January 1997 Board
Meeting Minutes
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 15, 1997
World Trade Center
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Trustees Present: Morrie Anderson, Nancy Brataas, Kathleen Caffey, Archie
D. Chelseth, David Erickson, Robert Erickson, Christine Fritsche, Randall Knudson,
Stephen L. Maxwell, Gary Mohrenweiser, Denise Stephens, William Ulland, Michael
Vekich
Trustees Absent: Dennis Dotson, William Smoley
- Call to Order
Chair Ulland called the January meeting of the Board of Trustees to order
at 1:10 p.m., on Wednesday, January 15, 1997, in the Minnesota World Trade
Center, International Hall, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
- Chair's Report
a. Approval of December 18, 1996, Board of Trustees meeting
minutes
Trustee Vekich moved approval of the December 18, 1996, meeting minutes.
Trustee David Erickson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
b. Executive Committee Report, January 9, 1997
Chair Ulland reported that the Executive Committee met on January 9, 1997,
and reviewed the January 14-15, 1997, board and committee meeting agendas.
Chancellor Eaton provided an update on the search for office space for the
MnSCU system office. Committee chairs asked staff to confer with them during
the development of committee meeting agendas.
- Trustee Reports
Chair Ulland announced that registration material for the Association
of Governing Boards, National Conference on Trusteeship, April 12-15, 1997,
in San Diego was distributed to each trustee.
- Chancellor's Report
a. System Information for Board of Trustees
Jack Rhodes, director of communications, reviewed three information items
created by MnSCU's public affairs division to assist board members in their
roles as ambassadors and advocates of MnSCU. Discussion points are "at-a-glance"
information sheets about MnSCU, its students, programs, accomplishments, goals
and related issues that will be updated periodically. Another information
item, entitled "Where MnSCU is Headed," can be used as a presentation or as
the basis for informal discussion. Finally, campus summary sheets, providing
key facts about each of MnSCU's colleges and universities, are being compiled
and will be available at the March board meeting as part of a comprehensive
informational packet. Two samples of the campus summary sheets were included
in the board packet for this meeting.
Mr. Rhodes thanked Craig Schoenecker, associate director for educational policy
research; Tiffany Bueckers, communications assistant;, Ann Silgen, manager
of creative services; and Chris Roberts, deputy to the chancellor for public
affairs, for their contributions and assistance.
b. Announcements
Chancellor Eaton introduced and welcomed Dr. David Garloff, associate vice
chancellor for technology innovation, on his first day with MnSCU.
Chair Ulland announced that committee reports would be addressed out of order
because of the poor weather conditions.
- Chancellor's Consent Agenda
There were no items for the Chancellor's Consent Agenda.
- Board Standing Committee Reports
a. Fiscal Policy Committee
- Reports on Gifts and Grants
Committee Chair Vekich reported that in FY 1996, MnSCU institutions
and their foundations received $42 million in contributions from alumni,
businesses, organizations, individuals and government grants. Included
in the $42 million were $18 million in government grants, $666,565 from
matured requests and $3,418,579 from endowment interest.
Trustee Vekich moved acceptance of the FY 1996 Gifts and Grant Report
consistent with Board Policy 8.1. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded the
motion and the motion passed unanimously.
Trustee Vekich reported that the committee wished to publicly thank
all the individuals and institutions for their generous support and
recommended that Chair Ulland send a letter on behalf of the board of
trustees. There was also a discussion regarding foundation oversight.
Vice Chancellor King will research the matter and report on it at a
future date.
b. Facilities Committee
- Proposed Policy 5.6 - Board Policy on Resource Recovery & Environmentally
Responsible Practices (second reading)
Chair Robert Erickson reported the Facilities Committee had only one
action item.
Trustee Robert Erickson moved approval of Board Policy 5.6 on Resource
Recovery and Environmentally Responsible Practices. Trustee David Erickson
seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
c. Joint Meeting of Fiscal Policy and Facilities Policy Committees
- Authorization to Seek Legislative Authority to Acquire and Dispose
of Property
Joint Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the joint Fiscal
Policy and Facilities Policy Committees approved the authorization to
seek legislative authority to acquire and dispose of property and recommended
it for board approval.
Trustee Robert Erickson moved approval of the recommended motion
directing the chancellor to seek legislative authority to acquire and
dispose of real property with the prior review and approval of the Board
of Trustees. Trustee David Erickson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
- 1998-1999 Capital Program Projects Priorities Framework
Joint Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the 1998-1999
Capital Program Projects Priorities Framework was amended and approved
by the joint committees. The first and second titles in the "1998-1999
Capital Projects: Order of Priority" were changed from LIFE and SAFETY
to LIFE, SAFETY, and MAINTENANCE and from CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT to CAPACITY
UTILIZATION and DEVELOPMENT, respectively.
