Review of Advisory Committee and nomination of off
Brandon Whatley
Roles and rules of advisory committees: Mr. Whatley explained the role and responsibilities of the advisory committee and who may serve on the committee. The need for officers (chair, vice chair, and secretary) was discussed.
For practical purposes, Marjie LaRowe was suggested and approved as secretary. Nominations were opened for chair, and Inez Escamilla-Joyce nominated Troy DeFrates. The nomination was seconded by Colby Brinkman. Troy DeFrates nominated Brady Foster. The nomination was seconded by Brady Foster. By a show of hands, Troy DeFrates was elected as chair. It was decided that Brady Foster would serve as vice chair.
2)
Graduation Rates
Brandon Whatley
Mr. Whatley reviewed the most recent numbers available (academic year 2008-2009) of students earning certificates and associate’s degrees, and commented that the numbers are strong and reflect a strong program. Enrollment for fall was full, and for spring there are only 7 seats currently available. There are more students who want to enroll than we have space for. Can we expand the program to accommodate them? Not at Riverside, as we are land-locked. We are expanding at Round Rock campus.
It was asked how we could improve upon these graduation numbers. Mr. Whatley explained that some students do not complete their course of study because they leave to enter the workforce early, and some balk at the academic requirements of the associate’s degrees. The assist with the latter, Mr. Whatley suggested that it should be repeatedly stressed when advising students that they not leave all of their academic courses until the end, but should be taking them all along so they are not left with an assortment of classes that they are less likely to complete.
3)
Riverside Facility Update
Brandon Whatley
We are working on improving our space utilization and on cleaning up the facility.
There has been a canopy installed over the deck to increase the usability of that space. The steel storage rack will be moved outside. Some cutting equipment will be relocated to the deck to free up space and improve indoor air quality. It was suggested that UV light-protective plastic strips be added to the doorway leading to the deck to prevent fumes and particulate as well as welding flash created by those working on the deck from affecting those working indoors.
There has been ventilation and exhaust work done in 3122 to improve the air movement making that lab more usable. This will hopefully allow us to spread out in the lab and alleviate congestion.
We are getting a storage building so that we can clear out some infrequently used equipment and material to free up space.
The lab will be painted this summer.
The board expressed an interest in getting the word out about the art metals program and what it has to offer, as it is uncommon. Several board members stated that they prefer to hire people trained at ACC. It was pointed out that our space limitations keep us from being able to offer more classes at this time for people we might recruit. Mr. Whatley suggested that by using the space we have better we may be able to find a way to offer more classes at Riverside without physically expanding.
We will look into the possibility of adding protective strips to the doorway leading to the deck.
4)
Round Rock Campus Update
Brandon Whatley
The new campus at Round Rock is slated to open for classes in the fall of 2010. The initial course offerings will be 11 combinations of primarily introductory level classes, and will be exclusively technical welding. There will be two labs and two classrooms (5,000 sf) in the first phase of development with another 5,000 square feet in the future second phase.
We will hire a new full time faculty member to teach at this campus. We will fill this position by the mid-spring of 2010. We will also need to hire more adjunct faculty.
The Round Rock facility will be new, neat, and clean, and this highlights even more the need to refresh and reconsider the use of our current facility at Riverside to prevent it being overshadowed.
5)
Degree changes
Brandon Whatley
It has been discussed within the department to offer two possible degree tracks for Art Metals students: one for Metal Sculpture and one for Blacksmithing. When more details are hammered out it will be brought to the board.
Follow up: Art Metals faculty and Mr. Whatley will work together to create two possible degree tracks for Art Metals students to choose from.
6)
Open Discussion on industry trends and our Course
Brandon Whatley
Jack Caraway: Asked about the possibility of an ACC campus, particularly welding, going into the Kyle/ Buda area. Mr. Whatley responded that he has heard no such plans.
The committee also wants to see machining taught at ACC.
Mr. Caraway made a motion to look into offering a welding program in Kyle/ Buda as it goes forward to Hays county for a referendum. Lee Lanford seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and it was unanimously agreed.
Tom Gingras: Asked for the board’s feeling about the fact that art metals is not to be included in the new facility in Round Rock. The board felt that art metals should be included.
Lee Lanford moved that art metals be added to the curriculum in Round Rock. The motion was seconded by Colby Brinkman and Mark Rehme. A vote was taken, and it was unanimously agreed.
Sandy Arendsen: It is difficult to find skilled wire welders, and feels that not much wire welding is taught. Mr. Whatley pointed out that we offer a course in wire feed welding (WLDG-1430 Introduction to Gas Metal Arc Welding), but it is not required that a student take this course to earn the Code Welding Associate’s Degree. He explained that we would like to address this issue by removing one of the restricted electives from this degree plan and replacing it with a requirement of WLDG-1430.
Lee Lanford made a motion to remove one of the restricted electives from this degree plan and replace it with a requirement of WLDG-1430. Robert Boswell seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and it was unanimously agreed.
Brandon Whatley: Regarding the other restricted elective in the degree plan, Mr. Whatley would like to list specific options for this elective rather than leaving the entire curriculum open for choosing.
Lee Lanford made a motion to include a business class in this list. Brady Foster seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and it was unanimously agreed.
Steve Briggs made a motion for the department to come up with a list of electives for students to choose from (to be voted on at the next meeting). Lee Lanford seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and it was unanimously agreed.
Mary Jo Emrick: Students who want to continue and earn their bachelor’s degree still need sophomore level general education basics to get admission into four year programs. She suggested addressing that issue as we are making other changes to the degree. Tom Gingras suggested that one of the alternative art metals degree tracks could be geared toward BA seekers. This would likely be the Metal Sculpture track, as these students are more often the BA-seekers.
Mr. Whatley asked the board to look at the degrees and gen ed requirements online for discussion at the next meeting.