January 8, 2013
2:00 p.m.
Ruby Hicks Hall, Room 245
Members Present: Doug
Allen, Jackie Blakley, Amanda Blanton, Tim Bowen, Scott Britten, Scott Harvey, Dan
Holland, Lynn Lewis, Amoena Norcross, Sarah Shumpert, Brian Swords
Members Absent: Others Present:
Length of Meeting: 2.5 hours
Topics Discussed:
The Minutes of the December 17, 2012 meeting were approved, as presented.
Attendance was discussed.
Galen distributed a handout with an overview of the issues. Amoena reported that Faculty Senate believes
that attendance is important, but the inconsistent policy and procedure cause
confusion. Faculty Senate recommends
that the decision about attendance be made at a higher level. Galen reviewed the overview document. A lengthy discussion ensued and included the
following points.
A modified attendance policy would:
·
Reinforce the relationship between student
learning and attendance
·
Respond to the recommendation by Faculty Senate
·
Keep us in financial aid compliance
·
Help with various other issues
·
Create a benchmark to better measure and
understand student success.
Lynn Lewis called the question, “Should we maintain an
institutional attendance policy?” The group
unanimously voted yes.
At this point, Galen distributed a proposed revised Policy
3-2-1053, Attendance for Credit Students,
and a proposed revised Procedure 3-2-1053.1, Attendance for Credit Students.
After much discussion and with a few revisions, the group agreed to both
the revised policy and procedure. Galen
noted that the attendance policy/procedure must make a case for learning, and
reminded the group that an institutional policy may not be a best practice. Galen also noted that the procedure allows
the divisions/departments/faculty to set a more stringent attendance policy
based on learning, if they desire. The
policy and procedure send the message that attendance is important, and that it
has a direct correlation to learning.
Sarah distributed a proposed Online Class Attendance Policy.
After discussion, the group agreed with the proposed policy. Rather than have a separate document, Galen
will include the online policy in Policy 3-2-1053, Attendance for Credit Students.
After making the suggested changes, Galen will present the attendance
policy to the Executive Staff on January 9, in order to be in compliance with
financial aid regulations on the first day of class.
Communication about the revised policy and procedure must be
communicated to faculty and students as soon as possible.
Scott H. demonstrated the new ISIS report, Attendance Tracker. The group briefly discussed the report, and
Scott answered questions. Scott will
send information and instructions about Attendance
Tracker to faculty immediately.
Announcements included the following.
·
Tracy Ethridge will serve as Curriculum
Committee chair until the charter is approved.
She is working on critical issues now.
·
Scott H. reminded the group that Acalog training
will take place the week of January 14.
With agenda items remaining, the meeting was adjourned.
Recorded by: Anne
Bryan
Next Meeting: Tuesday,
January 22, at 2:00 p.m., in RH 245
