September 1997 Board
Meeting Minutes

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 17, 1997
World Trade Center
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Trustees Present: Nancy Brataas, Kathleen Caffey, Archie D. Chelseth, Daniel G. Coborn, Dennis Dotson, David Erickson, Robert Erickson, Christine Fritsche, Stephen L. Maxwell, Gary Mohrenweiser, Michael Nesdahl, Denise Stephens, William Ulland, Michael Vekich, James Wafler

Trustees Absent: None

1. Call to Order
   Chair William Ulland called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m.
   
   
2. Chair's Report
   

   a. Approval of July 16, 1997, Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
   Trustee Dotson moved approval of the July 16, 1997, meeting minutes. Trustee David Erickson seconded the motion.
   
   Trustee Mohrenweiser noted two corrections to the minutes. The first was in paragraph four, page two and related to striking the word "finally." The second correction, beginning in the motion on page three and occurring also in subsequent motions, was to clarify whether or not a motion passed unanimously. Trustee Chelseth suggested that the minutes be written to reflect that the "motion carried without dissent," if there was no opposition to its approval.
   
   The motion to approve the corrected July 16, 1997, minutes carried without dissent.
   
   Chair Ulland announced that there will be a tour of MnSCU's new office on floors five through seven of the World Trade Center after the conclusion of today's meeting.
   
   Chair Ulland announced a change in the agenda to the Chancellor's Report. The Board of Trustees will be asked to take action on an employee hiring decision. The Board will have to suspend the rules to take action.
   
   b. Approval of 1997-1998 Meeting Calendar
   Trustee Maxwell moved approval of the 1997-1998 meeting calendar. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   
   The dates are as follows:
   Executive Committee     Board of Trustees October 1, 1997       October 21-22, 1997
   November 3, 1997     November 18-19, 1997
   December 1, 1997     December 16-17, 1997
   January 5, 1998       January 20-21, 1998
   February 2, 1998        February 18, 1998
   March 2, 1998           March 17-18, 1998
   April 1, 1998          April, 21-22, 1998
   May 1, 1998               May 19-20, 1998
   June 1, 1998             June 16-17, 1998
   July 1, 1998             July 21-22, 1998
   
   c. Report of Executive Committee Meeting of September 3, 1997
   Chair Ulland reported that the Executive Committee met on September 3, 1997, and reviewed the agenda for the September meeting.
   
   d. Election of Board of Trustees Officers
   Chair Ulland reported that there is one candidate for each officer position and nominations will be accepted from the floor.
   
   Chair Ulland announced that the election of the chair will be first. The candidate for chair is Michael Vekich. Chair Ulland asked three times if there were any nominations from the floor. There were none.
   
   Trustee Chelseth moved that the nominations be closed and that the Board cast a unanimous ballot for Michael Vekich as chair. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
   
   Chair Ulland reported that the candidate for vice chair is Christine Fritsche. Chair Ulland asked three times if there were any nominations from the floor. There were none.
   
   Trustee Stephens moved that the nominations be closed and that the Board cast a unanimous ballot for Christine Fritsche as vice chair. Trustee Nesdahl seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
   
   Chair Ulland reported that the candidate for secretary is Denise Stephens. Chair Ulland asked three times if there were any nominations from the floor. There were none.
   
   Trustee Nesdahl moved that the nominations be closed and that the Board cast a unanimous ballot for Denise Stephens as secretary. Trustee Christine Fritsche seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
   
   Chair Ulland reported that the candidate for treasurer is Stephen L. Maxwell. Chair Ulland asked three times if there were any nominations from the floor. There were none.
   
   Trustee David Erickson moved that the nominations be closed and that the Board cast a unanimous ballot for Stephen L. Maxwell as treasurer. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
   
   e. Update of Chair's Activities
   Chair Ulland announced that he and Chancellor Anderson met recently with William Hogan, Chairman, Board of Regents, and President Yudof to discuss the metropolitan plan. The University of Minnesota is supportive of MnSCU's efforts with the plan.
   
   Chair Ulland reported that along with Trustee Fritsche and Chancellor Anderson, he attended a meeting with a delegation from the MSU-Akita Campus. Chair Ulland explained that a new university is being planned for the town of Akita and it may impact MSU-Akita programs. There will be a future report on MSU-Akita.
   

