September 2000
Board Meeting Minutes

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 20, 2000
World Trade Center
St. Paul, Minnesota

Trustees Present: Will Antell, Andrew Boss, Nancy Brataas, Brent A. Calhoun, Mary Choate, Daniel G. Coborn, Dennis Dotson, Ivan Dusek, Robert Erickson, Bob Hoffman, Jim A. Luoma, Lew Moran, Joann Splonskowski, Joseph Swanson, Michael Vekich, Chair

Trustees Absent: None

1. Call to Order
   Chair Vekich called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. and reported that a quorum was present.
   
   
2. Chair's Report

   a. Approval of Minutes of Board of Trustees Meeting of July 19, 2000
   Trustee Dusek moved approval of the minutes of July 19, 2000. Trustee Luoma seconded and the minutes were approved without dissent.
   
   

   b. Approval of Meeting Calendar 2000-2001
   Trustee Erickson moved approval of the meeting calendar for 2000-2001. Trustee Choate seconded and the calendar was approved without dissent.
   
   The meeting dates are:
   
   October 4, 2000, Executive Committee Meeting
   October 17-18, 2000, Board Meeting
   November 1, 2000, Executive Committee Meeting
   November 14-15, 2000, Board Meeting
   December 6, 2000, Executive Committee Meeting
   December 19-20, 2000, Board Meeting
   January 3, 2001, Executive Committee Meeting
   January 16-17, 2001, Board Meeting
   February 7, 2001, Executive Committee Meeting
   February 20-21, 2001, Board Meeting
   March 7, 2001, Executive Committee Meeting
   March 20-21, 2001 Board Meeting
   April 4, 2001, Executive Committee Meeting
   April 17-18, 2001, Board Meeting
   May 2, 2001, Executive Committee Meeting
   May 15-16, 2001, Board Meeting
   June 6, 2001, Executive Committee Meeting
   June 19-20, 2001, Board Meeting
   July 3, 2001, Executive Committee Meeting
   July 17-18, 2001, Board Meeting
   August, 2001, No Meetings
   September 5, 2001, Executive Committee Meeting
   September 18-19, 2001, Board Meeting
   
   

   c. Election of Officers
   Vice Chair Erickson explained the election process. In addition to the slate of candidates, nominations can be made from the floor. Nominations do not require a second. Speeches are permitted. The nominations and elections will be taken for one office at a time. Board policy calls for a roll call vote in which case the board secretary would record the votes for each position. The votes are public information.
   
   Vice Chair Erickson announced the candidates:
   * Chair: Michael Vekich or Andrew Boss
   * Vice Chair: Dennis Dotson or Jim Luoma
   * Treasurer: Nancy Brataas or Joann Splonskowski
   * Secretary Penny Harris Reynen
   
   Trustee Luoma requested an explanation of the process should the Board decide to vote by ballot. Counsel Olson explained that the roll call vote is the default procedure in a contested election under Board policy. If someone wishes to make the motion for a ballot they can do so, but the motion would need to be seconded by another Trustee. The motion would not be debatable, and it must pass by a majority. If a ballot is the method chosen for voting, then it needs to be a signed ballot in order to comply with the open meeting law. At the conclusion of the vote, the total number of votes for each candidate would be announced. If someone wants to know how each member voted, it would have to be by request. The minutes of the meeting will include how each member voted.
   
   Trustee Luoma moved that the Board of Trustees approve the use of a signed ballot for each election that is contested. Trustee Splonskowski seconded and the motion carried by a vote of nine in favor and six against.
   
   Election of Chair:
   Vice Chair Erickson announced that the candidates for chair are Michael Vekich and Andrew Boss. He made three requests for any nominations from the floor. There were none.
   
   Trustee Swanson asked each candidate for chair to comment on the principles of their leadership style. Trustee Vekich commented that MnSCU and the Board have been in a period of transition. His style allows open discussion, and creates an atmosphere where people can put together their thoughts and objections. He has spent a great deal of his time keeping trustees informed on a regular basis. His principles include keeping people well-informed, and having the ability to foster open and creative discussions that are necessary to carry forth an organization like MnSCU.
   
   Trustee Boss commented that he places a great value on open discussions and making sure issues are brought before committees and the Board so that every one has an opportunity to participate. These values enable us as Trustees to make the best judgment and decisions we can make. Other values include conducting ourselves with civility, respect, and a sense of humor.
   
