TASC MEETING
Minutes
April 27, 2007

Call to Order
Mike Duff called the meeting to order at 3:34pm. Members present were Ashley Berken, Patrick Eustis, T.J. Moore, Marcus Stein, Mike Duff, Janet Woolman, Dr. Todd Furman and Mike Graham. Others in attendance were Dr. Ron Darbeau, Shannon Davis and Brenda Gallow.

Minutes
Mike Duff approved the 09MAR07 minutes by acclamation.

CITO Update
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Old Business
Mike Duff invited Dr. Ron Darbeau to present his proposal ideas to the TASC Committee with regard to a forensics’ lab. Dr. Darbeau began by thanking the committee for the opportunity to ‘pitch’ his ideas. He explained, 4yrs ago McNeese started a Forensic Chemical Concentration Program which is the first one at a state university in Louisiana, and it is one of a very few ‘forensic type’ programs across the country. The program was started because of student interest. Dr. Darbeau said there have been ongoing requests from parents and students asking if there is anything in forensics, so it is clear that the time has come to move forward and initiate a forensics program. Dr. Darbeau said they have come up with a program of study that would satisfy (2) two Masters. It would remain accredited by the American Chemical Society (which is a big deal) and also introduce students and allow them to have a chance to explore the world of forensics, and they have designed several courses to do that. Dr. Darbeau said presently, McNeese has graduated 12 students so far with the forensics concentration and all of them have been employed. In fact, we have a student who has not yet graduated and already has a job at the crime lab. He said a crime lab in Baton Rouge has called to say specifically how pleased they are at the rigor of our forensics program, how our kids are being taught well and if we have anymore we should send them up that way. Dr. Darbeau said we have made a really good start and need to capitalize on the fact that there is no competing program in Louisiana or in the adjoining states. He expressed his desire to set up a forensics lab by bringing in the tools needed to make it an independent unit from the crime lab downtown and have students trained on every single piece of equipment they could possibly encounter in a ‘real world’ forensics scenario. Dr. Darbeau stated we have the opportunity that nobody else has - to have ‘The Forensics Science Program’.

Dr. Darbeau completed his presentation and answered questions from the committee. The committee thanked Dr. Darbeau for his presentation.

The TASC Committee discussed the proposal of a forensics’ lab and all agreed this is a great idea. Mike Graham stated he felt if the TASC Committee funds $500,000 the 4th floor would commit an extra $20,000/year for salary. Janet Woolman stated McNeese is looking for a niche. Dr. Furman said this is a golden opportunity and Mike Duff responded this is probably that ‘dare to be great’ situation we have been looking for. After a bit more discussion, Dr. Todd Furman moved to accept the proposal of a forensics’ lab at $479,000 as submitted. Ashley Berken seconded. The committee voted to approve and motion carriers.

Mike Graham suggested (due to time limits) the committee come back next Friday and discussed the remaining open ideas. Mike Duff asked Mike Graham to have the related costs for each idea available.

New Business
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CoTASCO Update
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Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 4:34pm.