Members: Bill Fee for Randy Richardson (UA) and Don Richardson (GEATF), Carol Gorsuch (Pima), Gordon Hall (SBDCCA), Kate Dillon Hogan (ABOR), Glenn Irvin (ASU West), Ron Pitt (NAU), David Schwalm for Chuck Bantz (ASU), Bruce Stanfield (EAC), Lynne Tronsdal (Advising ATF), Marcia Wojsko (ATAC), and Irene Wright for Mary Briden Maricopa).

Others: Holly Carpenter (doctoral student), Melissa Fitch (Languages ATF chair), Amy Fountain (CAS Transfer Analyst), Zoila Gamero de Tovar (ASU), and Deborah Hull (Articulation Facilitator).

The meeting was called to order by co-chairs Glenn Irvin and Bruce Stanfield at 9:05 a.m. at the Maricopa Colleges District Offices in Tempe. Glenn welcomed everyone and thanked Maricopa for hosting the meeting. David Schwalm was introduced as the new university co-chair for the General Education Articulation Task Force.

Agenda Item #2 – The order of the Agenda was approved.

Meeting Notes from April 25, 2000 was removed from the Consent Agenda and clarified as follows:

Item #IV-f – CAS Chat Lines: "ACITS" should read "ACETS", meaning Academic Course Equivalency Tracking System.

Item #X – June Agenda Items: "Definitions for the Handbook for Directors/Managers of Academic Transfer Articulation" should read "ATAC Handbook".

Also Item #X – "GEATF resolution regarding ADA accommodations and course substitutions in the AGEC" should read "GEATF proposal…."

The meeting notes were approved as corrected.

Articulation Facilitator work plans/responsibilities update was removed from the Consent Agenda and clarified as follows:

Dates listed under the column titled "Update" refer to when the Articulation Facilitator will provide a report to the APASC members.

ATAC Report was removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. It was noted that there is a change in membership on ATAC and a retreat was suggested to orient new members. (Additional discussion is noted under Agenda Item #4i.)

Holly Carpenter reported that early results show positive responses to the transfer model and that the transfer process has improved overall. She indicated that there was a range in comments received via the open-ended questions that reflected some confusion and tension between and among the needs of individual campuses and statewide needs. Holly will report the results to the APASC organization subcommittee so that a final report may be submitted to the Joint Conference Committee (JCC) in October. Carol Gorsuch asked that the report include recommendations for action and that APASC make a presentation to the community college presidents concerning the survey results before reporting to the JCC. Carol has concerns about the perceptions regarding ASSIST and reminded everyone that ASSIST is necessary to gather the data that has been requested by the legislature. In summarizing the discussion, Bruce Stanfield (1) asked Holly to refine the survey results and provide a summary to the organization subcommittee for their use in developing an action plan; (2) will have the APASC members present the results to the community college presidents in draft form for informational purposes by September; (3) and then, APASC will review the final draft for approval before reporting to the JCC in October. It was recommended that the presentations and drafts be part of a strategic planning exercise during the APASC retreat (Agenda Item #6a). It was determined that the organization subcommittee has lost a co-chair (with Chuck Bantz moving out of state) and Bruce Stanfield appointed and Carol Gorsuch agreed to serve as the new chair. Lynne Tronsdal was also added to the committee. Kate Dillon Hogan offered to place the discussion of the surveys on the ABOR conference call agenda for CAOs and she will add a summary of the survey results on the agenda of the Council of Presidents’ meeting. In response to a request by Lynne Tronsdal, Holly will provide a summary of responses to assist the Advising ATF in evaluating their processes. A summary will also be provided to the Arizona Academic Administrators’ Association at their meeting in late September.

