Executive Council Meeting Notes April 1, 2014

Tuesday, April 1, 2014 | 9:00 a.m. | A110
Executive Council was called to order by President Turner at 9:05 a.m.
Members present were: Dr. Steve Turner, Dr. Pam Fly, Dr. Laura Boren, Mr. David Koehn, Mr. Ben Hardcastle, Ms. Peggy Glenn, Dr. Ron Cambiano, Mr. Tony Duckworth, and Mr. Jon Asbill. Ms. Taylor Melone in for Thomas Teague and Mr. Jon Asbill represented Patti Buhl.

Members absent were: Ms. Patti Buhl, Dr. Cheryl Van Den Handel, and Mr. Thomas Teague

Full Time Enrollment

Laura Boren informed the group of legislation being considered regarding OHLAP. If passed, changes will affect financial aid packaging and the number of hours students will be required to complete in an academic year. Staff will continue efforts to maintain awareness and work with students to properly guide them if the legislation passes.

Admissions and Fall Enrollment

Laura Boren informed the group that initial enrollment figures are coming in. Currently, there is a 5% increase of admissions over last year at this same time. Efforts continue by encouraging current students to enroll prior to the end of the spring semester.

Title IX Policy Requirements

Laura Boren updated the group on the need for incidents that fall within the guidelines of this policy to be properly and timely reported. Efforts will be made to get information to faculty and staff in the near future.

Persistence & Completion Academy Update

Pam Fly gave an overview of the academy that includes a four-year focus, creating conditions to encourage choices, emphasis on pro-active strategies, and emphasis on data-driven planning. Certain activities will drive the timeline of each year. Monthly activities are underway for year-one beginning with March and will continue through June 2014. NSU will work with an assigned Mentor representative and is currently planning a visit to campus as early as May 2014. NSU representatives will present at the HLC meeting in mid April. While a Core Team, made up of faculty/staff from key areas, will work closely on activities, Drs. Fly, Jackson, Keller, Freeman, Giese, and Sawyer will make up the traveling team . Dr. Mike Wilds will act as NSU's HLC Liaison. A group will travel to a Roundtable meeting in June to bring back pertinent information to continue efforts.

Upcoming Events

Peggy Glenn updated the group on upcoming events. These include: Green & White Weekend, April 3-5; My Orange Duffle Bag Presentation, April 7; The 25th Anniversary of the Branscum Alumni Center, April 15; Larry Adair Lecture Series, April 17; Occupational Therapy Grand Opening, April 21 at NSUM; PLC Dinner, April 29; Seminary Hall 125th Anniversary, May 7; Homecoming 2014, October 25. Dr. Ron Cambiano reported a film event titled What is Philanthropy to be held in Muskogee at the Three Rivers Museum on April 5th.

External Partnerships

Ron Cambiano reported that the Summit held recently in Pryor was a huge success and thanked those who attended. He stated that NSU was recognized in the literature. Education was very well supported by the NE Region. He also updated the group on efforts for support of the Robotics programs in area schools as well as the success of the Robotics Team within the College of Education. He stated that we are beginning to see the fruit from our efforts.

Priority Housing Update

Jon Asbill reported that this year there were 63 vs. 84 or so from last year.

Wilson Hall Architect Selection Committee

Jon Asbill requested to begin the process of selecting members to assist in the architect selection for the Wilson Hall project. His request was approved to begin.

Policy Committee - Title IX Cabinet Approval

Jon Asbill presented to the group the need to approve recent changes to the policy through the Policy Committee. It was decided to table this discussion until next week to give Cabinet members time to review the entire policy.

Collegial Governance

Jon Asbill reported that Staff Council is in the process of reviewing the Collegial Governance document requested by Faculty Council. Dr. Cheryl Van Den Handel has been asked to attend the next Staff Council meeting to answer questions from the group.

Staff Council Website

John Asbill requested guidance for best location and who to visit with to finalize this request. Staff Council will soon have elections and need to have a site to post forms and information. The group agreed that this requires priority and should be finalized.

Degree Completion Resolution Update

Jon Asbill reported that Staff Council is currently working on a resolution for staff taking courses to complete a degree. Data are being collected that will report how many staff are currently taking courses. He will bring information to Cabinet when the group is ready to present the resolution for approval.

Condrey Salary Study for New Hires

President Turner and Cabinet members continue to work to determine new hire salaries as positions become vacant. The group will continue to work as needs arise and during the next several weeks as they determine FY15 budgets.

Provost Timeline

President Turner reported to the group that he has met with Dr. Doug Penisten regarding the Search Committee's recommendation for the selection of the Provost position. The next 24 hours should reveal our next Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. The selection will be taken to the RUSO Board in April for approval.

Announcements

President Turner informed the group that a search committee will be selected to begin work to hire a Human Resources Director. This position will be vacated by Dr. Martha Albin at the end of June 2014. The timeline of this search will be to finalize the search by the end of May for a July 1 hire date.

President Turner also reported work being done to begin the process to replace Mr. Tim Foutch for the Operations Division. It is hoped to have someone in place by July 1.

Tony Duckworth reported the recent success of NSU's Tennis team over SW Baptist. He also reported the success of teams within the MIAA Conference in Football and Men's Basketball.

Taylor Melone reported that the Big Event was a huge success this year. With approximately 800 volunteers working in 80 job sites the event had a huge impact on the community.

Taylor Melone also reported that students will be holding electronic elections this semester and a student committee is working on changes to the Student Bylaws. They are currently viewing other like schools for guidance on needs. Resolutions will be brought to Cabinet for approval when finalized.

David Koehn reported moving forward with changes to the Higher One System to the TouchNet System. He is currently working through options and meeting with BancFirst leaders to finalize the program. Public Roll Out of the system will be coming soon.

David Koehn reported work being done with OneNet on a rural broad band connection. We are trying different scenarios to see what will be the best model while continuing to work with AT&T in Tahlequah and Cox Communications in Broken Arrow.

President Turner reminded the group that we are experiencing hectic days this time of the year and the importance of taking care of themselves. He also reminded them that they are conduits of information coming from these meetings. It is important that they pass along information from these meetings to faculty and staff in their respective areas.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Hutchins