University of Nebraska Kearney

Minutes of the Meeting of the Deans Council
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 – 9 a.m.
Warner Conference Room

PRESENT: Finnie Murray, William Jurma, Janet Wilke, Ed Scantling, Bob Rycek, Gail Zeller, Tim Burkink, Kenya Taylor

ABSENT:

1. One-Year Exchange Student Advising:  Tim discussed concerns he has regarding the 1 Year Exchange Student advising program.  He shared how challenging it is to get them registered for the appropriate classes since they don’t always receive transcripts.  Tim asked if there was way we could get transcripts and then have them translated so they can help these students to the full potential.  Tim also asked if other colleges have these problems and the other Deans stated they did but not to the extreme B&T has.  Finnie discussed he had recently had conversations with Gail Zeller, Debbie Bridges and Mary Daake regarding some of the issues.  The majority of the problems are with the Korean students.  He is looking into the possibility of hiring a half time position for Academic Advising in the approach to help Mary Daake and work with International Education to get the most accurate information available for each student.  Kenya stated she had received an email regarding “International Transcripts” and said she would forward this to Finnie. 
   
2. Writing Center:  Gail discussed conversations she had recently with Bill Jurma and Martha Kruse regarding moving the Writing Center over to the Student Life umbrella.  There are still details to work out however we need to be able to offer support for written communication skills especially for international students and summer school.  After reviewing the recent APR for the Writing Center there was an obvious need for this.  Gail stated they would like the current Director to stay on and really be able to target help for all students with the written communication skills.  Discussion was held on funding and the effective date of the change.
   
3. Announcements: 
   
   • Reminder:  The Deans will be hosting the Friday Afternoon Club, December 5.
   • Discussion was held on the recent email message from President Milliken.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.  The next meeting of the Deans will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 9 a.m., Warner Conference Room.