DCE Fall 2021 Minutes

Dean’s Circle of Engagement

October 7-8, 2021

Patton College of Education – McCracken Hall 104 - Ohio University

Summary of Activities

Attendees: Timothy Binegar, Mary Frances Bryja, Michelle Connavino, Maureen Coon, Linda Fife, Ellen Goldsberry, Chris Hayward (Chair), Sara Helfrich, Gail Houk, Marc Houk, Robert Murphy (Vice-Chair), David Nguyen, Connie Patterson, Kevin Rice, Helen Watson
Absent: Ray Asik, Joan Motheral

Thursday, October 7, 2021
Greetings, Introduction and Overview of Agenda
Chris Hayward, DCE Chair, Chris Hayward called the meeting to order at 8:22 a.m.
Introductions took place.
A short discussion took place prior to departure to Alexander Elementary School on the challenge as we move forward to support faculty and students, and we are looking for ideas of what we can do.

Chris Hayward pointed out, in advance of the visit to Alexander Elementary, that schools have changed from what they used to be. Some of us may not have been in the school setting for quite some time.

A short discussion took place on the effect of COVID on kids in school. Bob Murphy pointed out that students who are seniors now, their last regular classroom experience was as a freshman. Third graders have never had a regular classroom experience. And for the younger students, masks are the norm now.

The group departed for Alexander Elementary School. Chris Hayward provided a handout of things to look for during the visit.

Upon return from Alexander Elementary School, lunch was prepared and served by The Patton College of Education Department of Recreation, Sport Pedagogy, and Consumer Sciences – Intro to Food Production (RHT 2990); Catering (RHT 3600); and Restaurant Operations and Design (RHT 4390) students and Assistant Professor of Instruction, Thomas Stevenson.

Student Affairs and Academic Advising – Maureen Coon, Assistant Dean; Ken Bowald, Director of Student Services.
Ken began that the advising team has gone through massive changes - people taking different positions, retirements, etc., so there is new staff on the advising team. There are three new advisors - Giles Lee, Summer Corsi and Katie Siegel, and Kelly Davidson who has been here for some time. Graduate Student Tonia Dunson-Dillard also assists as part of the advising team.
We have learned a lot from going through COVID and working remotely – doing a lot of things online now that we didn’t in the past. Have found that we have less “no-shows” for appointments in doing these remotely now. Lots of paperwork is now electronic – a lot less paper moving through office. The advising team has had a variety of different experiences.
A particular advisor will stay with a student throughout their time at OHIO. The advising team has a lot to do with the retention rate. The team attended a workshop presented by the former Director, Ben Forche, on “Appreciative Advising” – advising outside the stereotypical advising mode.
We are gearing up for Guarantee+.
Curriculum guides have been revised – in the past there were general education tiers. They are now BRICKS
Using the Faculty Senate Resolution and common goals as a guide, the Reimagining General Education leadership team developed and proposed a reimagined general education. In 2020, UCC and Faculty Senate approved a revised general education program referred to as BRICKS. BRICKS focus on student learning outcomes to be achieved through general education – (1. Build articulates the importance of developing interpersonal connections and references to two common goals: teamwork and intercultural knowledge & competence. 2. Reason articulates the importance of developing independent thinking and references three common goals: critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and ethical reasoning. 3. Integrate articulates the importance of transferring knowledge to experience and references one common goal: integrative learning. 4. Communicate articulates the importance of communication abilities and references two common goals: written communication and oral communication. 5. Know articulates the importance of breadth of knowledge gained from courses in the arts, humanities, social or behavioral sciences, and natural sciences. 6. Synthesize articulates the important of integrating knowledge and abilities learned throughout general education)

Maureen Coon echoed Ken’s sentiments about the talented advising team.
The Guarantee is where students are guaranteed to have the same tuition and room and board throughout their academic career. The new piece, the Guarantee+, involves a promise to students to graduate on time and on plan. Students must opt into this plan. They work with a variety of people to stay on plan and graduate on time. Three components – advising, career, experiential learning. The PCOE will go live next Fall semester (2022). If the student doesn’t meet all of the milestone, they can still graduate, they must meet the curriculum requirements.

