Staff Advisory Board Minutes (11/14/13)

Staff Advisory Board Meeting
Minutes of Meeting
November 14, 2013
Ruby Hicks Conference Room, RH-102

1.       ISSUE DISCUSSED:           Call to Order

2.       ISSUE DISCUSSED:           Old Business

·         The Holiday Drop-in is on December 11, 2013. All last minute plans are currently being made for us to use Dollar Tree centerpieces that will be given away for Door prizes.

·         Tina will supply music

·         The café will cater the event

3.       ISSUE DISCUSSED:           Staff Development Day

·         The SAB would like to discuss having a Talent show (possibly) during the lunch hour (activity period)

·         Discussed working with Chris Marino to develop an interest survey to determine if there is a widespread interest in a talent show format

4.       ISSUE DISCUSSED:           FAQ sheet

·         Sending information to branch campuses

·         Top 5 questions employees are asked

·         Open up questions/solicit feedback from the entire College

5.       ISSUE DISCUSSED:           Feedback regarding directory/virtual tour guidelines, etc.

·         Debbie Thrasher—HE

·         Stephanie Evans/Tonia McClain—EIT

·         Teresa Young—CCE

·         Brian Swords/Shannan Holland—Easley Campus

·         Tim Bowen/Sue Bladzik—Anderson Campus

·         Lynn Shook—Ruby Hicks/Vet Tech

·         Emily Danuser—Pickens/SC/Anderson Hall

·         Bob White—Service Desk Information

·         Ken Kopera/Tonique Dennis—Maintenance

The next meeting will be held on December 12, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. in the RH Conference Room

 

Faculty Senate Minutes (11/20/13)

Tri-County Technical College

Faculty Senate Minutes

Date:   20 November 2013

Location:  Fulp 400
Time:  4:00 p.m.
Members Present: Todd Crisp-Simons, Stacey Frank, Bobby Watt, Kevin Bell, Cheryln Brown, Jeff Christmas, Ron Brown, Mary Geren, Kate Williams, Tom Lawrence, Chris McFarlin, and Tracy Kilgore
Members Absent:  Marla Roberson, Carol Henry, Doug Allen, and Stan Compton
Others Present:  Lou Ann Martin, Linda Driggers, and Dana Griffith
Presider:  Todd Crisp-Simons

Approval of Minutes:  It was motioned that the October 2013 minutes be approved. The motion was seconded.  The minutes were approved unanimously.


New Business:

 

1. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

Return to Title IV

 

Linda Driggers was present to provide an explanation of what Title IV is and an update of what is currently takes place, involving the rules of SAP and compliance with the Department of Education. The recent attendance changes result from the college’s need to be in compliance with the Department of Education. Therefore, it was deemed necessary to assign responsibility to the instructors ensuring attendance be taken and recorded immediately, providing accurate documentation to the registrar’s office of those students in violation of the attendance policy. This process would alert all involved as early as possible so that balances could be adjusted within the business office and financial aid. This would provide ample time for letters to be sent and afford students time to resolve their balance prior to the next semester start. The financial aid office and the Return to Title IV (R2T4) is looking to have a faculty presence involved while they review the language of the current documents that would ensure the lingo is understandable to our students. Ron Brown volunteered for this position.  

 

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

 

None.

 

2. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Introduction of Starfish and Early Alert

Lou Ann Martin presented information on the new Early Alert System called Starfish that will be piloted in Spring 2014. Currently, this will only be piloted at this time in specific courses with high unsuccessful rates, as well as courses within comprehensive studies. This program is intends to provide faculty and advisors an effective and easy way to connect the student to resources. Additionally, it is put on the student to take action to resolve a problem within their academic career. It will be the responsibility of the student success coach to reach out to the student primarily. The course load will be expanded in Fall 2014; however, to what extent is still not known. Lou Ann also explained that the system will provide evidence for the types of resources our students need and reaction rate for the students.

 

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

 

None.

 

3. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Adjunct/ Lecturer Concerns

Stacey provided adjunct/ lecturer constituent concerns. The first constituent concern addressed the limitation on adjunct hours. Adjuncts question whether this is a permanent change or if with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act being delayed, will they be able to get some of their classes back. Many worry they will be forced to find other means of employment. The next concern was focused on the lecturer positions that were created prior to the fall start. Many lecturers have not seen a new classification of their title and they have heard nothing regarding when their benefits will begin. Many are questioning the transparency of the college on this and wondering why there is not a new contract and job description. A third concern questions the amenities for instructors that teach in the evening. The adjunct offices are locked by the cleaning staff, as are classrooms, there is nothing to eat, and the campus is not conducive of classes running until 10PM for faculty and students alike. Lastly, the concern is focused on adjunct development opportunities. Professional development and new-hire adjunct training is lacking and problematic.  

