September 19, 2002
Present:
Ahearn, Birkeli, Boozer, Bruce, Gulley, Hartman, Kraemer, McClanahan, McCoy,
McElreath, McMullen, Pinkerman, Pirrman, Sauter, Simmons, Slay, Smith and
Whitney.
President
Gulley welcomed the Council and noted the return of Dr. McCoy. He then shared recent events and
concerns of the community followed by the opening prayer, led by Ms.
McMullen to commence the meeting. The
President also took a vote on minutes of the last meeting September 12, 2002,
and the minutes were approved without reservation. The IPC Fall 2002 updates on Gateway to Excellence
were approved. The cultural enrichment requirement language used in Dean
Simmons’ memo of 9-17-02 on Section 2.5 to replace the language used in the
current plan was approved.
President
Gulley reported that fall enrollment figures show good performance in
every category except retention.
Enrollment for returning undergraduate day students was 476. Several students pre-registered but did not
return, which would have made the enrollment 495. .
Dean
Simmons recommended a follow up on the goal to have every major backed
by at least four full time faculty.
Ms. Whitney commented on Section 5.1.1 on the Human Resources function. No change in current language is necessary. She stressed three points: 1) policies 2) staff handbook and 3) centralizing staff positions. Orientation training needs improvement and employee information on Human Resources function should be clarified. President Gulley thanked Ms. Whitney for sending detailed compensation letters to all employees.
Dr. Boozer presented the following information on the College’s enrollment:
Indicator and Trends
Primary Indicators –
Headcount
Fall to Spring retention
First year retention
Etc.
Supplemental Indicators
Total Headcount graph by year – we may be in an upward trend
First time freshmen – 229 in Fall ’02 is a “unique” event
SAT scores –Definite upward trend
Ethnicity – relatively stable with slight upward trend in black students
Denominational – Methodist trends down, Baptist trends down
Retention – variance is substantial…difficult to predict with precision
From this presentation came numerous comments and questions.
Q. How do we advertise to Methodists?
State of Georgia is notified through Methodist pastors
Youth Ministers
Wesleyan publications
Scholarships only for Methodist students
Q. What attracts students to LC?
New dorms
IPC Meeting Minutes
September 19, 2002
Page 2
Q. Why do students leave LC?
Students not living on campus tend to leave, should track non-resident against resident students
The significance of students declaring their majors early was discussed, as well as means of promoting the majors to appeal to the students
Need to do research on retention of sophomores and juniors
Students not socially active on campus tend to leave
Q. Should students be made more aware of majors offered and how?
Website should be supported for information on majors, most students are Internet oriented
Students should not be allowed to get into 3rd year without making major decision
Information on majors should be included in orientation
A request from the committee to look at on-campus residents vs. off-campus residents as a predictor of retention as well as trends in geographic origin was acknowledge by Dr. Boozer. These areas are planned for evaluation.
The IT upgrade was a concern for some departments because the upgrade was not compatible with their old printers and other equipment. The response from Dr. McCoy was that there was no budget in Information Systems for new equipment, however, extra printers may be found on campus for those that need them. He suggested that anyone with problems contact his office until problem is solved.
Ms. McMullen reported Evening College enrollment for Fall Quarter 2002 is 88 compared to planned enrollment of 92. Ten more students will need to enroll next year to meet enrollment goals.
The meeting ended with President Gulley thanking the Council and promising further discussion on today’s topics at the next meeting planned for Thursday, October 31, in the Whorton Room