Meeting Minutes: Regents Advisory Committee on Student Life (RACSL)
Sub Committee on Student Activities
Minutes for November 12, 2001
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Michael Sanseviro at 9:18 a.m. Meeting location was Clayton College and State University. Chair Sanseviro welcomed all to the meeting. Introductions of those in attendance at the meeting were made. Two special thank-you's were made to; First Jeff Jacobs of Clayton State for hosting the meeting, second to Eric Lambert; Executive Director of the Association for the Promotions of Campus Activities [APCA] for sponsoring the welcoming coffee, juice, and pastries and then for providing lunch for all delegates.
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First item of discussion concerned credit card vendors and access to college campuses. Policies differ from institution to institution regarding the access given to such vendors. A brief overview listing including the following:
- Georgia College and State University- No credit card vendors. Limit on vendors in general and those vendors pay a $100.00 fee to be on campus.
- North Georgia and Georgia Perimeter-No vendors on campus.
- UGA and West Georgia-One specific vendor is selected to sell to students. Vendor is selected by alumni association. A contract is drafted for the vendor to adhere to with specific guide lines. West Georgia requires the vendors to purchase a business license and pay campus user fee.
Other group members suggested that all policies be sent of secretary for posting on the website [Georgia System Wide Site] to create a clearinghouse for such policies. Group members all agreed this was a good idea.
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The group then moved to a discussion of sponsorships and solicitation of sponsorships. Campuses differed in how they addressed this matter [and the actual issue itself]. In terms of solicitation of support, it appears that a large number of campuses must "clear" solicitation of sponsorship with the "development/fund-raising/advancement" office before seeking funds. The discussion moved then to off-campus [outside groups] that wish to "sponsor" events on campuses. If on a on-campus group wishes to sponsor a program, the on-campus group wishes to use an outside group to sponsor a program, the on-campus group must clearly register the involvement with the activities office, so the policy at Georgia Perimeter says. The additional funds that on campus groups receive from their outside group should also be clearly spelled out in budget [activity fee] requests by the on campus group, according to several campuses. Further, outside groups wishing to sponsor on-campus activities and seeking on-campus groups should be aware that the combined membership of the hybrid group needs to content more students than non-students, according to couple campuses policy. Further, religious groups that seek public Forum on campuses under "free speech" should be directed to a specific location if not time, several campuses had such policies in place in various forms. It appears from the discussion that this issue is of growing importance on many campuses and that campuses should draft a policy, as a matter of prevention if they do not already have such a policy in place.
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Use of vans by students. As of the October Board of Regents meeting student organizations are no longer allowed to use college-owned vans for organizational activities. Students are prohibited from driving those vehicles unless the student is an employee and doing business as designated by the institution. Much discussion followed this item, calling the question of vehicles purchases by organizations for trips and what constitutes "institution business." Tonya Lam, Central office staff member, agreed to research the intent and correct practice of this policy. E-mail to Tonya will get the policy and practice clarified.
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Brian Beers, Chair of the Student Advisory Council (SAC) to the Board of Regents gave the next presentation. He brought to the group's attention eight (8) items that SAC has been working with this year.
- Sales tax exemption for textbooks-SAC hopes to have a bill introduced in the January session of the legislature for the re-appeal of sales tax on college textbooks. A petition drive on campuses has generated 10 thousand signatures from 20 different campuses. SAC hopes for a rally on the state capitol steps on January 14th to introduce this bill. It is estimated it will cost the state about 6 to 8 million dollars in revenue to repeal this sales tax.
- SAC will support the University System's budget proposal.
- SAC will be against any proposal to eliminate HOPE scholarship program paying for student fees. If Lottery shortfalls, HOPE fees may be targeted.
- SAC will propose campus bookstores have a minimal cost of buy back and that buy back will be printed in sticker form on the book.
- A student's rights and responsibilities system- wide document will be disseminated.
- The use of non-social security numbers as ID numbers for students in the University system. The question of viability of this program as well as the funds to pay for such a program was called into question.
- SAC recognized a concern from some HBC's, regarding the minimum number of students enrolled in certain degree programs to maintain the degree program.
- Finally 29 of 34 institutions have been represented at SAC conferences this fall. They hope to get 100% for January conference at Southern Tech and April Conference at Valdosta.
- Much discussion followed Brian's comments. Apparently, HOPE is a lower priority item if lottery funds shortfall. The possibility that non-academic fees would be targeted for non-funding is very real.
- The question of repealing sales tax in a budget short fall year also mentioned. -
Tonya Lam from the Board of Regents Central Office commented on a few issues
- The Board of Regents office staff for Student Services has been increased to 6.
- Pipeline web portal project has been put on hold due to budget constraints.
- New degree audit software program CAPP (web based) that is student and institution friendly is in the works and will be implemented in the next 24 months.
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Budgetary concerns was the next item of discussion. With institution's losing resident institution funds, requests from the academic divisions may increase as they seek funding. The 2.5% reduction this year coupled with next year's 2.5% reduction may well find institutions scrambling for funds for programs.
The classic cycle of downturn in the economy eliminating operating funds, yet more people coming to college to seek improved skills results in more for more students with less money may well be the rule of us in the next few years.
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Fee Allocations on campuses took the stage again. Structures of allocations committees were discussed at length. Many campuses have training programs in place for students and others who serve on those fee allocation committees. It appears that campuses vary greatly on the level of student involvement and interest in the allocation process.
Luncheon was next and APCA sponsored great food for all members of the group.
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Eric Lambert, Executive Director of APCA presented an overview of APCA to the group. He explained costs, services and philosophy of APCA to the group. He presented materials and gave each attendee a complimentary pen.
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Residual effects of terrorist attacks on America on various campuses was discussed. It appears most campuses had a response varying from quiet memorials to fall blown programmatic discussions/events.
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Alcohol Awareness programming was discussed next. Several ideas were suggested and discussed as to their level of success.
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A reminder to all group members that the results of the ACT student Opinion survey will be available in late January. These results and their use in institutional effectiveness, re-accreditation and planning were discussed. The issue of the fairness of such instruments for research on student life and fee allocation was bounced around for quite a while.
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Cooperation with in the state of Georgia was the final formal item. The invitation to private and technical colleges to send representatives to gatherings of student life professionals was discussed. A concern was raised as to the group not loosing its focus if it gets bigger. However, the concern was that more input and sharing form other professionals would be a welcome addition.
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Next meeting, Michael will handle the logistics of the next meeting (spring semester). He will send out a survey to determine the best location. Likewise, he will coordinate the invitations to private and technical college professionals. May 13th will be next meeting date.
Jeff Jacobs was honored with a hearty round of applause for hosting this meeting. His hospitality was wonderful as usual. Kudos were also offered to Eric Lambert and APCA for serving as sponsor and Chair Michael Sanseviro for a well run gathering.
Being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 3:52 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Leenhouts
Secretary
Director of Student Life
Coastal Georgia Community College