January 2002
Board Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, January 16, 2001
World Trade Center
St. Paul, Minnesota

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

Trustees Absent: Michael Redlinger, Michael Vekich

1. Call to Order
   Chair Mary Choate called the meeting to order at 3:28 p.m. and reported that a quorum was present. There were no changes to the agenda.
   
   
2. Chair's Report

   Chair Choate commented that the Board of Trustees demonstrate their commitment to MnSCU in a variety of ways, most notably by giving hours of their time to MnSCU activities. Some of these activities include attendance and participation in: scheduled Board and Committee meetings, diversity conferences, student association meetings, meetings with rating agencies, North Central Association accreditation meetings, national conferences, meetings with tribal leaders, individual campus graduations, inaugurations and other campus events, visiting campuses to assess facility concerns, and legislative hearings. The Trustees are not only interested but also committed in helping MnSCU obtain the greatest appropriation possible from the Legislature. Chair Choate commented that the Trustees need staff direction to help them make the best use of their time in areas that will best advance the interests of the system.
   
   Chair Choate reported on good news from MnSCU campuses. MnSCU's Capital Budget Request book, Constructing Opportunity: Work in Progress, was printed by the students and staff in the graphics production program at South Central College in North Mankato. They also printed the cover for last year's budget request book. Students in the graphic design program at St. Paul Technical College drew the campus maps in the capital request book.
   
   A new novel titled Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger, a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead, is gaining national attention. The novel has been selected as the "best of the year 2001" by editors at Amazon.com, a Book of the Month Club main selection, and a Reader's Digest select edition.
   Minnesota West Community and Technical College is being recommended to the North Central Association for 10-year accreditation. A five-member evaluating team informed the college of its recommendation after spending three days in December visiting the campuses. Trustee Dotson and Chancellor McCormick met with the evaluators during the visit. The automotive service technology program at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji has received certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Riverland Community College's program also earned five-year re-certification from these organizations.
   
   Governor Ventura has appointed President Jim Johnson of Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical as the education representative to the Governor's Workforce Development Council. In another workforce-related development, Southeast Technical's Winona campus has been chosen as the site for the first ACT Center in Minnesota. The nationwide network of ACT Centers provide a wide variety of resources for employers and workers, including skills assessment testing, continuing education and state-of-the-art training, as well as testing for professional and trade certifications.
   
   This week, Northland Community and Technical College opened its new Learning Center and science laboratories as part of the college's Phase 2 renovation and expansion plan. Also new this semester is the Anoka-Hennepin Technical College Information Technology Training Center, which is in the Gateway Business Plaza in Ramsey. The center has a wireless computer environment and seven state-of-the-art classrooms and conference rooms. The project is a partnership between the college and IBM.
   
   The Fergus Falls Community College Center for Lifelong Learning has opened a new computer training facility. Businesses can obtain technology services and computer training classes at the new facility, which is located at West Tool & Design, or the 30 laptop computers can be transported to a workplace for on-site classes. Alexandria Technical College has been recognized as one of 43 rural two-year colleges worldwide that are effective at cultivating successful rural economies. The Rural Technologies Strategies Group recognized Alexandria Technical College for the scope, success and institutional commitment to the partnerships it has built between its customized training department and many industry partners. The Rural Technologies Strategies Group has a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study best practices at colleges in rural communities.
   
   Hispanic Outlook magazine selected three of our universities for its annual list of public and private colleges and universities across the nation that offer outstanding opportunities to Hispanic students. The list of "Publisher's Picks" includes Metropolitan State University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and St. Cloud State University.
   
   And lastly, many of us were able to attend the 12th annual birthday tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King. This inspirational event is sponsored by Minneapolis Community and Technical College and featured actor Danny Glover.
   
   a. Minutes of Board of Trustees Meeting of December 19, 2001
   As there were no corrections or additions to the minutes, Chair Choate announced that the minutes stand approved as written.
   
   b. Report of the Executive Committee Meeting of January 3, 2002
   Chair Choate reported that the Executive Committee met on January 3, 2002.
   
   

3. Trustee Reports
   There were no Trustee reports.
   
   
4. Chancellor's Comments: James McCormick.
   Chancellor McCormick thanked the presidents, the leadership team, his own staff, and especially Dr. Manuel Lopez for their good work as he presented the second Quarterly Report. The report is available on the Chancellor's page, which is accessible through MnSCU's web site at www.mnscu.edu.
   
   a. Chancellor's Quarterly Report
   Chancellor McCormick suggested three mid-term corrections to the quarterly report. In addition to the schedule of campus visits and legislative visits, he announced that he feels a need to make a concentrated effort to meet with business leaders throughout Minnesota. Chancellor McCormick also felt that he should meet more with mayors and other leaders of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington. Chancellor McCormick also reported that he has to direct a lot of attention to MnSCU's bonding bill; to do everything he can do to support the Presidents.
   
