May 2002
Board Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, May 22, 2002
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, Michael Redlinger, Joann Splonskowski, Joseph Swanson and Michael Vekich

Absent: None

1. Call to Order
   Chair Mary Choate called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. and reported that a quorum was present. There were no changes to the agenda.
   

2. Chair's Report

   a. Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting of April 17, 2002
   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 May 1, 2002
   Chair Choate reported that the Executive Committee met on May 1 at Inver Hills Community College. The only official action taken at the meeting was the approval of a transfer of funds between cost centers in the Board Operating Budget. The Executive Committee approved the transfer of $10,000 from consulting contracts to general operating funds. No Board action is required.
   
   There was a discussion about the proposed calendar for FY 2003, that will be approved at the July Board meeting. Also discussed, were possible dates for a fall retreat.
   c. Timeline for Declarations for Board Officer Vacancies
   Executive Director/Board Secretary Penny Harris Reynen reported that the board policy states that the election of officers shall be conducted at the annual meeting of the board on July 17, 2002. Any board member who wishes to run for a position as an officer shall submit his or her name, in writing, to the board office at least 30 days prior to the date of the election, which is June 17. The board office shall at least 25 days prior to the date of the election, mail to each board member a list of the candidates. In addition, nominations from the floor shall be received at the annual meeting.
   d. Proposed FY 2003 Meeting Calendar
   Chair Choate announced that the proposed meeting calendar for FY 2003 is slated for approval at the annual meeting in July.
   
   The July Executive Committee meeting originally scheduled for July 3 will be held on June 26.
   e. Other
   Chair Choate announced that Trustees are attending 28 commencements this spring, and are honored and appreciate the opportunity to be part of the graduation ceremonies.
   
   On May 20, tribal members of Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa honored Chancellor McCormick by giving him a special Ojibwe name, White Wolf. The naming ceremony included music and a feast. Earlier in the day, Trustee Joann Splonskowski also was given an Ojibwe name, Star Woman.
   
   Chair Choate recognized Trustee Robert Erickson for his fund-raising bicycling tour to all of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities 53 campuses (2,101 miles) by early July. Trustee Erickson's "Scholarship Challenge" is raising money and visibility for part-time, older students. The new scholarship fund will be administered by the Northstar Foundation. So far, Trustee Erickson has raised more than $8,000, and significant media attention along the way. Trustee Erickson's progress can be followed on the MnSCU Web site.
   
   Chair Choate reported that Minneapolis Community and Technical College faculty member, Bill Hendricks, has won the 2002 award for Service Learning and Collaboration with Social Agencies. The award was given by the Campus Compact National Center for Community Colleges. His students helped create a navigation system for the city of St. Paul's Web site.
   
   A Metropolitan State University faculty member, Dr. Sue Fitzgerald, has received a Fulbright Fellowship to work on a computer networking project and teach at Barbados Community College.
   
   Chair Choate announced that Winona State University has achieved 10-year accreditation from the North Central Association. At Minnesota State University Moorhead, a mass communications professor, Wayne Gudmundson, has been invited to a reception with President and Mrs. Bush at the White House in June. Two of Gudmundson's photographs are among works by 152 artists that have been selected to show off American culture at U.S. Embassies.
   
   Also, an alumna of Metropolitan State University, Antonia Felix, was in town recently to promote her new book, a biography of Laura Bush titled Laura: America's First Lady, First Mother. And, a new NBC series this fall called "Life Moments," featuring heartwarming stories, is likely to include a feature about 75 year old JoAnn Jones of North Hennepin Community College.
   

3. Trustee Reports
   Trustee Splonskowski announced that she attended six commencements this spring: Minnesota West in Worthington, Northwest Technical College, Detroit Lakes, Southwest State University, Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, North Hennepin Community College and Lake Superior College.
   
   Trustee Redlinger announced that he attended the Association of Governing Boards Annual Conference on Trusteeship in Boston, on April 20-23. Others in attendance were Trustees Antell, Dusek and Erickson, Chancellor McCormick and Inge Chapin, Executive Assistant to the Board. Trustee Redlinger commented that there were very informative sessions, and he referred to a report entitled "Weathering the Double Whammy," that AGB has released.
   
   Trustee Antell offered a footnote to Chair Choate's comments about the naming ceremony for Chancellor McCormick by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Trustee Antell explained that the people gave a great deal of thought and consideration into selecting the name of White Wolf for the Chancellor. The name was chosen because the wolf is a very strong part of the Indian Culture; they look after each other, they protect each other, and they care for each other.
   
   Trustee Antell reported that Trustee Dusek did an excellent job facilitating a roundtable discussion on diversity issues at the AGB Conference. The roundtable, "Practical Steps Toward Diversity," covered topics ranging from discrimination, civil rights, and mascots.
   
   Trustee Erickson offered a few impressions from his campus visits. Mainly, he noted that we do not say "thank you" often enough to the many staff people who are quietly working. He continued that his overwhelming impression is that the MnSCU facilities are in wonderful shape, from the floors to the roofs.
   

