Academic Leadership Team Minutes 9/8/2020

 

Academic Leadership Team

September 8, 2020

1:00 pm

Via Zoom 

Members Present: Gayle Arries, Tiffany Blackwell, Jackie Blakley, Tim Bowen, Ahmad Chaudhry, Rick Cothran, Jenni Creamer, Mark Dougherty, Mandy Elmore, Adam Ghiloni, Scott Harvey, Glenn Hellenga, Gabe Hollingsworth, Linda Jameison, Tom Lawrence, Chris Marino, Jeremy McCracken, Mary Orem, Sarah Shumpert, Luke VanWingerden

Members Absent:       Marci Leake, Bryan Manuel, Tasheka Wright

Other Attendees:        Jenn Hulehan, Ken Kopera, Richard Macbeth                                                                                                                             

Length of Meeting:     1.5 hours

Linda Jameison and Ahmad Chaudhry welcomed the group.

The minutes of the August 25, 2020 were approved as submitted.

Fall Coordination Team Updates – Sarah Shumpert, Mark Dougherty, Mandy Elmore, Jenn Hulehan & Adam Ghiloni

Sarah Shumpert noted that the subteams are analyzing fall to determine what worked.  They will continue to meet and other teams may spin off from this analysis.

Project Management Process Review – Ken Kopera and Richard Macbeth

Ken noted that the current process is nine years old. It is time to update the process, and he wants people to be being thinking about it.  During discussion the following was noted.

·       One system for both facilities projects and any other project; is confusing

·       One size fits all does not work well

·       Keep the deliverables and the scope considerations

·       The work team includes four members from Academic Affairs, Luke VanWingerden, and Gayle Arries

·       Should be a tool to clear bureaucracy and make things move

·       Still need folks to think through projects; need to have outcomes, deliverables, intent

·       Need to revise approval process; limit the number of approvals

·       Facilities/IT joint meeting – will that continue; if not, what is the process?

·       Create a chart based on cost; show steps

·       Initial phase should be idea based; cost concerns later; idea generation and appropriate next steps

·       Work with Tracy Wactor to consider purchasing protocols; creative procurement strategies

·       Use peoples’ expertise

·       Communicate when a project is already in the scope of their work and a charter is not needed

·       Goal is to create a new and improved, simpler process

Next Steps:

·       Develop guidelines

·       Budget development

o   Collaborative effort

o   Boiler plate budget development

Ken asked the members of the group to think about the process questions handout and let him know their thoughts.

Fostering Learning and Collaboration by Integrating the Student Experience – Linda Jameison

            Relationship Building with Students in a Virtual World – Jenni Creamer

Jenni Creamer noted the September 2, 2020 Enrollment Pulse Check notes and its review to determine what we learned so far.  She focused on the Pulse Check content on relationship building and stressed that relationships are how we deliver the Tri-County student experience.  She asked the group to provide tangible ideas on how to build relationships considering the following:

·       Virtually, but not reliant on e-mail

·       Visual connection with students

·       Connection between students themselves

Virtually, but not reliant on e-mail:

·       FaceBook Live series

o   Most 18 – 23-year olds do not use FaceBook

·       Tik Tok          

·       Instgram

·       Demographic social media targets tied to consistent platforms

·       Using individual and mass communication

·       TCTC social media policy in place; aligns with system office and sister colleges’ policies

·       Aida Laham has researched how to reach the younger audience

·       Want one college presence on social media; fulltime job to manage it well

·       Google Hangouts

·       Text with video call link

·       Zoom chats

·       FaceTime

·       Hill Radio broadcasts

·       Text

o   Access pieces

o   Permission protocols

Visual connection with students:

·       FaceTime

·       Zoom

·       Bitmoji Office?

