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February 1, 2011 3:30 - 5 p.m. E-501  

Announcements and Updates: 

Danielle Insalaco-Egan asked for volunteers for New Student Orientation.  The revised program includes working closely with smaller groups of students, teaching them how to ask questions, find resources and to continue with New Student Seminar.  Danielle stated the orientation committee is looking for Orientation leaders for groups of 25 students to discuss questions, fears and concerns. 

Mitchell Levy informed the DAC that the Center for Teaching and Learning received funding for a new Title V grant, part of which will be used to fund The Art of Advising II seminar.

Mitchell and Danielle discussed that the DAC needs assessment surveys conducted previously indicated that members are in support of continued professional development.  Consequently, potential topics for the DAC Professional Development seminars to be held in April include:

  • Porter Brannon: educating the community on services available at the Enrollment Services Center (C-107).
  • Bruce Hoffacker: discussion of academic program/catalogue changes.
  • Gail Baksh-Jarrett will provide financial aid updates.
  • Alex Abramov and Laura McGowan will conduct Advising Central Presentation which will be "hands-on" and facilitated in a lab.
  • Loretta Capuano and Bill Lindner will discuss new technology initiatives being developed on campus, such as Hobsons.

In response to feedback from DAC participants, the DAC will sponsor a Special Populations Fair for staff and faculty.  Program directors and staff members from ASAP, CD, ACE, Disability Services, COPE, PDA, Counseling, Veterans Services were asked to prepare handouts/information to disseminate to colleagues during the Fair.  The goal is to educate colleagues first, then address increased information for students.

Presentation by: Middle States Core Group and Steering Committee:

  • Gordon Tapper, Professor/English Department (Chair for Middle States Steering Committee: Self Study)
  • Burl Yearwood, Professor/Natural Science (Chair for Middle States: Standard 8/Admission and Retention)
  • Nate Dickmeyer, Chair for Middle States: Standard 7/Assessment
  • Judith Gazzola, Co-chair Standard 9/Student Support Services

There are 14 committees.  On March 31, each committee wil submit first draft for their chapter, after one year of research.  Final draft April 29, and over the summer, edit drafts into final study early next Fall.

Late Spring- share preliminary findings with 150 staff, faculty, committees, and students being incorporated.

There will be an open forum in late May, sharing findings in different areas.

First draft will be early Fall.  June 2012 - Nov. 2012 (Results)

Nate stated that essentially the process focuses on the following questions:  Are we making improvements? Where is the evidence? Do we know if it is working at all? Do we have a full assessment cycle- have you used goals, used numbers to come up with recommendations. Did recommendations change? Did we define what success was?

Burl:  Retention-how to keep students, get them to graduate.  Student advisement- How do activities help faculty? How does it help students move along? Is it working?  All information gathered is available to Middle States.

Raj added:  Big need for part-time faculty to be involved.  Need of improvement in that area.

Laura McGowan stated that faculty, adjuncts, and part-time adjuncts have been invited by email to participate in any trainings including Art of Advisement, DegreeWorks.  There was a $500 stipend for participating in Art of Advising I.  There will be an Art of Advising II; invitations will be sent to participants of Art of Advising I, and there will be a $750 stipend.

Sam stated that you can't assess issues by collective bargaining.  Information from union regarding part-time faculty being responsible for advisement, providing hours outside of the classroom.  Contract guidelines.

Jean Buckley-Lockhart:  The Counseling Department trains their part-time adjuncts by offering workshops, individual meetings, and 'buddy' system. (paired with senior counselor)

Nate asked the current charge of the DAC.  Mitchell stated that the committee is still working towards the original charge of President Mellow.  Consequently, the committee has continued to conduct assessments of various advising activities and use the data to informand improve advising initiatives.  Mitchell stated that some offices are doing work which has not been captured in the DAC summary report.  Mitchell and Gordon agreed that supplemental reports updating the work contained in the DAC report would be provided to appropriate individuals within the Middle State process.