Mika Akikuni

This document outlines Texas A&M International University's mission to deliver transformative educational opportunities, fostering student success and impacting South Texas. Key strategic commitments include equipping students with essential tools and a global perspective, driving regional economic growth through a skilled workforce, and supporting local jobs. The university is dedicated to ambitious advancement, expanding academic programs, strengthening workforce partnerships, and positioning itself as a central force for innovation, talent development, and economic opportunity, ultimately shaping lives for future generations.

The meeting included updates from various colleges, with discussions on topics such as textbook usage, course shells, persistence rates, and the FAA visit. The Reading the Globe initiative and the upcoming Freshman Convocation were highlighted. Graduate student enrollment data was shared, along with information about academic coaches for online courses and scholarship recipients. Personnel changes and enrollment increases in the College of Business were noted. Challenges with classroom assignments and faculty travel were discussed. Concerns in the College of Arts and Sciences included the first-year writing program and ROTC program enrollment. The importance of transfer student enrollment and activities fostering a sense of belonging were emphasized. The Budget Advisory Committee's funding recommendations, including merit pay, were reviewed. Legislative bills related to faculty expertise, tenure, sexually explicit performances, eligibility for public offices, and parenting students were discussed. Additional information included updates on the University Curriculum Committee, travel funds for faculty, P&T candidates, faculty searches, resignations, and new degree proposals.

The meeting included a presentation from the TAMIU Compliance Officer about establishing a culture of understood rules and policies, along with mitigating risks. A summary of the Provost's Executive Council Meeting was presented, covering topics such as Judith Zaffirini's appointment, the Ten Thousand Dollar Degree program, the Cousera/UT System Partnership, and upcoming registration dates. Committee reports were given, including a discussion on revisions to the Handbook, particularly regarding 'Approval of Graduate Faculty' and 'Due Process'. A document concerning "Fixed Term Professional Track Librarians, Sue & Radcliffe Killam Library" was presented and discussed. The Senate also addressed a misconception regarding faculty evaluations and endorsed Dr. Ramirez in his role as chair of a Post-Tenure Review Committee.

The meeting included updates from various departments and individuals. Discussions covered community outreach, K-8 programming, student support services, test offerings, and collaborations with other institutions. Updates were provided on state-required antisemitism language, the success of Discover TAMIU, SACS accreditation progress, the budget presentation to Regents, enrollment figures, athletics, faculty senate matters, staff senate activities, mariachi performance information, student complaints, TAMIU events in Tragaluz magazine, Dusty Camps planning, Mexican undergrad campus tours, engineering student transfers, and the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores Mexico visit. Additionally, information was shared about a FAA job fair, the LC/TAMIU transfer STEM initiative, and applications for NIH RISE and a US Dept of Education graduate improvement grant.

The meeting included university updates, focusing on SACS standards, QEP, Carnegie Classifications, and enrollment growth. Discussions covered emergency preparedness, active shooter training, and increased police visibility. Spring registration was reported as healthy, with a focus on junior and senior level retention. Updates were provided on athletics, student research, retired faculty privileges, SGA activities, Faculty Senate, and Staff Senate initiatives. The meeting also touched on the impact of COVID waivers on dual credit courses and first-generation student support.