The Bear Ledger

The Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools approved a visiting team’s recommendation to accredit University of Central Arkansas for seven years.

The 10-member evaluation team conducted a site visit March 8-10. Its goal was to verify the university’s self-study findings, make judgments about UCA’s compliance with good practice, federal requirements, and HLC policies; recommend appropriate follow-up; and provide consultation to the university. The report covers the period between 2000-2009.

No sanctions or adverse actions were recommended by the team. The site team’s report is available at myUCA under Resources.

The Statement of Affiliation Status and Organizational Profile will be posted on the Higher Learning Commission’s website on Aug. 31.

The team recognized significant accomplishments since the last accreditation visit including:

· Sustained growth of programs and scholarly productivity of programs in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences;

· Progress in the responding to the university’s financial crisis;

· Successful efforts by the Graduate School to work across the campus in developing consensus-based graduate faculty criteria;

· Outstanding support provided by the Instructional Development Center to faculty;

· Attractive and well-maintained physical plant;

· The university’s “strong and mutually supportive” relationships with it communities.

· The “visible and important” roles played by the campus’s learning communities, including Residential Colleges, in providing educational opportunities to undergraduate students.

Team members also commended the faculty and staff for their resiliency and deep commitment to the university’s mission and to the students during turbulent times. Faculty and staff “remained dedicated to high quality of teaching, accessible student support, and effective and innovative learning experiences,” the report states.

However, the team identified issues related to governance, assessment of student learning, diversity and internationalization, enrollment management, processes and employee development in its report.

Also, the university had not made progress since the 2000 accreditation visit to implement a comprehensive, long-range plan, the report states. A “Strategic Framework” was adopted in 2004 to address the need for a long-range plan, but was not fully implemented.

The university has taken steps to develop a strategic plan that will drive the university’s future growth. In February, representatives from the faculty, staff, and student body began working on a strategic plan that will look at institutional and environmental driving forces that impact the university as well as UCA’s strengths and weaknesses. The proposed plan also will focus on the university’s core values, mission, vision and institutional distinctiveness. The strategic plan is expected to be completed during the 2010-2011 academic year.

The team recognized that the present administration has committed to institution-wide planning and broad participation in planning.

The university will submit a monitoring report to the Higher Learning Commission on May 1, 2012 on the status of the strategic planning process. The team will conduct a focus visit on the long-range planning implementation in the spring of 2014.The team recommends that the next comprehensive visit occur in 2016-17. The team indicated that if the 2014 visit goes well the 2014 team may recommend extending the time frame for the next comprehensive visit to 2020.

The monitoring report must also address the areas of: meeting the needs of diverse students and employees; incorporating shared governance, transparent communication, and an organizational and administrative structure with well-defined roles and responsibilities; assessment of student learning aligned with the mission of the university; and evaluating and measuring institutional effectiveness in non-instructional programs, institutional outreach, and student support for all instructional delivery modes, the report states.

“We appreciate the site team’s hard work during their visit and their re-affirmation that we are now addressing the right issues,” said UCA President Allen Meadors. “A special thanks to our university community for stepping up and helping address these issues. With the current commitment, I am confident that UCA can address all of the issues identified by the site visit team within the time-frame suggested by the Higher Learning Commission.”

Dr. Lance Grahn, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, said the HLC report fundamentally reaffirms the essential quality of UCA’s academic programs, faculty, and graduates.

“It commends the faculty for its continuing commitment to high quality teaching, learning, research, and creative activities despite the financial challenges that the university faced two years ago,” he said. “In fact, the report cited the university’s potential to become one of the very best public comprehensive universities in the entire country. UCA’s leadership is proud of the university’s indispensable academic strength.

“At the same time, we recognize that we have much to do to make UCA even stronger, more vital, and all the more accountable to our entire UCA community,” he continued. “And even though much of the critique dates back 10, even 20 years, UCA’s current leadership takes the responsibility for moving UCA forward with firmer commitments to assessment, planning, diversity, and internationalization. The leadership trusts that its efforts this past year to launch several major planning initiatives and enhance diversity and internationalization give our community confidence that UCA’s future is indeed bright. “

The University of Central Arkansas’s debt rating remains stable, according to a recent report by Moody’s Investors Service.

