Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Criminal Justice Association of Georgia

January 31, 2003

Mulberry Inn, Savannah, Georgia

 

Members in Attendance:

Leo Downing, North Georgia College & State University

Brooks Lansing, NGCSU

John Batchelder, NGCSU

Brent Paterline, NGCSU

Elizabeth Lewis, NGCSU

Hil Harper, Valdosta State University

Dan Lockwood, Savannah State University

Leroy Baldwin, Atlanta Metropolitan College

Dave Camp, Georgia State University

George Burruss, Georgia Southern University

Chris Ludowise, Georgia Southern University

Dan Guerrant, Middle Georgia College

Paul Hudson, Georgia Perimeter College

Kevin Demmitt, Clayton College & State University

Charles Ochie, Albany State University

Sutham Cheurprakobkit, Kennesaw State University

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 11:50 AM by the president, Leo Downing.

 

  1. The minutes of the 2002 CJAG were unanimously accepted.

 

  1. Leo Downing presented a brief summary of the minutes of the BOR AAC meeting from the previous day.  A copy of the BOR minutes can be found on the CJAG web site.

 

  1. Paul Hudson from Georgia Perimeter College introduced himself to the group and discussed the new criminal justice program being developed at GPC.  Several members offered suggestions regarding issues related to transferability of coursework.

 

  1. Dan Lockwood, of Savannah State University, outlined several issues related to internships including; credit hours given, onsite visitation policies, work hours required and academic policies relating to the assignment of "I" grades (incompletes).  A lengthy discussion followed concluding with the suggestion that CJAG may need to establish an association criterion for these issues.  As a basis for exploring the establishment of a formal policy or position by the CJAG, it was decided to form a committee to survey current requirements and standards for criminal justice internships in the USG.  The committee is comprised of Dan Lockwood, Brent Paterline (North Georgia College & State University) and Christine Ludowise (Georgia Southern University).  The committee will issue a report at the November CJAG meeting.

 

  1. Leo Downing outlined several issues and problems related to this years meeting. Because of the growth of the organization, particular attention needs to be paid to deadlines.  Several faculty who wanted to present papers were unable to do so because of their tardy submission.  Faculty were urged to subscribe to the CJAG listserv and check the CJAG web site (www.ngcsu.edu/CJAG/cjag.htm) for announcements.

 

6.  Hil Harper gave a report from the committee regarding formalization of CJAG.

Given the increase in conference participation, it was felt that the time has come for CJAG to take steps toward formalization.  A discussion followed, during which it was decided to take the follow steps toward formal recognition: adoption of by-laws, incorporation and seek tax-exempt status.  Hil Harper will modify documents from similar academic organizations so they apply to CJAG and distribute them by mid-March, along with anticipated costs for incorporation as a non-profit association.  These items will be distributed and voted on through the CJAG listserv.  If accepted, incorporation will proceed.  Issues related to dues and the use of these funds (best student paper award, CJAG letterhead, etc.)  will be determined by a vote of the membership at the November meeting.

 

7.  Future path

Leo Downing reported the results of the online survey conducted last year regarding the future development of CJAG as an academic organization.  The responses reflected a desire to eventually become independent but recognized the need for CJAG to remain attached to the GPSA for the time being.  In accordance with these findings, plans for the next meeting of CJAG were already in place.

 

8. Next meeting

The next meeting of CJAG will take place in conjunction with the GPSA meeting at Callaway Gardens on November 14-15, 2003.  The deadline for submitting proposals will be July 1, 2003.  Given the large number of submissions this year, the number of panels was increased to six.  The panels will be chaired by Leo Downing, Dan Lockwood, Charles Ochie, Rudy Prine (student panel), Hil Harper, and Gene Bouley.

Contact information on each of the panel chairs will be available on the CJAG web site by March 1.  A formal call for proposals will be made once the information is posted.  If you are interested in making a presentation please contact a panel chair directly.   Once again the deadline is July 1, 2003.

 

9.  Other academic meetings

                        Southern Criminal Justice Association:  Nashville, September 23-27, 2003

                                    See: http://www.scja.net/conference.htm

                        Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences:  Boston, March 4-8, 2003

                                    See: http://www.acjs.org/new_page_7.htm

                        American Society of Criminology: Denver, November 19-22

                                    See: http://www.asc41.com/cfppg2003.htm

 

 

10. Elections

Following a discussion of the short time period between meetings, a motion was made and approved to vacate the last election results and extend the term of the current president, Leo Downing, until the next meeting in November.  Hil Harper was then nominated and approved as President elect.  Hil will assume the duties of the office following the November meeting.

 

 

The meeting was then adjourned at 12:40 PM.