July 1998
Board Meeting Minutes

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 22, 1998
University Center Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota

Trustees Present: Andrew Boss, Nancy Brataas, Archie D. Chelseth, Mary Choate, Daniel G. Coborn, Dennis Dotson, David Erickson, Robert Erickson, Christine Fritsche, Joseph Jung, Michael Nesdahl, Michael Vekich, James Wafler

Trustees Absent: Kathleen Caffey, Charles W. Williams

Call to Order
Chair Vekich called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. and announced that a quorum was present. There were no changes to the agenda.

Chair's Report
a. Approval of June 17, 1998, Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Trustee David Erickson moved approval of the June 17, 1998, meeting minutes. Trustee Fritsche seconded. The minutes were approved without dissent. Trustee Robert Erickson abstained as he was not present on June 17.

b. Approval of Joint Fiscal Policy and Audit Committee Meeting Minutes of April 28, 1998
Trustee Chelseth moved approval of the April 28, 1998, meeting minutes. Trustee Wafler seconded. The minutes were approved without dissent.

c. Report of Executive Committee Meeting of July 1, 1998
Chair Vekich reported that the Executive Committee met on July 1, 1998. The committee reviewed the July Board meeting agenda.

d. Election of Officers at Annual Meeting
Chair Vekich reported that the annual September meeting date needs to be changed because election primaries will be held on September 15. The new dates are September 17 and 18, rather than the 15th and 16th as originally scheduled.

Chair Vekich reported that the election of board officers will occur at the September meeting. He commented that it is customary for trustees to declare their intentions to run for an officer position at the July meeting. Trustees may also declare their intentions in writing on or before August 17. The Board will accept nominations from the floor, as well, at the annual meeting.

The following Trustees declared their candidacies:

	Michael Vekich	Chair
	Robert Erickson	Vice-Chair
	Christine Fritsche	Vice-Chair
	James Wafler	Secretary
	Nancy Brataas	Treasurer

e. Other
Chair Vekich thanked Don Supalla, president, Rochester Community and Technical College, and Dale Bower, provost, University Center Rochester, for hosting the Board meeting in Rochester.

Chair Vekich formally welcomed the three new board members to their first board meeting: Andrew Boss, Mary Choate and Joseph Jung.

Chair Vekich thanked Trustee Brataas for hosting a dinner the previous evening at her home.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chair Vekich thanked President Susan Cole for being a strong advocate of Metropolitan State University during her tenure as president, and wished her well in her new venture as president of Montclair State University, in New Jersey.

President Cole expressed her gratitude for the privilege and pleasure of serving as president of Metropolitan State University over the past five years. She commented that her time spent in Minnesota will be a highlight of her life. Metropolitan State is a developing institution that has been buffeted by winds of change including the conversion from the old to the new system and changing leadership. She is proud of the accomplishments at Metropolitan State and its strong and committed faculty and staff, who have done an outstanding job in difficult times.

President Cole commended to the Board the importance of serving the people of the Twin Cities. As an educator, she deeply believes that we must address the educational needs of the urban population. The demands on them in the 21st century will be great. She also remarked on the importance of the Board's relationship with the presidents of the MnSCU institutions. It takes a strong and forthright board to foster in its presidents the sense of independence of mind and spirit that the Board needs to have strong leaders in those institutions.

Chair Vekich acknowledged and thanked Denise Stephens for her service as the community college representative on the MnSCU Board from July 1, 1996 through June 30, 1998.

Trustee Report
Vice Chair Fritsche reported that an orientation session for new trustees has been scheduled on August 18. Information will be forthcoming.
Chancellor's Report: Morris J. Anderson.
a. Appointment of President of Minneapolis Community College and Technical College

b. Appointment of President of Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Chancellor Anderson announced that the appointments of presidents of Minneapolis Community and Technical College and Minnesota West Community and Technical College will be deferred until the Personnel Policy Committee report.

