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September 1999
Board Meeting Minutes

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 22, 1999
World Trade Center
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Trustees Present: 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: Andrew Boss, Archie D. Chelseth, Dennis Dotson

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1. Call to Order
   Chair Vekich called the meeting to order at 12:52 PM and reported that a quorum was present. Agenda item three, Trustee Reports, will include a report on the Open Forum.
   
   
2. Chair's Report

   a. Introduction of New Trustees
   Chair Vekich introduced two new trustees appointed by Governor Ventura: Trustee Joann Splonskowski, representing Technical College students, and Trustee Brent A. Calhoun, representing State University students.
   

   b. Approval of Meeting Minutes

   1. Board of Trustees Meeting, July 21, 1999
      Trustee Robert Erickson moved approval of the July 21, 1999, meeting minutes. Trustee Fritsche seconded. The minutes were approved without dissent.
   2. Board of Trustees Public Hearing, July 27, 1999
      Trustee Luoma moved approval of the July 27, 1999, meeting minutes. Trustee Brataas seconded. The minutes were approved without dissent (Trustee Robert Erickson abstained as he was absent from the public hearing).
   3. Board of Trustees Special Meeting, August 12, 1999
      Trustee Wafler moved approval of the August 12, 1999, meeting minutes. Trustee Brataas seconded. The minutes were approved without dissent (Trustee Robert Erickson abstained as he was absent from the special meeting).
      

   c. Approval of 1999-2000 Meeting Calendar
   There was a correction to the December 1999 dates shown in the proposed 1999-2000 Meeting Calendar.

   Trustee David Erickson moved approval of the corrected 1999-2000 Meeting Calendar. Trustee Wafler seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   
   The 1999-2000 meeting dates are:

   October 6, 1999, Executive Committee Meeting and Board Retreat
   October 19-20, 1999, Board Meeting, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud
   November 3, 1999, Executive Committee Meeting and Board Retreat
   November 16-17, 1999, Board Meeting
   December 1, 1999, Executive Committee Meeting and Board Retreat
   December 14-15, 1999, Board Meeting
   January 5, 2000, Executive Committee Meeting
   January 18-19, 2000, Board Meeting
   February 2, 2000, Executive Committee Meeting and Board Retreat
   February 15-16, 2000, Board Meeting
   March 1, 2000, Executive Committee Meeting
   March 22-23, 2000 Board Meeting
   April 5, 2000, Executive Committee Meeting and Board Retreat
   April 18-19, 2000, Board Meeting
   May 3, 2000, Executive Committee Meeting
   May 16-17, 2000, Board Meeting
   June 7, 2000, Executive Committee Meeting and Board Retreat
   June 20-21, 2000, Board Meeting
   July 5, 2000, Executive Committee Meeting
   July 18-19, 2000, Board Meeting
   August, 2000, No Meeting
   September 19-20, 2000, Board Meeting
   
   
   d. Election of Officers
   Chair Vekich announced that Trustee Fritsche would preside over the election of officers. The candidates are Michael Vekich, chair; Robert Erickson, vice chair; Nancy Brataas, treasurer; and Robert J. McFarlin, secretary. There were no nominations from the floor.

   Trustee Fritsche moved to suspend the rules of Board Policy 1A.2, part 4, subpart D. Election of Officers, in order to allow one vote for the full slate of officer candidates. Trustee Choate seconded and the motion carried without dissent.

   Trustee Fritsche moved the slate of candidates listed above. Trustee Choate seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   

   e. Report of the Executive Committee, September 1, 1999
   Chair Vekich reported that the Executive Committee met on September 1.

   f. Other
   Chair Vekich announced that he has been asked to serve on an advisory committee of board chairs by the Association of Governing Boards.

   The Association of Community College Trustees will hold their annual meeting October 13-16, 1999 in Atlanta, Georgia. Chair Vekich, Trustee Brataas, and Chancellor will attend the conference

   The Board of Trustees acknowledged and thanked Michael Nesdahl for his service on behalf of Minnesota students during his tenure as a trustee over the past two years.

   Chair Vekich recognized the accomplishments of the MnSCU System Office and central staff over the past year. Highlights include: creation of an appeals process for student transfer issues; adoption of a new allocation model; collaborative agreements with the University of Minnesota and K-12 schools; the Metro Academic Plan; and numerous awards won by MnSCU for marketing/public relations at the state, regional and national levels.

   Chair Vekich commented that along with Chancellor Anderson, President Grossbach, Hennepin Technical College President, and MnSCU customized training staff, he will present an overview of the targeted industry programs at the annual Association of Community College Trustees in Atlanta this fall. The American Marketing Association has selected a paper by MnSCU on strategic marketing for a higher education system for presentation at its national meeting in New Orleans in November.
   
