September 1995
Board Meeting Minutes
September 20, 1995
The September 20, 1995 Board of Trustees meeting was convened at the
State Capitol Building, Room 123, St. Paul, MN by Chair Gary Mohrenweiser
at 9:05 a.m.
Trustees Present: Robert Cahlander, Christine Fritsche, Nellie
Stone Johnson, Scott Kile, Randall Knudson, Stephen L. Maxwell, Gary
Mohrenweiser, John Mulder, Fannie Primm, Denise Stephens, and William
Ulland
Trustees Absent: Nancy Brataas, Archie D. Chelseth, David Erickson
- Approval of July 18 and 31, 1995 Board Meeting Minutes
Chris Fritsche moved approval of the July 18, 1995 meeting minutes.
Bill Ulland seconded. Page 10 of the minutes was corrected to read,
"The amendment to the motion passed seven-six. (Ayes-Nancy Brataas,
Archie D. Chelseth, David Erickson, Stephen L. Maxwell, John Mulder,
Fannie Primm, Gary Mohrenweiser; Nayes-Robert Cahlander, Christine
Fritsche, Nellie Stone Johnson, Scott Kile, Randall Knudson, Denise
Stephens.) The final vote on the motion was then taken and passed
ten-three (nayes-Scott Kile, Randall Knudson, Denise Stephens)." The
motion was adopted unanimously.
Bill Ulland moved approval of the July 31, 1995 meeting minutes. John
Mulder seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- Chair's Report: Gary Mohrenweiser
Chair Mohrenweiser introduced Vicky Smith, President of Austin Community
College. Dr. Smith replaces President Harold Conradi as one of the
two community college representatives on the Joint Council of Presidents.
The October 17-18 Board of Trustees meetings will convene at Central
Lakes College in Brainerd.
a. "Twin Cities Industry Cluster Study," William Byers,
Metropolitan Council, and Lee Munnich, Humphrey Institute.
William Byers and Lee Munnich presented information on the "Twin
Cities Industry Cluster Study," a study conducted to examine economic
development in the Twin Cities. Mr. Byers and Mr. Munnich were encouraged
by the Board to include representatives from Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities in future discussions.
b. Election of Officers
Expressions of candidacy were received from the following Trustees
prior to the August 21 deadline: Chair-Gary Mohrenweiser; Vice Chair-Scott
Kile, Bill Ulland; Secretary-Christine Fritsche; and Treasurer-John
Mulder.
No nominations were received from the floor for the office of Chair.
Stephen L. Maxwell moved Gary Mohrenweiser be elected Chair of the
Board of Trustees. Nellie Stone Johnson seconded. The motion was
adopted unanimously.
No nominations were received from the floor for the office of Vice
Chair. Scott Kile withdrew his candidacy. Nellie Stone Johnson moved
Bill Ulland be elected Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. John
Mulder seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
No nominations were received from the floor for the office of Secretary.
Stephen L. Maxwell moved Christine Fritsche be elected Secretary
of the Board of Trustees. Bill Ulland seconded. The motion was adopted
unanimously.
No nominations were received from the floor for the office of Treasurer.
Bill Ulland moved John Mulder be elected Treasurer of the Board
of Trustees. Stephen L. Maxwell seconded. The motion was adopted
unanimously.
- Chancellor's Report: Judith Eaton
a. Appointment of Willmar Community/Technical College
President
Interviews with candidates for the Willmar Community/Technical College
President position have been scheduled.
b. Chancellor's Update
During the past five weeks, Chancellor Eaton has visited a number
of campuses, met with legislators, Board members, faculty, union
leadership, community leaders, and many others, and has spent time
at the State Fair. Chancellor Eaton stated that, overall, people
are positive about the merger, and are looking for vision and direction
from the new organization.
c. Harry Peterson Resolution
Bill Ulland moved adoption of the "Resolution of Gratitude and Appreciation
to Harry Peterson." Nellie Stone Johnson seconded. The resolution
is as follows:
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson served as acting chancellor in the
first days of the new Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
system; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson displayed effective leadership in the
critical initial days of the newly merged system; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson provided an important sense of continuity,
direction and momentum during this critical period; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson confronted significant issues with intelligence
and sensitivity; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson provided valuable assistance to incoming
Chancellor Judith Eaton; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson carried out his duties with energy,
good humor and thoughtfulness;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities expresses its gratitude and appreciation
to Dr. Harry Peterson for his service and leadership as acting chancellor,
as well as his many contributions as deputy chancellor.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
- Board Standing Committee Reports
a. Facilities Committee: John Mulder, Chair
John Mulder reported that, as there was not a quorum at the Facilities
Committee meeting, no action was taken.