Coaching Education Collaborations – Ashley Allanson, Assistant Professor of Instruction, Department of Recreation, Sport Pedagogy, and Consumer Sciences
Ashley Allanson provided a presentation on Coaching Education

• Graduate: Masters in Coaching Education (in-person and online) and Masters in Education-Soccer (online); Undergraduate: Physical Activity & Sport Coaching Major and Coaching Education Minor
• Coaching Education Partnerships and Collaborations

Chris Bhat provided an update on the Department of Counseling and Higher Education.

Academic Strategy Discussion
The group then veered from the agenda to a topic on tomorrow’s schedule. Dean Helfrich asked the group for ideas on recruitment - what we are missing, who are we not reaching and how we can change that. Under Chris Haywards direction, the group broke into small groups for a 15-minute brainstorming session.
The group came back together and shared some of the ideas that were discussed:
Group 1 – Sara Helfrich, Ellen Goldsberry, Maureen Coon, Michelle Connavino and Tim Binegar

1. Ohio High School Athletics Association - some members are 1- or 2-time OHIO Alums. Reaching out to them.
2. Emphasizing connections with career technology. Marketing materials need to be geared toward the intended audience and we should be looking at things that they are, i.e., Tok-tok.
3. Industries are coming to campus and going to certain colleges, but are they aware of what we offer, as well?

Group 2: Chris Hayward, Marc Houk, Gail Houk, and Bob Murphy

1. Marketing the OHIO program allows students to create their own destiny – can be customized. Their chance to put their stamp on what they want to do.
2. What are other universities doing – do a little research into this.
3. Reach out to teachers after 3-5 years and conduct exit interviews to ask how they were prepared.
4. Successful recent graduates talking about their story OUr Story Could Be yOUr story.
5. Work with local districts on quality of life with going into our programs. Convince high school juniors and seniors that you can have a high quality of life with an education degree.
6. OHIO teacher grads in districts to host gatherings, etc.
7. Send out boxed materials to run an event.
8. Targeting undergrad psychology majors to enter the Master’s in Counseling programs.

Group 3: Connie Patterson, Kevin Rice, Linda Fife, Dave Nguyen, Mary Frances Bryja

1. Looking to attract undecided or others who didn’t know majors existed. Counselors in schools could be involved. Not just sending them materials, inviting them here to visit and see our programs. Lots of students don’t know these degrees exist.
2. Retail Fashion Merchandising – there are so many careers with this degree that students/parents are not aware of. Talk about the career outlets.
3. How do we partner with Admissions? How does Undergraduate Admissions know about us other than Teacher Education? Maureen Coon stated that they met with them recently, but when they are out on the road, they are representing the entire university.
4. Campus Guided Tours – for prospective students, how is the Patton College included? We never see them in McCracken (Patton). They aren’t brought down Jeff Hill. They aren’t aware of the programs that we offer such as Fashion Merchandising, Tourism, etc.

Dean Helfrich stated that recruiting is everyone’s job. Some people just don’t know where to start and have not been trained to recruit.

Discussion of PCOE Fall Colloquium
Dean Helfrich began the discussion that the intent was to visit with faculty and staff and look at the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan was developed a few years ago, and then some people thought that was it, nothing else to be done. To bring it back to the present, during the Colloquium, we broke into small groups and discussed what had happened in each area (listed below) and where we were headed. Sara provided a handout of each groups overview from the Colloquium.

• Academic Excellence
• Exemplary Student-Centered Services
• Rigorous, Influential Research
• Vibrant outreach, Engagement and Partnerships

Connie Patterson indicated that the Vibrant Outreach, Engagement and Partnerships work group first took an inventory of what they have already done. She noted that in listening to Ashley’s presentation today, it brought to mind that a variety of international partnerships have taken place or are currently taking place. There is a showcase in the lobby area that highlights some partnerships. Accessibility is increasing.
Another example is the Bailey’s Trail, which we saw a video on at a previous DCE meeting. This has significant state funding. People are coming to SE Ohio - to Athens, to our restaurants, shopping, etc., and it continues to grow and there are careers in this. We need to figure out how to “toot our own horn”. How do we showcase these things - promote, strengthen and build on them? One possibility might be the Eboards - Did you know?

