ALABAMA COUNCIL OF GRADUATE DEANS

Minutes of the November 6, 2002 Council Meeting

Hill University Center, UAH

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Dr. Annette Allen,  Dr. Julia Austin, Dr. Dianne Barron, Dr. William Carr, Dr. Gordon Emslie, Dr. Judd A. Katz, Dr. Esther Lee,  Dr. Stephen L. McFarland,  Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dr. Terry Roberson, Dr. John Schmitt,  Dr. Tara Sudderth, Dr. Joe Wilkins

ACHE REPRESENTATIVE

 Ms. Brenda Carter

APPROVAL OF JULY 31, 2002 MEETING MINUTES

The minutes were approved as written.

CHAIR’S REMARKS

Dr. Dianne Barron thanked Dr. Gordon Emslie for his leadership over the past year and for his excellent presentation to the meeting of Chief Academic Officers on October 3, 2002.  The presentation was well received by the group.  Dr. Barron then thanked all of the past officers for serving; Dr. John Pritchett as Past Chair, Dr. Annette Allen as Secretary, Dr. Joe Wilkins as Treasurer and Dr. Terry Roberson as Member-At-Large.  She then introduced this year’s officers; Dr. Stephen McFarland as Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect, Dr. Gordon Emslie as Immediate Past Chair and Communications Officer, Dr. Annette Allen as Secretary, Dr. Joe Wilkins as Treasurer and Dr. Ronald Rogers as member-at-large.

DIRECTORY/WEBSITE UPDATE

Dr. Emslie asked us to look over the directory and website and to inform him of any necessary changes.  Dr. Chandra Reddy requested that Dr. Emslie place his presentation to the Chief Academic Officers on the website for everyone’s perusal. 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Dr. Joe Wilkins stated that the balance on hand as of July 31, 2002 was $6,348.07.  Receipts were $800.00 and disbursements, $972.95 leaving the ending balance on November 6, 2002 of $6,175.12. Dr. Wilkins stated that he has received 60% of membership dues at this time.  He requested that any universities not receiving statements to contact him as soon as possible.  Dr. Wilkins stated that the Executive Council had approved the contract for the Island House Hotel for our Spring, 2003 Retreat and he would be mailing it shortly. He would be distributing additional information on the Retreat at a later date.

ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY: PHASE TWO

Mr. Roy Roberson’s retirement was effective October 1, 2002.  A discussion ensued concerning what impact this would have on the proposed 16 page Economic Impact Study document that is in the formative stage. It is lacking the student sketches and pictures.  At this time the decision must be made as to whether to complete this study, publish it in printed form or place it on a website. 

The original study was divided into three steps.  The first step was to develop the  research study and produce a detailed document.  The results of this study are currently available on the ACHE website.  The second step involved producing a four page glossy brochure that has since been completed and distributed to all universities. The third step, now being referred to as Phase 2 involves developing a 16 page glossy brochure with pictures and stories about students and alumni.  

It is uncertain whether producing the 16 page brochure would be cost effective.  It was suggested that rather than producing another printed document, a compromise might be to place the document on the website.  It was further stated that the four page glossy brochure appears to be adequate for our purposes and a 16 page glossy brochure probably would not be cost efficient.  Some suggestions were shared concerning distribution of the four page glossy brochure including; distributing it to mayors, businesses, members of boards of trustees, graduate faculty members, legislators, and perspective graduate students. 

The decision was made to concentrate on the four page brochure and to update it on a regular basis.  It was determined that neither the cost nor level of difficulty would be prohibitive to prevent regular updates.  Dr. McFarland made the motion that we should update the four page brochure in 2004. Dr. Wilkins seconded the motion and it was approved.  Dr. Bill Carr suggested that we should probably determine what the impact of the brochure is prior to determining whether it should be updated.  Further discussion considered whether the ACGD’s website should be “jazzed up” and made public.  The Council decided to use the website for Council business as it is currently used.   

SUMMARY OF MEETING WITH DR. MALONE

A brief summary was given of the meeting between the ACGD’s Executive Committee and ACHE Executive Director Dr. Mike Malone on September 3, 2002.  One topic in particular that has been acted on is the formation of a Distance Learning committee.  This committee will focus on how data is collected on distance learning courses at each campus.  Concerns were also shared with Dr. Malone concerning the fact that Graduate Deans frequently do not receive NISPS and may not learn about proposed programs until proposals arrive. The solution was that NISPS are now electronically available on the website. 

AGENDA FOR SPRING 2003 RETREAT

Some ideas for topics and guest speakers were discussed.  It was suggested that someone be invited to once again discuss the international student issue.  Suggestions were made to invite Mr. Gordon Stone as well as Dr. Michael Malone to address the group.  Dr. Carr suggested that at least 30 minutes could be spent discussing how universities are distributing the four-page pamphlets.    

ACHE REPORT

• ACHE’S FIVE YEAR PLAN

Committees have been meeting but it will be some time before a document is finalized.  Dr. Richardson has been present at the meetings and has presented his goals to the body.  It is hoped that the organizations will dovetail with each other.   One complaint that was issued involved the fact that many of the members of the Five Year Planning Committee are from Institutional Research offices rather than from academic areas.  Some discussion ensued concerning misconceptions about the planning process.  No final results have emerged from the committees or subcommittees.  Various speakers have come in and although anecdotal comments have arisen from these discussions, no reports have yet emerged.  No determination has been made as to where the document will go from here.  The Council of Presidents will receive the document and vote on it. 

• GENERAL REPORT

Ms. Brenda Carter stated that three NISPS have come forward and will be placed on the website.  It was determined that two of the NISPS have not yet been distributed.  She stated that the next Commission meeting will be held on December 13 at Shelton State. 

OTHER

A proposed amendment to the form Proposal for a New Graduate Degree Program was distributed and some changes made to the wording in Part B, Program Objectives and Content.  Problems have arisen previously due to lack of clarity concerning the type of graduate program being reviewed.  New wording has been proposed to signal reviewers concerning peculiarities or differences to be aware of in particular programs. It is proposed that a change be made to the first statement in category B to help clarify the type of program being reviewed.  The old wording was as follows:  “List all the objectives of the program as precisely as possible.  The objectives should address specific needs the program will meet (institutional and societal) and expected student learning outcomes and achievements.  This is an extremely important part of the proposal.  The objectives should lend themselves to subsequent review and assessment of program accomplishments.”  The new wording will read:  “To facilitate review of the proposal, please classify the degree program (eg. Post Baccalaureate Masters, Research Doctorate, Applied Doctorate or other.)  If desired, please elaborate in a short paragraph.”

The amendment was approved.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted by,

Annette Marie Allen