- Debt Service Policy (also reviewed by the Budget and Administration
Committee)
How to pay the one-third debt service for capital construction
projects which are not related to preservation of existing facilities
of life safety was discussed. Vice Chancellor Ed McMahon presented
three options: (a) payment of the entire one-third cost by the
campus receiving the capital project; (b) payment of one-third
of the debt service by the individual campus receiving the capital
project with the remaining portion paid at the system level
in an amount not to exceed two percent of the institution's
annual operating allocation; and (c) full payment of debt service
at the system level - there would be no assessment to the individual
campuses receiving the capital projects. Chancellor Eaton stated
that staff will prepare a recommendation to be discussed by
both the Facilities committee and the Budget and Administration
Committee in October. Bill Ulland requested that action be taken
on this issue in October.
- Rochester Memorandum of Understanding
John Mulder moved adoption of the "Memorandum of Understanding
Among Governor Arne Carlson, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Board of Trustees, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents,
the Greater Rochester Area University Center and Rochester Community
Legislators Regarding Minnesota Riverland Technical College-Rochester
Campus." Fannie Primm seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- Anoka-Hennepin Technical College Air Handling System
Fungal problems have been detected at Anoka-Hennepin Technical
College. Staff and students have been alerted, and the air at
the campus is being monitored. Both short and long term issues
need to be discussed. Staff were asked to bring recommendations
to the Board in October.
- Normandale Parking Project - Status Report
The parking project at Normandale Community College is progressing
as scheduled. A $24,000 easement, rather than the purchase of
land for $100,000, has been negotiated.
- System Office Space Update
The MnSCU System Office move has been delayed 6-12 months pending
further study.
- Miscellaneous Information Items
Vice Chancellor Ed McMahon reported the City of St. Paul Schools
will transfer $840,000 to St. Paul Technical College for purchase
of property adjacent to the west parking lot. The money was
appropriated to the St. Paul Schools by the 1994 Legislature
for purchase of property adjacent to St. Paul Technical College,
but was not used.
b. Human Resources Committee: Nancy Brataas, Chair
As Chair Nancy Brataas and Vice Chair David Erickson were ill, Trustee
Robert Cahlander chaired the Human Resources Committee meeting.
- Resolution on Early Retirement Legislation
Robert Cahlander moved adoption of the "Resolution on Retirement
Legislation (Laws of 1995, Chapter 262, Article 5 - H.F. 1040)"
with the addition of, "and shall be effective from September 1,
1995 through December 31, 1995" at the end of number 1. Stephen
L. Maxwell seconded. The original printed resolution is as follows:
The Board of Trustees shall make available to eligible employees
the retirement incentive provided in Laws of 1995, Chapter 262,
Article 5 (H.F. 1040) under the following conditions:
- This incentive shall be made available through Board
resolution to those eligible employees who are not represented
by a bargaining agent. Any similar benefit negotiated for
represented employees shall be in a Memorandum of Understanding
and subject to the review and approval of the Board.
- The Chancellor for the chancellor's office and the college
president for their respective college/university and/or campus,
after consultation with the chancellor, must elect whether
or not to declare a downsizing or a reduction in force.
- Following declaration of downsizing or a reduction in
force, this incentive will be available if:
A. The chancellor or president decides to permanently eliminate
a position in the employee's respective department, program,
or unit which is scheduled to downsize, and the employee's
retirement results in cost savings greater than the cost of
the incentive. Any subsequent refilling of a position must
receive prior approval of the Chancellor or her/his designee;
and
B. the employee meets the following criteria:
- have at least 15 years of combined service credit
in any Minnesota public pension plans governed by M.S.
