Provost’s Council
August 27, 2013
2:00 pm.
Ruby Hicks Hall, Room 245
Members Present: Dan
Averette, Jackie Blakley, Amanda Blanton, Tim Bowen, Todd Crisp-Simons, Scott
Harvey, Dan Holland, Lynn Lewis, Robin McFall, Sarah Shumpert, Brian Swords
Members Absent:
Others Present:
Length of Meeting: 1.5 hours
Topics Discussed:
The August 13, 2013 meeting minutes were approved with a
minor revision.
In following up on the Academic Program Review reflection
activity, Galen reported that the Institutional Effectiveness unit is moving
forward with the suggested revisions. It
was noted that the survey to participants is very general, and is not done in
sections. It was suggested that a more
specific survey and a debrief by sections would be helpful. Galen will work with Sarah Shumpert to
facilitate a face-to-face feedback session.
Galen discussed several policies. Policy 4-2-1020, Children Unattended on Campus, was reviewed by the group. The group made changes to the wording of the
policy and discussed the meaning of the term “instructional venue.” Since the VP for Business Affairs is
responsible for this policy, Galen will forward these revisions/suggestions to
Gregg Stapleton.
State Tech policy, 3-2-201, Length of Academic Semesters, was reviewed and discussed. The notable change is that an exam period is
no longer required. The college will
need to consider the implications of this revised state policy.
·
Could affect the future academic calendars
·
Philosophical decision by the college on how to
handle this change
·
No impact on accreditation
·
Consider impact on adjunct pay
The deans will address this revised state policy at their
next meeting to provide input to the Calendar Committee.
Galen reminded the group that State Tech procedure,
3-2-106.1, The Student Code for the South
Carolina Technical College System, has also been revised, and that Dan
Holland will update our local policy and procedure. Galen noted the State Tech now has a
stand-alone procedure on sexual harassment.
Galen gave the group an enrollment update. He noted that only 30 people were purged
after the last purge which is a remarkably low number. After the drop/add, the college enrollment
should be flat. Galen reported that the
college is up in new/first-time students, but down in continuing students. An analysis will be conducted to learn the
demographics of these students to find a way to better address this issue. Galen noted that the In-take Group will
conduct a business process analysis to identify issues. Group meetings will be conducted to determine
what worked and what did not. It was
noted that value stream mapping may be an alternative to a business process
analysis, and we may want to consider bringing a consultant to campus to help
with that process. Galen and Brian will look
into this suggestion.
Sarah Shumpert discussed learning management software
issues. She noted that many classes use
a third party publisher. IT has
requested that faculty use Blackboard as the starting point for these
products. Having a common start point
will allow the Help Desk staff to better help the student.
Sarah also noted that a LMS Project Team reviewed learning
management systems. After considering
the functionality, the financial impact, and the fact that there was no
business case to change, the team recommended no change from our current
learning management system, Blackboard.
Recently, some changes have arisen that affect the business case.
Sarah mentioned that the company, Desire to Learn, will be
on campus on September 13. Desire to
Learn will provide lunch and the opportunity to review the product. Five faculty members from each division,
preferably those who already teach online, are invited to attend. Sarah will send a trigger e-mail to the
deans.
Under Announcements, Scott Harvey reminded the group that
the final spring 2014 schedule is due on Friday, August 30. He noted that an ISIS report can be created
that will automate locator cards by pulling information from Banner. Before creating the report, Scott will need
input on what should be on the cards.
Dan Averette reported that due to repeated mold issues, all
classes have been moved out of Wilson Hall.
Wilson will be closed and directional signage will be posted.
Dan Holland reminded the group of the Twenty20 kick- off on
Friday, August 30. He thanked the deans
for working with instructors to be sure that Twenty20 students could attend. Dan also noted that, through a donation to
the Foundation, some student development money is available. The college is
trying to determine how to make the best use that money.
Tim Bowen offered congratulations to Amanda Blanton and her
team for the Pathways launch for Anderson School District 3. He noted that the Quick Jobs Center is almost
complete. The State Employment Centers
are housed in the Quick Jobs Center, and there is a lot of activity in the
center.
Lynn noted that Halbert Hall also has mold issues, and they
are working with Ken Kopera to address these issues. She also reported that Sandy Smith and Jan
Haguewood, long time adjuncts, are working together to handle the Medical
Assisting Program until a new program coordinator is hired.
Jackie reported that the Business & Public Services
Division employees should be back in their offices by mid-September. She noted that more/better signage would be helpful
until that time.
Scott noted that, due to its poor condition, classes have
been moved out of McKissick Hall, as well.
Key Talking Points:
1. Revised and
approved State Tech Policies/Procedures:
·
Policy 3-2-201, Length of Academic Semesters
·
Procedure 3-2-106.1, The Student Code for the South Carolina Technical College System
·
Procedure 3-2-106.2, Student Code Procedures for Addressing Alleged Acts of Sexual Violence
and Sexual Harassment
2. Enrollment Update
3. Learning
Management Software:
·
Use Blackboard as a starting point
·
Desire to Learn product demonstration on
September 13
Five faculty from each division invited to
attend
4. Need to analyze
why continuing student type is down again.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Recorded By: Anne Bryan
Next Meeting: Monday, September 9, at 2:00 p.m., in RH
245