David Nguyen reported on Rigorous, Influential Research in that research for some folks has ramped up during COVID, but for some others, it has stopped. We have mechanisms in place on ways to get people to re-engage in research. For large scale research projects – collegewide mentorship programs, post award programs, developing manuals on the process.
Looking at ways to help people in the front end of their research on what their work is intended to do. Identifying mechanisms, public policy.

Maureen Coon discussed the work of the Exemplary Student-Centered Services work group in transforming the culture of student services beyond the Office of Students Affairs. Recruiting students is everyone’s job.
Providing great student services is everyone’s job, as well. Being open and available for students. One faculty has implemented “student support hours” instead of the normal “office hours”.
Dean Coon also discussed MyOHIO. This gives faculty a red flag if a student is showing issues but noted that currently there is no metrics in place to measure the success.

Sara concluded this section by indicating that these are the things we are looking at and that were discussed at the Fall Colloquium and faculty were engaged.
The meeting adjourned for the afternoon.
Dinner at the OU Inn at 5 p.m.

 

Friday, October 8, 2021
Opening Remarks and Announcements
Chris Hayward, DCE Chair, called the meeting to order shortly after 9 a.m. and provided some opening remarks.

Dean Helfrich then made the announcement that McCracken Hall will be renamed as Patton Hall upon approval by the Board of Trustees at their meetings this week. With the renaming of the building, we are looking to name a space within the College to honor Thomas C. McCracken. As a sidenote, Thomas McCracken was Violet Patton’s advisor.

Update on Dean’s Search
Interim Dean Helfrich provided an update on the Dean’s Search, indicating that she had spoken with the Provost about this at beginning of the year in preparation for faculty questions. It has not been decided if the interim should be a one- or two-year position. One year or until filled is what her contract indicates. The College of Education is one of three Colleges currently being led by an interim – University College, Health Sciences and Professions, and Education. Questions between the President and Provost are such as, do we want to do three searches in one year? Do we want a search while an interim president is serving?
Michelle Connavino indicated that she and Robert Murphy were asked to serve on the search committee, with the Provost’s approval. They have not heard anything. Interim Dean Helfrich indicated that she had not heard anything either, but when the time comes for the search, the Provost will certainly look at this.

Dean Helfrich continued that Interim President Hugh Sherman was the Dean of the School of Business for some time and just recently retired and then was asked to serve as Interim President. He has been very visible across campus. He and Provost Sayrs are coming to the PCOE for a Q&A with our faculty and staff on October 22. They are also having coffee hours with faculty to engage. Interim President Sherman also had the Deans to his home for a social. He has a two-year contract and is very aware of and familiar with the financial issues at Ohio University. It has been enjoyable working with him and the Provost.

Tim Binegar added that Interim President Sherman understands the town very well and how the community fits in. He is very down to earth, as is his wife. This is important from an alumni stance.

Chris Hayward asked if any current in-house people might be considered. Interim Dean Helfrich answered that it will be an international search, but in-house people could be considered. Interim President Sherman will most likely not continue after the two years.

Gail Houk asked if there were many unfilled positions – if there are some holes in areas where people have moved around temporarily, i.e., Associate Dean David Nguyen, sabbaticals/fellowships, medical leaves, hiring frost. Dean Helfrich answered that these are temporary, these people will be back, but it does create a hole for now. There are currently three open positions in TE because they weren’t filled in the first round of interviews. We can fill those if we find the right people. For the Special Education searches, there are two positions for which there were five applicants. There are some other holes in the College. Not all departments need faculty.
Gail asked if there are classes that are not being offered due to holes, to which Dean Helfrich answered no. In some areas, adjuncts have been hired for classes to be delivered.

