.  This is a new link that provides a summary of a class for the semester.  Since it has a record of grade changes and withdrawal information, Scott recommended that faculty print the report and file it with the grade book. 

Dr. Buckhiester reported on the Academic Fresh Start Policy.  He noted that it was modified to address most of the changes recommended by Faculty Senate and discussed at the last Academic Delivery Group meeting.  The final version requires a three year time span between the last attendance date and the re-entry date and, under the last bullet, clarifies that other institutions are not bound by our Academic Fresh Start policy.  The deadline for an Academic Fresh Start petition will be the late registration day of the term in which the student is applying, which was in the original version.  This final version of the policy will be in the new catalog.

Dr. Buckhiester reported on the recent joint CAO/CSSO meeting.  Dr. Belle Wheelan, from SACS, attended the meeting.  Tri-County had been invited to prepare questions for Dr. Wheelan to address.  She answered every question, in detail, and provided us with much useful information. 

Dr. Buckhiester noted that the Bridge to Clemson MOA is currently under review.  The draft indicates that in order to successfully “cross the Bridge” a student must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50.  Tri-County does not currently track the cumulative grade point average.  It will be necessary to seek clarification from Clemson on whether it wishes to use the cumulative grade point average in determining if a student is successful in crossing.  Scott indicated that, if there is a need, the cumulative grade point average could be tracked separately with an ISIS report.

Priority scheduling was discussed.  At the Anderson Campus, the Arts & Sciences and Business & Public Services divisions may have come to the point where they are running out of room.  Jackie will have a discussion with her department heads to regroup and to see if they really need additional rooms. 

Two possible solutions to the room issue were presented. 

• Cut back on credit offerings.
• Redistribute the “credit rooms” and possibly re-visit the dedicated CCE space.  Tim noted that 1/3 of the multi-purpose room has been used for classroom space.  It is not ideal, but it is doable.

Gwen noted that she and Jackie are still working on the room issue and may gather the department heads for their input.  They will let Dr. Buckhiester know the outcome of that discussion.

Under Announcements, Gwen announced that Galen DeHay has been invited by Pearson Publishing to attend a conference as part of a roundtable that will discuss student success and retention.

Lynn announced that following the site visit, with a unanimous recommendation, Nursing has been re-accredited for eight years.  She also reported that Lisa Walton, an adjunct instructor, will be donating stem cells for a recipient, in Fairfax, VA.

Susan encouraged the group to join the LC^2 group on eTC.  The group has information and updates about LC^2.

Jackie noted that she will be filling two positions.   The CRJ instructor and CRJ paralegal positions are posted and the searches are underway. 

Tim noted that the Easley and Anderson Campus staffs are cross-training, and that the MCS team effort is moving along well.

Eugene reported that his division is focusing on STEM initiatives and noted the Lego League competition as an example.  He reported that Pickens County has approached him about working with the high school robotics teams and some GET faculty will step in to help.  Some teachers in Oconee and Anderson are interested in this initiative as well.  This will help the I & ET Division to stay involved with and tied to the career centers and high schools. 

Scott reported that he has a group looking at the advising guide on ISIS.  The intent is to make it less cumbersome.  He is also working on academic standing.  He will adjust the rules in our system to see how the history is affected.  In addition, he noted that ImageNow will soon be implemented at the Pendleton Campus.  ImageNow is a scanner that allows documents to be processed much more quickly. 

Katy asked if a formal announcement will be made concerning rules of travel and restrictions on travel for the rest of the year.  Dr. Buckhiester stated that no announcement is anticipated; and that employees need to be mindful of the budget situation and to continue to use good judgment concerning decisions related to non-required travel.

Dr. Buckhiester noted that April 29 is not listed as an exam day on the 2011 spring calendar.  That day will be used as an exam day for hybrid classes.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Recorded by:             Anne Bryan

Next Meeting:            Tuesday, February 22, at 1:00, in the Personnel Conf. Room, RH 102

Academic Delivery Group Minutes (1/25/11)

Academic Delivery Group Meeting

January 25, 2011

1:00 p.m.

Pickens Conference Room

(Revised 2/8/11)

Members Present:     Susan Allen, Jackie Blakley, Tim Bowen, Katy Goforth, Eugene Grant, Scott Harvey, Lynn Lewis, Gwen Owens

Members Absent:       

Others Present:          Amanda Blanton and Rachel Gunby 

Length of Meeting:  2.25 hours

Topics Discussed:

Tim presented on a number of reports that he and Rachel Gunby have been creating for campus planning. He wanted to begin a larger dialog with the information and welcomed feedback. Much of the information was pulled from ISIS and placed into the new formats. Intent is that once new reports are finalized, they will be programmed as standard ISIS reports.

