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Curriculum Planning and Review Committee Meeting: 5/12/2004

01/31/07

Curriculum Planning and Review Committee Meeting        
Wednesday, May 12, 2004  
9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Ahmanson Room, Mayer Library

MINUTES

Attending: Barbara Bloom, Bill Dill, Sam Grogg,  jj Jackman, Eric Powell, Peter Markham,  Joe Petricca, Betsy Pollock, Leonard Schrader, Caroline Sisneros, Jim  McBride, Gill Dennis, Phil Linson, Lynn Mazzucchi, Carl Smith, Sheila Sullivan, Carmen Orange.

Absent:  Neil Canton, Larry Paull, Brenda Weiermair


I.    Announcements and Calendar

Sam Grogg introduced his new Assistant, Sharon Van Ivan, to the Committee. Grogg also introduced Eric Powell as the new Program Coordinator, replacing Bob MacDonald.

Grogg stated that the WASC Re-Accreditation effort will continue to gear up as the Institutional Proposal is finalized for submission on October 15.

Grogg reminded the Committee that regular classes end on May 14th, except for a few classes that are still continuing to finish necessary work.

Grogg stated that this Sunday, the 16th, is the Meryl Streep HLMS. She is the recipient of the 2004 Life Achievement Award. The 2nd Year Fellows will receive preferred seating in the MGSR.

Grogg stated that next week (5/17-5/21) are the Portfolio reviews for 1st Year Fellows. The reviews by Faculty should encompass the Fellows’ strengths and weaknesses.
Faculty are asked to review and comment on the work. Grogg also stated that May 25th is the date for the First Year Continuation meeting.

Sam mentioned that the teaming of First Year Fellows for thesis projects is in process. The final Team Presentations should be turned in on 5/21. He also mentioned that the Thesis presentations review will be held on 6/2 and 6/3.

Grogg stated that Commencement will be on 6/9. Second Year Fellows will have rehearsal on 6/8. 80% of Fellows are still finishing Thesis projects, but, as is custom, they will walk in the ceremony.

Sam mentioned that the May Showcase at the Arclight will be on 5/24 and 5/25.

Phil Linson stated that two Fellows won awards in the Hollywood Reporter Key Art Awards. First Prize went to Andrea Trillo and Third Prize went to Sarah Broshar.

Grogg mentioned that Eva Hussan was a finalist in the Student Academy awards.

Joe Petricca mentioned that eight AFI Fellows were finalists in the Esquire competition.
Grogg gave accolades to the Fellows for their work ethic and performance.

Grogg also mentioned that this year’s Honorary Degree recipients will be Frank Pierson, Roger Ebert and John Warnock.

Grogg congratulated the Faculty on the Fellows ASC Awards. Bill Dill is moving from full-time status to adjunct status. Stephen Lighthill will take Bill Dill’s place as Head of the Cinematography Discipline. Grogg also stated that we are in the process of searching for a replacement for Larry Paull, former head of Production Design.

Grogg stated that May and June would be the time when the Conservatory will be reviewing Faculty contracts. Sam mentioned that the Conservatory is looking to expand the Faculty, slightly. He also mentioned that the Faculty needs to be in place by 7/1.

Joe Petricca stated that Faculty members in the future will be required to be either full or part-time employees. Joe said that the Federal Government is cracking down on Independent contractor status and that the Conservatory is making the transition.
Sheila Sullivan stated that she would be emailing Discipline heads the list of nominees for class speaker at Commencement


II.    Administrative and End of Year Matters

A. Registrar Report

Lynn Mazzucchi stated that applications for scholarships would go out on 5/18. They are due by 6/20.



Lynn Mazzucchi stated that she sent an email to the Senior Mentors about the Continuation meeting. The email reminded the Faculty about the Fellows’ performance and that the information should be confidential.

Sam Grogg stated that the Continuation meetings are a good opportunity to get an in-depth look at the Fellows’ performance. In addition, it celebrates the accomplishments of the Fellows.



B. Admissions Report

J.J. Jackman stated that he is beginning the revision of the Conservatory catalog. He also mentioned that he is confirming the class of 2004. 23 prospects dropped out because of money problems, chose different schools or found jobs.

C. Library Report

Caroline Sisneros requested that all present submit suggested revisions for the “List of Required Reading” and the “List of Required Viewing”.






D. Conservatory Programs Report

Sam Grogg noted that the portfolio review weeks for the 1st Year Fellows are upcoming.  The faculty will meet soon afterward to discuss the Fellows who will be continued into the 2nd year of the program.

Sheila Sullivan commented on how the Faculty evaluations of Fellows are essential to this review and that they should be finished by the 5/28 meeting.

Betsy Pollock commented on the structure of Boot Camp and its’ overlap with preparation for cycle one.
 
Sheila Sullivan was concerned about the wording in the Production Handbook relating to the maximum length of the Cycle projects. Sheila suggested that all cycles should be no more than 30 minutes long.

Phil Linson pointed out that longer projects take more in post, and given the demands of the schedule, there is a lot of frustration when attempting to deal with so much material.

Len Schrader stated that he felt that Cycle one should be no more than 15 minutes because it makes the writing tighter and concise.


E. Faculty Affairs and HLMS Update

No news to report.


F. Production and Post Production Matters

Phil Linson stated that Fellows projects are still ongoing.  One thesis is out and there are five more to complete.


G.  General Administrative Matters

Joe Petricca mentioned that there was an act of vandalism and theft last week. He reminded the committee to be aware and to always lock their office door.

          

III.      Co-Curricular Activities and Fellows Affairs


Sam Grogg spoke to the committee about the Fellows affairs Inventory Form (See Attachment) and subjects pertaining to the form.

Grogg is concerned that we expand support (advice and counseling) to the Fellows. He wants the Fellows to have access to a broader range of Support Resources.

Sheila Sullivan suggested that the Conservatory should institute a women’s support group and an African-American support group.


IV.    WASC Proposal Topics Discussion

Sam Grogg discussed the “Proposed WASC Self-Study Topics” that were distributed at the beginning of the meeting (see attachments).

Grogg outlined the WASC Self-Study Topics as defined by the Faculty. The topics included the following:

1. Evaluation of Excellence.
2. The Profession Connection.
3. Faculty–Fellow Engagement.
4. The Resource Demands of the Program.


Grogg asked all present to think about these issues and look at how to improve the program.  He also asked everyone to read the two documents, Reaccredidation and Guidelines and Procedures.

V.    Fellows Matters

Carmen Orange stated that the fellows have complained about the incidentals (location, craft services, extra equipment) that are associated with the project budget. In addition, Carmen, mentioned that the Fellows are disappointed with HLMS. They are more interested in the Lecturers than the movies. Sam Grogg said that the matter would be studied.

Grogg reminded the committee that when evaluating Fellows and Faculty, it’s on a need to know basis and to be discreet.

Grogg mentioned that this was the last meeting of the year and that there is a lot of work to do for the coming term.
 
Sam Grogg thanked everyone for coming.  The meeting was adjourned. 
 

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