EPSB - University of the Cumberlands

of the minutes and other documentation recognizes that there is P-12 representation at themeetings. This is also verified through interviews with school level administrators andsuperintendents, as discussed in the IR on page 91.The unit ensures that candidates have access to student support services such as advising andcounseling. There is an advising process in place in all unit programs. Based on interviews withcandidates and faculty, there is a key faculty member identified to assign faculty advisors foreach initial undergraduate candidate. At the initial graduate, advanced, and other schoolprofessionals level, candidates are assigned faculty advisors by the Graduate Advising Center(GAC). The role of the GAC is to register candidates for their initial classes, teach candidateshow to manage their own online registration, and provide assistance and support to advisors. Asper the documentation, the GAC also sends an orientation packet to students upon admission tothe university.The unit publishes its recruiting polices and its admission, retention and exit policies in theUniversity of the Cumberlands catalog. Admissions and recruiting polices are described clearlyand consistently in publications and catalogues. Academic calendars, catalogues, publications,grading policies, and advertising are accurate and current.6b. Unit BudgetUnit Budget – Initial Teacher PreparationUnit Budget – Advanced PreparationAcceptableAcceptableSummary of Findings:The Education Department’s base budget in 2009-2010 was $4,895,657.00 compared to theuniversity’s $33,408,615.00. In all unit programs this represents 11.7% of the university’s totalannual budget. The unit also received $406,600.00 in private gifts, grants, and contracts in 2008-2009. This is a 6.2% increase since 2006-2007. The funding for the unit at all levels appearsadequate and comparable to that of other units.Financial reports indicate that the unit receives a budget for non-personnel costs which isallocated for items such as printing and equipment. The unit receives professional developmentmonies from an endowment fund which is separate from the unit budget. Each full-time facultymember receives $800.00 and part-time faculty receive $400.00 in all unit programs forconferences, workshops, and travel expenses. There is a separate budget allocated for unitpersonnel. The library provides the unit with two separate library allocations for theundergraduate and graduate levels. Faculty have input in how those monies are spent.Information was obtained through documentation and interviews.The recent changes to the budget clearly indicate an increase in the funding allocated foracademic expenses in the unit based on documentation and interviews. The unit added threefaculty positions in the summer of 2010 due to an increase in enrollment in the unit’s graduateand advanced programs. The budget allows all faculty to engage in professional development.29