Meeting & Agendas

Welcome and introductions were exchanged. Cathy asked for clarification regarding the curriculum changes Nancy noted from last November's minutes. Emily explained that the Committee had proposed changes to the Humanities and Restricted Elective. Spanish was added in anticipation of the upcoming emphasis on Tri-lingual Interpreting. Introduction to the Humanities (HUMA-1301) was added because of its varied topics. Voice and diction (DRAM-2336) was also added because of its enhancement to voicing skills. Human Growth and Development (PSYC-2314, was added primarily for students who would like to specialize in Educational Interpreting. Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL-1301) and Philosophy of Ethics were removed. Emily presented a revised Degree plan to the Committee which included combining Interpreting in Educational Settings (SLNG-2315) and Interpreting/Transliterating. Holly added most Interpreters begin in educational settings; but do include community interpreting when their skills are better. The BEI analysis discovered almost all Interpreters are still doing educational interpreting. Interpreters are allowed to work for 3 years without BEI certification. Nancy stated Transliterators are needed and that transliterating skills are different from those for interpreting. John stated Interpreters are expected to interpret in all areas. Cathy added that educational interpreting is the most difficult and challenging. Emily conveyed the focus is on students; ACC wants to be sure students have a strong foundation. Lisa added the department making a decision as to what the program should focus on, since ACC only has a two year program. The goal is to teach students a variety of subject matter with the goal of having them proficient enough to pass the BEI (i.e., receptive skills are a must). Emily stated both she and Byron include transliterating in all their classes. Billy added RID does not; but BEI does test on SEE. Nancy inquired as to which class taught regular English. Emily stated English is taught in the Interpreting in Educational Settings class, other ASL classes, and the Interpreting classes. Lynn pointed out the Interpreting in Educational Settings class is 80 clock hours. Barbie motioned to adopt the new curriculum, seconded by Monica. Motion approved; five in favor, three opposed. Emily advised ACC recruited a Deaf Instructor (Steve Baldwin) to teach a Drama class but the class didn't make. She added that under Steve's direction students would be exposed to a different style of signing; and that both Interpreting and Deaf students would be integrated together. Holly motioned to add the new drama class as a Restricted Elective; seconded by Nancy. Motion approved.

Announced that the Human Services Department will not be moving to Riverside Campus anytime soon; but there is still a possibility it may happen Fall, 2007 (the College has no plans yet). The new South Austin Campus and the expansion of the Cypress campus has caused some delay.

The Lab is small and ill-equipped for the substantial growth within the program. A video regarding the technical malfunctions with Lab equipment was shown. The goal is to replace current equipment with computers with internet access (at present, there is only one computer for student use). Along with obtaining the necessary computers, we are also working on obtaining """"""""webcams"""""""" for each computer which would allow more work to be done by each student. We have had to be creative about what can be done in the Lab with such limited space and the lack of monetary resources. We will be petitioning the ACC Technology Committee in the near future. Julie said she would check with Dell about donations. Emily asked for suggestions for obtaining additional money to send ACC students to the TSID Conference, to get students involved. Barbie asked if ACC had an ASL Club and what hearing students were doing to help. Cathy said a Bingo worked for them. Holly asked if ACC has a Grant writer; Emily reported she and Lisa had already been awarded a grant (in September) and through this project they are going to bring the Deaf community to interact with students.

Announced she has students interning in the spring and needs sites to place them. Cathy said she would take some. Barbie said she needs firm commitments and Interpreters with a strong foundation; the time spent there would give the students a lot of experience. John will continue to help.

Reported that the new test process has been completed. The new forms and fees will not be available until the rules are in place. The new exams consist of Basic, Advanced and Masters Level. BEI has contracted with the University of Texas to administer the test of English Proficiency.

*Emily stated if anyone needed Trilingual Interpreters to let her know. *Lynn reported Byron is on sabbatical at Lamar University to learn Trilingual Interpreting and incorporate it into the curriculum. *Barbie introduced Francine Dellinger and said she would also be attending the meetings. *Emily reported the Deaf/Blind Training scheduled for later this fall will be advertised well; it's open to the public and will be held on an ACC campus. She also discussed the new IPP website: http://www.austincc.edu/aslipp/. *Innovation grant won by Lisa and Emily *Perry Connolly hired on as Adjunct faculty this fall *MARIE grant, will offer Deaf/Blind training by Nancy Riley this fall *Lisa and Emily began Ph.D. work this fall *Nathie and Byron Graduate in May 2007 *Still plan to expand the program fall of 2007 *19 Graduates during 2005-2006 *Approximately 55 students currently in the Interpreting Program *15 prospective graduates this May

Meeting adjourned at 3:00pm.