Attachment A - Draft Minutes

College Learning Council

June 3, 2004

Members Present:     Chris Borglum, Aida Diaz, Tracy Edwards, Paula Gastenveld, Tim Grogan, Joyce Romano, Michael Shugg, Rose Watson

Council Staff:             Ann Puyana

Guests:                       Kim Adams (Recording), Helen Clarke, Ron Nelson

Tracy Edwards began the meeting by extending congratulations to Joyce Romano in her promotion to the position of Vice President for Student Affairs.

Several housekeeping items were addressed, as follows:

• CLC members were told about the book, “What Works: Research-Based Best Practices in Developmental Education” that was available for them to take;
• A sign up sheet was made available for anyone who wanted a book after all the available copies had been taken, as well as to request an e-mail synopsis of the book;
• Copies of the May Minutes were distributed, which contained an additional revision; and
• A current iteration of the Sabbatical Policy was distributed.

ACTION ITEMS

May Minutes:  The May minutes were approved as submitted, with minor revisions.

ACTION:  Under SPD Funding Requests, Steve Myers – remove the word “It” just prior to “ACTION;” and correct the spelling in Morgan Phillips’ name under Discussion Items, Review of SLP Action Items, Item 1.2.

SLP Action Item Primus/Action Item Changes – An Action Item Work Plan & Primus Responsible which incorporates revisions made at the May CLC meeting was discussed.  During the month, Tracy, Louise, and Michael met to discuss the primuses. The Council was asked to determine if the primuses are appropriate and if there is agreement on the items.  The following items were discussed.

2.4 – Current primuses are Ann Puyana and Joan Tiller; this will be changed to Mary Pepe and Joan Tiller, with Ann being kept in the information loop.

2.5 –Per Nick Bekas, this item has not been fully completed.  It was pointed out that, although there will be reviews, it is essentially a completed item.

7.3 – It was noted that, with regard to the goal of reaching 500 nursing students per year, that figure will not be reached this year, and is not likely to be reached for several years, due to funding.  Current enrollment is 320; no additional students will be accepted this year.  Status is in progress.

ACTION:  Correct the spelling of Joe Battista’s name in Item 7.5.

Tenure Re-Evaluation Summit

The first class of tenure graduates since new tenure processes have been put in place has been completed.  Lisa Armour and Ann Puyana led very successful summits leading up to the new processes.  It was suggested that key people from the stakeholder group should be pulled together to identify issues in the tenure process and their resolutions.  A date for an upcoming summit was discussed, with Friday, September 10 being the date identified.

ACTION:  Focus groups with recent graduates are planned, as well as meetings with deans to discuss what is working and what is not, so that improvements in the ILP portion of the process can be made.

Sabbatical Policy

The current Final Draft was reviewed.  It was noted that it will most likely be brought before the Board at their next meeting.  The policy was developed as a collaborative effort, with input from many different constituents.  Administrators, faculty, and professional staff are included in the policy, which is different from similar policies in the past.  It was noted that the document had undergone a significant change, which was the removal of an additional administrator from the Sabbatical Selection Team.  The need for an administrator (in addition to the CLO) was discussed.  It was proposed that an Academic Dean be added; it was also suggested that it be worded Dean, to include Student Affairs’ deans, and that the individual be recommended by the Instructional Affairs Committee.

ACTION:  Notify, via e-mail, the chairs of the Instructional Affairs Committee of the Council’s recommendation.

Developmental Education

Prior to the meeting, CLC members had been asked to fill out a College Prep Survey which seeks to examine what Valencia is doing in the area of developmental education.  How members of the CLC responded to this survey was discussed.  It was noted that linked courses are finally becoming part of the curriculum, which is a positive move forward.  It was stated that developmental education is very definitely a strategic goal under our Start Right initiative, and as such is an extremely important topic.  It was also noted that the withdrawal rate is higher in developmental classes, and that the more remediation that a student requires, the less likely he/she is to complete those courses successfully.

It was proposed that, after reading the book, a separate meeting be set up to discuss the issue at length.  The suggestion was made that those people who have been identified as Valencia’s best prep teachers be invited to participate in the meeting.  It was also suggested that they may want to add deans and faculty to the mix, later in the discussions.

ACTION:  The decision was made for the CLC members to read the book that was distributed with regard to best practices in developmental education, and continue the discussion at next month’s meeting.

Learning Indicators Report

Ron Nelson was welcomed to the meeting to present and answer any questions with regard to the College Learning Indicators Report.  He stated that the Executive Summary provides an overall picture of what is taking place in the college.  He made note of several tables which may need further clarification.  Page 14 – milestones common to degree-seeking FTIC students, and how well Valencia is doing in getting students through those milestones within certain time frames.  He explained how cohort groups were established, and the differences in their milestones and road to completion.  There are also a number of tables which break down data for each campus with regard to their enrollments, completion, etc. for various populations of students.  Several questions were posed by members of the CLC, which were answered by Ron.  He was thanked for the report and for his presentation.  He stated that he would welcome any suggestions for edits from the group.

Tracy and Michael recognized Ron’s service to the College and his impending retirement.  He was presented with a token of appreciation from the Council.

AAHE

Ten Learning Evidence Team members will attend the upcoming conference in Denver, Colorado.  Tracy said that the Council looks forward to reports from the attendees.

Lumina Grant

Valencia has been awarded planning funds for this grant, which would total approximately $500,000 per year over a four to five year period.  The funds would aid Valencia in achieving its Strategic Learning Plan goals.  A group will be traveling to Austin, Texas in June for the initial meeting.  Tracy stated that when the meeting is over, information will be brought back to the Council. She said she believes that this grant will be one that will influence public policy, ie., financial aid, and will involve broad collaboration throughout the college.