3. Trustee Reports
   a. Report on Orientation for New Trustees: Chris Fritsche, Vice Chair
   Vice Chair Fritsche reported on the orientation session for new trustees on August 20, 1997. All the trustees were invited to attend. Present were new trustees Daniel G. Coborn, Michael Nesdahl, and James Wafler, and Trustees Fritsche and Chelseth. The orientation was very informative and included presentations ranging from administration to laws and system policy adoption processes.
   
   b. NorthStar Foundation Report: Robert Erickson, Liaison
   Trustee Robert Erickson reported that he attended a meeting of the NorthStar Foundation on September 12, 1997, in Bemidji. Trustee Erickson explained that the NorthStar Foundation is undergoing a transition from serving the state university system to the entire system. He commended NorthStar and the other foundations for their critical role in providing private support for public education.
   
   
4. Chancellor's Report
   a. Recommendation for Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs
   Chancellor Anderson explained that Dr. Janis Weiss came out of retirement in January 1997, to fill the system office vacancy of senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. He expressed his gratitude to Dr. Weiss for her service.
   
   Chancellor Anderson recommended the appointment of Dr. Linda Baer as senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs. For the past six years, Dr. Baer has served as senior vice president for academic and student affairs at Bemidji State University.
   
   Trustee Robert Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees appoint Dr. Baer as senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, effective November 3, 1997, under the terms and conditions of the Personnel Plan for Excluded Administrators. Trustee Fritsche seconded the motion.
   
   Dr. Baer was invited to address the Board. She commented that she felt it was an exciting time for MnSCU; a time of great expectations and hopes. MnSCU's goals of student-centered success, students coming first are where MnSCU needs to put its resources. MnSCU has an opportunity to provide outstanding enhancements to quality education at this time. Dr. Baer remarked that she welcomed the opportunity.
   
   The motion carried without dissent.
   
   Dr. Bensen, president, Bemidji State University, requested that the record show that faculty and staff at Bemidji State University welcome Dr. Baer's appointment with significant regret. They feel it is a hardy endorsement of the talent, commitment and professionalism Dr. Baer has brought to Bemidji State University over the years, and they wish her the very best.
   
   b. Recommendation for Provost, University Center Rochester
   Chancellor Anderson explained that for the past year and one-half, the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the Rochester community have been involved in a unique collaboration for public higher education in the Rochester area. A seven-member advisory group, jointly appointed by the University of Minnesota and MnSCU, was formed to work on the collaboration and develop a vision. The provost position was created to lead the vision for the University Center Rochester.
   
   Chancellor Anderson reported that the provost will be jointly appointed by the University of Minnesota and MnSCU. The University of Minnesota approved Dr. Bower's appointment on September 12, 1997. Chancellor Anderson recommended the appointment of Dr. Dale E. Bower as provost, University Center Rochester.
   
   Trustee Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees approve the appointment of Dr. Dale E. Bower as provost of the University Center Rochester, effective November 15, 1997, as outlined in the letter offering employment for the position of provost, University Center Rochester, and applicable University of Minnesota Human Resource Policy. Trustee David Erickson seconded the motion. The motion carried without dissent.
   
   c. Recommendation for Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
   Chancellor Anderson explained that this agenda item is new. An important priority for the Chancellor has been to combine the personnel and labor relations functions by making a permanent appointment to the position of vice chancellor for human resources. Chancellor Anderson reported that William Tschida has served as director, human resources at St. Cloud State University for the past 21 years. Chancellor Anderson recommended the appointment of Mr. Tschida as the vice chancellor for human resources.
   
   Chair Ulland called for a motion to suspend the rules to take action on this item. Trustee David Erickson moved to suspend the rules. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   
   Trustee David Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees appoint William Tschida as vice chancellor for human resources, effective November 3, 1997, under the terms and conditions of the MnSCU Personnel Plan for Excluded Administrators. Trustee Kathleen Caffey seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
   
   d. Other
   Chancellor Anderson reported that MnSCU's supplemental budget request to the Department of Finance and the Governor's Office must be submitted before the Board of Trustees meet again on October 21-22, 1997. In order to comply with the timetable, Chancellor Anderson requested, subject to the Board's concurrence, that he, the Chairman of the Board, and Trustee Chelseth, Chair of the Fiscal Policy Committee, be allowed to put together a supplemental budget request to submit to the Department of Finance, and have it ratified at the October Board meeting.
   
   Chancellor Anderson briefly outlined the supplemental budget request in three broad areas: strategic plan implementation ($15 million); faculty development initiatives (between $3-$5 million) and academic partnership opportunities ($15 million). The supplemental budget request will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $35 million.
   
