February 23, 2001

Dr. Bitterbaum called the Planning Council meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2001, in the President's Conference Room on campus. Those present were Dr. Erik Bitterbaum, President; Dr. Joe Badgley, Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Sy Sarkarat, Business and Economic Division Chairperson; Tim Beardsley, Counselor, Dan Williamson, Director of Computing Services and Patsy Bee, Administrative Assistant to the President. Absent was Dr. David Bell, Dean for Business, Industry and Development Services, Judy Higgs, Dean of Students, Connie Dziagwa, Director of Communications and Public Relations; Gary Waggoner, Natural Science and Mathematics Division Chairperson. Also present was Cecelia Malhotra, Registrar.

Dr. Bitterbaum announced that today’s discussion would focus mainly on admissions, and he asked Mrs. Malhotra to attend to discuss ways to attract new students. He indicated there was a need to become more proactive in encouraging students to attend WVU Parkersburg. He suggested a need to contact potential students through personal phone calls, emails and other personal contact from faculty, staff and students, and requested suggestion from members present.

Mr. Beardsley suggested taking current college students to the area high school where they graduated to encourage their friends to attend college at WVU Parkersburg.

Dr. Sarkarat suggested there needs to be more communication with our high schools and learning about their needs.

Dr. Badgley suggested having students on our campus email potential new students to inform them of courses and activities available. It was noted that Criss McCauley is working with Phi Theta Kappa to develop an ambassadorship so students on our campus can encourage and mentor new students.

Mrs. Malhotra reported that a new project is being planned with Wirt County High School for seniors to spend a day on our campus to take placement tests and have them graded, apply for financial aid and attend financial aid workshops, and register for either summer or fall semesters. Mrs. Malhotra also announced that if this project is successful, they will plan a similar project with Ritchie County. Dr. Bitterbaum asked Ms. Malhotra to have Mrs. Dziagwa provide coverage of this day. Mrs. Malhotra also reported on a project that will include students from Hamilton Junior High School to introduce them to our college.

Mr. Williamson suggested web links from area/county high schools to our web page or possibly have chat rooms for students to discuss our college with others. Dr. Bitterbaum suggested he contact Mrs. Dziagwa to see about the possibility of being able to do this with other schools.

Planning Council

February 23, 2001

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With no further business to be discuss, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Patsy Bee

Administrative Assistant

to the President