The University is lowering the number of faculty across campus. Dean Helfrich does not think that any of our faculty will be let go, but there will be some retirements.
Dean Helfrich went on to say that the Provost is asking us to provide information on where are we going to be in 3-5 years – all departments/areas. Department Chairs have been asked to look at their departments and provide this information to Dean Helfrich.
Gail Houk also asked if the university is competitive in what they are offering, to which Dean Helfrich answered yes, in our college, but that may not be true across campus.

Chris Hayward asked if the top of the top tier accelerates people to go elsewhere, does this hurt us? Associate Dean Nguyen answered that he does not think it does. It does create more visibility for people. We provide funds for publishing for research, where other institutions may not. The more publishing we can do, the more visibility, which helps attract faculty. Dean Helfrich added that it is not a requirement for instructors to do research. There are a lot of moving parts.

Gail Houk asked about recruiting with the crisis in the workforce shortage. Do we have any relationships for looking at this? Dean Helfrich answered that the Provost is encouraging collaborations between Colleges. Bringing in a student is bringing in a student even if it is not in the PCOE.

Gail Houk asked about giving money at the front end, to recruit. They currently get funds for sign on bonuses and longevity bonuses. Money could be used up front for students. This would take longer for the payoff, but students are concerned about student loans where they will get a job starting at $40k a year. If funding were available on the front end, this could help in recruiting.

Dean Helfrich noted that we used to be provided funds to hire faculty in order to recruit students. This is no longer the case. We have to have the students in order to hire the faculty. If you want a colleague, we need to bring in more students. This is across campus and at other universities, as well.

Michelle Connavino noted that she hears “burnout” or “stretched thin”. Is there anything that DCE could do as a group?

Interim Dean Helfrich indicated that we haven’t really done anything other than things like cutting down the day-long colloquium to a half-day so that faculty can better spend their time. We’ve discussed building in more social events, i.e., the past annual kickball game, etc. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Gail Houk suggested maybe a cocktail hour or something in the evening for the spring meeting with faculty.

Michelle Connavino added that it would be helpful if we could gauge the interest of faculty. She volunteered to assist in setting something up. Possibly invite the President.

Marc Houk asked if there has been a pay increase frost, as well? Dean Helfrich answered that it is a hard freeze that has been in place for two 
There was also the furlough last year, but then it was paid back to employees. Several hundred positions have been cut. Arts and Sciences lost many. Some people were brought back. Tenured faculty are safe.

We are now projecting out where we will be in a few years.

• Working on programming in RSP. Specifically look at graduate programs to come together and offer things (collaborating).
• Figuring out how we can grow AYA math teachers. There is a huge shortage – we aren’t graduating enough Master’s – across the state. Our special ed numbers have gone through the roof. AYA math numbers total enrollment is 45. Total enrollment in special education, 2 undergrad programs, is 116 and another 100 in the graduate level. Slightly more in mild/moderate. Moderate/Intensive is coming up.
• We need to think about programs that won’t be around in 3-5 years. Either due to market demand or that students just aren’t coming here.

Are there thoughts on other areas that we should be focusing on? Other aspects? Others besides what has been mentioned already.
Chris Hayward noted that reading endorsement-oriented programming is drastically needed across K-12.

Michelle Connavino stated that Early Childhood degrees without certification is needed in the childcare sector.
Dave Nguyen noted that Julie Francis, Director of the Stephens Literacy Center, recently received a grant specifically for adult learners. Part of the grant is to get ODHE approval to think about what it would look like to move to getting a bachelor’s degree. Michelle noted that the more online that can be done, the better. And as low-cost as possible. Unless the individual is in a school district, the pay is not great. These people are in the workforce, mainly women, and women of color, and very afraid of debt.
Dr. Nguyen added that part of grant is that it is no cost to the individual and based through the OneOHIO campuses (Lancaster and Zanesville) and childcare is to be provided while they are in the classroom.
Michelle added that providing childcare is great, but the other issue is that, if you are working, and most are while trying to get these degrees, if class times are not flexible, it isn’t really doable. It is a hugely systemic disaster of a problem. There has to be more pressure to get the pay up.