The stable outlook reflects expectations of a gradual improvement in cash and financial resource levels, management’s ongoing successful implementation of cash flow enhancement efforts and continued support from the state, the report states.

The university maintained its A3 rating. UCA’s rating was recalibrated to A3 from Baa1 in May.

“The latest Moody’s report positively reflects the tremendous progress UCA has made and continues to make,” said Diane Newton, vice president for finance and administration. “While we are pleased with the previously upgraded rating of A3 with a stable rating, we think when Moody’s receives the University’s audited statements later this year, there will be room for additional upward movement.”

The current rating should provide for favorable interest rates, Newton added.

UCA ended fiscal year 2009 with a cash balance of $3.2 million with no amounts drawn on a line of credit as compared to a net cash position of negative $4.3 million the prior year, the report states. Operating cash flow improved in fiscal year 2010 — based on unaudited data — to 16.2% from an average of 9.3% in the prior five years.

Based on preliminary data, monthly days cash on hand improved to 34 days at June 30, 2010 from 13 days at June 30, 2009, the report states. According to unaudited reports, fiscal year 2010 shows an increase in net cash position from $6.1 million to $23 million through expense containment and careful cash management.

Unrestricted and unallocated cash improved from $221,000 at the end of fiscal year 2008 to $4.5 million as of June 30, 2010. UCA officials plan to build fund balance reserves to eight percent of the operating budget or around $12.6 million for fiscal year 2010.

The report noted that the university’s rating could improve “if the University continues to rebuild financial reserves and maintains student market strength and operating support from the State while limiting additional debt.”

The report credits the university’s rating to the senior management’s resolve “to improve operating cash flow and cash position through revenue management, cost containment and collection of accounts receivable.”

“Management continues to cut expenditures and pursue student accounts receivable more aggressively along with instituting more effective financial control,” the report states.

“We are pleased that Moody continues to recognize our steady march back to a solid financial position,” said UCA President Allen Meadors. “I truly appreciate the University community coming together and helping produce the healthiest financial position at UCA in nearly a decade. When the economy starts to turn around, UCA will be in an excellent position to move forward and build on its outstanding legacy.”

Dr. David McFarland, a consultant with Penson Associates Inc., will return to UCA to conduct SPARC stakeholders and Town Hall meetings and review the progress of UCA’s strategic planning initiative. More information will be forthcoming as the meeting dates approach. Town Hall meeting dates are:

College-Specific Meetings, Fall 2010

College of Business
Mon., Oct. 4, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Student Center 215

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mon., Oct. 11, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Student Center 223/224

College of Liberal Arts
Mon., Oct. 18, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Student Center 215

College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Mon., Oct. 25, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Student Center 215

College of Fine Arts and Communication
Tues., Oct. 26, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., Baum Gallery

Campus-Wide Meeting, November 22

University Meeting
Mon., Nov. 22, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., McCastlain Ballroom

Various groups began meeting in early February to develop a strategic plan that will examine the university’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

A Strategic Planning and Resources Council has been charged with the development of the strategic plan. The council consists of representatives from the staff, faculty, students, alumni, UCA board of trustees and the community. Mike Schaefer, a professor of English, is the chairman of the Strategic Planning and Resources Council. Four tasks forces have developed preliminary documents on planning assumptions, driving forces, values, and distinctiveness of the university.

The goal of strategic planning is to:

•Identify the various forces acting on the university as a whole–including finances, public perceptions and expectations, demographics, and technology.

•Assess the resources of various types the university has at its disposal for carrying out its planning.

•Examine and articulate the mission and vision of the university–our sense of our purpose and our aspirations for the future–which will be informed by the core shared values of the university community.

•Identify particular attributes of the university that set us apart from our sister institutions and that thus constitute our distinctive strengths.

The University of Central Arkansas ranks17th out of 69 public universities in the category of “Top Public Schools” among regional universities in the South, according to the 2011 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

Overall, UCA ranks 47th out of 121 private and public institutions in the South. The university remains the highest ranked Arkansas public university among regional universities in the South, according to the report.

UCA President Allen Meadors was pleased that UCA continues to be among the strongest public universities in the South. The university’s ranking affirms that the faculty and staff do a tremendous job to provide the best educational experience for students.

