Administrative Council Meeting Minutes
February 16, 2009
Attendees: John Burns, Norman Hopper, Steve Fraze, Tom Thompson, Philip Gipson, Alon
Kvashny, Eduardo Segarra, Cindy Akers, Kevin Pond, Norman Martin, Jane Piercy
1. Dr. Burns reminded the Administrative Council of the DA Luncheon scheduled
today at 11:00 a.m. at the Merket Alumni Center.
Dr. Burns reported that at the recent SAC meeting President Bailey spoke about
college scholarships that have not been awarded, why were they not awarded, and
what is being done to acquire more scholarship applications.
Dr. Burns reported that Kambra Bolch has requested from each college a list of five
features that are special and unique that aid in marketing students into the college.
Listed below are unique features of CASNR that were discussed.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Faculty advising
Close ties with the local industries
48% of students are on scholarships
Number of outreach (extra involvement) opportunities for students
Development of life-long learners
Maintaining strong bonds with alumni
CASNR programs offer many career opportunities
Unique study abroad programs (new Peace Corps Program)
Dr. Burns is working with Norman Martin to possibly set up a sign in the foyer to
note the number of various championships awarded in CASNR.
Dr. Burns reported that Valerie Paton’s office has requested projections for
enrollment and graduation rates.
Dr. Burns reported the luncheon for the executive board of SALE that was held in
San Antonio last week was a success.
2. Dr. Akers distributed a schedule for the 2009 orientation sessions. It is important
that faculty are available during the sessions.
Dr. Akers reported that CASNR admits are up 4% and applications are up 14% for
the fall semester.
Dr. Akers reported that seven students attended the Growing Graduate event last
week. It was noted that an earlier time in the year for the event would be more
beneficial.
Dr. Akers reported the Fox Talk Show needs a representative for the month of
March. Dr. Philip Gipson volunteered for March. The talk show airs the first
Tuesday of each month.
3. Dr. Hopper reported that our office has not received information for the summer
budgets. Information may be distributed today or tomorrow.
Dr. Hopper reported that two internship program information sessions have been
held. Ten students attended and two applications were submitted. Only one
candidate has been selected at this time. Another information session will be
scheduled at the end of the month. Departments are asked to encourage students to
apply for the internships.
4. Dr. Burns distributed information on student credit hours. Dr. Burns mentioned
Governor Rick Perry’s proposal to freeze college tuition for four years at the rate an
entering freshman pays.
5. Jane reported that their office is working on an internal audit of thank you letters
from students to donors for scholarships. Jane also reported the Preston
scholarship endowment pledge is in the mail.
6. Dr. Thompson reported the new building planning is still underway and should be
finished in two or three weeks. The standard lab size will be 11’ X 30’. A mock lab
room was built for viewing to aid in the decision making process.
7. Dr. Pond announced Congressman Randy Neugebauer will be on campus today at
2:45 p.m. to recognize the various championship awards. The Meat Judging Team
will be recognized at Saturday’s game. Dr. Pond announced the Wool Judging Team
took champion and reserve champion honors January 17th at the National Western
Stock Show in Denver.
8. Dr. Fraze reported he has completed the LEAD²¹ Program. Two issues discussed
this past week at the meeting were budget cuts and Banner.
9. Dr. Gipson reported that Mark Wallace is working with NSF regarding animal use
and care issues at TTU.
10. Jane reminded the group to give any new information on former students, etc. to
their office to update their database.
Jane announced that Philip Sansone, President and Executive Director of Whole
Planet Foundation, will be on campus for Agricultural and Natural Resources
Awareness Week.