September 20, 2001
Present:
Ahearn, Birkeli, Brown, Buchanan, Duttera, Gulley, Harrison, Hartman, Hearn, S.
Johnson, S. Mallory, McClanahan, McCoy, McMullen, Naglee, Rowe, Sauter,
Simmons, Slay, S. Smith, and Pirrman.
President
Gulley greeted the Council and expressed his grief about the previous week’s
tragedies. Concerns of the community
were shared and Reverend Brown led the group in prayer. A correction to the August 21st
minutes was noted, and the minutes were approved by consent of all
present.
Dr. McClanahan updated the Council on the status of the Self Study. He stated that a format had been selected for the document that should be simple to follow and ease the burden for the review team. An addendum will be included for each statement that shows the progress the College is making on each issue. Each SACS section chair will visit with each administrator responsible for a section of the study to assess the progress that will be included in the report. The report is due at SACS headquarters six weeks prior to the visit.
Dr. McCoy reported on fall enrollment statistics. A graph is attached that shows the freshman and sophomore retention rates. It was noted that our retention rate is moving in the right direction, but improvement is necessary. The completion rate chart shows the 4-, 5- and 6-year graduation rates of the cohort groups listed (attached). Dr. Buchanan shared a chart giving actual to projected student budget amounts (attached) indicating the shortfall for the current academic year. She stated that the count of 946 is not a firm figure, yet. The dorm count of 411 residential students is the actual count on drop/add date. Our freshmen SAT scores are showing some improvement.
President Gulley addressed the financial implications of the lower than anticipated enrollment. He discussed the attached enrollment update sheets, giving projections for the rest of this academic year. One of the sheets projects using last year’s spring term retention and the other is using a lower retention model. In either scenario, we will come short of our budgeted figures. Cuts of 3% from each department budget are necessary. It was noted that action has already been taken in several administrative areas to identify budget cuts, but other areas need to implement savings.
Dr. Buchanan requested making a change in the Strategic Plan to item #1.3.1, admission goals. She requested changing the goal of 225 students to 210 students for fall of 2002. Dr. Buchanan also requested changing item #2.2.2 to delete that Boatwright Hall will be converted to suites. A question was asked if we have a firm agreement that the new dorms will be ready on August 1, 2002. Dr. Buchanan stated that she is very clear in her discussions that it is required. President Gulley stated that the contracts contain a $1000/day penalty clause for noncompletion on that date. The modifications to the plan were accepted by common consent. The attached documents give freshman retention data for the last five entering classes, showing an improvement this year to 74.7%.
Reverend Rowe reported on the Annual Giving Fund. A copy of his PowerPoint presentation is attached. He explained that the Annual Fund works to fill up the budget shortage each year and that at this point, he is still working to fill up this year’s budget. Endowment giving does not impact current operations, as does the Annual Fund. The new annual fund campaign “The Human Endowment” promotes that people are LaGrange College’s strongest asset. This will incorporate individual participation into annual giving. The appeal for this campaign arrived in homes on September 9th, and due to the recent tragedies, it is acknowledged that it will be a bigger challenge than anticipated.
A short discussion regarding participation in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) was lead by Dr. McCoy. The registration is due now for participation during spring term. The NSSE tool will only involve freshmen and seniors and will be done through campus mail to students, so no class time is required to complete the survey. The Council gave favor to administering the NSSE this spring, instead of the CSEQ.
President Gulley pointed out that the agenda shows the date (Oct. 25th) and topics of discussion for next months meeting, so those participating can be prepared.
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley Harrington