·       Your picture on many things:

o   Name with a face is always great

o   Staff photos

o   Bio pages/get to know you

·       Need to see each other to build relationships:

o   Don’t be afraid of what’s going on around you; it humanizes you; makes you real

o   Create a safe environment

o   Adjust expectations; be flexible

·       Shared information in e-mails that is easy for students to find

·       College swag in videos

·       Possible use of Flip Grid at the office level

Connection between students themselves:

·       Virtual student organizations

·       Drop-in does not work well; need a time and purpose to attract students

·       Need some element that is beneficial to the student; individual appeal

Early Alert:

·       Need additional support; often, faculty are the only ones who can answer a question

·       StarFish more important now, than ever

·       Deans will encourage faculty to use StarFish as early as they can; success coaches are monitoring and responding early

·       Inconsistencies on how/when alerts are raised; need guidance on what constitutes a problem

·       Drop-in Zoom sessions by discipline

o   Would need to be specific

o   Faculty already 50% virtual office hours

o   Would rather send to an instructor than to a Zoom meeting

·       SkillShop sessions address navigating online resources the first week of each semester and on request

·       Technology cheat sheets

·       Need balance; e-mail is the official means of communication; augment e-mail, not replace it

·       Phone calls still work; continue to call; students appreciate talking one on one

Linda and Ahmad will review the notes and develop action items that are sustainable and forward looking.

Area Updates – All

Tiffany Blackwell announced a virtual college fair in conjunction with CACRAO (Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers).  The fair will include Tri-County’s individual session and a panel with Clemson.  Videos will be posted.

Rick Cothran reported that CCE is doing well at 86% of capacity. 

Mandy Elmore noted that her division office is short staffed, and she may reach out to others if she needs help.

Adam Ghiloni noted that Melanie Gillespie, the new Financial Aid Director, will join us in mid-September. 

Jeremy McCracken reported that Faculty Senate has had its first meeting, and will have officers in place on September 18^th. 

Sarah Shumpert reminded the group that the COVID19 team resources are posted in the Faculty Resource course.  Employees will have to self-enroll in the course.  Instructions on how to enroll will be posted soon.

Jackie Blakley announced that Pam Goodman is no longer with the college.  See Brian Smith for any Administrative Office Technology needs.

Glenn Hellenga reported that Career & Employability Resources has 120 mock interview scheduled. They are being held virtually and face to face.

Tom Lawrence noted that they are gearing up for the Bridge students’ return to campus.  He announced that Abbie Sharp is leaving and to see Stevie Henrique or Vicki Henderson with any needs.

Chris Marino announced that Catherine Watt has joined the college as the Director of Compliance. 

Scott Harvey is researching why 32 students were not dropped at the administrative drop deadline.  He also noted the new and improved version of Degree Works.  Training is required for anyone who uses Degree Works.  

Gabe Hollingsworth announced that they are ready to serve Bridge students and their families. 

Ahmad Chaudhry wrapped up the meeting noting the productive conversation that helps define how we move forward. 

Recorded By:             Anne Bryan

Next Meeting:             Tuesday, September 22 @ 1:00, via Zoom      

Academic Leadership Team Minutes 8/25/2020

 Academic Leadership Team

August 25, 2020

1:00 pm

Via Zoom 

Members Present: Gayle Arries, Tiffany Blackwell, Jackie Blakley, Tim Bowen, Ahmad Chaudhry, Rick Cothran, Jenni Creamer, Mark Dougherty, Mandy Elmore, Adam Ghiloni, Scott Harvey, Glenn Hellenga, Linda Jameison, Tom Lawrence, Bryan Manuel, Chris Marino, Jeremy McCracken, Mary Orem, Sarah Shumpert, Luke VanWingerden

Members Absent:       Gabe Hollingsworth, Marci Leake, Tasheka Wright

Other Attendees:        Jenn Hulehan                                                                                                          

Length of Meeting:     1 hour

Linda Jameison welcomed the group. She noted a promotion to post a selfie with you in a mask and a blurb about why you wear a mask.  She encouraged the group to participate.

The minutes of the August 1, 2020 were presented for approval. Mandy Elmore motioned for approval of the minutes, as presented.  Chris Marino seconded the motion.  The motion passed. 

Fall Coordination Team Updates – Sarah Shumpert, Mark Dougherty, Mandy Elmore, Jenn Hulehan

Sarah Shumpert reported that the Rapid Response Team will meet through the end of the week.  Teams are planning for spring semester and conducting an assessment of fall activities.