Chancellor Anderson thanked Lori Voss for serving as interim president of Minnesota West Community and Technical College upon Ralph Knapp's retirement. He also thanked the search committee chaired by Dr. Kathleen Nelson, president of Lake Superior College. Chancellor Anderson also thanked the faculty, students and community representatives of Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

Chancellor Anderson reported that MnSCU has announced its targeted industry partnerships and the lead institutions are Mankato State University in healthcare, Hennepin Technical College in precision manufacturing, South Central College in printing and graphics, St. Paul Technical College in software production and Itasca Community College in taconite production. MnSCU also awarded $4.5 million in grants to local and regional partnerships. Thirty grants were selected from a total of 75 proposals totaling $21.4 million. A list of the winning proposals was distributed.

Chancellor Anderson thanked Dr. Dave Abel, president of the Inter-Faculty Organization and the IFO members for coming back to the negotiating table one more time. He hoped the ratification process will go forward on time.

Chancellor Anderson reported that MnSCU has rolled-out its "Go Places" advertising campaign. Brochures were distributed.

Chancellor Anderson reported that over the past year, the Board has gone through a goal and priority objective setting process. A progress report was distributed. The four major goals and five priority objectives are: Student Success; Institutional Excellence and Quality; Community Collaboration and Partnerships; and MnSCU System Management. The Board also completed a barrier analysis and executive staff added strategies for removing the barriers. Staff is currently working on incorporating all of the Board's work plans with other initiatives and matching them up with the goals and objectives. A formal document will be presented at the Board retreat in September.
Chancellor's Consent Agenda
There were no items for the Chancellor's Consent Agenda.
Joint Council of Student Associations
The following representatives of student associations addressed the Board of Trustees: Tony Rust, state chair, Minnesota State University Student Association and Maximilian Wasdahl, president, Minnesota State College Student Association. Mr. Wasdahl reported that the merger between Minnesota Technical College Student Association and Minnesota Community College Student Association is completed. The new association, in effect as of July 1, 1998, is the Minnesota State College Student Association which represents all two- year public community and technical college students in the State of Minnesota.
MCCFA, IFO, and UTCE: Joint Opportunity to Address the Board
The following representatives of faculty associations addressed the Board of Trustees: Dr. Dave Abel, president, Inter Faculty Organization; Alex Yard, vice-president, IFO and local association president at Winona State University; Gael Mericle, local IFO president, Mankato Sate University; Ravi Kalia, incoming IFO president, St. Cloud State; and Susanne Smith, local vice president, Winona State University.
Board Standing Committee Reports
a. Audit Committee
1. Proposed Outline and Timetable for Consolidated Audit of MnSCU
  Committee Vice Chair Wafler reported that the committee reviewed a proposed outline and timetable for a consolidated audit of MnSCU. The timetable proposes that the Board of Trustees will receive a report presenting the costs and benefits associated with preparation of comprehensive annual financial statements in March 1999. The targeted date for a consolidated audit is year 2002.
2. Internal Auditing Report on Year 2000 Computing Problem
  Committee Vice Chair Wafler reported that the Committee discussed the Year 2000 Computing Problem at length. Ken Niemi, MnSCU's new associate vice chancellor for information systems and chief information officer, was hired on June 1, 1998, and will be focusing on the year 2000 problem. Progress is being made but MnSCU needs to take immediate action on the assessment and renovation phases by the end of the year.
3. Review Office of Legislative Auditor Financial Audits of Fond du Lac Community and Tribal College and St. Cloud Technical College
  Committee Vice Chair Wafler reported that the Committee reviewed audit reports from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on Fond du Lac Community and Tribal College and St. Cloud Technical College.
  
  The report on Fond du Lac was for the two fiscal years ended June 30, 1997. The report contained 12 audit findings. Internal Auditing classified three of them as critical. One issue remains to be resolved and Trustee Williams, liaison to Fond du Lac, will be enlisted to bring about a favorable resolution.
  
