Department Heads Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2002

I.  Call to Order.  Chancellor Cohen called the meeting to order reviewing the agenda.

II.  Telephone Contact Standards.  The memorandum to the Chancellor from Colleen Robison and Shelby Topping outlining the customer service standards and recommendations was distributed with the agenda for this meeting.  It was reviewed with agreement by the group that we adapt and move forward with the recommendations.  The initiative is to use these monthly meetings to work any issues, problems, and communicate these standards, to the campus community.  The memorandum outlining the standards and recommendations is attached.

III.  AQIP Update.  Beth Pellicciotti and Sarah Howard reviewed the Academic Quality Improvement Project (AQIP) Strategy Forum attended by academic staff April 17-20 focusing on what was learned at this session.  The purpose of the Forum was to provide supportive and critical examination of the action projects of peer institutions and to receive same from them via reaction sheet responses.  Projects are to be submitted by July 1.  The AQIP process affords continuous accreditation as long as we are in the process.  The portfolio of projects identifies our process with focus on the strategic plan and in three years we will need to look at all processes and proposals, not just the strategic plan.  Participants in the AQIP Study Group are Kathryn Carpenter, Michael Gealt, Sarah Howard, Jal Mistri, Beth Pellicciotti, David Pick, Colleen Robison, Susan Scachitti, Shomir Sil, Sandra Singer, Gail Wegner and Joy Whitman.

IV.  Purdue University Calumet Web Site.  Wes Lukoshus introduced the proposed Purdue Calumet redesigned web site and plans for improvement, updating, providing more in our marketing strategy.  Linda Kosteba requesting feedback presented a template of the proposed redesign of the web site.  The proposed web site shows a more modern design and is consistent and complimentary to the graphic print look of PUC.  Linda demonstrated the greater ease in navigation and search capability so that most desired information may be accessed with one to two clicks from the University home page.  Mike Gealt suggested links to programs rather than departments, as most users are more familiar with the program and not aware of the home department.  Paul McGuinness suggested cross-referencing as in the catalog.  Barbara Synos suggested the PC Star link on the top of the home page; and, directions to PUC in addition to the campus map.  Sue Conners questioned whether there is academic representation to the redesign project; individuals will be appointed via CTISPAC.  Departments will need to collaborate with University Relations for changes of information on their web pages.  Comments and feedback on the proposed PUC web site may be sent to the Office of University Relations at univrel@calumet.purdue.edu.  The URL for accessing the redesigned web site template is:  http://www.calumet.purdue.edu/public/newsite/public-index.html 

V.  Priorities Profile.  A strategic Priorities Profile worksheet was distributed with the agenda for this meeting.  Attendees worked together at their tables assigning a level to each area at which we believe should be best so as to come to agreement on the features of our education experience that we want/need to promote to accomplish our strategic goals.  Chancellor Cohen said it is important that we come to some common understandings about these goals so that what we say to students when we admit them corresponds to the experience they have when they begin to attend.  The worksheets were collected for compilation and results will be reviewed at the next monthly meeting.

VI.  Announcements and Comments, Q & A.  Wes Lukoshus announced a survey that was distributed via e-mail to the campus community on community activities.  He said department heads should work with Vice Chancellor Singer on any plans for community activities.

Saul Lerner commented that meetings scheduled during spring break should try to be in better sync with the deadlines of the academic schedule.

Peggy Kienzle reminded the group of the upcoming May 10 Chancellor’s reception for deans, directors and department heads.

Wes Lukoshus announced an organized community effort and taking a pro-active role to contact legislators about the status of the state financial situation, urging our state leaders to restore funding for higher education.  See Chancellor Cohen’s e-mail of May 9 from the Senior Leadership to the campus community about contacting our legislators.

Fred Williams announced the successful, well-attended, 21st Century Scholars recognition program and thanked Paul McGuinness for his efforts.

Anne Severa provided the results of the lst Phase of Early Registration.  PUC enrollment for Summer is up 172 students and 1216 billing hours and enrollment for Fall is up 68 students and 1516 billing hours.

VII.  Adjournment.  With the agenda items completed the meeting was adjourned.