Members Present: Duane C. Anderson, Pamla Armstrong, Ed Brackett, Nick Cheper, Bob Feighner, Kurt Jackson, Linda Mitchusson, Kenneth Moore, Jack Paschall, Chuck Perry, Shirley Talley, Nancy Thomason, Alvin Turner

Members Absent: Bruce Weems

Others Present: Elizabeth Schmelling, Richard Putnam, Mara Sukholutskaya, Marilyn Cole

Recorder: Sue Milner

I. Call to Order:

Dr. Anderson called a regular meeting of the Academic Affairs Council to order at 9:05 a.m. He asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Ms. Freda Jones. The minutes of September 16, 1997, were approved as submitted.

II. Human Diversity Committee

Dr. Rich Putnam and Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya presented a proposal in behalf of the Human Diversity Committee. The focus of campus international activities has been on the human aspects of culture. The Committee wants to change the focus to an academic base. The Committee asks deans to offer world courses that exist in the spring semester and, in the fall, plan a multicultural event of learning.

III. Unit Reports

School of Humanities and Social Sciences--Dr. Alvin Turner

The School recently has sponsored two plays, the Battle of the Bands for high schools, and is concluding the piano series tonight. Three faculty members read papers at the Mid-America History Conference. Dr. Turner will be attending an ABA meeting in Kansas City during the fall break.

Continuing Education and Community Services--Ms. Nancy Thomason

Ms. Suzanne Bulman is employed for the Child Care Training program serving southeastern Oklahoma. Sherri Huneycutt resigned to accept a position with Sterling House, Inc. as District Administrator. The Center received a new grant from the Department of Human Services making it a Referral Child Care and Resources Center.

Assessment Center and Institutional Research--Dr. Kurt Jackson

Students having labs on Tuesday, October 21 may call the Assessment Center and change their day of assessment to Wednesday, October 22. Dr. Jackson is working on the Annual Assessment Report.

Grants and Research Information Center and Title III--Mr. Ed Brackett

Title III successfully closed out the fourth year and is entering the fifth year of the grant. Since July 1997, the Grants Center received applications totaling $3,200,000. East Central is successful in receiving grants at a rate of 60 percent.

Libraries--Dr. Chuck Perry

Dr. Perry is interviewing candidates to fill the position vacated by Carol Maus. The dedication of the new library is set for October 23 at 4:00 p.m. in the new Linscheid Library. The topic of the month is "biology."

Registry--Ms. Pamla Armstrong

Because of the Transfer Matrix in progress, no transfer work has been entered into the computer on student transcripts. The work should be entered by the end of the fall semester. Ms. Armstrong reminds faculty members that they may choose to give a student a "W" rather than a "WF." Students completing application within the deadline have been awarded financial aid; however, students applying for assistance after the deadline may be unable to drop and add courses if fees are unpaid.

School of Graduate Studies--Dr. Jack Paschall

The Rehabilitation Master's Degree program received notification that its accreditation is extended for another year. About 30 students participate in a prototype of the School Counselor program. East Central is collaborating with Cameron, Southwestern, and USAO Universities to transmit this program to Western Oklahoma. OneNet transmission problems are ongoing.

School of Mathematics and Sciences--Dr. Elizabeth Schmelling

In Dr. Weems absence, Dr. Schmelling attended the meeting of the Academic Affairs Council. Dr. Weems and cartography faculty are in Springfield, Missouri visiting their Cartography Department to review another curriculum.

Data Processing--Mr. Bob Feighner

The new computer is installed. The core catalog has been set up and the room inventory project is online. Last week, Mr. Feighner was impressed with the transmitting and receiving of a transcript between TCC and OU via a program named "Speedy." East Central is looking at the possibility of implementing the program.

Faculty Senate--Dr. Nicholas Cheper

The Faculty Senate discussed two items of interest on their agenda: a request proposing a national public radio in this area and establishing a student advising center. The two issues have been addressed to President Cole.

School of Business--Dr. Linda Mitchusson

The School had their Ethics in Leadership Conference October 1. The next event is the Boswell Lecture November 7 at 11:00 a.m. in the Estep Multimedia Center.

School of Education and Psychology--Dr. Kenneth Moore

Dr. Moore reports a scholarship fund is set up with the Foundation for those who wish to make a contribution as a memoriam for Freda Jones. The School is advertising for four positions in education. The closing date is October 21. Dr. Moore met with the Redesign of Teacher Education group and will continue to meet once per semester. Public hearings on the proposed Teacher Education Program are in progress. A public hearing is scheduled November 4 on the ECU campus in the Estep Multimedia Center. The Oklahoma General Education Test is November 28-29 at East Central. The trial test is free to interested students. Test results will be used to establish cut off scores. Student applications should be sent to Dr. Moore.

IV. Agenda of Vice President for Academic Affairs

A. COI, October 9, 1997

1. Teacher Certification: There is a problem of students transferring from one teacher education program to another. A crosswalk table of competencies in courses at various institutions should be developed.