   Chair Ulland commented that he was comfortable with the process outlined above and there was consensus among the Trustees to allow Chancellor Anderson to proceed with the supplemental budget request. Chair Ulland announced that the Chair-elect, Trustee Vekich, will participate in the supplemental budget request.
   
   Chancellor Anderson reported that two questionnaires were sent to all system office staff asking them for their assessments of strengths and weaknesses and opportunities within the organization. The Department of Administration's Management Analysis Division will receive and collate the survey results and the findings will be reviewed with staff for solutions.
   
   Chancellor Anderson reported that he has had two really good meetings with the presidents in the form of meetings with the Council of Presidents and the Presidential Advisory Committee.
   
   Chancellor Anderson had several brief reports. Campus visits have been scheduled and the first visit will occur on September 22, 1997, to St. Cloud Technical College and St. Cloud State University. A list of the campus visits will be sent to each Trustee. The Blue Ribbon Advisory Group of the Metropolitan Plan had their first meeting and the group is highly motivated with their charge. MnSCU was featured positively in a front page article of the Sunday, September 14, 1997, Star Tribune. Chancellor Anderson shared the podium with President Yudof at the September 16, 1997, Minnesota Business Partnership Board of Directors meeting. MnSCU's State Fair booth was a huge success and Chancellor Anderson thanked all those who participated.
   
   
5. Chancellor's Consent Agenda
   There were no items for the Chancellor's Consent Agenda.
   
   
6. Board Standing Committee Reports
   

   a. Facilities Committee
   

   1. Mankato State University Land Sale
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees approve, on behalf of Mankato State University, the sale of 2.66 acres of land in the amount of $14,000 and the granting of a permanent easement to the City of Mankato. The purpose of the sale is to construct a detention basin for completion of the Highland area drainage district near the campus. Trustee Maxwell seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      
   2. Deferred Maintenance, ADA and OSHA Survey Plan
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the committee heard a report relating to deferred maintenance, ADA and OSHA survey plans for all of MnSCU's facilities. The report included a project plan, long-range plan, facilities audit guidelines and a timeline and is very ambitious in scope. The consensus of the community was that the type of information requested was consistent with the Board's wishes. Policy issues arising from this survey will be periodically brought before the Board and Vice Chancellor King will provide updates as needed.
      
      
   3. Summary of Carpentry Programs
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the committee heard a report on MnSCU's carpentry programs. It is a good activity that is well-managed and is critically important because students in these programs benefit from the hands-on experience.
      
      

   b. Joint Facilities and Educational Policy Committees
   

   1. Space Utilization Survey Plan
      Facilities Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported on the space utilization survey plan which was heard by a joint meeting of the Facilities and Educational Policy Committees. The survey is actually part of the deferred maintenance, ADA and OSHA survey plan heard earlier. It is an important undertaking that will give MnSCU the ability to assess space utilization across MnSCU's campuses. Vice Chancellor King will provide updates as needed.
      

   
   c. Educational Policy Committee
   

   1. Program Approval: Bachelor of Arts Degree Program in Biology--Metropolitan State University
      Committee Chair Vekich moved approval of the request by Metropolitan State University to offer a Bachelor of Arts degree program in Biology. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      
   2. Program Approval: Master of Science in Public and Nonprofit Institutions-- St. Cloud State University
      Committee Chair Vekich moved approval of the request by St. Cloud State University to offer a Master of Science Degree in Public and Nonprofit Institutions. Trustee Stephens seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      
   3. Proposed Amendment to MnSCU Policy 3.9 Licensure of Technical College Faculty (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Vekich explained that the committee felt two readings were not required for the proposed amendment to MnSCU Policy 3.9 Licensure of Technical College Faculty because the first item - licensure of vocational technical instructors - was a noncontroversial issue derived from a 1997 legislative mandate, effective July 1, 1997, requiring the licensure policy to be amended to include vocational technical instructors teaching outside the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The committee suspended the rules to take action and approved the amendment and recommends that the Board of Trustees also approve the amendment.
      
      
      • Vocational Technical Instructors Committee Chair Vekich moved to suspend the rules to take action on vocational technical instructors. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion passed without dissent.
        
        Committee Chair Vekich moved the recommended motion on page 69, as follows: The MnSCU Board of Trustees amends MnSCU Policy 3.9, Part 5. Licensure Policy to read as follows:
        
        Part 5. MnSCU Licensed Faculty
        When licensing technical college faculty assigned to the United Technical College Educators bargaining unit, the system will follow the procedures found in Minnesota Rules chapter 3515.0100-3515.9942 (except 3515.4400) and chapter 3700 (except 3700.0145 and 3700.1405) in effect on the date the policy is adopted.
        
