1/7/05 Administrative Council Meeting Minutes

In attendance: Dr. Claudia Limbert, Dr. Sam Gingerich, Nora Miller, Scott Rawles, Perry Sansing, Dr. Mark Bean, Patsy McDaniel, Mary Margaret Roberts, Anika Perkins, and Dana Vaughn.

Absent: Dr. Bucky Wesley, Dr. Lea Helen Evans, Susan Sobley, and Wahnee Sherman.

Dr. Claudia Limbert called the meeting to order.

The minutes from 12/3/04 were approved.

Dr. Limbert said much was accomplished during the fall semester, and it took everybody working together to get it done. Even with possible budget cuts ahead, she said she feels positive about MUW’s future

Items from President’s Cabinet:

Academic Planning - Dr. Sam Gingerich said the Academic Master Plan Steering Committee met weekly during the later part of the fall semester and formed working groups. The goal for the next six to eight weeks is for these working groups to carry out their analyses. Then they will craft the Academic Master Plan that he hopes will be approved by the end of the spring semester.

W-2009 - Dr. Mark Bean noted that the PIE Council made its final review of the document, and the President’s Cabinet reviewed it at the December retreat. Dr. Limbert had a few changes. Now it is time to assign responsibility to each section of the document. He hopes this process will be completed by the end of the spring semester. Dr. Limbert added that this will not be just a shelved document, but it will be a working document.

Budget - Nora Miller reported that not all details of the Legislative Budget Committee’s recommendations are available, but she does know that the contingency fund or $1.4 million has been cut. In addition, the committee says no unfilled positions will be filled and some filled positions will not be fully funded. She reminded the group that the committee’s recommendation is a worst case scenario.

Giving - Scott Rawles said that December 2004 was a record month and giving for the year is up from last year. A total of $93,000 from 1,300 to 1,500 contacts has been generated from the phone center so far. There were more donors this year, and lots of donors who have pledged one amount ended up sending a larger amount. He said the Foundation is in the midst of several major gift solicitations. He hopes to add a part time research position that would be paid for by the Foundation.

Enrollment - In the absence of Dr. Bucky Wesley who was assisting with registration, Dr. Bean noted that all indications are that enrollment looks good for this semester.


General Updates:

Mary Margaret Roberts announced that they are looking at getting Tom Wolfe for the Welty Gala this fall. The donor data base will be updated at the end of the month.

Dana Vaughn had nothing to report.

Dr. Bean had nothing to report.

Perry Sansing had nothing to report.

Ms. Miller said that the demolition of the laundromat and the warehouses is complete. Bid opening for the building to house custodial services and grounds crew will take place in February. Repair work has begun on the exterior of the Fine Arts Building. We need final approval from FEMA for the entire project. Work will begin soon on the recreation building.

Anika Perkins mentioned that the press packets and media experts guide are finished. She is working on the Legislative Wingding with Town and Tower. Visions will be out March 1.

Patsy McDaniel reported that Claudia Phipps, class of 1975, represented MUW at the inauguration at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, and Billie McGuffie Lerry, class of 1950, will represent MUW at the inauguration at St. Joseph College in West Hartfort, Connecticut. Martha Ferriss Parker, class of 1948 of Florence, Alabama, has been inducted into the Tennessee Tennis Hall of Fame. An organizational meeting for the Muscle Shoals, Alabama, area chapter is January 22. Justice Kay Cobb, class of 1963, is being considered for the federal appeals judgeship to replace Judge Pickering.

Dr. Gingerich noted that he is completing his recommendation for the academic reorganization plan. He hopes to have it to Dr. Limbert in a few days and will post it to the web site.