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Post by TSUTigerFanInDC on Sept 21, 2018 14:39:53 GMT -5
This was probably the most contentious meeting of the Board that I watched. Dr. Sekmen knows how to hit some nerves during the meetings and quite frankly I think he should. Even if you don't agree with him, I certainly believe that this board needs to be more proactive and demanding of TSU's leadership. I found Dr. Glover's response to him to be unprofessional quite honestly. There's no need to point out what he's not to defend what the University has done or is doing. You don't have to be a CPA, an auditor, etc. to read through information and determine deficiencies. That was an outright attack on him that was unwarranted and in my opinion made her look small and petty in the process. Even if his facts may not have been totally accurate, he still has a right to question the data if it doesn't appear to fit the message that TSU is presenting. We should all be concerned that TSU's enrollment has been declining for the past two years. These are the numbers that was on one of Dr. Glover's slides. Enrollment Numbers 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 8,816 | 9,027 | 9,167 | 8,753 | 8,461 |
It's projected that the 2018 enrollment will also be another of decline. It's projected to be 7,782. Dr. Glover offers the following reasons for the declines: 1. Tuition Free Community College (Tennessee Promise) 2. Over 2,000 students with financial balances from previous semesters. Most could not return because they couldn't resolve their financial matters. 3. 900 applicants were declined admission due to not meeting new academic requirements. It was noted that while the new academic standards are attracting higher caliber students, the new standards are eliminating a substantial number of students. Those students are being referred to community colleges. The following was reported regarding freshman GPA's and ACT scores over the past three years.
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | GPA | 2.8 | 3.07 | 3.1 | ACT | 18 | 18.7 | 18.9 |
Dr. Glover stated that in order to be competitive with other schools they have to attract better students. She said, students want to be around others like them. I can't argue with the increase in academic standards being an issue that impacts enrollment. However, I will say that when Dr. Hefner increased academic standards he also managed to increase enrollment as well. So, while I understand that it could impact enrollment negatively, it's possible to increase enrollment with higher academic standards as well. Somehow TSU has to shift the story about TSU's programs and work harder to attract greater numbers of students that meet the academic requirements. They've got to be able to sell their programs in a manner that says to the higher caliber students this is the university for you. One of the other concerns that was brought was TSU's declining ranking among HBCU's. This is where I got even more annoyed with Dr. Glover and even Dr. Walker who chairs the board. They came armed with articles from other sources that ranks TSU higher than the U.S. News & World Report college rankings. While I understand that these reports can be all over the place, I have a problem when we downplay the primary standard that most students in particular are looking at. And, lets keep in mind that the U.S. News & World Report at one time did have TSU ranked among the top 10-15 HBCU's. So, to me the ownership should be to look at why we've dropped significantly. And, we have. We're down to #34 among HBCU's. That should not be acceptable. Dr. Glover stated the report focuses too much on enrollment. I don't buy that. Because if that was the case Fisk wouldn't still be ranked at the level they are. Other HBCU's have seen declines as well. But still rank in the top 20. We should never be ranked outside of the top 15 among HBCU's. NEVER.
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Post by tiger1 on Nov 18, 2018 8:58:21 GMT -5
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Post by roknows50 on Nov 20, 2018 1:07:30 GMT -5
Please read the meeting notes. The truth of the school is in there. We are in bad shape.
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Post by tsu120 on Nov 20, 2018 8:05:12 GMT -5
Please read the meeting notes. The truth of the school is in there. We are in bad shape. Absolutely, The university is in trouble and the sad part is the other SBR School’s enrollment continues to increase and TSU continue to decrease.
A relative from Milwaukee, enrolled her daughter for the fall semester. She had to make two visits, in order to make sure her daughter received the amout promise on her scholarship papers. The crazy part is the university did have all the paperwork, she had to bring copies from her file.
She was told, “Oh, that per year not a semester” she and her husband, had to make up the difference for this semester.
Those type of issues and others continue to be the Achilles Hell for TSU.
And it has nothing to do with changing the enrollment standards.
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Post by TSUTigerFanInDC on Nov 29, 2018 11:44:35 GMT -5
From watching the meeting I have to say overall I don't think TSU is doing well. We're not on the brink of collapse. But, immediate ACTIONS must be taken to curtail the nose dive we've seen in enrollment since 2015. The enrollment in 2015 was 9,169. Today the enrollment is 7,782. That's a little over a 15% decline. That is not acceptable. Other schools in Tennessee both public and private have seen enrollment growth. I know recruitment can be more challenging for HBCU's but what we're seeing at TSU is a sign of our recruitment process not working right at all. It has to be revamped and not given lip service. ACTION is required and should be demanded by the Board and alumni.
TSU's budget relies heavily on enrollment. So the simple fact is the university has to get the enrollment moving in the other direction. There's just no way around that. Increasing enrollment has to be the absolute number one priority for every person working at TSU.
