Executive Council Meeting Notes March 12, 2013

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 | 9 a.m. | A110
Cabinet was called to order by President Turner at 9:00 am. President Turner informed the group that he will meet with Speaker of the House, T.W. Shannon later today to discuss concurrent resolutions and utilizing February's equalization numbers for funding Higher Education.
Members present: Dr. Steve Turner, Dr. Pam Fly (for Dr. Rugg), Mr. Tim Foutch, Dr. Laura Boren, Mr. Jerry Cook, Mr. David Koehn, Mr. Tony Duckworth, Ms. Peggy Glenn, Dr. Ron Cambiano.
Members not present: Dr. Denise Deason-Toyne, Mr. Alex Khramov, and Mr. Thomas Teauge

Budget Review

Mr. Koehn reported that the current budget is balanced, FY14 budget projections are being finalized, and we have a healthy reserve. Based on enrollment decline figures, it will be necessary to be conservative with spending throughout the remainder of the year. Information utilized for FY14 budget projections include current enrollment figures, mandatory costs, program start-up costs, annualized salary increases, as well as costs associated with changes in the current advising model. Cabinet members will continue budget discussions throughout the next few months.

OSRHE Top 5 Priorities

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) has asked institutions to provide a monthly update on their top five initiatives/priorities. The April 2013 list with a brief synopsis of each will include: D23 Update, NSU Tree Campus USA-Arbor Day Foundation, Big Event Activities, Athletics - MIAA/NCAA Championships, and NSU Alumna Selected as Oklahoma Principal of the Year.

Dual Shared Advisement

Discussions continue as this new program is finalized. Position announcements have been advertised to provide each college with three academic advisors. Two will be stationed at the Tahlequah campus and one at the Broken Arrow campus. Advisor responsibilities will consist of assisting students with all elements of scheduling as well as strategic follow-up to ensure check and balance of specific requirements such as holds, prerequisites, etc. Dr. Fly reported that academic areas are excited about the new program. It is expected that this program will create consistency, availability, and more streamlined processes while shifting faculty responsibilities to more of a mentoring role.

Ongoing Dialog Regarding D23 Development

Discussions continue regarding the development of this program. Enrollment forecasting will help provide numbers for setting goals in the programs development. Members discussed the importance of providing information to students timely to encourage enrollment prior to the end of the current semester. Dr. Fly will announce at next Academic Council meeting for departments to begin making announcements to students regarding enrollment dates. Other initiatives will also provide information to students that should help with early enrollment.

Update on NSU Recognition for Service and Health

Dr. Boren reported that NSU has received recognition through Certified Healthy Oklahoma for efforts related to our smoke free campus and healthy living initiatives.

Student Assessment

Dr. Boren reported that a suite of surveys are being sent randomly to staff and students in an effort to gather input on student assessment.

Carpe Diem

Mr. Cook reported an upcoming enrollment initiative titled Carpe Diem that will provide students with enrollment information and dates. The goal of this initiative is to encourage early enrollment. The role out of the program will begin prior to spring break week. Discussions are ongoing on how to encourage students to engage in early enrollment opportunities.

Capital Project Update

Mr. Foutch reported that all projects are progressing as planned. See below for a detailed list of activities.

Multi Purpose Event Center

• Steel erection continuing and progressing as scheduled
• All steel is on site except one column
• Precast riser installation scheduled for completion week of 03/11/13
• Roof contractor to begin wood blocking and insulation week of 03/18/13
• Roof truss 3 and 4 to be installed by 03/22/13
• Plumber and Mechanical subcontractors have arrived onsite and are working on the underneath side of the mezzanine deck
• Exterior precast panels to begin 04/01/13
• Building scheduled to be dried in week of 04/15/13

Administration Building Roof Replacement

• Metal gutter, soffit panels, and metal wall panel installation punch list underway.
• HVAC control contractor on site completing install of control system.
• Pitch and gravel coating delayed until 12/03/12. Building occupants will notice a definite odor during this process. This material does not pose a health or safety hazard.

Fitness Center Renovation

• Programming phase complete
• Final building revision documents and budget projection being developed

Low Vision Clinic

• Project bids scheduled to be released by March 2013
• Awaiting final design for exterior elevator option

Wyly Housing Project

• Continuing discussions regarding project funding

Green and White Room renovation

• Structural bid documents released
• General bid documents 90% complete

Occupational Therapy Build Out

• Architect is developing contract documents
• Project scope and assessment underway

Student-Athlete Academic Success Update

Mr. Duckworth reported an increase in bachelors degree candidates from 44 into 56 in the past year. He also commented on a recent successful Senior Banquet recognizing student athletes with a GPA of 3.3 or higher.

MIAA Conference/NCAA Championships

Mr. Duckworth reported a tremendous MIAA Conference event in Kansas City stating This is a testament to the dedication of commitment to move to the MIAA . The Men's team will move on to compete in the NCAA Championships held in Mankato, MN on March 16th. Mr. Duckworth expressed his pride for NSU's success this year

Announcements

Mr. Cook thanked the group for their assistance while serving as the Interim Executive Director for University Relations during the past 16 months. He has enjoyed serving in this capacity. He will return to his permanent responsibilities as Director of Community and Government Relations as of March 25, 2013

Ms. Glenn announced that the guest speaker at this years Larry Adair Lectureship will be Paul Rusesabagina (of Hotel Rwanda fame). This event will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Webb Auditorium. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Hutchins