2. Academic Suspension Report: An annual report of a three-year study was distributed; however, no analysis has been done at the regents' level.

3. Faculty Technology Training: HB 1815 provides funds for training at vocational technology centers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, effective January 1998.

4. Electronic Media: Council members reviewed the Citizens Committee Report and the Mingle Report.

5. Admission/Retention: Policy changes in computer proficiency propose every student must demonstrate computer literacy.

6. Suspension Policy: A proposed revision will liberalize the Suspension Policy.

7. Faculty Transfer Committee: The Committee meets Friday, October 3 at The University of Central Oklahoma.

8. OneNet: Mr. Phil Moss reports a help desk, with a unique telephone number, will be staffed to solve technology problems.

9. Meeting Dates: COI is changing its meeting dates in the spring. The Academic Affairs Council is not changing its meeting dates; therefore, reports of the COI meetings will be one month late.

B. Calendar Dates

1. October 15 - Night classes do meet. Last day to drop with guaranteed "W."

2. October 21-22 - General Education assessment.

3. October 24 - Last day to add a second 8-week class.

4. October 27 - Spring pre-enrollment for Honors and Title III students.

5. October 28-November 4 - Spring pre-enrollment.

6. November 5-December 5 - Walk-in enrollment for anyone except beginning freshmen (See page 27 of Schedule of Classes for who can enroll). No student is to be turned away. If a department advisor is not available, the student should be sent to the dean's office. Dr. Moore is distributing advising recommendations for education students.

C. Annual School Superintendents' Meeting, October 21, 1997

Dr. Anderson encourages all who are invited to make every effort to attend the meeting at the Thomas Ranch.

D. Report of the Citizens' Committee

A final report and recommendations were distributed.

E. Technology 2000--Mingle Report

The report was distributed. East Central will participate in discussions regarding this report at the state level.

F. Policy and Advising Workshops

Dr. Anderson reminds faculty members of the faculty development workshops.

G. Other Items

Square Footage Study: An update of the facilities inventory is due to the Regents November 16. There will be some requests for help to verify data. Every room on campus must be identified as to use and/or multiple use. This report impacts FTE and program costs.

V. Agenda of Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs

A. Recycling

East Central completed its first pick up October 13 by the St. James River Paper Company, Muskogee, Oklahoma. East Central receives proceeds from its recycling efforts. Calls are directed to Dr. Talley for information or complaints concerning the recycling process.

B. UNIV 3001

Dr. Talley will schedule a meeting soon to review a draft syllabus for this course.

C. Transfer Guide and Faculty Meeting

Dr. Talley reports that revision of the Transfer Guide is in progress. She appreciates the faculties' time and cooperation given on this project.

D. Other Student Evaluation of Teaching Faculty

Deans received information for administering this evaluation and will distribute to department chairs. There are a few changes in the distribution and collection of evaluation forms. Every off-campus class will be evaluated. Notify Dr. Talley if there are questions concerning the evaluation process.

VI. Old Business

A. Undecided Major

Implementation of the proposal mandating students with 48 or more hours to declare a major is scheduled for the spring 1998 enrollment periods. The Registry Office plans to send letters to students informing them of the new policy. Also, a copy of the letter goes to faculty advisors.

B. Status of Strategic Planning

Dr. Anderson reminds deans of the December 15 deadline for a draft of academic department plans. Plans are submitted to deans and then to the academic affairs office.

C. Reformatting the Majors

Council members reviewed a sample copy of the proposed format of major programs.

D. Academic Committee

Dr. Anderson gave dates for final action by the Academic Committee to be included in the ECU 1998-99 Catalog.

E. Summer School Schedule Development

Dr. Anderson meets October 20 with deans to discuss allotments for teaching faculty during the 1998 Summer Session. He is pleased with the departments' improvement in planning and monitoring of classes this past summer.

F. Web Page Updates

Data are available under Student Life web pages. The Fact Book is also on Internet.

G. Instructional Software Installation Policy

Mr. Feighner is distributing the approved policy to council members and department chairs.

H. Exit/Withdrawal Questionnaire

Dr. Anderson distributed the form to council members. Consideration is given for implementing a change to extend the student exit interview to a designated office. However, the faculty member continues to be an integral part of the student withdrawal process. The mechanics of the procedure will be presented later. The current arrangement for student withdrawals is unchanged

I. Library Dedication

Faculty interested in participating in the dedication by marching in their regalia may call x204 to reserve a seat for the event. The dedication is October 23 at 4:00 p.m. All departments should be represented. Also, dedication of the Foreign Language Lab is set for 1:30 in Horace Mann. Council members are encouraged to attend both events.

VII. New Business

A. Advising Center

The Faculty Senate recommends an Advising Center be established. Discussion with department chairs is set for October 24. Dr. Anderson is not willing to have a Center that will totally dissolve the responsibility of faculty advising. He believes there is merit in establishing an advising center manned with professional advisors; however, faculty should assume the responsibility of advising students with declared majors.

IX. Adjourn

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

Duane C. Anderson

Vice President for Academic Affairs