Academic Delivery Group Minutes (8/23/11)

Academic Delivery Group Meeting

August 23, 2011

1:00 p.m.

Personnel Conference Room

Members Present:   Jackie Blakley, Tim Bowen, Eugene Grant, Scott Harvey, Lynn Lewis, Gwen Owens, Donna Shannon, Sarah Shumpert

Members Absent:       

Others Present:          Mary Heyer

Length of Meeting:  2.0 hours

Topics Discussed:

Dr. Buckhiester welcomed Mary Heyer to the meeting and mentioned that the group appreciated her expertise when it came to attendance verification for online classes.  As background, Dr. Buckhiester noted that we plan to develop an institution-wide, common criterion for a student’s  first documented attendance in an online class.  Since that criterion is not ready for implementation yet, the group discussed how to handle this issue for fall.  E-mail with our contact at the Department of Education indicated that a common criterion with a reading assignment and response was a step in the right direction.  The DOE definition of attendance requires that a student either

• Post on a discussion board
• Complete an assignment or
• Take a test.

In order for any of these to be used as documentation for a DOE audit, the date and time for each activity must be noted.  Earlier versions of Blackboard had the capability to run a date/time report for audit purposes.  Our upgraded version does not have that capability, so that information would have to be gathered manually.  Mary stated that, for audit purposes, she will ask for a student, not a class, and she will need the first day attendance and the LDA.  Students who received a combination of W, F, or WF for all classes will be audited. 

For spring, Dr. Buckhiester asked Sarah to convene a small group to discuss options to document initial enrollment and last day of attendance.  In addition to Sarah, Mary Heyer, Scott Harvey and Jackie Blakley will be members of this group.

The minutes of the July 11, 2011 meeting were approved.

The group approved the dates of November 7 and 8 for the fall student survey conducted by Institutional Research. 

Scott reported that the new drop/add period was well received by the faculty.  Since JumpStart needs flexibility to move students around, he recommended that the procedure be revised to exclude JumpStart.  The group agreed.  Scott will revise the procedure and bring it to the next ADG meeting.  In response to a question, Scott noted that the 0 and 1 enrollment verification notations will be explained on the official class roll memo. 

Dr. Buckhiester discussed recognition for part-time students.  He reported that from fall 2010 to spring 2011, 31 students met the criteria.  To follow the same process as the other recognitions, Dan Holland will prepare a letter and certificate for these students, and Rebecca Eidson will prepare a media release.  This new recognition will start this fall. 

Gwen and Scott discussed the placement retesting procedure.  The group could not determine why the Compass ATB is not considered a retest.  Gwen will take this procedure back to the Placement Committee for review and revision.  Gwen reported that currently there are no Compass resources in the bookstore, so removing that wording in the procedure would not be problematic.  The Library has Compass resources, so the wording in the procedure about the Library resources will remain. 

Under Announcements, Dr. Buckhiester mentioned the Faculty Development booklet and noted the many good programs that will be offered this year.  He followed up on the need for IT to run maintenance at critical times during the semester.  After meeting with Lee Tennent, Lee explained that we cannot avoid testing, but if the potential exists that production would be impacted, the testing would be delayed.  Now, the college has two separate systems, one for production and one for testing, so testing should not be a problem.  Dr. Buckhiester noted that he has not received feedback on any problems concerning the students in the seven certificates that are not considered gainful employment programs.  He distributed information about DegreeSC, which is a statewide bachelor’s degree program.  No one in the group had any information on it.  He asked the group to encourage employees to load their schedules into the Outlook calendar. 

Scott stated that the enrollment verification (0s and 1s) is due on Tuesday by 9:00 p.m.   He will turn the system back on so that faculty can input data after the deadline.  Scott noted that the Business & Public Services and Industrial & Engineering Technology divisions will need to appoint new representatives to the Calendar Committee.  He introduced a new Student Records form that tracks students taking courses at other institutions.  In order for Student Records to be in the loop, Scott will add a signature line for Records. 