Trustee Robert Erickson moved approval of the amended 1998-1999 Capital
Program Priorities Framework. Trustee Stephens seconded and the motion
passed unanimously.
d. Board Operations Committee
- Televising Board Meetings
Trustee Knudson, Vice Chair of the Board Operations Committee, reported
that the Board Operations Committee reviewed questions and answers and
information and objectives prepared by system office staff related to
televising board meetings within a broader communications context. The
three objectives were: 1) to encourage trustees to serve as advocates
for MnSCU and to communicate about the system to influential constituencies,
2) to provide MnSCU audiences with information about the Board of Trustees
and its members, and 3) to encourage interest in the actions of the
Board.
The Board agreed to televise two or three important meetings during
1997, to be determined later.
e. Audit Committee
- Audit Materials
Trustee Brataas, chair of the Audit Committee, reported that the Audit
Committee had a lengthy discussion relating to the audit materials provided
by Trustee Vekich and Gail Klatt, director of Audits-University of Minnesota.
The Audit Committee agreed to meet again on February 19, 1997, to continue
their review and discussion of the committee's role in the audit process.
f. Educational Policy Committee
- New Program Proposal: Building Care Services Program--Pine Technical
College at Moose Lake Correctional Facility
Committee Chair Anderson moved to approve Pine Technical College's
request to offer a new diploma in Building Care Services at the Moose
lake Correctional Center. Trustee Caffey seconded. The motion passed
unanimously.
- New Program Approval: Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction--Moorhead
State University
Committee Chair Anderson moved to approve Moorhead State University's
request to offer a Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Trustee Caffey seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
- New Program Approval: Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration--Moorhead
State University
Committee Chair Anderson moved to approve Moorhead State University's
request to offer a Baccalaureate of Science degree in Health Services
Administration. Trustee Fritsche seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
- Report on Winona State University Pilot Site
The 1995 Minnesota Legislature directed the MnSCU Board of Trustees
to "...designate as a pilot site a state university which has a commitment
to establishing cooperative arrangements with the private sector and
involvement in quality initiatives....The board and the university shall
recommend to the legislature any statutory changes that this pilot demonstrates
will promote efficiency and economy on some or all Minnesota state college
and university campuses, while protecting public interests."
In February of 1996, the Board of Trustees approved a recommendation
from Winona State to serve as the pilot site to test certain freedoms
from mandates imposed by state agencies. Dr. Darrell Krueger, president
of Winona State University, presented a report on Winona State University's
Mandates Relief Pilot Project. Committee Chair Anderson reported that
there were three areas of mandate relief at Winona State University:
1) construction oversight management, 2) pricing variability, and 3)
auxiliary enterprise.
- Building Excellence Through Program Review
Chancellor Eaton reviewed the information item - Building Excellence
Through Program Review. Chancellor Eaton explained that beginning in
January 1997 the system office will undertake a study of all system
associate, baccalaureate, and master's programs to strengthen and enhance
program excellence throughout MnSCU. Becoming the foundation for MnSCU's
strategic plan, individual program quality would be strengthened by:
- bringing together, where appropriate, ongoing programs across
institutions to a single site, especially where this concentration
increases options within a program;
- increasing "program mobility" across institutions: moving programs
around the state where appropriate as distinct from sustaining programs
with limited demand at multiple sites;
- eliminating unnecessary program duplication relying on expanded
use of electronic delivery of program options.
- Recommendation on Master Academic Plan for Metropolitan Area
As a result of deliberations during the 1996 Legislature about the future
of Metropolitan State University, MnSCU was charged with developing
a master academic plan for the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area
that addresses its educational and economic needs and explores a series
of options for Metropolitan State University and the community, technical
and community/technical colleges working together to meet these needs.
The plan is due to the legislature by February 15, 1997.
If approved by the legislature, MnSCU's Master Academic Plan for the
Metropolitan Area would create an open admission university in the metropolitan
area by merging Minneapolis Community and Technical College with Metropolitan
State University. The Master Academic Plan was developed with the assistance
of Dr. George Keller, a nationally-renowned leader in academic strategic
planning.
Trustee Anderson referred to a series of initiatives that are outlined
on pages 19-20 of the plan. He reported that the Educational Policy
Committee amended the Master Academic Plan by striking inappropriate
language in paragraph three on page 21 and recommends it for approval
by the Board of Trustees.
The following people commented on the Master Academic Plan.
Randy Bibeau, an AFSCME representative, stated that his first concern
about the merger related to funding and capital investment. Mr. Bibeau
stated that the idea of an open access university is intriguing and
exciting, but detailed information about the proposed merger is unavailable,
as yet.
