October 31, 2002
Present:
Birkeli, Boozer, Bruce, Buchanan, Dulin-Mallory, Gulley, Harrison, Hartman,
Hearn, Kraemer, Lawrence, McClanahan, McCoy, McElreath, McMullen, Pirrman,
Rowe, Sauter, Simmons, Slay, Smith and Whitney.
President
Gulley welcomed the Council and shared recent events and concerns of the
community. The opening prayer was offered by Mr. Hartman to commence the
meeting. A vote was taken on the
minutes of the September meeting, and the minutes were approved without
reservation.
Dr. Sauter reported on the enrollment of the nursing program. She reminded the Council that the strategic plan goal is to increase the enrollment to 50 students. Thus far, the goal has not been attained; in fact over the years a decline has been experienced. However, this year’s sophomore class has a substantial group of students preparing to enter the nursing program. Currently, state schools are seeing an increase in their nursing programs due to the demand for nurses in the workforce. Tuition costs are one factor explaining why we have not realized this increase. Awareness of the benefits of the Sims Scholarship is not as widespread as it needs to be. Ms. Smith commented that Financial Aid is planning to do a mailing in the near future publishing this information, and she is asking that this be put on the College website.
Dr. Sauter commented on the accreditation review status of the nursing program. The program is currently on conditional approval, which does not infer any likelihood of the program losing accreditation. She asks that any inquiries be directed to the Nursing Department. Two visits are planned for later this year, one from the National League of Nursing in February and the Board of Nursing in March.
Dean Simmons reported on the ethics content in syllabi, strategic plan #2.1.6. He reported that the faculty is diligent in including ethics in the classroom; several samples from syllabi were distributed during the meeting. This objective evolved from the servant leadership initiative, and is a means of further involving upperclassmen in issues involving ethical practice.
Ms. Whitney stated that guidelines are being developed for use of campus facilities. Policies for reserving and usage of Sunny Gables and the Lamar Dodd Art Center have been published, more guidelines are forthcoming.
Dr. Dulin-Mallory gave an update of the Honor Code, objective #2.1.4. Evaluations and revisions of the code have been done at the end of the previous academic years. The Honor Code introduction and signing by new students in the Chapel has been a successful event. A training event has been held to train new Honor Council members. Dr. Mallory plans to readminister the original assessment instrument to determine progress with the Honor Code. Hopefully, this can be done in February 2003. A suggestion was made regarding the representation on the Honor Council of older students and Dr. Mallory stated that this is an issue she struggles with. She currently has a non-traditional student on the Council, but it is difficult to get older students to participate due to the time demanded for the responsibilities. A second question asked if we are certain that we introduce the Honor Code to every student, especially transfer students. The response was that orientation groups get the information, but some could slip through without receiving that information. However, they are held to the policies in the handbook. It is also published on tests and syllabi by a great deal of the faculty. An update on students having legal representation was given; students can bring an attorney with them however, the student must participate in the proceedings. The attorney cannot speak for the student as College policy states, this must be followed. A student advocate is used at some schools that offer Law Programs, however Dr. Mallory does not feel this would be appropriate for LaGrange College. She stated that this would put additional requirements on the due process system.
IPC Meeting Minutes
October 31, 2002
Page 2
Dean Simmons reported on objective 1.5.1, create links between academic and student life programs. Events have taken place; the Major Fair offered by the Career Center was a very successful event. The Undergraduate Research Committee crosses all aspects of student life, offering students opportunities to do research in an academic setting. The “Dinner and a Play” offering continues to be successful, approximately 70-80 attended on October 24th. Dean Simmons stated that his budget has been increased during the past three years to facilitate faculty-student events. Approximately $3,000 was spent last year, however some departments use their own budgets and these are not a part of this figure. Links between academic and student life are present and some new ones are being created.
Rev. Rowe informed the Council of the progress on objective #3.9.1. This regards standardization of references to administrative, student and volunteer groups at the College. The President’s Cabinet asks that the term “Board” be reserved for reference to the Board of Trustees. The exception is where long-standing groups use the term to describe themselves with no intention of implying fiduciary responsibility for the administration of the College. This action completes this objective; consent of the Council is given that this goal is achieved.
Dr. Buchanan updated the Council on the fall resident population. While the numbers were reported last month, the renovation of Turner Hall is underway. The bids for the renovation of Boatwright Hall will be going out shortly. After completion of both of these, we anticipate capacity to be 647. Current capacity is 517. The new apartments have been very well received; weekend population on campus is higher.
Rev. Rowe reported the progress on efforts to secure third party funding, #5.4. A new program, Partners in Progress, was initiated with local businesses to provide financial support to the College. Fifteen new corporate donors were identified. In November 2001, the College secured a $650,000 challenge grant to go toward our $6.4 million campus renovation project. Grant writing responsibilities have been reassigned internally to Tammy Rogers rather than the Center for Community Studies. This is an extra responsibility to add to donor stewardship and prospect research. Additional staff is needed to fulfill the goals of the strategic plan. #5.4.2: A significant proportion of the operating budget is gift income. Gift income in the currant year is currently 24% below income levels experienced last year. This is due in large part to the economy. The Callaway Foundation decision to endow the operations of the Callaway Campus rather than supporting it annually with gifts for current operations is another significant factor. The President’s Society raised $5.9 million last year. Campaign Counsel Alexander Haas Martin and Partners are contracted to audit our development operation. They will also conduct a campaign planning study to help us maximize our efforts in a campaign for future projects. New staff will be key to any efforts, all staff are currently maximized.
President McElreath of the SGA reported on student planning activities. The goals of the “Gateway to Excellence” were guides for planning the activities for this academic year. The SGA members (78) make a conscientious effort to set an example for fellow students. She reports that the current freshmen class is a very large and active group. Examples of planning include the recent Homecoming events—the goal was to attract faculty, staff, alumni and students to participate in the activities.
President Gulley commented that the recent consulting team visit was worthwhile, a report is expected shortly. Some of the discussions ask the College to think about our Strategic Plan, making it less of a laundry list, focusing on strategic items for the future. President Gulley requested that the Council reflect on the purpose of the Institutional Planning Council and the productivity of the time spent on issues. Further, he asks that these thoughts be emailed to him.