   Chancellor McCormick reported that a detailed three-year business plan will be presented to the Board of Trustees in April/May. A detailed work plan for the coming year will be developed based upon the business plan approved by the Board of Trustees. Chancellor McCormick commented that everyone is pleased with the progress of the work plan. It is on target and he expects to present a full report of the plan's accomplishments at the July Board meeting.
   
   b. Other
   Chancellor McCormick reported that he attended a meeting in Rochester on January 4 that was organized by Trustee Brataas. Others in attendance were Chair Choate, Vice Chair Luoma, Trustee Hoffman and Senior Vice Chancellor Baer. Chancellor McCormick commended Trustee Brataas for organizing the day's activities which included meetings with leaders from the Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation, IBM, Pemstar, Greater Rochester Association University Center, and others. The Mayo Clinic is a great asset to Minnesota. The Rochester community appreciates the commitment from Rochester Community and Technical College and Winona State University, but Chancellor McCormick acknowledged that he understands their desire to be linked with a research university, focused on research that will support a technical community as well as Mayo Clinic. Chancellor McCormick commented that if the facts and the financing agree, then MnSCU should be supportive of the University of Minnesota collaborating with the Rochester Community.
   
   Chancellor McCormick commented that he was very pleased with the bonding bill from the Governor's office. The Governor followed the priority list that was established by the Board of Trustees. This is a great start for discussions with the legislature to continue MnSCU's bonding list. MnSCU requested $100 million and the Governor's bill was for $35 million.
   
   Chancellor McCormick announced that the American Council on Education, in cooperation with the Business-Higher Education Forum's Diversity Task Force, has published Investing in People: Developing All of America's Talent on Campus and in the WorkPlace. The report concluded that the United States faces a social and economic crisis if diversity in higher education is not drastically improved. Chancellor McCormick commented that the report raises problems for prospects for the future of every community in the entire nation whether in the availability of skilled labor, professional preparation, or the base of needed civic, fiscal, and social support. He referred the report to the Citizens Advisory Commission and noted that some of its recommendations will be included in the work plan.
   
   
5. Joint Council of Student Associations
   The following representatives of student associations addressed the Board of Trustees: Brent Glass, Executive Director, Minnesota State Student College Association (MSCSA), Justin Klander, State Chair, Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA), and Frank Viggiano, Executive Director, MSUSA.
   
   
6. MnSCU Bargaining Units
   The following representatives of MnSCU bargaining units addressed the Board of Trustees: Ed Schones, CO-President, Minnesota State College Faculty, and Jim Pehler, President, Inter Faculty Organization.
   
   
7. Consent Agenda
   a. Mission Review: North Hennepin Community College
   b. Southwest State University Library Renovation Schematic Design
   c. St. Cloud State University Foundation Projects
   
   Trustee Erickson moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Trustee Swanson seconded and the Consent Agenda was approved unanimously.
   
   
8. Board Standing Committee Reports
   

   a. Advancement Committee, Lew Moran, Chair
   Committee Chair Luoma reported that members would be actively involved in meeting with Legislators accompanied by Office of the Chancellor staff.

   1. Legislative Report
      a. Bonding Request
      b. Budget
      Committee Chair Moran reported that the Trustees will be actively involved in meeting with legislators in the coming weeks in support of MnSCU's bonding request and budget.
      
      
   2. Economic Impact Study
      Committee Chair Moran reported that MnSCU is updating the study done by Paul Anton and Associates a few years ago on the economic impact of a college or university in a community.
      
      
   3. Naming Study Task Force Update
      Committee Chair Moran reported that the committee heard a brief update on the Naming Study Task Force. This item will be continued in February.
      
      
   4. NorthStar Foundation Report
      Committee Chair Moran reported that due to time constraints the NorthStar Foundation Report was postponed until February.
      
      
   5. FY 2001 Gifts and Grants Report
      Committee Chair Moran reported that the Board of Trustees accepted the FY 2001 Gifts and Grants Report consistent with Board Policy 7.7, Part 4.
      
      

   b. Technology Committee, Ivan Dusek and Joseph Swanson, CO-Chairs

   1. Minnesota Department of Administration/MnSCU Statewide Network
      Committee CO-Chair Swanson reported that Commissioner David Fisher of the Department of Administration provided an overview of the MnSCU Statewide Network.
      
      
   2. Overview of MnSCU Information Technology Services Organization
      Committee CO-Chair Swanson reported that Ken Niemi, Associate Vice Chancellor Information Systems and Chief Information Officer provided an overview of MnSCU's Information Technology Services Organization.
      
      
   3. Update on Leadership Council Technology
      Committee Committee CO-Chair Swanson reported that the committee reviewed the mission and linkages statements of the Leadership Council Technology Committee.
      
