July 15, 2021
Research and Growth Opportunities Subcommittee Minutes
Members Present:The meeting was called to order at 1:04 p.m., July 15, 2021. Minutes from the meeting on June 17, 2021, were approved.
Reports from working groups (including recommendations)
- Communication Success of Programs
Report given by Bryant Windham.
The survey focus has shifted to asking Program Directors and up to provide feedback on which programs are underutilized (high job opportunities but low student enrollment). This shift delayed the launch of the survey from the timeline suggested in the prior meeting and noted in the June minutes. The group requests that members review the current survey tool and provide feedback. The tool can be accessed at: https://mclennan.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_2sn4IXGck7xbDHE?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current
Feedback is requested no later then the end of day on Tuesday, July 20, and should be directed to Bryant via email.
- Work with Area High Schools
There was no updated reported at this time. - Outreach to Hispanic Students & Community
There was no update reported at this time. - More Non-Degree Options
Report given by Annette Bingham.
Two draft recommendations have been circulated prior to the meeting. The discussion has shifted from degree plans to “career paths,” with the intent of identifying multiple entry/exit points. This would encourage a “life-long learning” model. A meeting is being called that would include the Business Programs and the Continuing Education/Corporate Training groups. It is also recommended that a centralized information point be created. One example of the purpose is to share the feedback from advisory committees beyond just the program areas. Incentivize Enrollment
- Report given by Brad Christian.
Work has focused on finding ways to not just incentivize enrollment but to provide additional incentives at specific progress points. Also, it is proposed that the assessment point of student scholarship shift from the end of their senior year back to the class standing in the junior year. The group is seeking feedback from Financial Aid on the impact of such a shift. The retirement of James Kubacak has complicated that process.
- Update on the Community Survey
The Community Survey closed a midnight, July 14, Although a full analysis has not yet been written/disseminated, Laura Wichman shared that there were a total of 1,703 completions. Of that, 1,440 (about 84.6%) were from McLennan County residents while Falls County added 45 (2.5%).
- Anything Else for the Good of the Group?
No further business was brought before the group.
Next Meeting(s)—review dates/times
Following the established pattern, the next meeting would be held on Aug. 18. That would be the week faculty return, when many program/division meetings are held, and when last minute enrollment occurs. It was suggested that the meeting of the Subcommittee be moved to either Aug. 11 or Aug 25. It is asked that the Subcommittee members provide feedback on which date would be preferred. Also, members are asked to give a preference on whether we should continue meeting via ZOOM, should meet face-to-face, or should employ a mixture of both.
Submitted by Joe Arrington
July 19, 2021