Cabinet Meeting Notes August 5, 2014

Tuesday, August 5, 2014
9:30 a.m.
A110

Cabinet was called to order by President Turner at 9:30 a.m. President Turner welcomed the IT group and emphasized the importance of cost savings to overall budget needs.

Members present were: Dr. Steve Turner, Mr. David Koehn, Dr. Mark Arant, and Mr. Ben Hardcastle

Members absent were: Dr. Laura Boren (joined by phone for a portion)

Computer Shutdown Program: Mr. Koehn introduced Mr. Justin Norwood, Mr. Eric Harris, Ms. Stephanie Gillen, and Mr. Kevin Taylor to the group. Justin and Eric presented how the computer shutdown program would be a cost savings initiative. They demonstrated the program functionality giving details of how users will still have access past the shut down period if needed. Mr. Harris explained that the cost savings initiative began two years ago with the migration to our current Dell computer program. While we have already seen significant savings in the cost of computers, we can still save much more by shutting down the majority of computers remotely at a programmed time during each day. The program will go live on September 15, 2014. Information will be distributed to the campus community and signage will be placed in appropriate areas in order that everyone is updated on the process.

June (year-end) Financial Summary: The group discussed the report Mr. Koehn provided, by email, prior to the meeting. After discussions, the group decided to move forward with the current report.

FY16 Budget Needs: Mr. Koehn reported that the due date for this information will be in September 2014. It was decided to table this discussion until a later date.

Enrollment Report: Dr. Boren updated the group on fall enrollment numbers. Enrollment is currently down 1% in credit hour generation. Overall, new student admits are up 3.5%. New student enrollment is up 3.6% as compared to last year. The new FTFT fall 14 cohort is up 9%. The FTFT fall 13 cohort group is currently 59.3% (499 out of 842). University Advising Center continues to work on getting the students in this group to enroll for fall. Outreach efforts include post card mailings, emails, and phone calls. Student Financial Services has had approximately 11% increase in applicants. Housing applicants are up by 100. We anticipate 1,450 residential students this fall. Halls open on Sunday with freshmen move in starting at 8 a.m. Student residential staff members are on campus and in training. Rookie Bridge Camp volunteers are arriving today. RBC camp begins on Thursday. RBC has hit record numbers of freshmen enrollment (398 as of yesterday). This year marks the 25th anniversary of RBC. A reunion will be held at the camp site on Monday, August 11.

President's Annual Report: Mr. Hardcastle reported the continued work being done. He stated that this is the first year this report has been produced. They discussed the next steps in the process. Cabinet members will provide feedback and needed changes will be made. Pages will be added as necessary to present a clear concise report. It is expected that this report will continue yearly and will be produced based on the standards developed this year. A final report will be produced after all updates and changes are made.

Tulsa Research Update: Mr. Hardcastle updated the group on continued efforts of the market analysis. While information is still needed from TCC, the Tulsa piece has been written and vetted. The report will deliver key findings when completed. More on this topic as it develops.

Enrollment Management Projects: Mr. Hardcastle reported efforts between Enrollment Management and Communications & Marketing staff on the number of projects undertaken to increase recruitment and retention efforts. Over 20 new EM related projects are underway, including a re-vitalized go2NSU.com presence. Also, go2NSU.com will be the first priority in the re-design of the web. The group is excited about the level of interaction and able to report an increase in FTFT Freshman for the fall semester. This is the first increase in three (3) years.

HLC Steering Committee: Dr. Arant reported that Academic Affairs is putting together the HLC Steering Committee and asked Cabinet members to nominate representatives from their areas to the group.

Staff Development Day: The group continues to discuss needs for this program to be held in late October. More on this discussion as it develops.

Fall Opening Meeting: Dr. Turner discussed needs for agenda items from the group. Each area will be represented. An invitation to campus will go out soon outlining the program.

Reflections from AASCU President's Meeting: Dr. Turner updated the group on the recent AASCU President's meeting he assisted with. This meeting was designed to provide assistance for presidents across the nation. He reported states having significant financial situations across the board. Enrollments are in decline. Most attendees were looking for avenues for increasing enrollment.

Tenkiller Camp Update: Dr. Turner updated the group on the assignment of this camp to NSU. We have received the contract. Dr. Chavez is working on designing the areas. NSU is assuming the lease from Southwestern. No E&G funding will be utilized in this project. NOPFA funding will help support needs. The final switch should happen in the next few weeks.

Announcements

The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Hutchins