• The reports, Sections by Term by Course by Campus and Enrollment by Term by Course by Campus, allow a look at supply and demand with the advantage of monitoring and comparing campuses in an at-a-glance view.

• Snapshot Stats compares enrollment and course section data by campus on key academic dates. It will be used to identify trends and patterns.  It was suggested that seat count/room capacity be included in this report as well as data on student withdrawal/faculty withdrawal.  Tim will add these.

• The Master Campus Schedule shows course offerings by class time by division by department for each community campus. It provides a big picture of discipline balance and course offerings and will be helpful as we grow the campuses. 

• The Course Enrollment report gives a look at course patterns and can help us determine what courses should be added at the community campuses in order to facilitate more students getting a full schedule at one campus. 

The class/room scheduling process was discussed.  It was noted that we need to revisit “room ownership”/scheduling priority.  Scheduling priority allows rooms to be dedicated to a program or department up to a certain point in the scheduling process.  After that point, the rooms are open to anyone who needs them.  There is no room ownership unless the room is so dedicated (a lab, for example) that no one else could use it.  Another consideration for a dedicated room would be one that had equipment in it that could hurt someone or that could be damaged.

The Easley Campus has rooms assigned to each division.  The Anderson Campus does not, although the deans agreed that it would be helpful.  Dr. Buckhiester agreed, and asked the deans to divide the non-CCE rooms for priority scheduling.   He asked the deans to communicate to the department heads which rooms have been assigned to the division, to consider the assignment to be permanent, and to abide by it.  The deans will report the room assignments back to ADG.  Once the priority scheduling period is over, the rooms will be open for all to use.

It was also noted that the college needs to re-evaluate room ownership at Pendleton, keeping in mind the room capacity.  Scott will gather a group to complete this review, and will contact the deans for representatives. 

The minutes of the December 14, 2010 meeting were approved.

Anne presented two possible dates for the CCSSE survey.  The group decided to use the

March 7 – 11 dates.

Dr. Buckhiester gave an inclement weather follow up.  In order to provide correct information to students, he noted that employees should refer to the inclement weather policy.  Dr. Buckhiester stated that all classes will start on the same day, regardless of whether they are traditional, hybrid or online.  The college has one, common start day.  The 60% withdrawal date will not be modified because of the delayed start to the semester.  Work missed during the inclement weather will be made up at the course level.  Make up days will not be scheduled.

It was noted that announcements posted over the Christmas break need to remain on eTC until after we return to campus.  Over the break, information about employees’ accessibility to campus disappeared very quickly.  Employees could not refer to the posting as they tried to plan time on campus during the holidays. 

The Academic Fresh Start Policy was discussed.  Dr. Buckhiester noted that Dr. Booth would prefer that the period from the last date of enrollment to re-enrollment be longer than a year.  He reported that seven other technical colleges that have a fresh start policy have a two to five year waiting period.  In discussing the policy the following were noted:

• The ADG agreed to keep late registration day in the term in which the student wants to apply as the deadline for petitions.

• Excluded courses can be used to fulfill prerequisites.

• The Faculty/Senate would like to add wording to note that other colleges and universities would not be bound by our fresh start policy.

• The required 24 hours must have been taken at Tri-County and include developmental courses.

• Transfer credit is not affected by this policy.

After this policy is revised, Katy may hold a called Faculty/Senate meeting to present it to them. 

Under Announcements, Eugene noted that Tri-County will be hosting the Lego League Tournament on January 29.

Scott reported that a large number of enrollment verifications were missing.

Susan noted that interviews for the Title III Learning Communities Coordinator will take place during the next week.  She also reported that Katy will be moving into Margaret Burdette’s former office near Sarah Shumpert and Richard Smith.

Lynn asked for clarification on the use of the new learning center, RH 248.  Susan stated that the room can be scheduled via Outlook, but is not available as a classroom. 

Historically, at the request of the division secretaries, class rosters have been picked up from Student Records on the Saturday before classes begin.  After some discussion, it was agreed that the Saturday pick up would remain in place, but that two division secretaries would be gathering the lists for all divisions.  In addition to the Business and Public Services class rosters, Melinda Zeigler will pick up the class rosters for the I & ET Division.  Sandra Roddey will get the rosters for Arts & Sciences, as well as the rosters for the Health Education Division.  Tonia McClain and Debbie Thrasher will pick up their rosters on the following Monday morning.

