11/5/04 Administrative Council Meeting Minutes

In attendance: Dr. Claudia Limbert, Dr. Sam Gingerich, Nora Miller, Scott Rawles, Dr. Bucky Wesley, Perry Sansing, Dr. Mark Bean, Mary Margaret Roberts, Anika Perkins, Dr. Lea Helen Evans, Susan Sobley, and Wahnee Sherman.

Absent: Patsy McDaniel and Dana Vaughn.

Dr. Claudia Limbert called the meeting to order.

The minutes from 9/3/04 and 10/1/04 were approved.

Items from President’s Cabinet:

Nora Miller said an Environmental Health and Safety Committee and a One Card Committee are being formed and meetings will be held soon. The Environmental Health and Safety Committee will come up with procedures to handling various situations. The One Card Committee will explore the feasibility of going to a one card system for food service, vending machines, access to buildings, etc.

Dr. Limbert announced that the Christmas tree in Welty Hall will not be on the second floor this year for safety reasons. It will be located on the first floor.

General Updates:

Dr. Bucky Wesley mentioned that more than 100 students were on campus for W Day. The interviews for the Director of Residence Life have concluded, and a selection will be made soon. Interviews will begin soon for the Director of A Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi. One more appointment needs to be made for the Recreation Fees Committee and then this committee will meet.

Ms. Miller said the warehouse demolitions will take place soon, and they are getting estimates to demolish the water tower too. This property is where the new Physical Plant building will be. The warehouse on 15th Street also will be demolished to make room for the building for the custodial and grounds crews. She said they are working with FEMA on the Fine Arts Building repairs. Once the third floor is back on, then it will become an interior project. Bids will open November 23 for the Pohl Gym and the Recreation Building. The year-end warranty inspection of Parkinson was held last week.


Dr. Sam Gingerich reported that the Academic Reorganization Committee is meeting weekly and getting input from division heads and others. The chair of this committee is Dr. Tom Richardson. The draft report is due to him by November 10, and he hopes to make a recommendation to Dr. Limbert by the end of the semester. The Academic Master Plan Committee has met several times. It includes mostly faculty. The goal for this committee is to have MUW’s Academic Master Plan approved by the Faculty Senate by the end of the spring 2005 semester and get administrative approval during the summer. He announced that the 2004 December Graduates’ Recognition Ceremony is scheduled for December 7 at 6 p.m. in Whitfield Hall. Dr. Limbert added that this was a very appreciated event last year by the students. Each participant receives a certificate and a rose and has the opportunity to stop at the microphone to thank those who have been particularly helpful during their college career. Students who participate in the December ceremony also can participate in the May commencement.

Anika Perkins said her office is working on a media experts guide. Visions is out, and they are working on the spring issue.

Dr. Lea Helen Evans noted that the Faculty Senate met last Friday. She said most of the meeting consisted of Dr. Richardson discussing the Academic Restructuring Committee’s progress.

Mary Margaret Roberts announced that the goal for the new call center was to raise $60,000 by the end of the year. This goal already has been exceeded. A $100,000 gift came in this week for a scholarship.

Wahnee Sherman said the Director’s Council met last week. The SGA is trying to set goals and already looking at the spring elections. The recent Bachelor Bid raised $800 for Helping Hands. The Chili Cookoff is set for next Saturday.

Susan Sobley reported that the Staff Holiday Party has been set for December 17. No door prizes will be given this year. They are looking at having a Staff Appreciation Lunch in the spring, and they may do door prizes then. Toys will be collected at the Staff Holiday Party for the Salvation Army.

Scott Rawles noted that the Center for Creative Learning opened with the naming of the center after Congressman Roger Wicker. The Saturday open house was a great success with many children participating. The Foundation has received $238,000 in gifts in the last 10 days. Welty Weekend was a success with more than $54,000 raised and an increase in attendees. The Pope Banquet Room was well-received.

In the absence of Patsy McDaniel, Mr. Rawles announced that there are many alumni chapter meetings planned this month.

Perry Sansing said that work on the Staff Classification document is continuing. The purpose of the document is consistency. The Police Department is implementing the $750,000 grant the university received for lighting and other security equipment. An engineer has been hired to help the Physical Plant and the SGA determine where the new lights should be placed on campus. The Governor has called a special session to discuss the bond bill. It doesn’t look like the universities will be included in the bond bill. Representative Randy Pierce, Chairman of the Education Committee, visited campus recently, and Senator Charlie Ross will visit campus in a couple of weeks. Both may run for Lt. Governor. While Representative Pierce was here, he also visited with MSMS and the Columbus School District. He was very impressed with the way we worked together.

Dr. Mark Bean reported that the W 2009 document is in subcommittee in PIE Council.