Meeting & Agendas

Members Present: Joseph Barron, John Borek, Thomas Bragg, Bryant Evans, Joseph Lewright, Debbie Menz, Rick Robinson, Chuck Shrum, Dusty Womble, Jon Webber, Maurice Barboza, Kiffe Chad Guest Present: Hannah Alford

Minutes were presented to all members. A quick review was made by Thomas Bragg of what was discussed during the last meeting. Joseph Lewright proved it, John Borek seconded the approval, and all were in favor.

Everyone received a packet with the new AAS Degree Changes that included the 60 hour rule and the student success course. Thomas Bragg started by explaining the EDUC 1300 which is the new student success course. Then proceeded to explain the new AAS Degree and showed what was different between the old one and the new one including the 60 hour rule. We showed how we chose specific classes for students but they can still use any class from the general section in the old degree but it was changed to avoid student confusion. We picked classes that best fit our program. Joseph Lewright approved it, John Borek seconded the approval, and all were in favor.

Everyone received a packet that showed the Marketable skills award. Thomas explained how it was set up for students that didn't think they would be good at school but wanted a way into the industry but only have to take a small amount to attain that goal. All the CE classes transfer into credits if they ever wanted to get their associates and not have to pay twice for them. Duel credit was also discussed as another route that will start in the Spring of 2017. It will encourage high school students to continue to go through college to finish their degree. Joseph Lewright approved, Debbie Menz seconded the approval, and all were in favor.

Thomas explained the two new classes and the bringing back of an old one that was eliminated with the new 60 hour rule. The two new classes are aluminum welding and custom painting. The old class was the management and estimating course. The members all were in favor of paying for the aluminum welding test fee of $100. They were also wanting to know about CE classes for their employees having a chance to just take the aluminum welding class by itself without having to get into the AAS degree plan. It was also explained to them that in order to take these courses they have to be on route to an associates degree or have completed the associates degree. It is more initiative to have a student get his/her associates. Explained how the certificate is not apart of the associates degree and that the certificate is only 11 hours. Plan on starting the certificate by Fall of 2017. The committee also asked that if the aluminum welding class was struggling to let them know since its in such high demand and employees need to know about it. Joseph Lewright approved, John Borek seconded the approval, and all were in favor.

Thomas discussed how the databases showed that our industry is showing future students that there are no jobs available and that they won't make any money. Discussed how to collect data and how to change this information. Talked about how it is hurting our chances for grants and also how it may be stopping people from coming to their shops and our industry. It was stated that at the very least we can make a data collection for the Austin area to present to students of job opportunities and average yearly income. It was decided that any student that takes the internship and completes it will receive $200 on a tool truck from the Austin I-CAR scholarship fund. It was also discussed how we can maybe include on the job training throughout their time in the program to be used as credit for their internship. The idea of students being able to get hired during their intro class when they are brand new. It was noted that students that have a job in the field already are more likely to stay to the end of the program. Joseph Lewright approved, Debbie Menz seconded the approval, and everyone was in favor.

Thank you to Caliber collision for sponsoring lunch