356.30, subd. 3, and the plan governed by M.S. 354B;
- be at least 55 years of age;
- retire before January 31, 1996, or for a person who
first becomes eligible for this incentive between January
31, 1996, and December 31, 1996, retire within 90 days
of the declaration to downsize, but before January 31,
1997;
- upon retirement be immediately eligible for a retirement
annuity from defined benefit plan if the person is a member
of a defined benefit plan; and
C. The number of employee participants does not exceed
the number of positions eliminated; and
D. No employee shall receive more than 100% of total compensation
in a single fiscal year.
- At six month intervals beginning December 31, 1995,
each campus president who has permitted employees to use this
incentive shall file a report with the chancellor which provides:
A. Documentation of the employees' eligibility under 3b above;
and
B. Documentation that the criteria in 3 a, c and d have been
met.
- In accordance with MnSCU directive, employee participants
may not be rehired.
Nellie Stone Johnson moved to amend the Cahlander motion to adopt
the "Resolution on Retirement Legislation (Laws of 1995, Chapter
262, Article 5 - H.F. 1040)" as originally printed. John Mulder
seconded.
A roll call vote was taken on the Nellie Stone Johnson amendment.
The Amendment was adopted 7-4 (nayes-Robert Cahlander, Stephen
L. Maxwell, Denise Stephens, Gary Mohrenweiser).
A final vote was then taken. The resolution was adopted 8-3 (nayes-
Robert Cahlander, Stephen L. Maxwell, Gary Mohrenweiser).
- Proposed Policy 4.5: Student Employees (Final Reading)
(Information item. Also reviewed by Budget and Administration
Committee)
c. Educational Policy Committee: Nellie Stone Johnson, Vice
Chair
- Resolution on Planning for Southwest Minnesota
Bill Ulland moved adoption of the "Resolution on Planning for
Southwest Minnesota." Christine Fritsche seconded. The resolution
is as follows:
Background
Planning higher education services for Southwest Minnesota was
addressed by the recommendation of the Special Advisory Group
on Governance and Support Services (SAGGSS), which required the
three higher education institutions to develop and submit a plan
that describers their ".current and proposed collaborative efforts
in academic program planning and articulation, access to student
services and student life, facilities and administrative services."
The three higher education institutions in Southwest Minnesota
offer academic programs to a total of 5,723 students at six different
sites:
|
Fall 1994 Headcount |
FY1994 FYE |
| Southwest State University (Marshall) |
2,484 |
2,312 |
| Worthington Community College |
904 |
656 |
| Southwestern Technical College |
|
|
|
Canby |
260 |
246 |
|
Granite Falls |
456 |
351 |
|
Jackson |
1,052 |
613 |
|
Pipestone |
567 |
352 |
There also is a need to fully address structural aspects of higher
education in Southwest Minnesota to ensure efficient use of resources
and continued provision of vital academic programs.
Resolution
The Board of Trustees requests that the Chancellor develop a comprehensive
planning proposal that fully addresses the issues identified by
the SAGGSS report and provides recommendations on alternative
governance structures for the affected institutions. The alternatives
shall include options for consolidating institutions.
Further, the resultant recommendations submitted to the Board
of Trustees shall satisfy five overall goals:
- Ensure access to effective higher education programs
(diploma, associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees)
for the population residing in Southwest Minnesota.
- Enhance educational offerings (technical, academic,
occupational) by redirecting resources to academic programs
that address student needs and regional priorities.
- Expand the opportunities for distance-learning education.
- Improve academic program integration, avoid unnecessary
duplication, and effectively utilize existing resources to
meet the educational needs of the region.
- Reduce the overall administrative costs associated with
the current MnSCU institutions located in Southwest Minnesota.
The final plan, including recommendations, shall be submitted
to the Board of Trustees by no later than June 30, 1996 for implementation
by no later than June 30, 1998. The Chancellor will make a progress
report to the Board of Trustees at the February 1996 meeting.
The resolution was adopted unanimously. The Board of Trustees
encouraged the campuses involved to expedite implementation of
the consolidation plan prior to June 30, 1998.