   

3. Trustee Reportee
   Vice Chair Robert Erickson thanked Delores Fridge, associate vice chancellor for equal opportunity and diversity, for a stimulating first Open Forum held on September 19. The subject of the forum was diversity and the consensus of all present was to continue the discussion.
   
   An ad hoc committee of presidents comprised of: Cheryl Frank, Inver Hills Community College; Kathleen Nelson, Lake Superior College; Dennis Nielsen, Metropolitan State University; Ken Peeders, Fergus Falls Community College; and Colleen Thompson, Ridgewater College proposed topics for the next three Open Forums through December 1999, as follow:
   
   October 1999 - The Center for Teaching and Learning
   November 1999 - Kellogg Grant - Developing Leadership in the MnSCU System
   December 1999 - Student Services to Support Student Retention
   
   There was consensus among the Trustees to hold Open Forums on the suggested topics as outlined above. Future Open Forum agendas will be set at a later date.
   
   
   
4. Chancellor's Report: Morris J. Anderson.
   Chancellor Anderson reported on a meeting and presentation that MnSCU made to members of Governor Ventura's administration on September 21 relative to MnSCU's capital budget.
   
   Chancellor Anderson announced that review of the Minnesota State University - Akita report has been postponed until the October Board meeting.
   
   Linda Kohl, associate vice chancellor public affairs, presented "1999 high school counselor information kit." A popular item in the counselor box is the Go Places brochure. MnSCU mails 800 of these information kits to high schools in five states.
   
   
   
5. Joint Council of Student Associations
   The following representatives of student associations addressed the Board of Trustees: Justin Wyman, president, Minnesota State College Student Association, and Ryan Kulikowski, state chair, Minnesota State University Student Association.
   
   
6. MCCFA, IFO, and UTCE: Joint Opportunity to Address the Board
   Larry Oveson, president, Minnesota Community College Faculty Association, and Dave Abel, president, Inter Faculty Organization, addressed the Board of Trustees.
   
7. Board Standing Committee Reports
   
   a. Finance/Facilities Policy Committee
   1. Two-Year Student Housing Guidelines
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn moved that the Board of Trustees approve the guidelines for student housing at two-year colleges. Trustee Fritsche seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   2. North Hennepin Community College - Renovation for New Science Building
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn reported that the committee reviewed the renovation plans for a new science building at North Hennepin Community College. This item is slated for action at the October Board meeting.
   3. Winona State University, Maxwell Hall Remodeling Schematic Design
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn reported that the committee reviewed the schematic design for remodeling of Maxwell Hall at Winona State University. This item is slated for action at the October Board meeting.
   4. Fergus Falls Community College - Student Housing Management Proposal
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn reported that the committee reviewed the student housing management proposal at Fergus Falls Community College, and recommended, because of time constraints, that the board suspend its rules to take action on the project.
      
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn moved to suspend the rules of Board Policy 1A.1, part 6, subpart b to allow the Board to take action on the above-referenced item. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn moved that the Board of Trustees approve entering into a lease agreement between the Fergus Falls Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Fergus Falls Community College (FFCC) for FFCC to lease College Manor and Williams Hillside Village for a renewable term of three years, with the option by either party to cancel after two years. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
   5. Normandale Community College Land Exchange Committee Vice Chair Coborn reported that the committee reviewed a land exchange proposal between the City of Bloomington and Normandale Community College. This item is slated for action at the October Board meeting.
   6. Capital Improvement Projects Quarterly Status Report
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn reported that the committee reviewed a quarterly status report on the capital improvement projects.
   7. Laurentian District/Vermilion Residence Hall Construction
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn reported that the committee reviewed information on the newly constructed residence hall at the Vermilion Community College Campus.
      
   8. Approval to Accept Gift to Bemidji State University
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees approve the gift of $193,266 from the Bemidji State University Foundation. Trustee Luoma seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
   9. FY 2000 Committee Work Plan
      Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the committee reviewed a work plan for the fiscal year. The plan is slated for action at the October Board meeting.
      
   10. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Allocation Framework Update and FY 2000 Instructional Cost Study
       Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the Allocation Framework and FY 2000 Instructional Cost Study.
       
   11. Financial Resources Indicators
       Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the committee reviewed information on financial resources indicators.
       
   12. Carpentry Program Report
       Committee Chair Robert Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the Carpentry Program report. Staff has been directed to no longer provide this report as the program is doing very well.

   b. Educational Policy Committee
   Committee Chair Brataas reported that the committee met in closed session to discuss presidential evaluations.

