Cabinet Meeting Summary Conway Campus – President’s Board Room Meeting Dated September 9th, 2020 – Short Agenda ___

Cabinet Attendees: Dr. Marilyn Fore, President * Mr. Harold Hawley, VP - Finance and Administration Mr. Greg Mitchell, VP - Continuing Education & Workforce Development Dr. Melissa Batten, VP – Student Services Mrs. Lori Heafner, AVP - Institutional Planning, Research, and Grants Dr. Jennifer Wilbanks, EVP- Academic Affairs Mr. John Dove, VP - Information Technology Mrs. Jacquelyn Snyder, VP – Human Resources Mrs. Lari Roper, Marketing Director * Ms. Nicole Hyman, Public Relations Director

Meeting Summary:

1. Dr. Batten discussed current day-to-day enrollment levels and shared results from the recent “drop-for- non-attendance” process. Cabinet discussed State-wide enrollment trends and how the College was comparing against other 2-year colleges as well as that at 4-year senior institutions. Dr. Batten also discussed the many challenges of converting applicants to enrolled students, and mentioned that she will be providing Cabinet with survey results and quantitative data outlining reasons why students did not persist with their enrollment this fall. Dr. Wilbanks mentioned the enrollment trends in various academic programs and highlighted where student interest and growth trends were most prevalent. Cabinet members discussed the spring enrollment projections.

2. Dr. Wilbanks presented a request and justification to hire a full-time PTA faculty. After discussion among the various members, the request was unanimously approved.

3. Dr. Wilbanks requested Cabinet approval for an “open house” event on November 2nd dedicated to the Golf and Sports Turf Program’s newly constructed outdoor learning lab on the Conway Campus. Cabinet members all unanimously endorsed the event and applauded the accomplishments of the new outdoor lab site.

4. Dr. Batten led Cabinet through an extensive discussion regarding the proposed Fall Commencement event. Dr. Batten reported that the MB Convention Center was open for an October 27th event and her team was working with appropriate State Officials for their approval to allow the event to exceed 250 occupants. Cabinet members discussed the many logistical facets of the event, especially in light of the COVID-19 environment. Those factors included but were not limited to number of allowable tickets, platform guests, event processionals, safety and security, and faculty/staff awards. Mr. Mitchell offered various options for awarding and communicating seating availability to students and their guests. After discussion, the Cabinet members unanimously agreed on a primary and secondary (e.g., back-up) Fall Commencement plan depending on the approvals granted from State officials. Dr. Batten agreed to provide details of the Commencement proposals with President Fore for her input and approval.

5. Cabinet discussed the upcoming Area Commission agenda in detail. Changes and additions to the meeting will be shared with President Fore for her consideration and approval. Dr. Batten discussed conducting “rehearsals” in Cabinet prior to future Area Commission meetings to better prepare for expected questions; and her recommendation was unanimously approved. Dr. Wilbanks also provided an update on the status of the proposed Aviation Program relative to the upcoming Commission meeting.

6. Cabinet members unanimously approved dedicating selected rooms/spaces to prior Area Commission members and honoring those members with a dedication ceremony.

7. Mr. Dove mentioned that he was in the midst of completing the strategic plan for the College’s Information Technology Division. In the coming weeks, he will be presenting Cabinet members with that plan along specific recommendations for the future.

8. Mr. Mitchel provided an update on the relocation of the Continuing Education staff to Building 600 on the Grand Strand Campus. He also provided an update on the SC Apprenticeship Programs and the College’s participation in those initiatives.

9. Dr. Batten mentioned that College employees who are pursuing advanced degrees will be attending Cabinet sessions in the near future as part of their academic curriculum requirements. Cabinet fully endorsed their inclusion and participation in future meetings.

10. Ms. Hyman discussed the upcoming communication from President Fore regarding College-wide updates. Ms. Hyman will be reaching Cabinet members on an individual basis to solicit their input and assistance in preparing those messages.

11. Mrs. Snyder discussed the upcoming New Employee Orientation training that will be provided by Mr. Dove ad Mr. Hawley via Teams (remote).

12. The Cabinet meeting officially adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for September 16th at 9:00 am in the President’s Boardroom on the Conway Campus. That meeting will be a long agenda. ______

* Not in attendance.