Health and Human Services Task Force
November 4, 1999

Attendance: Vida Huber, Craig Abrahamson, Cheryl Beverly, Cory Clelend, David Cockley, Jean Dalton, Lennis Echterling, Janet Gloeckner, Judith Holt, Jeffrey Kushner, Bill Walker

Vida stated that she had prepared a number of documents in hopes that it would help the committee move forward, but if anyone felt that it was becoming prescriptive, to speak up.

Minutes of the 10/19/99 meeting were approved.

A draft statement of the description and goals of the task force for inclusion on the web page was reviewed and approved.

The time-line for completing the charge was reviewed. Final recommendations of the task force are to be ready by March 2000.

Methods of soliciting ideas were discussed. These included:

1. Emailed letter to faculty - a draft was reviewed and wording changes were suggested to reflect the truly open nature of the request for suggestions. The form for submitting recommendations was changed to one statement/question "What would you like the task force to consider as recommendations? Why do you think this should be considered? Be as specific as possible and provide any relevant information." with space for response and an optional signature line.
2. A forum to present thoughts to date and solicit additional input. This was scheduled for 11/22/99 a 4:00pm. The committee wishes it to be fairly structured with minutes taken to assure that it yields information to move forward.
3. Committee members are to network with other faculty and the committee may seek time with any department not represented on the task force.
4. The committee will schedule time to brainstorm ideas.
5. Student input will be solicited.

The charge to the task force from Dr. Benson was shared.

Ultimate decision making was discussed. Academic Council developed criteria for decision making which was reviewed. The committee feels that SWAT analysis is an appropriate tool for use in decision making, especially as it leads to solutions.

Subcommittees reported as follows:

1. Common themes - Jean and Cheryl presented a summary and organization of the ideas generated at the first forum. The main themes were interdisciplinary activities and practicality/experiential learning.
2. External HHS trends - Craig and David reported sever interdisciplinary programs mostly at the graduate level. They will be attempting to characterize the "outside world" in terms of governmental aims/emphases, community needs, and legal issues. Disciplinary-specific trends will also be sought as the process continues.
3. Internal HHS programs - Bill and Jeff are seeking information regarding who is doing health-related things now, who thinks they are doing things, and who if capable of doing things even if they are not currently considered HHS.
4. Other pieces - Judy and Lenny developed concepts for organizing topics of discussion. Main concepts were collaborative, multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary, project-focused learning with community involvement.

Vida presented an update on the Modular building planning - it is anticipated that HHS outreach units will be centralized to provide client care or clinic situations. Inter/multidisciplinary student space and non-HHS offices may be included as space allows.

The next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, 11/16/99 4:30-6:30 pm in the Moody Lounge will be primarily brainstorming and discussing ideas as a committee. A December meeting may be scheduled and the committee suggested some flexibility be incorporated for Spring Semester meeting to allow input from all task force members.

Recorded by Janet Gloeckner