COTA Meeting Minutes, February 2008

Committee on Transfer and Articulation (COTA)
Missouri Department of Higher Education
February 27, 2008

Participants Evelyn Jorgenson (Chair), Jeanie Crain, Arlen Dykstra (via phone), , Steven Graham, Mike Grelle,

COTA-AC Representative: Melissa Hattman (via phone)

MDHE Staff: Hillary Fuhrman, B.J. White, Ken Winn, Julie Chapman, and Ken Vollmar

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. Mike Grelle and seconded by Dr. Jeanie Crain to approve the minutes of the January 23, 2008 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business

II. 2008 Transfer Conference Wrap-up

Ms. Hillary Fuhrman reported that she and Ms. Julie Chapman had worked on a draft of the Transfer Conference Report. The report was based on the attendees’ feedback submitted through the conference evaluation forms. Ms. Fuhrman reported that there had been a 38% response rate, but many useful suggestions and comments had been provided. Ms. Fuhrman also reiterated that that there would be no immediate actions for transfer practitioners due to the nature of the CAI. Dr. Grelle asked if there was any particular group that had complaints about the conference and noted that it is difficult to cover a wide variety of issues in a single day. Ms. Fuhrman responded that due to the low response rate it was not really possible to determine if a particular group was unhappy with the conference.

Dr. Crain stated that she had heard from participants that they wanted to be involved earlier in the day. Drs. Jorgenson and Grelle concurred. Dr. Grelle also suggested that the next conference have greater diversity of topics. Ms. Melissa Hattman noted the comments from participants indicating that a two day conference might be in order for the 2009 conference and asked COTA if that option should be explored for the next conference. Ms. Fuhrman replied that perhaps a longer day would serve better. Dr. Crain stated that COTA should focus more on the structure of the day rather than a two day conference. Dr. Ken Winn suggested a multiplicity of topics instead of single focus. Ms. Fuhrman noted that because CAI would not be the focus next year the topic would not require such a long introduction.

Dr. Crain noted that participant comments should guide the CAI. Dr. Jorgenson asked how the participants’ comments and concerns would be addressed. Dr. Crain stated that most comments would have to be addressed in the implementation stage of CAI. Ms. Fuhrman replied that some questions can be answered now, but that most are framing the later policy discussion that will take place. Dr. Jorgenson stated that the Transfer Conference Report should be sent to those involved in the CAI process and to directors of assessment at the colleges and universities. Ms. Fuhrman concurred and stated that the final draft will go to the 2008 Transfer Conference participants, CAI participants and other stakeholder groups. Dr. Jorgenson then commended Ms. Fuhrman, Ms. Chapman, and COTA-AC for their work on the 2008 Transfer Conference and the Transfer Conference Report.

III. Dual Credit Survey

Dr. Steven Graham stated that he and Dr. Arlen Dykstra had drafted a survey to be sent to CAO’s to get feedback on how the Dual Credit program was doing throughout the state. Dr. Graham stated that some questions were designed so that if there was no response or no problem was listed that it could indicate an issue with the program. Dr. Graham also noted that administrative turnover can lead to a loss of direction for some Dual Credit programs. Dr. Grelle asked if a question could be added if secondary schools have received any negative feedback on their students who have taken Dual Credit from the postsecondary institutions which those students attend. Dr. Jorgenson stated that might not be possible since many institutions do not indicate that a course was a Dual Credit course on student transcripts and this makes it hard to track.

It was agreed that the survey would be sent via email and would be sent to CAO’s and be directed to be completed by the director of Dual Credit. The response would have to be approved by the CAO. Dr. Graham indicated that question 6 should have a range for the responses. COTA reviewed the survey and cover letter and made a few changes as needed.

New Business

IV. MO-AEYC Early Childhood Director’s Credential

Mr. B.J. White stated that he had been contacted by Mr. Mike Abel, the president of Missouri Association for the Education of the Young Child (MO-AEYC) who was interested in developing a nine credit hour director’s credential for early childhood program directors. Mr. White stated that Mr. Abel was seeking to develop three courses along the AAT model that could be offered at two-year and four-year colleges and universities across the state. COTA members asked that Mr. Abel provide them with a more concise plan with specific information regarding the courses to be developed and present it at the next COTA meeting.

Other

Ms. Hattman stated that COTA-AC would be holding nominations from next year’s COTA-AC members from late March through April 28, 2008. The election will be held from May 1 through May 15, 2008.

Adjournment

Dr. Jorgenson adjourned the meeting at 1:40 p.m.

Next Meeting

The next COTA meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. via conference call.