Cabinet Meeting Notes July 1, 2014

Tuesday, July 1, 2014
9:00 a.m.
President's Office Conference Room

Cabinet was called to order by President Turner at 9:00 a.m. President Turner welcomed Dr. Mark Arant to the group and to NSU. July 1, 2014 is Dr. Arant's first official day as Provost/VPAA at NSU.

Members present were: Dr. Steve Turner, Mr. David Koehn, Dr. Mark Arant, Dr. Laura Boren, Mr. Ben Hardcastle, and Ms. Patti Buhl.

Members absent were: None

Policy Change Website Policy and Guideline: Ms. Buhl provide the latest draft to the members of Cabinet for review and discussion. After a brief discussion regarding the most recent updates, it was decided to table this item until a later meeting. More information will be made available when finalized.

NIMS Compliance Status: Ms. Buhl reported to the group of NSU's 2014-15 compliance status. The group discussed the need to establish a coordinator for the Administration Building. At the end of the discussion, it was determined that there would be a representative on each floor. Ms. Buhl will submit the names of the three staff members nominated by the Cabinet to Jason Junkens for notification and training. Ms. Buhl will ask Mr. Junkens to submit a complete list of university coordinators to Cabinet members.

Enrollment Update: Dr. Boren updated the group on enrollment numbers. Freshmen admission numbers are up by 100 to equal a 9.65 % increase. It is likely that this number will not increase much beyond current levels. Currently transfer admission numbers are down. Members questioned some current enrollment numbers reported in late June. It was decided to have these numbers reviewed for accuracy. Dr. Boren gave an overview of the report to Dr. Arant. President Turner asked Dr. Boren for recommendations on what areas could do to contribute to support current efforts to boost enrollment. Dr. Boren suggested College deans continue efforts to contact current students who have not yet enrolled. An updated report will be provided to the College offices. The migration to Degree Works has slowed down the reporting process. It was also reported that Student Affairs staff is working with Business Affairs to identify holds. Mr. Koehn reported that Business Affairs staff consistently notifies students with holds. Dr. Boren also reported that students are being notified at specific points during their admission and enrollment status. The group made an action list to work from. The group discussed the need for a way in which Banner would force students to update contact information prior to enrolling. This step will allow more consistency with connecting with students regarding needs. Dr. Arant provided feedback and suggestions from past experiences that may help.

Career Tech Workforce Development PR Initiative: Mr. Hardcastle discussed the need to stay well informed about the current efforts of this initiative. The group discussed the need for NSU's message to stay clear, consistent, and focused regarding this topic.

RUSO Board Meeting NSU-Tahlequah Campus: President Turner explained the structure of the Board meetings each year. He announced that NSU will host the July 24th & 25th meeting on the Tahlequah campus. Board members will be holding a Retreat during the morning of July 24 with committee meetings held in the afternoon. The general board meeting will take place Friday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Computer Auto Shutdown (cost savings): President Turner reminded the group of the need to begin the automatic system shutdown on computers as a cost savings mechanism. Mr. Koehn reported that plans are under way and that this initiative will be announced at the Fall Opening Meeting on August 12, 2014.

NCAA Update: President Turner announced that NSU is awaiting official notice to be released from probation regarding an athletic team on July 3, 2014. NSU has submitted the official request for this action and is expecting a final notification soon.

Tulsa Regional Chamber One Voice Initiative: President reminded Cabinet of NSU's support of this initiative. He also stated that Regent Dunn will represent higher education for the legislative agenda.

Capital Project Update: Mr. Koehn reported that projects are moving forward as expected. Some highlighted areas are:

• Seminary Hall: Carpet almost completed
• OT Lab: 2nd phase On target to be completed August 1
• Willis Lot - Work taking place now that weather is holding
• Housing Working with Architects
• LED Lights On Going
• Admin Elevator Bids are out
• Library 2nd phase Bid underway
• Fitness Center Rework of steel work adds 45-60 days to construction. C&M is working on a release that will go out soon that will provide details

Opening Meeting: President Turner continued discussions regarding needs for the Opening Meeting scheduled for August 12th. Discussions will continue through next few weeks and Cabinet members were asked to begin constructing agenda items.

Announcements

Dr. Boren reported that there is a Title IX Retreat this afternoon. It is imperative that all faculty/staff and students are award of Title IX and what it is.

Mr. Hardcastle reported ongoing work on the Tulsa Research Project.

Dr. Arant announced that NSU has submitted a grant proposal for the First in the World grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This is a 1.6 million enhanced student adaptation and persistence program designed to ensure academic success. This program includes three major components to increase college readiness of high school students, especially those from underrepresented, low income, and first generation college student backgrounds. With the comprehensive services, participants will demonstrate enhanced college readiness, improved academic performance, and higher retention and graduation rates.

Dr. Arant announced that NSU's Persistence Academy Report is due two weeks out. NSU is ahead of its cohorts.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Hutchins