Administrative Council Meeting Minutes
October 4, 2010
Attendees: John Burns, Norman Hopper, Sukant Misra, Cindy Akers, Eduardo Segarra,
Steve Fraze, Philip Gipson, Tom Thompson, Kevin Pond, Alon Kvashny, Norman Martin
Guest: Dr. Bob Smith, Provost
1. Approval of September 20, 2010 Minutes
Minutes of the September 20, 2010 meeting were approved.
2. Dr. Bob Smith, Provost
Dr. Smith stated the leadership role in the College of Agricultural Sciences and
Natural Resources is a very important role. Dr. Smith stated that he would like the
Administrative Council to select a leader in the group and schedule a meeting to
compile a one-page list of bullet points that cover important factors for the dean
search. Some items to consider are:
a. How broad to make the search
b. Does he/she need to come from an agricultural background
c. Other characteristics to seek from a leader
d. Where do you feel the college is going
e. Budget challenges, in particular with RCM
f. Developing revenue.
Dr. Smith would like to meet with the Administrative Council in the next 10 days to
discuss the items. During this time the “make-up” of the search committee will be
discussed. Normally a dean from another college will chair the committee.
Committee members will include faculty, department chairs, staff, CASNR Advisory
Board members, and a member of the Board of Regents.
The question was asked about the timeline for the search. Provost Smith stated he
would like to have a committee in place by the end of the month. He would like to
have a new dean on board in July. If this is not feasible, an interim leader from the
Presidential Registry is an option, but he would prefer a permanent replacement.
Provost Smith is very optimistic about the search. He believes the Tier I race
challenge may attract candidates.
Tom Thompson volunteered to organize a meeting of the Administrative Council.
3. CIP Code Changing Process – Tom Thompson
Tom Thompson reported that after receiving the Plant and Soil Science department
CIP code list, three fourths of the courses were coded as agricultural courses. A list
of course changes was submitted to Gary Elbow. A strong argument was made to
change the course codes to secure science funding. It was noted that research,
thesis, and dissertation codes should be classified as science. Gary Elbow accepted
the suggestions and information was entered into the system.
Dr. Fraze reported that the Department of Agricultural Education and
Communications also submitted course code changes.
4. Other
Dr. Misra reported that he has questioned the inconsistency in the distribution of
formula funding and tuition revenue calculations. The current calculations for the
distribution of tuition revenues are on a 75% - 25% basis, with the enrolling college
receiving 25% credit and the teaching college receiving 75% credit. But the formula
funding distribution is simply based on weighted student credit hours with no
consideration for the enrolling college of a student. Dr. Misra reported that the RCM
Council has agreed to review the calculation process for distributing formula funds
among colleges.
Dr. Misra previously distributed a list of space that is assigned to each department.
A space analysis from each department is due today. Dr. Segarra stated the
departments need to make sure they look at the list very closely. The list includes
office space, closets, etc. Space may need to be reclassified or possibly swapped
internally. Dr. Thompson summarized some space-related issues facing PSS under
RCM. The summary includes underutilized space, space allocated to PSS that should
not be, space that should be vacated, and space that is being charged as classroom
space rather than support space. Dr. Misra noted two problems. The total cost for
space will not change. Reclassifications will be absorbed by others. We need to find
alternate uses for space to be more efficient. Dr. Pond reported issues involving
space classification at the Equestrian Center. Dr. Fraze reported that he has space
incorrectly classified as research lab space. The information Dr. Misra needs from
the departments regarding their space utilization report includes reclassification
needs, what the department has and how it is currently used. This information is
due to Dr. Misra by October 15, 2010.
Dr. Misra noted that CASNR should have a goal for reducing the subvention to
participation ratio as close to the College of Engineering as possible. Under RCM a
budget is distributed and you make it work. What kind of leeway do we have to
make cuts and be fair? We need to be sincere about our expenditures.
Dr. Pond announced that Dr. Sam Jackson’s mother passed away. The funeral will in
Stephenville, Texas on Tuesday, October 5th.
Dr. Misra asked the department chairs to be thinking about differential tuition. He
asked the department chairs to look at sister departments and see what they are
doing.