Jackie announced that the new accounting/management instructor, Esayas Araya, will be on campus on Aug. 29.  Jackie noted that, as a result of a BPS Division meeting discussion, faculty members believe they are being asked to carry international students on their class rolls, even if the students have stopped attending.  Dr. Buckhiester stated that he is not supportive of international students being treated differently from other students with respect to instructor’s attendance/withdrawal policy, and that he will follow up and report back to the group.  Also, Jackie noted that the ECD students spent clinical time at the DAR school this summer, and this joint venture worked very well.  She briefly mentioned some issues and problems with Blackboard.

Tim reported that the Anderson Campus has its first ever 7:00 a.m. class this fall.  Jerry Marshall is teaching a Probability and Statistics class, which seems to be well attended and is moving along.  Tim asked about the process for the first day rosters.  After some discussion it was decided that Scott would set a campus field on the rosters’ report, and someone on each community campus could print them so they are available on the first class day.  Scott, Tim and Brian will meet to discuss this.  Tim reported on the Oconee Campus.  Wayne Frady is on board and is moving forward with the campus.  Currently he is addressing a variety of things, including  IT issues, the installation of new equipment, and determining which services are needed at Oconee. 

Gwen announced that she will retire next June.

Sarah gave a Blackboard update.  She noted that the recent upgrade was a major upgrade and she was pleased that there were no critical issues.  IT continues to monitor Blackboard.  IT anticipates that there would be some issues and they are working on any problems.  Sarah stressed that this version of Blackboard is different, and many training sessions are available during the fall.  Sarah discussed WIDS and noted that the college is moving to the web-based version.  She will be working with a consultant during the week of December 12.  The consultant is very knowledgeable, and Sarah is pleased that we are working with her.  WIDS training will take place in the spring, and she encouraged deans, department heads and program coordinators to attend the training.  Sarah will attend a Deans’ meeting to provide more information on WIDS and to select a training date.

Donna noted that the Faculty Senate representatives should be posted soon.  She still needs four adjunct representatives.  Faculty Senate will hold its first meeting in September.

Eugene announced that enrollment for the I & ET division will likely break the 700 mark this fall. This will be the first time this has happened since 1993.  He is very pleased that the enrollment is increasing in undersubscribed programs.  He noted that he is still looking for an engineering transfer adjunct instructor. He also noted that we plan to build a Rosenwald School at the Anderson Campus this year. Dr. Buckhiester mentioned an e-mail from Elisabeth Gadd in which she thanked Eugene for the time he spent with a potential donor.  Because of his efforts, we have a new donor who will make a sizeable contribution to the college.    Eugene announced that Tri-County has partnered with Indian River Community College and Central Carolina Community College on a Southeast regional NSF grant, and they have been awarded the planning grant.

Recorded by:             Anne Bryan

Next Meeting:            Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 1:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conf. Room, RH 102s

Academic Delivery Group Minutes (7/11/11)

Academic Delivery Group Meeting

July 11, 2011

10:00 a.m.

Personnel Conference Room

Members Present:   Jackie Blakley, Scott Harvey, Lynn Lewis, Gwen Owens, Donna Shannon, Sarah Shumpert

Members Absent:      Tim Bowen, Eugene Grant  

Others Present:          Deborah Brock

Length of Meeting:  1.50 hours

Topics Discussed:

Dr. Buckhiester welcomed Deborah Brock to the meeting.  Deborah discussed New Faculty Orientation Advisor Training and distributed a handout.  She noted how much she appreciates the designated space for the Faculty Development office, and the released time to work with faculty development. She mentioned that one of the themes for this year is retention.  She is working on things that faculty can do to retain students, and is open to suggestions.  She briefly discussed new faculty orientation, noted the tentative schedule, and polled the group to determine that we are expecting 12 new full-time faculty on campus this fall. 

Deborah discussed advisor training, and is trying to help new faculty become advisors.  She noted that most of the orientation session is technical rather than philosophical.  She wants new advisors to have the philosophical background, but feels that it is too much information to try to add to the new faculty orientation session.  She suggested moving that aspect to a later time, and the group agreed that a second session would be beneficial.  Deborah noted that six advising sessions will be offered to update seasoned advisors.  These sessions are open to everyone.

