Executive Council Minutes
August 8, 2012
Present: Jeremy McMillen, Giles Brown, Brandy Fair, Jeanie Hardin, Gary
Paikowski, Marc Payne
Absent: Roy Renfro
Recorder: Shelle Cassell
Agenda Items
Financial Aid Receptionist Replacements
Marc Payne requested approval to replace the Financial Aid Receptionist positions (one
full-time and one temporary full-time) created by the move of Betsy Burton to
Admissions and Jamie Wagoner to Arts and Communications. He also requested that the
temporary position be made into a permanent position, which could potentially save
dollars (versus continuing to use a personnel agency).
Action/Motion: Council members agreed to replace the two Financial Aid Receptionist
positions with full-time personnel at the current level (C). Giles Brown will make the
necessary budget adjustments for 2012-2013.
Emergency Notification Update
Gary Paikowski and Marc Payne reported that after reviewing several alternative systems
for mass communication with students, Blackboard had the most advantages. When
implemented early this Fall semester, students will receive emergency notifications by
text message. The system also allows messaging to students by faculty and selected
offices (Business Office, Financial Aid, etc.). Students cannot opt out of the emergency
messaging, but can opt-out of the other. The system integrates with the classroom
Blackboard, which will allow professors to text grades, etc. to students as they are entered
into the system. Council members would like a comprehensive roll out of the new system;
informing employees about the new opportunities and providing training on its use. The
status of Campus sirens was also discussed. Campus police is working with vendors to
make the current system operable and to get pricing for an additional siren for the west
side of campus. Options for speakers and/or sirens for the South Campus will be included
in the pricing. Sirens are designed to be an alert system for persons outside of campus
buildings.
Action/Motion: Giles Brown will make the necessary budget amendments to implement
the Blackboard messaging system for the current year and for the 2012-13 year. Gary
Paikowski will ask the E-Learning staff to work on employee training sessions. Council
members will discuss the best way to address campus sirens after costs can be
determined.
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HB 3025 Clarification
Marc Payne asked that the college delay implementation of the Reverse Transfer
agreements until clarification could be attained on the state’s interpretation of HB 3025.
Consensus among the Council was to continue working on a general MOU that could be
updated as needed to address state issues. Additional discussion focused on the need to
develop common language that could be used in publications describing the process for
Reverse Transfer and the awarding of those degrees.
Action/Motion: Jeanie Hardin will task the Interdepartmental Committee with
developing common language and identifying the publications that should carry the
message.
Enrollment Update
Marc Payne reported that applications are down 8% and headcount is down 344 students
(to date); however, the proposed budget was based on a 10% drop. He reported that 484
students were purged for non-payment. Marc said his next report would include data such
as the number of new students and the number persisting students.
In a related discussion, Jeanie Hardin said that the higher-level Culinary Arts classes have
low enrollment, which will make it difficult to operate the student-run restaurant.
Students use the restaurant for their required clinical experience. Off-site placement of
these students was explored but there were no good alternatives. Jeanie said that revenue
from the meals served could help fund a few essential part-time positions needed to run
the restaurant. Members agreed to subsidize the part-time help for this year to grow and
sustain the program. Jeanie, Rusty Weatherly, Steve Davis and Joanna Bryant will
continue to look for options.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
State of the College
Dr. McMillen asked for input on the topics to introduce at the August 22 State of the
College meeting. He asked members to provide him with a list of significant issues that
should be presented.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
Replacement for Barbara Roland as Female Ombudsman
With the resignation of Barbara Roland, the College needs to name a new female
ombudsman.
Action/Motion: Members will review policy and make nominations before meeting next
week.
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EDA Grant Update
Dr. McMillen announced that the EDA grant letter arrived and the timeline has been reset
for another five years. Giles Brown said he would see what, if anything, is required to restart the grant again while others will confirm the programming opportunities and
options.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
Meningitis Immunizations
There are currently 370 students who do not comply with the Meningitis immunization
requirement. Those students will be receiving notices to comply and informed of the
immunization clinic scheduled for August 17, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The fee is $90.
Members agreed it was important to make every effort to get students to comply and to
drop those who do not. The waiver forms will be made readily available to students on
the website and at the advising and admissions desks. Marc Payne said that from today
forward students would not be released for registration until they comply.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
Announcements
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TAPS Services for Athletics and Other Opportunities – Dr. McMillen has asked
TAPS to provide a proposal to provide drivers and/or transportation for athletic
travel. In addition, TAPS has submitted a grant to purchase a simulator that allows
training for unique driver scenarios, and will make that training available to the
college.
Campus Involvement – Dr. McMillen shared some ideas on increasing
involvement and participation in campus activities. The ideas would encourage
employee and student/student organization participation.
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