Executive Council Minutes
July 17, 2013
Present: Jeremy McMillen, Giles Brown, Jeanie Hardin, Lorie Lefevers, Gary
Paikowski
Absent: Roy Renfro
Recorder: Shelle Cassell
Agenda Items
Distribution of Emergency Radios
Giles Brown reported that emergency radios would be distributed to Executive Council members
to be used to communicate with each other and campus police in an emergency, especially when
cell phones and campus phone lines are down. Maintenance staff, CERT team leader(s), and
others will receive radios in the future. Andy MacPherson and officer Lorenzo Saavedra
provided basic instructions on using the radios, and requested that the units remain charged,
accessible, and ready for use at all times. The radios will be tested monthly.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
Discussion of Active Shooter Response
Giles Brown reported that he and Chief MacPherson have agreed that the campus will use the
“Run, Hide, Fight” axiom to help employees and students remember what to do in an active
shooter scenario. He explained that the desired response would be for those in the immediate
area to “run”, for those on campus but not in immediate vicinity should “hide” and that those
who are confronted should “fight”. Further, when emergency responders (mainly police officers)
present themselves on campus in response to an event, we will need to know how to respond to
them (primarily showing them the palms of our hands and not running). Training on how to
respond and direct students is forthcoming in a professional development session. He said that
the role of the faculty is essential (adding information to syllabi, reminding students at the
beginning of the semester, etc.). Other efforts to train employees include the making of a local
video, updating the classroom/office Emergency Guide, and the distribution of emergency cards
that could be attached to a lanyard with employee/student IDs. An Emergency Planning group is
meeting to develop and recommend procedures and additional training.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
2013-14 Budget Updates
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Giles Brown initiated a discussion on budget changes that have occurred after the Board’s
presentation in June. He shared details on adjustments to revenue and expense categories for
Testing Fees and Tuition/Fees, personnel/position updates, and the prevention training video for
Human Resources.
Action/Motion: The Council reached consensus on the items presented to balance the budget.
Students with 60 or More Credits
Dr. McMillen introduced a new law (effective Fall 2014) that sets the maximum number of hours
required for a degree to be the minimum number of hours required by our accrediting agency,
which is 60 cr. hrs. Members agreed that Health Science AAS degrees will be impacted the most.
Jeanie Hardin reported that some work to adjust degree plans was already in progress.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
Prior Learning Assessment
Dr. McMillen described a model that is currently being used by the Alamo District that awards
credit for presenting a portfolio of prior learning, not necessarily just credit for prior courses.
Members briefly discussed how to match the skills portrayed in portfolios with course and
program Learning Outcomes.
Action/Motion: The Council was intrigued with the idea, and asked that further information be
brought forward.
Technology Use in the Classrooms
Jeanie Hardin shared a request from Keri Harvey for an Apple TV and iPad for her classroom
and an additional 15 iPads for her students. The request triggered a larger discussion on the
direction of technology in the classroom. What is the desired plan for transition to more mobile
devices? Our current challenge in the classroom is the overload on wifi with students logging in
with multiple devices at once. Gary explained that Apple TV is being used in several classrooms,
but the long-term decision on whether Elmo and Smart Boards will continue to be used and/or
needed.
Action/Motion: Jeanie Hardin volunteered to survey instructional division employees for input
on a new technology plan. Gary Paikowski will look for alternatives to Apple TV that could
accommodate a variety of devices.
Summer Youth Program
Jeanie Hardin shared overview information from Gregg Miles and the CWL staff for offering a
summer youth program and reviving the College for Kids sessions. An advisory committee has
been formed to help design the programs that could be offered next summer.
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Action/Motion: No action necessary.
Returning to School Calendar
Jeanie Hardin distributed a calendar of activities that have been scheduled for the start of the new
semester. She is looking for a strong presenter who can speak on “motivating those who work
with the students of today.” The state of the college address will be held 8-9:30 a.m. on
Wednesday, August 21. Breakfast will begin at 7:20 a.m. and the Denison Chamber of
Commerce will present a welcome and door prizes from 7:30-7:55 a.m.
Action/Motion: Jeanie Hardin will finalize the calendar and distribute to all employees so they
will know of planned meetings and activities for August.
Instant Messaging for Student Assistance
Gary Paikowski announced that Instant Messaging will be available beginning Monday, July 22.
He said that the new service will be available in advising and at the help desk at first, but will
expand to other offices soon. The college has 10 licenses available for the software.
Action/Motion: No action necessary.
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