Dr. Michael D. Dailey, Interim Provost, Dr. Scott Wicker, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Stephanie Mayberry, Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs, presented this agenda item.
Dr. Dailey began with an overview of the update, which covered the opening of the Fall 2023 semester, the online education initial planning session with Magellan Learning Solutions, and the CourseLeaf catalogue project.
Next, Dr. Wicker discussed faculty contracts, including 9- and 12-month appointments.
As to faculty members who accepted 12-month appointments, Regent Walston asked whether their contracts clearly delineated the expected faculty distribution of efforts. Dr. Wicker responded affirmatively, and also explained the contract process for individuals who assume both faculty and administrative roles.
Dr. Dailey then reviewed the Faculty and Staff Institute events, which were scheduled to begin on August 14, 2023.
Relative to the online education initial planning session, Regent Hatchett requested a workshop regarding the University's online presence, including its status and progress. Chair Dukes agreed. President Akakpo assured Regent Hatchett that the University's online presence is going well and has good momentum.
Dr. Wicker shared an update on the CourseLeaf catalogue project.
Next, Dr. Mayberry provided the Student Affairs update, which included the move-in dates for freshmen and upperclassmen, the Student Affairs office relocation, the new residence hall, and challenges regarding housing assignments. Dr. Mayberry reported that the new residence hall is already full.
As to the Fall 2023 updated enrollment projections, Dr. Mayberry announced that 1,498 students had enrolled, which is an 8.8% increase over August of last year.
Chair Dukes queried whether students would still need to be housed at the Capital Plaza Hotel. Dr. Mayberry stated that even though Combs Hall will be closed this year for renovations, the hotel is no longer needed.
Given that the hotel will no longer be used, Regent Fields wondered what would happen if enrollment exceeds dorm capacity.
Regent Walston asked how courses with low enrollment would be addressed.
Regent Fields inquired whether registration would be held in the Student Center again.
Chair Dukes thanked Dr. Dailey, Dr. Wicker, and Dr. Mayberry for their presentations.
Because the Regents received the meeting materials well in advance, Chair Dukes stated that the action items could be approved individually or as a whole.
Vice Chair Adams suggested approving the items as a unit, and Regent Fields agreed.