Academic Council Minutes – November 19, 2008

I.                   Review of Minutes – November 5, 2008

1.      The minutes were approved with minor changes incorporated:

Item II.a.  Change TCAR to Texas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (TACRAO).

II.        General

A.        Enrollment Management

1.      Ms. Trudy Wortham provided the final enrollment numbers for Fall 2008.  She reviewed the headcount and semester credit hours and reminded the Council that the enrollment by residence information is based on the student’s permanent mailing address at the time of application.  These figures were provided to the Coordinating Board.

Dr. LaBrecque mentioned that UHV does not receive funding for students who repeat a course three or more times (three-peats).  One suggestion was to charge more for those students who repeat course more than two times.  Ms. Wortham checked with the other campuses to see what fees are assessed.  All other UH campuses charge more for the three-peat courses. 

Another issue that was brought to light was undergraduate students who have exceeded the limitation to complete their degree.  Undergraduate students who entered into an institution of higher education in Fall 1999 to Summer 2006 may take up to 45 hours over the minimum required for the degree while students who entered in Fall 2006 may take up to 30 hours over the minimum.  All other UH campuses charge more for students who exceed the funding limit.

At the November 4^th Dean’s meeting, Dr. Holly Verhasselt announced that the Coordinating Board has asked UHV to provide justification for any degree programs over 120 hours.  Ms. Wortham and Dr. Verhasselt looked into how many degree programs at UHV were over 120 hours.  They found that UHV policy for minimum hours to complete a degree program is 122.  It was decided to change the minimum to reflect the 120 hours.  Deans need to go back to advising staff to decide which programs could delete a free elective and which programs must exceed the 120 hour rule.  Those programs exceeding the 120 hour rule must have a compelling reason. 

Dr. Jaeckle mentioned that the Faculty Undergraduate Studies Committee should review the programs and the compelling reasons. 

2.      Ms Wortham announced that Spring 2009 registration opens on Monday, November 24th.

3.      The PeopleSoft project directors will be onboard Thursday and Friday, November 20 & 21 for training.  Twenty are expected to attend. 

4.      Dr. Deneè Thomas provided an update on the LEAD Program, G-Force Mentoring program.  Mentors are going to the high schools and community colleges in addition to working at the GO Centers.  LEAD is also engaging area businesses, providing workshops, and assisting in tutoring.

Dr. Stansell asked if the mentors could also push teaching as a profession.  Dr. Thomas stated that LEAD can work with the schools to help ensure that students are aware of what UHV has to offer.

5.      Ms. Carolyn Mallory mentioned that starting Fall 2009 the Coordinating Board will be offering scholarship funds to the top 10% graduating seniors who will be entering as first-time freshmen.  The family contribution must be less than $4,000 annually.  Dr. Di Leo asked if it would be possible to obtain a list of these students from the area schools.  Ms. Mallory is not sure but will work to find out from the Coordinating Board if the information is made available.  The process will have to be worked out and there will need to be a way to track it in PeopleSoft.  Ms Wortham will also review the information she received from the TACRAO workshop.

B.        Information Technology—Mr. Ferguson

1.      Mr. Chris Burford announced that Blackboard Vista 8 is trying to change its labeling so that it is no longer identified as WebCT. Mr. Joe Ferguson suggested using something not name specific to identify the on-line course link to Blackboard Vista 8 such as “My On-line Courses.”  Mr. Ferguson will check with UH campuses to see what label they use. 

Mr. Burford reminded everyone that UHV will start using Vista 8 in Summer 2009.  He also stated that they are working on a demo for students who will be using Vista 8 in the pilot program.

C.        Provost Updates

1.      Dr. Verhasselt stated that she is working on the transition of Vista 8 with the online support technicians.

2.      University West room 224 will be converted into a multi-media lab with workstations for use by faculty as well as a green screen and audio equipment.  Dr. Verhasselt, Ms. Beverly Hoerig, and Ms. Na Wu have been visiting other universities to see how their multi-media labs are set up.

D.        Other

1.      Dr. Suzanne LaBrecque reminded everyone that commencement will be in Katy on December 13, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with the Nursing pinning ceremony directly following.

II.                   Specific

A.    Student Appeals

1.      None

B.     Consent Calendar/Faculty Development Grant Requests and Reports

1.      Approved an FY09 conference grant in the amount of $700 for Dr. Bud Fairlamb to present at the American Philosophical Association in Vancouver, British Columbia from April 8-12, 2009. 

2.      Approved an FY09 conference grant in the amount of $600 for Dr. Bud Fairlamb to present at the “Freedom and Sovereignty, Globalization and Colonization” conference in Elkins, West Virginia from November 14-15, 2008.

As recorded by,