The University of Texas at Arlington

Administrative Council

Minutes

The Administrative Council met in regular session Monday, February 18, 2002 at 2:15 p.m. in the University Center Concho Room. President Robert E. Witt presided.

Enrollment Update. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dana Dunn announced that this Spring is the ninth consecutive semester that UTA has celebrated an enrollment increase. We have already reached the enrollment level projected for 2006 in the Campus Master Plan. The official headcount enrollment is 20,842. The Semester Credit Hour Production is up 7.8%, for a total of 15,585 hours. If this continues, it will serve us very well as we enter the base budget period this summer. Virtually all the colleges and schools are showing increases. One of the most striking increases is that for new graduate students, a 27.5% increase over last Spring.

Remarks by the President. President Witt expressed thanks to all who helped produce the increase in enrollment. He is equally well-pleased about the quality of students we are seeing which is as important as the growth in enrollment. Some of the things we have been working on for three or four years are starting to pay results. We have department/college/school and graduate school level efforts to seek out and persuade better students to attend the University.

The President stated that he believes that signs of a healthy academic community are evident in more alumni supporting the University and greater attendance at campus events. The alumni annual giving program has exceeded its goal of a 20% increase for three years in a row. The School of Nursing exceeded its goal of raising $50,000 for scholarship funds by more than $100,000.

There are two apartment complex projects underway now. The College of Science is making progress in the design of their new building. Planning is moving forward for the new Fine Arts Annex and the facility that will house specimens from Biology.

The Campus Master Planning committee will meet to look at where we are and what kinds of changes need to be made. It is imperative that we stick to the master plan, but it must change and grow as we change and grow.

President Witt is encouraged by the fact that we are having a good year recruiting faculty. He is confident that several new degree programs will be approved by System and the Coordinating Board.

Administrative Council Meeting Schedule. President Witt introduced the thought of whether it is necessary for the Council to meet each semester. He asked members to consider whether it is a productive use of time. Members will be contacted at a later date.

Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 2:35 p.m.

Recorded by Connie Frazier