   Ballots were distributed, collected and counted by Executive Director Reynen and Executive Assistant Chapin, and the results were conveyed to Vice Chair Erickson.
   
   Vice Chair Erickson announced that Michael Vekich received eight ballots (Trustees Brataas, Calhoun, Choate, Coborn, Dusek, Erickson, Moran, and Vekich), and Andrew Boss received seven ballots (Trustees Antell, Boss, Dotson, Hoffman, Luoma, Splonskowski, and Swanson). The Board of Trustees elected Michael Vekich for a fourth term as Chair beginning October 1.
   
   Election of Vice Chair:
   Vice Chair Erickson announced that the candidates for vice chair are Dennis Dotson and Jim Luoma. He asked if there were any nominations from the floor. Trustee Coborn nominated Mary Choate. Vice Chair Erickson inquired again if there were any other nominations from the floor. Trustee Splonskowski nominated Andrew Boss. Vice Chair Erickson inquired a final time if there were any more nominations from the floor. There were no more nominations.
   
   Vice Chair Erickson reported that the four candidates for the office of vice chair are Andrew Boss, Mary Choate, Dennis Dotson and Jim Luoma.
   
   While the ballots were being distributed, Counsel Olson explained that because there are more than two candidates the voting will continue until one candidate has obtained the majority, which is eight votes. The ballots were collected and counted by Executive Director Reynen and Executive Assistant Chapin, and the results were conveyed to Vice Chair Erickson.
   
   Vice Chair Erickson announced that Andrew Boss received seven ballots (Trustees Antell, Boss, Dotson, Luoma, Moran, Splonskowski, and Calhoun), Mary Choate received six ballots (Trustees Brataas, Choate, Coborn, Dusek, Erickson, and Vekich), Jim Luoma received two ballots (Trustees Hoffman and Swanson), and that Trustee Dotson received no ballots. Trustees Dotson and Luoma withdrew from the election.
   
   Vice Chair Erickson announced that the two remaining candidates for vice chair are Andrew Boss and Mary Choate.
   
   Ballots were distributed, collected and counted by Executive Director Reynen and Executive Assistant Chapin, and the results were conveyed to Vice Chair Erickson.
   
   Vice Chair Erickson announced that Andrew Boss received nine ballots (Trustees Antell, Boss, Calhoun, Dotson, Hoffman, Luoma, Moran, Splonskowski, and Swanson), and Mary Choate received six ballots (Trustees, Brataas, Choate, Coborn, Dusek, Erickson, and Vekich). The Board of Trustees elected Andrew Boss as Vice Chair beginning October 1.
   
   Election of Treasurer:
   Vice Chair Erickson announced that the candidates for treasurer are Nancy Brataas and Joann Splonskowski. He made three requests for any nominations from the floor. There were none.
   
   Vice Chair Erickson announced that Joann Splonskowski received nine ballots (Trustees Antell, Boss, Calhoun, Dotson, Hoffman, Luoma, Moran, Splonskowski, and Swanson), and Nancy Brataas received six ballots (Trustees Brataas, Choate, Coborn, Dusek, Erickson, and Vekich). The Board of Trustees elected Joann Splonskowski as Treasurer beginning October 1.
   
   Election of Secretary:
   Vice Chair Erickson announced that the candidate for secretary is Penny Harris Reynen. He made three requests for any nominations from the floor. There were none.
   
   The Board of Trustees unanimously elected Penny Harris Reynen as secretary.
   
   d. Report of the Executive Committee Meeting of September 6, 2000
   Chair Vekich reported that the Executive Committee met on September 6, 2000.
   
   

   • Amendments to Board Policy 1A.2
     Trustee Boss, chair, Sub-Committee on Trustees, reported that the Board of Trustees had a discussion about the election of officers at the July Board. The matter was referred to the Sub-Committee on Trustees. After review and discussion on August 17 and again on September 19, the Sub-Committee on Trustees forwarded their recommendations to the Executive Committee on September 6. The recommendations include changing the date of the annual meeting to July, instead of September, and providing for a limit of two-year maximum for any office. The recommendations presented today are a first reading. Trustee Calhoun requested clarification of the language relative to the Board's appointment of a secretary in the absence of an executive director. Counsel Olson commented that the intent of the language was to have the executive director serve as the secretary by virtue of the position. If there is no executive director, then someone needs to assume the duties of the secretary. Counsel Olson will review the language in advance of the second reading.
   
   e. Other
   Chair Vekich highlighted noteworthy events on several Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses. Cheryl Frank, president, Inver Hills Community College, has been appointed to the American Association of Community College's Commission on Learning and Communications Technologies. This is a national commission on alternative learning delivery systems including on-line learning.
   
