Administrative Council Meeting Minutes
September 20, 2010
Attendees: John Burns, Norman Hopper, Sukant Misra, Cindy Akers, Eduardo Segarra,
Steve Fraze, Philip Gipson, Tom Thompson, Leslie Thompson, Kevin Pond, Charles Klein
(for Alon Kvashny), Jane Piercy
Dr. Burns reported the Budget Working Group met last week and discussed the
possibility of implementing differential tuition for several colleges on campus to
enhance revenue. The colleges mentioned were the College of Engineering, Rawls
College of Business, and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Under this plan tuition could be increased for certain colleges. Fees would not be
listed on the statements, only tuition.
Dr. Segarra stated a study was done in the past regarding differential tuition. The
study was outsourced and copies were not made available. At the time, the Provost
Office kept a copy of the report. Dr. Burns will follow up with Dr. Marcy.
Dr. Burns stated that departments should not build up fund balances in fee accounts.
The balances need to be used on courses.
Dr. Burns stated that we need to find ways to increase enrollment numbers in
summer school.
1. Approval of August 2, 2010 Minutes
Minutes of the August 2, 2010 meeting were approved.
2. Course Approval Form – Norman Hopper
Dr. Hopper reported the Graduate School will return Course Approval Forms if the
old forms are used. The new form is online. Also, be sure the name is printed under
the signature line. If the forms are returned, it can cause up to a 30 day delay in the
process.
3. How can we efficiently obtain input from the CASNR Advisory Board members? –
Philip Gipson and 4. Follow-Up Actions to Faculty Retreat on RCM – Sukant Misra
[These two items overlap and will be discussed together.]
Discussion began regarding submitting action items to the board. Dr. Misra added
that action on identifying correct measures to implement RCM is also needed. Dr.
Misra also mentioned the action items discussed at the recent Administrative
Council Retreat. Action items discussed at the retreat were 1) marketing and
communication, 2) recruitment, 3) program offerings, 4) increase research revenue,
5) international recruitment and programs, and 6) alignment of the university and
college strategic plans. The process needs to include a structured plan, individuals
to take charge, and have the college committees involved. Some of the college
committees have met, with Dr. Burns giving the charge. Those committees who
have not met need to do so as soon as possible. The Advisory Board would be a
great help with fund raising and recruitment. The question was raised if we should
have ad hoc committees. Specific charges are needed, along with benchmarks for
specific goals. The college committees and Advisory Board need to be included.
The college does not have a standing committee for space utilization. We need an ad
hoc committee to address this item. We need to identify the space we have, how we
are utilizing it, and eliminate the space we do not use. For example, there is space
in the basement of the Agricultural Sciences Building normally used by the
Department of Plant and Soil Science that cannot be used because of the constraints
regarding handicap accessibility and the use of compressed gas. Each department
needs to analyze their space. It is possible space could be reclassified. We may need
to reconfigure space, but we need to look at our existing space, see how it is utilized
and if it can be eliminated. The consensus is the departments will assess their space
utilization first. Dr. Misra will provide a list to each department of space that is
assigned to each department. The departments will submit the analysis of their
space at the next Administrative Council meeting, which is on Monday, October 4th.
The suggestion was made to have an ad hoc committee for fund raising. All of the
Advisory Board members should be involved. Jane will take the lead on this
committee and try to have a meeting scheduled within the next four weeks. Cindy
will take the lead for involving the Advisory Board with the activities of the existing
Recruitment, Retention & Career Development committee.
Dr. Pond suggested involving advisory board members for legislative affairs. The
dean’s office will take the lead for this. Dr. Burns will be contacting the Advisory
Board members regarding their involvement with the committees.
5. CASNR Performance Valuation – Eduardo Segarra
Dr. Segarra distributed via email a CASNR performance valuation estimate he put
together which addresses the value of CASNR’s programs in light of the RCM
analysis. Also distributed via email were articles on the value of education and
research valuation, and an article from The Progressive Farmer.
6. Other
Dr. Segarra addressed the college awards process. Overall a good job has been done,
but he would like to see the selection process changed. The suggestion was made to
have the six department chairs vote, but they would not be able to vote for their
department nominee.
Dr. Misra distributed a memo from the VP for Research to the department chairs
regarding FY12 congressionally directed project requests. The memo includes
instructions regarding the process for the requests. The departments are asked to
send their requests to Dr. Misra electronically by October 1, 2010.
Jane reported they are working on the brochure for the Pig Roast. Jane asked the
department chairs to review their departmental scholarships. If there are
scholarships that have not been awarded, they need to be awarded to someone else.
Also, Jane noted there is not enough time to include the alumnus award at the Pig
Roast. The award will be highlighted at the Distinguished Alumnus Award Dinner.
Jane gave a brief report of the Capital Campaign Celebration that was held on Friday
night at the United Spirit Arena. Also, Jane reminded the members of the Capital
Campaign Kickoff Celebration that will be held at the Allen Theater today.
Dr. Pond encouraged departments to contact our college development office to
review their departmental scholarships. They have a lot of helpful information.
Cindy Akers distributed the CASNR Student Services Center August report and
upcoming activities for the month of September. Cindy reported the new T-shirt
sales have been very good. They still have planners to sell, which will probably be
discounted. She reported they will have final enrollment numbers next week.
Tom Thompson reported they will be starting the interview process soon to replace
Craig Bednarz.
Phil Gipson reported they are working on the permission letter to start the
interview process for Sandra Rideout-Hanzak’s replacement.
Dr. Fraze reported there are outside institutions with vacancies that are targeting
faculty in their department.
Dr. Pond reported they will have three candidates scheduled for interviews for the
equine position. They hope to narrow the candidates for the swine biology position.
Dr. Pond reported the areas have changed in the commuter lots near the AFS
Building during football season. Thirty spaces have been given to AFS. These spaces
are used along with the newly acquired RV for alumni during the games. AFS has
also purchased club seats in the new area of Jones Stadium. These venues provide a
great opportunity to interact with alumni and donors.