November 1999
Board Meeting Minutes

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, November 17, 1999
World Trade Center
St. Paul, Minnesota

Trustees Present: Andrew Boss, Nancy Brataas, Kathleen Caffey, Brent A. Calhoun, Mary Choate, Daniel G. Coborn, David Erickson, Robert Erickson, Christine Fritsche, Jim A. Luoma, Joann Splonskowski, James Wafler, Michael Vekich, Chair.

Trustees Absent: Dennis Dotson

1. Call to Order
   Chair Vekich called the meeting to order at 11:50 a.m. and reported that a quorum was present. There were no changes to the agenda.
   
2. Chair's Report

   a. Approval of the Public Hearing Minutes of October 19, 1999

   b. Approval of Minutes of Board of Trustees Meeting of October 20, 1999
   
   c. Approval of Minutes of Board of Trustees Meeting of October 28, 1999
   Trustee Boss moved approval of the above-referenced minutes. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the minutes were approved without dissent.
   
   d. Report of the Executive Committee, November 3, 1999
   Chair Vekich reported that the Executive Committee met on November 3.

   e. Other
   Trustee Robert Erickson announced that the Finance/Facilities Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on the FY2001 Operating Budget including tuition and fees and MnSCU's 2000 Supplemental Budget request on November 30, 1999, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The location will be noticed.

   On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chair Vekich congratulated Moorhead State University Professor Andrew Conteh, who was named Minnesota Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Chair Vekich announced that Rochester Community and Technical College has become the first public college in the nation to open a chiropractic clinic that works in conjunction with the college's chiropractic technician program. Lake Superior College has opened a low-cost physical therapy department on its campus that is staffed by students from Lake Superior College and the College of St. Scholastica. Hibbing Community College has received a 10-year accreditation without focus visits from the North Central Association.
   
   

3. Trustee Reports
   Trustee Fritsche reported that she participated in the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Conference hosted by the Northwest MnSCU campuses and held at Moorhead State University on November 4, 1999. She also attended Southwest State University's legislative day on November 8.
   
4. Chancellor's Report: Morris J. Anderson.
   Chancellor Anderson announced that South Central College also received 10-year accreditation from North Central Association.
   
   Chancellor Anderson provided an update on the Minnesota State University-Akita negotiations. He will have a recommendation on MSU-Akita at the December Board meeting.
   
5. Joint Council of Student Associations
   The following representatives of student associations addressed the Board of Trustees: Ryan Kulikowski, state chair, Minnesota State University Student Association, Frank X. Viggiano, executive director, Minnesota State University Student Association, and Brent Glass, executive director, Minnesota State College Student Association.
   
6. MCCFA, IFO, and UTCE: Joint Opportunity to Address the Board
   Larry Oveson, president, Minnesota Community College Faculty Organization, addressed the Board of Trustees.
   
7. Board Standing Committee Reports
   
   a. Finance/Facilities Policy Committee
   1. Winona State University, Maxwell Hall Remodeling Schematic Design
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees approve the schematic design for the Maxwell Hall Renovation Project as presented, at an estimated cost of $7.997 million. Trustee Wafler seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   2. Relocation of MnSCU Board Policy 6.3 Naming Colleges and Universities
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the Relocation of MnSCU Board Policy 6.3 Naming Colleges and Universities is a housekeeping item and is slated for action at the December Board meeting.
   3. Capital Improvement Projects Quarterly Status Report
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that due to time constraints, this item will be postponed and will be reviewed at the December Board meeting.
   4. Approval to Accept Grant to Metropolitan State University
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees approves the grant of $90,000 payable over three years from the Medtronic Foundation. Trustee Boss seconded and the motion carried without dissent
   5. Information Systems Strategic Plan
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees approve the Chancellor's recommendation and authorize that the funds for the Information Technology Services (ITS) consultants and academic software be approved. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   6. 2000 Supplemental Budget Request
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the 2000 Supplemental Budget Request.
   7. FY 2001 Operating Budget Including Tuition and Fees
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the FY 2001 Operating Budget Including Tuition and Fees. There will be a public hearing on the operating budget and supplemental budget before the end of the month.
   8. FY 2000 Institutional Budgets Including FYE Update
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the FY 2000 Institutional Budgets.
   9. State Board of Investment Performance Review Concerning Revenue Bond Fund
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the State Board of Investment Performance Concerning Revenue Bond Fund.
      

   b. Personnel Policy Committee
   Committee Chair Brataas announced three additional agenda items to the committee's agenda: (1) approval of authorization to commence a search for chancellor; (2) approval of president of Northeast Higher Education District, and (3) approval of Minnesota Community College Faculty Association.
   

