University of Northern Iowa
First-Year Council Meeting
Monday, September 20, 2010
3:15 p.m.
Gilchrist Hall 009 (lower level, across from Admissions)
Meeting Minutes
Attendees: April Chatham-Carpenter, Jon Buse, Kristin Woods, Melissa Payne, Anna
Kogl, Donna Vinton, Chris Neuhaus, Pierre-Damien Mvuyekure, Donna Vinton, Lyn
Countryman, Mike Licari, Deedee Heistad, Paul Shand, Linda Walsh, Dave Marchesani
Introduction of new members – The council welcomed Anna Kogl, Associate Professor
of Political Science as new member of the Council.
Updates from sub-committees
MAP-Works Implementation Committee – Drake Martin, chair of the MAP Works
implementation committee reported 68% of first year students had completed the
transition survey in week 1. First day completion was nearly 50%. Drake reported the
national average for transition survey response was 70% over the entire 3 week survey
period. Committee is pleased with response thus far. Committee has facilitated outside
training in early September for faculty and staff is continuing to develop additional
training for campus on the use of the tool. Drake explained primary direct connects are
now reaching out to students who are identified as “red.” At this point no students are
identified as double red (the highest concern level). Drake also explained efforts will
continue to expand direct connects into the academic and faculty ranks.
Cornerstone course – Lyn Countryman reported preliminary development of a syllabus
has commenced. Committee is challenged with the idea of blending academic inquiry
model with student life and transition topics. Council discussed faculty load and team
teaching classes with faculty and student affairs professionals. Council discussed idea of
incorporating the course in the revised LAC. 1st year council is represented on the LACRSC committee, and members will continue to promote the implementation of the
cornerstone concept into the proposed revision to the LAC.
Faculty development – Chris Neuhaus reported on sub-committee progress. The group
has developed 5 faculty development ideas (attached) and the Council was supportive of
moving forward on each of the items. Focus of this effort is on facilitating and enhancing
first year teaching as opposed to being perceived as overly directive of teaching methods.
Council discussed the importance of connecting faculty development initiatives with the
development of the Cornerstone proposal. Also, council discussed moving forward with a
first year website and having resources for faculty on that site.
Retention Council – Mike Licari provided an update on the development of the Retention
Council. Mike explained how the Retention Council is a direct result of the FOE review
and the recommendation to appoint a leadership team to oversee improvements in
graduation rates and retention. There are specific expectations now stated in the Board of
Regents Strategic Plan to improve graduation rates for ethnic minority students that will
be used as success measures. Handout describing the Retention Council’s goals,
membership, and timeline was distributed (attached). Retention council will review
policies, procedures, and programs affecting student success and will develop plan for
improvement.
Transfer Foundations of Excellence – tabled to next meeting
Learning outcomes – where and when outcomes are achieved and assessment – April
distributed revised list of learning outcomes to the Council (attached) and asked Council
to review the “touch points” section of the spread sheet and report any additions and/or
changes to Donna within a week. Council will discuss this document in greater detail at
our next meeting.
Next meeting – October 4 at 3:15 p.m. Gilchrist 009
Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.