   Tom Wilts and his colleagues at Ridgewater College in Willmar have been recognized by MnGREAT!, which recognizes environmental achievements by government employees. Revenue from a recycling program that Mr. Wilts has maintained since 1977 goes toward a scholarship program for work-study students employed by the maintenance department.
   
   The Minnesota America Planning Association has given MnSCU's facilities division an award for its Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Guide for Campus Master Planning. The publication was selected in the Implementation Tools category and MnSCU was invited to display the publication at the 2000 Upper Midwest Regional Planning Conference in Duluth.
   
   Bemidji State University has been invited to participate in the Technology in Education national invitational conference hosted by U.S. Education Secretary Richard Riley. Bemidji State University was one of 64 universities across the country to receive a "Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology" grant in 1999 and was the only university program of excellence to be invited to the conference.
   
   Fergus Falls Community College will have a 40th birthday to celebrate this month. Festivities are planned on September 29 and 30.
   
   
3. Trustee Reports
   Trustee Splonskowski announced that a member of her family was the victim of an advance fee loan scam. She urged everyone present to caution their students, associates, friends, and families about this scam as the perpetrators frequently target college-age students.
   
   
4. Chancellor's Report: Morris J. Anderson.
   Chancellor Anderson deferred his report to next month.
   
   
5. Executive Director/Board Secretary's Report, Penny Harris Reynen
   Executive Director Reynen thanked the Board for their vote of confidence in her election as secretary. She reported that at the request of the Board of Trustees the Board Office is currently reviewing two items that were discussed by the Sub-Committee on Trustees meeting held on September 19. The first is the request by the Office of the Legislative Auditor to better articulate the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees. The second item related to campus visits by the Board. Executive Directory Reynen will provide suggestions for campus visits at a later date.
   
   Executive Director Reynen announced that the Board staff met in a retreat on August 7 and will meet again in October. The purpose of the retreats is to define and examine the roles and responsibilities of Board staff as they relate to supporting the work of the Board of Trustees. The fourth orientation for new Trustees in scheduled for October 4 and will feature Vice Chancellor King with a finance overview.
   
   The Chancellor Search is on schedule. Candidates will be interviewed during the month of October.
   
   
6. Joint Council of Student Associations
   The following representatives of student associations addressed the Board of Trustees: Michael Redlinger, state chair, Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA), and Robin Melin, vice president, Minnesota State College Student Association.
   
   
7. MnSCU Bargaining Units
   The following representatives of bargaining units addressed the Board of Trustees: Ed Schones, president, United Technical College Educators; Larry Oveson, president, Minnesota Community College Faculty Association; and Jim Pehler, president, Inter Faculty Organization.
   
   
8. Consent Agenda
   a. Program Approval: Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education, Bemidji State University
   
   b. Program Approval: Certificate, Fire Suppression Technician, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Marshall Center
   
   c. Program Closures: Central Lakes College, Century College; Laurentian Community and Technical College; Minneapolis Community and Technical College; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Minnesota State University Moorhead; Minnesota West Community and Technical College; Northwest Technical College; Rainy River Community College; Riverland Community College; Rochester Community and Technical College; and Winona State University
   
   Trustee Erickson moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Trustee Brataas seconded and the Consent Agenda was approved without dissent.
   
   
9. Board Standing Committee Reports
   
   a. Finance/Facilities Policy Committee
   Facilities:
   1. Northland Community and Technical College Schematic Design
      Committee Vice Chair Dotson reported that the committee reviewed Northland Community and Technical College's Schematic Design. This will be an action item at the October Board meeting.
      
      
   2. Revenue Fund Reinvestment Program
      Committee Vice Chair Dotson reported that the committee reviewed a report on the Revenue Fund Reinvestment Program.
      
      
   3. Capital Improvement Projects Quarterly Status Report
      Committee Vice Chair Dotson reported that the committee reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects Quarterly Status Report.
      
      
   4. Ridgewater Community and Technical College Facilities Master Plan
      Committee Vice Chair Dotson reported that Ridgewater Community and Technical College President Colleen Thompson presented the campus master plan.
      
      
   5. Minnesota West Community and Technical College Facilities Master Plan
      Committee Vice Chair Dotson reported that Minnesota West Community and Technical College President Ronald Wood presented the campus master plan.
      