Scott Kassner, member Minneapolis Community College Faculty Association
(MCCFA), commented that he sent letters to the Board of Trustees in
opposition to the proposed merger because he was concerned that there
would be insufficient funding to support the merger. Minneapolis Community
and Technical College is still straining from the consolidation of Minneapolis
Community College and Minneapolis Technical College. For example, the
telephone systems remain incompatible. In conclusion, Mr. Kassner said
the Master Academic Plan does not address issues such as preserving
the mission statements, continuing developmental education, and allowing
faculty to remain part of MCCFA.
Ron Scherer, president, Metropolitan State Student Council, reported
that while students are divided on the merger, they also see great opportunities.
Main concern relates to whether there will be sufficient resources to
support the merger. Other concerns are: the speed with which the merger
will take place, maintaining Metropolitan State University's reputation,
and recognizing and maintaining Metropolitan State University's cultural
diversity.
Bruce Hemstad, president, United Technical College Educators (UTCE),
commented that although the master Academic Plan for the Metropolitan
Region must be approved by the Legislature, the perception of many Minneapolis
Community and Technical College faculty is that the merger is going
to go forward. UTCE would oppose the proposed merger if it meant that
technical courses would be moved from the MCTC campus.
Larry Litecky, president, Minnesota Community College Faculty Association
(MCCFA), urged the Board of Trustees to be mindful of creating conditions
so that students and faculty can thrive.
Eduardo Gutierrez, faculty president, Minnesota State University Association
of Administrative and Service Faculty (MSUAASF), urged the Board of
Trustees to consider the best interests of the metropolitan community
as it relates to the master academic plan. While there is some support
for the merger within his organization, Dr. Gutierrez reported that
the merger is hard to embrace because they just received news of it
and have not been involved in the dialogue. There will be a meet and
confer on January 31, 1997.
Chair Ulland thanked everyone for their thoughtful comments.
Trustee Anderson moved to endorse the amended master academic plan
for the metropolitan area and approve creating an "open admission university"
as the primary means of meeting the needs of the metropolitan area and
authorizes the chancellor to proceed with planning for the consolidation
of Minneapolis Community and Technical College and Metropolitan State
University to establish the new open admission university. The chancellor
will return to the board with the results of the planning effort including
time lines and financial requirements in March 1997. Trustee Stephens
seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
- Presidential Advisory Committee
Dr. James Bensen, president, Bemidji State University, commented on the
substantial amounts of resources given to MnSCU institutions (see Gifts and
Grants Report, agenda item 6(a) Fiscal Policy Committee). Dr. Bensen urged
the chairman of the Board to send an acknowledgment letter to the foundations.
In addition, Dr. Bensen commented that people are unaware of the substantial
resources provided to MnSCU institutions, especially for support of contract
training resources provided by the two-year institutions.
Dr. Ralph Knapp, president, Minnesota West Community and Technical College,
thanked Trustee Fritsche for speaking at the "kick-off at the opening of the
new Minnesota West on January 13, 1997.
- Joint Council of Student Associations
Rebecca Nelson, associate director, communications, Minnesota State University
Student Association (MSUSA), reported there would be a public hearing on the
pending merger at Metropolitan State University, Great Hall, on January 24,
1997, at 11 a.m. In addition, Ms. Nelson urged the board of trustees to meet
with MSUSA board members.
Also on January 24, 1997, at 2 p.m., six associations (MTCSA, MCCSA, MSUSA,
MCCFA, UTCE, and IFO) will convene at the Sheraton Midway Hotel in Saint Paul
to discuss common causes and lobbying efforts.
Frank Viggiano, executive director, Minnesota State University Student Association
(MSUSA), urged people to attend the public hearing on the 24th. He reported
that citizens, students and faculty would be given an opportunity to comment.
Minneapolis Community and Technical College President Diann Schindler invited
the board of trustees and members of the audience to attend "Celebrate the
Dream," a birthday tribute honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, and sponsored
by MCTC, this evening, January 15, 1997.
- MCCFA, IFO, and UTCE: Joint Opportunity to Address the Board
Representatives from these organizations addressed the Board of Trustees earlier.
- Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
Linda Lee Williams, treasurer, MTCSA, and a student at MCTC, announced that
MTCSA supports MnSCU and its budget request but it does not support the consolidation
of Metropolitan State and MCTC. Ms. Williams continued that MCTC has yet to
recover from the consolidation of Minneapolis Community College and Minneapolis
Technical College.
- Other Business
Chair Ulland reported that he was invited to address the Technical College
Student Association at its annual meeting in April.
Chancellor Eaton distributed an information item entitled "MnSCU Master Planning
Calendar 1997," and explained that it is used by system office staff to plan
the board meeting agendas.
- Adjournment
Trustee Caffey moved adjournment of the meeting at 2:30 p.m. Trustee
David Erickson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
William Ulland, Chair - Board of Trustees
Recorded by Inge Chapin
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