November 2007

Information was shared with regards to filling vacant open staff positions that are currently open. Ms Foster mentioned that President Phillips is not eager to fill open positions at Dana with just a body. They (search committee) is asking questions of themselves as to what they want the want the various positions to do, and how they meet the need of Dana students. The current open positions that are open are Campus Pastor and Student Life.

We discussed the following parent issues that have been brought to our attention.
Student Health –Why is the nurse hours only from 10-1. It was noted that on most campuses there are limited hours. What is being done on campus regarding the recent staph outbreak and if and how did the school address this. These questions couldn’t be answered at the meeting but the issues will be passed on to get further information.

Tuition- There is talk going around about a tuition increase for the 2008-09 school year. Parents request that the facts be presented to them.
Booster Club- Who can join? Is there more than just the athletic one? Do you have to be an alumni to be a member?

Dana Advertising- Is the college doing all they can in this area? Are we using our current students in the promotion of Dana? Siblings-are we contacting the current students’ siblings. College fairs- are we using current students to visit their high schools or surrounding areas? Hosting events for high school juniors and seniors on campus.

Ms Foster then spoke with us about what is being done through the enrollment office. A booklet is being prepared for students that will help them plan for registration of classes and discovery term options. She explained that the materials will include course descriptions, and timelines. It is the goal that parents of incoming students will also receive the information so they have knowledge and information.

Kathleen Oleson, a consultant then spoke with us about Parent Issues. She wanted to know concerns that we have. Dr. Oleson asked us to think about what we would like the World Herald to say about Dana College in three to five years from now. You are encouraged to think about this and send your response to Lee Ann jones262@cox.net so that your response can be forwarded.

In our discussion, we learned that as parents we need to be involved in the Education process. We need to teach our kids to be embowered and problem solve. As parents, as our children grow we need to realize things will change, they are changing, they’re growing as we as parents what them to. She gave us the following tips to remember as the students come home for the holidays.

They will want to spend time with friends. (may not be at home much)
They will be hungry! Spoil them with their favorites
They will want to sleep! Give them time to catch up
Don’t expect your kids to adhere to a curfew when they get home.

She also encouraged us to let the students know what is important i.e. we are having dinner with the grandparents on this day and time. Give them time; don’t schedule the whole vacation for them.

Other items of importance included:
A parents’ newsletter was suggested by Dr. Oleson. It would be brief letter with tangible highlights of campus activities and news. Lee Ann mentioned that there is one available on line, but that more work needs to be done and information needs to be updated. Watch for a newsletter in the near future.

The following is information that was shared:

-Dana is looking into getting a mascot.
-Once a month, the head of security and other officers from the Blair police department have lunch with students in the dining hall.
-The Blair Police Department will be conducting Canine training at Elkhorn and Argo halls later this month.

Next Meeting: Saturday February 9th 10:30 a.m.
Dragons Head
Dana College

Please take a look at the volunteer need list for Sights and Sounds. We are in need of parents to help with this activity. Let us know when you can lend a hand.