Maegan Richards

The council reviewed a tolling request and approved it unanimously after an executive session. Discussion of a feedback document for evaluating Academic Vice Deans was tabled until the next meeting due to time constraints and the need for more input. Updates were provided on bookstore contracts, regional campus staffing, and the Green Flower marijuana certification program. Legislative updates were discussed, emphasizing the current lack of required faculty action. Finally, feedback from President Diacon's visits was shared, highlighting positive reception and a focus on showcasing the regional campuses' unique capabilities.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including reporting structure revisions within CATS (College of Arts and Sciences), impacting faculty curriculum and requiring departmental consultations. Concerns were raised about the removal of a chemistry course from the ADN nursing program and the lack of RC representation in Kent departments. A presentation on marketing and communication was scheduled for a future meeting. The Provost's PAC meeting focused on Kent campus restructuring, noting that RCs are ahead in proposed changes, and discussed budget concerns, including a potential 12 million dollar shortfall on the Kent campus and the need for targeted investments. The meeting also addressed questions regarding the role of the VPRC in advocating for RC faculty, particularly concerning faculty shared between Kent and RC campuses, and the prioritization of FT faculty over adjuncts.

The meeting covered several key topics, including reports on new hires, ongoing searches for deans, and challenges related to declining enrollment. Discussions focused on the need for creative solutions to address financial constraints and optimize resource allocation across regional campuses. The possibility of shifting programs, sharing resources, and adjusting teaching modalities was explored. The meeting also included discussions on textbook costs, student retention, and faculty representation on committees.

The meeting included discussions on enrollment impact, the PAB/TAB process and nominations, microcredentials, the RCFAC webpage update, RCID support, a mentoring retreat, Dr. Shadduck's campus visits, shared deans, faculty council voting privileges, and NTTs serving as faculty chairs.

The meeting discussed curriculum changes, including a chemistry course change affecting CATS students. A report was given on workforce development initiatives, particularly a program bridging the gap between academics and industry needs. The value of micro-credentials was also discussed. Travel reimbursement policies and procedures were reviewed, with a focus on creating a more equitable system-wide approach. The meeting also covered faculty service calls, coordinated scheduling, and salaries for part-time English faculty. Finally, the meeting included an update on EMMS staffing issues and an invitation to an open house at the Lincoln building.