Dr. Buckhiester welcomed Donna Shannon, the new Faculty Senate President, and Sarah Shumpert to the group. 

The minutes of the May 27, 2011 meeting were approved.  In following up on the minutes, Dr. Buckhiester noted that the Maximum Student Load procedure was approved by the College Commission at its last meeting.

Gwen discussed Policy 3-2-1015, Placement Testing, and Procedure 3-2-1010.4, Placement Retesting, and distributed the procedure.  The group discussed, at length, the use of the Ability to Benefit (ATB) guidelines and asked for clarification on why it is not considered a test attempt.  The group also questioned removing textbooks and study guides from purchase at the Bookstore and use in the Library.  Scott will try to get some clarification on the ATB issue, and Gwen will work with Wanda Screws for additional clarification. This will be an item on the next meeting’s agenda.

Dr. Buckhiester discussed procedures for addressing complaints of online students and noted that SACS is requiring a process to allow an online student to register a complaint and to go through the entire procedure without coming on campus.  Our procedure will accommodate those students who take only online courses.  If a student drives to class, he/she can drive to attend an appeal meeting.  Dr. Buckhiester noted that confirming the identity of the student is a FERPA concern, and Scott mentioned the identity questions that the Student Records’ staff asks for phone inquiries.  He agreed that there is only so much that we can do to identify the student.  Scott will discuss FERPA issues with Margaret Burdette and Chris Marino, and will conduct further research.  We will put this procedure in place and then wait for further input concerning FERPA.

Under announcements, Gwen reported that there are five finalists for the math positions.  The last two interviews will be completed today (7/11/11).  She also noted that we are moving forward with a feasibility study and looking into grant possibilities for a Fine Arts program. 

Lynn reported that the air conditioning in Fulp Hall is not working well, and ants have become a problem.  During the week of August 8, the air conditioning unit will be repaired.

Donna reported that she has two Faculty Senate vacancies, one in Health Education and one in Business & Public Services.  Faculty Senate will also need an adjunct faculty representative from each of the divisions.  Donna also noted that the attendance policy will go back to Faculty Senate for further review and revision. 

Scott noted that he plans to attend the Business & Public Services fall division meeting to update the division and to answer any questions.  He also reported that this year’s graduation served as a pilot to see how many Bridge students would graduate with the University Studies Certificate.  Scott would like to expand the pilot and asked the deans to think of any degree programs in which the student could get a diploma or a certificate.  Lynn mentioned the Nursing Prep Certificate. 

Sarah stated that due to a problem with SunGard, Blackboard will not be integrated with Banner.  We will upgrade Blackboard, so the training is still beneficial.  And, while it is not real time communication, it will be much better.  Sarah noted that we are working on securing passwords.

Dr. Buckhiester announced that Educational Talent Search received a grant of over $391,000.

He thanked the group for all the work on the request from Worklink to update the programs in their provider listing.  The updated spreadsheet was sent to Windy Graham on July 7. 

It was noted that we have seven certificates that do not qualify for gainful employment.  Scott will send a letter to students in these programs to make them aware of financial aid options.  As a new program moves through the Curriculum Committee, the gainful employment requirements need to be taken into account.  The Department of Education needs a 90-day advance notice that we plan to offer a new program.  The Department of Education can follow up with questions about the program at any time prior to our being 30 days away from implementation. Bill Whitlock needs new program information as early as possible.  Margaret Burdette is working on a draft of what is needed for a new certificate or diploma.  A new program should not be listed in the catalog until it has gone through the entire approval process.  Quick responses to needs will be provided by Corporate and Community Education. 

