Meeting Minutes: Regents Advisory Committee on Student Life (RACSL)
Sub Committee on Student Activities
Minutes for May 13, 2002
at Georgia Perimeter College - Gwinnett University Center
Call To Order at 9:35 a.m. by Chairperson Michael Sanseviro (Georgia Perimeter College).
Welcome and introductions were made. The following people were in attendance:
| Carvel Bennett | Morris Brown College |
| Michelle S. Brown | Gainesville College |
| Cynthia Cook | Clarke Atlanta |
| Bengie Cravey | Darton College |
| Robert DeVris | Chair, Student Advisory Council |
| Jowanda Durham | Middle Georgia College |
| Sheena L. Glover | Georgia Southern University |
| Al Harris | Armstrong Atlantic State University |
| Eddie Howard | Georgia College and State University |
| Jeff Jacobs | Clayton College & State University |
| Tonya Lam | University System Office of Student Services |
| Amanda Lammers | North Georgia College and State University |
| Brad Lord | Middle Georgia College, Dublin Center |
| Danielle McDonald | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Jason Pace | Vice Chair, Student Advisory Council |
| Linda Picklesimer | State University of West Georgia |
| Michael Sanseviro | Georgia Perimeter College, Lawrenceville Campus |
| Darrien Simmons | Morris Brown College |
| Michael Stewart | Macon State College |
| Wesley L. Thomas | North Georgia College & State University |
| Ashley Wood | Floyd College |
| Suzette Zompetti | Georgia College and State University |
Van Use/Insurance/Liability Updates:
Tonya Lam indicated that she had no new updates since last meeting, but that
the System policy on use/insurance of state vehicles is being reviewed. Several
people commented on their institution's existing policies, particularly for
student drivers:
- State Univ. of West GA: Student drivers must be on payroll and may only drive to a university activity relating to their area of employment. Student drivers must pass a certified driver's education course and have their driving records checked every six months.
- Georgia Southern: Policy is similar to West GA.
Linda Picklesimer indicated that a recent study showed that 15-passengar vans are unsafe.
Discussion moved briefly into student employees and payment of student stipends. It was mentioned that students who are paid in stipend form are not likely covered by workmen's compensation.
Student Advisory Council (SAC) Updates:
Robert DeVris spoke about his projected changes for the organization including
discouraging the "party" mentality at conferences; promote more
leadership skill building; and directing SAC concerns and issues (in the
form of suggestions and recommendations) directly to institutions rather
than through Board of Regents. DeVris also expressed interest in hearing
from the RACSL group feedback and suggestions for improving SAC.
Several people expressed their concerns/recommendations about the SAC organization: (1) the need for better and more timely communication to the SGAs and advisors, particularly regarding conference dates and registration information; (2) seemingly diminished credibility with the Board of Regents; (3) the timeliness of the textbook tax elimination issue (with respect to decreasing State revenues); (4) why the need for the SAC Presidents Conference with three other existing SAC gatherings; (5) the need to reform the SAC structure and focus; (6) clarification of expectations for bidding/hosting conferences; (7) the fairness of awarding SAC conferences to bidding institutions; (8) and the need for better overall fiscal management.
Several RACSL members noted that SAC has made general improvements over the past few years, and also indicated that they'd like to see more SGA advisors in attendance at the conferences.
DeVris reiterated his desire to hear suggestions and his willingness to review and discuss these areas of concern.
It was announced that the SAC Presidents Conference is scheduled for August 9-11, 2002 (which is the same weekend as APCA's LEAD workshop in Savannah. More information about the Presidents Conference will be disseminated through the RACSL listserv (per Michael Sanseviro).
Also noted, the Office of Student Services/BOR is distributing a SAC survey.
Update from the Office of Student Services/Board of Regents:
Tonya Lam reported on the Curriculum Advising and Planning Program (CAAP) and indicated that this degree-audit system is being implemented throughout the System institutions this year.
Pipeline- The Central Office is still in negotiations with this Luminous, "portal" product. There is currently a new, redesigned version which allows more campus flexibility and which will interface with BANNER and WebCT. This version also allows for password consolidation with existing campus interfaces for the purposes of (but not limited to) supporting chatrooms and bulletin boards. The implementation cost for campuses is not yet available, but is projected to be available in 6 months.
A few people expressed that their own institutions use the functions of WebCT or have "home-grown" portal-like interfaces in place.
Greek Organizations and lifted ban at Two-year Institutions:
Michael Sanseviro reported that the Board of Regents has lifted the restriction
on two-years schools to permit Greek organizations. Many in attendance were
not aware of the lifted ban.
There was general discussion as to whether National Greek Councils' expansion policies permit chapters at two-year schools. Additional discussion centered around what policies institutions have regarding the existence of local, religious, and professional Greek organizations.
Effects of Budget Cuts:
Several people indicated that their institutions would be taking one or more
salaries from student activities funds. There was general discussion about
the current activities fee amounts at various institutions and what fee increases
were recently approved.
Lunch Break:
Lunch was sponsored by Wayne Adams of Premier Corporate Specialties, Inc.,
who provided a brief overview of products and services.
After lunch, there was informal discussion about GPC at Gwinnett Univ. Center and its student activities programs. Michael Sanseviro provided an overview of the Center and a comprehensive list of programs from the past academic year.
There was brief discussion about the recent PeopleSoft conversion on the respective campuses. The sentiment was that most institutions seemed to be adapting, but with additional paperwork and effort.
Election of 2002-03 RACSL Officers:
Michael Sanseviro suggested that two new official positions be created for
the RACSL group; Secretary and Chair-elect. There was general agreement about
creating the Secretary position, but some concern about the two-year commitment
needed for a Chair-elect. There was consensus to keep the existing Chairperson
officer position and add the Secretary position.
Nominations were solicited for Chairperson: Michael Sanseviro (unopposed)
Vote: Motion seconded, passed.
Nominations were solicited for Secretary: Bradley Lord (unopposed)
Vote: Motion seconded, passed.
Future meeting dates and locations were selected:
Fall - Monday, November 11, 2002 at Georgia College & State University
(Milledgeville)
Spring - Monday, May 19, 2003 at Armstrong Atlantic State University (Savannah)
RACSL Goals for 2002-03:
A number of ideas were generated for consideration in the upcoming year. They
are as follows:
- Uniform Student Activities Fee
- Standard System-wide I.D. Card
- Accreditation and Assessment (SACS)
- Guidance of Student Advisory Council (SAC)
As a final discussion item, the group talked about the history of the RACSL group as well as the future role of the Chairperson.
Meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jeff Jacobs
Director of Student Life/Clayton College & State University