4b – Update on the Competency Based Education (CBE) survey: Holly Carpenter explained her design decisions and provided a profile of how other states have designed CBE surveys. She asked that the CBE subcommittee review the survey. It was determined that several members of the committee are no longer available to serve and new members were appointed as follows: David Schwalm (for Chuck Bantz), Kate Dillon Hogan (for Tom Wickenden), Don-Paul Benjamin (for Gordon Hall), and Johnson Bia (for Don Yeager). Continuing members are Judith Doerr, Jana Kooi, and Mary Briden. Kate Dillon Hogan and Don-Paul Benjamin were named co-chairs. The committee will determine the definitions to be used and review the supporting materials. Holly expects to distribute the final draft of the survey to the CAOs and have responses by early October. Holly will provide a progress report to the JCC in October. Carol Gorsuch asked that definitions be added to the survey coversheet. She complimented Holly on the design and the work already done. Kate Dillon Hogan asked who the "target" respondents were. Bruce Stanfield identified the CAOs at the community colleges and the provosts at the universities as the appropriate persons to ensure completion of the survey. Kate will call the subcommittee together to assist Holly in determining if the survey asks the appropriate questions.

4c – ATASS Budget and Media Plan: Carol Gorsuch, subcommittee co-chair, reviewed the proposed budget and identified that it requires a commitment by the institutions to move to "Level 2" involvement. She characterized the budget as "reasonable" and stated that the primary budget strategy is to request full funding from the state. It was determined that the university co-chair (Chuck Bantz) is no longer able to serve and Glenn Irvin volunteered. Kate Dillon Hogan suggested that an assessment of in-kind contributions supporting ATASS be included in the budget presentation. Holly Carpenter stated that some of the comments on the CEO/CAO surveys may provide some data. She will forward that information to the committee. Lynne Tronsdal asked for clarification on the cost of the CAS celebration before the Advising ATF is asked to provide "in kind" contributions. Carol clarified that the CAS celebrations are envisioned to be specifically targeted events to garner support in the community college districts that have legislators on the various committees that fund education. She added that not every institution is expected to hold a CAS celebration; however, they certainly could if they choose to do so. Carol expects that funding for celebrations could come from existing money held by presidents or through institutional advancement offices. When asked about the new positions requested in the proposed budget, Carol said she will confirm with Linda Burns, CAS project manager, that the proposed budget includes equipment and training for the proposed new staff positions. Kate Dillon Hogan recommended that the media plan for the transfer model be separated from the budget presentations. She will work with Deborah Hull on a report to be presented to the Transfer Articulation Task Force in October. Bruce Stanfield suggested that we "re-think" the CAS Celebration Day idea. Nevertheless, the budget proposal was approved.

4d – ATAC Attendance Report: A letter was sent from the APASC co-chairs to the CAOs recognizing the continuing support for ATAC activities and identifying ATAC responsibilities. Included with the letter was a graph identifying levels of participation for the past two years by institution.

4e – Update on "Chat Lines" (or ACETS: "Arizona Course Equivalency Tracking System"): Amy Fountain reflected on the recent CAS meeting where staff from the Miami University of Ohio (MUO) attended. The discussions held at that meeting made clear that MUO will not be including the proposals for enhancements from AzCAS to the national CAS product. Amy proposes a statewide project under the leadership and direction of Rebecca Moore, the CAS Technical Analyst. Support will be solicited first from information technology staff at the participating institutions, followed by assistance from the ATAC. Amy clarified that if only AzCAS central resources are used to develop and implement the ACETS project, it will be a very slow process to achieve completion and to provide ongoing maintenance. A timeline on this project is to be determined.

4g – ASSIST Data Elements Subcommittee: Kate Dillon Hogan reported that the committee had identified outcome measures to determine success of the transfer model; determined that there is currently insufficient data from the community colleges to support the ATASS Budget request; and recognized that ASSIST has the potential to assist with federal reporting requirements associated with Student Right to Know and Carl Perkins III. Discussion identified the need for a status report from ASSIST that addresses the following, (1) which institutions have submitted data; (2) which institutions have not submitted any data; and, (3) a recommendation on how APASC might assist. It was suggested that the Transfer Student Ombudspersons be responsible for information related to the AGECs. Deborah Hull was directed to conduct a brief survey of the TSOs and the Admissions/Records staffs to gather information (January 99 – present) related to: (1) the number of AGEC completers; (2) the number of AGEC completers who have transferred to the universities; (3) the number of AGECs in progress; and, (4) the number of AGEC completers who also completed a baccalaureate degree. Kate Dillon Hogan volunteered to develop the survey and will forward it to APASC for review and approval. Discussion was held concerning how to improve the connection with ASSIST. Bruce Stanfield recommended this be taken under advisement. Discussion was held concerning the use of student Social Security Numbers as primary identifiers. ASU and NAU reported that they will continue to use the SSN unless students request a different number. The UA reported there may be an alternative system in place within the next two years. Bruce Stanfield requested information on the universities’ plans to do this. It was determined that a letter be sent from APASC to John Porter, ASSIST Project Manager, asking him to develop a strategic plan for ASSIST outlining the on-going resources needed and his long term vision for ASSIST so that a long-range plan (beyond 2003) may be developed. It was also suggested that John attend the APASC retreat (agenda item 6a).

