Deans Council Meeting
Boardroom, BA 290
September 9, 2008

Attendance: President Dan Jones, Dr. Mary Hendrix, Dr. Sharon Johnson, Dr. Hal Langford, Dr. Brent Mangus, Dr. David Crenshaw, Dr. Allan Headley, Dr. Deborrah Hebert and Stephanie Holley. Minutes taken and submitted by Cynthia Rhodes.

Texas Bookstore Company – Ms. Stacey Dyer and Ms. Lisa Richardson, Texas Bookstore Company representatives, presented information regarding the textbook process and updates on current publisher trends, digital delivery, pricing schemes, and the bookstore process as it relates to faculty. Their presentation stressed how faculty play a critical role in the process and how important it is that faculty submit their textbook adoptions the day after the course schedule is published. Faculty can submit their adoptions online. As soon as faculty submit their adoptions, the bookstore can go online with available books so students can begin ordering their books. When adoptions are received late, the students are the ones that suffer as the bookstore can not buy back textbooks from previous students and new textbooks may not be in stock by the first class day. Faculty are encouraged to only switch to newer editions when absolutely necessary. The Texas Bookstore Company is available to meet with faculty (either groups or individual) to show them how to submit their adoptions.

Dean Holley said she would like to incorporate information about the bookstore and ordering textbooks online into the student orientation information.

University College - President Jones announced his commitment to the feasibility of a University College. The concept of a University College would bring students together grouped by their interests. (i.e. academic, sports, etc.,) Programs such as Study Abroad and International Student Services would be readily available to students in the College. Consideration should be given to block scheduling and housing. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the University Community Update on Thursday, September 18, at which time they will be provided an opportunity to provide input.

Residence Life – Following a presentation the Residence Life Master Plan, the decision has been made to improve the condition of the residence halls. Short-term goals include cosmetic improvements such as painting and minor repairs. Long- term plans include possible renovation and remodeling for more extensive work.

Internal/External Employment – Faculty and staff should obtain approval for ALL employment outside of their normal work assignment. Approval must be given at all levels from the Department to the President. The President will have the final approval on all requests. The University must remain consistent with System Regulation 33.99.07 - “Internal Faculty Consulting and Professional Services”. Dr. Jones plans to discuss this issue with Human Resources to determine if an instrument could be developed to document internal employment activities and their payments. 

Four Day Class Week – The University is considering a four-day week for students. An online survey will be released this Thursday asking students for their input regarding various scheduling options, as well as, their interest in a weekend college and other needed services. The target date for completion of schedules for review by students is October 6th so that registration can begin October 13th. Faculty will also be provided an opportunity to provide input via a separate survey.

Pride Promise Campaign – The Provost announced plans to implement a  program for students whose household income is less than $30,000. Funding will be provided to students for tuition and mandatory fees.

Criminal History Background Review – The University considers all employment positions to be security sensitive and criminal background checks are conducted on all employees. Although background checks are performed on all new employees, a criminal history record check can be performed periodically on any or all existing employee.

Proposed Orientation Dates – (Proposed Orientation Dates for 2009) – Dean Holley presented a list of dates being proposed for 2009 new student orientation sessions. Deans requested they be given time to review the dates and agreed to get back with Dean Holley regarding their input.

Enrollment - (Enrollment Report) – Dean Holley presented enrollment statistics reports for fall 2008 enrollment through Monday, Sept 8th, compared to this same time last year. We are currently down in head count, but there is an increase in our certified numbers. There are 65 students on the drop list for non-payment. Enrollment and Bursar’s staff are contacting the students. The Deans will receive the drop list today and are encouraged to forward it to whomever they deem appropriate (i.e. department head, faculty). Dean Holley shared the web link and new Mane Event postcard which is scheduled for October 11.  http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/home/special/ManeEvent/

Enrollment and Retention Task Force Committee – President Jones will soon be issuing a charge to the newly formed Enrollment and Retention Task Force Committee which will be chaired by Dr. Sharon Johnson. The committee will look at ways to increase enrollment and retain students through the graduation process.

Student Organization Accounts – Some student organization accounts are currently located off campus; however, procedures will be established and all student organization accounts will be brought under the auspices of the University.

University Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures – Dr. Hebert expressed concern that current policy did not address undergraduate students. Dr. Hebert asked Deans Council to review the policy and see if a policy needs to be developed for undergraduate students. Due to the shortness of time,  Deans agreed to look at the policy and provide their input to Dr. Hebert via email.