University of Nebraska Kearney

Minutes of the Meeting of the Deans Council
Wednesday, January 19, 2005 – 9 a.m.
Warner Conference Room

PRESENT:   Finnie Murray, Lois Flagstad, Galen Hadley, Marilyn Hadley, Janet Wilke for Larry Hardesty, Frank Harrold, William Jurma, and Ken Nikels

1. Sam Lopez and Brian Samuel RE Cultural Unity Conference:   This year the conference is scheduled for April 1-2, beginning at noon on Friday and ending at noon on Saturday.  Approximately 300-350 students are expected this year, compared with 283 last year, and 130 the first year of the conference.  A dinner and keynote speaker is planned for Friday evening, followed by a dance for conference participants.  Dr. Lopez distributed a handout to the Deans Council containing background information; including budget, secured funds and prospective funds; plans for this year’s conference; and data regarding the impact of this conference on UNK.  Assessment of the impact to UNK was started last year in the form of post-conference evaluations and will be expanded in the future.  When asked if this conference would take the place of the fall event, Mr. Samuel explained that the Fall Scholars and Leaders event is targeted more state-wide, while this conference is targeted to an area closer to Kearney.   The Deans Council and Senior VCAA will again contribute a total of $2500, to be paid after expenses have been incurred.
2. John Lakey RE Emergency Procedures:   Mr. Lakey gave the Deans an update on the activities of the UNK Emergency Operation Team.  Handouts included the UNK Emergency Operation Response Plan, Objectives, and Team Committees.  UNK secured a $20,000 Homeland Security grant to develop our plan.   Two sites have been designated as operation centers in case of emergency.  We are also working toward getting the ability to utilize the new Buffalo County emergency calling system.  John requested representation from the academic side of the University to help coordinate and educate faculty and staff with regard to emergency procedures.  Dean Frank Harrold will serve in this capacity.
   
   Dean Flagstad pointed out that UNK may need to consider liability issues with regard to use of university facilities by outside groups, i.e., contact information, sponsor:student ratios, etc.
3. Teacher Certification Program Issues & Post Baccalaureate Certification Program (Academic Review of Transcripts):   It is not uncommon for applicants for the post-baccalaureate certification programs to have baccalaureate or higher degrees in the field in which they are seeking certification.  Interpretation of State Department of Education Rule 24 sometimes leads to conflicting expectations of what such students must take to be certified.  In this situation, it is difficult for the applicants to understand why they would be required to take coursework less advanced than what they have already taken and why different institutions interpret the Rule differently. Such circumstances lead to poor public image for us. A discussion of state rules and requirements and interpretation thereof ensued.  It was decided that the State Department of Education will be asked to send a representative to UNK to lead a discussion for clarification of rules in matters such as this, and after that, we will revisit this issue.
4. Honorary Degree Nominations:   The office of the Senior Vice Chancellor has received one nomination for an Honorary Degree.  It was from the College of Natural and Social Sciences.  Dean Harrold advised that he is expecting an additional nomination and will forward upon receipt thereof.  Although the official deadline has passed, we will wait until January 26 to receive this nomination, before submitting the names to Faculty Senate for review.
5. Distance Education Stipends:   Dean Nikels discussed with the Council the policy regarding stipends or remuneration for faculty to develop distance education courses.  Those funds will not be granted to faculty for revisions of courses.
6. Professional Development Leaves:  The deadline for applications for Professional Development Leaves was January 14.  Six applications have been received to date:  one from NSS; two from FAH; and three from B&T.  Dean Galen Hadley advised that one more should be forthcoming.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.  The next meeting of the Deans will be on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 9 a.m. in the Warner Conference Room.