NOTE: At times, issues of confidentiality may require that some items discussed in meetings be excluded from these minutes.

PRESENT: Bill Barnes, Dick Aynsley, Alan Gabrielli, Mike Murphy, Sandy Pfeiffer, Dawn Ramsey, Joyce Mills, Dave Hornbeck, Judy Waits

ABSENT: Steve Hamrick

GUESTS: Richard Bennett

 
1. International Programs:
Bennett gave an overview of the status of international programs.  He is looking at various locations and venues for collaboration with SPSU.  Work this year has been centered in China, specifically Shenyang, Chang Chun, Harbin, and Dalian.  Other areas where we have agreements/collaborations are India, Mexico, and Germany.  Articulations are focused on HTC, CS, and Management.  Bennett mentioned that because of SARS, the summer exchange program to China is on hold.

2. VPAA Meeting in Macon:
Hornbeck attended the VPAA meeting in Macon on Tuesday, April 22.  Later he will send out a memo on specifics of that meeting.

3. Systems Engineering Course Descriptions:
The deans discussed the mechanism for identifying and courses in SE. They agreed in principle to use the ENGR designation for related technical courses outside of Systems; however, they will revisit the issue when Hamrick returns from leave.   Also, Pfeiffer pointed out that Academic Affairs must carefully scrutinize the fiscal implications of adding options to the Systems Engineering program.  We may not have the faculty or other resources to support small-enrollment options, even if they are recommended by the various faculty groups involved.

4. Distance Learning:
The distance learning taskforce has been studying the issue of registration for distance learning students.  The deans said that consistency among programs is necessary.  They asked that the Bulletin identify distance learning courses and that there be consistency in notification procedures.

5. Faculty Evaluations:
Pfeiffer discovered that deans were not copied on a memo, signed by several faculty, about revising the evaluation process.  Waits will provide the deans with copies of a memo for discussion at the next Deans Council.