 

Kevin provided additional adjunct constituent concerns which include all of the above with one additional concern which is parking. Students are parking in the faculty lots and there is no enforcement. This is especially problematic for faculty who are arriving at campus at various and odd hours. Towing cars would surely create a vast revenue source for the college, as well as help faculty with parking. The Mechanic Street lot could be used for towed vehicles.

 

Todd will take these concerns forward, and this matter will be revisited at a future meeting.

 

 

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

 

None.

 

4. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Faculty job descriptions, opportunities, and advancements

 

Jeff presented constituent concerns that included the idea of department heads having rotating positions and term limitations. Many ideas within the different departments and divisions were discussed. Department head and CIA/ Program Coordinator positions are annually renewed. Should rotation come to fruition, it would be necessary to do so on a staggered implementation schedule so that the necessary training and transitional period are facilitated. There would also need to be term limitations. We should solicit feedback from faculty via survey

 

Tom presented constituent concerns that there are no advancement possibilities as a faculty member. The idea offered included an academic ranking system that would serve to identify longevity and seniority, while maintaining the state job classification of instructor. Greenville Tech uses these descriptions. Chris tried to get a hold of someone to clarify the incentives of a system such as this, with no answer. Tom did not find anything within the state policies and procedures regarding incentives. Tom will locate more information about other schools with academic ranks to provide to the senate at the next meeting.

    

 

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

 

A Survey Monkey questionnaire will be created. This will be sent to all faculty (full-time and adjunct) to provide feedback on these two issues. If the votes warrant change, we will take the necessary steps at that time.

 

Old Business:

 

Academic Affair/ Institutional Effectiveness Concerns:

 

Follow-up on Student Citizenship Issue: Todd spoke with Scott, and the citizenship issue should not be a problem in the spring. The system has been fixed and they should not be able to register for classes without this being complete.

 

Institutional Effectiveness/ National Benchmark Data: Todd explained that we, as senate, are not comfortable in reviewing or making a judgment about the collected data.  

 

PAC interviews: Transformative experience 200+ people were supposed to be contacted, but only half were. The PAC got together to review the data collected. An issue arose when the data was being entered, that called to question how the data was being used. The faculty have legitimate concerns questioning what would happen with the data. Todd assured us that something will and is being done despite the slow process.

 

Senate member roles, minutes, and agendas: We are running into a weird issue with our Constitution. We must have all of the notes and minutes posted in seven business days. If there are any corrections, or if the minutes are great, send this information on so that minutes can be posted within the time frame provided. If something is noticed after publication, an amendment can be made after the official vote at the next meeting. Also, be sure to return to your constituents to let them know that we are doing great things. Try to model the transparency and communication that we expect as a whole.

 

Comments/Concerns:

 

There will be an Institutional Development day in February.

Next meeting:  January 2014 (Fulp 400)

 

Adjournment at 6:12 p.m.

 

Name of Recorder:  Stacey Frank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faculty Senate Minutes (10/16/13)

Tri-County Technical College
Faculty Senate Minutes
Date:   16 October 2013
Location:  Fulp 400
Time:  4:07 p.m.

Members Present: Todd Crisp-Simons, Stacey Frank, Doug Allen, Bobby Watt, Kevin Bell, Cheryln Brown, Jeff Christmas, Ron Brown, Mary Geren, Kate Williams, Tom Lawrence, and Chris McFarlin

Members Absent:  Marla Roberson, Carol Henry, and Stan Compton

Others Present:  None

Presider:  Todd Crisp-Simons

Approval of Minutes:  It was motioned that the September 2013 minutes be approved. The motion was seconded.  The minutes were approved unanimously.

New Business:

 

1. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Concluding the Election of Officers

 

It was motioned for Chris McFarlin to be nominated as Vice President, seconded, and was a unanimous vote. It was motioned for Stacey Frank to be nominated as Secretary, seconded, and was a unanimous vote.

 

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

 

None.

 

2. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Department of Comprehensive Studies’ Faculty Representation

 

Todd explained the new transition for Stacey Frank to become Arts and Sciences Adjunct Representative and Kevin Bell to be moved into the Transitions to College adjunct representative, as the announcement of the new dean/ division had taken place. It was requested by the Transitions to College Division only have one faculty and one adjunct representative on faculty senate. While it is on their request, it still must be voted on by faculty senate. It was motioned to allow this modification, seconded, and voted. This change will stand.

 

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

 

None.

