September 17, 2002

To: Institutional Planning Council

From: Jay Simmons

Re: Strategic Plan Updates

1. Increase in faculty size, #1.1.4

Three new faculty positions were added for the 2002-2003 academic year.

2. Expand Science/Math Programs, #1.1.5

The physics position was increased to full-time status for 2002-2003.

3. Expand Arts Programs, #1.1.6

The music theory and technical theatre positions were filled.

4. Expand/enhance Lay Ministry Program, #1.1.7

In the fall 2001, the College created the position of Director of Christian Leadership. The position is filled and its occupant, Professor Alecia Glaize, has begun the task expanding the College’s lay ministry program through curriculum development and internships.

5. Faculty representation for majors, #1.1.8

The 2/3 position in political science was increased to full-time in 2001-2002.

6. Phi Beta Kappa chapter at LC, #1.1.9

In recruiting for faculty positions, screening committees actively seek qualified candidates who also hold membership in Phi Beta Kappa. Before submitting an application for a chapter, the College must count ten Phi Beta Kappans on the teaching faculty; at present, five faculty members qualify.

7. Awareness of environment, #3.11.1

Environmental studies program, #3.11.2

President Gulley appointed an Environmental Mission Task Force charged with developing an environmental mission statement for the College. The report of the Task Force is due by April 1, 2003.

8. Increase attendance co-curricular activities, #2.5.1

Increase funding for speaker programs, #2.6.1

Promote events through email & newspaper, #2.7.1

Encourage students & faculty attendance together, #2.7.2

In the spring 2002, the faculty of the College endorsed a proposal requiring students to attend ten cultural events per year. The requirement is effective with the class entering the College during the fall 2003. During the coming academic year, the Cultural Enrichment Committee and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean will develop plans for the implementation of the requirement.

September 17, 2002

To: Institutional Planning Council

From: Jay Simmons

Re: Recommendation for Revision to Section 2.5

Given recent changes in the cultural enrichment requirement, I recommend that section 2.5 of the Strategic Plan be simplified along the lines proposed below. Thank you for your consideration.

2.5 Goal: Augment and enhance co-curricular activities.

2.5.1 Objective: Provide more frequent and diverse speakers and lecturers by increased funding for programs with a focus on diversity.

Action Plan: Provide programs during Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

Assessment: Offer at least one program featuring a guest speaker during Black History month and Women’s History Month.

2.5.2 Objective: Increase attendance of student and faculty attendance of all co-curricular activities (athletic, music, theatre, and speaker events) by requirement and encouragement.

Action Plan: 1) Implement requirement that all students must attend at least ten cultural events per year in order to graduate, allowing students to simultaneously satisfy particular course requirements as determined appropriate by the course instructor. 2) Encourage student groups and faculty sponsors to attend such events together. 3) Promote and publicize such events more effectively through email and student newspaper.

Assessment: 1) Evaluate student participation rates at co-curricular events. 2) Document occurrences of group attendance.