University Executive Committee Meeting Notes

June 21, 2007

Rollin Richmond

Rick Vrem

Rob Gunsalus

Steve Butler

Carl Coffey

Denice Helwig

Patty Lindley, Staff Support

Guests:

Guy-Alain Amoussou

Chris Hopper

Mike Reilly

Summer/Fall Sessions - Enrollment Update

Mike Reilly discussed summer enrollments which are down from previous years (fewer sections offered).

Fall Semester freshmen and transfer student confirmations continue to be up from last year (approximately 1150 freshmen anticipated). Discussions continue to address housing needs, as well as the need for additional courses. It was noted that it will be important to focus on campus retention efforts.

Update – Fall Class Scheduling

Provost Vrem reviewed a Section Offering Comparison Summary (by GE categories), comparing Fall 2006 to Fall 2007. Based on the anticipated freshmen enrollment and the need for additional seats, the University Executive Committee approved an additional expenditure of $105,199 (based on freshmen enrollment of 1100). The Provost was asked to provide a plan for satisfying the freshmen course needs beyond an enrollment of 1100.

Provost Vrem noted that a number of departments (Art, Biology, Business, Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences, Kinesiology) report a substantial increase in student confirmations for the upcoming fall semester. A copy of his spreadsheet outlining this information will be sent to the members of the University Executive Committee in campus mail.

International Visitors Guide

Guy-Alain announced the participation of 27 American Indian students who will attend the Coalition for American Indians in Computing summer camp at HSU July 8-27 as a result of the recently-awarded NSF grant.

He also noted that the goal to admit 30 new international students for Fall Semester will most likely be met, as 24 have been admitted with 34 additional applications being reviewed. Additionally, an AASCU agreement signing with 17 Chinese institutions is being formalized which will result in students coming to HSU starting in Fall 2008.

Guy-Alain Amoussou and Chris Hopper discussed the draft International Visitors Guide (prepared by a subcommittee) which was designed to assist administrators, faculty, staff and student organizations in arranging short visits by international guests or delegations to HSU. The University Executive Committee approved the guide which will be issued as a University Executive Memorandum. It was suggested that this guide be shared with the President’s Council during the fall semester.

A meeting will be arranged of interested parties to discuss the needs of international students in preparation of their attendance this fall.

President’s Report

President Richmond noted:

  • that he, with the assistance of others, is preparing a letter to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), following up on an August 2006 meeting at which a proposal for stem cell industry work force development was presented.
  • that as a result of a recent broadband forum held in Arcata which Sunne McPeak attended (CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund [CETF]), $500,000 is being awarded to Humboldt County by CETF and the Humboldt Area Foundation to fund the California Broadband Demand Aggregation Pilot Project. The funds will come to HSU and Denice Helwig from the President’s office is coordinating the effort.
  • that plans are underway to install a fiber optic line across 299 which will provide additional access to Humboldt County, with construction anticipated to begin in the fall.

Other Reports

Provost Vrem reported:

  • that he recently attended a CSU Academic Council retreat where the preliminary draft of the Access to Excellence report was discussed.

Vice President Gunsalus reported:

  • that he recently attended an advancement vice presidents meeting in Bakersfield where some of the topics discussed included the 2008 bond campaign, E-advocacy, and strategies for enhancing relationships with sponsored programs.
  • that the CSU alumni council is meeting at HSU June 21-23.
  • that interview schedules have been distributed for the AVP for Marketing and Communications candidates who are being interviewed on campus.

Vice President Coffey reported:

  • that Financial Services is busy with year-end closing; CMS is busy with implementation of the student administration module.
  • that moves are taking place into the new Behavioral and Social Sciences building; renovations will occur in Harry Griffith Hall (where Education, Child Development and Engineering will be located); the Campus Apartments are being prepared for renting, with incoming freshmen receiving priority; design for the new student housing unit is taking place with bids anticipated in October and construction starting in Spring 2008; the Schatz Energy Research Center will construct a new building (west of the Behavioral and Social Sciences building) with construction to begin next year; Nelson Hall renovations will begin which include window replacement, heating/ventilation improvements and other ADA-related upgrades.