Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:10 PM..

Present: Dennis McMillan, S.J. Sethi (with proxy for Susan Griffith), , Bill Turk (with proxy for James Langabeer), Ana Maria Rodriguez, Judy Davidson, Candi Roxas, Paul Sale, Carol Rausch, and Dora Saavedra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, Susan Hancock, and Ala Qubbaj.

Attending as guests: Farzaneh Razzaghi, Teo Ozuna, Oscar Villarreal.

Minutes  The minutes of February 15, 2007 were accepted as distributed.

Quality Enhancement Team – Judy Davidson

TITLE:   Enhancing Learning for Mexican American Students in Gatekeeper Mathematics Courses.

Judy reported on the public information campaign planned by QEP, for the purpose of informing the university community about the QEP. She said banners, hand-out cards, in-house TV spots and a number of other media avenues would be used.

Old Business
None.

Brick-Wall Status Report
No report.

New Business
Bill Turk handed out a draft of the Itinerary for the On-Site visit, as well as a schedule of arrivals and departures of the On-Site committee members. He emphasized the DRAFT nature of both documents. Airline arrival and departure times are always questionable; be prepared for delays. He also cautioned that the On-Site Committee could and probably would change their Itinerary as they saw the needs of the situation; be flexible.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 PM.

Our next regular monthly meeting is on May 17, 2007 in the Board Room, Shary/Shivers Administration Building, 2-4 PM. [The meeting has subsequently been moved to May 10, 2007]

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:07 PM.

Present: Nancy Smith (with proxy for Dennis McMillan), S.J. Sethi (with proxy for Susan Griffith), Ala Qubbaj, Bill Turk (with proxy for James Langabeer), Ana Maria Rodriguez, Judy Davidson, Candi Roxas, Paul Sale, Carol Rausch, and Dora Saaverdra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Terrie Garcia, Farzaneh Razzaghi, Mike Crissinger, Teo Ozuna, Oscar Villarreal.

Minutes  The minutes of January 18, 2007 were accepted as distributed.

Bill Turk reported on the progress of the Focus Report by discussing the ten items listed on the Agenda. The latest version of that document had been attached to the Agenda. Significant discussion followed. A small number of questions were asked. The questions were responded to in a satisfactory manner. Carol Rausch moved to approve the Focused Report for submission as presented. The motion was seconded by S.J. Sethi. The vote to approve was unanimous.

Quality Enhancement Team – Judy Davidson

TITLE:   Enhancing Learning for Mexican American Students in Gatekeeper Mathematics Courses.

Judy reported that the QEP Sub-Committee had approved revisions for latest draft. This version had been seen by a number of people around the campus and been sent twice to our SACS consultant. Judy also reported on the public information campaign planned by QEP, for the purpose of informing the university community about the QEP. She said banners, hand-out cards, in-house TV spots and a number of other media avenues would be used.

Provost Sale announced that Olga Ramirez, Professor of Mathematics, has been named Interim Project Administrator for the QEP. Dr. Sale’s comments related to moving from design to practice, and the need for practical implementation of strategies contained in the QEP. He stated his happiness with Dr. Ramirez’s quick acceptance of this groundbreaking opportunity.

After Judy’s report a discussion followed and a few questions were asked and satisfactorily answered. Candi Rojas moved to approve this final draft of the QEP. The motion was seconded by Ana Maria Rodriguez. The vote to approve was unanimous.

Old Business
Focus Report and QEP.

Brick-Wall Status Report
No report.

New Business
Bill Turk reviewed the newly revised Principles of Accreditation as passed by SACS at its annual meeting in December, 2006. He said that these new Principles were made effective on January 1, 2007 and did apply, retroactively, to UTPA. After a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Leadership Team it was decided to prepare a separate report for UTPA’s responses to the Revised Principles. The task was delegated to the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness. S.J. Sethi in the absence of Dr. Susan Griffith proceeded to brief the Team on the fifteen revised Principles and UTPA’s responses. Drafts of the responses had been attached, and sent to all concerned with the Agenda.

A significant discussion followed and a number of questions were asked. All questions were responded to satisfactorily. The motion to approve the Revised Principles for submission was made by Ana Maria Rodriguez. The motion was seconded by Candi Roxas. The vote to approve was unanimous.

Bill voiced the sentiment of the entire Leadership Team in applauding OIRE for the speedy and quality manner in which they responded to this new SACS requirement.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 1:05 PM.

Dennis McMillan, Susan Griffith, Ala Qubbaj, Bill Turk, Ana Maria Rodriguez, James Langabeer, Judy Davidson, Candi Roxas, Paul Sale, Carol Rauschand, Dora Saaverdra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Terrie Garcia and Russell Dove

Minutes  The minutes of December 14, 2006 were accepted as distributed.

Bill Turk asked the Team for permission to change the order of business as sent with the agenda. He asked that the QEP report come first, therefore leaving all remaining time for discussions regarding to the Focus Report.

Quality Enhancement Team – Judy Davidson

TITLE: Enhancing Learning for Mexican American Students in Gatekeeper Mathematics Courses.

Judy reported that the QEP Sub-Committee at its meeting on Tuesday (1/16/07) had approved revisions for latest draft. Judy also reported on the public information campaign planned by QEP, for the purpose of informing the university community about the QEP. She said banners, hand-out cards, in-house TV spots and a number of other media avenues would be used. There were a number of suggestions for additional items to consider.

Bill then reported on the progress of the Focus Report by discussing the following items.

1. Core Requirement 2.9 relating to the Library. The reviewers are interested in the Starr County Center, and plans for the Library’s growth to match enrollment on a flat budget projection. Farzaneh Razzaghi and Maria Perez, Director of the Starr County Center. A draft has been sent to Margaret Sullivan, and returned with suggestions for improvement. A second draft with the revisions will be sent tomorrow (1/19/07).

2. Core Requirement 2.11, 3. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.1 and 4. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.2 having to do with finances and the infamous third party audit of last fiscal year. James Langabeer and Mike Chrissinger. The audit has arrived and is being copied for its inclusion in an Appendix of the Report. The Review Letter from the audit will be sent to Dr. Sullivan along with a discussion in CS 3.10.1 regarding the use of unrestricted net assets over the past three years.

5. Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1 having to do with student learning outcomes assessment. The Certificate of Compliance declared Partial Compliance. Susan Griffith and Ana Maria Rodriguez

6. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.14 dealing with technology. The Off-Site Committee wants a better explanation of how technology is used to enhance student learning. Christina Rogoza and Martha Jeanne Yanes.

7. Comprehensive Standard 3.5.1 relating to learning outcomes competencies in the core curriculum. Ana Maria Rodriguez and Susan Griffith.

For numbers 5,6,7 above Susan Griffith and Ana Maria Rodriguez reported extensively the steps being taken to write answers to the Off-Site Committee’s concerns. Information gathered from a conference telephone call with Margaret Sullivan is being integrated into the process of drafting answers. Drs Griffith and Rodriguez are working closely with Dr. Sullivan and multiple UTPA administrators, staff and faculty to insure a quality and timely response.

8. Comprehensive Standard 3.6.2 having to do with independent graduate learning in programs which do not require a thesis. Teofilo Ozuna. Dr. Sale called Dr. Ozuna during the meeting and was assured there would be a first draft available tomorrow afternoon (1/19/07).

9. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.1 relating to faculty credentials. Reviewers found 48 faculty members who need additional documentation/explanation/justification. Two faculty members were found “Not Acceptable.” Bill Turk and Paul Sale. Deans were given until February 1 to have completed two templates for additional faculty documentation. Bill reported he had received some templates on three faculty members. He said he would forward what he has to Dr. Sullivan for her comment.

10. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.7 dealing with physical facilities. The Off-Site reviewers want to know if our plans for physical facilities are going to keep up with enrollment, on the main campus, and on the Starr County campus. James Langabeer. A draft has been sent to Margaret Sullivan, and returned with suggestions for improvement. A second draft with the revisions will be sent tomorrow (1/19/07).

Old Business
Discussions regarding the Focus Report

Brick-Wall Status Report
No report.

New Business
Discussions regarding the Focus Report

The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 1:05 PM.

Dennis McMillan, Susan Griffith, Ala Qubbaj, Bill Turk, Ana Maria Rodriguez, James Langabeer, Judy Davidson, Candi Roxas, Paul Sale, and Dora Saaverdra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, Carol Rausch, and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: None

Minutes  The minutes of October 19, 2006 were accepted as distributed.

       An extended discussion of the Off-Site Review Report ensued, with comments from all Leadership Team members. Information from the recent annual SACS meeting was shared by the four Leadership members who traveled to Orlando. A summary of conversations with Margaret Sullivan were also communicated. The Off-Site Committee found UTPA in Non-Compliance on the below noted Principles of Accreditation. However, it was agreed that this result was commendable with respect the total Compliance Certificate effort. Dr. Susan Griffith was personally recognized for the part she played in that gargantuan effort. The additional documentation and certification necessary for the Focus Report can, and will be completed within the time-period allowed.

        A brief explanation is given below, and a suggestion of person or persons to lead the Focus Report response effort.

1. Core Requirement 2.9 relating to the Library. The reviewers are interested in the Starr County Center, and plans for the Library’s growth to match enrollment on a flat budget projection. Farzaneh Razzaghi and Maria Perez, Director of the Starr County Center.

2. Core Requirement 2.11, 3. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.1 and 4. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.2 having to do with finances and the infamous third party audit of last fiscal year. James Langabeer and Mike Chrissinger.

5. Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1 having to do with student learning outcomes assessment. The Certificate of Compliance declared Partial Compliance. Susan Griffith and Ana Maria Rodriguez

6. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.14 dealing with technology. The Off-Site Committee wants a better explanation of how technology is used to enhance student learning. Christina Rogoza and Martha Jeanne Yanes.

7. Comprehensive Standard 3.5.1 relating to learning outcomes competencies in the core curriculum. Ana Maria Rodriguez and Susan Griffith.

8. Comprehensive Standard 3.6.2 having to do with independent graduate learning in programs which do not require a thesis. Teofilo Ozuna.

9. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.1 relating to faculty credentials. Reviewers found 46 faculty members who need additional documentation/explanation/justification. Two faculty members were found “Not Acceptable.” Bill Turk and Paul Sale.

10. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.7 dealing with physical facilities. The Off-Site reviewers want to know if our plans for physical facilities are going to keep up with enrollment, on the main campus, and on the Starr County campus. James Langabeer.

        The following recommendations were accepted by acclimation.

1. The individuals noted above are designated as having primary responsibility to craft the written responses, for inclusion in the Focus Report. The designated individuals are encouraged to enlist others to assist in completion of this project.

2. The Focus Report will be ALL PAPER. We will include a CD with the document and show it on our Web Site, but it will be a Microsoft Word document. References will be the same as found in any other written document, that is, no electronic references. Attachments to the three page narrative may be necessary, that is, the third party audit will be attached to 2.11 and referenced in the other financial responses, transcripts and CV will be attached to 3.7.1, etc.

3. Writers will be informed of the SACS requirement which states that the narrative of the Focus Reports “shall be no longer than three (3) pages.”

4. Bill Turk will immediately meet with and brief the writers noted above, he will provide a calendar for completion, receive first drafts, send first drafts to Margaret Sullivan for comment, work with writers to incorporate those comments, develop a final draft, edit, make copies, bind, and send the Focus Report.

Quality Enhancement Team – Judy Davidson

TITLE: Enhancing Learning for Mexican American Students in Gatekeeper Mathematics Courses.

Judy reported that the latest draft will be sent 12/15/06 to: Leadership, President’s Council, Texas Instruments, Margaret Sullivan and Lee Armstrong. Judy noted that preliminary discussions involving Texas Instruments had begun. She said TI had worked with three school districts in north Texas on mathematics projects. There was potential that some of what TI had done in those three instances would be transferable to our QEP. More will be learned as UTPA and TI continue to learn cooperative.

Old Business
        Bill Turk reported that the SACS web page with the Compliance Report was up and open to the public at: http://sacs.utpa.edu.

        Bill Turk said work was proceeding on the Faculty Roster. At this time only 10 faculty members, for the three semesters under review, are missing one or more transcripts. None of the 46 from 3.7.1 above is among those 10.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        No report.

New Business
        Bill Turk asked Susan Griffith to provide direction on incorporating the QEP into the University Strategic Plan. Dr. Griffith said she would provide the information later “this afternoon.”

The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.