A couple of interesting points came out of this particular meeting that I hadn't heard before. Some were because Teresa Phillips, TSU's AD was invited to give an overview of the Athletic Department. She point out that TSU's Athletics budget of $10M is the lowest among the OVC schools. She also pointed out that the Student Athletic Fee at TSU is the lowest among all the State Colleges and Universities in Tennessee. She did mention that they are working on creating new revenue streams but didn't expound on that. She also stated that TSU and FAMU are working on a 2-4 year deal to play in Atlanta starting in 2020. She also eluded to TSU being in discussions with Southern but gave no details.
Another interesting point that came out of this meeting is that TSU is looking to sever from the TBR on Capital Management Functions. They approved a notice of intent to be sent to the TBR regarding that desire. I'm assuming that by severing from the TBR on Capital Management Functions that it will give TSU greater direct control over how their capital monies are spent and decrease the time to move forward with capital projects. This could prove to be crucial as TSU continues to acquire land around the TSU campus.
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Post by tsu120 on Nov 30, 2018 8:32:40 GMT -5
There is no excuse for low student enrollment. The question, to be asked is – how are the other schools in Tennessee continue to increase enrollment – operating under the same requirements.
I received a PDF, a letter from Dr. Glover to TSU Faculty & Staff.
The letter is dated November 12, 2018
In summary, the letter highlights: Subject Current Situation and Budget:
TSU has experienced a decrease in enrollment over the last three years. The decrease in enrollment is due to several factors:
Increase in instruction’s admission standards, our student’s lack of finical support to attend or remain at TSU, and the ongoing effects of Tennessee Promise which allows Tennessee high school graduates to attend community colleges tuition free.
It further states:
Today, I am announcing cost reduction measures to address our budget situation. Effectively immediately, TSU is implementing a reduction of approximately ten percent of the current operating budget. In addition, for at least the next six months, the University will not fill any vacant state funded positions or authorize the creation of new state funded positions, except under special circumstances as approved by me.
The cost reduction measures do not include faculty layoffs. I have committed to the faculty that there will be no faculty layoffs, and I will honor that commitment.
These measures are expected to be temporary. We are putting in place a comprehensive recruitment and enrollment plan that requires the assistance of both academic and non-academic units. We will all work together to ensure that we grow our enrollment with academically talented students.
Cant blame it on the Community Colleges:
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tsumadness
TSU Alum
NCAA (D1): 93, 94 (D2): 63, 67, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 | CIT: 12, 13, 16 | NAIA Champs: 57, 58, 59
Posts: 5,648
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Post by tsumadness on Nov 30, 2018 19:39:38 GMT -5
Man, I didn't know it had gotten that drastic. After reading your posts and listening to the meetings, I'm concerned. I wish there was more I could do to help. We need big-time donors.
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Post by tsu120 on Dec 1, 2018 10:11:15 GMT -5
madness -
that's only part of the memo.
There is not much the alumni and others can do
You and others may recall, year after year the State Comptroller continue to find problems with TSU concerning money management.
Other problems, the hiring of administrators at high salaried and the keeping those that are under performing.
The president have to hold those in charging of recruiting responsible. Hefner, hired Cade and others from other HBCU's, the same problems they had at their previous schools are continuing at TSU.
Shields, fired Gray, he was hired back as the Director of Game Operations/TV Broadcast - what is that. The hiring of to many assistants.
Top heavy in in the athletic department.
Another problem, too many blacks on the board, with no experience in education only friends of the president. What purpose does Lewis (undertaker) and Walker (preacher)serve.
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Post by TSUTigerFanInDC on Dec 4, 2018 15:32:22 GMT -5
tsu120, I respectfully disagree that there is not much the alumni and others can do.
If in fact TSU alum and other donors really put their money where their mouth is, then we would have ground to stand on demand more from Dr. Glover and others. TSU as do a great majority of HBCU's, has a very giving rate among alumni. Yet TSU and a great majority of HBCU's have very high complaints from their alumni about their schools not being managed properly or being underfunded.
Funding IS a major issue for TSU. And, until we as alum and supporters collectively get up off our complaining asses and start giving back, then it will only get worse. And, we will not have a voice in who leads and how that person leads TSU. We also have to be realistic in our expectations of giving. You can't give one year and expect the university to change overnight. We all have to give consistently at the highest level we possibly can. I hate to criticize those who give, but some spend more on drinking and partying throughout the year than they do on supporting TSU. If you truly can't afford more than $25, $50, $100 a year, then this criticism is not directed at you. If you only give $25, $50, $100 a year and yet you spend freely on non-essential things in your life (and you all know who you are), then you are not supporting TSU the way you should. That's just my personal perspective. I'm not saying don't treat yourself to the extra's that you can afford. What you buy isn't any of my business. But, please don't bitch, moan and groan when TSU has budget cuts, has a declining enrollment and might even have to cut programs someday, when realistically you can do something about it. Again, that something is supporting TSU financially at the highest level you possibly can. I don't want anyone going broke by in their support of TSU. I just want TSU alum and supporters to understand that we must increase the number of supporters giving, increase the amount that is being given and increase the regularity in our giving.