The U.S. News & World Report rankings, which include rankings of more than 1,400 schools nationwide, were released Tuesday. Rankings were based on peer assessment; retention and graduation rate of UCA’s student body; faculty resources; student selectivity; financial resources; and alumni giving.

“We are pleased to have our stature among the public universities of Arkansas reconfirmed and to know that our academic reputation in the South remains strong,” said Dr. Lance Grahn, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “Our recognition also tells students and their parents that UCA is a great value. We are committed to constant improvement at UCA, and our stability in this listing only strengthens our dedication to even greater excellence in the future.”

UCA Student Health Clinic has adopted a “No Show” policy that includes a $10 charge for missing an appointment.

The new policy went into effect July 1. The $10 charge will be added to an individual’s Student Health Center patient account if an appointment is missed. A missed appointment includes anyone who is more than 10 minutes late for their appointment, according to Student Health Clinic officials.

For more information about the policy, call the clinic at (501)450-3136 or email shc@uca.edu.

Back to School Forums Slated Sept. 2 and Sept. 7

Back to School Forums with President Allen Meadors and the executive staff are scheduled for 1:40 p.m., on Thurs., Sept. 2, and Tues., Sept. 7, in McCastlain Ballroom. These forums will provide faculty and staff an opportunity to ask questions about topics that were discussed in the Back to School Newsletter or any other topics of interest.

New Faculty Orientation Lunch and Learn

New to Conway? Wondering what there is to do on these wonderful fall weekends coming up? Please join us for a brown bag lunch (bring your own lunch and drink) on Sept. 2. IDC Director Margaret Malek will answer questions and share information for newcomers to the area. Returning faculty are also welcome to attend and share their expertise. The lunch will begin at 12:15 p.m. in Torreyson Library 319. Email idc@uca.edu or call 450-5240 to reserve your place.

Budget Advisory Committee Meeting Dates

The meeting dates for the Budget Advisory Committee have been set for the year. All meetings are open to the public. Meeting dates are: Sept. 16, Thompson Hall 331;Oct. 14, Wingo 315; Nov. 11, Wingo 315; Dec. 9, Wingo 315; Jan. 13, Wingo 315; Feb. 10, Wingo 315; March 10, Wingo 315; and April 21, Wingo 315. The membership of the Budget Advisory Committee is still under construction and will be finalized through college and at-large elections as well as staff and administrative appointments. Please see http://www.uca.edu/facultysenate/committees/budgetadvisory.php for details on our charge and our membership. Contact Lynn Burley, chair, at 450-3633 or lburley@uca.edu for more information.

Fitness Assessments Available at the HPER Fitness Center

Fitness assessments are now available at the HPER Fitness Center. The assessments are free to all students, faculty and staff. To sign-up, you must do so in person at the HPER Fitness Center. Ask for someone wearing a purple shirt in the cardio room. Each comprehensive fitness assessment lasts about an hour and consists of: health history questionnaire; sub-max bike test; body composition; and circumference measurements.

Staff Senate Seek Volunteers for UCA Football Games

The Staff Senate is looking for volunteers to work football games. The money raised by working football games helps support staff and staff dependent scholarships. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Austin Clowers at aclowers@uca.edu.

Office of Minority Student Services Seeks Mentors

The Office of Minority Student Services is seeking mentors for its Level II Mentorship Program. The office will match minority faculty and staff members to current minority upperclassmen (sophomores – seniors) in similar majors, experiences or interest. The program offers opportunities for faculty and staff mentors to share insights with UCA students and provides a meaningful way to connect faculty, staff and students. Mentors and mentees are asked to make contact on at least four occasions throughout a semester. Individuals interested in becoming a Faculty/Staff mentor should contact Angela Jackson, interim director of Minority Student Services, by Wednesday, Sept. 1. Angela can be reached at angelaj@uca.edu.

Beatles Tribute Scheduled Sept. 10 at Reynolds

“1964 -The Tribute”, named the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth” by Rolling Stone, comes to Reynolds Performance Hall Sept. 10. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. “1964” recreates an early ‘60s live Beatles concert with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles, and on-stage banter.

