Members Present: Wanda Carpenter, Kathryn Choate, Benny Davis, Denise Dillon, Sherild Jackson, Nancy Jared (presiding), Dianne Klein, Shelia McNeal, Gina Padgett, David Walker, Debra Walker

Others Present: President Robert Bell, Associate Vice President Leo McGee, Sue Pogue and Terri Watson

President Bell was unable to be present at the beginning of the meeting but later joined the meeting. On behalf of President Bell, Associate Vice President Leo McGee presented comments from President Bell.

The following individuals were commended for being recipients of the 2002 Outstanding Staff Awards:

Sonja Bowman—Head of the Interlibrary Loan Department
Shirley Dyer—Office Supervisor in the Registration Center
Lee Bledsoe—Piano Technician/Events Coordinator in Music and Art
Elizabeth Walker—Scientific Equipment Technician in the Physics Department
Recipients of the University Ambassador Program were:
October Ambassador was Joy Cook—Secretary, Business Office
November Ambassador was Debbie Walker—Executive Aide to Dean of Students

The University was pleased to host our Japanese sister school students and staff members from Dohto University, September 29 through October 17. The visitors were provided the opportunity to have many interesting cultural experiences at Tech and the surrounding areas. Also, Tech students had the opportunity to interact with another international culture and to share experiences with the visiting students.

Everyone is concerned with the safety issue of pedestrian crossings on Dixie Avenue. The recent incident of a student being injured was mentioned. University administrators are involved in discussions with individuals at the City of Cookeville concerning measures to make Dixie Avenue a safer place for students and everyone on campus.

The work of the Task Force for Review of Low Producing Programs was summarized. The Task Force took into consideration the recommendations of the peer review teams that reviewed agricultural and engineering programs during the summer 2002. The Task Force was also influenced by the recent review of engineering programs by ABET that was completed in October 2002. These review processes along with the review by the Task Force provided a comprehensive view of program effectiveness across the campus. The Task Force charged with reviewing low producing programs did a very thorough job, and, after many discussions, the following programs will be phased out:

B.S., Professional Communications, effective fall 2003

B.S., Music Therapy, effective fall 2003

B.S., On-Site Accounting Option Courses in the M.B.A. Program (proposal is to replace accounting courses with on-line version currently being implemented by department through the Distance M.B.A. Program)

Programs placed on a three-year continuing review:

M.S., Industrial Engineering; B.F.A., Fine Arts; M.A., English;

Performance Option, B.M., Music; Ed.S., Curriculum and Instruction;

M.A., Health and Physical Education

For each of the programs placed on continuing review, the sponsoring department will be asked to develop an annual report for submission to the respective dean and Provost Barker, identifying changes in enrollment and program cost/performance.

The recommendation for all other programs reviewed by the Task Force is to leave programs unchanged.

Joe Looper—Watch Keeper at Craft Center
Mary Alice Thomas—Secretary in Facilities and Business Services

The following statement and request for President Bell’s response was received.

Question—I agree that very casual clothing (jeans) should not be allowed—not only in the Business Office, but also by all employees on campus. Permission to "dress down" is a poor excuse for no salary increases. We will soon begin the season when high school students and parents start visiting schools to make their enrollment choices for the next academic year. I think we give a sloppy image. I would like to hear what President Bell (formerly of the College of Business) thinks of this. Is this what they teach there? Maybe we need a change in our University-wide policy.

Response—Each vice president will work with his respective area to reiterate the need for employees to wear appropriate dress down/casual clothing during specified periods and on Fridays. The consensus of the vice presidents is to continue the current practices as long as University-wide policy is not violated.

Question—Can a recycling can be placed in the Post Office area for junk mail?

Response—Facilities stated that a recycling can did exist in that area at one time but was removed due to the problem of people using the recycling can for trash. The paper becomes unusable when this occurs.

The question of a recycling can in the Bookstore area was discussed. Ms. Jared will follow up further on this matter.

Suggestion—A suggestion was made to turn the televisions off in the Cafeteria and Grill areas while people are eating.

Response—Based on a request by the TTU Student Government Association in 1999, the University entered into a three-year contract with the College Television Network (CTN). CTN provided the equipment (ten television sets, a satellite receiving dish, television mounts), installation and programming. The University agreed to "barring any equipment failures, bear responsibility that the system, main CTN unit, and all monitors are turned on and operational during the hours that each location is open." The contract will expire at the beginning of spring semester 2003, unless it is decided to renew for an additional two years.

Question—Can the Perch be open on Saturday?

Response—The Perch is open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Question—How was the formula used to decide the clerical and support equity increases, and how will salary increases for January be computed?

Response—Ms. Pogue was present to provide the committee with a synopsis of the Clerical and Support Salary Ad Hoc Committee’s goals as well as the objectives that were determined in the creation of the model. Ms. Pogue stated that as with other salary equity models, the first attempt is not a perfect model and that the model needs fine tuning to produce improved results.

January salary increases will be across-the-board. The equity model will not have an effect on those increases.

A question relative to the number of parking tags sold versus the number of parking spaces available on campus was voiced. President Bell stated this is controlled by the University Police Department. He also reiterated that the shuttle service was implemented this year, and parking appears to be about 90 percent better on this campus than other campuses.

A committee member inquired if Food Service employees are guaranteed jobs if food services operations are contracted out. President Bell addressed the question by stating that employees are not guaranteed jobs at present, but that he feels any private food service company will work with present employees to provide a secure situation for most. President Bell stressed that the review of operations for Food Services is just one of the many reviews to take place on campus to ensure both efficiency and effectiveness. Presently, no bids for food service operations have been requested.

The meeting adjourned at 2:47 p.m.

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