Administrative Council Meeting Minutes
November 1, 2010
Attendees: John Burns, Sukant Misra, Cindy Akers, Eduardo Segarra, Steve Fraze, Philip
Gipson, Alon Kvashny, Kevin Pond, Peter Dotray (for Tom Thompson), Jane Piercy, Norman
Martin
1. Approval of October 18, 2010 Minutes
Minutes of the October 18, 2010 meeting were approved.
2. Proposed F&A Return
Dr. Misra reported that the Office of the Vice President for Research has proposed to
return 30% of F&A rather than 50%. After RCM is implemented, all of F&A should
be returned. The general consensus of the university deans is not positive about the
changes, especially after the budget year has started. A meeting of the deans will be
scheduled in the near future to discuss the proposed changes further. A suggestion
has been made for the university dean’s offices to keep a percentage of the returns
in the dean’s office rather than distributing all of the returns to departments.
3. LEAD²¹ Program
Dr. Burns announced the deadline for applications to the program is November 30th.
The cost of the program is now $9,000. The dean’s office will not be able to
contribute any supporting funds this year. If the departments have any interest in
the program this year, they need to be aware that they will have to provide all of the
funding. Dr. Burns asked the department chairs to let him know if they will be
forwarding any applications for the program.
4. Dr. Burns announced the TracDat data needs to be entered into the system by
November 5th.
5. Dr. Burns announced the course fee information must be submitted online by
November 2nd.
6. Young Alumnus Award – Jane
Jane distributed proposed guidelines for a Young Alumnus Award program. Jane
reported the program was suggested by the Advisory Board members during the
meeting in August. They originally thought the award could be part of the Pig Roast
program, but after further review it was not feasible. The award will be part of the
program during the Distinguished Alumnus Dinner that is held annually in
February. Jane asked the members to review the guidelines and send any
suggestions they may have to her as soon as possible. Also, submissions for the
award need to be sent to Jane as soon as possible.
7. Other
Dr. Burns reminded the members of the upcoming Homecoming Breakfast on
Saturday and the Pig Roast on Tuesday, November 9th.
Dr. Akers distributed the October Student Services Center report. The report
includes a listing of the high schools and junior colleges that were visited in October.
A list of CASNR students who are recipients of the 2010 Who’s Who Among Students
in American Universities and Colleges was also distributed. A recognition reception
will be held on Sunday, November 7th. Dr. Akers distributed information on
CASNR’s six-year graduation rates.
Dr. Burns stated the Coordinating Board has just passed a ruling that graduation
rates must be 48% or greater. If they are not greater, new doctoral proposals will
not be accepted.
Dr. Gipson announced their master’s and Ph.D. programs have been merged. They
are in the process of submitting a new non-thesis master’s degree and a bachelor
degree in conservation law enforcement.
Dr. Fraze stated that he needs input from each department regarding the strategic
plan information.
Dr. Pond stated that he plans to make an offer today for the equestrian position.
Two interviews are scheduled next week for the swine position. Dr. Pond
announced the South Plains National Meats Judging competition took place at Excel.
Three students were in the top three and were undefeated. The Livestock Judging
Team came in second.
Dr. Pond announced that Richard McDonald, retired President and CEO of Texas
Cattle Feeders Association, passed away. His funeral service will be held today in
Amarillo.
Dr. Dotray stated interviews are taking place for the crop physiology position in
Plant and Soil Science.
Dr. Misra referred the members to the recent memo from Provost Smith regarding
faculty fellowships and the salary incentive program. The $5,000 per year
permanent increase in salary will come from departmental budgets.