Meeting & Agendas

Michelle called the meeting to order at 11:45 a.m.

Michelle welcomed all the attendees to the Fall 2010 advisory board meeting. She then gave the board a summarization of her background and experience and asked everyone to introduce themselves.

Heather announced that the Hospitality Management program was approved for a Perkins grant in the amount of $48,150.00 for simulation software. This will allow students to become familiar with the programs that are currently being used in the industry through interactive exercises. Question: Damon –Is it event software or classroom software? Answer: Heather – It will be both, I am currently looking for web-based programs so that students can have access outside of class. Question: Michelle- Can you explain the systems? Answer: Heather – I am currently analyzing a front office, catering and sales components with OPERA, Point of sales components with TRAMS, and another Catering component with Caterese. The industry members offered other suggestions that they currently use. They also warned the department about trying to go the cheaper route and to look for a multifaceted package that will allow you to experience more than one function. Discussion: Heather reminded the board that there are several scholarships currently available to students. Two in particular are the Culinary Arts/ Hospitality Management ($500) and the Austin Hotel and Lodging Association ($450) scholarships. The information has been emailed to all faculty and posted by the kitchen for students to view. Discussion: Heather talked about the Round Rock campus and the progression of the course offerings this semester. Six classes were offered and two of the six made. In the spring, a new special topics course (Etiquette and Protocol) will be offered at Round Rock campus. Discussion: Heather recognized the three new adjunct faculty members that joined the department this semester. All three are previous graduates of the program: Richard Williams Shellda Grant Victoria Monteleone Discussion: Heather provided information to the members of Shellda’s effort to revamp the internship program. This new structure will ensure that the students are given the proper information that they need and are properly prepared when they go out in the industry. Question: Liz- Will information be sent out to adjuncts once the revamping process has been completed? Answer: Heather – Yes, information on the new format and who to contact will be shared with the faculty and board members. Michelle drew everyone’s attention to the handouts and pointed out everyone’s contact information if any questions need to be answered before the project has been completed.

Michelle talked about the introduction of hybrid courses and they are classes that are designed to be half online and half inside the classroom. Introduction to Hospitality and Computers in Hospitality are the two courses that will undertake this new endeavor for the spring. On Friday September 24th, I will go before the curriculum committee to get the special topics course, Etiquette and Protocol approved for the spring. This course will hit on subjects of how to dress, email etiquette, resume writing, cover letters and much more. Michelle asked the board to open the folders they were given and to share their suggestions of courses that maybe missing and are vital to the industry. She also gave her thoughts on the absence of course such as housekeeping management and safety and security. Suggestions: Damon suggested a course that would teach the students how to read a financial statement and many others agreed. A basic business accounting course was his suggestion. Richard suggested a grant writing course for those that have the desire to work for non-profit organizations. Heather- suggested a course on sponsorships. Bryan- suggested a change in the name for the computers in hospitality to include something in reference to technology. Joe- suggested a course on social media Michelle- suggested going green as another topic Discussions about the suggested courses flowed across the room and other members offered information on current ventures of the college that will touch on some of the concerns. For example, ACC currently has a non-profit department that offers information on grants and grant writing. Contact Barry Silberberg for more information.

Jan reminded the members that it is our job to polish the students and teach them that they need to realize that they have to present a good image. Jane challenges the board members and faculty to step up and go meet the students and allow them to pick your brains about what you do in the industry.

Joe Bolash offered his comment on the deficiency of proper interviewing skills, lack of research, and improper dress. Michelle reminded the board that the things that concern Joe would be tackled in the Etiquette and Protocol class. Bryan -offered his comment on how the student does not see this effort as a career, it’s more of an educational requirement; they need to be reminded of the importance of interviewing and meeting people in the industry. Joe- offered to come to the campus and perform mock interviews with the students. Richard- offered his comment that as event planners, we are constantly educating people on the actual job of event planning. Bryan - stated that the students need to be mentored. Question: Michelle- asked for ideas on development opportunities for faculty and students. Answer: Damon- made the suggestion of sending them to ISES meetings. http://www.ises.com/ Liz- made the suggestion of sending them to MPI. http://www.mpiweb.org/Home Overall the board agreed that any professional associations that a student decides to join must be in line with the career objective. Question: Davelyn – How do I answer questions from high school students about the hospitality program? Answer: Michelle – Maybe we can be guest speakers Heather – In dealing with the high schools, the discussion becomes more of a one on one meeting and we can set something up to discuss it further.

Michelle thanked everyone for attending. Meeting was adjourned at 1:07 p.m.