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Attendees: James Marquart,  Paul Bernazzani, Dan French, Derina Holtzhausen, Lynn Maurer, Brenda Nichols, Joe Nordgren, and Bob Spina.

I. Approval of Dean’s Council Minutes dated March 26, 2019.

The minutes of the Academic Dean meeting, dated March 26, 2019, were approved as written.

II.  GUEST: Deidra Mayer, Executive Director of Admissions/Recruitment

       RE : Call Campaigns

Deidra gave a general update on freshman and campus enrollment. The first scheduled orientation is at capacity. Enrollment has seen a 17% increase of admitted students from last year. One initiative Deidra presented for discussion was what types of communication we can have at the department level with students.  They are starting with letters from the deans to the students.  In the next cycle, another layer would be communication to parents with letters from the deans and President Evans. Dean support is needed and it was requested they discuss this at his/her next Department Chair meeting to let them know what’s on the horizon and that more details are forthcoming. The goal is better communication to get students more engaged. Deidra stated she would be willing to meet with deans individually or to attend Chair meetings if desired.  Her office is also working on a communication plan for international students.

April 27^th is Cardinal Super Saturday from 9:00am-12Noon.  Deans and faculty do not need to attend; it’s more of a super tour.  Each college will have a table inside the Science and Technology building, manned by the Marketing Coordinator for that particular college. Deidra will email out the agenda for that day.

III. Joe Nordgren – Updates

Handouts given.

May Mini Guidelines – F3.2s for May Minis are due by May 8^th (that is also small class determination date) As a reminder, May Minis are a One Time Pay. The amount is the same as last year and the dean’s index should be used.

        * Small Class Determination Form – the updated form is now available online.
 

SACS – Of the 72 standards, 47 have already gone thru the third reading and are being updated into the Compliance Assist portal. They must be linked to concrete evidence before uploading. A couple of standards have no information yet, but they are for planning and assessment and those will come from Dr. Hefner-Babb’s area.
 
Planning and Assessment page – Handout given that listed externally accredited programs. If you have one that is not listed on handout, let Joe or Theresa know. They also need supporting documents from the agency, including the response from the department and the reply. Joe wants to make sure all accredited programs are on the planning and assessment page. He will follow up with Theresa of what is actually needed, whether or not that includes a full report.
 
University Merit Faculty Awards – If schedule permits, everyone is encouraged to attend the faculty awards tomorrow in the Library. The reception starts at 1:00pm followed by the ceremony beginning at 1:30pm. Last year’s retirees are also recognized at this ceremony.
 
SACS Syllabi and Vitas    
Dr. Nichols distributed a list of the syllabi and vitas showing what has or has not been submitted to the Office of Planning and Assessment. White means nothing has been submitted; green indicates at least something has been submitted. This information MUST be submitted as soon as possible.

Graduate Assistants and Teacher Assistants
Dr. Nichols talked about the importance of having credentials for graduate assistants and teaching assistants (as well as research assistants). We need to know who they are, who is their supervisor, what are his/her credentials, and what is the training and evaluation process for these students? We must show compliance. Standard 17.9.1, 17.9.2, and 17.9.3 show what the expectations are.

IV. Brenda Nichols – Tenure/Promotion Workshops                                                 

Amy Smith and Brenda are working to help faculty on how to better present their promotion and tenure information. They may revamp Volume 1 and hopefully can bring a draft of revisions to next the dean’s council. They are planning workshops for faculty during the summer to help in this area.

Digital Ticket will be here on April 24^th in the Setzer Center. They will be presenting on budgets, etc. and also doing a keynote at lunch. Department Chairs were invited. Please encourage them to attend. Look online under Digital Ticket for more information.

V. McAllen Ribbon Cutting 

Dr. Marquart and Dr. Nichols both attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Academic Partnership/º£½ÇÉçÇø Student Service Center in McAllen, Texas on Thursday, April 11th. The Grand Opening was on Friday. AP donated a $10,000 scholarship as a door prize to a student that applies, whether online or on campus.

VI. Other/Updates

Jim Marquart

• The Lamar Faculty handbook is being looked at again to make sure it syncs with TSUS policies and procedures.
• With only a couple of weeks left until the end of the semester, there are many social events planned. Please attend and support as your calendar allows.
• Deans asked about the completion of faculty evaluations and 2^nd and 4^th year reviews. Updates given.

Paul Bernazzani – The new Science & Technology building is not open yet. According to the Planning and Construction department, they hope to have it open by the end of the month. Dr. Nichols mentioned that there are engineers from local plants that want to come volunteer with the students in the new building.  It was also noted Engineering has a Sr. Design class that will be scheduled in the new Makerspace which will attract a lot of interest.

Brenda Nichols – The Faculty handbook online has an error in relation to promotion. The online version still says you can go up for full professor in the 6^th year, but the booklets say in the 7^th year.  It’s supposed to be the 7^th year, and the handbook was to be corrected.

Dan French – The College of Business will hold its First Annual Awards Luncheon next week. More awards have been created and parents are invited to attend.

Lynn Maurer– The College of Arts & Sciences will be holding a Student Awards Ceremony on May 3^rd.   

Derina Holtzhausen – Discussion held regarding students wanting to record conversations with faculty & chairs and how to handle this. Mr. Bennett Bartlett came to join the discussion.  In the State of Texas you do not have to inform someone that you are recording a conversation that you are a part of.  If you ask them not to record and they insist, you have the right to not partake in the conversation. Mr. Bartlett will investigate this issue further.  It was suggested to re-address in the fall with new faculty orientation, and then have Faculty Senate develop a policy.

VII. Adjourn 3:20pm