ACA February 2013 General Meeting

Thanks to the Study Abroad Office for sponsoring social time!

"Appreciating Campus Administrators" honoree, Deputy to the President, Dr. Charles Roeckle.  

 

Dr. Roeckle spoke briefly about his devotion to academic advising on campus, his years of service as a faculty advisor, and some of the advising initiatives with which he has been involved. 

Jen Morgan from Undergraduate Studies briefed ACA on changes to the Science and Technology portion of the university core for the 12-14 catalog.

Heather Barclay Hamir (top) and Rhonda Waller discussed updates from the Study Abroad Office.  They elaborated on their commitment to providing access to study abroad opportunities for traditionally underrepresented populations by reducing both financial and academic barriers (including grade point average).  Ms. Hamir, Ms. Waller, and their colleagues are working to integrate study abroad into every degree plan on campus in order to encourage study abroad while also complying with the four-year graduation rate initiative.  Study Abroad provides substantial funding; for academic year 2012-2013, they expect to award in the vicinity of $900,000 in travel scholarships.

Representing the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), Elizabeth Wilson spoke about the "Together>Alone" campaign to train students and other members of the UT community in suicide prevention.  Using skill building, role playing, and other techniques, CMHC raises awareness of resources and attempts to reduce the stigma associated with the issue.  Upon request, CMHC will conduct workshops in suicide prevention; the ACA ROAD Committee has just such a workshop scheduled for March 4 at 1:00 in CLA .122. 

Gina Gordon (left) and Dr. Gale Stuart spoke about the Student Engagement in the Research University (SERU) Survey.  The SERU Survey is intended for use on select research university campuses; it provides a "snapshot" of student experiences on such campuses, UT included.  The survey takes approximately 30 minutes, and the results allow campus administrators to "drill down" for information on items as specific as student feelings and opinions about their majors, about student "wellness," and much more, including assessment of advising.  SERU is essentially a campus "census."  This spring, the SERU administrators ask advisors' help in encouraging students to take and complete the survey. 

The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.