Executive Council Minutes
January 29, 2014
Present: Jeremy McMillen, Giles Brown, Jeanie Hardin, Lorie Lefevers, Gary
Paikowski, Regina Organ
Guests: Donna King, Andy MacPherson
Recorder: Shelle Cassell
Agenda Items
Financial Aid Default Management Update
Donna King shared information on a default management company that she learned about
through colleagues. Socle Education has a good reputation for positive results and being good to
work with in the prevention and collection of default student loans. The cost for their services is
considerably less (approximately one-third) than TG Higher Edge.
Action/Motion: The Council unanimously supported the motion by Giles Brown, second by
Jeanie Hardin, to go with Socle for the next year. Donna King will work with Socle
representatives on a contract for Giles Brown to consider.
Summer/Fall Registration Planning
Regina Organ asked about the timing of fall semester registration, tentatively set to begin March
3. There is considerable work that needs to take place to update the catalog and POISE following
curriculum changes before registration can start. The college is expected to learn if the new core
has been approved in late February. Discussion points were: the core curriculum changes
primarily effect new students; consider staggering registration start days, giving preference to
those with the most hours first (example: students with 45 cr hrs would be allowed to register
first, followed by those with 30 cr hrs, then 15 cr hrs, etc.); work directly with the estimated 400
financial aid students who are on an academic success plan so they have the flexibility to change
degree plans if desired; let new students begin registration after Spring Break to allow more time
to make the necessary changes.
Action/Motion: The Council agreed to keep registration as scheduled and give all new students
a copy of the proposed core curriculum, along with the disclaimer that if the core changes are
approved, we will notify students that need to change their schedule. Students would be asked to
sign that they had received this important degree plan information. Discussion on registration
details will continue.
Page 1 of 2
ERP Discussion
Gary Paikowski provided a quick overview of ERP systems that have been discussed. Members
felt this information was helpful, but it would be wise for campus representatives to visit other
campuses already using any system that is being seriously considered. The personal visit would
help departments understand the advantages and changes that would be involved in the switch.
Members were also reminded that SSBTN coach Dr. John Cooper cautioned the college about
implementing a new ERP while starting Achieving the Dream, because it is difficult to gather
data during the integration period.
Action/Motion: The Council will continue discussions.
Emergency Management Drill
Andy MacPherson shared information on the upcoming February 22 Active Shooter Drill.
Campus police will hold a small training session on Feb. 1, and Executive Council members
were asked to participate in separate training on Feb. 8, from 7:30 a.m. until noon. The goal of
the Feb. 8 training is for key Emergency Management team members to watch a police drill and
learn how and why they perform specific actions. The Feb. 22 drill will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a
safety meeting, then response team members will report to their office as if a regular work day.
As the drill unfolds it will test our ability to respond as well as our communication systems. At
the conclusion, all members will participate in a debriefing.
Action/Motion: Most Council members agreed to participate in the Feb. 8 training, and will be
on campus for the Feb. 22 drill.
Cost Savings Initiative
Giles Brown shared a draft proposal for a new “Super Star Saver” program that would recognize
employees for identifying cost-saving measures. He asked that members review the information
and be prepared to take action at the next meeting. It was suggested that the program also include
a category for ideas that generate revenue.
Action/Motion: No action at this time.
Announcements
•
Dr. McMillen reported that planning for the Tioga Early College High School is moving
forward.
Page 2 of 2