Dr. Buckhiester stated that he was notified recently by a SACS staff member that the Horticulture Certificate does not qualify as a workforce development certificate.  Upon inquiry, he learned that SACS is in the process of modifying its criteria for what constitutes a workforce development certificate.  It appears that new criteria will likely include (1) the certificate is offered in response to a specific employer request; (2) the institution plans to offer the certificate only once, in response to the specific employer need; and (3) the certificate is not offered at what SACS would call the “main campus” of the institution.  Any credential not considered a workforce development certificate requires a full prospectus, rather than a modified prospectus.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Recorded by:             Anne Bryan

Next Meeting:            Tuesday, August 23, at 1:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conf. Room, RH 102

Staff Advisory Board Minutes (9/21/11)

Staff Advisory Board Meeting

September 21, 2011

9:00 a.m.

Ruby Hicks Conference Room, RH-102

Members Present:    Rick Cothran, Jennifer Creamer, Tonique Dennis, Vicky Graves, Kelli                                Harrison, and Melinda Zeigler

Members Absent:     Lisa Anderson and Tonia McClain 

Others Present:        Cathy Payne

Length of Meeting:  40 Minutes

1.          ISSUE DISCUSSED:          Election of Officers

Cathy Payne, Chair of the Staff Advisory Board last year, opened the meeting and explained that the Board from last year assumed that the Vice Chair would move to the Chair position for the next year; however, according to the By-Laws, this is incorrect. The Board elects the officers at the first meeting each year. This year, Cathy Payne and Sue Bladzik rotated off the Board; and Kelli Harrison and Tonia McClain were appointed as their replacements. Cathy Payne left the meeting after sharing this information with the Board.

The By-Laws also state that the newly elected Chair must have served on the Board for one year to be eligible to serve as Chair. Vicky Graves nominated Tonique Dennis as the Chair and Jennifer Creamer seconded the nomination. Kelli Harrison was nominated as Vice Chair and Melinda Zeigler was nominated as Secretary. The group voted, and the nominations passed with no opposition.

Action Item:   Melinda Zeigler will inform Doris Simpson and Rebecca Edison of the newly elected officers, members that rotated off the Board, and the names of the new members.

2.          ISSUE DISCUSSED:          Scheduled Meetings

The Board meetings will be held on the second Thursday of every month at 8:30 a.m. in RH-102.

Action Item:   Melinda Zeigler will send a meeting request and reserve the Ruby Hicks Conference room (RH-102) on the appropriate dates.

3.          ISSUE DISCUSSED:          Policies and Procedures for Review

Rick Cothran stated that Dr. Booth commented to him that he wants the Staff Advisory Board to be more involved in reviewing policies and procedures and give feedback to him and to the Executive Staff. Rick suggested that Tonique schedule a meeting with Dr. Booth to discuss the role of the Staff Advisory Board and determine what he feels should be the duties of the Board.

Staff Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Page 2

September 21, 2011

Action Items: Tonique will schedule a meeting with Dr. Booth. She will also check with Lisa Saxon to see if she has a list of policies and procedures that are up for review this year.

4.          ISSUE DISCUSSED:          Faculty/Staff Picnic and Christmas Drop-In

Last year, the Board discussed developing a spreadsheet of expenses incurred for both of these events; however, it has not been determined if this was completed. Jennifer suggested that Debbie Nelms would probably have the amount spent for both of these events since they were funded by the Foundation.

Action Items: Jennifer Creamer will contact Debbie Nelms to determine the amount of funds available for the Christmas Drop-In and the Faculty/Staff Picnic this year. Melinda will follow up to see if a spreadsheet was completed last year; and, if not, she will get the amounts spent last year and create a spreadsheet.

5.       ISSUE DISCUSSED:          By-Laws

           Kelli Harrison was given a copy of the By-Laws for the Board. After Tonique meets with Dr. Booth, the Board will review the By-Laws to determine if changes need to be made.

Action Item:   Melinda will send a copy of the By-Laws to Tonia McClain.

Motion was made at 9:40 a.m. by Vicky to adjourn the meeting with all members in favor.