Katy noted that the Faculty Senate is working on firming up the attendance policy.

Dr. Buckhiester reported on the budget.  Faye is still trying to determine the amount of the shortfall, and will be reviewing budgets to try to reduce the impact of the reductions as much as possible.  The guidelines for the proposed reduction in travel are vague.  Dr. Buckhiester asked the group to allow travel if the individual was a presenter at a conference, an official representative of the college at a meeting, a nominee for special recognition, or if so much of the travel had been pre-paid it would not make sense to cancel the trip.  Foundation money and mini-grants are not included in the restriction and could be used for travel.  It was suggested that the in the future, the college set aside funds to cover the travel costs for award nominees, rather than the costs coming from their departmental budgets. 

Regarding online survey requests, Dr. Buckhiester pointed out that both employees and non-employees have access to TCTC e-mail addresses through the College’s public website.  Consequently, the College has no jurisdiction over requests from individuals that employees complete surveys electronically.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Recorded by:             Anne Bryan

Next Meeting:            Tuesday, February 8, at 1:00, in the Personnel Conference Room, RH 102

Academic Delivery Group Minutes (12/14/11)

Academic Delivery Group Meeting

December 14, 2010

2:00 p.m.

Personnel Conference Room

Members Present:     Susan Allen, Jackie Blakley, Tim Bowen, Eugene Grant, Scott Harvey, Lynn Lewis, Gwen Owens

Members Absent:       Katy Goforth

Others Present:                     

Length of Meeting:  1.5 hours

Topics Discussed:

The minutes of the October 26, 2010 meeting were approved.

Scott discussed the Academic Fresh Start policy.  The group reviewed the document and suggested several changes.  Scott will incorporate the revisions and send the policy out via e-mail.  Dr. Buckhiester will review it with Dr. Booth and get back to Scott with any comments.

Scott discussed wait listing.  The following points were made;

• Students are registered and/or wait listed for the maximum number of hours.  They cannot “shop” for classes.

• Department heads can manage the wait list.

• Students will have 16 hours to respond to the e-mail that notifies them that the class is open to them.  If a student does not respond within the 16 hours, the student is denied a place in the class, and the class is made available for the next student on the list.

• If a student needs to be added to the class (i.e. accommodating a student who needs a class to graduate or some other extenuating circumstance), the department head may move the student on the waitlist, but should not bump the first person on the list as he/she has already been notified of the available seat.

• If option is selected, students may learn where they are on the list via eTC.

• The system will check prerequisites and/or other course requirements before placing the student on the list.

Scott will continue to investigate various options associated with implementing the waitlist at the College.  He will meet with the divisions to explain the wait list process and to answer any questions.  After that, Dr. Buckhiester will present the wait list proposal to the Executive Staff.  It is anticipated that we will implement wait listing for Spring 2012.

Scott discussed the Spring 2012 academic calendar and noted that there were no big changes.  Most likely, we will use the Friday and Tuesday as hybrid exam days.  Dr. Buckhiester will present the calendar to Executive Staff.  Scott will go ahead and roll the calendar for scheduling in January. 

Eugene noted that we are waiting for approval from the Budget and Control Board for the renovations to the new building.  An architect will be selected within the next week or so.  He also announced that we will host the Lego League Tournament on January 29, and that some of the I & ET faculty will be mentors for robotics teams in the Pickens County schools.

Susan reported on the Title III task force and noted that the group will review a demonstration on DegreeWorks on December 17.  The group will research other products and make a recommendation at a later date. 

Scott announced several initiatives in Student Records.

• Beginning Spring 2011, alumni will have the option to request transcripts online.

• Academy One is now synced with Banner.  When new auto-articulations are established in Banner, that information will now be automatically uploaded to SCTRAC.org.

• Beginning Spring 2011, incomplete grade processing will be automated.

• We are in the process of implementing ImageNow and should be completed by mid-March. 

• A new student type, “Y”, has been implemented for non-degree students. Transient students will continue to use the “X” student type.

• We are investigating implementing secondary majors at the College. We have a few outstanding discussion points.  An implementation date has not been set.

• Clean Address will be implemented over the holidays.  This software will automatically verify addresses when keyed by students or staff into Banner.  It will also update the address to coincide with our data standards.

• A group has been formed to investigate implementing an online graduation application.

