Meeting Minutes: Committee on Political Science
February 19, 1998 at the DeSoto Hilton in Savannah Georgia
At 1:10PM, the meeting was called to order by Dr. Jeanne Jensen of Augusta State University, Chair, who then introduced Dr. John Wolfe, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Regents' representative at this meeting. Dr. Jensen then introduced Professor Adam Stone of DeKalb College, Chair Elect.
The following 24 institutions were represented:
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
- Albany State University
- Armstrong Atlantic State University
- Augusta State University
- Bainbridge College
- Clayton College and State University
- Columbus State University
- Dalton College
- DeKalb College
- Floyd College
- Gainesville College
- Georgia College and State University
- Georgia Southern University
- Georgia Southwestern State University
- Georgia State University
- Kennesaw State University
- Macon State College
- Middle Georgia College
- North Georgia College and State University
- South Georgia College
- State University of West Georgia
- University of Georgia
- Valdosta State University
- Waycross College
The minutes of the 1997 meeting were approved unanimously.
Dr. Wolfe discussed the 1997-1998 initiatives for the Office of Academic Affairs of the University System of Georgia. Dr. Wolfe noted that the POLS RAC has functioned effectively. Dr. Wolfe also noted that RACs are advisory in nature. Dr. Wolfe pointed out the need to strengthen and improve communication between the RACs and the Regents in order to explain the process by which RAC recommendations are accepted or rejected. Following Dr. Wolfe's presentation, he answered questions from the floor. Several POLS RAC members commended Dr. Wolfe's candid remarks and requested that he address the POLS RAC next year.
Subcommittees were formed under the direction of Dr. Jensen. The subcommittees met and reported to the POLS RAC.
Dr. Kandis Steele of Gainesville College chaired the Regents' Advisory Committee/Board of Regents Subcommittee. The subcommittee reported seven suggestions to improve communication between the POLS RAC and the Board of Regents:
- The POLS RAC needs to know how the Board of Regents operates in relation to the POLS RAC. What is the Board's agenda with which the POLS RAC must be consistent?
- The POLS RAC needs guidelines from the Board of Regents. How does the POLS RAC function with impact? What is within the POLS RAC's perview?
- On what matters can the POLS RAC address the Board of Regents?
- There is a need for continuity in the membership of the POLS RAC.
- The POLS RAC needs to meet more frequently. The POLS RAC should meet twice a year if needed and the second meeting should be in a centralized location such as Macon.
- The POLS RAC needs a thorough and specific agenda before each meeting and there should be an opportunity for input on the agenda.
- The POLS RAC needs an accurate and current list of members in order to achieve better communication.
The report was accepted unanimously.
Dr. Jack Waskey of Dalton College chaired the Student Affairs Subcommittee and the Pre/Post Tenure Subcommittee. Both subcommittees suggested that these topics require future discussion.
Dr. Kandis Steele of Gainesville College chaired the Faculty Development Subcommittee. The subcommittee moved that the POLS RAC request that the Board of Regents develop a needs assessment survey to determine what faculty development programs are available at all University System of Georgia institutions. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Dr. Jeanne Jensen of Augusta State University chaired the Program Subcommittee. The subcommittee moved that all institutions provide Dr. Harold Cline of Middle Georgia College with e-mail addresses for the on-line catalogs at each institution and the URL listings for the Political Science curriculum at each institution. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Dr. Harold Cline of Middle Georgia College chaired the Communication-Information Subcommittee. The subcommittee moved that the Board of Regents/Chancellor's Office and Staff establish an electronic discussion group (listserve) for Chairs and Chairs Elect of all RACs to increase communication among members of each committee. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Dr. Howard Potts of Waycross College chaired the Board of Regents P-16 Initiative Subcommittee which recommended that discussion on this topic continue next year.
Dr. Ben Tate of Macon State College chaired the Two Year College Subcommittee. The subcommittee moved that the Committee adopt a survey about the job requirements and duties of those faculty who teach Political Science at two year colleges and four year institutions that do not grant a baccalaureate degree in Political Science. Before distribution, the survey will be put on e-mail for commentary by all POLS RAC members. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Dr. Kandis Steele of Gainesville College was elected unanimously as Chair Elect for 1998-1999.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Adam P. Stone, Chair Elect