        Part 6. Non-MnSCU Licensed Instructors
        When licensing Postsecondary vocational technical instructors employed outside the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System in institutions which require a license for a vocational technical teaching position, the system will follow the procedures found in Minnesota Rules chapter 3515.0100-3515.9942 (except 3515.4400) and chapter 3700 (except 3700.0145 and 3700.1405) in effect on the date the policy is adopted.
        
        Trustee David Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
        
        
      • Counselor Licensure
        Vice Chancellor Weiss explained that the license for Technical College Counselor was revised in 1990 when a committee consisting of counselors from the community colleges, state universities, technical colleges and private colleges was assembled to determine the appropriate standard for a college counselor. The committee determined that a primary requirement would be a master's degree with a major in counseling. This was adopted as a Minnesota Rule on November 20, 1990. The counselor license was inadvertently omitted in June of 1994 when committee review as an option was removed for all general studies licensure areas which required specific program preparation. The amendment will correct the oversight.
        
        Committee Chair Vekich moved to suspend the rules to take action on counselor licensure. Trustee Stephens seconded and the motion passed without dissent.
        
        Committee Chair Vekich moved the recommended motion on page 79, as follows: The MnSCU Board of Trustees amends MnSCU Policy 3.9 to read as follows:
        
        Part 5. Licensure Rules
        Subpart A. When licensing technical college faculty assigned to the United Technical College Educators bargaining unit, the system will follow the procedures found in Minnesota Rules chapter 3515.0100-3515.9942 (except 3515.4400) and chapter 3700 (except 3700.0145 and 3700.1405) in effect on the date the policy is adopted.
        
        Subpart B. Technical College Counselor. When licensing technical college counselors, the committee review provisions of Minnesota Rules parts 3515.4100, 3515.4200 and 3515.4300 do not apply.
        
        Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
        
        
   4. Metropolitan Plan Update
      Committee Chair Vekich explained that Dr. Reinhardt presented an oral report on activities and preliminary data findings to date. Committee Chair Vekich commented that Dr. Reinhardt's information will have significant impact on metropolitan area and statewide planning.
      
      
   5. Strategic Plan Update
      Trustee Fritsche reported that the committee heard an oral report on the Strategic Plan. It was accompanied by a hand-out that summarized MnSCU's strategic goals, accomplishments, general findings and observations, next steps and outcomes.
      
      
   6. Program Approval Manual
      Committee Chair Vekich reported that the Program Approval Manual, sent to the Board with their July meeting materials, was briefly reviewed.

   
   d. Joint Fiscal & Educational Policy Committees

   1. The MnSCU Fee Structure
      Fiscal Policy Committee Chair Chelseth reported that the MnSCU Fee Structure was not an action item as shown on the agenda; rather it was an information item. System office staff and others have undertaken a comprehensive reassessment of MnSCU's fee structure and there will be additional reports to the Board beginning in November.
      
      
   2. Tuition Waivers for Wards of the State
      Fiscal Policy Committee Chair Chelseth moved approval of the motion on page 107 of the meeting materials to authorize presidents to waive tuition for persons under the age of 21 who are under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services in accordance with procedures established by the chancellor. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      
   3. Allocation Model Implementation Plan Status Report
      Fiscal Policy Committee Chair Chelseth reported that there was a general discussion on the allocation model implementation work to date. Dr. Ron Dreyer, system director for program review, and Judy Borgen, associate vice chancellor, budget and negotiations, presented a progress report on financial benchmarks for future building blocks for the allocation model. Conclusions from the benchmarking efforts will be presented to the Board at their December meeting.
      
      
   4. State Capital Credit Union Merger with MSUSA Credit Union
      Fiscal Policy Committee Chair Chelseth reported that Frank Viggiano, executive director of the Minnesota State University Student Association, reported on the status of the merger with MSUSA and the State Capitol Credit Union. The merger is completed.
      
      

   e. Audit Committee
   

   1. Appointment of Executive Director of MnSCU Internal Auditing
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that she was pleased and honored to bring before the Board of Trustees a milestone in the history of MnSCU: the appointment of an executive director of MnSCU Internal Auditing. This position exists to provide information to the MnSCU Board of Trustees and management regarding efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of operations; compliance with MnSCU policy and procedures and applicable statutes and regulations.
      