- Minnesota State University - Akita
Nellie Stone Johnson moved adoption of the Minnesota State University
- Akita status report to be submitted to the Legislature. Fannie
Primm seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- New Academic Program Recommendations
(a) Barbering - Pine Technical College
(b) Public Welfare Eligibility Specialist - Minneapolis Technical
College
(c) Associate in Science Degree in Registered Nursing - Lake Superior
College
Nellie Stone Johnson moved adoption of the Barbering Program at
Pine Technical College, the Public Welfare Eligibility Specialist
Program at Minneapolis Technical College, and the Registered Nurse
Program at Lake Superior College. Christine Fritsche seconded.
The motion was adopted unanimously.
- Proposed Policy 2.9: Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress
(Final Reading)
Nellie Stone Johnson moved adoption of Policy 2.9: Financial Aid
Satisfactory Progress. Bill Ulland seconded. The policy was adopted
unanimously.
- Proposed Amendment to Policy 3.5: Post-Secondary Enrollment
Options (Final Reading)
Nellie Stone Johnson moved adoption of the Proposed Amendment
to Policy 3.5: Post-Secondary Enrollment Options. Fannie Primm
seconded. The amendment to the policy was adopted unanimously.
- Technical College Student Life/Activity Fee Proposal
This information was reviewed and acted on by the Budget and Administration
Committee.
- Proposed Policy 3.10: Academic Program Improvement (First
Reading)
The Educational Policy Committee heard the first reading of this
proposed policy.
- Proposed Policy 3.11: Academic Program Accountability (First
Reading)
The Educational Policy Committee heard the first reading of this
proposed policy.
- Proposed Policy 3.12: Academic Program Suspension and Reinstatement
(First Reading)
The Educational Policy Committee heard the first reading of this
proposed policy.
- Proposed Policy 3.13: Academic Program Closure (First Reading)
The Educational Policy Committee heard the first reading of this
proposed policy.
- Technical College Faculty Licensure Status Summary
As a result of new legislation, changes in licensure practices
have taken place. The committee heard a report on these changes.
d. Budget and Administration Committee: Christine Fritsche,
Vice Chair
- Release of Non-Recurring Appropriation (Partial)
Bill Ulland moved allocating $40,000 to Fond du Lac American Indian
student outreach and $300,000 for library access (PALS). Randall
Knudson seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- Technical College Student Life/Activity Fee Proposal (also
reviewed by the Educational Policy Committee)
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of the Technical College "Student
Life/Activity Fee Proposal" as printed. Denise Stephens seconded.
Stephen L. Maxwell moved amending the motion to add "per quarter"
to the recommendation. Christine Fritsche seconded. The amendment
was voted on and was adopted unanimously.
The original motion was voted on and adopted unanimously.
- Ratification Resolution - Wisconsin Reciprocity Rate Approval
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of the "Resolution on Wisconsin
Reciprocity Agreement Rates". Bill Ulland seconded. The resolution
is as follows:
The Board of Trustees ratifies the following Wisconsin Reciprocity
Agreement Rates scheduled for implementation effective academic
year 1995-96. The agreement, which was developed by the former
Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Wisconsin
Higher Educational Aids Board, allows for the negotiation of new
reciprocity rates each academic year. The Board hereby adopts
the following per credit rate for Wisconsin students attending
MnSCU institutions under the agreement:
State University Undergraduate $43.00
State University Graduate $76.00
State University Business
Masters $86.00
Community College $35.00
Per the agreement, Wisconsin students attending technical colleges
will pay the Minnesota resident rate.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
- Proposed Policy 7.3: Allocations and Spending Plans (Final
Reading)
Staff requested that action on this policy be deferred until the
October meeting.
- Proposed Policy 7.1: Financial Management / Accounting /
Reporting (Final Reading)
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of Policy 7.l: Financial Management
Accounting / Reporting. Bill Ulland seconded. The policy was adopted
unanimously.
- Proposed Policy 7.2: Internal Audit (Final Reading)
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of Policy 7.2: Internal Audit.