   1. Program Approval: Certificate, Pipefitting Building Trade Installation Apprenticeship; Certificate, Pipefitting Service Apprenticeship; and Certificate, Advanced Pipefitting Apprenticeship, St. Paul Technical College
      See agenda item 4.
   2. Program Approval: Certificate, Low Voltage Systems Installer Apprenticeship, St. Paul Technical College, St. Paul
      See agenda item 4.
   3. Program Approval: AAS, Speech Language Pathology Assisting, South Central College, Mankato
      See agenda item 4.
   4. Program Approval: MS, Software Technology, Winona State University
      Committee Vice Chair Fritsche moved that the Board of Trustees approve the following programs: Certificate, Pipefitting Building Trade Installation Apprenticeship, Certificate, Pipefitting Service Apprenticeship, and Certificate, Advanced Pipefitting Apprenticeship, St. Paul Technical College; Certificate, Low Voltage Systems Installer Apprenticeship, St. Paul Technical College; AAS, Speech Language Pathology Assisting, South Central College, Mankato; and MS, Software Technology, Winona State University. Trustee David Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   5. Program Closures: BS, Office Systems Management, and MS, Business Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato
      Committee Vice Chair Fritsche moved that the Board of Trustees approve the request by Minnesota State University, Mankato, to close the designated programs. Trustee Luoma seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   6. Twin Cities Metropolitan Planning
      Committee Vice Chair Fritsche moved that the Board of Trustees accept the Twin Cities Metropolitan Plan, as presented at the Educational Policy Committee meeting on September 21, 1999. Committee Chair Wafler seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      Committee Chair Wafler commended system office staff and campus presidents and their staff for the successful collaboration in developing the plan.
   7. Northeast Higher Education District Discussion
      Committee Vice Chair Fritsche moved that the Board of Trustees approve the Chancellor's recommendation of the creation of the Northeast Higher Education District, effective October 1, 1999. As identified in the Plan for the Northeast Higher Education District, a progress report to the Board will be provided in July, 2000. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   8. Program Suspensions: Minnesota State University, Mankato; Hennepin Technical College; and Century College
      Committee vice Chair Fritsche reported that the committee reviewed information on program suspensions at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Hennepin Technical College, and Century College.
   9. State University Review of Suitability of Present Name
      Committee Vice Chair Fritsche reported that the committee reviewed information relative to the suitability of present names of state universities. President Barden, Moorhead State University, presented a proposed name change to Minnesota State University Moorhead. Moorhead State University's name change request will be an action item at the October Board meeting.
   10. Review of College and University Student Conduct Codes
       Committee Vice Chair Fritsche reported that the committee reviewed information on college and university student conduct codes.
       

   c. Audit Committee

   1. Office of the Legislative Auditor Financial Audits of Bemidji State University, Laurentian Community and Technical College District, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Southwest State University, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, and MnSCU System Office
      Committee Vice Chair Choate moved that the Board of Trustees accept the Legislative Auditor's financial audit reports on Bemidji State University, Laurentian Community and Technical College District, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Southwest State University, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, and the MnSCU System Office. Trustee Calhoun seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   2. Internal Auditing Annual Report
      Committee Vice Chair Choate reported that the committee reviewed the Internal Auditing annual report.
   3. Student Information System Update
      Committee Vice Chair Choate reported that the committee reviewed an update on the Student Information System.
   4. Year 2000 Update
      Committee Vice Chair Choate reported that the committee received the Year 2000 update.
      

   d. Personnel Policy Committee

   1. Appointment of Provost, Minnesota State University, Akita
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees approve the appointment of Dr. Nilson as Provost of Minnesota State University, Akita effective immediately, under the terms and conditions of the Personnel Plan for MnSCU Administrators. Trustee Wafler seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
   2. Demographic Report
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that the committee reviewed a report on employee demographic data.
   3. Appointment of Presidents, Policy 4.2
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that the committee reviewed proposed new language in Policy 4.2, Appointment of Presidents. This will be an action item at the October Board meeting.
   4. Closed Sessions
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that the committee met in two closed sessions. The first closed session was to hear an update on labor negotiations. The second closed session was related to the Chancellor's evaluation. Chair Brataas reported an agreement with Chancellor Anderson was reached today, subject to final approval by the Board, in which Chancellor Anderson's contract will be extended through June of 2001.
      
      Committee Chair Brataas moved to suspend the rules of Board Policy 1A.1, part 6, subpart b, to allow the Board to take action on this non-action item. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded.
      
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees, effective September 23, 1999, authorize the Chair, Vice Chair, and Chair of the Personnel Policy Committee to negotiate the terms and conditions of an amendment to the employment agreement with Morris. J. Anderson as chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The amendment to the employment agreement shall be presented to the Board of Trustees at its October 1999 regular meeting. The Chair may engage a consultant for the purpose of providing assistance in negotiating an amendment to the employment agreement with Chancellor Anderson. Trustee Choate seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      
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.
   
10. Adjournment
    Chair Vekich adjourned the meeting by consensus at 2:30 PM.
    

Michael Vekich, Chair
Recorded by Inge Chapin

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