4h—Fall 2000 Common Courses and Baccalaureate Degrees with Identified Transfer Pathways: Discussion was held concerning the volume of information provided with the meeting materials. It was observed that there are more courses identified as Common Courses than when the transfer model began. Discussion was held concerning the efforts to provide accurate information in a timely manner. It was moved, seconded, and passed to approve the Common Courses and identified Transfer Pathways for fall 2000.

4i – Handbook for Directors/Managers of Academic Transfer Articulation (now called the "ATAC Handbook"): Marcia Wojsko described the efforts of the ATAC handbook subcommittee to merge the contents of the current ATAC Handbook, ATF Handbook, and the Implementation Notebook into one document that will be on-line and "dynamic", allowing for easy access and easy maintenance. Discussion was held concerning the process for identifying and changing practices, processes, procedures, and policies. Did approval of the Handbook include tacit approval of the changes to practices, processes, procedures, and policies? Bruce Stanfield clarified that proposed changes should be identified in an "executive summary" for APASC review. The ATAC report (previously on the Consent Agenda for this meeting) contained a summary of changes and identified pages of the draft Handbook for reference. The duties of the Articulation Facilitator were discussed as described in the Handbook. Carol Gorsuch characterized the role of the Articulation Facilitator as "cross-functional" and stated it should not include interfacing with APASC on behalf of ATAC. Members were reminded that the ATAC Chair reports directly to APASC and not through the Articulation Facilitator. This clarification caused the subtitle of section V.A.1 of the Handbook: "Serving as a Liaison between ATAC and APASC" to be changed to "Serving as a Liaison between ATAC and the ATFs". Bruce Stanfield stated that discussions have been held among the Quality Team members concerning issues of prioritizing tasks and how to accomplish all that is requested. It was recognized that there is a need for clerical support, however the current ATASS budget does not provide the resources. Institutional assistance will be needed. It was moved, seconded, and passed to approve Version 1 of the ATAC Handbook excluding Section V (which addresses duties of the Articulation Facilitator and the CAS Transfer Analyst). The Quality Team was charged with ensuring that tasks related to the fall ATF meetings are completed.

1. Definitions of Common Courses and the Common Course Block for the Implementation Notebook for the Arizona Transfer Model: Ron Pitt provided a report on the work of this committee and a proposed definition. Instead of a "Common Course Block", the proposal brought forth a definition of a "Common Course Set". Discussion was held and it was determined that this definition would require the ATFs to re-visit the currently identified common courses and that changes might be necessary. It was determined that the subcommittee will further review the proposal and it will be brought back to APASC in October. Please direct comments to Ron Pitt before July 31.
2. CEG on the ATASS Web site: Irene Wright announced that the course equivalencies for the Maricopa District classes will be posted on the ASU Articulation Office web site as a "stop gap" measure for advisors and students just until the CAS 2.0 version is ready.

5a – Languages ATF Report on Fourth Semester Language Proficiency: Melissa Fitch, chair of the Languages ATF, reported on the three year history of the discussion and process to determine the method(s) to assess language proficiency. Dr. Fitch brought forth a proposal that will be discussed at the Languages ATF meeting in October that any "certified" language instructor could verify language proficiency (up to and including fourth semester) until a national proficiency examination is accepted for use at all public Arizona institutions. (There is no timeline established for determining if or when a national exam will be offered.) David Schwalm complimented the Languages ATF on the proposal, stating that it is based on professionalism and trust. Zoila Gamero de Tovar offered to host the next Languages ATF meeting.

