Summary of 10/08/08 Meeting

Presentation of the 2008 Adult Student Priorities Survey Results

This survey is undertaken every few years (last one was in 2005); the results are compared with the ones from 2005, and a comparison tool has been created for each School at Simmons, with their schools and their weaknesses. Overall, there is an increase in the students' satisfaction with GSLIS: a couple of issues that have been identified (for example, some of the students feel that they get the "run-around" when they have to solve an issue). It is hoped that this issue can be solved by the new "Student Services" Office (right next to the Evaluations folder, outside the Matarazzo Lounge).

Announcements

Prof. Oyler presented an update for the Advising Day for Spring 2009; the format has been changed this year and it is hoped that by moving the Advising Day forward, this will give the new students the opportunity to ask questions and make an informed decision when registering for their first class.
Anne Reid: Commencement '09 will take place on Friday, May 15, 2009 at the Bank of America Pavilion.

Committee Reports:

Admissions: As Denise Davis will leave GSLIS (to join the Peace Corps), a search committee will be formed to find a replacement.
Rank & Tenure (Prof. Baughman): Mary Jordan has been offered (and she accepted) a position at GSLIS; an advertisement will be sent out for a new faculty member.
Technology: dealing with new students that have not completed their TOR, even though the deadline has passed; presentation of the technology satisfaction survey (which has taken place this Spring, before the major changes in the TechLab).

Unfinished business

Prof. Pattee has presented the preliminary results from the discussion regarding the new GSLIS Mission Statement; a version has been voted by the faculty and consultations will continue in order to create a final version in the near future.

New Business

Expectation of Faculty: Dean Cloonan has circulated a document with the major areas of activity for GSLIS faculty (teaching, committee work, etc.) with the intention of obtaining feedback from the faculty members on what else should be added. The purpose is to make sure that the load of assignments is distributed fairly among the faculty members.
Accreditation Report Format and Timeline: as GSLIS is coming up for accreditation, they will have to put together a report that details how the School is meeting the accreditation requirements. Different committees will be formed to deal with different aspect of the accreditation report (students will be involved as well).