Instructional Directors’ Meeting

Minutes

February 17, 2004

Attending were John Spradling, Ronda Palmer, Ron Sanders, Terry Conroy, Wayne Blinka, Jerry Hutyra, Lance Zimmerman, Ed Price, David Day, Jerry Hutyra, Howard Childs, Dennis Meyers, and Lynn Parks.

The agendas were distributed.

[Agenda item 1] John reminded everyone that any departmental publications (including internal publications) and/or web materials should be submitted to marketing as per the current applicable COP.

ACTION: Everyone should be reminded that publications and web materials should be submitted to marketing as per the current applicable COP.

[Agenda item 2] John noted that Carrie Gayeske is gearing up for a new round of customer service training. Ron, who is on the focus group helping put together the training, said that accountability would be an element of the training.

[Agenda item 3] John noted that TSTC’s professional development day would be Friday, October 15, 2004. Students should be released from class on this day.

[Agenda item 4] John said that there were still some requisitions being created after the invoice date. That practice must stop. If there is an emergency, work up the requisition, and then talk to Pam Price about rushing the purchase. People who do not follow the procedures may have their purchasing rights taken away.

ACTION: Everyone should be reminded that requisitions must be created before the purchase is initiated. If there is an emergency, Pam Price should be consulted.

[Agenda item 5] John said that if any department is involved in revenue-generating activities that have been established with a contract, copies of each contract must be lodged with Wayne Matthews in the Resource Development office by February 20.

ACTION: Copies of all contracts governing revenue-generating activities occurring this fiscal year should be lodged with the Resource Development office by February 20.

John noted that the President, the Vice Presidents, the CFO, and the Director of NTS are the only ones with authority to sign contracts for revenue-generating activities.

[Agenda item 6] John distributed copies of information regarding the 2004 Seamless Transitions State Conference, to be held in Dallas March 8-10. Ed noted that he will be at that conference, although it’s primarily for high school teachers. Conference topics focus on Tech Prep, AAS degrees transferring to baccalaureate programs, etc.

[Agenda item 7] John reviewed the following Management Council topics.

The Management Council will review and possibly revise the SOS about employees taking courses in their own department.

Darline Morris will talk to SACS about the possibility of needing to file a substantive change request for the new proposed technical writing program (because it may be considered an academic program rather than a technical program).

Dispute resolution, termination, and non-renewal without cause processes are being scrutinized.

ACTION: Any other items for Management Council consideration should be forwarded to John by 8:00 a.m. on February 18.

[Agenda item 8] John asked for directors to give him names of faculty who can participate with a federal mediator in laying the groundwork to establish improved dispute resolution processes. The sessions will be held on:

Feb. 24^th at 1:00, 2:00, 3;00, or 4:00

Feb. 25^th at 9:00, 10:00, 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00

ACTION: The directors will supply the requisite names to John regarding participants for the dispute resolution processes discussions by 5:00 on February 17, 2004.

[Agenda item 9] John noted that the George Foundation had provided the initial payment of a Challenge Grant to help offset TSTC operational costs at Ft. Bend.

[Agenda item 10] John reminded everyone that the Texas Commission on Human Rights training will be held March 25 in the IDEAS Center. Attendance will be by special invitation only.

[Agenda item 11] John distributed copies of information regarding the Texas Higher Education Law Conference, to be held March 1-2 in Dallas.

ACTION: Anyone wanting to attend the Texas Higher Education Law Conference should notify John.

[Agenda item 12] John said that a study by our physical plant has shown that it would take 22 years for a flat panel monitor to become cost-effective over a regular CRT monitor based on energy usage.

[Agenda item 13] John said that President Stuckly would like Lynn to proofread/edit all COP’s before they’re presented to the President’s Council. Lynn agreed to do so.

[Agenda item 14] Miscellaneous

John noted that the name of the new vision plan for TSTC would be “Good to Great by 2008.”

David asked if he had the latitude to go with the best offer regarding the disposition of certain aircraft; John said David and Pam Price would work together to make the best deal.

Wayne asked about the status of proposed programs; John said Wayne should begin working with Lance on the proposed programs in his area as soon as possible.