Deborah Norville Kicks-off Distinguished Lecture Series Sept. 17

Deborah Norville, anchor of Inside Edition, America’s top-rated syndicated news magazine, will kickoff this year’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Before Inside Edition, Norville was with CBS News where she was a correspondent for Street Stories, 48 Hours, and co-anchor for America Tonight. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 17 in Reynolds Performance Hall.

Educational Seminars and Professional Development Schedule

Sexual Harassment

Sept. 2, 9 – 10 a.m. Student Center #213

Sept. 20, 2 – 3 p.m. Student Center #213

Sept. 23, X-period Student Center #213

Sexual harassment online training is available on the UCA web page at “Human Resources” or “Training and Development” or at http://training.newmedialearning.com/psh/ucentralarkansas/choice.htm

Diversity

This year’s topic of discussion – Sexual Orientation

Sept. 9, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Student Center #215

Sept. 16, 1:30 – 3 p.m. Student Center #215

Sept. 22, 1:30 – 3 p.m. Student Center #223/224

Sept. 28, 9 a.m.– 10:30 a.m. Student Center #215

Professional Development

Sept. 8, noon -1:30 p.m. SC #215 Intellectual Properties & Copyright Law
Jud Copeland (College of Education)

Recent legislative changes in the U.S. copyright law and intellectual property policies have highlighted the need to broaden knowledge of how information is produced and consumed inside the educational environment. What do instructors need to know about copyright and intellectual property for their own teaching, scholarship and publications? What do they need to know to direct the work product of their students? What do students need to know to become responsible researchers, creators, and authors? This presentation is a direct response to these issues.

To register for seminars, visit training@uca.edu. Specific questions may be directed to the Office of University Training at 450-3135 or Charlotte Strickland, education seminar coordinator at 450-5470 or training@uca.edu.

Show your support for breast cancer research by joining UCA’s team in this year’s Race for the Cure. Everyone is invited to join, and registering is easy.

Go to http://www.komenarkansas.org/, click on Komen Race for the Cure, Register, Join a Team (on the right), and type University of Central Arkansas into the team name box. For more information contact Carol Hanan at chanan@uca.edu. Faculty, staff, administration, students, their families and friends are encouraged to join the UCA team.

UCA President Allen Meadors is providing the team t-shirts for participants on UCA’s team for the Komen Race for the Cure to be held in Little Rock on Oct. 16. As a team participant, you will receive a gray, long-sleeved t-shirt with UCA’s team logo. Participants must agree to wear the t-shirt so that it is visible during the race. To get your free t-shirt, sign up for the race by noon, Sept. 10. Individuals will receive an email when the shirts are available. They can be picked up on campus.

Don’t want to sign up for the race, but still want a UCA team t-shirt? You can purchase one for a very low price. Just send your name, shirt size and a check made payable to Lynn Burley at The Writing Department, Thompson Hall 336 by Sept. 10. Prices for those not on the UCA Team are:
S/M/L/XL, $10.28; XXL, $11.91 and XXXL, $12.45.

All runners, walkers, virtual runners, and Three Miles of Men will receive the official t-shirt from the Susan G. Komen organization as well as the official UCA team shirt.

The Faculty Senate is soliciting candidates for an at-large seat on Budget Advisory Committee and a part-time senator on the Faculty Senate.

The at-large seat on the Budget Advisory Committee expires in August 2011. The seat is chosen from among those permanent, full-time faculty not working within the formal six colleges. If interested, please send your name along with a short statement of interest to be sent out to faculty by Thurs., Sept. 2.

The part-time senator is elected by the part-time faculty (part-time faculty are defined as “part-time employees of the university with teaching included as a responsibility of their appointment” by the Faculty Senate Constitution). The term is for one academic year and expires on May 1, 2011. The part-time senator is a non-voting member except on issues that directly affect part-time faculty as determined by the president of the Faculty Senate. All Senators are expected to attend every meeting. If interested, please send your name, department and college along with a short statement of interest to be sent out to faculty by Thursday, September 2.

Early voting for seat on the Budget Advisory Committee and Faculty Senate will take place in the library Sept. 8 and Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the circulation desk. The election will be held on Fri., Sept. 10 in the library from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Lynn Burley, president of the Faculty Senate, at (501) 450-3633 or
lburley@uca.edu