   1. Search for MnSCU's Next Chancellor
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees suspend the rules in order to add to its agenda the following item for action - a resolution authorizing the Board to take steps necessary to commence a search for MnSCU's next chancellor. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that the Personnel Policy Committee approved the following resolution and Trustee Brataas moved its consideration for the full Board: That the MnSCU Board of Trustees authorizes the steps necessary to commence a search for MnSCU's next chancellor. Such steps may include, but are not limited to: seeking the services of a professional search firm, creation of a search committee, development of a search process timeline, establishment of a search process budget and creation of other working groups by the Chairman of the Board as deemed necessary. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
   2. Appointment of President of Northeast Higher Education District
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees suspend the rules in order to take action on the appointment of the president of the Northeast Higher Education District. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      Chancellor Anderson reported that a statewide search was conducted for a president of the Northeast Higher Education District. Cheryl Frank, president, Inver Hills Community College, chaired the search committee. Chancellor Anderson and members of the Board of Trustees interviewed finalists. Chancellor Anderson is recommending Dr. Joseph Sertich for the position. Dr. Sertich has a Doctor of Education from the University of Minnesota in Educational Policy and Administration, a Master of Science from Bemidji State University in Educational Administration, a Bachelor of Science from Bemidji State University in Education, and an Associate in Arts from Hibbing Community College in General Education.
      
      Dr. Sertich briefly addressed the Board.
      
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees approve the appointment of Dr. Joseph Sertich as president of the Northeast Higher Education District effective November 17, 1999, under the terms and conditions of the Personnel Plan for MnSCU Administrators. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion carried without dissent
      
   3. Approval of Minnesota State University Association of Administrative and Services Faculty, United Technical College Educators, and Minnesota Community College Faculty Association
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees approves the terms of the 1999-2001 labor agreements with the Minnesota State University Association of Administrative and Services Faculty (MCCFA), United Technical College Educators (UTCE), and Minnesota Community College Faculty Association (MCCFA) and authorizes the Chancellor to sign the agreements on behalf of the Board, and with respect to MCCFA, contingent upon ratification by the MCCFA membership. Trustee Luoma seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   4. Emeritus Status System Policy 4.2
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees approve Board Policy 4.8 Emeritus Status. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   5. 1999-2001 Personnel Plan for MnSCU Administrators
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees approve the 1999-01 Personnel Plan for MnSCU Administrators. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   6. Resolution on Competitive Salaries
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees approve the resolution on competitive salaries, as follows:
      
      WHEREAS, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees (hereinafter "Board of Trustees") acknowledges and affirms the state's commitment to providing quality higher education to the citizens of Minnesota; and
      
      WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees recognizes that the people in the State of Minnesota have committed to providing a superior teaching and learning environment within the public higher education system of state universities that is conducive to scholarly endeavors and is supportive of intellectual development; and
      
      WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees recognizes that in order to achieve and maintain excellence in higher education, we must strive to recruit and retain highly qualified and motivated state university faculty; and
      
      WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees understands that state university salaries must be equitable and competitive in order to attract and maintain superior and productive state university faculty in a global economy; and
      
      WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees recognizes the need to commit resources in order to accomplish the goal of providing competitive state university faculty salaries; therefore,
      
      BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees commits to the continuous improvement of state university faculty salaries as a primary budgetary priority; and
      
      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees supports the promotion of institutional excellence through allocation of budgetary resources in order to continue to attract and retain exemplary faculty in the Minnesota state universities.
      
      Trustee Boss seconded.
      
      Trustee Choate offered an amendment to the fifth paragraph as follows:
      
      WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees recognizes the need to commit resources in order to accomplish the goal of providing competitive state university faculty salaries, and intends to study the issue of competitive salaries on a discipline basis. Committee Chair Brataas accepted the language as a friendly amendment.
      