Dennis McMillan, Susan Griffith, Bill Turk, Ana Maria Rodriguez, James Langabeer, Judy Davidson, Carol Rausch, Candi Roxas, Paul Sale, and Dora Saaverdra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, Ala Qubbaj and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Karen Watt, Teresa Garcia and Isabel Infante.

Minutes  The minutes of September 21 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
       Dr. Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). One telephone call from one Off-Site reviewer was received requesting access and a password to the Faculty Credentialing System. CCT is awaiting the report of the Off-Site Review to be communicated to President Cárdenas on November 10, 2006.

       Judy Davidson reported on the activities of the QEP Team. She noted that the Phase II Subcommittee had met recently with the Provost, the Dean of Science and Engineering and the Chair of the Mathematics Department. Additionally, there had been a meeting with the Subcommittee, Math. Chair, the Assistant Dean of Science and Engineering and eight mathematics faculty members. The results of these meetings is an increasing awareness of the QEP Pilot Project by those most involved, and continued support for its design, goals, and initiatives. Judy introduced Karen Watt who presented a Power Point presentation summarizing the QEP project to date.

        A good discussion followed Karen's presentation. Issues were discussed and questions were raised relating to: courses/course numbers, early inclusion of personnel from the Registrar's Office, budgeting issues, the number/training of instructors, the number and training of tutors, scheduling details of the modular class system, student assignment to QEP courses and course credit. Many details need to be addressed. The Leadership Team's judgment was that a planning year prior to implementation of the QEP Pilot Project was both desirable and necessary.

Old Business
        Bill Turk reported that the SACS web page with the Compliance Report was up and open to the public at: http://sacs.utpa.edu.

        Bill Turk said work was proceeding on the Faculty Roster. Transcripts from faculty were being scanned, and posted for all new faculty. He said he would seek guidance as to how to proceed with this work for future semesters.

         Bill Turk reported that work on the independent third party audit of UTPA's financials for FY 2005-06 was proceeding as planned. It is anticipated that the report will be available on-time, for inclusion in the Focus Report.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        No report.

New Business
        Bill Turk reminded everyone of the meetings scheduled with Gerald Lord's visit October 23-24. Dr. Lord will be on campus to review and discuss the QEP.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.

Dennis McMillan, Susan Griffith, Bill Turk (with proxy for Ana Maria Rodriguez), James Langabeer, Judy Davidson, Carol Rausch, Candi Roxas, Ala Qubbaj, Paul Sale, and Dora Saaverdra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Lydia Flores, Teresa Garcia and Isabel Infante

Minutes  The minutes of August 14 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
       Judy Davidson reported on the activities of the QEP Team. She noted that Phase II had met through the summer and continued to refine and draft the document. She said that a smaller number of Phase II would be constituted as the Phase II Subcommittee, which would continue to refine and polish the draft. She reported that yesterday Provost Sale had been briefed on the status of the QEP. As a result of his suggestions a meeting will be held tomorrow with Dean LeMaster to solicit his cooperation. Very soon a meeting with the Chair of the Mathematics Department would be scheduled, and then a meeting with the entire Department. Judy noted that Gerald Lord would be visiting campus in October, and that item would be discussed later in the meeting.

       Dr. Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). The Certificate of Compliance, printed version and DVD, was sent to SACS on September 5, 2005. Dr. Lord called the next day to say our report had been received. He then requested another 100 pages of financial data be sent overnight to the Chair of the Off-Site Review Committee, the Off-Site Financial designee, and himself.

       Carol Rausch, personally and on behalf of the president, expressed substantial gratitude for ALL the individuals who labored long and hard to complete this important and necessary task. She continued saying, EVERYONE who worked was to be congratulated for a job well done. Susan Griffith, her staff and Isabel Infante provided a Herculean effort to professionally complete the report and provide the additional information that SACS requested at the last minute. Susan Griffith organized a celebratory lunch for participants and gave everyone a coffee cup which appropriately labeled. The Leadership Team agreed UTPA had reached a milestone in our re-accreditation cycle.

Old Business
        Bill Turk reported that the SACS web page with the Compliance Report was up and open to the public at: http://sacs.utpa.edu.

        Bill Turk said work was continuing on the Faculty Roster, and would proceed until we had a complete Roster for fall semester of 2006. He said he would seek guidance as to how to proceed with this work for future semesters.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        No report.

New Business
        Bill Turk said he had distributed a first draft of an itinerary for the Gerald Lord visit October 23-24. Dr. Lord will be on campus to review and discuss the QEP. Turk announced that the Leadership Team would be asked to meet with Dr. Lord, and participants from QEP on the morning of October 24. An itinerary will be circulated to everyone when it is finalized.

        Bill Turk said he was working with a group of six individuals who would be traveling to Kissimmee, FL for the annual SACS meeting in December.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:07 PM.

Present: Dennis McMillan, Susan Griffith ( with proxy for Candi Roxas), Bill Turk (with proxy for James Langabeer), Ana Maria Rodriguez, Judy Davidson, Carol Rausch, Ala Qubbaj, and Dora Saaverdra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Delia Burnett, Lydia Flores, and Teresa Garcia.

Minutes  The minutes of August 7 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
       Dr. Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). Dr. Griffith handed out Status of Compliance Certification Reports, noting that ALL criteria had been presented, at least a first draft, to CCT; 1 were being revised as per comments by Dr. Sullivan; 3 were in editorial review; and 72 had been posted on the SACS web site.

      The following, Criteria Reports, were presented for Leadership consideration:

      73. Core Requirement 2.5 related to institutional effectiveness by Susan Griffith.

      74. Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1 related to outcomes assessment and analysis for improvement by Susan Griffith and Ana Maria Rodriguez .

      75. Comprehensive Standard 3.5.1 related to competencies within the general education core by Ana Maria Rodriguez.

After significant discussion of the criteria, there were some minor editorial changes, but no substantive suggestions were made for their improvement. Carol Rausch moved to approve the presented criteria. The motion was seconded by Judy Davidson. The vote to approve was unanimous.

These requirements and standards are numbered to show the progress toward final completion. As of this date 75 have been approved by the Leadership Team. Completion of 3.6.1 will occur in the next few days. The Team agreed to review this FINAL principle by way of email.

Old Business
        Bill Turk reported that all newly hired faculty have been added to SIS. Ana Maria Rodriguez reported that Deans and Department Chairs had been notified of this addition in an email this morning, and are requested to assign classes to the new faculty.