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that two highly qualified finalists were interviewed on September 16, 1997, and the Audit Committee unanimously selected John G. Asmussen, currently deputy legislative auditor, Office of the Legislative Auditor, since 1982. Mr. Asmussen has worked in the Office of the Legislative Auditor for the past 21 years. He is a graduate of Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and has held an active CPA license with the Minnesota State Board of Accountancy since 1978.
      
      Committee Chair Brataas moved the recommended motion (which was distributed) that the Board of Trustees appoint John G. Asmussen as executive director, MnSCU Internal Auditing, effective November 1, 1997, under the terms and conditions of the MnSCU Personnel Plan for Excluded Administrators. Trustee Maxwell seconded.
      
      Mr. Asmussen was invited to address the Board. He commented that he was delighted to be presented with the opportunity to become the first executive director of MnSCU's Internal Audit function. He was attracted to the position because he believes that the Board of Trustees did their homework in establishing this position and he also saw a challenge that he felt was unparalleled to help the system and the campuses build an internal control structure that will provide appropriate information to help the Board of Trustees make appropriate decisions. During his 21 years with the Office of the Legislative Auditor, Mr. Asmussen helped build it into one of the finest governmental audit offices in the country, and he has high expectations that he can establish an internal audit function that will be the envy of higher education across the country. In conclusion, Mr. Asmussen commented that he has high hopes and expectations of himself and looks forward to working with the Board of Trustees.
      
      The motion carried unanimously.
      
      
   2. Reports from the Office of the Legislative Auditor Regarding Moorhead and Winona State Universities, St. Paul, Alexandria, Pine, and Fergus Falls Community Colleges, Northland Community and Technical College, and MnSCU Information System Security Review
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that a summary of each report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor is located in the Board meeting materials on pages 124-138.
      
      
      • Moorhead State University Moorhead State University is to be commended for the high quality of its financial administration. There were some findings, but steps have already been taken to correct them.
      • Winona State University Winona State University is also to be commended for the high quality of its financial administration.
      • St. Paul Technical College St. Paul Technical College had a few problems and corrective action has already been taken on several findings and a plan has been developed for correcting the remainder. The administration will monitor and follow up to assure timely remedy.
        
        Committee Chair Brataas commented that the presidents welcomed the audit activity and found it was extremely helpful in bringing problem areas to their attention.
      • Alexandria Technical College Alexandria Technical College also had a few problems and corrective action has already been taken on several findings and a plan has been developed for correcting the remainder. The administration will monitor and follow up to assure timely remedy.
      • Pine Technical College Pine Technical College had some audit findings of concern. President Biever testified before the Audit Committee and corrective action has already been taken on several findings and a plan has been developed for correcting the remainder. The administration will monitor and follow up to assure timely remedy.
      • Fergus Falls Community College Fergus Falls Community College is to be commended for the quality of its financial administration.
      • Northland Community and Technical College Northland Community and Technical College also had audit findings of concern. President Gunderson testified before the Audit Committee and corrective action has already been taken on several findings and a plan has been developed for correcting the remainder. The administration will monitor and follow up to assure timely remedy.
      • MnSCU Information System Security Review The MnSCU System Information Security Review audit found several security weaknesses with MnSCU data centers and concerns regarding the risks present in the existing regional computer center structure. Vice Chancellor King has already taken action or is planning changes to implement the audit recommendations. The chancellor has approved a restructuring of the reporting relationships in order to clarify accountability and simplify management oversight of the development and operating environment. The restructuring is planned effective January 1998, and the Audit Committee has requested that a monitoring procedure be implemented to ascertain that all of the recommendations have been implemented.

   
   f. Personnel Policy Committee
   

   1. Tax-sheltered Annuity Program for MnSCU
      Committee Chair David Erickson explained that MnSCU has one tax-sheltered plan (TSA) with 138 different financial vendors. There is a concern regarding the consistency and accuracy of the information reported by the 138 different vendors and whether the programs are in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service limitations. Joyce Wood, vice chancellor for personnel, Gary Janikowski, system director for personnel, and Dan Esch, founder and president of Defined Contribution Advisors, Inc., gave a joint presentation to the Board on steps that MnSCU has taken to reduce the number of vendors in the TSA plan.
      
