Academic Council Minutes, March 29, 2000

Special Agenda

--Credit card travel procedures were discussed with representatives of Administration/Finance and school secretaries. It was concluded that the best way to reduce the effort involved would be to have a credit card assigned to each unit. If that is not possible, other options will be considered. It was noted that if credit cards can be assigned to units they will have to be very prompt in sending in payment.

--Nia FitzSimmons was present to discuss a concept for new brochures that would feature a generic, more expensive cover with a less expensive insert describing the particular program. Inserts could be easily changed when program requirements changed. The concept was well received and will move forward.

--Try UHV scholarships were discussed, with regard to procedures. Deans will make the scholarships known. Interested students will contact Cherie Garrett-Bosch. They will need to fill out a short form for financial aid. It was decided that the scholarship will cover tuition and fees except for distance education fees. Carolyn Mallory will keep deans apprised of how much money they have left.

Appeals

Denied:

--A student appeal to march before degree requirements are completed was denied.

--Policy was confirmed in the case of a student asking to count undergraduate courses completed as an undergraduate toward a graduate program.

Faculty Development Grants

Approved:

--Request of Professor Charles Bullock for travel grant ($900) to present at the National Conference on the Adult Learner 2000 in Atlanta, GA in May.

--Request of Ms. Jane Mims for travel grant ($750) to present at the National Conference on the Adult Learner 2000 in Atlanta, GA in May. (Teaching staff has a limit of $750)

--Request of Dr. Ron Sardessai for a travel grant ($785) to present at the International Academy of Business Disciplines in Las Vegas, NV, in March.

--Request of Dr. Massoud Metghalchi for a research grant ($500) for software to determine the optimal portfolio relevant to work reported in his research papers.

Accepted:

--Reports on grant-funded conference travel from Dr. Massoud Metghalchi and Dr. David Satava.

Other Matters

--Discussed need for help to take telephone inquires following a major mailout in the Fort Bend area advertising our Business and Education programs. The provost will inquire of the Budget Committee whether funds may be provided to support assistance from around May 1 to around August 1.

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