Safety Team – Mandy Elmore

·       Continues to monitor the implementation of safety protocols

Student Engagement – Mark Dougherty

·       Links to student resources are now on the Blackboard landing page and in the banner

Instruction – Jenn Hulehan

·       The tools and resources have been sent out to faculty

o   Skillshops in the Blackboard content collection

o   Library chat feature

o   If/then matrix – options to continue education

Ongoing projects:

·       Student support tutorials; low student participation in technology survey

·       Reviewing fast track items

Expanded Enrollment Opportunities/Services – Adam Ghiloni

·       Awesome teams

·       Shifting spring processes to more online and virtual; hopefully will be easier for students and faculty

There is no repository of items/resources from the planning teams for everyone’s access. Sarah Shumpert will work with Grayson Kelly to create a repository.

Strategic Planning Direction #4: 

Fostering Learning and Collaboration by Integrating the Student Experience – Linda Jameison

Linda noted that the discussion at the August 11 meeting on the goals and values of the Academic Leadership Team was very good, and team members are processing that discussion.  The Fall Coordination Team Updates will be a standing agenda item for ALT meetings.  She asked the members of the group to think about that item prior to the meeting and be prepared for discussion.  While our focus now is teaching and learning during the pandemic, we will eventually move to strategic planning.  The ALT is the group to foster collaboration and to consider/create five-year actions and outcomes.  With Strategic Direction #4 in mind, she asked the group for their ideas on what is the one thing we can do to have an improved student experience between now and June 2021.  Discussion included the following

·       Expand the slate of faculty who are involved in student development activities

·       Better use of the tools to integrate into our processes

·       Be more intentional with 21^st Century Skills; practice, implement, cross-divisional; perhaps focus on one skill

·       Empower and incentivize team members to be innovative and idea driven

·       Develop a transition curriculum; common language and metrics for students

·       Remove barriers, inefficiencies, and hoops for students and employees; be intentional in guidance

·       Share our experiences and resources with each other; all will benefit

·       As we move forward, think about what we learned from the COVID experience; don’t meet just to meet

·       Look at the big picture; use our skills and expertise to go beyond, to become a role model, to make a difference

·       Bring intentionality to improvements in the teaching and learning process

·       Address the challenge of competing priorities by identifying one that is an entry point into the instructional/transition curriculum framework

Area Updates – All

Sarah Shumpert:

·       Continuing the virtual drop-in lab

·       The Adjunct Expo is Saturday, August 29

Jenni Creamer:

·       Enrollment update:  FTE is down 9.08%; Headcount is down 10.8%

·       The number of students registered after the last payment deadline was 107% of the number of students registered on the admissions deadline; 4% increase ; 7% increase from two years ago.

Tim Bowen:

·       Shout out to everyone for all the hard work

Mark Dougherty:

·       Having a virtual Get Connected event via Flip Grid

Glenn Hellenga:

·       Noted the Career & Employability Resources workshops available for students

Ahmad Chaudhry:

·       Spring instructional delivery discussions are beginning 

Jenn Hulehan:

·       Teaching and driving on in survival mode

Adam Ghiloni:

·       Melinda Gillespie will join the college in mid-September as the new Financial Aid Director

Tiffany Blackwell:

·       Thanked the members of the group for all the help with the large group advising/registration day; great outcomes

Gayle Arries:

·       Noted the “I wear a mask because” campaign to keep the importance of masks in the forefront. Asked the members of the group to take a selfie with your mask on, tell why you wear a mask, and send it to Public Relations to be used in the campaign.