Recorded by:           Melinda Zeigler

Next meeting:          Thursday, October 13, at 8:30 a.m., RH-102

          

Strategic Enrollment Management Committee Minutes (7/19/11)

Strategic Enrollment Management Committee (SEMC)

Meeting Summary

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Present: Gayle Arries, Amanda Blanton, Jackie Blakley, Linda Driggers, Eugene Grant, Lynn Lewis, Lou Ann Martin, Gwen Owens, Lisa Robinson

Guests:  Dr. Booth, Dan Holland, Deborah Brock

The following is a summary of the SEMC meeting which occurred on Tuesday, July 19, 2011.

Review of minutes:

·         The minutes of the last two meetings were approved.

Lou Ann Martin was welcomed to the committee as a new member representing the Title III project and the Academic Support Network.

Retention Plan:

·         Comments from Dr. Booth

o   Dr. Booth attended the meeting to provide feedback on the latest draft retention plan.  He began his comments by announcing 3 new positions that will have positive impacts on student success: Director of Advising, Director of Tutoring Services, and Director of Institutional Effectiveness.  He encouraged the SEMC to look and think broadly in terms of enrollment management and to connect all the work being done across campus.  For example, we have purchased a number of IT solutions, but how do they all fit together in the grand scheme?  We also need to do better in getting the right people in the right classes at the right time.  One way to do that is to review thoroughly our assessment instruments and cut scores.  We may also need to re-design dramatically our gatekeeper courses and how we allow students to take online courses and how faculty are trained to teach online courses.  While early alert programs are important, it’s more important to have the students in the appropriate classes in the first place than to try to intervene once they are failing. 

·         Update from Deborah Brock on Retention Strategy 4 Regarding Faculty Development

o   Deborah gave the committee the final draft of the retention card she plans to give to all faculty in August.  The card includes the 10 retention strategies and ideas for faculty that encourage student retention in the classroom.  The committee approved the content of the card.

·         Next Steps

o   Amanda will revise the retention plan based on the day’s meeting and will work with Dan Holland on next steps.

o   Gwen will start the conversation with Chris Worthy (Placement committee) regarding reviewing and analyzing the College’s current assessment instruments and cut scores.

o   Amanda and Lisa will work on 10 tips for staff that encourage retention. 

o   If approved, we will plan to pass out information at convocation and talk to Rebecca about an article in Connection.

o   Linda will develop a table showing all software products used, or in the planning stages to be used, at the College and their purposes. 

Announcements and updates:

·         Fall Enrollment Update – Amanda gave an update regarding fall enrollment as of Friday, July 15, compared to the same day the last 2 years. 

·         Committee List/Charter/Minutes on eTC – Amanda gave the committee an updated committee list and charter and stated that the list, charter, and minutes will be posted on eTC.

·         Programs Ineligible for Financial Aid – Amanda asked members if they all knew about the 7 programs ineligible for financial aid and if all stakeholders working with students knew exactly how to direct the students and what to tell them.  The committee requested that Amanda pull together Lou Ann, Robin, Scott, Bill, Renae, and Lisa to make sure all were on the same page and knew the same thing. 

·         Linda announced that the business office will implement mailing a paper bill to all students with a balance.  The bill will direct students to eTC regarding information regarding any missing financial aid requirements.

·         Gayle stated that the college has ceased marketing for fall semester, but that, if possible, she will work with any departments that may need target marketing.

·         Amanda will schedule the next meeting for the third week in August.

Strategic Enrollment Management Committee Minutes (6/29/11)

Strategic Enrollment Management Committee (SEMC)

Meeting Summary

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Present: Gayle Arries, Amanda Blanton, Jackie Blakley, Linda Driggers, Eugene Grant, Lynn Lewis, Gwen Owens, Lisa Robinson

The following is a summary of the SEMC meeting which occurred on Wednesday, June 29, 2011.

Announcements and updates:

·         Amanda announced that Dr. Booth would be attending the SEMC meeting in July and the tentative date for that meeting is set for July 19 at 1:30.  Dr. Booth will provide feedback regarding the retention plan at that time.

·         Enrollment Update:  Amanda gave a brief summary of how enrollment numbers were looking for fall 2011 and gave a handout showing a weekly comparison of fall enrollments this year compared to the same time over the last 2 years.

