Alabama Council of Graduate Deans

ACHE REPRESENTATIVE

Brenda Carter

THURSDAY MORNING, APRIL 24, 2003

9:00- 10:00 A.M. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The meeting commenced at 9:00 a.m. Around-the-table introductions were made and Gordon Stone of the Higher Education Partnership was introduced. Mr. Stone provided an overview of the Partnership focusing on the important role that his organization plays. After meeting with us today, he will be attending a meeting with the Governor and four university presidents. Important discussions are being initiated concerning the generation of tax revenue. Mr. Stone stated that Governor Riley made contact with him even prior to his election and is working closely with the Partnership. The Partnership’s major plans at this time are to hire the best lobbyists and PR people. The goal of the Partnership is to be the voice of higher education. Mr. Stone asked that we all think about how we can make a difference. One issue of concern is that although a large majority of Alabamians support higher education, a lack of understanding exists that money is needed by higher education as much as it is needed by K-12. On the positive side, businesses are currently becoming actively engaged and there are over 7,000 students on the Partnership mailing list. Numerous SGAs are involved with the Partnership.

10:15-11:45 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ISSUES PANEL DISCUSSION

Ms. Brenda Hinson, Manager of International Students Services from the University of South Alabama, provided an overview of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). All new student regulations were initiated in December, 2002. At this time, all universities should be utilizing SEVIS or awaiting a site visit. Things have become increasingly complicated since September 11. Only students showing proof of job offers on campus can apply for social security cards and students cannot begin working until their cards are received. Graduate students who get dismissed must become degree seeking undergraduate students to retain their status. They have only 60 days to find a new program. Additionally, they can take only one Distance Learning Class per semester. It was also questioned as to whether graduate students should be given two or three years to complete their graduate programs. Reports must be prepared on each student each semester with both registration and graduation data indicated.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON, APRIL 24, 2003

1:30-3:00 ROUND TABLE SESSIONS

The first round table issue concerned the new program moratorium suggested by Commissioner Roland Pugh. With the Commissioners suggesting that all programs proposed appear to be accepted, it is believed that the commissioners do not understand that many programs get pulled before they reach the Commissioners. It was suggested that perhaps information could be provided to the commissioners on the number of NISPS and proposals that are rejected. This may emphasize that NISPS are taken seriously as pre-proposals and may prevent the development of full proposals. Another suggestion was that a category be added to the proposal to show how the degree would make an economic impact.

An observation was made that universities must be flexible enough to respond to the changing environment. A moratorium would prevent this flexibility from occurring, perhaps alienating new businesses considering relocation to Alabama. Further discussion ensued concerning the possible moratorium. It was stated that although a moratorium was not supported, perhaps stricter controls could be instituted, consequently responding to the concern of unnecessary programs being developed. It was further stated that Roland Pugh placed high stakes in program collaborations such as shared and joint programs.

It was stated that all graduate education show a link to economic development. It was suggested that a literature review would be helpful in tracing the impact moratoriums have had on other institutions. It was also suggested that senior officers meet with the Commissioners to discuss the proposed moratorium.

One last issue briefly discussed was that of the role of the graduate dean in tenure and promotion decisions. It was stated that no deans have a completely active role. Some deans stated having the ability to submit comments to the provost.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 a.m.

FRIDAY MORNING, APRIL 25, 2003 (MINUTES COURTESY OF GORDON EMSLIE)

THE FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN ALABAMA

Members present:

Barron (TSU), Carr (JSU), Emslie (UAH), Harrison (UA), Howard (Montevallo), Katz (AUM), McFarland (AU), Pugliese (JSU), Reddy (AAMU), Roberson (Montevallo), Rogers (UA), Schmidt (UA), Wilkins(UWA)

Visitors: B. Carter (ACHE)

8:55 Brenda Carter, ACHE Report

Ms. Carter reported that today is Dr. Kitty Collier's last day on the ACHE staff. The Executive Director, Dr. Mike Malone, will likely wait until at least July 1 before considering additional positions.

In the meantime, Ms. Carter will continue to report to Tim Vick and will continue to act on new program review and off-campus review. She will also assume responsibility for post-implementation review (but not viability).

In response to a request from the Commission, the Attorney General has ruled, in response to a request from the Commission, that post-implementation conditions can be enforced even if they are more stringent than viability levels. The Council suggested that ACHE come up with acceptable graduation rates over the five-year post-implementation period (possibly including zeroes in the first few "startup" years) for consideration in post-implementation review. ACHE staff will automatically reduce proposed rates by 25% before presentation to commission. It was also pointed out that the date of actual implementation (depending on time of year approval is given; possible necessity for further action by Trustees) may not coincide with date of ACHE approval.

9:40 Meeting was recessed for 10 minutes

9:50 Business Meeting

There being 9 voting members present, a quorum was determined.

Dr. Bill Carr, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, presented a slate of candidates for the Executive Board for the 2003-04 year:

Dianne Barron, Troy State University, Immediate Past Chair

Stephen McFarland, Auburn University, Chair

Terry Roberson, Montevallo University, Chair-Elect

Annette Allen, Alabama State University, Secretary

Joe Wilkins, University of West Alabama, Treasurer

Pat Harrison, University of Alabama, Member-at-Large

Gordon Emslie, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Communication Officer

This slate was moved, seconded, and approved by accalamation.

A presentation to Dr. Barron in recognition of her services to the Council was made by Dr. McFarland.

The treasurer's report was presented and approved. It was resolved to hold the 2004 Retreat at the Island House, Gulf Shores, during the mid-April time period.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m.