Minutes of the Meeting of the Deans Council
Tuesday, June 27, 2006 – 9 a.m.
Warner Conference Room
PRESENT: Finnie Murray, Ken Nikels, Bruce Forster, Frank Harrold, William Jurma, Ed Scantling and Janet Wilke
ABSENT: Lois Flagstad
GUESTS: Kim Schipporeit
Writing Intensive Proposal Final Discussion, Kim Schipporeit present for questions: Kim Schipporeit came to answer any questions regarding the new Writing Intensive proposals. Discussion was held on the CNSS Educational Policy Committee’s observations and comments regarding the proposed changes in the WI program. A motion was made by Bill and seconded by Ed to approve the new Writing Intensive proposals with all present in favor.
New Process for Faculty Hew Hire Contract Letters: Discussion was held on the new process for new hire faculty contract letters. Frank raised the issue if we have to wait on transcripts from the new faculty member that will delay the process of getting the letter out to the new employee. It was then discussed that maybe we could put a statement in the new hire letter stating that the new faculty member needs to send us a certified copy of their transcript by a certain date. Bruce also explained that not everyone has transcripts so we might want to say “original transcripts or something equivalent to a transcript.”
Dusty Newton RE Admissions, Summer Advising and Enrollment: Dusty reported on the: current Fall 2006 figures, reorganization of Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions Office, new and enhanced Initiatives for Fall 2006—Go for the Gold Receptions in fall in key markets (spring for juniors),Continue Omaha initiative, Senior days, Freshman Scholarships, Premier Preview Days, EMAS Recruitment Software, Undergraduate Recruitment Working Group (UNKUGGERWUG); Marketing and College Chair and Deans Council meetings.
Pandemic Flu Updates: Frank distributed and discussed a draft handout titled Division of Academic Affairs Plan for Management of Avian Influenza Pandemic. Frank reported they were trying to make decisions about how to handle modifying classes if there should be a pandemic. For example should it be the Vice Chancellor’s decision regarding changes to the class or should be the Dean, Chair and Instructor, etc. Discussion was held and it was the consensus to set up an Academic Affairs Committee on Teaching Continuity to include Associate Deans, students and faculty.
Writing Center: Bill reported on now that Jeremy Schnieder has left the Writing Center, he is concerned with what will happen to such a good program. He would like to see the center continue but there are a lot of things that need to be decided before anything is confirmed, such as; location, pay for tutors, etc. He just wanted to raise these questions and would like to discuss the center again at a later time.
Number of working days and hours per year for hourly staff of colleges: Frank reported it was brought to his attention that the number of working days and hours per year for hourly staff varies from year to year. See attached handout. The base calculation for a full 1.00 position is 2,080 hours per year, 52 weeks/yr at 40 hrs/week = 2,080 hrs. Some years there are one or two extra days, so when this happens the colleges are expected to come up with this extra out of their budgets. Frank was wondering if there could be some provision made so the colleges don’t have to come up with the extra dollars for this out of their own budgets.
Other items: Discussion was held on the minutes of the June 14, 2006, Deans Council Meeting. The minutes were approved with amendments with all present in favor.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Deans will be on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. in the Warner Conference Room.