MSSM Parents Advisory Council - February 10, 2004

Attendees: Dottie Martin PhD, Cathy Bowker, Norma O'Keefe, Alice Chartrand, Jane Karker, Terrie Frisbie, Nigel Calder, Jon Eaton

Alcohol Incident: briefly summarized by Dottie.

• Parents expressed disagreement w/ questioning of students not directly involved in incident, especially w/ request to put statement in writing and then sign. Dottie stated that legal council recommended this.
• Jon noted that some students had been embarrassed and frightened by the questioning. Dottie also pointed out wide range of parental and faculty response: some parents and faculty wanting even tougher measures.
• Parents stated that the repeated questioning created an "us vs them" response on students' part and suggested that after the most obviously involved students were caught and punished, the dorms might have been made as safe (or safer) by declaring an amnesty and requesting contraband be brought forward.
• Parents pointed out that a mature adult presence in the dorm might have enabled earlier detection and follow up on inebriated behavior.
• Dottie stated that two faculty have volunteered to hold a voluntary school wide meeting this week for students to discuss the incident and "what they can do so that this kind of incident doesn't happen again". Suggestions will be given to administration anonymously.
• Parents pointed out that catching all students may not be an appropriate or realistic goal, and that an uncaught student will not necessarily break the alcohol rule again.
• Cathy and Norma pointed out that students had a presentation on toxic/lethal effects of alcohol/drugs two weeks before. Alice noted that adolescence is an age of denial of bodily mortality and that people also react w/ denial in a crisis. She pointed out that this is another reason for an older, experienced adult in the dorm.
• Jon stated that the dual role of questioner/disciplinarian and college counselor can be very confusing for the students and lead to distrust of the college counselor.
• Cathy expressed concern that MSSMPG efforts can be interpreted by students as permission to complain more, and that contacts with faculty may be divisive.
• Alice expressed a desire to communicate to students that the Parents are united with the administration and staff in their desire for student safety and well being.
• Dottie stated that there are emergency/crisis protocols. Alice asked that she share these at the next meeting to reassure the parents.
• Dottie pointed out that there used to be Student Senate Forums during which students would discuss things w/ administration and she hopes that they will occur more.

Residential Dean (the term "dean" is being used for discussion purposes):

• Dottie initially stated that there is no money for a full time dean. Parents expressed a desire to envision what the school needs and then work toward getting it.
• It was acknowledged that ideally a mature adult (thirties, or old enough to be the parent of a teen) with experience and rapport with adolescents should have full time responsibilities in the Residence Hall. These responsibilities would not include regular Resident Assistant duties. The present Residential Director position has RA duties along with acting as Head RA. There is insufficient time to build relationships with students, handle the Host Family program or to coordinate volunteers.
• Parents would like a live-in Dean position that had full authority for dorm matters. The prestige of the title would attract an applicant who would be capable of forging a residential living program that would lead to non-academic student learning as well as enjoyment and safety.
• It was estimated that an appropriate candidate would likely command $20,000 more in salary and benefits then the current Resident Director position's budget. The group also discussed the need for an appropriate living apartment. This might require extensive renovation to the current apartment or creation of a new one.
• Parents stated that MSSMPG would support fundraising efforts in order to support the current scholarship fund within the foundation. This would assist in reducing the current budget allocation required for providing financial assistance to students whose family cannot afford room and board fees set by the MSSM Board of Trustees. This would allow current budget allocations for Financial Assistance to be reallocated to support staffing changes in Residential Life. These changes would not only include the full-time dean but also an increase in the number of residential assistance. When MSSM was developed, the original model for 150 students called for 10 residential life staff members. There are currently 8 RA's for 123 students, most of whom only work 30 hrs..
• Parents also suggested that the staff look into the use of student proctors and/or peer counselors. Everyone understands that the MSSM had an unsuccessful experience with this type of program but the administration is willing to review possible reinstitution of the student assistants.
  
• Dottie stated that she would develop a budget for the MSSM Board of Trustees Finance Committee which includes the full time Dean or Director of Residential Services. If the Finance Committee approved the funding allocations, then the proposal would be submitted to the Board of Trustees as a part of the budget approval process

Academic Advisory System: Cathy presented a summary of MSSM Academic Advising.

• New students are assigned an Academic Advisor when they arrive at MSSM. This Advisor is a teacher of the student so that the faculty member and student will naturally see each other at least three times per week. Each faculty has about 10 students.
• If a student changes classes a new Advisor is assigned. She noted that rapport varies among students and advisors. Some students end up getting advise from other trusted teachers.
• Meeting in groups w/ advisors in past did not work well (one more meeting) and she did not feel requiring this again over food would be feasible. However, some Academic Advisors have chosen to do this on their own.
• Advisors do not get reports of student discipline. Advisors do get copies of academic alerts and kudos and attendance letters. They may visit with a student if academics are slipping but otherwise do not necessarily meet regularly w/ students.
• Each spring returning students are given a form on which to express their top three requests for advisor for the next fall. A large percentage of students chose to stay with their current advisor.

Norma noted that College counseling starts after Feb 29th. Some students use the long March weekend to visit colleges.

How can parents help?

Efforts to support RA staff need to go beyond individual contacts: A schedule of parents willing to spend some time helping in the dorm for several hours during a weekend visit (can't work behind the desk but can help provide the needed RA body count to monitor the dorms, and can drive a school van to relieve that RA duty). Kudos can be sent to Mrs. Bowker who can post them on the bulletin board on the web Parents need to act in concert with administration on projects

Nigel suggested school spirit-building such as a party to celebrate math team performances

Help needed from parents for 4/16 prom night. Contact Mr. Siddiqui. Includes decorating, driving, providing a parent get together (Lakeside?) when students are off at prom.

Once a plan is formulated and if Board supports a residential Dean, the MSSMPG can call on its members with grant writing and fund raising experience.

Next PAC meeting - 2pm Bangor March 4, 2004 (Thurs)
Plan to send out next Gladfly/ w/ March break mailing
"Mystery Weekend" coffeehouse for March 20th (Karker)