1. Introduction of members and new chair

New Chair Rosemary Ward, noting that she had not been on the Council before and is now chair, quoted Henry David Thoreau: "We sit as many risks as we run."

2. Overview and discussion of history and function of EPCC

EPCC is the prime, multi-constituency council that addresses educational issues. Once the Educational Policy Council, it became the Educational Planning and Coordinating Council as the Academic Senate, under AB 1725, assumed primary responsibility for educational matters. Functioning as a forum and clearinghouse, EPCC works closely with the Academic Senate, Academic Affairs and Student Services to develop policies, procedures and guidelines affecting primarily the instructional and student services. In 1999-2000, for example, its agenda included the American Cultures requirement, the revised general education pattern, the strengthening of majors, uniform start times and the revised schedule template, KnowledgeWorks, the proposed "first day attendance" policy, P4E goal projections, the 1996 Self Study plans and mid-term report, educational technology, and reports of the LODE study and the Developmental Task Force. The future will see closer ties between EPCC and IPC as the college's planning process improves and as EPCC reviews the proposed Educational Master Plan.

3. Agenda suggestions for 2000-01

A "brainstorm" session produced the following unexpurgated suggestions (in no particular order):

4. Review of the plan for the Educational Master Plan

Kris Futrell reviewed the plans to date for developing the Educational Master Plan. Administrative responsibility for developing the plan falls to Academic Affairs, with EPCC being the primary college review body. The Master Plan eventually will go to IPC and then the Board. There was discussion regarding the function of the Master Plan and its relationship to the other planning in the district. This will be a continuing item on EPCC's agenda.