Dr. Anderson called a regular meeting of the Academic Affairs Council to order at 9:00 a.m.

Members Present: Duane C. Anderson, Pamla Armstrong, Ed Brackett, Nick Cheper, Bob Feighner, Kurt Jackson, Linda Mitchusson, Kenneth Moore, Jack Paschall, Chuck Perry, Shirley Talley, Nancy Thomason, Alvin Turner, Bruce Weems

Others Present: Marilyn Cole

Recorder: Sue Milner

The minutes for the November 17, 1998, were approved as published on the web.

School of Graduate Studies--Dr. Jack Paschall
Dr. Paschall complimented Ms. Thomason and her staff for being responsive to training and education matters.  They responded quickly this past month when the Oklahoma Health Care Authority issued new regulations.

Grants and Research Information Center-Dr. Ed Brackett
ECU is just short of $15 million in its requests for external funding; six million dollars are approved.  External funding continues to be a successful endeavor.

          Faculty Senate--Dr. Nick Cheaper
          The Senate discussed enrollment at its recent meeting and will respond to a request
          from the  academic vice president for recommendations and suggestions for
          increasing enrollment.

School of Education and Psychology--Dr. Kenneth Moore
The School continues its work on NCATE.  A number of people will be on the ECU campus January 21 attending a public hearing on the teacher education program.  In the spring semester, faculty will be asked to submit syllabi for the NCATE visit.

School of Business--Dr. Linda Mitchusson
Dr. Mitchusson reported that the faculty members who were out because of various health reasons are now back.

School of Mathematics and Sciences--Dr. Bruce Weems
The School has several students who received certificate of awards for placing in the Oklahoma CollegiateAcademy of Science.

School of Humanities and Social Sciences--Dr. Alvin Turner
The band and choir are busy with many end-of-semester concerts.

Regina Robertson, assistant professor of Human Resources,  reports that she is now ABD.

Computer Services--Mr. Bob Feighner
The new procedure of students paying partial fees has been implemented and going well.

With Mr. Volturo's support, the new telephone system is near to being operational.
 
Registry--Ms. Pamla Armstrong
The Registry Office continues its end-of-semester routine.

Library--Dr. Chuck Perry
"Osmosis" is still the most searched word this month with "Christmas" being one searched also.

Continuing Education and Community Services Center--Ms. Nancy Thomason
The Center is working on a proposal for the Oklahoma Commission on Teacher Preparation.

Calendar Dates
December 10 - Semester exams begin
December 16 - ACT Test administered
December 17 - Annual Christmas Hall Party
December 18 - Grades due, 10:00 a.m
                         Intersession classes start
December 23 - Offices close for holidays, 5:00 p.m.
January 4 - Offices open for the spring semester
January 5 - Academic Affairs Council meeting
January 6 - Deans meeting, 9:00 a.m.
 
Spring Enrollment Report
Dr. Anderson reported the enrollment is down for the fourth semester.  However, there were fewer small classes canceled than in semesters past.

Students will be canceled for nonpayment of fees on January 6 or 7.  Mr. Feighner will run a report on December 16 to see how many students took the $100 deposit option (partial payment) for payment of tuition fees.

Tenure and Promotion Workshops
A tenure workshop is set for December 10 at 4:00 p.m. and a rank promotion workshop is scheduled for December 11 at 4:00 p.m.  All eligible faculty members are invited to attend.

Schedule and Faculty Load Report Calendar
Dr. Anderson distributed a calendar of due dates for the Schedule of Classes and Proposed Faculty Load.  The calendar is for Fall 1999 through Summer 2000.

Other
1. Academic Calendar for 1999-00: A Calendar Committee makes a recommendation to the President and is then forwarded to the Regents.  The dates for summer school are set.  The start date is June 2, 1999.  Faculty return June 1 and regular enrollment is June 1.  Classes begin June 2.  Classes do not meet Monday, July 5 for the July 4 holiday.   Final exams are July 27-28.

The fall semester will tentatively start on Thursday, August 19, 1999.  This is one day later than this fall.  The spring, 2000 calendar will begin exactly as spring, 1999.

2. December Intersession: Decisions will be made on whether to run the intersession courses after review of enrollment.  Deans should send a recommendation to the academic vice president if there is a possibility for keeping a class.

3. Computer on Wheels: The vendor failed to include one item in the specification list for the multimedia projector/pc/cart.  The vendor will provide the connector cord.  Dr. Anderson reminded deans that the multimedia projectors should not be used as overhead projectors.  Persons on campus with expertise held workshops designed to show faculty members how to effectively use in classroom teaching.

Interscholastic Contest
The committee has met to discuss the upcoming Meet scheduled for February 9.  If any faculty members have concerns, they should call Dr. Talley.

Student Evaluation of Faculty
Dr. Talley corresponded with deans about issues of the evaluation.  It is helpful if evaluations are completed quickly and returned to Dr. Talley.

Professional Development - Spring 1999
Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit suggestions for professional development.  A brochure will be published early in the spring semester.

Computer Proficiency Requirement
A revised version of the Computer Proficiency Policy may need to have two  versions of Option Two.  Note that satisfaction of this requirement may not reduce or remove any program requirements.

1. Budget 1999-00: Budget forms and guidelines will be available at the January 5 Academic Affairs Council meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.