5a – Discussion of Impact or Implications of Changes to Language Proficiency Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees at the Public Universities: Dr. Fitch did not address this agenda item in her presentation (above). It was determined that a subcommittee will look at this issue and report back in October. Bruce Stanfield agreed to chair the committee. Other members of the committee are Bill Fee, Melissa Fitch, and Mary Briden. Bill will make arrangements to host the meeting at the UA in early September (possibly the week of 9/5).

5b – GEATF Proposal regarding Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations and course substitutions in the AGEC: Members reviewed the materials provided. Discussion revealed that concerns about disclosure of disabilities have been addressed and that substitution of required math classes would not be appropriate for students working on the AGEC-B or AGEC-S. It was moved, seconded, and passed to approve the proposal as submitted.

5c – GEATF Resolution regarding transfer of Quarter Hours: This agenda item was presented with the revisions recommended by APASC at the February 2000 meeting. It was moved, seconded, and passed.

5d – GEATF Recommendation for Advance Placement (AP), CLEP, and IB Credits Applied to the AGEC: After discussion, it was determined that the recommendation be returned to the GEATF for further clarification of "P" grades and the impact on alternative learning modes, other exams, and military credit.

5e – Transfer Student Ombudspersons: Lynne Tronsdal reported that a meeting of the TSOs is scheduled in conjunction with the Advising ATF meeting in September in Flagstaff. The universities have provided reports of TSO activity for the past two years that will be reviewed by the community college TSOs at the September meeting. Lynne will review the "job description" for TSOs with them as well.

5f – Other: No other business.

6a – APASC Retreat: Bruce Stanfield led the discussion of holding a retreat in the early fall for current and newly appointed APASC members. It was determined that the topics include "mission, goals, purposes, responsibilities, and ‘hot issues’". APASC members and members of the Quality Team are expected to attend. As the agenda is developed, others will be invited to make presentations, facilitate discussions, etc. It was determined that the retreat be held over a two-day period. The Articulation Facilitator will coordinate the planning of the retreat and will poll the members on possible dates and locations.

6b – Thank You Note from Ron Pitt, expressing his appreciation for the gift presented to him in April, was included in meeting materials.

6c – APASC Memorandum to University Presidents regarding ASSIST was provided in the meeting materials.

6d – APASC Meeting Schedule for 2000-2001 (revised) was provided in the meeting materials.

6e – APASC Meeting Dates, Agenda, and Meeting Notes Processing Dates (revised) was included in the meeting materials.

6f – ATF Chair Reports: This report was included with the meeting materials and reviewed the reasons that ATF Chairmen send reports to the Articulation Facilitator and the timelines for submitting the reports.

6g – ATF Calendar for ‘00-’01 was included in the meeting materials and identified locations, hosts, chairs, and designated ATAC members.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17, 2000 at ASU West (room to be determined). Meeting time was changed to 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and includes a "no host" lunch on site.

1. Definitions of Common Courses and the Common Course Block for the ATAC Handbook (R. Pitt)
2. ATF reports: Advising (09/22/00)

Agriculture (10/20/00)

Art (10/06/00)

Communication (10/06/00)

Computers (CIS and CSE) (10/06/00)

Education (10/13/00)

Engineering (09/29/00)

English (09/22/00)

Family & Consumer Sciences (10/06/00)

Geology (09/15/00)

History and Political Science (combined meeting) (10/06/00)

Hospitality (09/21/00)

Interior Design (10/06/00)

Journalism & Media Arts (10/13/00)

Languages (09/29/00)

Mathematics (10/13/00)

Music (10/13/00)

Nursing (10/06/00)

Religious Studies (10/06/00)

Technology (09/29/00)

Theatre Arts (10/13/00)

3. Results of Executive Surveys of the Arizona Transfer Model (H. Carpenter)
4. Results of Survey of Competency Based Education (H. Carpenter)
5. Impact or Implications of Changes to Language Proficiency Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees at the Public Universities (B. Stanfield)
6. Report on APASC Retreat

Agenda Item #9 -- The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Hull

Articulation Facilitator