      

   c. Educational Policy Committee, Robert Hoffman, Chair

   1. Academic and Student Affairs Update
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that Linda Baer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, provided an update on academic and student affairs.
      
      
   2. Program Reinstatement: Central Lakes College
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee received notice of program reinstatement at Central Lakes College.
      
      
   3. Joint Planning Efforts with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and University of Minnesota Report
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee received a report on the joint planning efforts with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota. Senior Vice Chancellor Linda Baer, Maureen Reed, Chair, Board of Regents, University of Minnesota and Associate Provost Craig Swain presented the report.
      
      
   4. Metro Alliance Report
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee received the Metro Alliance Report, which highlighted the cooperation and progress of MnSCU's metro area institutions.
      
      
   5. Two-Year Mission Review Report
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee received a report on the Two-Year Mission Review.
      
      
   6. Transfer Report
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee received a Transfer Report.
      
      

   d. Finance/Facilities Policy Committee, Robert Erickson, Chair
   FACILITIES: Lew Moran, Vice Chair

   1. Southwest State University Update (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Erickson moved the following resolution:
      
      WHEREAS, the Marshall Fire Department and Marshall Fire Chief, Marc Klaith, did respond immediately to a call from the campus of Southwest State University on January 2, 2002; and
      
      WHEREAS, the fire departments of the surrounding communities of Cottonwood, Ghent, and Minnesota did respond to assist in fighting the fire in the food service building; and
      
      WHEREAS, the Tracy Fire Department assisted the Marshall Fire Department in containing the smoldering fires during the demolition of the building; and
      
      WHEREAS, there was loss of property, but not loss of life on the campus of Southwest State University;
      
      NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mary P. Choate, Chair of the MnSCU Board of Trustees, do hereby express, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, gratitude and appreciation to the fire departments of Marshall, Cottonwood, Ghent, Minnesota and Tracy.
      
      Trustee Boss seconded and the resolution carried unanimously.
      
      
   2. FY 2003 Revenue Fund Fees and Spending Plan (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the FY 2003 Revenue Fund Fees and Spending Plan. This will be an action item at the January Board meeting.
      
      
   3. Mesabi Range Community and Technical College Virginia Campus Remodeling Project Schematic Design (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Erickson reported that the Finance/Facilities Policy Committee reviewed a remodeling project schematic design by Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, Virginia Campus. This will be an action item at the February Board meeting.
      
      
   4. Pine Technical College Campus Master Plan
      Committee Chair Erickson reported that the committee reviewed Pine Technical College's campus master plan.
      
      
   5. Space Utilization Report
      Committee Chair Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the Space Utilization Report.
      
      
   6. Capital Budget Update (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Erickson commented that due to time constraints the committee did not review the Capital Budget Update, and he called on Laura King, Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer to present the report. Vice Chancellor King reported that a revised Capital Budget Update had been distributed earlier. The item was being presented as a first reading to update some of the program descriptions and project narratives, and to consider the acquisition of a large parcel of land in the neighborhood of Minneapolis Community and Technical College. This will be an action item at the February Board meeting.
      

      FINANCE: Daniel Coborn, Vice Chair
      

   7. FY 2001 Audited Financial Statements
      Committee Chair Erickson reported that due to time constraints this item was postponed until the February meeting.
      
      
   8. FY 2002-2003 Operating Budget Update
      Committee Chair Erickson commented that due to time constraints the committee did not review the FY 2002-2003 Operating Budget Update, and he called on Vice Chancellor King to present the update. Vice Chancellor King commented that there were no changes to the Operating Budget but that there would be plenty of opportunity to review it in the coming months.
      
   
   e. Personnel Policy Committee, Nancy Brataas, Chair
   
   1. Appointment of Interim President of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees approves the recommendation of Chancellor McCormick to appoint Thomas E. Davis as interim president of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College effective January 17, 2002, and authorizes the Chancellor to negotiate an employment contract to that effect, under the terms and conditions of the Personnel Plan for MnSCU Administrators. Trustee Antell seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
      
      
   2. Approval of Personnel Plan for MnSCU Administrators
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees approves the 2001-2003 Personnel Plan for MnSCU Administrators. Trustee Luoma seconded and the motion carried with one opposing vote.
      
      
   3. Revisions to Policy 4.5, Student Employees (Second Reading)
      Committee Chair Brataas moved that the Board of Trustees approves the recommended revisions to Policy 4.5, Student Employees. Trustee Luoma seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
      
      
9. Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
   There were no requests by individuals to address the Board.
   
   
10. Other Business
    There was no other business to come before the Board.
    
    
11. Adjournment
    Chair Choate adjourned the meeting by consensus at 4:50 p.m.