Title: THE ST CLAIR COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY
Author: Network Services
Company: St. Calir College

THE ST. CLAIR COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY

MINUTES

of the

340^th  MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2001 

in the Board Room, South Campus, 2000 Talbot Rd. W. Windsor, Ontario at 6:30 p.m.

PRESENT:		Ms. V. Barker
			Ms M. Bearfoot-Jones
			Mr. J. Belanger
			Mr. L. Browning
			Mr. R. Feldman
			Mr. S. Funtig
			Ms. D Livneh
			Mr. J. Lucas
			Mr. R. Marentette
			Ms. L .McGeachy Schultz, Vice-Chair
			Ms. C. Pare
			Mr. J. Strasser, President
			Mr. M. Vourakes
			Ms. P. Williams
			Ms. S. Garant, Recording Officer	
			Also Present:
			Ms. P. Abbott, Observer, OPSEU Local 137, Support Staff
			Mr. T. Bateman, Facilities Manager
			Mr. J. Chambers, Chair, Applied Arts
			Mr. E.P. Chant, Editor, Saint Newspaper
			Ms. D. Church , FCEM Project Manager
			Ms. T. Comartin, President, Student Athletic Association
			Mr. G. Docherty, Vice President, Academic
			Mr. D. France, General Manager, SRC	
			Ms. P. France, Executive Director,  Student Support Systems				Mr. L. Iverson, Observer, OPSEU Local 138, Faculty
			Ms. S.Garant, Recording Officer
			Ms. J. Harris, Executive Director, Student Support Systems	
			Mr. D. Hogan, Faculty
			Mr. J. Lessa, Chair, St. Clair Foundation
			Ms. L. Logan, Vice President, Corporate Services
			Mr. T. McCarthy, Director, St. Clair Foundation
			Ms. P. McFarlane, Principal, Thames Campus
			Ms. G. Sullens, Foundation
	
ABSENT:		Ms. K. Bevan
			Mr. R. Pollack, Chair, Board of Governors

	A quorum of the Board of Governors being present, and notice of the meeting and the agenda having been sent to all Board members, the meeting was declared duly constituted.  A copy of the Notice of Meeting/Agenda is attached as Appendix A.

	In Mr. Pollock’s absence, Ms. Lynn McGeachy Schultz chaired the meeting.  Sue Garant was the Recording Officer.

	Acting Chair, Ms. Lynn McGeachy Schultz opened the meeting with thanks to Ms. Connie Pare for her hard work and effort in the planning of this year’s Board retreat.  Ms. McGeachy Schultz  also shared the Board’s support for Dr. Strasser during this difficult time.

	
1.0	ADOPTION OF AGENDA AND DECLARATION OF INTEREST.

There was no declaration of interest.

The Chair announced that item 6.1, would be discussed prior to agenda  item 5.1 and item 6.2 would follow agenda item 5.3.	

RESOLVED that the agenda be adopted as amended.

2.0	APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2001.    

 	RESOLVED that the minutes of September 18, 2001 St. Clair College Board of Governors, be adopted as circulated.

3.0       CONSTITUENT REPORTS

 			Mr. D. France reported that SRC both Thames and Windsor had a successful trip to Cedar Point, with 3 busloads of student participants.  He also mentioned the Halloween Party taking place that night and that the Alumni Board was planning for Homecoming, and indicating that the Board would be kept informed of those plans as they progress.

Ms. T. Comartin distributed season passes to Board members for upcoming varsity hockey, basketball and volleyball games.

4.0	POLICY DEVELOPMENT-BOARD COMMITTEES

Ms. McGeachy Schultz reviewed the “Board Committee  Principles draft policy, emphasizing the changes made at the October 16, 2001 Committee of the Whole meeting. 
The reviewed distributed policy is attached as item 4.4. 

RESOLVED that October 30, 2001 be the implementation date of the Policy Development process and the changes be adopted as amended and entered into the Policy Manual.

4.1	     Appointment of Audit Committee

A call for volunteers to sit on the Audit Committee of the Board was made.

