Meeting Minutes: Counseling Directors Association
Spring 2003 Meeting Report
The winter meeting of the Counseling Directors' Association was held January 31, 2003 at Macon State College. Thanks were extended to our gracious hostess, Ann Loyd, Director of the Counseling and Career Center. Directors in attendance included: Phyllis Weatherly, Maggie Martin, Stephanie Harris Jolly, Ivy Mallisham, Tom Parker, Robert Mays, Perdita Howard, Carol Ann Ham, Bob Maddux, John Mitchell, Bates Canon, Arnie Wade, David Matthews, Alma Keita, Dudley Weems, and Joy Evans. Phyllis Weatherly, Chairperson of the CDA presided.
Overview of Issues Discussed:
Issues discussed included: general introduction of all members, introduction of Tonya Lamb, Liaison for the Board of Regents, the crisis response network, the standards document, the B-Codes, and the upcoming transition to a new chairperson of the CDA. Also discussed was the presentation of the crisis response network to RACSA for comments and affirmation; and presentation of the standards and B-Codes to RACSA for re-affirmation and submission again to the Board of Regents.
Committee Reports:
Critical Incidents Network:
Tom Parker, Chairperson of the Crisis Response Network Committee distributed
the draft proposal for the Counseling Directors' Association response to RACSA
to put into place a high quality critical incidents network that will meet
the needs of the University System in times of campus-wide or system-wide crises.
The directors held a lengthy discussion on the content of the proposal and
general presentation of the items within the proposal. Topics covered included
current training needs, the need for continuous updating for the experienced
staff and new training for new members, expenses for volunteers from other
schools, liability issues for all participants, and debriefing needs after
the crisis for the counselors. This proposal also contains budgetary considerations
for RACSA to review and if the proposal is approved to be sent on to Board
of Regents for review and funding.
Standards for Counseling Centers:
The Counseling Directors’ Association was given an opportunity of reviewing
the Standards before they are read into the minutes at the February RACSA meeting.
Joy Evans, Chairperson of the Standards Committee, facilitating the discussion.
Each page of the standards was examined and minor changes, primarily in terms
of wording and punctuation were suggested. No major changes were made in terms
of the general content.
The "B Codes":
The Counseling Directors' Association was given the opportunity of
reviewing the "B Codes" before they are read into the minutes of
the February 2003 RACSA Meeting. The directors discussed the content of the
job descriptions and the introductions for the "B Codes" for Licensed
Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, and
Coordinator/Director of Testing. No major changes were made in terms of the
general content of the codes. Changes were primarily in terms of more appropriate
wording to convey the meaning originally intended, spelling and grammatical
changes. The charge was given to Phyllis Weatherly and Joy Evans to work on
changes in the introductory pages that would accompany the B-Codes explaining
the rationale for the B-Codes.
Other Items on the Agenda:
Tonya Lam:
The directors met Tonya Lam, the liaison for the Board of Regents of the University
System of Georgia. Tonya introduced herself and her role at the BOR which
includes soliciting concerns from each Regents’ Administrative Committee
and to assist campuses when policies are to be implemented. She talked about
the Lumina Project to create campus portals that will allow easy access to
things of interest such as policies and procedures. The plan is to have this
project completed in 12-18 months.
She also updated the group on the status of the B Codes. The System has been looking at those codes already in existence and exploring changes (most likely reducing the number). She emphasized the need to provide a cover sheet explaining our rationale for having a separate code for counselors. The initial request for changes (submitted by RACSA) may have reached the Board of Regents without a cover sheet.
Ms. Lam also talked about the Career Services survey that was sent during the past week. Career Portfolios are also being reviewed (KSU model) and they are looking at what people need. A system contract and/or discount for software will be explored. Technology needs are being considered. She mentioned there have been at least two bacterial meningitis cases and talked about the need for all campuses to inform students.
Next Chairperson of the CDA:
After a general discussion about the duties of the Chairperson for the Counseling
Directors' Association, the members decided not to vote on a chair-elect
until fall. It was also decided that the current officers would maintain
their respective positions if needed.
The Next Meeting will be set after the meeting with RACSA.
Respectfully Submitted,
Phyllis N. Weatherly, Chair