Minutes from the Institutional Planning Council Meeting

 

January 31, 2002

 

Present: Birkeli, Brown, Geeter, Gulley, Harrison, Hartman, Hearn, Kraemer, Lawrence, S. Mallory, McClanahan, McCoy, McMullen, Naglee, Pinkerman, Rowe, Sauter, Simmons, Slay, S. Smith and L. Adams, Whitney. 

 

President Gulley welcomed the Council and discussed recent events in the community.  Rev. Rowe led a prayer to begin the meeting.  Mr. Pinkerman made a motion to ratify the minutes of the November 29th meeting; Mr. Geeter seconded the motion.  All agreed and the minutes were approved. 

 

President Gulley’s opening remarks were focused on comments regarding the January Interim classes.  Mr. Lawrence responded that his travel class to Spain was wonderful, the students experienced rich culture.  Dr. Hearn commented that he had 15 students learn about presenting chemical demonstrations and they used these skills in performances to 2 local elementary schools.  Dr. Sauter stated that her review with nursing students for the NCLX test went very well. Mr. Geeter studied the final 2 years of the World War I with 15 students through videos and travel to historical sites. 

 

President Gulley stated that he met with Dr. Jim Davis earlier this week; Dr. Davis will be the head of our SACS Review Team.  President Gulley also stated that he attended several professional meetings during January.  On budget issues, the President stated that there is currently nothing to discuss.  Spring enrollment will determine the attainment of this year’s budget and will be a deciding factor for fall retention.

 

Dr. McClanahan reported on the SACS Self Study status.  The committee has completed the update of the recommendations and the report is currently in editing.  A draft is expected to be in departmental mailboxes on Monday for review by the faculty and staff.  Feedback is needed quickly, as the final copy needs to go to the Copy Center on Monday, Feb. 11th.  As soon as the initial recommendations are sent to the Copy Center, the Addendum will be addressed.  This needs to be ready mid-March to members of the Review Team.  Committees have been organized and duties underway for the visit.  The Hospitality Committee, chaired by Tammy Rogers, will arrange the travel, meals, and logistics for the Review Team.  The Documents Committee, chaired by Dr. Harrison, is responsible for locating documents and maintaining the library in the Cobb Room.  Dr. Jim Davis stated that April 9th and 10th will be the most visible days on campus for the reviewers, as they are moving around visiting faculty, staff and students. While he was on campus this week, he interviewed six students about their experiences at LaGrange College.  Dr. Davis was especially interested in examples of times when they had their opinion listened to and valued.  These students were very eloquent and shared devotion to the College.  Dr. Davis charged these students with familiarizing their areas with the process of the upcoming visit.  Members of the IPC need to meet with their respective departments and staff to stress the Mission Statement, unit goals, location of supporting data for their departmental goals.  A response of “yes” to any other requests would be appreciated.  President Gulley added that Dr. Davis was very complimentary of the College after his visit, but there are many outstanding recommendations that need to be addressed.  A “plan to do” comment will not be acceptable, a  “have done” comment is the appropriate response for issues.  Currently, five meeting dates are on schedule for dealing with policy issues, these need to be addressed by March 1st.  On April 11th, at 8:30 AM, the exit interview will be held; the entire college community will be invited.  A celebration of the completion of the Self-Study will be held on Wednesday, April 17th, 5:30 PM at the Nick Allen Pavilion for the College community and spouses.