Review of minutes:

·         Did not approve last month’s minutes.  Will need to do at next meeting.

Financial Aid and Tuition Assessment Changes for Fall

·         Bill Whitlock attended the meeting and gave updates regarding Pell, LTA, and LIFE scholarship. 

·         Linda discussed pay by credit hour process and said that students will be limited to taking 18 hours.  Financial aid and the business office plan to “marry” the financial aid missing requirements and the tuition bill so that the letter students receive will show a balance as is (with the missing requirements) and a balance when the missing requirement is taken care of.

Retention strategies/plan with deliverables, timing, and costs:

·         Amanda gave committee members a retention plan planning guide that she and Lisa received at the retention conference in May.

·         Deborah Brock and Susan Allen attended the meeting and gave an update regarding plans for faculty development (Retention Strategy 4, Year 2) in terms of emphasizing retention workshops for faculty to attend and other ways to help faculty focus on retention.

Staff Advisory Board Minutes (5/12/11)

Staff Advisory Board Meeting

May 12, 2011

8:30 a.m.

Ruby Hicks Conference Room, RH 102

Members Present:     Cathy Payne, Tonique Dennis, Vicky Graves, Jennifer Creamer, Lisa Anderson, Sue Bladzik

Members Absent:      Melinda Zeigler, Rick Cothran

Length of Meeting:  1/2 hour

Topics Discussed:

Cathy called the meeting to order at 8:35 am mentioning that there was a new item to be added to the agenda – the Presidential Medallion award.

Cathy reported that she had received approximately 115+ RSVP’s for the Annual Picnic.  There was one request for a vegan meal, but it was decided that providing specialty plates at the picnic was not feasible.  She asked if anyone would be able to make a spreadsheet of those that have already responded.  Lisa said she would help with the spreadsheet. 

Cathy stated that the following games would be available for the children:  tetherball and bean bag toss.   Tonique also planned on the Soda Bottle Bowling game and possibly a scavenger hunt.  A brief discussion was held about the scavenger hunt mentioning that it would be good to use items from marketing for the hunt that would also promote Tri-County Technical College, but that the number of items should be kept to a reasonable number (5 or 6 items.)   

A shopping list for the picnic was discussed:

·         Order cake by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week

·         Obtain door prizes (gas cards and a $25 gift card for the winner of the Bake-Off)

·         Purchase additional tablecloths, plates, napkins

·         Soft Drinks

Action Items (Picnic):

• Lisa Anderson will do a spreadsheet with names of all that will be attending the picnic.
• Lisa will also arrange for at least 3 judges for the Bake-Off.
• Sue will purchase additional tablecloths as well as plates and napkins.
• Jennifer Creamer will order the cake from Sam’s Club.
• Cathy will call Barry @ Smokin’ Pig with the final count.
• Kevin Steele will provide coolers for the drinks.
• Ken Kopera will assist with the picnic set-up on Friday at the Easley Campus.
• Cathy will contact Shannan Holland to arrange the set-up for music.
• Tonique will pick up the cake from Sam’s along with drinks for the picnic (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, etc.)
• Those helping with setting up for the picnic should be at the Easley Campus at Noon on Friday.

Sue asked if there were any questions or changes to the April minutes. No changes were noted and the minutes were approved as printed.

New Business Action Items:

• Cathy will work with Sharon Colcolough for a list of names of those eligible for the Presidential Medallion.  It will be presented at the Fall Convocation.

Motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 am by Cathy with all members in favor.

Recorded by:             Sue Bladzik

Next Meeting:            Thursday, June 16^h , at 8:30 am, RH102.

Academic Delivery Group Minutes (5/27/11)

Academic Delivery Group Meeting

May 27, 2011

1:00 p.m.

Personnel Conference Room

Members Present:     Susan Allen, Jackie Blakley, Tim Bowen, Katy Goforth, Eugene Grant, Scott Harvey, Lynn Lewis, Gwen Owens

Members Absent:        

Others Present:          Thwanda Davidson

Length of Meeting:  2 hours

Topics Discussed:

Dr. Buckhiester welcomed Thwanda to the meeting.  He noted that through a series of earlier meetings, he gained a better understanding of TRiO and the passion of the staff.  He asked the deans to invite her to attend a division meeting to discuss the program.