 

3. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Meeting Minutes and Constituent Requests to the Agenda

 

Todd motioned for our current meeting minutes follow the By-Laws in regards to their being posted to eTC within seven (7) business days, allowing faculty enough time to review them prior to the following month’s meeting. Further, Todd motioned that all requests by senators and their respective constituents to be included in the following month’s agenda; therefore, all issues should be relayed to the respective senate members no later than fourteen (14) business days prior to the next month’s meeting, which allows time for the necessary steps to take place. The motion was seconded and passed.

 

4. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Follow- up on Academic Affairs Concerns and Institutional Effectiveness Concerns

 

The Senate has been charged with analyzing our college’s National Benchmark results. Todd provided all members with these results and reviewed the statistics provided. There were many statistical and analysis questions asked by members to identify how this tool should be viewed in relation to our institution. There were various questions on how this tool demonstrates what the true results are and how valid these answers are. Others questions arise as to whether this responsibility is the task of the faculty senate or if this should be revisited again. It has been requested that more information be provided prior to further review in order to better understand the statistics presented. Todd requested that each member compile a list of questions and seek more information as a whole by Friday, October 25^th and communicate this to him via email so that he can present these questions for answers.

 

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

 

This matter will be discussed at a later meeting; once questions have been answered, the Senate members will make a decision.

 

5. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Update on Graduation Fee/ Dates

 

Todd met with Scott Harvey and identified that this is not a faculty issue; however, the idea to move the fee upfront is being taken favorably. Scott will take this issue to Executive Staff with our support. Scott is looking at this as potential revenue source by adding this fee upon entrance in addition to their application fee. Scott explained that going into the 2014-15 school year, the college will no longer pay for students’ regalia.  Jostens will come onto the campus for students to order their regalia. The idea is that Jostens will be handling all of the issues that come to pass and taking this off of the school. Further, the date of graduation applications is necessary to be so far in advance due to the advising process and students not necessarily taking what their advisor tell them to take; therefore, the goal is students can file for graduation and then meet with advisors so that they have enough time to review Degree Works and ensure that students are on the right path.

 

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

 

None.

 

6. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Student Withdrawal/ Reinstatement: Westlaw 2008 Policy

 

Chris brought forth a situation which involves students being withdrawn by student records due to a declaration of citizenship issue. Students are withdrawn, and must have the instructor complete a form in order to allow him or her back into the course.  A question arises: if student records withdraws the student, why does the instructor have to complete the process to readmit them. The bigger problem identified here was why students are being accepted to begin their education, without having all of their documentation completed. Lastly, the instructor should not take on the adversarial burden for explaining the situation to the student. Todd will follow up with this issue.

 

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

 

None.

 

7. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Smoking Policy

 

It was announced to the college as a whole via eTC on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, that the as of August 2014, the college will become a non-tobacco institution. This was addressed in last year’s faculty senate. The consensus was to respect the right of tobacco users. The question is who approved this? The other question is how will this be enforced? What is the penalty? Todd will formulate a statement that will be emailed to all faculty identifying that faculty senate did not vote for this and are not in support of this, and will include the meeting minutes from when this issue was discussed.

 

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

 

None.

 

 

 

8. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Vote on Faculty Core Competencies for Talent Management

 

During the September meeting, Senate members were asked to gather their constituents’ votes on the top three or four core competencies to be used in the Talent Management system. There were many that were provided and reviewed individually in order to narrow down to the four with the highest votes. These were viewed at the macro level, as well as understanding that we will be held accountable to these, and later at the micro level will be reviewed within the divisions. Those four competencies voted on and will be forwarded on are Academic Integrity, Leadership and Professionalism, Excellence in Teaching, and Subject-Matter Expertise.

 

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

 

None.

 

Old Business:

 

None.

 

Comments/Concerns:

 

Starfish and Early Alert- Lou Anne Martin will be at the November meeting to go over this.

 

Next meeting:  20 November 2013 (Fulp 400)

 

Adjournment at 6:00 p.m.

 

Name of Recorder:  Stacey Frank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faculty Senate Miutes (9/18/13)

Tri-County Technical College
Faculty Senate Minutes
Date:   18 September 2013
Location:  Fulp 400
Time:  4:00 p.m.

Members Present: Todd Crisp-Simons, Bobby Watt, Kate Williams, Ron Brown, Jeff Christmas, Stacey Frank, Doug Allen, Buffy York, Marla Roberson, Chris McFarlin, Tom Lawrence, Kevin Bell, and Mary Geren

Members Absent:  Cheryln Brown and Stan Compton

Others Present:  Emily Danuser

Presider:  Todd Crisp-Simons

Approval of Minutes:  With several editing corrections, it was motioned that both the March and the April 2013 minutes be approved. The motion was seconded.  The minutes, with changes, were approved unanimously.

