MELA Minutes 2020-2021

IV. Updates: a. Dr. Christa Wilhite: Course Development Program is going very well. We hope to have some courses ready to show the group at the MELA Retreat in June. The developers have come up with strong content to have good course design. Dr. Wilhite is asking the group to help come up with some names/acronyms for the program. Currently called the CDP but we would like something catchy that would good to use at a national level. b. Dr. Christa Wilhite: BETA MELA Course is in Canvas and is ready to use. The current MELA course will be archived in August. If anyone has any suggestions on navigation or anything that will improve on the BETA course, please let Dr. Wilhite know as soon as possible. c. Dr. Krista LeBrun: Updates on MACC meeting. There are many things going on but the budget is a big topic right now. Cuts are anticipated because of low enrollment across the state. After a lengthy discussion, the presidents did vote to defund the MILD Grant for the upcoming year. It was approved that the $6000 for the president-elect to fund the yearly retreat will continue and is listed as Retreat Professional Development. The presidents also voted to defund the MSVCC Instructor of the Year program. The defunding of these two initiatives saves $230,000 for fiscal year 2022. The presidents have asked Dr. LeBrun for a report itemizing the cost savings of expenses and contracts of our vendors. d. Dr. Amanda Hood: We have received approval to host an in-person retreat in Natchez at the Natchez Grand Hotel on June 9 – 11, 2021. Each college/group will be given one room and any additional rooms will need to be purchased by the institution. Physical activities will be available each morning such as some yoga classes and some tours. More information will be coming soon. V. Unfinished Business: None