Although
we do not have quorum, I do have some information that I need to put before you.
I want to direct your attention to the orange sheet that pertains to the Praxis
Exam. First of all, despite any rumors you may have heard, we are not getting
rid of the teacher education program. When the Praxis Exam took place, Lincoln
University made an administrative error in its report. When we first made the
report to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, we were under the impression
that we had to report all Lincoln students who took the Praxis Exam. In fact,
we only have to report those students who have completed the teacher education
program and who have passed the Praxis Exam. Lincoln's program, when measured
in this way, has shown a great deal of improvement. For instance, in the last
reporting period, 28 students completed the program and 28 students passed the
Praxis Exam. So, I want to thank everyone who is involved in that program and
say that you all deserve a round of applause.
Secondly, I
need to inform you of two resolutions that the Board of Trustees passed.
One:
students will need to complete all graduation requirements, except for two courses,
for this year's graduation ceremony. Next May, students must complete all but
one course in order to "walk" in the graduation ceremony. In May 2006, students
will have to have completed all requirements to participate in the graduation
ceremony.
Two: No student can graduate unless all fees have
been paid. In the past, the university has been able to write off some student
receivables so that students could graduate. In May 2005, this will no longer
be the case.
Last week, I testified before the House and Senate
Appropriations Committees. Along with the presidents of the other three state-related
institutions, I made the case for restoring state funding levels to what they
were two years ago. In other words, I made the case for restoring Lincoln University's
funding level to $12.9 million, which it was two years ago, from the current level
of $12.1 million.