New Business:

 

1. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Election of Officers

 

The description of officer positions were discussed, nominations were made, and an election process will be finalized at our October meeting because some nominated members were either absent or in transition.   

 

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

 

None.

 

2. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Library Updates

 

Marla Roberson discussed new programs and services that have been added to the library. She provided information on creating webpages that are discipline specific, as well as course (instructor) specific. Marla provided additional information on workshops that the library staff offer, distributed library handouts and supplemental materials, and explained all of the services offered.  Finally, she requested that all Faculty Senate members disseminate the information to his or her respective constituents.    

 

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

 

None.

 

3. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Academic Affairs Concerns I

 

South Carolina’s policy requires that all post-secondary institutions meet a minimum time amount for classes held.  The revision to the policy no longer mandates a final exam period if an institution’s normal class time meets the minimum requisite.  Therefore, the Senate discussed soliciting information about calendar requirements because this issue will affect other committees (i.e. The Calendar Committee).  Through much discussion, the Senate recognized the importance of a final exam period.  Many departments’ curriculum are dependent on this time frame.  It was questioned too as to whether a change is necessary, and, if so, would it be per division or school-wide?  In addition, how would such a change affect our adjuncts—extra days mean additional pay. The calendar committee has suggested going to a 15- week semester. The Senate will wait for more information before taking action or making any decisions.

 

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

 

None.

 

4. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Academic Affairs Concerns II

 

There is a concern on the applicability of the attendance policy. Not all divisions and programs are interpreting and using the attendance policy in the same manner; therefore, the institution faces an issue in the continuity of the policy. The question that the Senate faces is how the college’s attendance relates to both assessment and student success. At this time, we will wait for more information before taking action or making any decisions, as we need more input from the Deans and from Administration.

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

 

None.

 

5. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Academic Affairs Concerns III

 

The Senate will be charged with analyzing our college’s National Benchmark results.

 

 

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

 

Todd will forward copies of the National Benchmarks to each Senate member, and this issue will be revisited at a later Senate meeting.

 

6. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Learning Management Software Issue

 

Currently, many departments use 3^rd party supplemental material, ones such as online labs provided by their respective publishers.  Although these labs prove to be successful to many departments’ endeavors, our students face issues when it comes to engaging the software.  Therefore, IT has asked that all faculty who use these platforms to place a link within their Blackboard course shells, ones that work as a Launchpad, taking the students directly to the 3^rd party’s log-in page.  In addition, students who add and drop courses face course conflict issues on Blackboard.  For instance, students who move from one section to another still have both sections reflecting on his or her Blackboard, and this creates material/instruction issues.  Suggestions were made to resolve this issue.

 

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

 

Faculty Senate members will disseminate the discussed information to his or her respective constituents, encouraging everyone to embed a link into his or her Blackboard shell.  In regards to the double section issues, faculty members need to place their last name within each course section’s homepage. 

 

7. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Graduation Fee

 

Currently, students are charged a graduation fee at the end of their program. This can place a financial strain on the student and many are not interested in participating in the ceremony. It is questioned as to what the graduation fee funds and whether it is possible to add this fee in at the beginning, in addition to the application fees, so that this fee is not a deterrent for graduation. The argument is that there are many fees that students are responsible during the course of their program, and when our students graduate, they lack the financial support that they previously received, and now these students must pay, on top of a graduation fee, for professional costs: welding supplies, nursing licensure testing, certification exams, boards, etc.  The college faces an important question.  Will moving this fee from back end to the front end improve the matriculation process? Will it encourage our students to start off more successfully?

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Some Senate members will meet with Scott Harvey and other administrative officials, seeking input on the graduation application process, the fee, etc.  Afterwards, the Senate will revisit this issue at our next meeting.

 

8. Issue discussed and major points of discussion:

 

Talent Management

 

The college considers moving from the traditional personnel system to a talent management system of human resources. For this, the Senate must identify three or four key core-competencies that reflect faculty as a whole. The competencies being sought and determined are ones of a macro level. There will be two town hall meetings facilitated by Todd Crisp-Simons, Kate Williams, and Harriette Dudley, September 25^th and 27^th. Once the list is compiled, senators will be able to vote on the three or four that best represents the faculty.   

 

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

 

Town hall meetings will be held, opinions will be solicited by e-mail as well, core-competencies will be collected and compiled, constituents will provide feedback to Senate Representatives, and the Senate will both discuss and vote on the final three or four macro core-competencies. 

 

Old Business:

 

None.

 

Comments/Concerns:

 

None.

 

Next meeting:  16 October 2013 (Fulp 400)

 

Adjournment at 6:03 p.m.

 

Name of Recorder:  Stacey Frank