Academic Council Minutes, October, 19, 2005

 I.  Minutes

--Approved as written 

II.  General Agenda 

• Guests

--Liz Branch was present to provide updates on PeopleSoft and seek input on several questions related to accommodating PeopleSoft to academic policy and vice versa.  Issues discussed included transfer advising, course prerequisites, course dropping deadlines, and conversion of incomplete grades.  Where a change in policy seems advisable, the existing policy, the new policy, and the implications of the change will be described and taken through the usual academic governance process.  Ms. Branch will further consult with relevant staff from the three schools on technical matters. 

• Data Collection

--Trudy Wortham reported that the institution is preparing a report to the Board of Regents in compliance with recent legislation on measures being taken by institutions to promote timely graduation. 

• Instructional Technology/Online Issues and Updates

--The proposed merger between Blackboard and WebCT is creating much comment, though the two seemed determined to ensure that the future product will incorporate the best of both systems.  

--It was noted that an anti-trust challenge is possible.    

• Fort Bend Issues and Updates

--Chari Norgard indicated that she would ask the center directors to post notice of open houses to all UHV or at least those interested in being on the list.   

--The provost indicated that 69 applications for the academic administrator in Fort Bend had been received and trimming to a short list was in process. 

III.  Specific Agenda 

• Student Appeal

--None 

• Faculty Development Requests and Reports

--Approved a development grant for conference presentation ($932), pending receipt of FY 05 report, to Dr. Yong Lee to present at the 2005 Financial Management Association International Annual meeting, in Chicago, IL, in October. 

--Approved a development grant for conference presentation ($1,000) to Dr. Mary Mayorga to present at the American Counseling Association 2006 Annual Convention, in Montreal, Canada, in March. 

--Approved additional funding for a previously approved development grant for conference presentation ($790) to Dr. Ziad Swaidan to the Society for Marketing Advances 2005 Conference, in San Antonio, TX, in November. 

--Approved a publication award ($600) to Dr. David Satava for a refereed journal article to be presented at the Annual Midyear Auditing Conference, in Universal City, CA, in January.   

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10/19/05