Academic Council Minutes, May 4, 2005

 I.   Minutes 

--Approved as written. 

II.  General Agenda 

• Data Collection

--1,173 enrolled for summer as of 5/4/05.  This is approximately 120 students ahead of summer 2004. 

--The proposed 2005-06 Academic Calendar was reviewed.  The closing dates for Summer II, 2006 were discussed.  The recommendation of the Deans’ is to go with 17 days of instruction + 1 day for finals, thus ending on August 3, 2006.  The anticipated holidays for 2005-06 were also discussed.  After the Legislature determines the total number of holidays, Trudy will discuss with David Bell of the UH System as to which dates to take.  Preference was that any additional holiday be assigned to Christmas break. 

• Instructional Technology/Online Issues and Updates

--25 transmitter/receiver locations are planned to support wireless access on campus. 

--The number of copies per printer cartridge appears to have declined, meaning the price has gone up.  Cartridge costs are now a significant factor, which may need to be examined in the selection of printers for purchase. 

--A four-year replacement cycle seems sufficient for desktop computers but has to be weighed against the cost of possible repairs.  It may be too long for laptops. 

• Fort Bend Issues and Updates

--The provost reported that a search committee had been formed and a draft ad developed for the academic administrator position.

III.  Specific Agenda 

• Student Matters

--An issue concerning a student’s having submitted false information on an application was discussed.  There will be further inquiry to determine whether the deception was intentional or not. 

• Faculty Development Report

--Approved a report on a conference presentation from Dr. Massoud Metghalchi. 

• Other

--Guidelines developed by FACT on employees as students were approved and will be shared for information and further input with the staff council and cabinet. 

DNS/kw
5/9/05