Thwanda distributed brochures on each of the programs in TRiO.  She explained that TRiO works with Tri-County, high school, and middle school students.  In working on various initiatives, she realized that the different areas of the college have overlapping efforts.  Under the reorganization, she noted that the different areas may be able to communicate and to collaborate more effectively. 

Thwanda explained that the grant that funded the Student Support Services component of TRiO was not awarded to Tri-County, and as of August 31, Student Support Services will no longer exist. She explained that a letter noting all the alternative resources available on campus will be sent to students, and students are encouraged to use those resources.  Thwanda noted that the Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search components are still available.

Thwanda discussed Educational Talent Search.  ETS serves 700 middle and high school students through the following activities:

• Kaplan ACT and SAT prep
• FAFSA workshops
• Transition workshops
• Math and science mini-camps for middle school students
• Advising/counseling support for students and their families

Educational Talent search is competing for funding for the next year.  Thwanda noted that all TRiO funding has taken a big cut, but the cut will come from personnel, not from services.  When the grant is awarded, the number of ETS students will increase from 700 to 820.  While it will be a challenge to serve more students with fewer personnel, she will continue to look for new ways to market the program.  Currently, she has radio spots on WSNW, and will work with Rebecca Eidson and our public relations team to look for ways to even better market the program. 

Thwanda stated that the Upward Bound program serves 85 students and discussed its three components:

1. Academic – 18 Saturday classes, tutorial support
2. Summer – Six week program at TCTC with classes and activities on various topics.  Students live at Clemson University.
3. Bridge – These students have graduated and are enrolled in college.  They can take six hours (CPT 170 and COL 103) at TCTC to help better prepare themselves for college.

Thwanda noted that she hopes to collaborate more with the credit divisions and is looking for new partnerships.  She welcomes the chance to meet with the divisions and/or department heads.

Dr. Buckhiester noted that this is Katy’s last ADG meeting.  He thanked her for all her contributions to ADG and to the Faculty Senate.  Donna Shannon is the new Faculty Senate President and will join ADG in June.

The agenda was revised slightly, and Announcements were given next. 

Dr. Buckhiester passed around missing enrollment verification information. The deadline for this information is today, May 27, 2011.

Dr. Buckhiester announced that the Perkins money has been allocated.  We have a reduced amount of $289,302.  The deadline for submission of the FY ’12 budget is June 10.

The press release about the Clemson/MLT agreement was very good. 

Dr. Buckhiester noted that Greenville Technical College has gone to the per-credit-hour tuition model.  With this change, we will continue to be priced competitively with Greenville Tech. 

Scott stated that Student Records is diligently trying to communicate to students about the new tuition model and drop/add period.  In reviewing information, he found quite a few students with at least 13 credit hours.  Scott is sending these students a letter to remind them about the tuition change. 

Dr. Buckhiester noted the following:

• A 50^th anniversary kickoff event will take place in the Library in the spring semester.  He wants to let faculty and staff know about this event early, so that any library work required of students during that time can be rearranged. 

• In talking with Lee Tennent, he asked the group to encourage employees who use Outlook to schedule meetings to be sure to lock in the room before setting the meeting. 

• Greenville Tech sent a note thanking us for the donated respiratory care equipment.

• Lynn Lewis and Lee Tennent are Tri-County’s participants in the System’s Leadership Academy program.

Lynn announced that the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting site team was recently on campus and the program received a great report.  Only one very minor issue needs to be addressed. 

Jackie reported that we have filled the Academic Resource Specialist position in the Business & Public Services Division.  In August, the new Criminal Justice and Paralegal faculty members will be on campus.  Currently, she has two open searches to replace faculty in CIT and ECD. 

Katy noted that Donna Shannon is the new Faculty Senate President and will join the Academic Delivery Group in June.  Since many of next year’s Faculty Senators are new, Donna will be working with a fairly new Senate. 