Denise Stephens seconded. The policy was adopted unanimously.
- Proposed Policy 4.5: Student Employees (Final Reading) (also
reviewed by the Human Resources Committee)
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of Policy 4.5: Student Employees.
Robert Cahlander seconded.
Nellie Stone Johnson moved tabling the policy until the October
meeting. Randall Knudson seconded. The motion passed 5-4 (ayes-Scott
Kile, Randall Knudson, Nellie Stone Johnson, Denise Stephens,
Bill Ulland; nayes-Robert Cahlander, Christine Fritsche , Stephen
L. Maxwell, Gary Mohrenweiser).
- Proposed Policy 1A.8: Expense Allowances (Final Reading)
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of Policy 1A.8: Expense Allowances.
Randall Knudson seconded. The policy was adopted unanimously.
This policy is effective July 1, 1995.
- Gift Acceptance
(a) Hennepin Technical College
(b) Metropolitan State University
Christine Fritsche moved approval of the $102,045 grant from the
MN Job Skills Partnership to Hennepin Technical College - Brooklyn
Park Campus for a project entitled "CNC Machining for Wood and
Plastics" during 9-01-95 through 8-31-97; and the $133,600 donation
from F.R. Bigelow Foundation to Metropolitan State University
for the Applied Mathematics Program/Challenge Grant, August 1995.
Bill Ulland seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- Approval of Penny Fellowship Foundation for Employee Payroll
Deduction
Christine Fritsche moved approval of the Penny Fellowship for
employee payroll deduction. Bill Ulland seconded. The motion was
adopted unanimously.
- Debt Service Policy (also reviewed by the Facilities Committee)
The committee will review this policy in October.
- Status of System Implementation
(a) Personnel/Payroll
(b) Accounting
Personnel/Payroll and Accounting systems are progressing. People
are getting paid. Staff are working on the problems with the MAPS
system.
- Joint Council of Student Associations
Paul Hetlund, MSUSA Chair, gave a historical perspective of the Minnesota
State University Student Association and explained the role of the
organization. He advocated building a partnership with Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities and the Board of Trustees.
Dawn Gordon, MTCSA Legislative Liaison, explained how the Minnesota
Technical College Student Association is organized and updated the
Board on meetings and conferences that are planned. Ms. Gordon stated
that MTCSA would like to work toward better communication and a partnership
with the Board of Trustees.
- Joint Council of Presidents
No report was given.
- MCCFA, IFO, and UTCE: Joint Opportunity to Address the Board
Larry Litecky, MCCFA President, reported on and distributed a booklet
explaining initiatives that MCCFA has developed to improve quality
education for both faculty and students.
- Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
There were none.
- Other Business
Stephen L. Maxwell moved suspension of the rules to allow action on
requests from Metropolitan State University and St. Cloud State University.
Christine Fritsche seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
Stephen L. Maxwell moved approval for Metropolitan State University
to serve alcohol at the November 14 event; and St. Cloud State University
to serve alcohol at the November 18 event. Bill Ulland seconded. The
motion was adopted unanimously.
Chair Gary Mohrenweiser asked the staff to send a questionnaire to
all trustees regarding their preference(s) for committee assignments.
Executive Committee assignments will be effective October 4; the new
standing committee assignments will be effective October 17. Chair
Mohrenweiser reported that he would like to create two new committees:
an Audit Committee and Board Operations Committee. He would also like
to implement a Chancellor's Consent Agenda.
- Closed Session Of Full Board: Closed session to discuss labor
negotiations pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 471.705, subd 1a
(1994) (Minnesota Open Meeting Law).
Stephen L. Maxwell moved closing the open session of the meeting to
discuss labor negotiations pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 471.705,
subd. 1a (1994) (Minnesota Open Meeting Law). Nellie Stone Johnson
seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
Bill Ulland moved adjourning the closed session of the meeting to
go into open session. Scott Kile seconded. The motion was adopted
unanimously.
- Adjournment
Bill Ulland moved adjournment of the meeting at 2:30 p.m. Scott
Kile seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
Gary Mohrenweiser, Chair Board of Trustees
Carol Larson, Recording Secretary
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