Tim reported that the Easley Campus dedication went well, and he was very pleased.  Easley enrollment is strong at 400, with 125 students taking classes only at Easley.  He reported that spring enrollment at Anderson is 8% ahead of last year, and noted that the enrollment at Oconee has dropped a little.  He also noted that Multi-Campus team is moving ahead.

Jackie asked for confirmation that we can run smaller classes at the Easley Campus to try to help establish that campus.

Gwen announced that the Arts & Sciences Division gave $600 to the Clemson Community Center.  The donation was in Gwen’s honor.

Dr. Buckhiester reported on the following.

• The superintendents of Pickens and Oconee Counties, Dr. Lucas and Dr. Hunt, have asked that Robin McFall work with their department heads to close the gap on alignment issues. 

• Since the planning time line is very tight, Dr. Buckhiester is trying to have the Jan. 13 meeting moved to later in the month.  The revised objectives are not out yet, so it would be difficult to prepare the plan, by January 13.

• Dr. Booth is reviewing the recommended reorganization plan.  By the end of the week, individuals impacted by the reorganization will be notified.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Recorded by:             Anne Bryan

Next Meeting:            Tuesday, January 25, at 1:00, Pickens Conference Room

Academic Delivery Group Minutes (10/26/11)

Academic Delivery Group Meeting

October 26, 2010

1:00 p.m.

Personnel Conference Room

Members Present:     Susan Allen, Jackie Blakley, Tim Bowen, Katy Goforth, Eugene Grant, Scott Harvey, Lynn Lewis,

Members Absent:       Gwen Owens

Others Present:          Della Vanhuss

Length of Meeting:  2 hours

Topics Discussed:

The minutes of the October 12, 2010 meeting were approved with minor changes.

In following up on the minutes, Dr. Buckhiester confirmed that the deans are working with Brian Swords on faculty office space at the Easley Campus.  He also noted that the Arts & Sciences Division and the Business & Public Services Division will limit the number of credit hours taken during the summer term to 15.  Anything over 15 must have department head and dean approval.  The Health Education and Industrial & Engineering Technology divisions did not make this change.  These students can take up to 18 credit hours in the summer.  Hours in excess of 18 must be approved by the dean and department head.

Scott Harvey followed up on the discussion of hybrid class exams during the fall 2011 exam period.  The Calendar Committee examined all possible exam period options.  These included:

• No exams
• Shorten the exam time
• Have exams on Friday after 2:00
• Mandate that hybrid exams be given online
• Give the final on campus, in the auditorium, with common exam times.  The exams would be proctored by the faculty involved.  These would be administered on Friday and Tuesday.

Scott noted that to avoid conflicts with hybrid exams, we would need five hybrid exam days. 

After discussion, the group decided to use the Friday as the hybrid class exam day and see how it works.  Also, the group suggested that we encourage instructors to give hybrid exams online. 

The length of the drop/add period was discussed.  Katy Goforth motioned that the 3/5 option be implemented in Fall 2011, with a review of the 3/5 option later in the fall.  Eugene Grant seconded the motion.  The motion passed by a vote of 5 to 2. 

Scott reported that Banner 8 has a wait list function, and noted the capabilities of this function.  The group discussed this and all agreed that it will be beneficial.  Scott will meet with the divisions to present this new function and to answer any questions.  The wait list will be implemented in Fall 2011.

Lynn Lewis reported on current/returning students and noted some issues with the terminology.  Scott explained that a “current student” is a student that may not be in class for several semesters, but does not need to be readmitted to the college to register for a class.  Lynn noted that the Health Education Division allows priority registration for currently enrolled students and does not advise a current student during priority registration.  The other divisions do not have a way to differentiate between the two categories and will advise a current student during priority registration.  The group agreed that we need to consider the terminology and the use of the wording “current student.”

Eugene Grant reported that some of the I & ET students will be working on a project with Anderson Interfaith Ministries.  The students will be renovating a house that AIM will use as a resource center for one of its women’s programs.

He also announced that Fox Carolina News will be in Pendleton on Thursday, November 11, from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.  The I & ET Division will be showcasing several projects during the event.  We would like a big crowd, so all are invited.

Lynn reported that the fall site team visits are finished, and all had favorable results.  Two more visits are scheduled for this spring. 

Jackie announced that the ACBSP site visit had favorable results, as well.

Tim noted that the plans for the November 9 event at the Easley Campus are moving along. 

Scott will send out the Easley event information soon.  He also noted that a new form for expired courses, “Course Re-validation” is being created. 

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Recorded by:             Anne Bryan

Next Meeting:            Tuesday, December 23, at 2:00, Personnel Conference Room, RH 102