Executive Council Minutes                         

 

Thursday, September 8, 2011

8:00 a.m.

Conference Room, 211 Engineering Hall

 

 

Members present:  B. Barnet, J. Clifton, B. Collins, H. Evensen, O. Jadaan, J. Kile, D. Kunz, M. Meyers, P. Parker, L. Riedle, T. Scanlan, P. Sealy, T. Zauche

 

Guests present:  J. Clough, M. Muslu, T. Salmon-Stephens

 

Approval of Minutes—August 3, 2011.  Motion by Tim.  Joe second.  Carried.

 

Discussion Topics:

  1. Ottensman Building Signage—It was suggested that we put up some simple paper signage for directional purposes now.  Philip suggested that Kristina Fields might already be working on this.    
  2. MathCad – Bill requested that people respond to how they use this software and how many classes/students are using it.  The license is up for renewal with a cost of over $8000 for a 500 user license.  Only a few people responded, so please let me know the usage of this software.
  3. Department Safety Issues—Some departments have identified safety/ADA concerns within their areas.  If these are not identified and documented, then the concerns will be addressed from the department budgets.  Please figure out a time to get this done.  Bill will have Amy Spohn also do a work through of each area. Please get these concerns to the Dean’s office no later than Wednesday of next week.
  4. Staffing Support for MS Engineering Program—Understanding that everyone is doing more with less, the question is posed if anyone has any ideas and/or resources to get some assistance with this program.  Currently she has no office assistance and so anything would be greatly appreciated. 
  5. Moving Expenses—An update regarding how state monies can be used for moving expenses.  Guidelines are very clear about how monies can be utilized.    
  6. Education Abroad—Bill asked Tim to share a little bit about his experience in Germany.  He traveled to Germany with fourteen students for a two week experience and explored renewable energy projects.  Study Abroad would encourage other programs of this type. 
  7. Special Course Fees—This document was scanned and put on the S drive.  However, Carol did not realize that everyone had access to the drive and so this will be corrected.  Discussion regarding when a special course fee can be added to a course.  Currently the Dean has no input on these fees but Bill would ask that departments be very cautious as to how special course fees are applied.  Please review these guidelines and if you have any questions, bring them to Bill’s attention.
  8. IT Upgrades—Classrooms should be identified soon.  Scheduling of these rooms will also be defined.  Chalkboards and high tech equipment will not meet in the same rooms.
  9. Scholarship Reception/Awards—Changes have occurred in this area throughout the past few years.  Bill suggested that we plan for this event to happen within the second week of school every fall semester and that students need to be present at the event in order to receive their scholarship/award.  There was also discussion about how and who thanks our scholarship donors.  During the fall semester, the Dean’s office will be sending thank you letters to the College of EMS donors.  Discussion.
  10. Homecoming Reception/Awards—These will be given out at the dinner on Friday evening.  Mesut Muslu will be assisting with the recognition of Rich Shultz.  Follow up will occur and an update will be provided.
  11. Lab visits—Bill would like to schedule some lab visits with each program area.  He and/or Lisa will attend along with a camera to shoot some footage for our web pages. Instructors should also be present.  Please confirm these times with Carol.
  12. College Calendar—We would like to collect activities/events within the College and have them all in one location.  This should assist in having faculty, staff, and students know what is going on within the College and will also help with getting photos at our events so that we can better promote ourselves.  Long term goal will be to migrate these events to the web.   
  13. Zimbra—Dean Hudson stressed that everyone needs to promote the use of Zimbra and advocate for all faculty and staff to utilize this product—even if they do not like it.  At minimum, put your unavailable times on it so that others may schedule meetings and appointments. 
  14. Workgroups—Initial 30 minute meetings are being scheduled through Zimbra.  Please make sure that your calendars are up to date.
  15. Group Vacancy/Position Advertisements—There appears to be one copy of the positions that were approved for EMS last year.  The group advertisement deadline is September 27th.
  16. Position Requests for next year—These are due to Mittie by October 1st. for Fall 2013 hirings.  We will have further discussion at next week’s Executive Council meeting.
  17. ADA—A wheelchair has been borrowed from Health Services so that we can collect information about what ADA requirements are there and how they can be addressed.  Discussion.
  18. GE 1030—Osama shared the overall structure of the course.  Justin suggested that we go to a nine week class meeting two times per week.  Discussion followed.  Ideas are open to be shared with Osama.  Let’s bring this back for discussion.
  19. Ottensman 126 & Ottensman 170—Lisa and Carol are trying to move some high tech equipment into 170 so that classes can be moved out of 126 that want to use the equipment.  High tech equipment will not be placed in a classroom where chalk is being used.  Talked on this one in number 8 above.
  20. Merit Pay Plans—This discussion needs to happen in the College before December.  The Chancellor is aware that pay is a large concern.  He also wants a merit pay plan in place.  The Provost presented to URSTPC regarding pay issues and merit options – Ben Collins and Barb Barnet would know more.  Discussion followed.  The other Colleges are working on a plan as well. The bottom line is we need a system in place
  21. Lab Manager vs Lab Technician—Clean Room – Committee formed last year and they suggested a lab manager.  Need to look at true management of the clean room and the technical operations.  A plan will be developed.    
  22. Announcements – there are a lot of discussions at the executive level and can we get a 5 min review of what the major discussion items are.  The Deans have not been involved in these executive discussions.  The Deans are working together and are advocating for more input and information. 

 

Adjournment