  The report on St. Cloud Technical College was for the period July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1997. The report contained 31 findings. Internal Auditing classified nineteen of them as critical. President Barrett is to be commended because all but a few of the findings have been resolved.
4. Follow-up Activity Report-2nd Quarter
  Due to time constraints, the Follow-up Activity Report for Second Quarter 1998, was not discussed. A copy of the report was distributed.
b. Personnel Policy Committee
1. Appointment of President of Minneapolis Community and Technical College
  Committee Chair David Erickson reported that Phillip Davis has been serving as interim president of Minneapolis Community and Technical College since February 1997. Chancellor Anderson consulted with faculty, students, staff and community representatives regarding the process of filling the presidential vacancy on a permanent basis. Based upon the positive recommendations by and support from various college constituencies, Chancellor Anderson is recommending Phillip Davis for the position.
  
  Mr. Davis has been associated with Minneapolis Community and Technical College since 1992. He currently serves as the interim president and vice president of administration and planning. Prior to this time, he was the director of criminal justice and law enforcement, associate dean of instruction and executive dean of finance and administration. Mr. Davis has a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. Cloud State University.
  
  Trustee Robert Erickson moved to suspend MnSCU Policy 1A.4, Part 5, Subpart B. System Administration Appointment of Administrators, to take action on the appointment of a recommended president for Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Trustee Wafler seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
  
  Trustee David Erickson moved to approve the appointment of Phillip Davis as president of Minneapolis Community and Technical College effective immediately, under the terms and conditions of the Personnel Plan for Excluded Administrators. Trustee Chelseth seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
  
  President Davis thanked the Board of Trustees for the privilege of serving as president of Minneapolis Community and Technical College. His success over the past seventeen months is attributable to the work and energy of all of the people in the institution. President Davis introduced four staff members who were present: Dr. Josephine Reed-Taylor, vice president of academic affairs; Dr. Ann Sidoti, vice president of student affairs; Dianna Cusick, director of equal opportunity; and Nancy Joyer, office of the attorney general.
2. Appointment of President of Minnesota West Community and Technical College
  Committee Chair David Erickson reported that Ralph Knapp retired as president of Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Chancellor Anderson appointed Lori Voss to serve as interim president.
  
  A nationwide search was conducted, chaired by Dr. Kathleen Nelson, president of Lake Superior College. Chancellor Anderson, with members of the Board of Trustees, interviewed Dr. Ronald A. Wood. Chancellor Anderson is recommending Dr. Wood for the appointment.
  
  Dr. Wood is currently the chief academic officer at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He served at Frederick Community College in Frederick, Maryland, from 1972-1994 as a professor of economics, division chairperson of social sciences, division chairperson of math, physical and social sciences, associate dean in the science and technology division, interim dean of academic affairs, and special assistant to the dean of economics. Dr. Wood has a Ph.D. in Consumer Economics, a M.A. in Economics, and a B.A. In Mathematics/Economics.
  
  Committee Chair David Erickson moved to approve the appointment of Dr. Ronald A. Wood as president of Minnesota West Community and Technical College, effective August 19, 1998, under the terms and conditions of the Personnel Plan for Excluded Administrators. Trustee Wafler seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
3. Review of Personnel Policies
  Personnel Policy Committee Chair David Erickson reported that the Committee received information on personnel policies, including a proposed change in subd. 3, sabbatical leave, in the Personnel Plan for MnSCU Administrators. This will be an action item at the September Board meeting.
c. Board Operations Committee
1. Proposed Amendment to Policy 1A.5, Naming Consolidated Two Year Colleges (First Reading)
  Committee Chair Dotson reported that the Committee reviewed a proposed amendment to Policy 1A.5, Naming Consolidated Two Year Colleges. This will be an action item at the September Board meeting. Also at the September Board meeting, President Richard Rush, Mankato State University, will request the Board's approval to change the name of his institution to Minnesota State University at Mankato.
2. Proposed Amendment to Policy 1A.1, Parts 5 & 6, Board Organization and Committee Structure (First Reading)
  Committee Chair Dotson reported that the Committee reviewed a proposed amendment to Policy 1A.1, Parts 5 and 6, Board Organization. The goals of the reorganization of the committee structure are to increase the quality of the discussions, increase the efficiency of the staff support, and reduce the need for joint meetings. The Board Operations Committee will be eliminated, and its responsibilities will be absorbed by the Executive Committee. The Facilities Committee will be merged into the Fiscal Policy Committee.
  