        Bill Turk lead a brief discussion of the security merits of a DVD as opposed to a USB drive. He said that upon a final checking with IT security UTPA would send SACS materials on a password protected DVD. Susan Griffith said she would send a self-addressed envelope for the reviewers to return the DVD. The Leadership Team believes UTPA is exercising due diligence in protecting sensitive information contained on the DVD.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        No report.

New Business
        No report.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM.

Present: Dennis McMillan, Susan Griffith (with proxy for Carol Rausch and Candi Roxas), James Langabeer, Bill Turk (with proxy for Ala Qubbaj), Ana Maria Rodriguez, Judy Davidson. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, Susan Hancock, and Dora Saavedra.

Attending as guests: Delia Burnett, Lydia Flores, and Isabel Infante.

Minutes   The minutes of July 27 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
       Dr. Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). Dr. Griffith handed out Status of Compliance Certification Reports, noting that ALL criteria had been presented, at least a first draft, to CCT; 4 were being revised as per comments by Dr. Sullivan; 2 were in editorial review; and 68 had been posted on the SACS web site.

      The following, Criteria Reports, were presented for Leadership consideration:

      71. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.3 related to the professional development of faculty by John Emery.

      72. Federal Requirement 4.2 related to curriculum being appropriate by Ana Maria Rodriguez.

After significant discussion of the criteria, there were some minor editorial changes, but no substantive suggestions were made for their improvement. James Langabeer moved to approve the presented criteria. The motion was seconded by Dennis McMillan. The vote to approve was unanimous.

[These requirements and standards are numbered to show the progress toward final completion. As of this date 72 have been approved by the Leadership Team. Completion of the remaining 4 must occur during the month.]

Old Business
        Bill Turk asked Isabel for an estimate for burning a CD for SACS. She said we would need a DVD, and the time required was about ten minutes for each disk. Bill said he would check with SACS to make sure they had DVD drives to read the disks.

        Bill said he would write Dr. Rodriguez about Department Chairs getting new faculty names on SIS, and remind her to inquire from Deans about getting more CVs and Resumes on the Roster.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        No report.

New Business
         Susan Griffith stated that her Team and staff would be reviewing all CCT documents beginning next week. All were invited to join the review. She also reported that the deadline for submissions of roster materials would be 8:00 AM on August 21, 2006.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:03 PM.

Present: Nancy Smith for Dennis McMillan, Susan Griffith (with proxy for Carol Rausch), Candi Roxas, James Langabeer, Bill Turk (with proxy for Ala Qubbaj), Ana Maria Rodriguez, and Dora Saavedra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, Judy Davidson, and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Karen Watt and Isabel Infante.

Minutes   The minutes of June 15 and July 13 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
       Karen Watt reported on the activities of the Quality Enhancement Team. Karen reiterated that the Subcommittees were: Needs, Interventions, Goals and Objectives, Research Design, Management and Budget.

      Karen summarized with a PPT handout the briefing for President Cárdenas yesterday. The president received the briefing with enthusiasm and direction to continue with the work. A discussion ensued regarding mathematics course modules: payment, SCHs, operation, etc. Those present all agreed, “the devil is in the details” and that these organizational specifics could and would be worked through as the QEP progressed. The conceptual ideas are sound and QEP Team Phase II was urged to continue its work.

      Dr. Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). Dr. Griffith handed out Status of Compliance Certification Reports, noting that only 1 criterion had not been presented to CCT, 5 were being revised as per comments by Dr. Sullivan and 68 had been posted on the SACS web site.

      The following, Criteria Reports, were presented for Leadership consideration:

      69.  Core Requirement 2.12 related to QEP by Bill Turk.

      70. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.1 related to faculty qualifications by John Emery and Bill Turk.

After significant discussion of the criteria, there were some minor editorial changes, but no substantive suggestions were made for their improvement. Nancy Smith sitting in for Dennis McMillan moved to approve the presented criteria. The motion was seconded by James Langabeer. The vote to approve was unanimous.

[These requirements and standards are numbered to show the progress toward final completion. As of this date 70 have been approved by the Leadership Team. Completion of the remaining 6 is expected during the month of July.]

Old Business
        Everyone was reminded of the comprehensive nature of the SACS Web Home Page (sacs.utpa.edu)

        Bill Turk reported that work was continuing on the Faculty Roster. The Roster, without transcripts, was sent to Dr. Sullivan for her review. Bill has made most of the suggested changes. He is being assisted by the College Deans, Assistant/Associate Deans, ASOs and others in each College. We will be sending a corrected version back to Dr. Sullivan early next week.

        Bill reported that the Provost’s Office reports there are 90 new faculty being hired by the University for AY 2006-07. Of those 33 names have made their way to SIS. Ana Maria Rodriguez said she will work with each College to insure each Department Chair adds new faculty to SIS. Bill also reported that of the 90 new faculty, 40 of them had some transcript missing or a foreign review not present. Dr. Rodriguez said her office is working on “missing documents.”

        Bill Turk asked about the status of the complete duplication of all SACS materials, and Web Site, that is, backup. No one seemed sure of the status of arrangements with a private vendor in the Phoenix, AZ area. Isabel Infante said she would have the SACS Web Site backedup weekly. Bill Turk said he would contact Kumar Raman to make sure the Faculty Roster was also backedup weekly.

        Bill Turk reported on Gerald Lord’s response to his questions about the security of materials sent to Atlanta. Dr. Lord’s answer was: “Yes, we talk a lot about confidentiality and care and use of materials and how to treat and destroy them. If you’re uncomfortable with that, you could provide the faculty roster and indicate that files and transcripts will be available to the On-Site Committee on campus if needed.” There was no discussion.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        No report.

New Business
        There was none.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 PM.

Susan Griffith called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.

Present: Carol Rausch, Susan Griffith, Ala Qubbaj, Candi Roxas, Judy Davidson, Dennis McMillan, and Ana Maria Rodriguez. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, William Turk, James Langabeer, and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Lydia Flores

Committee Reports
       Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team. She distributed the status of Compliance Certifications Reports and noted that 7 reports have not been completed which include 1 criteria that has not been presented to CCT, and 6 that have been reviewed by Margaret Sullivan and returned with recommended changes.

      The following, Criteria Reports, were presented for Leadership consideration:

      67.  Core Requirement 2.12 Quality Enhancement Plan by William Turk.

      68. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.10 related to defining and publishing general and major programs by Ana Maria Rodriguez.