And, we need to stop waiting on recognition for our giving. Give because it is simply the right thing to do. I could careless if TSU fails print my name in some listing of donors (which they've done a few times). I don't need some token of appreciation that I probably won't ever use. I give first and foremost because I believe that God wants me to help someone else achieve what I was able to achieve and more. That glory belongs to Him. He made a way for my parents to pay for my college education 100% out of their pockets. That alone is enough for me to give back.
The other thing we all need to consider is setting up life insurance policies in which TSU is the beneficiary. This one easy way to give even more to TSU. If you need to have recognition for such giving request that it be used to create a scholarship in your name.
Bottom line is... WE CAN DO SOMETHING. SUPPORT TSU FINANCIALLY.
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Post by roknows50 on Feb 20, 2019 21:42:28 GMT -5
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Post by TSUTigerFanInDC on Feb 21, 2019 15:28:06 GMT -5
I have a feeling if the ship isn't righted soon, Dr. Glover may be finding herself in a deep challenge to maintain her job. Her answers just don't show responsibility, leadership, nor the ability to work through tough issues. TSU is not a social based organization. It is an institution of higher learning that has far more complexities. That unto itself is an understatement and I feel sad that I'm even having to make such an obvious statement. I didn't feel Dr. Glover was the better candidate when she was hired and unfortunately she's proving to be limited in her ability to lead TSU to greater heights well off maintain where we were when she took office. Though I wouldn't like it, I could stomach stagnant enrollment. I have a serious issue seeing our enrollment decline by 15%. My concern at this point is how long are we going to give her to improve the finances and enrollment issues that are facing TSU? How low do we have to drop in enrollment before we stand up and say it's time for new leadership?
What if anything is the National Alumni Association doing to make alumni aware of the issues that face our beloved university? What proactive measures are the alumni taking to address our TSU's leadership and the issues?
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Post by tiger1 on Feb 21, 2019 17:13:47 GMT -5
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Post by tsu120 on Feb 22, 2019 8:33:17 GMT -5
Seriously, when I listen to the meetings – I have to laugh, to keep from crying.
I would imagine, there are some that are saying “are you serious”
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Post by tsu120 on Feb 27, 2019 14:42:42 GMT -5
I have a feeling if the ship isn't righted soon, Dr. Glover may be finding herself in a deep challenge to maintain her job. Her answers just don't show responsibility, leadership, nor the ability to work through tough issues. TSU is not a social based organization. It is an institution of higher learning that has far more complexities. That unto itself is an understatement and I feel sad that I'm even having to make such an obvious statement. I didn't feel Dr. Glover was the better candidate when she was hired and unfortunately she's proving to be limited in her ability to lead TSU to greater heights well off maintain where we were when she took office. Though I wouldn't like it, I could stomach stagnant enrollment. I have a serious issue seeing our enrollment decline by 15%. My concern at this point is how long are we going to give her to improve the finances and enrollment issues that are facing TSU? How low do we have to drop in enrollment before we stand up and say it's time for new leadership? What if anything is the National Alumni Association doing to make alumni aware of the issues that face our beloved university? What proactive measures are the alumni taking to address our TSU's leadership and the issues? DC,
That’s because she does not have any answers, now ask her to talk about the AKA’s, she can talk for hours. True, she was not the best candidate, I searched for a list and could not find one.
According to her vision for the university; she has failed in all of them
1. academic progress and customer service, 2. fund raising and partnerships, 3. diversity and inclusion, 4. shared governance, and 5. community outreach
This is her main priority Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, Ph.D, JD, CPA, of Nashville, Tennessee is the International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college women. Dr. Glover will lead the prestigious 110-year-old organization of nearly 300,000 members and over 1,000 chapters located all over the world, from 2018–2022.
www.charlestonchronicle.net/2019/01/02/black-pr-wire-power-profile-glenda-glover/
AKA Sorority President Dr. Glenda Glover on Kamala Harris 2020 Campaign
aurn.com/aka-sorority-president-dr-glenda-glover-on-kamala-harris-2020-campaign/
Interesting
List of JSU candidates kept secret, but here are three in the running
“Former JSU president Dr. Carolyn Meyers announced her resignation in October, less than a week after the Institutions of Higher Learning appointed an accounting analytics firm to assess the university’s finances. IHL trustees reported that Jackson State’s cash reserves declined from $37 million to $4 million over four years. The board hired Ridgeland-based Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay P.A. to assess the university’s finances between fiscal year 2012 and fiscal year 2016. Dr. Rod Paige was named interim president of JSU in November.”
mississippitoday.org/2017/04/17/list-of-jsu-candidates-kept-secret-but-here-are-three-in-the-running/
To answer your last question the National, is doing what they do best, that' nothing and they are aware of the problems at the university - there are a few members of the Executive Board, live in Nashville live in Nashville.
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Post by tiger1 on Jun 13, 2019 22:29:04 GMT -5
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