Executive Council Minutes
September 11, 2013
Present: Jeremy McMillen, Giles Brown, Jeanie Hardin, Lorie Lefevers, Gary
Paikowski, Regina Organ
Recorder: Shelle Cassell
Agenda Items
Policy EE (Local)
Dr. McMillen shared proposed edits to EE (Local) (Curriculum Development) that incorporate
the Substantive Change processes that Debbie Smarr outlined last week. The expanded policy
includes details on communicating and reporting substantive changes.
Action/Motion: The Council unanimously approved the edits as presented upon a motion by
Lorie Lefevers, second by Giles Brown. The updated policy will be presented to the Board for
consideration and, if approved, will become effective immediately. Jeanie Hardin, Jake McBee
and Debbie Smarr will familiarize the department chairs and directors with the new processes
and tracking forms.
Policy BGC (Local)
Jeanie Hardin presented edits to BGC (Local) (Administrative Organization Plan – Faculty
Senate and Councils) for consideration. The recommended changes include updating titles of
personnel and departments, and cleaning up committee membership listings. Members helped
identify title changes.
Action/Motion: The Council unanimously approved the motion by Jeanie Hardin, second by
Giles Brown, to accept the edits as presented and discussed. Jeanie Hardin will finalize the edits
and provide a copy to Linda Blount for inclusion in the Board materials today. Dr. McMillen will
ask the Board to consider approval of the policy edits.
Blackboard Renewal / New LMS Exploration
Gary Paikowski reported that it is time to decide on the length of the renewal contract with
Blackboard. There are some discounts for longer renewal, but he said they were not significant.
Dr. McMillen suggested it would be a good time to explore other Learning Management Systems
that are available, just to see if there are significant features and/or cost savings. Jeanie Hardin
said that she had asked a few faculty for informal feedback on the idea of a new LMS, and most
were happy with Blackboard, especially the new version. They did point out that many of our
adjuncts come to us already familiar with Blackboard, which helps them acclimate to GC
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quicker. As the discussion progressed, the group was leaning toward a two year renewal, which
would allow time to learn about alternative LMS.
Action/Motion: Dr. McMillen and Gary Paikowski will decide on the renewal terms and
execute the contract accordingly. Dr. McMillen will contact Jake McBee to get feedback from
the E-Learning Committee on a LMS strategy.
Custodial Replacement & New Position
Giles Brown requested permission to replace an open custodian position that has become vacant
through a resignation. He also requested approval to begin a search for the new custodian
position for the South Campus (approved in new budget to assist with the Technology Center).
Action/Motion: The Council unanimously approved the motion by Giles Brown, second by
Lorie Lefevers, to replace the custodian vacancy and to fill the new custodian position for the
South Campus.
Key Inventory and Distribution
Giles Brown reported that the process to inventory building keys has been completed. To
maintain those records the Human Resources office will be the control point for keys. An online
form will be used for requests. He reminded members that Master Key requests must be
approved by the President.
Action/Motion: The Council unanimously approved the motion by Regina Organ, second by
Lorie Lefevers, to accept the key inventory and distribution process as outlined by Giles Brown.
Giles will send an email to inform employees of the process.
Employee Benefits Discussion (continued)
Dr. McMillen shared data on tuition benefits available at other colleges along with a history of
Grayson College discussions on the topic, and suggested that tuition reimbursement and/or
support allocation be considered in the 2014-15 budget. Members briefly discussed options on
how tuition waivers and/or reimbursement might work. Regina Organ offered ideas on how this
worked at her former college.
Action/Motion: Dr. McMillen asked Giles to consider the salary schedule issues/impact, to
review the logistics and cost of offering tuition reimbursement or support for classes taken at
other colleges and universities, and to research our current policy to determine if there are limits
to the number of hours/classes that can be tuition-free.
SSBTN Agenda for September
Jeanie Hardin shared the schedule of meetings with Dr. John Cooper. She will notify those who
need to attend the various meetings of the times and locations. She asked that the vice presidents
invite appropriate representatives from their area(s) to attend.
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Action/Motion: No action necessary.
Announcements
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Dr. McMillen reminded members that a team of five will be attending the “Success
Summit” in The Woodlands on September 23 and 24. Travel arrangements are being
finalized.
Dr. McMillen reminded members that the monthly Board of Trustees meeting will be on
Monday, Sept. 16. Dr. John Cooper will share information on Achieving the Dream.
Future Agenda Items:
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A review of comp time practices
Policies related to “electioneering”, “free speech designated areas” and recommending a
campus site for election voting.
Salary scale discussion
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