Although our members know of many issues, much research is necessary. We have identified the following resources:

1. Public expectations of higher education:

   Post/Courier

   CHE

   Institutional Research (IR)

   Enrollment Management (EM)

   Chamber of Commerce

   Alumni, Friends and Community

2. Primary factors affecting choice of an institution and "match" with the College of Charleston's distinguishing features:

   Surveys of students, prospects and those who elected not to attend. (EM and Honors Program may have some of these already)

   Guidance Counselors

   IR

3. Image of the CofC - national, state and local:

   The Community

   National Surveys

   Peterson's Guide, US News & World Report, etc.

   World Wide Web

4. Identification of the College's primary competitors and comparison of key characteristics:

   All of the above.

Brainstorming, the members present came up with the ideas, strengths and concerns presented here. They are not intended to be construed as complete or definitive, but represent a beginning.

We seem to have plenty of applications. How can we increase those we particularly seek (for example, minority and/or academically superior students)?

Excellent higher education can attract business and industry. There have been some good articles in the last few weeks in the Post/Courier regarding higher ed.

Specialized Programs like Marine Biology are strengths, as are:

• Environmental Climate (concern for our undergraduates, personal attention)
• Charleston (city and area)
• Social Atmosphere
• History and Campus
• Pre-Med
• Honors Program
• All Academics
• Athletics
• Scholarships

Local African-American Community needs to be cultivated. Our institution has a history of discrimination to overcome.
Recruiting local athletes can help, as will a new basketball arena.
Partnerships with elementary and middle schools - What is being done? What more can be done? (Robert Russell and Judge Sanders have a list.)
Student teaching, accreditation of Ed. School?
Is our infrastructure stretched too thin?
We must identify what we are best at, what are local needs? etc.

Members Present: Mary Beth Heston (chair), Nan Morrison, Oliver Smalls, and Rose Rowland.

Members not present: John Peters, Pierre Bouvette, Howard Rudd, Jerry Baker, Don Burkard, Michael Haga, Gus Gustafson, Patrick Larkin, and Harriet Keyersling