University Executive Committee Meeting Notes

May 10, 2007

Rollin Richmond

Rick Vrem

Carl Coffey

Steve Butler

Rob Gunsalus

Anna Kircher

Denice Helwig

Carol Terry

Patty Lindley, Staff Support

Guests:

Jane Holschuh

Jimmy Smith

John Woolley

President’s Report

President Richmond reported:

that he attended the 3rd Annual Broadband Forum, “Rural Connections: Where Should We Fit in California’s Broadband Future?” held on May 3. This event was coordinated by Redwood Coast Rural Action (RCRA), the Redwood Technology Consortium and the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission.
that he, along with other HSU representatives, participated in a Budget Forum video conference on May 8 which was hosted by the CSU.
that he recently met with HSU administrators/faculty who are managing the WASC effort, noting that campuswide participation and support are essential in preparing for successful WASC visits in February 2008 and October 2009. http://www.humboldt.edu/~wasc/
that the annual faculty/staff BBQ is planned for Thursday, August 16 (same day as Fall Convocation). Carol Terry and Carl Coffey will coordinate the BBQ.
Following discussion by the University Executive Committee members, it was agreed that beginning in the fall, they will occasionally meet from 8:00-10:00 (rather than the usual 10:00-12:00 meeting time) to accommodate a periodic schedule conflict.

Other Reports

Carol Terry reported:

that she will be placing an item on an upcoming University Executive Committee agenda – a proposal to discuss purchasing insurance for HSU employees and their families who travel abroad on university business.

Anna Kircher reported:

that it is her understanding that the CSU has finalized the Continuity of Operations Program Executive Order, however this information doesn’t appear to have been distributed as of this date. It was noted that Vice President Butler will lead a University Executive Committee discussion this summer regarding HSU’s plan; the police chief and college deans may be invited to attend.

Vice President Butler reported:

Fall 2007 enrollment of freshmen and transfer students continues to be high. Management of associated issues, such as housing, course availability, and orientation are being discussed. He noted that student retention will continue to be a major focus.

Faculty Evaluations

Anna Kircher reported that the current process for students to evaluate faculty has been reviewed, with various alternative approaches being explored. She outlined a new reporting program (ADA compliant), which the University Executive Committee approved ($31,000 initially for hardware, software, training, and support; $3800 annually thereafter). This will be instituted in the 2007 fall semester.

Substance Abuse, Homelessness

Supervisors John Woolley and Jimmy Smith attended the meeting to share information about the County’s actions to address the local illegal drug problem, which includes educational outreach. They indicated that the County is working with the City of Arcata to address homelessness issues and that HSU may be of assistance by sharing research data. They also suggested that President Richmond discuss the issue of homelessness with his colleagues within the CSU.