Cabinet Meeting Notes July 15, 2014

Tuesday, July 15, 2014
9:00 a.m.
President's Office Conference Room

Cabinet was called to order by Provost Arant at 9:05 a.m.

Members present were: Dr. Mark Arant, Dr. Laura Boren, Mr. David Koehn, and Mr. Ben Hardcastle

Members absent were: Dr. Steve Turner

Graduate Enrollment/Retention Efforts Update: Dr. Tom Jackson provided and update on efforts related to enrollment and retention for graduate programs. He first provided a historical account of graduate programs offered at NSU. Historical student numbers include 650-700 when he began at NSU to a record high of 1,200. Current graduate student numbers are 1,100+. It was noted that there are 24-25 graduate programs currently offered at NSU. Each program is market responsive. The graduate dean serves as an advocate to each program. Departments are required to evaluate and modify/revise programs every five years utilizing OSRHE requirements. Dr. Jackson explained that GPA requirements for admission are different for graduate students. Currently each program requires a 3.0 GPA and depending on the program requires either a GRE of 900 or MAT of 283 or at the 25 percentile. Recruitment efforts include faculty attendance at graduate fairs, seminars, an average of 5,500 phone calls, numerous web based/email inquiries, and 7,000+ personal contacts with potential students per year. In 2013-14 there were 1,152 applications processed. With 18-19 being international students most were new students. Recruitment efforts are more difficult to attain due to students being allowed six years to complete two-three year programs. Some students ask for more time to complete the degrees. The current retention rate is reported to be 75% based on a six year completion formula. The average GPA is 3.84 with a completion rate of 70-75%. It was noted that there is a lack in follow up of students for measuring jobs in the field. This data would provide a sense of some measure of success or failure. Enrollment is expected to be flat due to some programs may increase while others decrease based on national trends. Examples given were a current decrease in College of Education while there is an increase in Science & Health Profession areas. Mr. Koehn asked is there a job market for graduate programs? Dr. Jackson replied that currently Business, Science, and Allied Health programs are in good shape. Education is currently not doing as well as in the past. Higher Education is growing. Certificates may decline due to financial aid changes. Dr. Jackson reported an increase in students getting into programs, obtaining the certificate and then dropping out of the program. This is an issue that will be addressed in the near future. Dr. Arant informed the group of potential for programs being offered by means of hybrid, online, and face-to-face that needs to be investigated.

Library Hours: Dr. Arant discussed a request for proposed Library hours during Labor Day break. Dr. Boren asked for time to obtain information from the Resident's Hall regarding housing needs before finalizing. She will provide information to the group as soon as possible. This item was tabled until more information is gathered.

Discussion of Possible Staff Development Day: Dr. Arant continued discussions regarding a possible day for staff development. The group discussed the Thursday of Homecoming week. They also discussed possible topics of training to include: team building, self motivation, and student service. The group decided to table the speaker portion of this discussion until Dr. Turner is in attendance. Speakers will be discussed at the next meeting. Information will be provided as plans are developed.

Enrollment Update: Dr. Boren reported current Credit Hour numbers are at 77,000. Application numbers have increase by 4.5%. We are up by 4,000 from two weeks ago. Dr. Boren reported that at this point in the enrollment process, we have done all that can be done. Mr. Hardcastle reported that staff are organized, sequenced and are working together.

Announcements

Dr. Boren stated that she will provide a calendar of startup events at next weeks meeting.

Mr. Hardcastle updated the group on the Tulsa Trends data collection that is being done. While we have limited data from TCC, we have plenty to work with. Reports are showing a need to differentiate NSU-BA and to be specific.

Mr. Hardcastle reported that the President's Report is approximately 75% complete and will provide a review draft soon. The report will capture a feel for what the university is doing and will provide financial data.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Hutchins