Scott Harvey:

·       Administrative drops will take place Friday, August 28 at 10:00; attendance must be keyed by 9:30

·       To date, a brief review showed 17% of classes with no keyed attendance

·       Can run an ISIS report with the data

·       Deans must push faculty to key attendance; attendance date is needed for COVID contact tracing

Luke VanWingerden:

·       IT team is reaching out to employees who still have desk tops; want to update with laptops in case we have to go remote again

Rick Cothran:

·       CCE is moving along; moving equipment

·       He is currently the transportation/power line department head

·       Excited about the “Be Pro, Be Proud” campaign for high school students and the under-employed

·       DOT classes are online

·       Noted the new heavy equipment simulator

Tom Lawrence:

·       Shout out to faculty; they are working hard to make sure students come first; faculty and students have had to acclimate; lot of good work

Mary Orem:

·       Tutoring and Skillshops are going well; are monitoring the chat feature throughout the day

Recorded By:             Anne Bryan

Next Meeting:             Tuesday, September 8 @ 1:00, via Zoom        

Faculty Senate Minutes 8/28/2020

 

Tri-County Technical College

Faculty Senate Minutes

Meeting Date: August 28, 2020

 Location: Bb Collaborate

 Time: 12:30 p.m.

 Members Present:  Jeremy McCracken, Amy Roberts, Tonia Faulling, Som Linthicum, Jim Deloache, Rhonda Whitten, Tracy Byrd, Rachel Glanton, Shallin Williams, Melinda Hoover, Sharon Yarbrough, Stan Compton, Susan Curtis, Malisa Looney

 Members Absent:  Pam Goodman, Meredith Dickens, Jeremy Pickens, Jonathan Chastain, Ellen Hudson, Bill Leverette, Micah Bolin

 Welcome & Review of the Agenda:

 Jeremy called the meeting to order at 12:31pm and briefly reviewed the meeting’s agenda.

 Approval of Minutes:

 After quorum was achieved, the Minutes from April 30^th were reviewed, and the Senate approved the minutes without further amendment.  Som will forward them for posting to the Blogspot and update in TEAMS.

  Inaugural Remarks from Jeremy:

Jeremy offered his thoughts on the coming year and how Faculty Senate might focus its efforts for 2020-21.  Two major themes emerged as potential points of emphasis…

·        Reconstituting Faculty Senate involvement in the construction of “faculty competencies:”  During 2019-20, at the invitation of HR and the Office of the President, Senate had created a sub-group to forward discussion on the redevelopment of faculty competencies.  Unfortunately, the campus closure had brought those deliberations to a halt.  Jeremy suggested that we might again take up that charge.

·        Community of support for online instruction: While select faculty have been working effectively in online environments for some time, the sudden and somewhat jarring proliferation of online instruction necessitated by the campus closure in the Spring thrust many faculty into new territory.  Given the realization that Covid-considerations will likely continue to make online instruction a much more regular part of TCTC, Jeremy suggested that Faculty Senate explore ways to create a community of support around online instruction.  Such a community could foster resident faculty experts who might serve as resources for other faculty seeking to enhance and improve their own efforts to design and successfully lead online courses.  This sort of faculty learning community might find natural allies in Academic Development and Faculty Professional Development.  A similar recommendation was also noted in the 2019 PLEET report.  Jeremy likewise suggested that approaches to online instruction could have ramifications for both the matrix and the loading model.

            New Business:

                       Introduction & Recognition of New Members

With the addition of its recently elected Adjunct and Lecturer Senators, the membership for the 2020-2021 academic year is nearly complete.  We are awaiting one final appointment from E&IT.  As currently constituted the membership will be…

            Senate President                       Jeremy McCracken

            Senate VP                                 TBD

            Senate Secretary                        TBD

            Past President                           Pam Goodman

            Member-at-Large                      Amy Roberts

            Member-at-Large                      Tonia Faulling

            SSE/Learning Commons           Som Linthicum

            A&S (F)                                   Jim Deloache

            A&S (F)                                   Rhonda Whitten

            A&S (A)                                   Tracy Byrd

            A&S (A/L)                               Rachel Glanton

            BPS (F)                                     Meredith Dickens

            BPS (F)                                    Shallin Williams

            BPS (A)                                    Jeremy Pickens

            A&CF (F)                                 Jonathan Chastain

            A&CF (F)                                 Melinda Hoover

            A&CF (A)                                Ellen Hudson

            A&CF (A/L)                             Sharon Yarbrough

            E&IT (F)                                  Stan Compton

            E&IT (F)                                  Bill Leverette

            HE (F)                                      Susan Curtis

            HE (F)                                      Malisa Looney

            HE (A)                                     Micah Bolin

     Proposal for 2020-21 Faculty Senate Meeting Calendar

Following our initial outline, Jeremy offered the draft of the meeting calendar for the coming year, which largely follows the pattern established in prior years.  Jeremy, also, offered the caveat that the Spring portion of the meeting calendar may be subject to revision, if, due to Covid-related considerations, the Spring semester is altered or abbreviated.  The Senate will move forward with the calendar as it currently stands, while keeping in mind the possibility of further adjustments.

