12/10/03 Administrative Council Meeting Minutes

In attendance: Dr. Claudia Limbert, Dr. Sheila Adams, Nora Miller, Scott Rawles, Perry Sansing, Patsy McDaniel, Anika Perkins, Dr. Barbara Hunt, Susan Sobley (for Carol Morgan), and Dr. Narem Reddy.

Absent: Dr. Bucky Wesley, Dr. Mark Bean, Mary Margaret Roberts, and Cynthia Hembree.

 

The minutes from 11/1203 were approved.

General Update:

Dr. Claudia Limbert announced that she had just returned from the SACS December Conference and learned that MUW’s accreditation has been reaffirmed with six followup reports due in September 2004. This was announced at the SACS meeting, and she will receive official written notification in January. At that point, Dr. Limbert plans to put an announcement on the campus email. She said that she wanted the campus to know that she appreciated the great job everyone did working together and being positive. She also mentioned that she thanked Margaret Sullivan, MUW’s SACS consultant, while she was at the meeting.

Patsy McDaniel said that her office is working on the Homecoming 2004 schedule. There will be several new events. She noted that the SAAs have delivered 100 exam happies to students. Puckett House is really booked for the month of December. The Tucson, Arizona chapter held a meeting December 3.

Anika Perkins noted that her office is working on the spring Visions. She also is working with Mid-South Signs on a sign for the front entrance that will include the new logo. Another project she is working on is a card with points of pride that can be used to promote the university. She also reminded the group about the Legislative Wingding on January 27, 2004.

Dr. Barbara Hunt wanted to thank everyone on behalf of the Faculty Senate for their hard work on SACS. She said the Faculty Senate recently held a meeting in which Scott Rawles attended to give a report. The Faculty Senate is pleased with the grant workshop meetings that have been held on campus. The Faculty Senate also met with Dr. Bucky Wesley to discuss increasing our international student numbers. They were pleased with the response they received from Dr. Wesley. She said the Faculty Senate is interested in keeping higher education in the forefront with the new governor. A letter was recently sent to Haley Barbour from all the Faculty Senate heads. In news from her division (Division of Education and Human Sciences), Dr. Hunt wanted to announce how pleased her division is with the bill to fund a creative learning center on campus. She noted that the Hall of Master Teachers event went well with keynote speaker, Dr. Henry L. Johnson, State Superintendent of Education, commenting to her about how impressed he is with the MUW campus and the university’s education program.

Dr. Limbert also wanted to add that Scholar’s Day was a success.

Scott Rawles reported that Congress has two bills before them to fund projects on our campus. One is $980,000 to fund a creative learning center. The other is $750,000 to fund campus emergency equipment. He is hopeful that these bills will be signed by Christmas. He said that gifts and pledges so far this year (not including these two bills) total $1.48 million compared to $400,000 last year. He mentioned that he and others are working on seven concepts to present to the Mississippi Congressional Delegation in January 2004, and three are finished. He also noted that the grant workshops have gone well and more will be offered as needed. The year-end mailings and the Christmas cards have been sent with good feedback. He said that the Pilot Partners reception and the Development Christmas party are coming up soon, and he and Dr. Limbert will visit a large foundation and the Nissan plant next week.

Dr. Sheila Adams said that this is exam week for students. She mentioned the December Graduates’ Recognition Ceremony scheduled for December 12. Each student will receive a rose and a certificate. Dr. Limbert will give a welcome, Dr. Martha Wells is the speaker, Dr. Jo Spearman, the senior division head, will read the names, and James Allen will provide the music. She said that there will be a reception afterwards.

Dr. Limbert added that the students participating in the December Graduates’ Recognition Ceremony will have the opportunity to stop at the microphone to thank those who have been particularly helpful to them during their college careers. They may also participate in the May commencement if they so wish. She said that the event was planned due to students’ requests.

Nora Miller gave updates on various campus construction projects. She said that the PEAB debris removal project has begun, and she hopes that some of the trophies and other mementos will be recovered during the debris removal. This project should be completed by the time the campus reopens after the holidays. She also noted that moving into Parkinson has been delayed by one week to allow the contractor to complete a few details, but the building should still be ready for classes for Spring 2004 semester. The smart classrooms should be installed next week. She said that the exterior braces for South Callaway should go up soon. She added that the bonds for Martin Hall have been sold, and it should go to bid soon. In addition, she said that MEMA officials will be on campus Friday to check on things. She announced that Tonya Moak has been hired for the comptroller’s position. Also, she said the legislative budget recommendations made last week were about what she expected.

Susan Sobley said that the Staff Council is finalizing plans for the Staff Christmas Party. She said that they are thankful to the Development Office for getting the door prizes. They are doing the Salvation Army toy drive again this year, and faculty are welcome to participate too. In addition, she said that they are currently conducting the Staff Member of the Year election, and the winner will be announced at the Staff Christmas Party.