Academic Delivery Group Meeting
February 28, 2012
2:00 p.m.
Personnel Conference Room
Members Present: Doug Allen, Jackie Blakley, Tim Bowen, Scott Harvey, Lynn Lewis, Gwen Owens, Donna Shannon, Sarah Shumpert, Brian Swords
Members Absent:
Others Present: Katy Goforth
Length of Meeting: 2 hours
Topics Discussed:
The minutes of the February 14, 2012 meeting were approved with a minor revision.
Dr. Buckhiester welcomed Katy Goforth to the meeting. She discussed withdrawals in linked learning communities and noted that, because of the depth of the course integration, withdrawal from one of the linked courses will have implications. By withdrawing from a course, a student may be missing a piece of information that is needed to complete an assignment in another course. Katy stated that a work group met to consider short term recommendations to help students understand the implications. These recommendations include:
- Lou Ann Martin will stress the impact during advising sessions.
- Scott Harvey will put a warning in Banner, advising the student to contact an advisor before dropping a linked class.
- Incorporate a Plan B - Training for community faculty members will be revised to include an alternate course design, in case a student withdraws.
Katy noted that Jennifer Beattie sends the withdrawal policy to Comprehensive Studies students in a packet of information. While this is something to be considered, the ADG reviewed the statement, and noted that it may need some revisions.
It was noted that instructors will need to work with students in these cases. Regardless of the reason for the withdrawal and the implications, we have an obligation to these students.
A follow-up discussion on the Easley Campus took place next. It was noted that the scheduling committee had requested data from Chris Marino on the success of the two-day schedule, but had not yet met to review the data. The two-day schedule is very appealing, but the scheduling committee is aware of several concerns.
- Some classes need to meet three times a week;
- We will lose some meeting patterns, and will have dead time between classes;
- Not enough staff to provide necessary student services;
- Consider logistical and economic issues;
- The need to use the Anderson Campus as a learning tool as we make decisions for the Easley Campus.
The scheduling committee continues to meet to address these issues.
The ADG discussed attendance and LDAs. Donna mentioned that Faculty Senate is reviewing the attendance policy, and understands that faculty need to be aware of the implications of missing LDAs. However, the Senate does not want financial aid to drive the attendance policy. The Senate wants students to be responsible for withdrawing themselves. Senate agrees that there are a few things to be addressed, but the revisions may not need to be drastic.
At an earlier meeting, the group discussed a proposal to submit LDAs at three intervals during the semester. It was noted that this would be operational and would not be in the policy. The reporting has to be done, it is just a matter of when. This will be an item on the next agenda, with the intent to have this issued resolved by the end of Spring semester.
Under Announcements, Scott thanked the group on the great work done with Acalog. He also reported that the revised change of major process will go into effect at the end of March rather than March 1.
Jackie reported several activities for her division.
- Business Technology Advisory Committee continues to be active.
- The Cat in the Hat Ball will take place on March 15.
- Media Mash event is in place.
Doug reported that the Building Construction Technology degree has been approved by the Commission and will be submitted to the System Office for approval very soon. Several other degrees are in progress.
Tim reported that the Rosenwald School Project continues to be beneficial to students, faculty, and the community. We have had very positive response on all fronts. He also noted that the Anderson Campus and the Building Construction Technology students may collaborate on the Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM) house.
Sarah announced that Gwen is featured at the Anderson County Library as a part of Black History Month.
Dr. Buckhiester reported on the SC CAP meeting. The meeting noted CHE’s recommendations for high schools to get students prepared for college. However, high schools are not being recognized for success rates in college, but rather for their graduation rates.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Recorded by: Anne Bryan
Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 27, at 2:00 p.m., in the Personnel Conference Room, RH 102
