Dr. Brown-Wright also stated that more attention was being focused on advising students properly. More training is needed to ensure faculty knew how to properly advise all students from first year, transfer, and upper-level classmen. Dr. Candice Jackson updated the committee on new procedures to advise students toward graduation. Junior audits began this semester so that students can prepare for classes and timely graduation to create more focus on completion in four years. The University Catalogue is on-line so students can view it. Curriculum ladders have been created as well as a degree audit checklist sheet designed with general education courses on one side and major course requirements on the other. Advising and Retention Liaisons, who report directly to Dr. Wheeler, will assist in improving advising and assisting faculty with any advising issues they may have in a timely manner.

Dr. Brown-Wright gave a follow-up on the proposal to the Kentucky Board of Nursing to develop a BSN program at Kentucky State University. The proposal was approved by the KBN on April 7, 2016, and has been sent to CPE for their review and approval.

Dr. Brown-Wright gave an update on the Faculty/Chair searches. Skype interviews had been completed for some positions and two candidates were coming to campus for interviews next week. All Endowed Chair searches failed and more attention is being put into intentional recruiting of diverse candidates.

Dr. Candice Jackson gave an update on the Cohorts. Questions were asked on what was being done to improve graduation rates from these cohorts. President Burse stated that engagement had not been at the level it has been in the last 13 months. We are behind and graduation rates will drop over the next two years. We still have time to improve the graduation rate. We are working on creative ideas to get students back to graduate. President Burse agreed to get the plan of action to the Board of Regents for their review and stated tracking of the cohorts is reported in the weekly Cabinet meetings.

President Burse also stated that there will be no allowing students who have not completed all requirements for graduation to walk at commencement. Rules and processes have been put in place to ensure that all grades are turned in on time and the registrar will certify that the list is correct and accurate as to who is graduating.

Dr. Brown-Wright gave a review of the Post Tenure Review. Twenty-four faculty were up for review. President Burse stated that he was not happy with the post tenure review process and has asked the Registry to look into the process and assist with redefining our standards. Twenty-two of the twenty-four faculty members evaluated were rated as “exceeds expectations.” Were this the case, more students would be graduating. Annual reviews need to be redefined and Faculty Handbook is being updated.

Dr. Brown-Wright explained the changes to the faculty contract that included more specific duties with which to hold faculty members accountable when not meeting expectations.

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