Meeting Minutes: Regents Administrative Committee on Student Affairs (RACSA)
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Tifton, Georgia
March 3-4, 2005
Jim Cottingham called the meeting to order at 1:30pm, March 3, 2005. He then introduced participants new to the group. Robin McDermott of Albany State, George Lewis of Georgia Southern, Sparticus Alston of the Medical College of Georgia, and Scott Lingrell of West Georgia were acknowledged.
Frank Butler presented information on legislative and BOR relationships. He cited the pending legislation on undocumented aliens and Tonya Lam cited the legislation on underage drinking as having a potential impact. Joe Buck asked about the legislation changing bonding authority. Frank indicated that the most important development was the continuation of formula funding. Tom Walter asked about the supplemental budget and Frank indicated that the cuts were being restored. He also said that the funding for the Georgia Leadership Institute looked good while cuts to the Carl Vinson Institute are still being discussed.
Frank said that the Georgia College, West Georgia, North Georgia, and Savannah Sate capital projects were being funded. No word was available on minor capital projects. Tonya spoke about the action to provide mandatory insurance for graduate students. International students already are required to carry health insurance. The presidents have been polled about their position on removing the SAT requirement for admission to the two-year schools. Sixteen CPC units would still be required.
HOPE hours are capped at 127. However, a student registering for a term when the 127-hour limit is reached will receive HOPE for that term. Other HOPE questions were raised. Tonya indicated that schools are in compliance with the HOPE manual but there is an issue related to HOPE book money being applied to other fees owed.
Frank spoke to joint enrollment issues where courses are applied against HOPE eligibility. Standardized grading is under consideration for HOPE eligibility purposes. There was discussion about the "pilot" program to test revised eligibility requirements. Jodi Johnson pointed out that tech prep students were potentially limited admits. John McElveen discussed the tension between increased access and retention.
Tonya discussed the "green" building movement emphasizing that future buildings might be energy and environmentally friendly. The goal of the design process is sustainability.
Tom Walter spoke to the Banner-hosting mandate. The two-year implementation requirement is unlikely. The project is to begin with those campuses that have "bare bones" Banner.
Joe Buck distributed SACSA membership applications. Dick Vanllandingham spoke about Georgia AHEAD's push for e-texts and community mental health. He also mentioned using "universal" design for all buildings and curriculum so that all students can have access.
Minutes of the previous meeting were presented. Joe Buck moved and Dick Vanllandingham seconded a motion to approve the minutes. Minutes were approved unanimously.
Jim Cottingham encouraged members to consider chairing RACSA. The position usually alternates between a two year and four year school.
Kurt Keppler discussed delays that might be associated with the DOAS approval requirement for Auxiliary projects. Joe Buck suggested that the new state administration might continue to implement similar measures.
Melanie McClellan addressed an AASCU project studying 12 campuses with better than predicted retention. The purpose of the study is three fold: 1) improve student success 2) be proactive rather than reactive and 3) avoid draconian legislative remedies
Jim Cottingham informed participants of the July 17th date for the joint summer meeting at Sea Palms.
Tonya Lam discussed the regents' forums on textbook prices. She updated members on the Student Advisory Council meeting at Macon State, April 9th. Former and incoming SGA presidents are invited.
Judi Bryant announced the CNCR summer meeting in conjunction with the Law and Higher Education meeting. They will both be held at Jekyll Island, August 1 - 5.
Kurt Keppler announced upcoming NASPA events. He also recommended the NASPA website and several programs.
The group adjourned for dinner.
RACSA 03-04-05
There were 28 members in attendance.
A card was circulated for signatures for Fred Barnebi.
Agenda items for the summer RACSA/AA meeting can be sent to Jim up until July. Melanie will present graduation review team results. Joe will assist with recreational activities. Business Officers will be asked to join the meeting this summer or the Fall '05 meeting.
J. McElveen has been asked to put together a one day drive in workshop for enrollment managers (VPs, Deans, etc. - those responsible for this activity on the campus). The Pre -GACRAO workshop in October will start after lunch on Sunday. Ideas that were shared for workshop include: demographics, Banner functional that enrollment services could use, NSSE - bring in a campus rep that is using it, African-American recruiting, Legal Issues - Parker Young, GAcollege411, using Peer reviewers as an alternative to hiring consultants, On-line services (Luminis). Please send additional topic suggestions to John.
e-Portfolio Programs: GIT is looking for a technology solution that can be tailored for the institutions. If you are looking at an application or would like to look at GIT's requirements for an e-Portfolio, contact Bill Schafer.
GIT raised $25,000 for Tsunami Relief.
No campuses experienced a need to react critical incidents
VSU - Habitat for Humanity
Education understanding
GCSU - Former student has set up a partnership with a local organization in Srilanka, which enables money to be spent locally. Develop a communication link similar to Big Brothers/
Savannah State - Diversity Exchange sending students over spring break to work with countries in need.
Immunization Update
Pre-Paid Legal Services - Hyatt Legal made a presentation to the Directors of Student Life last year and the System Office wonder if there was any interest in exploring a System contract. Good idea but not the right time to add additional fees. - Idea tabled.
USG Web Site Review - Lam demo'd the following websites:
- USG new look at www.usg.edu
- GAcollege411 at www.gacollege411.org
- Education Go Get It
Meeting adjourned.