RESOLVED that Audit Committee included Mr. S. Funtig, Ms. D. Livneh and Ms. P. Williams and that the Chair of that committee be elected from that group.

4.2	     Approval of Audited Financial Statement

Mr. S. Funtig Chaired the Audit Committee and presented the report  for approval.

RESOLVED that the Audited Financial Statements be accepted as reported.

4.3	Request for New Program Approval –General Arts & Science – One Year

Prior to introducing Mr. D. Hogan, co-ordinator of the General Arts & Science Program, Mr. Docherty highlighted the customer focus of the program and also how it relates to retention and student recruitment.

	Mr. Hogan gave an overview of the G.A.S. Program since it’s inception in 1988.  He explained that	75% of G.A.S. students go on to Post Secondary programs.  It attracts students who are shy of the academic qualifications as well as those in need of vocational direction.

	Although originally introduced as a four semester program, the trend is toward this fast track, two- semester program with its five -stream option.  This program presents a unique opportunity for students and no capital expense.

	In response to a governor’s question regarding the career- counseling component of the program, Mr. Hogan pointed to the course (SS 117) Job Search, which is available to G.A.S. students and also the fact that students are able to explore different vocational fields and upgrade their marks for College entrance.

A Board member questioned what remediation was available, i.e. faculty in the Learning Center, student tutors.

Mr. Hogan stated that Advanced Standing would be granted for those courses within the G.A.S. program that apply to the student’s program of choice, thus lightening the course load and ensuring success.

				RESOLVED  to approve the new General Arts and 
Science –Two-Semester Certificate Program commencing January 2002.

5.0	MONITORING REPORTS	

5.1	Report - FCEM (Strategic Direction No. 4 – Focus on the Employer as a Client)

Mr.  Docherty introduced Ms. D. Church, FCEM Project Manager. After thanking Ms. A. Hetherington, Marketing Manager for her
 	help, Ms.Church presented a promotional video detailing the FCEM.2003.

		In response to a governor’s question	Ms. Church indicated that there is a three-year professional development plan which allows faculty to maintain and enhance their proficiencies.  She also expressed the need to liquidate old equipment to allow the procurement of the latest up-to-date equipment.

		Board member Ms. D. Livneh emphasized the need for laser machines, robotics etc. to attract the best qualified instructors to provide grads with marketable skills in the highly competitive manufacturing industries. Ms. Church replied that the equipment list is a “living” list based on industry consultations.

		Related to fundraising for the FCEM, Mr. T. McCarthy expressed the need for the Foundation long-range plans, i.e. endowment fund of approximately $2 million per year to accommodate five-year equipment roll over!  President Strasser echoed the need for modern, sophisticated equipment and thanked Ms. Church for her excellent presentation.

RESOLVED that the presentation be accepted for information.

