April 27, 2005

Members Present:
Dr. Margaret Sullivan, SACS Consultant
John Mendelsohn, President
Michael Ahearn, Ph.D.
Dr. Toya Candelari, Dr.PH.
Shaun Caldwell
Weldon Gage
Marilyn Greer, Ph.D.
Dwain Morris for Donna Hemphill
Kathy Hoffman
Robert Jenkins
Shreya Kant
Victoria Knutson, Ph.D.
Marvin L. Meistrich, Ph.D.
Jon Wiener, Ph.D.

Members Absent:
Justin Faye
George Stancel, Ph.D.
Stephen Tomasovic, Ph.D., Committee Chair

The committee was asked to review the minutes of the April 6 meeting.

Dr. Greer announced the committee members that commuted to Smithville and Bastrop to review SACS readiness. The findings of both schools were discussed.

Dr. Sullivan discussed Dr. Candelari's job title, responsibilities and percentage of work on Student Affairs. A series of pointed questions were asked regarding the number of trainees, staff working on other tasks, and the percentage of time that other staff spend on Student Affairs. Dr. Sullivan used the line of questioning to demonstrate the series of questions that may be launched by the SACS reviewer. Dr. Sullivan indicated that she believes that the title for Student Affairs is covered, but the intent is not. She advised that if the institution wanted to keep the decentralization approach it may be best to do it through an advisory committee. All the off-campus sites still have student development responsibilities and it is important to show how the treatment of students is handled to avoid lawsuits. An example was provided that involved a student that contacted Student Development during the night, and received counseling assistance, and later commits suicide. If the counselor that assisted the student is not qualified, the parents of the student can file a law suit stating that the person their child saw on campus was not qualified to make a judgment. Dr. Sullivan inquired about who on the staff was a certified Psychologist. Dr. Candelari responded that the certified psychologist would fall under the Employee Assistance Program. The credentials for the staff are not currently available, but the credentials for John Hyatt were briefly discussed. Dr. Sullivan indicated that in terms of a traditional view of how students are supported, the current model does not meet the mustard, but it would very much depend on the potential members of the review team. She is hopeful that no one from Student Development would be on the team. Dr. Sullivan indicated that the institution would know more in about four to five weeks. She indicated that if recommendations are issued in this area they can be fixed. Mr. Mendelsohn inquired if SACS was interested in postgraduates or just individuals going for degrees. Dr. Sullivan responded that they are interested in any student that pays tuition. Mr. Mendelsohn wanted to verify that all statements were congruent regarding the number of students being serviced and the number of staff persons providing service. Dr. Sullivan inquired about the additional thousand(s) of students. Dr. Candelari responded that her department does appointing, completing paperwork, termination and clearing (student operations/human resource). Dr. Mendelsohn indicated that he is running M. D. Anderson and has never had any business training, therefore you can work with people and obtain a track record. He requested that the credentials of staff be packaged much better to show that the institution has very intelligent people who have been in the process of educating and troubleshooting the students that are available. Dr. Mendelsohn reiterated that the way the information is presented now, the institution is not ready. Dr. Sullivan complied and indicated that it currently it looks like there is no priority towards the students. Dr. Sullivan also indicated that there is a statement that specifically requests that the institution describe the credentials of the people that work with students. Dr. Candelari is currently working on this process. Dr. Mendelsohn requested to add the experience and track record as well. Dr. Sullivan stated that she was looking for someone available under an emergency circumstance. Dr. Weiner indicated that all GSBS students have access to a Ph.D Clinical Psychologist for 15 free sessions. Dr. Sullivan responded: FABULOUS! There were several discussions as to these services and why the services are not provided jointly. Dr. Candelari indicated that it had been discussed and that she is in the process of talking to Dr. Lloyd to discuss her willingness to perform services jointly. Dr. Ahearn discussed the per semester student health fee paid to the Health Science Center which did not include psychiatric treatment. Robert Jenkins indicated that the contract is currently being reworked to be effective in the next academic year and by September 1 the contract would have been reviewed by both institutions and awaiting approval. Dr. Sullivan indicated that that would make a bit of difference in showing that it was being integrated into the contract. Dr. Mendelosohn reiterated that written documents should be prepared for the 10pm phone call of an unhappy student, who is depressed and has pills to indicate that the institution has a position and will come to the defense of that student and try to avoid a tragedy. Dr. Sullivan agreed and added both internal and external referrals and numbered procedures. Dr. Sullivan stressed communication in June and July so that everyone knows that the SACS reviewers will be coming. She also indicated that the tenth floor Copeland Conference rooms is a suitable location for the reviewers to reside during their visit. This will allow them to be close to Academic Affairs and Dean of Health Sciences. She indicated that we do not want the team in a location to roam and ask questions. Dr. Sullivan confirmed for Dr. Candelari that the documentation regarding the independent operation of the school be in speaking points and not in the documentation. The student development plan also does not need to be brought forward unless asked. If the reviewers look satisfied with what is provided then do not provide any problems. Dr. Sullivan indicated, however if a concern is sensed, she can show the plans to enhance the services. Dr. Sullivan stated that the institution would have points written and speaking points for various people, and some documents that are held back in case questions arise.