Gail Houk continued that along those same lines in the counseling program, five years ago, she would not have advocated for an online counseling masters. A one-year intensive online training for counseling is needed. If it could be a one-year program - two-year, we would lose them. Akron has a program along those lines right now and where students are gravitating towards. I see a lot of people in the northern Ohio region with a bachelor’s degree, and to ask them to physically come down to Athens, it is not going to happen. The program is so great here, I want them to learn here. Such a solid course curriculum.
Connie Patterson asked if she was referring to becoming licensed counselors? The State of Ohio requires them to be CPREP accredited which requires 60 credit hours –that is not possible in one year, possibly 1.5 years.
And, when talking about recruitment, online is also competition for on-campus.

Chris Hayward and Michelle Connavino both encouraged us to reach out to districts or other academia (EFC’s) to partner/collaborate with. Bob Murphy added that this was very beneficial to him in his learning – not having to drive to Athens, but able to take courses in Columbus.

Communications and Marketing Update
Kim Barlag, Communication Specialist for the Patton College of Education, University Communications & Marketing
Kim presented University Communications and Marketing information as it pertains to the PCOE, as follows

• The new OHIO branding, including the brand position statement, differentiators, and tone words, and then discussed the Patton College sub-brand. All Colleges are being asked to not use former taglines, i.e., Called to LEAD, etc., and to incorporate leadership into everything and that our students stand out on how they can change the world for the better, forever.
• Working on a new Undergraduate Viewbook. Information included on Discovery Majors for those who may not be interested in teaching.
  Chris Hayward stated that he wants to get rid of “discovery majors” – need to make people aware so that these are not ‘discovery majors’ but ‘known majors’.
• Recruitment – Kim works with Admissions and provided information on messaging that goes out to prospective students.
• The newest edition of the Athenaeum is heading to the printers and will be going out soon. She reviewed a couple of the lead stories.
• Student spotlight and alum of the month stories are still done monthly. If anyone thinks of an alum who we should focus on, please let Kim know.
  Beth Backes is working with UCM and the digital advertising department advertising campaign on the Equine Studies Program on the Southern Campus. They were not getting many prospective student inquiries, so this campaign was launched. There was a 217% increase in enrollment between last fall and this fall. Mary Francis Bryja suggested that packets of information on the equine program be sent to stables – in her area, in particular, there are many.
• Kim reminded everyone of the PCOE social media outlets.
• And finally, we just found out that NBC will be sending representative here on Monday to interview Jason Rawls, Renée Middleton and Tracy Robinson on the Brothers RISE program.

Chris Hayward asked about the Green Carpet Tours – the number of tours given. Maureen Coon did not have the numbers, but noted that Curt Plummer initiates these tours, and will get that information to Chris. COVID did decrease the number of tours this past year. Curt connects prospective students with faculty and students, takes them to the dining halls, etc. The tour is designed around the student to make as many pertinent connections as possible on campus.
Late meeting note - Maureen Coon noted that Curt Plummer is getting new green carpet cards to invite prospective students.

