Institutional Planning Committee
Minutes
James LaPlant called the meeting
to order at
Dr. LaPlant provided the committee with an update on advising issues. At the last IPC meeting, there was a discussion of forming a subcommittee to explore initiatives that might improve student advising across the campus. Dr. LaPlant explained that several initiatives are currently exploring how to improve advising. Dr. Krotseng noted that President Zaccari is chairing a university system taskforce that is examining how to improve student advising. Dr. LaPlant noted that he visited with Dr. Gravett about a 2003 VSU taskforce that provided a series of recommendations for improving advising. An online advising handbook is also being prepared. Dr. LaPlant suggested that a subcommittee on advising not be formed at this point in time given the myriad of activities involving reform of student advising and the committee concurred.
The committee asked about the status of the proposal, which was approved unanimously at the last meeting, to include the chair of the IPC as an ex-officio member of the University Council. Dr. LaPlant explained that the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate recommended that the revisions to the University Statutes should be approved first and then changes to the composition of the University Council would be considered. Several IPC members argued that it makes sense to make the proposed change to the composition of the University Council before the revised statutes are voted upon by the General Faculty. Dr. Noll suggested specific language for Chapter 2, Article XIII, Section 3 which would include the chair of the IPC as an ex-officio member of the University Council. Dr. Backes emphasized that the IPC, as a statutory committee of the Faculty Senate, includes faculty members elected from all the colleges across the campus. If the chair of the IPC serves ex-officio on the University Council, the IPC could serve as a channel for communicating information back to faculty across the colleges. Several committee members also noted that inclusion of the chair of the IPC on the University Council would also respond to faculty concerns about the lack of faculty membership on the UC. The committee unanimously approved a motion that the chair send a memo to President Zaccari outlining the case for inclusion of the chair of the IPC as an ex-officio member of the University Council. The committee suggested that the memo should be sent to President Zaccari this month prior to the General Faculty meeting at which the university statutes will be discussed. Dr. LaPlant agreed to send the memo and keep the committee updated. Committee members are also available to meet with President Zaccari.
Dr. Noll agreed to update the IPC website. Minutes from previous minutes should be sent to Dr. Noll. Archive materials can also be included on the website.
There was a general discussion of a database on faculty expertise/research interests. Drs. Backes and Schmertzing discussed the possibility of a faculty “Face Book” that would provide faculty name, picture, areas of interest, technical expertise, and hobbies. The “Face Book” could be linked with HUB.
Dr. LaPlant announced that the
next meeting will be held in February of 2007 and he adjourned the meeting at