Commission on Outreach
Minutes of March 26, 1998

Present:  Terry Swecker, Peter Eyre, S. K. DeDatta, Dixon Hanna, Kathy
Lewis, Sara Baker, Tina Shanklin, Martha McCollum, Eldridge Collins, Ted
Settle, Ann Hertzler, Norman Marriott, Judith Jones (for Clark Jones),
Sharon Diggs (by phone), Doug McAlister, Lyn Gray, Julie Ozanne, Lee
Skabelund, Samuel Johnson (by phone)

Absent:  Mary McFerren, Kevin Fenton, Bill Murphy, Dan Schneck, Jessica Wolff

1.      Adoption of Agenda:  Terry Swecker

Copies of the agenda were distributed.  After a review of items listed, it
was properly moved and seconded that the agenda be accepted.

2.      Update on Selection of Vice Provost for Outreach - Terry Swecker

Terry Swecker reported that two candidates had been selected for an
interview, however, one candidate had withdrawn--one had accepted another
position.  The second candidate, Dr. Ed Simpson from Georgia, had been
brought to campus.

3.      Update on University Self Study - Terry Swecker

Terry Swecker stated that the SACS accreditation team had visited the
campus from March 15-18, 1998.  During that time he was afforded an
opportunity to meet with the members of the team and discuss the Commission
on Outreach.

4.      Public Service Excellence Award Committee - Terry Swecker

Terry Swecker offered a special thanks to Ann Hertzler for chairing the
committee responsible for selecting the Public Service Excellence Award
recipient for 1998.  He announced that Dr. R. Michael Chandler had been the
successful recipient and he would be recognized in the Spectrum and at
Founder's Day.  Dr. Judith Jones added that Dr. Chandler would be honored
at an Extension function also.

5.      Update on Distance Learning and Outreach Activities - Tom Wilkinson

Tom Wilkinson, Director of Distributed Learning, distributed copies of and
made a presentation on his proposal to establish The Institute for Distance
and Distributed Learning at Virginia Tech.  Briefly, his presentation
discussed programs currently being offered by satellite as well as future
programs that are being considered for this type of medium. Being able to
offer programs over this medium would connect learners with a system of
distributed learning resources regardless of time and place in support of
teaching and learning, research, and outreach.  Additionally, Dixon Hanna
distributed a copy of the Provost's administrative directive for the
approved process for offering distance educational courses and some of the
policy issues resulting from the offering of undergraduate courses at a
distance.

After a short question and answer period, Terry Swecker asked that anyone
with questions or comments please contact Tom Willkinson directly.

The meeting adjourned at 3:47 p.m.

The next meeting of the Commission on Outreach is scheduled for April 23
from 1-3 p.m. in 400D Burruss.