COE Update: Week of February 13

It is difficult to believe that we are already approaching the conclusion of another winter term. Is it possible that the earth is rotating more rapidly than in the past, or are we all just getting busier?

I know that each of you are fully engaged, but it will be useful for all of us to take a few minutes to review the content below, especially the material pertaining to Elevate Louisiana and ACT 619.

2017 Spring Forum - Commissioner of Education Rallo

Two-day Higher Education Forum Hosted by Commissioner Rallo

The two-day event focused on elements associated with Student Affairs (Day 1) and the current state of higher education in Louisiana with emphasis given to innovative practices to Elevate Louisiana (Day  2). Links to Spring Forum 2017 materials and resources are provided below.

Spring 2017 Forum
February 1st - Day One Agenda
February 2nd - Day Two Agenda

ACT 619
Among the topics presented and discussed during Spring Forum 2017 was ACT 619 and the Board of Regents Response to the legislation. It is and will continue to be important for us to be informed on this topic and to use our knowledge to inform our strategic planning and implementation. While the changes occurring in Higher Education may be perceived as the onset of increasing difficulties, my personal preference would be to hearken to the wisdom of Winston Churchill, "[A] pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." To begin the process of seizing the opportunities afforded by Elevate Louisiana, please use the links below to become familiar with its elements.

ACT 619
Board of Regents Response to ACT 619
Resources Referenced in the BoR Response


NOTE: I asked Ms. Susana Schowen, Director of Workforce and Mr. Sachin Chintawar, Director of Research and Data, of the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) to visit with us to present on the powerful resources the LWC can make available to us. More to come...
Louisiana Economic Development

Board of Regents Data and  Dashboard
The links below provide access to additional data resources available through the Board of Regents.
Data and Publications - Includes reports on Enrollment, Student Credit Hours, Completers, etc.
Data Dashboard -  Provides access to data associated with the Grad Act, Master Plan, and Institutional Characteristics. 

Tree Update

Shumard Oak

The planting of new trees, Shumard Oaks, has begun along Mayfield Avenue. They grow to a height of 50-70 ft. with a crown spread of 40-60 ft., have great fall colors and are tolerant to drought.  I am looking forward seeing them grow and to the planting of new trees in the barren area south of Woodard Hall.

Who's Who
On January 30 I had the privilege of  sharing some encouraging words of recognition during the Who's Who Among Student in American Universities and Colleges banquet held at the Davison Athletic Complex. The following College of Education students were recognized.
Alexandria Feaster - Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership
Brooklyn Robinson - Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership

Strategic Planning and Implementation Committees
Thank you to the 34 members of the faculty and staff who responded to the SPIC Survey. I need to follow up with a couple of respondents who only ranked one item. For example, one respondent selected only his/her third favorite item :) . The chart below provides a summary of the responses. I will place a priority on grouping each of you in a committee reflective of one of your top two selections.

Congratulations!

• Dr. Joanne Hood, director of A. E. Phillips Laboratory School at Louisiana Tech University, has been elected to serve as the State of Louisiana’s representative with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).
• Recently, the Science and Technology Education Center (SciTEC) coordinated the submission of nine LaSIP proposals through La Tech. That is a record number and far exceeds the number submitted by any other institution. The proposals demonstrated our commitment to interdisciplinary partnerships between our college and colleagues from multiple colleges on our campus. Each of the departments within the college were represented and instrumental in the submissions. Congratulations to all of you who participated in that outstanding process. Well done! Now, we'll keep our fingers crossed as we await the results of the proposals. 

Upcoming Events - Hosted by the COE

• Region VI, VII, and VIII School Superintendents Meeting: Feb. 14, TAC - Waggoner Rm
• Regional Autonomous Robotics Contest: Feb. 18, La Tech Student Center
• Spelling Bee: March 11, Howard Auditorium
  
• State of the College: Please plan to attend the midyear State of the College message on the morning of March 10 at 10:30 AM. It will also be a time to celebrate some of the accomplishments of the college. More to follow soon...

Thank you!
Thanks to each of you for the excellent work you do, your dedication to the students we serve, and your commitment to furthering the high standards of your profession.

As always, feedback is invited and welcome, and please send items to include in the congratulations section of the update.
Don