Purdue University Calumet
Department Heads Meeting
Monday, September 10, 2001, 8:00 a.m., SFLC 150 D

I.          Call to Order.  Chancellor Cohen called the meeting to order suggesting a different arrangement for the monthly meetings rather than the “typical classroom setting.” 
            Chancellor Cohen referred to The Times article about the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) Merrillville property stating that there has, over the last couple of years, been discussions with a development consultant and that the key factor was decision on where the interchange of I-65 is placed.  The hope of the PRF is that it is placed along the PRF property line for development of all areas of business, specifically for educational opportunities.  It is stated in the Strategic Plan draft that we will plan to offer some opportunities in that location. 

II.            Community College of Indiana Agreement.  A handout was provided of the summary of major points of the IU-PU Agreement.  The importance of this agreement is that it will provide opportunities for PUC and our position in the south communities.  Discussion followed.  M. Gealt stated the concern for EMS students that hope for entry into EMS invest their time in the community college and still not be sufficiently prepared to be successful.  Chancellor Cohen said that it is important that faculty describe as precisely as possible the statements for meeting clear expectations and working with the School of Education closely to develop better students, a better success rate; that we will need to work with the community college with prospects for retention.  S. Lerner stated that some courses offered are mid- to upper-level courses which will impact our courses.  Chancellor Cohen said the most interesting development will be providing opportunity to create housing for up to 10% of students.  R. Moyer stated that the new challenges anticipated will allow us to do things we haven’t before tried, considering property, self-sufficiency, etc.  R. Rivers mentioned counseling students to enter professional programs.  This will allow us to work out agreements without impact on enrollment.  Development of tools in different areas will be considered; e.g., development of  a common financial aid form amongst the participants and agreements on admission criteria.  Chancellor Cohen stated that it is important to make faculty aware that this is not a threat but opens opportunities and may better define our degrees and opportunity for housing.  He said concerns about this agreement should be sent to him. 

III.       ID Cards.  Vice Chancellor Bryant reviewed the students expressed desire to have student picture ID cards.  Last spring the students were invited to do group projects of primary concern to them; hence, the need for the student ID card.  Surveys indicated the genuine need and interaction, a connection, pride, associated with the university, and this being a direct relation to retention.  The ID card is being considered as multi-purpose for possible use with the bookstore, fitness center, copy machines, vending machines, including discounts by local merchants.  L. Bryant stated that this project was indeed a comprehensive effort by the students.  A committee will be established chaired by Linda Bear to include representatives of faculty, staff, students, and representatives from areas that will be utilized, with a recommendation presented by November 1, 2001 and planned implementation by Spring 2002.  Interfacing the ID with PWL will also be reviewed.  M. Gealt stated that his previous institution utilizes the picture ID and e-mail addresses of the students for class rosters.  E-mail thoughts/suggestions on this subject may be directed to L. Baer.

IV.            Enrollment Planning.  Vice Chancellor Bryant stated that a coordinated effort to initiate bringing students into different programs is being addressed by a planning and enrollment management committee comprised of academic and administrative representatives to develop a blueprint for enrollment, marketing, retention, targeting enrollment and developing student profiles.  The Office of Admissions will handle recruitment and outreach efforts; Financial Aid will cover scholarships, financial aid; Registration will process students without having to come to the ESC; and efforts within the academic departments will be made to attract students to different majors.  These efforts will result in the best use of enrollment resources.

V.        Parking Forum Report.  Chancellor Cohen said that a number of students raised the parking issue as a concern which resulted in a tour of parking facilities and an open campus community parking town hall meeting; minutes of that meeting of September 4 should have been received by this group via e-mail.  It became apparent that while there is sufficient parking it is not where the students desire.  The Parking Policy Advisory Committee will look into options derived from the meeting.  Chancellor Cohen said the need is to come to a clear understanding of what we are going to do, and to communicate clearly if we will add additional parking or not.  Comments, concerns, ideas may be sent to the Parking Policy Advisory Committee Chair, S. Gyure.

VI.            Strategic Planning Update.  Chancellor Cohen reported that the team has scheduled and been meeting with academic and administrative forums across campus.  Beth Pellicciotti reported thirty meetings being held in August and September; Chancellor Cohen is conducting community presentations; Diane Bartko is providing comments and feedback to the team.  D. Dunn stated that the process is good in terms of feedback and will result in changes in the document.  D. Korchek stated that many are asking “where do I fit in?” and carefully identified four-five things we can accomplish.  P. McGuinness stated that the plan is being built for more communication, not an interim structure, and to view it as “the big picture.”  Chancellor Cohen said he expects changes to come from presentations and feedback and to remember that the plan is a draft and changes will occur, making it more clear, addressing faculty research, aligning goals with the plan.

Open forums for the campus community will be held Tuesday, September 18, 5:00 p.m., Lawshe 131 and Thursday, September 20,  2:30 p.m., Lawshe 131.

VII.            Announcements / Q & A.  S. Lerner stated the concern of all with the NCATE Report.  R. Rivers said the institutional report has been completed for the September 17 NCATE pre-visit, the plan for the logistics of the visit is in process, and that it is very reflective of our strengths.  R. Rivers thanked all colleagues for their contributions in the process.  The NCATE review visit for determination of continued accreditation in the Education degree program is scheduled for November 12, 13, 14. 

            L. Bryant announced the Student Organizations Fair being held this week in the SFLC concourse with attractive displays are to encourage students to join a student club or organization.

VIII.            Adjournment.  Without further business, announcements, Q & A, the meeting was adjourned.