Carmella Conner, Acting Vice President of Student Affairs addressed the Board. She advised the Board that the current enrollment was 1869. This number was disaggregated by categories in the board materials.
The process for student withdrawal from the university was discussed. Students are required to complete a withdrawal form and specifically state why s/he seeks to withdraw from the university and obtain signatures from their academic dean. Students are also advised to speak with an advisor in the Academic Center for Excellence, Academic Advising, and/or Student Support Services if the reasons for withdrawal are academic in nature.
Early intervention strategies were discussed. The Office of Academic Affairs has worked to implement “Course Signals” to assist in identifying students who are in academic jeopardy before withdrawal is contemplated. Full implementation of Course Signals is expected by the beginning of Spring 2015.
Ms. Conner also discussed the November 1, 2014 Open House for prospective students. Over 785 prospective students were in attendance. A committee will review areas of improvement needed in preparation for the Spring Open House. In particular, some attendees commented that they’d like to have heard more presentations from the individual major areas of study. The Admissions Office will continue to follow-up with attendees as a part of the recruitment process.
Ms. Conner stated that the goal of the Open House was to invite 1000 prospective students to showcase the University. The Board requested that in the future each recruitment activity has stated goals and metrics.
Ms. Conner discussed the faculty's role in recruitment. She explained that she would like to see faculty participate as members of recruitment committee. Ms. Conner also explained that she and Dr. Downing are actively collaborating to increase University recruitment efforts.
President Burse further clarified his expectations of the faculty in the recruitment of prospective students. For example, he would expect that when a prospective student contacts the Office of Admissions and indicates a major area of study of interest, the Admissions Office would contact faculty in that area to outreach to the student within twenty-four (24) hours.
He expects active engagement from the faculty and every staff person on campus. Faculty members should have positive comments to say about Kentucky State when engaging with prospective students.
Ms. Melinda Impellizeri, Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Planning and Development, presented a report based upon findings from KSU's external-internal auditor, Tronconi and Associates.