      69. Comprehensive Standard 4.4 related to program length appropriate to degrees by Ana Maria Rodriguez.

After reviewing the reports, comprehensive standard 3.4.10 and 4.4 were approved by the Leadership Team.

Core Requirement 2.12 was not approved since it is incomplete. Judy Davidson indicated that they will be briefing President Cárdenas on the QEP and getting feedback from her on July 25th. Judy Davidson will provide a status report on the QEP at the next Leadership Team meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:01 PM.

Present: Dennis McMillan, Susan Griffith, Candi Roxas, Zeke Granado for James Langabeer, Bill Turk, Carol Rausch, and Dora Saavedra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, Judy Davidson, Ana Maria Rodriguez, Ala Qubbaj, and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Delia Burnett, Lydia Flores, S.J. Sethi, Farzaneh Razzaghi, Isabel Infante, Gary Wiggins, John Villarreal, Teresa Garcia.

Minutes   The minutes of June 8 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
       Bill Turk reported on the activities of the Quality Enhancement Team. Work is continuing in preparation of a good “rough” draft by the end of June. During the summer months work will continue “polishing” the draft.

      The Subcommittees: Needs, Interventions, Goals and Objectives, Research Design, Management and Budget are actively receiving feedback, investigating options, interviewing and drafting.

      Dr. Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). Dr. Griffith handed out Status of Compliance Certification Reports, noting that 4 criteria had not been presented to CCT, 1 was under review by CCT, 5 were being revised as per comments by Dr. Sullivan, 10 were in editorial review, and 52 had been posted on the SACS web site.

      The following, Criteria Reports, were presented for Leadership consideration:

      63.  Core Requirement 2.8 related to faculty by John Villarreal

      64. Core Requirement 2.9 related to learning resources and services by Farzaneh Razzaghi

      65. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.14 related to use of technology to enhance student learning by Gary Wiggins

      66. Core Requirement 2.11 related to financial resources by Mike Chrissinger and Karla Barragan.

After significant discussion of the criteria, there were some minor editorial changes, but no substantive suggestions were made for their improvement. It was agreed that OIRE would resend a later version of CR 2.8, with instructions for the Leadership Team to respond with suggestions for improvement within a reasonable time. Dennis McMillan moved to approve the presented criteria. The motion was seconded by Candi Roxas. The vote to approve was unanimous.

[These requirements and standards are numbered to show the progress toward final completion. As of this date 66 have been approved by the Leadership Team. Completion of the remaining 10 is expected during the month of June.]

Old Business
        Everyone was reminded of the comprehensive nature of the SACS Web Home Page (sacs.utpa.edu)

        Bill Turk reported that work was continuing on the Faculty Roster. Each day progress is being made toward completion. A table was handed out showing what needs to be done. There are now only a handful of faculty needing additional transcripts (2), foreign review (1) or justification (1). A discussion regarding the need to delete Social Security numbers from faculty transcripts ensued. Dr. Wiggins said a procedure for this would be in place shortly. Having the proper procedure in place would allow the workers in the Provost’s Office to expeditiously delete the SS numbers. With the absence of SS numbers the Roster can then be sent to Dr. Sullivan for her review.

        Pursuant to the solution of the SS number issue, Dr. Wiggins assured the Leadership Team that the complete duplication of all SACS materials, and Web Site was anticipated. He stated that arrangements had been made with a private vendor in the Phoenix, AZ area to be the repository of this “backed-up” material.

        During a general discussion of security, a question arose regarding how scrupulous SACS is in caring for the confidentially of UTPA information forwarded to them in the accreditation process. Particularly sensitive are faculty transcripts. What instructions are given the Off-Site Committee for the care and security of the material they will be reviewing? Bill Turk said he would make inquiries from Dr. Lord and report at the next meeting.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        Nothing to report.

New Business
        S.J. Sethi distributed examples of designs for covers for the printed version of the Compliance Certificate and covers for CDs to be forwarded to Atlanta. S.J. related the number of iterations between herself and Russell Dove to reach the design passed out today. The assembled quorum expressed complete satisfaction with the appearance of these cover items. The sense of the Team was to proceed forthwith.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.

Present: Judy Davidson, Susan Griffith, Candi Roxas, James Langabeer, Bill Turk, Carol Rausch, Ana Maria Rodriguez, Ala Qubbaj, and Dora Saavedra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, Dennis McMillan, and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Delia Burnett, Lydia Flores, John Emery, Sonia Del Angel, Teresa Garcia.

Minutes   The minutes of May 25 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
        Judy Davidson reported on the activities of the Quality Enhancement Team. Work is continuing in preparation of a good “rough” draft by the end of June. During the summer months work will continue “polishing” the draft.

      The Subcommittees: Needs, Interventions, Goals and Objectives, Research Design, Management and Budget are actively receiving feedback, investigating options, interviewing and drafting.

      The first draft of an Executive Summary of Core Requirement 2.12 was completed and sent to CCT. Work will continue on the Summary. A more complete draft is expected for presentation by June 30^th.

      Dr. Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). Dr. Griffith handed out Status of Compliance Certification Reports, noting that 4 criteria had not been presented to CCT, 5 were under review by CCT, 5 were being revised as per comments by Dr. Sullivan, 7 were in editorial review, and 49 had been posted on the SACS web site.

      The following, Criteria Reports, were presented for Leadership consideration:

      57. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.1 related learning outcomes approved by faculty by Ana Maria Rodriguez .

      58. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.2 related to distance education programs by Sonia Del Angel.

      59. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.13 related to curriculum development, program coordinators by Jaime Curts.

      60. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.4 related to academic freedom by John Emery.

      61. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.5 related to published policies on responsibility and authority by Jamie Curts.

      62. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.1 related financial stability by Mike Chrissinger.

After significant discussion of the criteria, there were some minor editorial changes, but no substantive suggestions were made for their improvement. It was agreed that OIRE would review minutes of Faculty Senate meetings to insure correctness of actions attributed to the Senate in CS 3.7.5. Carol Rausch moved to approve the presented criteria. The motion was seconded by Mr. Langabeer. The vote to approve was unanimous.

[These requirements and standards are numbered to show the progress toward final completion. As of this date 62 have been approved by the Leadership Team. Completion of the remaining 14 is expected during the month of June.]