5.2	Business Plan – International Development (Strategic Direction No. 4 Focus on the Learner)
Dr. Strasser started the discussion, by indicating that International Development  is not a short-term money maker and that there has to be caring and commitment in entering the global community.  He then introduced Virginia Macchiavello and Mike Vourakes to discuss their Business Plan. 
		Ms. Macchiavello indicated that the Business Plan period would end by the year 2004. A base would be established which is moving away from the previously used Ad Hoc method.  The plan is to move the College into the Global Community by developing a marketing strategy developed by 
Ms. Macchiavello and Mr. M. Vourakes. There has been a 65% enrolment growth in the International sector, from 17 students to 91.  The majority of revenue generated has come from the Panama Project.  Future plans are to increase participants by development of a model, in both recruitment and marketing.  She expressed a need for standardized admission policies as well as a need to freeze international fees. St. Clair College currently has the highest fees in Ontario. There is a lean toward a reduction in EASL (English as a Second Language) fees by 10%.  We must also improve program criteria and work to achieve ease in acquiring visas and entry into Canada for students.  The College should also focus on developing corporate training partnerships abroad by participating in joint ventures and student exchanges. This will increase our visibility in the International community.  Projects such as the Early Childhood Education students going to Panama and Nursing students traveling to Mexico are excellent examples of these initiatives.  We should add European mobility and enter into new articulation agreements, creating global standards.  She mentioned how the College faculty have made excellent strides toward globalization of the curriculum.  We can look toward offering Applied Degrees in order to attract more international students.  By offering general electives in language and culture, we can provide our students with understanding of cultural diversity and thereby nurture the desire to travel abroad.  There needs to be an internal human resource database, which showcases the capabilities and quality of our faculty, as well as a friendly environment provided to international students.
The College already does this by having various cultural activities on Campus which it heavily promotes.
		There are currently 85 full-time equivalent students and 80 EASL
students.  These numbers have to increase. There should be 48 domestic students to study in NAFTA countries and Europe.  We’re looking to a revenue growth from $936,000 to $1,800,000 and a $200,000 Contract Training target. Our target market should include Latin America, Mexico, Asia-Pacific and the United States.  The U.S. is a natural source due to its’ proximity.  The FCEM will draw students and the expertise of the faculty in the technical as well as hospitality and nursing fields will be positive factors.  A joint MBA program could be one potential corporate contract.  Virginia added that the College would continue to expand the Panama Project as well as explore the Asia Pacific Market along with China and Korea which tend to produce the most revenue.  New targets would also include the Swiss and Eurasia markets.
Ms. Macchiavello mentioned that we are looking at an increase of up to 7200 training days for domestic students taking language courses through the Continuing Education Division, which will increase revenue.

The Board then posed  the following questions to be responded to prior to next Board meeting.

1.	What are the risks involved for International participation compared to the risks of non-participation? 
2.	Are there Board policies related to  International partnerships/processes?
3.	S. Funtig asked for information surrounding the International         Development evaluation mechanism.
4.	How will the FCEM attract students? 
5.	 How will International Development compare targets, and how do they plan to redesign and readjust targets?
6.	D. Livneh enquired about risk and return comparisons by target market.

  C. Pare noted that money spent in 2001 is an investment in the base.  President Strasser emphasized that International Development is expected to contribute $1 million to the College by March 31, 2004.  He also felt that by establishing a base we were heading in the right direction. 
7.	S. Funtig asked for clarification of a comment made that we cannot 
afford to lose more money.  How much will be spent on International	
 Development and how much has already been spent?  He wanted to 
know the full cost allocation.  What programs can we not offer due to 
facility or cost constraints?

Mention was made to address the motion passed re: International Development, at the Board retreat in 1999.

8.	Mr. R. Marentette asked which countries would we not deal with 
(related to Human Rights issues etc.)

9.  Mr. L. Browning questioned International Development infrastructure and if there is enough staff to accommodate increase in enrollment.

There was a call for a definition of International Development, an outline of the structure and how ID tied into the College’s values and mission statements.

	5.3	Report  from the Foundation

Board Member, Deborah Livneh introduced Mr. Jerry Lessa, Chair, St..Clair Foundation.  Ms. Livneh acknowledged that Mr. Lessa is a graduate of St Clair’s (Western Ontario Institute of Technology) Electrical/Electronics Technology program, 1965. He has a BA and MA degree from the University of Minnesota.  He is also President of his own company, SWT Specialty Products.  She mentioned Mr. Lessa’s community involvement with the Tecumseh Business and Industry, as well as his associations with the Tecumseh arena; Windsor Art Gallery, University of Windsor and the Windsor Cancer Association.  
	
Mr. Lessa spoke of the need for trust between the College Board of Governors and the Foundation.  The Foundation motto is “ Ensuring the Future”.  He stressed that the goals of the Foundation should mirror those of St Clair College and that the Foundation be part of the College Team.

