Representatives
Ray Smith
Jim Salt
Sonja Christian

Strategic Directions Presentation & Discussion (Implications for UPP Initiatives)

Anne McGrail spoke about the production of the strategic directions for 2004-05 to 2007-08, draft with background and production information was distributed prior to meeting.  Took a while to agree on accountability due to lack of resources issue.

Suggestions/Comments 

• Seems to be differing levels of prioritization
• High level of generality, should emphasize difference between direction, goal, action item
• College needs to agree upon then implement goals, directions, etc.
• Need a systematic way of organizing allocation
• Difficult to envision how both governance works and strategic plan re-worked
• “Workforce” connotations are of question.  Can be construed as training only
• Change perspective to “arrive at a place” instead of merely “go this direction”
• Realize this is the strategic plan of people working here
• Consider division of labor—“how are we mobilizing ourselves?”
• Ask “what do we need to include in plan in order to move forward?”
• Ask “what should we be writing initiatives to?”
• Recognize the healthy tension, “clash of initiatives” as a motivator
• Less specificity
• Should be a web presence for this discussion.
• Form to facilitate feedback?
• Forum discussion?
• Helpful for Bob to include draft on web board
• Faculty council reps bring draft to department meetings and organize a discussion at faculty meetings
• Some legwork needed for responses

Discussion Item—Memo re changes to student evaluation format
For Fall term, campus will be introducing a method of collecting students’ course evaluation data that is web-based.  Rather than using Scantron forms, students will be able to access evaluation forms for their courses through ExpressLane.  Same questions, change will be method of collecting student responses.  The presenter mentioned possibility of five 50$ gift certificates to be given from the Lane bookstore as student motivators to submit evaluations.  This would be a first-time pilot for all faculty with exception to probationary and part-time faculty, who would utilize the old Scantron format.

Suggestions / Comments

• Suggested format needs further discussion
• Financial rewards may undermine the seriousness of evaluations
• Possibly customize evaluations
• Major revision should require more than merely input from faculty, whose jobs are often affected by the evals.
• Disturbing process to change format—faculty involvement in process?
• Some can’t deliver via e-mail
• Concern about return rate—70% now, but which 70% of students will reply if format changes to online?
• Change in delivery=change to instrument
• This issue should’ve been brought before faculty council or someone prior to proposing draft.
• Evaluation window of 11/22 to 12/8 for students may allow too much room for lobbying, etc.
• Biased toward students with on-line skills and technology
• Okay to evaluate change before format change—extend period of assessing
• Winter term results should be analyzed prior to any changes from pilot arrangements
• Issue of hold harmless-well beyond evaluation—this is a campus-wide evaluation about the quality of education here at LCC.

Decision:  memo will be adjusted before it goes to faculty.
 
Action/approval item—Appointments to In-Service Planning Committee
Mark Williams (CIT)
Wendy Simmons (Health & PE)
Will discuss representation at next in-service meeting

Action/approval item—Continuing service on Academic Council
Following faculty members all willing to continue.
Barbara DeFilippo
Sheila Broderick
Cristina Simoni
Procedurally Faculty Council requests posting to all faculty re positions via e-mail request as step in approving appointments to committees.

Action/approval item—Credit for Prior Learning policy conjunction change

Proposed to add a sentence spelling out the institution’s oversight for exceptions—“Exceptions must be approved by the divisional manager and the associate vice president for instruction.”  Affirmed language to be added to item f:  "In the absence of contracted faculty on a continuing appointment, credit may be granted by other qualified faculty, subject to the approval of the division chair and the associate vice president."

There will be e-mail confirmation re this action.

Action/approval item—Student Focus Groups memo re study conducted
Requested inclusion of question: “How student focus groups are conducted.”  Upon change in wording will send approved memo to OISS.

Faculty Council meeting Dec. 12 

Dec. 12 items to include
Banner
Governance
Strategic Plan
11-week summer session response from OISS