Old Business
        Everyone was reminded of the comprehensive nature of the SACS Web Home Page (sacs.utpa.edu)

        Bill Turk reported that work was continuing on the Faculty Roster. Each day progress is being made toward completion. A table was handed out showing what needs to be done. There are now only a handful of faculty needing transcripts, additional transcripts, foreign review or justification. A new employee has been hired in the Provost’s Office to assist with the Roster.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        Nothing to report.

New Business
        Terri Garcia mentioned the impending hurricane season and inquired about plans to secure our SACS files. Bill Turk said he and Dr. Griffith have asked many times, and were told the “off site” security for the files was the Haggar Building, not anywhere outside the Rio Grande Valley. It was noted that if a hurricane hit the campus it would also be hitting Hagger. Mr. Langabeer suggested we contact Dr. Wiggins to discuss security for the files away from South Texas. Gary Wiggins will be requested to have a plan in place for the June 15^th meeting.

        Bill Turk handed out a listing of dates for Leadership meetings for the coming year. He asked members to write notes on their calendars. Those dates are as follows:

                 For the remainder of 2006: September 21, October 19, November 16 and December 14.

                 For 2007: January 18, February 15, March 15, April 12, May 17, June 21.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:03 PM.

It was noted that Dora Saavedra, the incoming Chair of the Faculty Senate, has been appointed to Leadership by letter from the president May 8. Dora was welcomed to the Leadership Team.

Present: Judy Davidson, Susan Griffith, Candi Roxas, Esequiel Granado representing James Langabeer, Nancy Smith representing Dennis McMillan, Bill Turk, Carol Rausch, Ana Maria Rodriguez, and Dora Saavedra. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, Ala Qubbaj, and Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Delia Burnett, Isabel Infante, S.J. Sethi, Wendy Lawrence-Fowler, and John Villarreal.

Minutes   The minutes of April 20 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
        Judy Davidson reported on the activities of the Quality Enhancement Team. QEP has met five times since the last Leadership meeting. Work is continuing in preparation of a good “rough” draft before the start of the summer. During the summer months work will continue “polishing” the draft.

      Five subcommittees are active receive feedback, investigating options, interviewing interested individuals.

      The first draft of an Executive Summary of Core Requirement 2.12 was completed and sent to CCT. Work will continue on the Summary. A more complete draft is expected for presentation at the June 23^rd Leadership meeting.

      Dr. Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). Dr. Griffith handed out Status of Compliance Certification Reports, noting that 5 criteria had not been presented to CCT, 10 were under review by CCT, 5 were being revised as per comments by Dr. Sullivan, 4 were in editorial review, and 46 had been posted on the SACS web site.

      The following, Criteria Reports, were presented for Leadership consideration:

      51. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.6 related to awarding of academic credit by John Villarreal.

      52. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.7 related to consortia and contractual educational programs by Wendy Lawrence-Fowler and S.J.
            Sethi.

      53. Comprehensive Standard 3.7.2 related to faculty evaluation by John Villarreal .

      54. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.5 related to financial control, sponsored programs and research by Wendy Lawrence-Fowler.

      55. Federal Requirement 4.1 related to evaluation of student achievement by Kent T. Fields.

      56. Federal Requirement 4.8 related Title IV compliance by Michelle Alvarado.

After significant discussion of the criteria, there were some minor editorial changes, but no substantive suggestions were made for their improvement. Two references to the Handbook of Operating Procedure in Comprehensive Standard 3.10.5 need alignment, Bill Turk said he would work on the issue. Carol Rausch moved to approve the presented criteria. The motion was seconded by Candi Roxas. The vote to approve was unanimous.

[These requirements and standards are numbered to show the progress toward final completion. As of this date 56 have been approved by the Leadership Team. Completion of the remaining 26 is expected during the month of June.]

Old Business
        Everyone was reminded of the comprehensive nature of the SACS Web Home Page (sacs.utpa.edu)

        Bill Turk reported that work was continuing on the Faculty Roster. Each day progress is being made toward completion. A table was handed out showing what needs to be done. There are now only a handful of faculty needing transcripts, additional transcripts, foreign review or justification. John Villarreal volunteered to assist in this effort.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        Nothing to report.

New Business
        The Leadership Team was asked to clear their calendars for Dr. Gerald Lord’s rescheduled visit on October 23-24.

        Candi Roxas reported on hotel accommodations and costs. Three hotels in McAllen were visited, two submitted complete proposals. Two hotels in Edinburg were also investigated. The Edinburg hotels did not have in-house restaurants, and were eliminated from consideration. The three McAllen hotels, Renaissance Casa de Palmas, Embassy Suites and Four Points Sheraton, were discussed. The best physical facilities and the best prices was submitted by the Four Points Sheraton. Carolyn Laverty, the University’s travel consultant, will be requested to negotiate with the hotel for the best prices on accommodations, food and services. Barring any unforeseen developments this will be the headquarters hotel for the SACS On-Site visit April 17-19, 2007.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.

Present: Judy Davidson, S.J. Sethi representing Susan Griffith, Candi Roxas, Ala Qubbaj, James Langabeer, Bill Turk representing Carol Rausch, and Susan Hancock. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, Ana Maria Rodriguez, Dennis McMillan.

Attending as guests: Delia Burnett, Isabel Infante, Lydia Flores.

Minutes   The minutes of March 23 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
        Judy Davidson reported on the activities of the Quality Enhancement Team. QEP is meeting every week until the end of the semester. The meeting of April 12 accomplished the following:

• Discussed and reviewed the intervention proposals from the Math Intervention
  winning research proposals.
• Discussed the need for SLOs to be established
• Created subcommittees for writing

The meeting of April 18:

• Report from Statement of Need Subcommittee, Chair, Chad Richardson
• Report from Goals and Objectives/SLOs, Chair, John Bernard
• Report from Interventions and Implementation, Chair, Jeanette Broshears
  • These interventions include
    • Enhance Student Support (Learning)
      • Tutors and mentors
      • Fourth hour of class time
      • Homework monitoring and early warning
    • Enhance the Curriculum
      • Modular curriculum structure
      • Uniform grading policies
    • Enhance Professional Development
      • Workshops/seminars for faculty
      • Workshops/seminars for tutors

  The subcommittees are to receive feedback responses from other committee members during the week. An outline for the remainder of the semester and into the summer were discussed.