The Foundation Board is comprised of an excellent mix of individuals, each bringing his/her expertise:  Mr. Dean Zalev, lawyer; Mr. Tom O’Brien, accountant; past and present Board of Governors Richard Gates, Linda Menard-Watt (University of Windsor), Gary Hillier, Fred Sorrell, Deborah Livneh; Mr. Jake Belanger, St. Clair College alumnus.  Also on the Foundation Board are Mr. T. McCarthy, Executive Director and Gisele Sullens.  St. Clair President John Strasser is the mediator between the College Board of Governors and the Foundation.

Mr. Lessa declared the Foundation mandate was $32 Million toward the FCEM.  The government has pledged $26 Million, leaving $6 Million to be raised.  The Foundation is also working toward an endowment fund of $2 Million for scholarships.

Donations are being targeted through wills and estates, which was originally proposed by Jim Chambers, Chair of Applied Arts.

Mr. Lessa stated that the Executive Director of the Foundation currently Mr. T. McCarthy reports directly to the Board of Governors.  Mr. Lessa recognized John Strasser as an excellent President and representative of St. Clair College.

Acting Chair of the Board, Ms. L. McGeachy Schultz asked what
the Board of Governors could do for the Foundation.  She extended an open invitation to the Foundation Board Chair to come to Board meetings when desired.

	5.4	Student Loan Default Update

Ms.   Logan presented the report based on 1998 Ministry of Education changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program.  She stated that the Colleges now have to share in student loan default, despite the fact that St. Clair has an excellent track record for low rates in defaults by students.  The College has little control other than at the application stage where there is a thorough screening of applicants.

Mr.  Feldman asked if there is any correlation between OSAP repayment and program completion?  Ms. Logan responded there is not a student (defaulter) profile established as yet.  She also noted that the 1999-2000 default rates have declined from 21.4% to 16.9%.  Her thoughts were that financial pressures are the most obvious reason for loan default and how students incurring high personal debts may cause them to file for personal bankruptcy.  Ms. Logan emphasized the need to lobby for information from the government pertaining to defaulter profiles.
 Ms. Harris stated the College System default rate had dropped due to the more rigorous screening process..
S. Funtig offered that loans are too high and good paying jobs are in short supply.

Mr. L. Browning asked for a comparison of loan defaults across the system
.
RESOLVED to defer the following items to the next meeting, November 27, 2001. Interim Financial Statements of September 30, 2001. 
	
5.5	Accrued Vacation Liability – Action Plan

Deferred for at November 27, 2001 discussions related to risk issues.

5.6	Report on Enrolment Audit – Grade Reporting

Accepted for information

5.7	Interim Financial Statements as of September 30, 2001.

Deferred for discussion at November 27, 2001 meeting.

5.8.	Human Rights Policy

Ms. McGeachy Schultz asked if Judith Harris would attend next Board meeting to provide insight as to whether this is Board Policy.
This item was deferred to the next meeting on November 27, 2001.

6.0	INFORMATION REPORTS
	
	6.1	Foundation Presentation by S. Funtig

Mr. Funtig noted that $6 million to be raised for the FCEM.  Mr. Funtig stated the importance of the role played by past Chairs as it relates to fundraising.  He also announced his last year on the Board, having served six years. The Board is expected to take a leadership role in the community and he appealed to the Board to consider pledges to FCEM Project.  He then distributed pledge forms to the Board members.
		
RESOLVED that Mr. Funtig’s report be accepted for information.

6.2	Foundation Liaison Report

Accepted for information

6.3	College Sector Highlights

	College Sector Highlights are attached for review and information.  

6.4	Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (For Discussion on November 27, 2001)
	
	 This item will be discussed at the November 27, 2001 meeting.

Reminders of upcoming events:

-Meeting of the Whole, November 20, 2001 including discussion of clarification of support to the Board
-The November 01, Thursday   Award of Excellence banquet at 6:00pm
-The November 02, Saturday, home opener of the Saints Hockey Team at       2:00pm
-The ACCATO Conference- Hosted by Fanshawe College on
February 17 and 18, 2002 at the Hilton Hotel in London Ontario.
	- Varsity calendars outlining College Varsity events are available 

7.0	DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Full Board will be on Tuesday, November 27, 2001 in Windsor.