      Dave Abel, president, Inter-Faculty Organization provided background on the development of the resolution on competitive salaries. He reported that the IFO team worked closely with John Shabatura, MnSCU associate vice chancellor for labor relations and other members of his negotiating team to draft the language in the resolution. Dr. Abel commented that he would prefer that the Board not approve the resolution if the friendly amendment is added to it.
      
      Trustee Choate explained that the reason she wanted to add the amendment was the fact that certain disciplines are underfunded within the state university system. After a discussion, Trustee Choate offered to withdraw her friendly amendment as long as the discussion was noted in the minutes.
      
      The original motion, without amendments, carried without dissent.
   7. Employee Evaluation Policy (Carry Forward Policy)
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that the Employee Evaluation Policy will be an action item at the December Board meeting.
   8. Human Resources Website Review
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that the committee reviewed the Human Resources Website.
      

   c. Educational Policy Committee

   1. Academic and Student Affairs Update
      Committee Chair Wafler reported that Senior Vice Chancellor Baer provided an update on academic and student affairs.
   2. Applied Doctorate Report
      Committee Chair Wafler reported that the committee reviewed the Applied Doctorate Report, which is scheduled for action at the December Board meeting.
   3. MnSCU Board Policy 3.23 Naming Colleges and Universities
      Committee Chair Wafler reported that the committee heard testimony from Molly Young, Nametag International, relative to Policy 3.23. Her analysis of the issues surrounding name changes persuaded the committee to table the policy change for further study.
   4. Program Approval: Certificate, Transport Refrigeration Technician, Riverland Community College, Albert Lea
      See agenda item five.
   5. Program Approval: AS, Computer Science, Normandale Community College, Eden Prairie
      Committee Chair Wafler moved that the Board of Trustees approve the requests by Riverland Community College to offer a certificate in Transport Refrigeration Technician, and Normandale Community College to offer an AS in Computer Science. Trustee Luoma seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   6. Program Closures: Southwest State University
      Committee Chair Wafler moved that the Board of Trustees approve the request by Southwest State University to close the designated programs:
      
      BS, Business Teacher Education
      AET, Electronic Engineering Technology
      BET, Electronic Engineering Technology
      BS, Restaurant Administration
      BS, Hotel Administration
      AET, Mechanical Engineering Technology
      BET, Mechanical Engineering Technology
      BS, Medical Technology
      AS, Office Supervision and Management
      BS, Office Supervision and Management
      
      Trustee Luoma seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   7. Program Suspension: Northwest Technical College
      Committee Chair Wafler reported that the committee received notice of program suspensions at Northwest Technical College.
   8. Program Reinstatements: AAS, Avionics, Northland Community College
      Committee Chair Wafler reported that the committee received notice of reinstatement of the AAS, Avionics program at Northland Community College.
   9. Minnesota State University-Akita Suspension Work Plan
      Committee Chair Wafler reported that the committee did not have time to review in detail the Minnesota State University-Akita Work Plan but will do so at the December board meeting.

   d. Audit Committee
   

   1. Office of the Legislative Auditor Financial Audits of Northeast Services Unit, and Accounts Receivable System Review
      Committee Chair Boss moved that the Board of Trustees accepts the Legislative Audit reports on the Arrowhead Community College Region and Northeast Service Unit for the period July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1998, and the Selected Scope Audit of the Student Information System (SIS) Tuition and Accounts Receivable Module, as of June 1999. Trustee Choate seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   2. Internal Auditing Standards Primer
      Committee Chair Boss reported that Dr. R. Glen Berryman, the committee's advisor, presented an overview of internal auditing standards.
   3. Student Information System Update
      Committee Chair Boss reported that the committee heard an update on the Student Information System.
   4. Year 2000 Update
      Committee Chair Boss reported that the committee heard an update on the Year 2000 status.
      
8. Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
   There were no requests to address the Board of Trustees.
   
9. Other Business
   There was no other business to come before the Board.
   
10. Adjournment
    Chair Vekich adjourned the meeting by consensus at 12:22 p.m.