      
   2. Continuation of Profiles of Employees Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements
      Committee Chair David Erickson reported that this item was a follow-up to the June 18, 1997, Board meeting. Excluded administrators were not included in the summary information that was presented at the June meeting. A summary of FY97 actual salaries for excluded administrators is included in the meeting materials.

   
   g. Joint Personnel Policy and Board Operations Committees
   

   1. Review Presidential Search Process Personnel Policy Committee Chair David Erickson reported that Joyce Wood, vice chancellor for personnel , and her staff researched how presidential search processes were conducted at various higher education systems across the country. Recommendations for refining MnSCU's presidential search process were also identified. The joint committees reviewed and revised a proposed amendment to MnSCU Policy 1A.4, System Administration Appointment of Administrators, as follows:
      
      Subpart A. The chancellor, with up to at least one and no more than three (3) members of the Board of Trustees, shall interview selected finalists. The chancellor shall recommend a candidate for president of a college or university and the board shall make the appointment.
      
      Subpart B. The chancellor shall determine salaries for the position of president subject to review by the Board of Trustees Executive Committee and approval by the Board of Trustees within Board approved salary ranges.
      
      The amended policy will be an agenda item at the October 21, 1997, Board meeting.
      
      

7. Presidential Advisory Committee
   Chair Ulland welcomed Presidents Allen Rasmussen, Rainy River Community College; Susan Cole, Metropolitan State University; and Pat Johns, Anoka- Ramsey Community College to the Presidential Advisory Committee.
   
   President Bensen, Bemidji State University, distributed a brochure on a conference called the Northern Tier Institute, the second annual, and the topic of the conference is "Prospering in the Knowledge Age," on October 27, 1997. This is a movement to connect all agencies, businesses and industries in a partnership role.
   
   President Retterer, Ridgewater College, invited the Board of Trustees to attend the House of Representatives "mini-session" in West Central Minnesota, October 15-17, 1997.
   
   
8. Joint Council of Student Associations
   Francis Klinkner, chair, Minnesota State University Student Association, addressed the Board. He reported there is an extra $15-$20 million in the State Grant Program this biennium because the maximum Pell grant was raised to $3,000. Faculty and student groups have agreed to support the spending of that money on decoupling of the Pell Grant, increased aid to independent students and prorating the state grant award.
   
   The Penny Fellowship Golf Scramble that was held over the past summer raised $6,000. Mr. Klinkner thanked those who attended and supported the fundraising event.
   
   The 30th anniversary of MSUSA and 10th anniversary of the Penny Fellowship dinner will be on November 7, 1997, and invitations will be sent to all the Board of Trustees.
   
   Jason Krogerson, president, Minnesota Community College Student Association, addressed the Board. The consolidation between MTCSA and MCCSA is underway and going well. Regional meetings have been scheduled to review the documents.
   
   Rick Harvala, legislative liaison, Minnesota Technical College Student Association, addressed the Board. On behalf of MTCSA, he welcomed the appointment of Dr. Baer. Mr. Harvala also thanked Chair Ulland for his hard work over the past year and welcomed Chair-elect Vekich. He invited the Board of Trustees to attend MTCSA's fall conference, October 22-24, 1997, at Breezy Point Resort. Mr. Harvala also thanked Chancellor Anderson for his willingness to meet with the student associations on a regular basis.
   
   Chancellor Anderson reported that the Board of Trustees had adopted a policy with respect to a standard application from two years ago. He announced that the standard application form is being printed and will be distributed within the next week or so to high school counselors within the five-state region, and campuses around the state. It will also be posted on MnSCU's Web site.
   
   
9. MCCFA, IFO, and UTCE: Joint Opportunity to Address the Board
   There were no requests from members of MCCFA, IFO, or UTCE to address the Board.
   
   
10. Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
    There were no requests by individuals to address the Board.
    
    
11. Other Business
    Chair Ulland called for a motion to go into closed session to discuss the status of the contract negotiations with IFO, MCCFA, and UTCE pursuant to Minnesota Statute §471.705, subd. 1a (1996) (Minnesota Open Meeting Law).
    
    Trustee Robert Erickson moved to close the public session of the meeting and Trustee Stephens seconded. The motion carried without dissent.
    
    Trustee Robert Erickson moved to convene in closed session. Trustee Maxwell seconded and the Board of Trustees went into closed session at 3:30 p.m.
    
    Trustee Vekich moved to adjourn the closed session of the Board at 5:00 p.m. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
    
    
12. Adjournment
    Trustee David Erickson moved adjournment of the open meeting. Trustee Stephens seconded and the motion to adjourn carried at 5:01 p.m.