Eugene reported that the work on the Industrial Technology Center is moving slower than anticipated.  Welding will move into the building late next spring. HVAC will follow later that summer.

Tim reported on the following:

• This year’s 5k Race was a great event.  Participation increased over last year, and the positive attitude of volunteers and runners made for a great day. 

• He invited the members of the group to a reception to celebrate a joint venture with the Anderson County Museum.  The event opens a mini-exhibit showcasing the Rosenwald Schools.  Tim plans to have a permanent space at the Anderson Campus for other exhibits and hopes that this is the first of many collaborations with the museum.

• The Easley Campus Showcase event had a modest turn out.  He was pleased with the way things went. 

Gwen reported that she is conducting a search to replace two math instructors, Lou Ann Martin and Debra Bindschatel. 

Susan noted that she is involved in summer faculty development activities.  She asked the members of the group to encourage their faculty to review the activities and to participate when possible. 

The minutes of the April 12 meeting were approved. 

Dr. Buckhiester reported on the revised Maximum Student Load Policy and Procedure.  The policy is in place, but both documents need to go to Executive Staff for approval.  After the policy is approved, it will go to the Commission for review and approval. 

The W after the deadline form was discussed.  After discussion, it was agreed that no WFs will be allowed after the last day of class, so the WF will not be an option on the withdrawal after the deadline form.  After the last day of class the student will receive an F, not a WF.

Dr. Buckhiester discussed part-time student academic recognition.  Katy noted that Faculty Senate is in favor of this recognition, but would like to require that the student be in enrolled in at least six credit-hours per semester.  To differentiate this recognition from other honors, it will be called “Academic Distinction” and the student will be recognized with a letter and a media release.  After some discussion, it was agreed that this designation will not be placed on the transcript. 

Dr. Buckhiester reported on the Blackboard outage that took place at the end of spring semester.  He met with Lee Tennent.  Lee explained that the outage was caused by human error.  It was a test that had been done before without any problems.  To avoid this issue in the future, Lee noted that, in the case of a test that has not been done previously (thereby not allowing him to conclude that there will be no problems), IT will avoid critical days for the test.  The group requested that testing be avoided on critical days in all cases, and suggested that consideration be given to not having scheduled maintenance windows during critical items (such as the beginning and end of a term).  Dr. Buckhiester indicated that he will follow up again with Lee.

Scott discussed documentation of attendance.  He noted that financial aid regulations are changing this fall.  The new regulations note that a student must log in with active participation to be in attendance in an online class.  Simply logging in does not constitute attendance.  The group agreed that in order to address this consistently, we need a simple, college-wide definition of online attendance.  Scott will work with the deans to clarify what is needed for the definition.

Scott also made the group aware that Student Records is being removed from Financial Aid audits.  In the future, Financial Aid will work directly with faculty. Student Records will not be involved.  In addition, Scott stressed that grade books need dates and other pertinent information.  Lately, the grade books have been in better shape, and faculty seem to better understand the importance of correct and complete information.

The distribution of class rosters was discussed.  Scott explained that hard copies are distributed on the first class day because not every employee (especially adjunct faculty) is in eTC on the first class day.  If adjuncts are not in eTC, they cannot receive their class rosters electronically.  The official class roster is set after drop/add, and faculty can check eTC for their official rosters. 

Dr. Buckhiester discussed the attendance policy and noted that some information that is in the catalog is not in the Faculty Senate version of the policy.  Katy stated that the senators want students to know that they cannot just walk away from a class and expect to be withdrawn. 

Dr. Buckhiester will work on this with the new Senate this fall. 

Susan reported that the college uses Blackboard instead of Desire to Learn because it is a more robust system.  In addition, Clemson and USC use Blackboard.  Since we have articulation agreements with them, using the same product is beneficial to our students. 

Scott added that ELearning will integrate with Blackboard and will be live.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Recorded by:              Anne Bryan

Next Meeting:           Monday, 7/11, at 10:00, in the Personnel Conf. Room, RH 102