        S.J. Sethi representing Dr. Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). Dr. Sethi handed out Status of Compliance Certification Reports, noting that 15 criteria had not been presented to CCT, 6 were under review by CCT, 5 were being revised as per comments by Dr. Sullivan, 7 were in editorial review, and 39 had been posted on the SACS web site.

        The following, Criteria Reports, were presented for Leadership consideration:

        47.  Core Requirement 2.6 related to continuous operation by OIRE

        48. Comprehensive Standard 3.2.2 [3.2.2.1, 3.2.2.2, 3.2.2.3, 3.2.2.4] related to legal authority and operating control by Debbie Gonzalez and Delia Burnett

        49. Comprehensive Standard 3.5.2 related to degree credit earned at the institution by Bill Morris

        50. Comprehensive Standard 3.8.1 related to facilities and instructional support services by Lawrence Caylor

  After significant discussion of the criteria, there were some minor editorial changes, but no substantive suggestions were made for their improvement. James Langabeer moved to approve the presented criteria. The motion was seconded by Ala Qubbaj. The vote to approve was unanimous.

  [These requirements and standards are numbered to show the progress toward final completion. As of this date 50 have been approved by the Leadership Team. One month remains before the May 25 deadline for completion of the remaining 26.]

  Old Business
           The UTPA SACS Web Home Page (sacs.utpa.edu) Continues to show our progress. Bill Turk reported that Gerald Lord would be looking at our posted criteria as an indication of “how we are doing.” Turk will call Dr. Lord on April 25 to see if it is necessary to schedule a conference telephone call.

          Bill Turk reported that work was continuing on the Faculty Roster. Each day progress is being made toward completion. A table was handed out showing what needs to be done. Mr. Langabeer said he would contact the president about COB. Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog course descriptions were loaded into the Roster. A heading across the bottom of the window showing the description, will direct the reader to Assessment Plans and Assessment Reports contained in Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1.

  Brick-Wall Status Report
          Nothing to report.

  New Business
          

  • Bill Turk reported on his recent trip to the University of Southern Mississippi as an On-Site Committee “observer.” His report followed the below outline.
    1. The visiting committee is cordial but professional (formal)
               a.  Dr. Lord is very professional
       
    2. Support from peers
    3. Time constraints -- Work
       
       
  • SACS On-Site Project Director – Candi Roxas
    1. Division VPs and Directors will be contacted -- be prepared to cooperate
    2. Our Dates: April 17-19, 2007. Reserve the time!
    3. BE FLEXIBLE

  The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:02 PM.

Present: Judy Davidson, Susan Griffith, Ana Maria Rodriguez, Candi Roxas, Ala Qubbaj, Carol Rausch, Dennis McMillan, Zeke Granado for James Langabeer, and Bill Turk. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, Susan Hancock.

Attending as guests: Delia Burnett, Isabel Infante, S.J. Sethi, Lawrence Caylor, Bill Morris, and Teresa Garcia.

Minutes   The minutes of February 23 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
        Judy Davidson introduced Karen Watt, the QEP Phase II Project Leader, to report on the activities of the Quality Enhancement Team. Karen gave a Power Point presentation detailing activities to date. Karen explained the QEP campus-wide College Algebra intervention proposal process. Proposals were solicited from faculty on a campus-wide basis. Thirteen proposals were submitted by the deadline of March 13.

        A six member ad hoc committee was appointed to review the submitted proposals; three members were selected from QEP Phase I, and three members came from the Faculty Research Council. One Proposal was chosen by the ad hoc committee, unanimously: Enhancing Mathematics Achievement (EMA) Project. Four other proposals were chosen as having considerable potential for the QEP. The ad hoc committee agreed that all five addressed the following: 1) student support; 2) professional development; and/or 3) change in curriculum.

       Karen presented the following time-line of QEP activities to the Leadership Team.

• March 15 - Intervention proposals are selected by QEP committee
• May 15 – Each component of the QEP is written in draft format with the exception of Management, Budget and Assessment Plans
• August 15 – Management, Budget and Assessment Plans are written
• September 1 – Draft of QEP is reviewed by the President
• September 26 – QEP draft is presented to SACS Liaison who will be on Campus
• February, 2007 – Final QEP plan is submitted to SACS
• Fall, 2007 – QEP plan is implemented and pilot study begins

      Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). Dr. Griffith handed out Status of Compliance Certification Reports, noting that 20 criteria had not been presented to CCT, 6 were under review by CCT, 3 were being reviewed by Dr. Sullivan, and 39 had been posted on the SACS web site. Dr. Griffith said that Lydia Flores is now calling monthly to determine individual status toward draft completion. Bill Turk volunteered to contact those responsible for the 20 “not presented” reports to further draft completion.

      The following, Criteria Reports, were presented for Leadership consideration:

      40. Comprehensive Standard 3.2.12 related to chief executive officer, fund-raising by Debbie Gonzalez.

      41. Comprehensive Standard 3.8.2 related to library access to instruction in use by Lawrence Caylor.

      42. Comprehensive Standard 3.8.3 related to qualified library staff by Lawrence Caylor.

      43. Comprehensive Standard 3.9.2 related to the security of student affairs records by Bill Morris.

      44. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.3 related to audits of financial aid programs by Michelle Alvarado.

      45. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.6 related to the institution’s healthy, safe and secure environment by Richard Costello.

      46. Comprehensive Standard 3.10.7 related to adequate physical facilities by Oscar Villarreal.

After significant discussion of the criteria, there were some minor editorial changes, but no substantive suggestions were made for their improvement. Ana Maria Rodriguez moved to approve the presented criteria. The motion was seconded by Candi Roxas. The vote to approve was unanimous.

[These requirements and standards are numbered to show the progress toward final completion. As of this date 46 have been approved by the Leadership Team. Two months remain before the May 25 deadline for completion of the remaining 30. We need to average approval of 15.0 per month to make this goal.]

Old Business
        The UTPA SACS Web Home Page (sacs.utpa.edu) continues to show our progress.

        Bill Turk reported that work was continuing on the Faculty Roster. Each day progress is being made toward uploading transcripts and only seven remain needing foreign evaluation. The next large undertaking will be the uploading of Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog course descriptions to the Roster. Individual instructor syllabi would contain more information on Student Learning Outcomes (SLO), but we have only received approximately a third of the number of syllabi needed to post. Posting this limited number would leave two out of three courses blank. Posting the Catalog course descriptions would allow for a 100% presentation. Ana Maria Rodriguez noted that SLOs would be available to SACS reviewers in the Assessment Plans and Assessment Reports contained in partly in Core Requirement 2.5, but mostly in Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1. No objection to the proposition of attaching Catalog course descriptions in lieu of syllabi was voiced.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        Nothing to report.

