PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
January 12, 2004

Present:
Dean Duggar
Dr. Bill Roe
Dr. Sandra Bevill
Dr. David Boyd
Dr. Charles Ford
Dr. Len Frey
Carleen Marburger
Dr. Jeff Pittman
Dr. Steve Replogle
Dr. John Seydel
Dr. Jim Washam
Mark Young

Others:
Chris Collins

Absent:

Meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Dean Duggar.

BUDGET PLANNING
Dean Duggar commented on the budget that there was no increase, reallocation within departments and 2.7% salary increase.

Dean Duggar discussed Budgeting Priorities:
Advising Position in Student Services Center, Henry Torres & Mark Lewis are not in a line and he would like them in a line, he would like to double graduate assistantships, he would like the finance position funded – use for international finance and use this person for certification programs.

Dean Duggar asked the committee members that as they look at their operations, are there any critical needs in personnel? Dean Duggar commented to Dr. Seydel that if they could get a line for Henry Torres, they could get that position filled. Dean Duggar asked the department chairs that if negative funds in salaries come up in their budget sheets to please let him know as there are some changes in numbers by the HR office.

WN GRADE PROCESSING
WN Grade Processing was discussed. If a student is on the roster and did not come to class, then give them a WN grade and they do not get a grade and they also do not receive financial aid. The WN grades are open to post from January 21 – 29th.

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January 12, 2004
Page 2

ACCREDITATION
The area of learning outcomes and coming up with learning objectives and pursuing those with specific measures is a big part of that. Dean Duggar would like the committee’s comments regarding this, PRT, merit, accreditation status etc. Dr. Seydel commented that he feels like we are headed in the right direction. Dr. Ford stated that the reporting format for PRT is not the same as the merit document. EX: 2 journal articles in a five year period, but not the same as PRT. Consistency between PRT, Merit and AACSB is an ongoing stream. Over a 5 year period, must have that peer review, publications and in the PRT we will have to have some firming of 2-3 peer reviewed documents.

Accreditation has also put a lot of weight on the experience, interaction with students, advising etc. AACSB wants to see changes in production. Jeff Pittman commented that there are three people teaching law classes; John Robertson, Mark Lewis and himself. Jeff commented that they all looked at the grades that were distributed in spring 2002. John & Jeff compared their grades to Mark’s; 65% A’s and B’s. Mark’s grades went down significantly. Mark is now worried that he is a worse professor.

We are going to have to start working on this and getting the standards. Dr. Roe commented that he believes that “Assurance of Learning” is going to be the big issue. Kathryn Martel is coming on February 27 to talk about this.

RESEARCH CODE OF CONDUCT
The Research Code of Conduct was presented at the Faculty Meeting that was held on January 8th. Requested comments from the three attorneys. Jeff Pittman commented that feedback was to discuss co-authoring with people in administrative positions. E-MAIL TO JEFF PITTMAN THE RESEARCH CODE OF CONDUCT. Poll the faculty and any other items that need to be added, get to Jeff Pittman so he can get back with us and send this out for ratification.

MERIT DOCUMENT
Dr. Roe commented that after presenting the items last week, he is in the process of making modifications in the document itself. Weights 50/30/20, etc. being added. Preamble being added and some clarification of some documents, then will be circulated for Department Chairs to review. Once feedback is received, faculty should see revisions and any comments from faculty can then be received.

Dr. Seydel stated that the Preamble says that when we don’t have much money, we will do more discrimination and when we have more money, we will not have as much discrimination. Dean Duggar commented that to keep good people, we have to give as much as we can.

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January 12, 2004
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STRATEGIC PLAN
Dr. Roe commented that we have accomplished many things in the strategic plan. Dr. Roe commented that we are in the process of revising the document and taking the items out that have been completed and adding others in. He will distribute to the departments and the Planning Committee for their comments, revisions. Dean Duggar would like to add the finance side to the document. Need to look at THE MISSION to revise.

Dean Duggar asked Dr. Bevill to report on her area. Dr. Bevill stated that they are very busy right now. She also asked if all the Departmental Brochures were on-line as this would be very helpful.

Dean Duggar asked the Department Heads about their Student Organizations. He would like to know if they ever meet and who is the advisor is for each organization. Dr. Replogle is supposed to have this information on the web.

Dr. Ford asked for a Fact Sheet on hours etc. each student needs to graduate. Dr. Bevill will update and redistribute.

DELTA CENTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mark Young reported that he, Dr. Roe, and Frankie Gilliam have been working on a feasibility study for Russellville, Arkansas. They just had their last follow-up conference call this afternoon.

Economic Impact Study for Arkansas Elect Coop – Mark and Dean Duggar are working on. The Delta Bridge Project funded by the Walton Foundation. Funded 2nd phase so will being work on that.

Mark commented that training is picking up. The economy seems to be picking up and companies that stopped their training are starting back up again.

Horizon Institute – Mark commented that the recipients of the Horizon Institute grants were announced at the last meeting. Seven will receive grants totaling $47,300.00. Other projects to be funded will be announced in March.

Dr. Seydel asked if Arkansas Rural Sourcing was separate from Horizon Institute and he was told that it is separate. It is a non-profit entity funded by the University and others.

Carleen requested some feedback on information for the Student Newsletter.

Dr. Seydel would like the Department Chairs and Graduate Coordinator to recommend and identify students to be on the Student Infrastructure Committee, one junior and one

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January 12, 2004
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senior graduating in December and one graduate student from each program. Replace seniors with juniors the following year for continuity.

Dean Duggar stated that he would like to get rid of the wooden benches in the foyer and put in some nice chairs.

Dr. Roe asked when the Wall of Honor was supposed to be here and Dean Duggar stated in February.

Dr. Seydel commented that international graduate and undergraduate students need to prepare ahead of time for their travel.

COB Day at a baseball game in the Spring – Sat 4/24/04 against Mexico State or 5/8/04 with UALR. Which would be better? The consensus was that it would be better to have before classes are out. So, April 24th was the date agreed upon.

Meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

Next meeting scheduled for January 26, 2004 at 3:30 p.m. in the COB Conference Room BU105.

Submitted by:

Chris Collins