Old Business
Robert Murphy, DCE Vice-Chair

• Minutes of the Spring 2021 Meeting – Robert Murphy, DCE Co-Chair reviewed the Minutes of the Spring 2021 DCE meeting.
• Brothers RISE increase of African American male enrollment of 600%
  Maureen Coon began that she loves being a part of the steering committee – it is action oriented.
  Dr. Rawls father passed away, so he was not able to be here today.
  Jason Rawls, Maureen Coon, Bob Murphy, and Renée Middleton are the Co-Chairs of the Steering Committee. There is a student on the steering committee, as well, who is not a member of Brothers RISE, but an addition to have a student voice.
  Jason Rawls is teaching HipHop courses – these classes are full - 25-30 students in each section.
  Dr. Middleton and her GA published a white paper on the need for the program.
  Developed a mission and vision statement.
  In partnership with Central State University – Zaki Sharif, a staff member of CSU is on the committee.
  There are currently 6 students enrolled in Brothers RISE. Dr. Rawls and Tracy Robinson went to student homes and met with them and their families. Renée Middleton also took part in some of these visits. This is how they were recruited.
  A brunch was held before classes started – all Brothers RISE students and some families attended (all students are from Ohio). Thom Stevenson and students prepared and served the meal.
  Working with Eric Burchard, OHIO Executive Director of Government Relations, Legislative Liaison. The group met with the Chancellor for the Ohio Department of Higher Education; representatives of the Ohio legislative black caucus; our local representative, Jay Edwards. Been reaching out and seeing who we can talk to and share our stories.
  Hoping to apply for earmarked federal funds (called Community Project funds).
  ABC Good Morning America coming to interview Jason Rawls on the Program (not NBC as was previously stated)

Michelle Connavino also informed the group that her high school, Euclid High School, this year started a career tech program for careers in education. They currently have a culinary arts tech program. For the new program, the goals are the same as for Brothers RISE - to increase the number of black males in teaching. Euclid Schools are about 95% black; 5% white students and the reverse of this for teachers. They are interested in being connected with Brothers RISE. Michelle will work with the principal and superintendent, and they will visit campus on March 16. It is a junior/senior year program with recruiting in their freshman/sophomore. Jason Rawls will come up and talk with them, also. They may stop in Columbus on the way home to show that Athens isn’t that far from the city.

Bob mentioned that Columbus has a similar program. Dr. Theda Gibbs-Grey is a liaison for Ohio University. Also, he is doing an interview this afternoon with The Post on the Brothers RISE Program.

There was also an article in OHIO Today yesterday.

Chris asked, is there a cap on how many students can participate in Brothers RISE?
Bob said that the goal is to recruit as many as we can. Having too many would be a great problem to have.

Chris also indicated he saw a digital ad about OUPD in Cleveland. Also other OHIO digital ads. How can we get more info into the urban areas about Brothers RISE?
Dean Helfrich indicated that we would have to talk with UCM about how we can do that – what would make sense and how. This would be a big undertaking.

Bob Murphy also noted that OHIO has more black males in Education than Ohio State does.

Dean Helfrich added to then emphasize teaching math or science, there will be jobs. We can’t have scholarships designated for specific groups, at least not right now. This is problematic no matter what you are talking about. Donors can’t even designate specifically. We are trying to figure out how we can do this legally.

Maureen’s final comment was on home visits. When Jason and Tracy asked students why the student applied, the main reason was that a family member had come here, or they had come to campus.

She also noted that members of the Steering Committee met with the OHIO Athletic Director and talked about Brothers RISE.

Michelle Connavino asked if they were working with other organizations on campus on enrolling African American students? Maureen answered that we have talked about this, and it is on the list.

New Business
Robert Murphy, DCE Vice-Chair

• Alexander Elementary School Visit - Comments on this experience:
  Marc Houk – great way to start meeting.
  Linda Fife – everyone is working together to reach the common goal.
  Bob Murphy - Addressing the needs of the whole child – seeing this in practice was amazing.
  Marc Houk – could we differentiate between special needs areas and others, and he couldn’t unless there was equipment or devices present.
  Chris Hayward – impressed with Children and Family Services person in the building. This makes that person human. They are on staff. Would like that in Cuyahoga County.
  Gail Houk – when you make a referral to those agencies, they need to have data to do anything. Having them in the school gives them that.
  Marc Houk liked that they rotate sheriff deputies through the building. This makes them recognizable.
  Mary Frances Bryja – liked the sensory room. How the superintendent is using the bus staff to fill in where needed – kitchen staff, etc. – during COVID
  Michelle Connavino talked about the monumental failure of leadership – Superintendents shouldn’t have to be scrambling for supplies – masks, hand sanitizer, etc. Or to use bus drivers to fill in. Hoping that some real lessons have been learned by leaders above the school district to respond to set schools up for success. Across education – even at the university level – all institutions left to figure it out on their own.
  Kevin Rice added that Alexander is a great partnership for OHIO.
  Urban education is very different than Alexander Elementary.
  Ellen Goldsberry again noted that she would like a focus on other areas of the College than Teacher Education for future meetings. Chris agreed and indicated that this could be done for future meetings, possibly having an alum participate. Gail Houk suggested possibly doing them remotely if the alum is in New York or elsewhere.
• New DCE Member Update
  David Nguyen explained what his role is now as Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies Research – consultations with faculty based on their research interests; funding opportunities; the process; connecting them with resources; working with Chip Rice, PCOE Research Grants Development Coordinator; what to do once you receive the grant – university rules and funding source rules; How to make the process better to encourage people to try to obtain research grants. Don’t want faculty to get a grant and for it to be a terrible experience and they not want to do it again.
  Graduate Studies – think about different collaborations. Creativity. Need to think about it from a students’ perspective. What factors would incentivize them to want to participate.