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Rev. Brown updated the Committee on Faith & Ethics and our relationship to the United Methodist Church (UMC), items #2.8.1, 2.8.2, 2.8.3, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, and 3.5.3 of the Strategic Plan.    A copy of his report is attached.  A service component has been added to the chapel services to bridge learning and experience.  It was done on a weekly basis during fall semester, however it will be changed to a once a month event on a Saturday for future scheduling.  Rev. Brown has been meeting with the chapel band and other leaders to discuss goals, dreams, and issues relating to their lives in order to give guidance and direction.  These students are also planning weekly worship service with Rev. Brown’s assistance.  Dr. Ahearn, Rev. Glaize, Dr. Anderson and Rev. Brown have met to discuss current activities with the United Methodist Church.  An addition to items in the attachment is that the choir is planning a tour to South Georgia UMCs later this year.  Dr. Harrison added that Bishop Lindsey Davis’ wife is planning to take a group of Education majors to Honduras on a mission trip.  She will be meeting with Dr. Harrison on Feb. 19th to make plans for the trip.  When questioned about revising his goals for Institutional Effectiveness, Rev. Brown stated that he does not need to modify his plans or objectives.

 

Rev. Rowe reported on the Cultural Resources and the Expert’s Guide, items #3.6.6 & 3.6.3 of the Strategic Plan.  He currently has not compiled an inventory on the cultural resources.  Photos have been taken and a listing of those willing to serve as an expert about the College is in progress.  Plans are to print a brochure-style media guide and post the information on the website. 

 

President Gulley reported that the Board of Trustees received the update on the Strategic Plan during their October meeting.  At that time they adopted the update and endorsed the progress made thus far.

 

President Gulley reported on the Vernon Woods Partnership, item #3.6.4 of the Strategic Plan.  Contacts were made, however, they are a part of general outreach and need not be singled out in the plan.  Therefore, he suggests that we delete this from the Strategic Plan and agreement was made by common consent of the Council.

 

Ms. Whitney reported on the Staff Council Report, item #3.8.2.  A mid-level administrative staff council has been convened.  They have held two meetings and a workshop; David Pugh is heading this Council.  A separate council will represent the remaining staff; a meeting date is not determined.  Ms. Whitney acknowledged that the plan needs to be reworded to show the formation of two councils.

 

Dr. Simmons updated the Council on offerings to the Corporate Community, #3.6.9.  He stated that Ms. McMullen has been actively working on plans for spring quarter.  Currently, Dr. Sneath’s Marketing Class will poll interest in an Organizational Leadership Class offered from our campus.  The results will be available this summer.  Dr. Simmons suggests that we remove the Continuing Education section from the plan, due to the fact that it is challenging to meet the varying needs of the community.  A decision will be made on expanding curricular offerings once the survey results are tallied. 

 

Ms. Adams reported on graduate activities, #3.7.1, 3.7.2, & 3.7.3 of the plan.  Information handouts are attached.  Ms. Adams is currently working with Martha Pirkle to form an Alumni Mentoring Program to enhance the relationship with alums and establish a sustaining relationship between alums and students.  Ms. Adams does report an improvement in satisfaction rating of those using the Career Center over the previous years.  She plans to begin work during fall semester to make faculty more aware of the need to encourage students to attend graduate school.  More students are inquiring about graduate school, but they are not the “prestigious” schools to which we would prefer to send students.  Ms. Adams has been


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developing an internship program to aid with placement of students.  She had 17 students take part during

last year; and 36 so far this year.  The interns from Nursing, Education and Human Services are not included in this count.  Information regarding upcoming events is attached.  She asks that faculty encourage students to use the Career Services.  President Gulley added that the College applied for a planning grant from the Lilly Foundation during November to host a college wide conversation regarding vocation.  A response is expected in March and if awarded, meetings will start during the first week of June.   The areas of focus will be church leadership, career counseling and faculty discussions about vocation. 

 

Dr. McCoy reported on the activities of the Technology Roundtable.  Two organizational meetings have been held.  A new Responsible Use Policy has been developed; a draft will be distributed to faculty, staff and students for review.  Meetings are schedule on Wednesdays, 9 AM, every-other-week.  These meetings are open; issues can be put on the agenda by contacting Dr. McCoy.  The next topic to address is a policy on proper use of email on campus. 

 

The next meeting date is February 21st.  Topics include budget items and SACs issues.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Shirley Harrington