Revised Routing Form for ALL University Proposals click here to access form – Dr. Allan Headley reviewed a proposed one-page form and indicated that a separate form may be needed for budget. He further explained that the classification of proposals as “research” or “training,” for example has formerly been designated by staff in Financial Services. Henceforth, it will be up to deans, vps and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research to determine the proposal classification. Deans voted unanimously to adopt the form.

Weighting Headship Release Time for Administration (Attachment) - Joyce Scott shared information from other public campuses about strategies for weighting release time for administration
at the department level. One issue of concern is the expense of summer administration in relation to the Summer Session budget.

Orientation Update – Mary Hendrix reported that there will be two orientations this spring, January 13 for incoming transfer students and January 14 for freshmen. In addition, an on-line module will be available from December 15 for who cannot get to campus. She stressed how important it will be for faculty to be on hand January 13-14 and at Orientations to meet and help walk-ins. For each of the Orientations, each department needs someone on hand who can open new sections as needed.

Minority and Women Doctorates Guides – Joyce Scott circulated the two volumes of this guide and invited deans and department heads to use the guide in seeking to diversify candidate pools. The guides will be available at the Provost’s Office.

Class Scheduling for Summer 2005 – Joyce Scott reviewed with Deans the use of Ad Astra software for scheduling classes, saying it would be used on an experimental basis to schedule classes for Summer Session and then for fall.

Three-peat Surcharge (Attachment) – Joyce Scott reported that there were at least 60 students who would be taking a course for the third time and would therefore be subject to a surcharge. The President has offered to cover half the cost for the spring as we implement this legislative mandate.

Space Utilization Analysis – Mary Hendrix briefed the deans on A&M-C’s consistent failure to meet Coordinating Board guidelines for space utilization on the campus. Optimum use is judged to be 38 hours per week for a classroom and 25 hours per week for a lab. To improve our use ratio, we would need to take one-third of classrooms out of service. Vacated space could be used for offices or other functions. Further study will be required but A&M-C ranks near the bottom of ratings, so the campus should anticipate some changes.

Summer Camp/Conference Coordinator – Joyce Scott briefed deans on a possible staff position to support conferences, institutes and summer camps. Deans offered input. A position description will be circulated.

SAC’s Requirements – Mary Hendrix indicated there would be a campus meeting on January 20 to review SAC’s status. There are three supplementary recommendations, but we have nothing in writing. Biggest concerns lie with computer literacy and assessment of learning outcomes.