Election of Officers

In accord with the C&B, Jeremy moved for nominations for Faculty Senate officers to serve the 2020-21 term.  The floor was opened for nominations and the following names were offered…

·        VP – Meredith Dickens, Tonia Faulling

·        Sec – Som Linthicum

Jeremy will confirm with those candidates that, if elected, they would be willing and able to serve.  As suggested in the C&B, it is recommended that candidates seek prior support from their department heads or directors.  Given the exigencies of online voting and concerns for confidentiality, it was proposed that actual voting for the positions be conducted electronically out of session, and the proposal was accepted.  The ballot will be distributed to the full Senate membership, so that officer may be seated in time for our next meeting on September 18^th.

Standing Items; 

            Constituent Concerns 

Jeremy noted for the group that constituent concerns are typically a regular part of the Senate agenda.  No constituent concerns were brought forward at this time. 

Committee Updates 

Academic Calendar Committee, Curriculum Committee, Placement Committee, and Service Excellence Committee have not meant during this period.

21^st C Skills Committee had largely suspended its work during the closure, but has been reconstituted and is planning for 2020-21.

The Faculty Choice SOAR Award sub-group: Portions of the group met during the summer, but the group has suffered considerable attrition in its membership.  It was suggested that the group might benefit from a smaller construction in order to move forward on current work.  The group has been in contact with Tammy Fiske and the SOAR award will be part of the Fall Contribute Campaign.

The Faculty Competencies sub-group: See Jeremy’s comments above.

PAC & ALT has been very much focused on Covid concerns, but Jeremy reported that no new information or policy changes were apparent at this time.

Division Updates

A&S: No major updates

BPS: No major updates

E&IT: No major updates

A&CF:  Noted that new faculty member, Jonathan Chastain, will be joining Senate as Corey Evans steps away to take on added responsibilities.

HE: Noted that offices have now largely relocated back to Fulp Hall, after a construction hiatus in Anderson Hall, though some construction efforts are still in process at Fulp.  HE students are now back in clinicals, which is a positive development for those programs.  Lecture classes remain virtual at this time, though labs are operating F2F.  An increased use of simulations has provided an opportunity for more experiential learning, while maintaining the ability to physically distance appropriately

SSE - Learning Commons: Noted that the SSC is open and engaging students both physically and virtually.  Requirements for physical distancing and masking remain in place, and occupancy standards have been reduced in both public and instructional spaces.  Nevertheless, operations are continuing in full.   Resources from Health & Wellness and the ARC remain robust. Tutoring appointments and library consultations are convening in both physical and virtual form.  Skillshop sessions will go forward with a full schedule featuring F2F and Live Online sessions.  The Learning Commons completed a major migration to a new management system, providing a far more robust and far-reaching search and discovery platform for the college – Primo.  LC supports are available to students and faculty, and online supports have been extended – recorded skillshops, video shorts, CHAT services can all be embedded into Bb via the Content Collection.  Get Connected – the student organizations and services fair – will proceed virtually, as well.

Adjournment

All business completed for the day, the meeting was adjourned at 1:45pm

 Next meeting: September 18, 2020 at 12:30pm, online, link forthcoming 

Key Takeaways

·        Adjunct & Lecturer Senators were seated

·        The meeting calendar was adopted, pending possible revisions to the spring term

·        Nominations were accepted for 2020-21 officers.  The ballot will be distributed electronically.

§  Possible focal points for Senate in 2020-21 could revolve around the creation of faculty competencies and online instructional communities