      Finance:
   6. Finance/Facilities Committee Work Plan (First Reading)
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn moved that the Board of Trustees reviewed a draft work plan. This will be an action item at the October Board meeting.
      
      
   7. FY 2002-2003 Biennial Budget Request
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn reported that the committee reviewed the FY 2002-2003 Biennial Budget Request. Following public hearings on Tuesday, October 3 and Wednesday, October 11, this item will be presented as a first reading at the October Board meeting.
      
      
   8. FY 2002 Allocation Framework-Implementation
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn reported that the committee reviewed the FY 2002 Allocation Framework-Implementation. Following public hearings on Tuesday, October 3 and Wednesday, October 11, this item will be presented as a first reading at the October Board meeting.
      
      
   9. FY 1998 National Peer Analysis
      Committee Vice Chair Coborn reported that committee received a report on the FY 1998 National Peer Analysis.
      
      
   10. FY 2000 Board Operating Budget Update
       Committee Vice Chair Coborn reported that the committee received the FY 2000 Board Operating Budget update as an information item.
       
       

   b. Educational Policy Committee

   1. Academic and Student Affairs Update
      Committee Chair Luoma reported that the committee received an update on academic and student affairs from Senior Vice Chancellor Baer.
      
      
   2. Rochester Community and Technical College Presentation
      Committee Chair Luoma reported that the committee heard a report on "Building Strength on Strength" from President Don Supalla and other representatives from Rochester Community and Technical College.
      
      
   3. Metro Alliance Update
      Committee Chair Luoma reported that the committee received an update on the Metro Alliance.
      
      
   4. Program Suspensions: Hennepin Technical College; Lake Superior College; Minneapolis Community and Technical College; Rainy River Community College; Laurentian District Vermilion Community College; Northwest Technical College; Riverland Community College; St. Paul Technical College; South Central College; Winona State University; and Southwest State University
      Committee Chair Luoma reported that the committee reviewed programs at several MnSCU institutions that have been placed on suspended status.
      
      
   5. The IBM/Rochester Community and Technical College Partnership Project Close-out Report
      Committee Chair Luoma reported that committee heard a report on the IBM and Rochester Community and Technical College Partnership Project Close-out Report.
      
      
   6. Program Reinstatements: Hennepin Technical College and Minnesota West Community and Technical College
      Committee Chair Luoma reported that the committee received news of the reinstatement of suspended programs at Hennepin Technical College and Minnesota West Community and Technical College.
      
      
   7. Proposed Amendment to Board Policy 3.9 Licensure of Faculty Requiring a License (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Luoma moved that the Board of Trustees suspend the rules in order to take action on the proposed amendment to Board Policy 3.9. Trustee Choate seconded.
      
      Trustee Luoma explained that the proposed policy language would include all non-MnSCU post-secondary vocational entities in Minnesota who wish to use the MnSCU licensure process.
      
      The motion to suspend the rules carried.
      
      Committee Chair Luoma moved that the Board of Trustees approves the amendment to Board Policy 3.9 Licensure of Faculty Requiring a License. Trustee Antell seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      

   c. Audit Committee
   

   1. Policy on Fraudulent and other Dishonest Acts (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Boss reported that the committee reviewed a Policy on Fraudulent and other Dishonest Acts as a first reading. The policy will undergo additional review prior to Board approval.
      
      
   2. Financial Reporting Update
      Committee Chair Boss reported that the committee heard an update on Financial Reporting.
      
      
   3. Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program Update
      Committee Chair Boss reported that committee received an update on the Post- Secondary Enrollment Options Program.
      
      

   d. Personnel Policy Committee
   

   1. Amendment to Employment Agreement between MnSCU Board of Trustees and Chancellor
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees ratifies the current contract with Chancellor Morris J. Anderson. Trustee Erickson seconded and the motion carried without dissent.
      
      
   2. Relocation of Board Policy 4.13, Expense Allowances (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that the committee reviewed a revision to Board Policy 3.4, Expense Allowances as a first reading. This will be an action item at the October Board meeting.
      
      
   3. Labor Relations Update
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that committee heard an update on labor relations.
      
      
10. Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
    There were no requests by individuals to address the Board.
    
    
11. Other Business
    Chair Vekich thanked Trustee Erickson for his service as Vice Chair over the past three years.
    
    
12. Adjournment
    Chair Vekich adjourned the meeting by consensus at 1:50 p.m.