Academic Delivery Group Meeting
February 14, 2012
2:00 p.m.
Personnel Conference Room
(Revised 2/28/12)
Members Present: Doug Allen, Jackie Blakley, Tim Bowen, Scott Harvey, Lynn Lewis, Gwen Owens, Donna Shannon, Sarah Shumpert, Brian Swords
Members Absent:
Others Present: Linda Driggers and Mary Heyer
Length of Meeting: 2 hours
Topics Discussed:
Dr. Buckhiester welcomed Linda and Mary to the meeting. He noted that they joined the meeting to discuss with the group the attendance policy and last dates of attendance (LDAs). Mary stressed the need for an updated attendance policy in which the LDAs are always reported. Donna noted that Faculty Senate is in the process of revising the attendance policy to include a stronger statement. Faculty Senate understands the need for faculty to report this information in a timely manner, and stated that some faculty simply are not aware of the problems associated with late reporting and all the things that it impacts.
Mary suggested having set times throughout the semester during which faculty would input LDAs, regardless of the reason. These times could coincide with the withdrawal dates for Sessions A, B, and C.
She also noted that Financial Aid can interpret the F grade differently. To Financial Aid, a student completing the course and receiving an F as a final grade is very different from a student receiving an F because of attendance issues. It was suggested that an internal grade of FA be created to indicate an F grade because of attendance issues. This grade would show as an F on the transcript. It would be easier for faculty to input an FA than to have to provide it later for an audit request.
Dr. Buckhiester noted that this issue will be on the agenda at the February 17 deans’ meeting. He also suggest that Mary and Bill Whitlock attend division meetings to discuss this issue
The minutes of the November 8, 2011 meeting were approved with a minor revision.
Sarah discussed the first assignment in an online class. She noted that she would like to include that information in training sessions and in Blackboard, and asked for clarification on how it is supposed to be delivered. Jackie reported that, in an effort to get this started, the deans discussed this first assignment with their divisions and created a generic assignment that could be used by all divisions. Dr. Buckhiester noted that the deans will discuss this at a meeting, and will invite Sarah to the meeting. Jackie will compile the information, and report to the group.
Brian discussed advising at the Easley Campus. He reported that 40% of first-time students had not registered. After contacting theses students, the problem seemed to be that their advisors were at the Pendleton campus. Brian stressed the need for advisors and students to look at the primary campus and to look at the schedule and location of classes. He is working with Rob Massey to try to place an Easley student with an Easley advisor. Scott stated that he has requested that the registration tool be revised to provide a color-coded schedule, but IT has not yet addressed that request. Scott also noted that we can set a campus of interest flag in Banner. Once that is in place, the student may get a warning message with schedule conflicts.
Next, Brian discussed scheduling at the Easley Campus and suggested that Easley adopt the two-day schedule that is used at the Anderson Campus. The schedule would be flexible enough to allow three-day a week sections, if needed. The proposed two-day schedule would allow advisors to be available on Fridays and would free up a computer lab.
Dr. Buckhiester welcomed Doug to the group and remarked on how smoothly the transition has been.
The members of the group made announcements.
Doug
- We have moved the automotive technology program from the District 5 extension campus to Wilson Hall. The program continues to grow, and we will offer a day program in the fall.
- Industry is hiring our students before they graduate. Doug is working with the Human Resource offices of the various companies to ask them to encourage these students to complete their degree.
Lynn
- Health Education programs are full and waitlisted for fall and into the next fiscal year.
- She reported a blip in the NCLEX scores which is being addressed.
- The Expanded Duty Dental Assisting program has been re-accredited through 2018.
Scott
- With the revised University Studies Certificate, 143 Bridge students graduated with the certificate.
- If a student did not meet the requirements for the higher credential, Student Records is reviewing the information to determine if the student may meet the requirements to earn a lower credential.
- He thanked everyone for all the work on Acalog, and thanked the division secretaries for their extensive review of the catalog.
- We may want to consider creating a certificate similar to the University Studies Certificate for the EIT Division.
- Course equivalencies are now embedded in eTC. We are building the database as we go.
- As of March 1, the change of major form will be different. In order for students to change their majors, they will have to meet with Rob Massey, or his designee.
- He is still working on DegreeWorks, and assured that group that it is easy to use and very helpful.
- Scott continues to stress the need for communication to students about deadlines.
Sarah
- The WIDS consultant was here last month for initial training on the curriculum approval option. They are working through the new functionality and are considering how to roll it out.
- Under LC2, Lou Ann Martin is pleased with the turnout for advisor training.
- Under LC2, the learning communities are very popular. We may need to address the need for classroom space during prime time.
Gwen
- The division has two new department heads, Jennifer Beattie in Comprehensive Studies and Sue Ellenberger in Science. Both have taken on their positions very well. Jennifer is creating a new model for JumpStart, and Sue is working on new 2+2 agreements.
- In a retention effort, Charmagne Burns, the records room clerk, is contacting students. They are very pleased with the effect of this effort.
Tim
- Reported that the Rosenwald School Project is moving along nicely. With the involvement of our students, the Anderson County Museum, and other partners, it is a great community effort.
- Financial Aid, Disability Services, and Career Services have been added to the Anderson campus. These resources have been well received by the students.
- The Quick Jobs ground breaking will take place at the Anderson Campus on March 9.
- Tim presented a printed promotion piece for the Oconee Campus and noted that testing services, orientation, and advising resources are being added to that campus.
- We have a new Oconee Campus website with expanded information.
- The Anderson Campus website is also expanding.
Brian
- The CRJ and ECD programs are expanding at the Easley Campus, and the Management program is being phased in.
- With the help of Lakishia Dinkins and Butch Merritt, student services are available at the Easley Campus.
- The Early Warning System has been implemented and is working. Brian noted that several students have remained in class because of the system.
- The Easley Campus 10-year plan is being discussed and created.
- Brian and others are working on what to do at the Honea Path location, and asked for any ideas.
Donna
- It has been difficult to find a meeting time, but Faculty Senate continues to address the attendance policy and hopes to have that concluded this year.
- Faculty Senate agrees with the need for cameras in classrooms for the security of the equipment.
- After working with IT because of an issue, Lee Tennent report to Faculty Senate that no work/study students will be used at the Service Desk in the IT department.
Jackie
- The Culinary Arts Certificate will start in the fall.
- The Paralegal Certificate has been submitted to SACS for approval. Jackie hopes to start this in the fall, as well, but that will depend on the timing of the approval.
Dr. Buckhiester
- As information, he distributed a flyer about a conference at Piedmont Tech.
- The System Office has contracted with ACT to complete an analysis on ten courses. This information will be provided to all the colleges and should provide new data for our Placement Committee, and may help address the COMPASS reading score issues.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Recorded by: Anne Bryan
Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 28, at 2:00 p.m., in the Personnel Conference Room, RH 102