New Business
        A brief discussion of the status of the 25% rule, as contained in Comprehensive Standard 3.5.2, and the majority rule contained in Comprehensive Standard 3.6.3 ensued. Dennis McMillan and Bill Morris assured Leadership the requirements would placed in the on-line catalog, as soon as possible. Assurances were also given that the requirements would be implemented/enforced through manual inspection in the Registrar’s Office.

        Teresa Garcia asked for a clarification regarding formatting of the criteria documents. It was agreed that the left margin of the documents would stay at 1½ inches.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.

Present: Judy Davidson, Susan Griffith, Susan Hancock, Rodolfo Arévalo, Ana Maria Rodriguez, Candi Roxas, Ala Qubbaj, Carol Rausch, Dennis McMillan, Blandina Cárdenas, James Langabeer, and Bill Turk. A quorum was present.

Absent: None.

Attending as guests: Lydia Flores, Xueyan Zhao, S.J. Sethi, and Teresa Garcia.

Minutes   The minutes of January 19 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
        Judy Davidson reported on the activities of the Quality Enhancement Team. She discussed the newly proposed title for QEP: Gear Up to Graduate: A Model for Success in Gatekeeper Mathematics Courses for First Generation University Mexican American Students.

        Judy reviewed the joint meeting of January 24 involving Phases I and II, which resulted in bringing all participants up to date with current developments. Phase II met on February 14th to review reports from subcommittees. Chad Richardson’s committee is continuing their literature review. Glenn Martinez’s committee researched gatekeeper math courses at other Hispanic Serving Institutions. Bill Turk reported on the math conference he attended in San Antonio. John Bernard reported on student learning outcomes in the Math Department. Karen discussed various elements of the QEP Math Intervention Proposal process. She shared the PPT given to many of the Colleges on campus. Dr. Griffith asked if it would be possible to ask Karen to make the presentation to the Leadership Team? It was agreed this would be a good idea. Bill will invite Karen to present at our next meeting. George Eyamebe was appointed to head a sub-committee to work on a scoring rubric for the Math Intervention Proposals; Karen and Cristina will assist him. The deadline for Proposals is March 13th. After the intervention proposals have been selected, one will be chosen for the QEP focus. The committee hopes to have an all day writing retreat and draft the QEP document in May. During the summer, Gilbert de los Santos and a sub-committee will work on the budget and management plan. The next meeting of QEP, Phase II, will be February 28^th.

      Ala Qubbaj asked about QEP plans for speakers? Judy answered that plans for a panel of nationally recognized mathematicians to be invited to campus to conduct a seminar for the math department had been postponed, mostly due to time constraints.

      Susan Griffith reported on the activities of the Compliance Certification Team (CCT). Dr. Griffith handed out Status of Compliance Certification Reports, noting that 19 criteria had not been presented to CCT, 13 were under review by CCT, 3 were being reviewed by Dr. Sullivan, and 35 had been posted on the SACS web site. Dr. Griffith said that Lydia Flores is now calling, monthly, to determine individual status toward draft completion. Bill Turk volunteered to contact those responsible for the 19 “not presented” reports to further draft completion.

      The following, Criteria Reports, were presented for Leadership consideration:

      36. Core Requirement 2.7.1 related to program length by Ana Maria Rodriguez.

      37. Core Requirement 2.7.3 related to general education by Ana Maria Rodriguez .

      38. Core Requirement 2.7.4 related to contractual agreements for instruction by Wendy Fowler with S.J. Sethi.

      39. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.7 related to consortia and contractual educational programs by Wendy Fowler and S.J. Sethi.

      40. Comprehensive Standard 3.4.12 related to faculty responsibility for quality and oversight by Ana Maria Rodriguez.

After considerable discussion a motion was made by Dennis McMillan to table Report 3.4.7 until the necessary revisions could be completed. The motion was seconded by Ala Qubbaj. The vote to approve was unanimous.

After a significant discussion of the remaining criteria, there were some minor editorial suggestions, but no substantive suggestions were made for their improvement. Ala Qubbaj moved to approve criteria 2.7.1, 2.7.3, 2.7.4, and 3.4.12. The motion was seconded by Candi Roxas. The vote to approve was unanimous.

[These requirements and standards are numbered to show the progress toward final completion. As of this date 39 have been approved by the Leadership Team. Three months remain before the May 25 deadline for completion of the remaining 37. We need to average approval of 12.33 per month to make this goal.]

Old Business
        The UTPA SACS Web Home Page (sacs.utpa.edu)

        Bill Turk reported that work was continuing on the Faculty Roster. At this point, he reported, roughly 55 teaching faculty had NO transcripts showing on the Roster. Turk said that a number of those were some of the 88 new spring ’06 faculty, and a number were instructors from fall ’05 who did not return for the spring semester.

        A brief discussion of the status of the 25% rule, as contained in Comprehensive Standard 3.5.2 ensued. Dr. Arévalo, Dennis McMillan and Bill Turk said they would continue to monitor until: 1.The requirement was placed in the on-line catalog, and 2. The requirement is implemented through computer software in the Registrar’s Office.

Brick-Wall Status Report
        Nothing to report.

New Business
        Nothing to report.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 PM.

Bill Turk called the meeting to order at 2:03 PM.

Present: Judy Davidson, Susan Griffith, Susan Hancock, Rodolfo Arévalo, Ana Maria Rodriguez, Candi Roxas, Ala Qubbaj, Carol Rausch, Dennis McMillan, and Bill Turk. A quorum was present.

Absent: Blandina Cárdenas, James Langabeer.

Attending as guests were George Avellano, Lydia Flores, Isabel Infante, Xueyan Zhao, Sheshardi Ramon (Kumar).

Minutes   The minutes of December 15 were accepted as distributed.

Committee Reports
        Judy Davidson reported on the activities of the Quality Enhancement Team. She discussed the newly proposed title for QEP: Gear Up to Graduate: A Model for Success in Gatekeeper Mathematics Courses for First Generation University Mexican American Students. This top