Executive Summary; Dr. Sullivan indicated that each person that reports to the President should look at all the assessments of the units that report to them and put together a pro-statement about the greatest improvements made because of assessment in the areas that report to them. For example: Academic Affairs has two new programs because of needs demonstrated in the area; further discussion of improvement of Core Evaluation; discussion of what is happening in the graduate school; and any dramatic changes; physical facilities; labs, and new faculty members. Be sure to discuss greatest changes in the academic area because of assessment. Dr. Sullivan inquired if there were any changes made in the Finance area and if any findings were made in the audit, if not that would need to be stated. If no findings were in the Student Aid audit that would also need to be stated. Dr. Mendelsohn inquired if Mr. Gage had any records that indicated how much of the money raised from development went toward education. Dr. Sullivan indicated that Dr. Mendelsohn would need to know that number as well as the percentage of the entire budget that goes toward the education program and any changes within the last two years. Dr. Mendelsohn expressed that it would not be an easy number to obtain because it is lumped with Research. Dr. Sullivan suggested lump together first, because research, teaching and service is the goal of the university. Dr. Mendelsohn urged Mr. Gage to have the method of how the numbers was obtained readily available and that everyone involved have the same information. Dr. Candelari posed a question she considered hard to answer in the absence of Dr. Tomasovic regarding the hiring of additional personnel if SACS does not consider two persons to be enough; Dr. Mendelsohn provided authorization.

The Systems Analyst, Robert Armand is currently loading up all information for background documentation. Some of the Comprehensive Standards, Core Requirements and Federal Mandates will have to be rewritten. Only one month left to complete. June 1 all paper copies and disks will have to be prepared for mailing to SACS. Dr. Greer indicated that also at that time we have to have all the faculty credentials which are currently lacking. Dr. Greer assured Dr. Sullivan that the deans were put on those cases as suggested. Dr. Mendelsohn asked if a letter was needed in which Dr. Greer indicated that some of the credentials are lacking because as of Dr. Sullivan's last visit the Health Science Center Faculty were added. Dr. Sullivan responded to Dr. Mendelosohn that credentials are required for any faculty member that teaches. She indicated that in previous SACS accreditation reviewers would go through every tenth file, and if they found what was suppose to be there they moved on; the current practice is to go through every file. Dr. Greer also discussed the process of obtaining transcripts and CV's for GSBS faculty as well as foreign evaluations which take approximately one month. Dr. Sullivan indicated that Dr. Greer should also explain one of the faculty members that graduated from a diploma mill. Dr. Sullivan expressed that the diploma mills contributed to SACS reviewing all files. Dr. Mendelosohn inquired about the faculty member in question and what actions had been taken and requested that it be determined if the faculty member was removed. He also suggested that Dr. Buja be alerted that this might kick over a stone that may get him in trouble. Dr. Candelari inquired if transcripts will be needed for individual matrix of all staff that provide student services from GSBS and Allied Health. Dr. Sullivan indicated that the highest degree by position is needed or whatever institutional policy is required upon employment. Dr. Greer indicated any transcripts issued to student cannot be accepted.

Dr. Greer discussed her anonymous visit to the Crowne Plaza and the Marriott. It took twenty-five minutes to get the wireless internet connection at the Crowne Plaza. Dr. Mendelsohn asked if there was any doubt that they should go to the Marriott. The Marriott has better options for restaurants, only four minutes to connect to direct dial as well as other amenities which were provided in handout.

In closing Dr. Ahearn indicated that the committee would have to move rather rapidly to compile documentation. He and Dr. Greer have taken copious notes in reviewing the Core Requirements and Comprehensive Standards with Dr. Sullivan and may be contacting members for additional documentation requiring a very quick turn around time. Dr. Sullivan indicated that anyone working on a Core Requirement needed to know that the Core Requirements are the ones that will bring the institution into the association and that is where the most emphasis should be placed. She indicated that the Comprehensive Standards are important, but the Core Requirements are deal breakers.

Dr. Sullivan suggested Dr. Mendelsohn be prepared for off-campus questions. Dr. Mendelsohn suggested in Dr. Tomasovic's absence he would be assigned the task of managing the communication and integration between the Smithville and Bastrop campuses (electronic, counseling and library space). Dr. Sullivan confirmed that there would be reviewers visiting each site. Dr. Mendelosohn expressed concern and urged attention to the site to ensure that everything is setup appropriately to avoid the destruction of the entire program. He indicated a new head is on board who is very academic, bringing along 10 million dollars in grant which will provide great changes; a tuition revenue bond has also been approved.

Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2005.

Submitted for review by Maxine Stredic, Education Research and Assessment

Back to Table of Contents