PURDUE UNIVERSITY CALUMET

 FALL 1995

CONVOCATION OF THE FACULTY AND STAFF

AUGUST 23, 1995

 MINUTES

1. The convocation was called to order by Chancellor J. Yackel.  He noted the following:

50th Anniversary Celebration.  He reviewed several events scheduled for the 50th Anniversary Celebration Year, and spoke to the Landscape Development project on the site of the former 171st street.

North Central Association Focused Evaluation Visit.  He said a team will visit the campus on April 15-16, 1996 for a focused evaluation visit.  He said that he, Vice Chancellor S. Singer and Executive Assistant to the Chancellor J. Wermuth will head up preparation for the visit.  He said the evaluation focuses on progress in general education, student assessment, and long range planning.  He asked the faculty and staff to be particularly aware of these issues this year as it is likely the team will ask across campus about their knowledge of efforts in these areas.

Enrollments.  He said that student numbers and credit hours will likely be less than in Fall 1994, due in good part to a decrease in the number of General Studies students.  He said the enrollment story across the state is similar to Purdue Calumet's experience.  He noted that a decreased number of credit hours generated during the 1995-96 academic year will impact the base budget appropriation from the General Assembly to Purdue Calumet beginning in Fall 1997.  He said, that based on present figures and projections, a decrease of at least $300,000 can be anticipated.  He said the decreased enrollment may have a negative effect on the new building, and noted that decreased funding and inflation will reduce the size of the building.  He said the case for the classroom facility in Merrillville is also weakened.

Academic Administrative Organization.  He said that a committee was being formed to review and make recommendations on the academic administrative organization, and that D. Dunn has agreed to chair the committee.  He said the charge to the committee will include recommendations for the next several decades, and that the effort is part of the campus' master plan and blueprint for the next 25-50 years.

South County Initiative.  He reviewed the process Purdue Calumet must follow to lease classroom space in south Lake County, and the facility which is being considered.  He noted the facility will likely be shared with IUN, Calumet College of St. Joseph, IVY TECH Northwest, and Valparaiso University.  He said the facility is needed to meet access needs in south Lake county and the impact on access caused by the county transportation infrastructure.  He said there was no real connection between the south Lake County proposal and the new classroom office building in Hammond; in that by state standards for student space, Purdue Calumet is presently lacking student space.

171st Street.  He said there is a suggestion the State Court of Appeals is beginning to take action.

II. Chancellor Yackel introduced new members of the faculty and staff.  A list of them and their unit affiliations is attached to these minutes.

III. W. Verbrugge reviewed recent activities of CUSS and previewed future projects.  He listed several projects supported by the Technology Fee funds.  He said AV had acquired three additional portable projectors, and that the installation of video and data outlets in all classrooms should be completed in six to eight weeks.  He said Windows 95 will be reviewed along with NT before any purchase is made.

IV. B. Synos presented an APSAC report.  She listed the committee members, and reviewed the previous year's activities.  Certificates of appreciation for service on the committee were presented to two members of the committee whose terms expired 12/31/94: L. Baer and C. Harris.  Chancellor Yackel thanked the members of the committee for their service.

V. W. Robinson reviewed the activities of the Council of Faculty Delegates during the previous year and previewed activities for 1995-96.  He introduced the chairs of the standing committees of the Council.  He said he looked forward to the Council working with the Purdue Calumet chapter of the American Association of University Professors.  He urged academic department heads to encourage more senior faculty to serve as members of the Council of Faculty Delegates.

 VI. Professor Robinson and Chancellor Yackel presented outstanding scholarship awards to Surjit Mahil and Jane Campbell, an outstanding service award to Dwight Kirkpatrick, and outstanding teaching awards to Donald Gray and Peter Turbek.

VII. M. Moore read a memorial resolution for Karen I. Bacus.  Chancellor Yackel requested a moment of silence in her honor.

VIII. The meeting was adjourned.