COTA Meeting Minutes, February 2007
Committee on Transfer and Articulation (COTA)
Missouri Department of Higher Education
February 28, 2007
Participants: Evelyn Jorgenson, Jeanie Crain, Arlen Dykstra, Mike Grelle, Steve Lehmkuhle, Kandis Smith, and James Scanlon
MDHE Staff: Robert Stein, Hillary Fuhrman, Jeremy Kintzel, Laura Vedenhaupt, and B.J. White
Chair Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.
Consent Item
I. Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Dr. Steve Lehmkuhle and seconded by Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson to approve the minutes of the December 20, 2006 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Old Business
II. Transfer Conference Follow-up
Mr. Jeremy Kintzel and Ms. Hillary Fuhrman updated COTA on the results of the Transfer Conference and handed out a packet that included both quantitative feedback and comments generated by the small group discussions from the 2007 Transfer Conference. They stated that the comments had been integrated into the Databook, and observations from the Presidents’ and Chancellors’ work session would be incorporated as well. Ms. Fuhrman explained that work was underway to better define parameters throughout the Databook.
Dr. Jeanie Crain stated that the purpose and message of the Databook must be defined by COTA. Dr. James Scanlon concurred, adding that included data should be appropriately contextualized. Dr. Steve Lehmkuhle expressed that the Databook should define the nature and scope of Transfer and how it functions, inform COTA and transfer practitioners, promote the understanding and improvement of transfer, and contain question-driven analysis.
Dr. Crain suggested that COTA’s goals should be attached to the Databook. Dr. Mike Grelle added that specialized Databook versions could be produced for different audiences. Dr. Lehmkuhle then distributed a report card on transfer for academic year 2002-2003. He stated that a simple, two page document about the transfer system in Missouri should be developed for public distribution. Dr. Lehmkuhle also suggested that COTA should have trend data on key transfer issues.
Dr. Jorgenson noted that as the Databook generated discussion at the Transfer Conference and the subsequent work session, it had fulfilled its purpose. The question for COTA at this point is, how does the Databook need to be refined into a finished document? Attendees discussed producing a targeted supplement to the Databook, rather than revising the entire publication. Dr. Grelle proposed that COTA define and produce trend data on 4 or 5 broad indicators of transfer and articulation. Dr. Scanlon noted that those broad indicators could be used to focus next year’s Transfer Conference. Dr. Lehmkuhle suggested forming a group to decide on the macro variables COTA could use in assessing state-wide transfer. Dr. Jorgenson asked for volunteers to serve on such a committee. Members will include Dr. Crain, Dr. Grelle, Dr. Lehmkuhle or Dr. Kandis Smith, and Dr. Jorgenson or Dr. Don Doucette.
III. Advanced Credit Pilot Projects
Mr. Kintzel and Ms. Fuhrman distributed information on the March 5, 2007 conference call among Dr. Jorgenson, Dr. Lehmkuhle, MDHE staff and the Community College Research Center regarding one of the dual credit pilot projects under consideration. The information also included questions COTA members had asked, as well as questions the CCRC had for COTA. Mr. Kintzel noted that a set of questions had also been forwarded to Dr. Marcia Pfeiffer of StLCC – Florissant Valley, in relation to the proposed Gateway to College program proposal.
Dr. Grelle expressed his ethical concerns regarding the methodology of the CCRC project. Dr. Lehmkuhle referred to COTA’s current dual credit policy, noting that part of its original purpose was to avoid compromising the standards of the courses. Dr. Crain asked about the purpose of the pilot studies, wondering if the Coordinating Board’s dual credit policy might be changed as a result of the projects.
Dr. Robert Stein explained the two projects in further detail, noting that they are both research in nature, having the potential to produce valuable information, and their purpose is not to change the current policy. Ethical concerns were raised by both Dr. Grelle and Dr. Lehmkuhle, and Dr. Stein noted that answers to COTA’s questions would determine whether or not these projects would be undertaken. Dr. Jorgenson inquired about the actions COTA needed to take regarding the pilot projects. Dr. Stein recommended that COTA find out more information about both projects.
Discussion moved to the general topic of dual credit, as Dr. Lehmkuhle asked whether or not there are institutions of higher education providing dual credit in Missouri that are not signatories of the Board’s dual credit policy. Dr. Stein noted that COTA at one point brought all institutions providing dual credit into compliance. However, since that time, it is not known how many institutions are no longer following the policy, and COTA is delegated responsibility by the CBHE to encourage compliance with the dual credit policy.
IV. Accountability Measures (Legislative Update)
Dr. Stein provided COTA with an update on recent legislative actions. In regards to SB 389, specific language does concern transfer and articulation issues. Dr. Stein noted that the language had been modified, and that the legislation could support the management of core course equivalencies, as well as the development of consistent standards for entry into collegiate-level work. Dr. Lehmkuhle expressed that his main concern with the legislation involved the motives behind it, or the assumptions that the transfer system is “broken.” Dr. Stein suggested producing a “quick facts” publication on transfer and articulation in Missouri.
V. Advanced Credit Opportunities Survey
Ms. Fuhrman and Mr. Kintzel handed out a copy of COTA’s Advanced Credit Opportunities Survey, as well as the initial information gained from the survey results. Dr. Grelle expressed his opinion that the bottom line of advanced credit is how well students perform in the courses, in which case it might be more helpful to judge the merits of the course rather than the students. Dr. Scanlon noted that if the quality of courses decline, so might the grading systems decline as well. He asked about the availability of data on the various grading systems in advanced credit courses.
The changing nature of dual credit programs was brought up by Dr. Crain, to which Dr. Lehmkuhle responded that one way to ensure compliance with dual credit policy is for institutions of higher education to limit acceptance of transfer dual credit to other signatory institutions. Dr. Jorgenson agreed, noting that there are no consequences in place for institutions not following the dual credit policy.
New Business
VI. UM Transition Conference
Dr. Jorgenson reported that COTA has been scheduled to present at the UM Transition Conference on March 30, 2007 at 10:30 am. Dr. Jorgenson stated that COTA would present on its goals and activities and asked if COTA wanted to do a panel discussion or to have co-presenters. It was decided that co-presenters would work best, and that Dr. Jorgenson and Dr. Crain would present.
Other
Dr. Lehmkuhle reported that he had received a proposal from a group of counselors wishing to serve as an advisory group to COTA. The proposal regarded the proposed advisory group’s organization and function. Dr. Lehmkuhle stated that he would forward the proposal to COTA members.
Dr. Stein officially welcomed Dr. Aaron Podolefsky, President, University of Central Missouri as a new member to COTA.
Adjournment
Dr. Jorgenson adjourned the meeting at 2:35 p.m.
Next Meeting
The next COTA meeting will be held on March 28, 2007, at 2:00 pm, via conference call.
