Meeting Minutes- October 1, 2014
Attendees: Brandon Ballentine, Mary Bledsoe, Deborah Bolton, Tracey Bradley, Dean Copple, Rachael Cragle, Philip Ems, Elizabeth Firestone, Nadia Keyes, Karen Lively (online), Christian Lockhart, Lisa Orient, Nancy Ramsey, Richard Smelser, Rosalyn Tillman (online), Fonda Vickery, Alice Wershing, Lois Williams, Becky Milam. Others Online: Ann Satkowiak, Holly Burkett, Mark Cotter, Katrina Hill.
Mary Bledsoe opened the meeting. Mary had corrections for the minutes to be given after the meeting. Amended minutes will be uploaded to the blog. Current minutes were approved. Motion by Rachael Cragle to accept, second by Deborah Bolton.
Agenda:
20/20 Spotlight: Tracey Bradley, Executive Director of TNCIS, Study Abroad Program
Tracey provided an excellent overview of the TNCIS program. There are 18 locations with approximately 400 students and 60-70 faculty. PSCC usually has 180 students enrolled. No other school has sent close to 200 students. She discussed the scholarship options for students in need of assistance. TNCIS is hosting a fair today in the Rotunda. The web site is the best resource for further information on the program. South Africa’s program was highlighted as an example. There is a direct tie to Service Learning within the International Service Learning program. Tracey spoke about the importance of a global perspective no matter what students plan to do after they leave PSCC. There is an International Curriculum Committee here at PSCC as well to include campus offerings for students who may not be able to participate in TNCIS courses. Becky asked about eligibility, and Tracey responded that any student with 12 college credit hours is eligible. She was unsure of the impact of TN Promise but added that TN Achieves has additional funds. Elizabeth asked about students who graduate in December. Those students may not be eligible for scholarships if they are not enrolled in a course at PSCC, but can enroll in courses and will need to meet with TNCIS staff regarding further information. Mary asked about fees, and how they compare across the state. Tracey responded that fees vary across locations and countries, there is an International Education Fee which is $10-15 and may also be by credit hour. Most schools use the fees for scholarships and some use them for on campus needs.
A typical trip includes 20-30 students. Most groups have a good number of students from PSCC. The number of participants continues to grow annually. Scholarships typically are maxed out, and are usually 50% of the cost of a trip, but some schools give 100% of costs. Students find other funds, with kudos to Nadia for her help with this.
If students attend a 4 year institution, they can also participate. If they are UT students, they enroll through PSCC. There is always a waiting list for Faculty. The next applications for faculty are November 1, 2016. More apply than there are spaces allotted. Most everyone agrees who participates that this is a life changing event.
Communication Reports:
Mary reported that Brandon, Fonda and Mary will set the agenda for meetings.
Congratulations to Disability Services on the new grant received!
Anniversary Committee: Fonda reported that Opening ceremonies went well.
The Faculty and Staff Picnic is scheduled for October 18.
Communications: Set up by Dr. Wise. The focus is on improving communication. Inside Pellissippi is a good way to communicate upcoming events and kudos. The President’s Monthly Letter will be distributed through Inside Pellissippi.
A brief update on the Accessibility Summit and the activities of the Accessibility Task Force Public Hearings was provided by Alice.
Donor Scholarship Reception and Recipient:
Rachel Resciniti is the student recipient. She is a pre-nursing student transferring to LMU. Rachel’s thank you letter was read by Mary. The reception is to be held on November 20 from 6-7 pm in the College Center.
Old Business:
Safety and Security Window
Discussion of the window put in regarding a need for ideas and recommendations.
Discussion followed regarding whether the Council would take a specific position. Does it need to be up all the time, closed when needed, etc. Discussion followed that it is important to know when it’s closed, if something is going on, similar to the window in Advising, soundproofed, a sliding door that is closed until someone comes.
Elizabeth moved that either the existing curtain is left up for closing in an emergency or that there be a plexiglass sliding window installed. Richard seconded, motion carried.
Safe campus brochures were made available.
Becky has copies of the Common Book if needed.
Email Mary if you are interested in either.
New Business:
November Holiday brunch for Council: Rachael will chair, Becky and Nancy will assist.
Valentine Day Reception: Brandon will chair, Mary, Alice, Aneisa and Dick will help. Cakes from Sams will be purchased for all campus locations. Home-made or store bought items will be needed, with more preference for home made.
Silent Auction: Items need to be collected. This is a major fundraiser. Lois stated it is the time to find items. We need 60-75 items. Donations can be solicited using the In-Kind form. Remind people to find things to buy and donate. Items need to be photographed and stored until the auction. Discussed needs for publicity, gift certificates, setting up the website. Nadia volunteered to help. Alice offered to help with the website that Aaron Overall has done in the past.
The next meeting will be October 15.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:55 AM.
Recorder: Alice Wershing
