I. General Agenda
· Data Collection
--There was a request for recent data on applications for admission.
· Instructional Support Services
--The cobalt edition of WebCT that is in progress will be different
from the most recent version. UHCL raised the possibility of moving to
Blackboard, which has now affiliated with MicroSoft. Chari Norgard
indicated UH is not inclined to consider such a move, given the
investment in WebCT. The provost indicated the agreement with WebCT was
for three years. All System institutions support WebCT. They may choose
to add other platforms, if they wish to support them in addition.
--The usefulness of the Imperata system, which allows instructors to
control student computers in a lab setting, was discussed. The
usefulness did not seem worth the cost, unless this were substantially
reduced, and then the use would be limited to a few courses.
--WebCT training sessions for faculty initiating an online course
were discussed. The conclusion was that training opportunities online,
with faculty able to review the information at the point needed, would
be preferable to in-person training sessions since there is always a
problem with attendance at scheduled workshops and since information
absorbed in large doses is often quickly forgotten unless put to use
soon and often.
· Information Technology
--Joe Ferguson discussed the e-mail he had previously distributed on
technology initiatives underway, involving the switch to Windows 2000 or
XP, to web-based Outlook as an e-mail system, and other improvements.
--Moving the ITV station from University West to Cinco Ranch was
reaffirmed as a decision that should improve our ability to deliver
courses effectively. The provost is drafting a plan for consideration
with regard to functioning and scheduling of the ITV stations.
· Fort Bend
--There have been some security problems at Sugar Land (theft of
small items from work stations). The Cinco schedule needs to be in a
grid format and to be available to deans at an earlier date, so that
errors can be corrected.
--Richard Phillips noted that the VP for Student Affairs at UH is
receptive to allowing UHV Fort Bend students to use the placement
services at UH, along with related student services. He noted that new
laws affect student travel on university-sponsored trips and on
informing students about meningitis. Procedures are being developed for
implementation of the laws.
II. Specific Agenda
· Faculty Development Grant Reports
--Accepted reports on grant-funded conference travel from Dr. Li Chao
and Dr. Thomas Matula.
--A new policy statement, allowing grants for subvention of articles
published or other professional support, was approved and will be
incorporated into the Faculty Manual, as follows
Faculty may request publication support or incentive in lieu of
support for a conference presentation. The same funding limits apply.
Requests should be accompanied by a letter of acceptance from a
refereed scholarly journal. Funding transferred to the member’s
school may be used at the member’s discretion for defraying any
subvention charges or for any other professional expenses. Submission
fees charged by some journals are apart from this option and will
continue to be paid upon request.