Planning Council Minutes - October 22, 2008

Facilitator: Dr. Paul Jennings
Notetaker: Nancy Ramsey
Attendees: Debbie Long, Christa Martin, Paul Jennings, Matt Lewis, Barry Gidcomb, Kae Fleming, John Troy, Dan Opalewski, Cathryn McDonald, Mike Shuler, Lauren Maxwell, Chaitram Talele, Karry Hathaway, Emily Siciensky, and Nancy Ramsey

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 am on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.

Dr. Cathryn McDonald provided information on the successes and challenges in Academic Services. Dr. McDonald highlighted student engagement, right start program, development of the Film Crew Technology program, DSP redesign, RODP and Dual Enrollment increases and the conversion of the BIT program to an accelerated cohort. She identified the upcoming challenges in the DSP redesign pilot, the number of students and time needed to make Right Start successful and the accreditation process for the BUS/BIT programs. She identified the biggest challenge as space and money. Due to budget constraints the Stage Crew Technology program and the Student Learning Spaces project have been delayed. Dr. McDonald recommended that the Planning Council consider how we plan to deliver ITV courses in the future. Current equipment is aging and replacement will be expensive. (Dr. McDonald’s handout is included at the end of the minutes.)

Dr. Dan Opalewski provided information on the success and challenges in Student Services. Dr. Opalewski identified the following as strengths and accomplishments: implemented Banner Student, Financial Aid and Luminis modules, nearly $12 million awarded in financial aid in Fall 2008, awarded 850 lottery scholarships, expanded services, increased recruitment and fall enrollment. He expressed concern over the number of students leaving college in debt. The college processed $3.5-$4.0 in student loans this year. He identified concerns with the Williamson County Growth Plan, enrollment costs vs. resources and providing adequate services to RODP/on-line students with current resources as the focus issues for the planning council. (Dr. Opalewski’s complete report is included at the end of the minutes.)

The meeting was adjourned.