  Trustee Robert Erickson spoke against merging the Facilities Committee's charges with those of the Fiscal Policy Committee. He urged the Board to not dilute its focus on facilities, and to continue to make sure that the Board of Trustees are being good short-term stewards of long-term public assets.
d. Fiscal Policy Committee
1. Proposed Amendment to MnSCU Policy 8.1, Gifts and Grants (Second Reading)
  Committee Vice Chair Robert Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees approve the amendment to MnSCU Policy 8.1, Gifts and Grants. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
2. Acceptance of Gift of Land to Northwest Technical College
  Committee Vice Chair Robert Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees approve the acceptance of a lot vacated on Lot 2, Block 1, Saint Onge Chippewa Heights #4 in Bemidji donated by Doug St. Onge at a value of $12,600. Trustee Brataas seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
3. Fiscal Policy Committee Delegation Principles (Second Reading)
  Committee Vice Chair Robert Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees approve the Fiscal Policy Committee delegation principles outlined in the report on pages 72-73 of the Board packet, and directs the Chancellor to complete implementation steps. Trustee Chelseth seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
e. Joint Fiscal Policy and Educational Policy Committee
1. FY2000 and Beyond Allocation Model Development
  Educational Policy Committee Chair Fritsche reported that the Committee heard a report on the Allocation Model Development. Discussion issues included: reconciling equity and adequacy, balancing state priorities and local initiatives, promoting the future as a system or recognizing past differences, and determining the cost of access.
2. FY2000-2001 Biennial Budget Guidelines
  Educational Policy Committee Chair Fritsche reported that the Committee reviewed the FY2000-2001 Biennial Budget Guidelines.
f. Educational Policy Committee
Committee Chair Fritsche reported that the Committee approved the following ten new programs with one motion.
1. Program Approval: Advanced Technical Certificate, Advanced Farm Business Management. Program offered at the following colleges: Alexandria Technical College, Central Lakes College, Minnesota West, Northland Community and Technical College, Ridgewater College, Riverland Community College, St. Cloud Technical College, and South Central College
2. Program Approval: AAS, Wireless Communications and Networking Specialist; Diploma, Wireless Communications Technician, Alexandria Technical College
3. Program Approval: Advanced Technical Certificate, Automotive Diagnostics, Northwest Technical College, Detroit Lakes
4. Program Approval: Advanced Technical Certificate, Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioner, Northwest Technical College, East Grand Forks
5. Program Approval: Diploma, Paramedic, Hibbing Community College
6. Program Approval: BS, Food Science Technology, Mankato State University
7. Program Approval: MS, Technical Communication, Metropolitan State University
8. Program Approval: BA, Screenwriting, Metropolitan State University
9. Program Approval: BS, Justice Administration, Southwest State University
10. Program Approval: BA, Rural Public Administration, Southwest State University
  Committee Chair Fritsche moved that the Board of Trustees approve the above referenced new programs. Trustee Wafler seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
11. Academic Program Closures:
  Committee Chair Fritsche moved that the Board of Trustees approve the request for program closures by Laurentian Community and Technical College District, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and St. Paul Technical College. Trustee Wafler seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
12. Academic Program Suspensions
  Committee Chair Fritsche reported that the academic program suspensions were information items.
13. Academic Program Reinstatements
  Committee Chair Fritsche reported that the academic program reinstatements were information items.
14. Committee Work Plan
  Committee Chair Fritsche reported that the Educational Policy Committee work plan is an information item.
Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
There were no requests to address the Board.
Other Business
Chair Vekich read a poem written for President Cole, president, Metropolitan State University, entitled, "The Metro Missile."

Chair Vekich announced that there will not be a closed session today.
Adjournment
Trustee David Erickson moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.

Michael Vekich, Chair
Recorded by Inge Chapin

July 1998 Board Meeting Minutes

July 1998
Board Meeting Minutes