Student Memberships on DCE: Maureen Coon talked about student representation. She and Tim Binegar have been tasked by Dean Helfrich with looking at this representation. Linda Fife provided the previous application and Maureen has been revising. Ideally, we would have had someone for this meeting. Talked about having someone who could be on the board for a couple years.
Michelle Connavino suggested that leaders of student organizations be on the DCE. This would make one less thing that needs to be done.
Chris Hayward then noted that the counter to this is that more students could be utilized if we chose someone else. Maybe someone from the Brothers RISE Program. Bob Murphy said this was discussed in subcommittee meetings and they decided to let them get grounded in the program first.
Violet Patton is not a voting member.
There is one departmental seat available – Counseling and Higher Ed, and then two student representatives.
Dean Helfrich indicated that she thinks in the past that department chairs have been asked to take the lead on suggesting members.
Chris suggested that we may not want to bring anyone else on until a Dean is selected.
Gail Houk and Mary Frances Bryja agreed that we should bring student reps on now.
Michelle Connavino noted that the Dean search could take a couple of years. Other things in the College are moving forward, Brothers RISE, etc., so bringing new members on could assist in moving things forward. And, in practicing what we preach, bringing someone of color to the board. She does not think we should wait.
Kevin Rice agreed that he thinks we need to bring new people on now.
Dean Helfrich also agreed. During this transition time, we are still moving forward, nothing is stopping. We need to let the individual that is decided upon know that things could change once a new Dean is hired.
Bob Murphy agreed.
Chris Hayward then suggested that we bring options to the table in the spring and then vote in the spring.
Michelle Connavino suggested to start sending some names among us so that we can actually vote at the Spring meeting.

• Dates for Fall Meeting
  If held during Homecoming Week next fall, Friday night room accommodations should be blocked as well as meeting dates. Dates and times to be decided.
• Ideas for Spring Meeting – Potential Dates
  Spring meeting on campus? Most of the Board want to have it on campus. Gail Houk likes having faculty to come in and talk to us and this couldn’t be done in another city.
  Timing – original intent for out-of-town meetings was to be in a members’ community, but also to have an event there with alumni in that community.
  Michelle Connavino suggested having it on campus this coming spring and then revisit.
  May 5-6, 2022, spring meeting dates, unless we want faculty to be involved (and students). To be decided.
• Columbus Secondary School Visit
  Dr. Murphy indicated that he could get access to a high school in Columbus.
  Michelle Connavino suggested to maybe start the spring meeting in Columbus then move to Athens.
  Chris Hayward suggested possibly meeting there on Thursday morning, visit school then progress to Athens for the Friday meeting. Chris and Bob will work on a schedule.

Closing remarks
Michelle Connavino mentioned the usefulness of creating a binder for DCE members that has background information on the College - all departments, historical information, etc.
Send ideas of what should be in this to Michelle Connavino.
Gail Houk suggested maybe an orientation type document.
Connie Patterson volunteered to be the College contact.

Chris Hayward adjourned the meeting at 12:30 p.m.

Lunch was served in McCracken 120.