Educational Planning and Coordinating Council

ATTENDING: Ed Buckley, Terri Frongia, Kris Futrell, Renee LoPilato, Jim Rose, Noel Adams, Karen Kellam, Peg Ellingson, Joan Scarborough, Rosemary Ward

1. Approval of Minutes

Approved Minutes of January 24, 2002.

2. Teacher Academy

Kris Futrell reviewed this proposal, which was greeted with enthusiasm. The proposed academy has the goal of recruiting diverse students into the field of teaching and expanding the number of students successfully transferring to teaching and credential programs.

3. Update on certificate "residency"

The informal task force regarding this matter (Ward, Adams, Kellam, LoPilato) shared data regarding our certificates and information about the practices at other colleges. After discussion, EPCC concluded with this recommendation:

The informal task force will develop a discussion paper outlining the factors considered and the rationale for this proposal, to be shared first with the department chairs and program managers and then with the Academic Senate.

4. Update on restrictions for Cr/NCr courses

Karen Kellam and Renee LoPilato presented this item, noting that a large majority of students taking courses on the Cr/NCr basis are not planning transfer or obtaining a degree or certificate. The current restrictions are an unnecessary and annoying barrier to access. EPCC concurred with their recommendation to eliminate the restrictions and to make sure that students are well aware of the fact that many baccalaureate institutions limit the number of courses taken Cr/NCr for certain purposes or programs. Karen and Renee will develop a discussion paper outlining the factors considered and the rationale for this proposal, to be shared first with the department chairs and program managers and then with the Academic Senate.

5. Catalog language regarding majors

Kris Futrell submitted proposed language for EPCC review. Conclusion: we will not include references to certificate programs or "other awards."

6. Academic Affairs component goals

Ed Buckley briefly reviewed the mid-term report on the 2001-02 component goals for Academic Affairs.

7. Academic Affairs Educational Plan

Ed Buckley reviewed the summary and synthesis of this plan, noting that there were areas of focus centered on resource needs, operational issues, and broad-based educational issues. The educational issues are the most difficult to deal with because they involve significant change and collaboration throughout the college. EPCC responded positively to the summary and recommended that Buckley incorporate some of his remarks into the conclusion of the statement.

8. Valentine's Day Observances

EPCC members, mindful of the beneficial effects of chocolate on the heart, consumed significant numbers of cookies and major league truffles provided by Chair Ward, who also provided a Valentine flower. Kris Futrell went home with the flower by picking the lucky number 14, whose significance the rest of us, besotted with chocolate and educational issues, hadn't the wit to note. Chair Ward's thoughtfulness was appreciated.