4. Chancellor's Comments: James McCormick.
   a. Chancellor's Quarterly Report
   Chancellor McCormick announced that he was honored to be chosen by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa for a naming ceremony. With the name comes responsibility, and he announced that he intends to listen to all voices, especially the first voices of Minnesota.
   
   Chancellor McCormick noted that he has long supported professional development, especially national higher education conferences and the opportunity they provide for Trustees and staff to learn from others. He continued that the Association of Governing Boards sponsors an annual conference on trusteeship that has tracks for public and private institutions and for systems such as MnSCU.
   
   a. Preliminary Draft of Strategic Plan
   Chancellor McCormick noted that the draft Strategic Plan, rather than being Chancellor-driven, reflects consultation and the work of the presidents, the vice chancellors, and others along with the Board of Trustees. The draft Strategic Plan is a work-in-progress, and it will be revised after the public forums scheduled in early June. Board approval is scheduled for June.
   
   b. Other
   Chancellor McCormick provided an update on presidential leadership matters. Linda Baer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, and her staff are leading the planning for the future of Northwest Technical College. The search for a president of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is well underway, and it is expected that the search committee will forward its recommendations later this year.
   
   Chancellor McCormick announced that Phillip Davis, President, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, has resigned, effective June 30 to accept the presidency of Aims Community College in Greeley, Colorado.
   
   President Davis addressed the assembly. He commented that words are inadequate to express his appreciation to the Board of Trustees and the Chancellor for having had the opportunity to serve Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. He has served MnSCU for the past seventeen years. Chancellor McCormick announced that discussions are underway about leadership at MCTC, and that he hopes to present a recommendation at the June meeting.
   
   

5. Joint Council of Student Associations
   The following representatives of student associations addressed the Board of Trustees: Brad Krasaway, President, Brent Glass, Executive Director, Michelle Sazama, Vice President, Student Senate, Northwest Technical College, Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA), and Justin Klander, state chair, Yorgun Marcel, State-Chair Elect and graduate student, St. Cloud State University, and Frank Viggiano, Executive Director, Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA).
   

6. MnSCU Bargaining Units
   The following representatives of MnSCU bargaining units addressed the Board of Trustees: Jeanne Cornish, President, Minnesota State University Association of Service Faculty; Karen Foreman, President, AFSCME's Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Policy Committee; and Jim Pehler, President, Inter Faculty Association.
   

7. Consent Agenda
   a. Normandale Community College Building Renovation Project, Schematic Design (Second Reading)
   b. Mission Approval: Lake Superior College
   
   Trustee Erickson moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Trustee Redlinger seconded and the Consent Agenda was approved unanimously.
   

8. Board Standing Committee Reports

   a. Finance/Facilities Policy Committee, Robert Erickson, Chair

   1. Anoka-Ramsey Community College Property Acquisition (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Erickson moved to suspend the rules to allow consideration of Anoka-Ramsey Community College Property Acquisition. Trustee Coborn seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
      
      Committee Chair Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees approve the acquisition of the property designated at 32975 Polk Street, Cambridge, Minnesota by Anoka-Ramsey Community College, subject to legislative authorization. Trustee Brataas seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

   2. Joint Powers Agreements with Intermediate School Districts (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the Joint Powers Agreements with Intermediate School Districts as a first reading. This will be an action item at the June Board meeting.
   3. Fire Protection Survey Results
      Committee Chair Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the Fire Protection Survey results.
   4. Capital Improvement Projects Quarterly Status Report
      Committee Chair Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects Quarterly Status Report.
   5. Northeast Higher Education District Campus Master Plans
      • Itasca Community College Committee Chair Erickson reported that the committee reviewed Itasca Community College's campus master plan.
      • Mesabi Range Community and Technical College Committee Chair Erickson reported that the committee reviewed Mesabi Range Community and Technical College's campus master plan.
   6. Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA) FY 2003 Fee Proposal (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Erickson reported that the committee reviewed the Minnesota State College Student Association's FY 2003 Fee Proposal as a first reading. This will be an action item at the June Board meeting.
   7. FY 2003 Operating Budget Including Tuition and Fees (Second Reading)
      Committee Chair Erickson moved that the Board of Trustees adopt the following motion:
      1. The "total allocations" for FY2003 shown on attachment F.
      2. The college and university FY2003 preliminary allocations on attachment G.
      3. The proposed tuition structure recommendations for FY2003 as detailed on attachment E 1-4. The percentage impact of resident tuition rates represents the maximum amount that can be applied to other tuition rates charged by the institution not impacted by reciprocity agreements such as nonresident and off campus rates.
         
         The tuition increase is effective Summer Session or Fall Semester, 2002 at the discretion of the president. The chancellor is authorized to approve tuition structures for new courses or programs proposed after this date and is requested to provide the Board with a summary of any approvals at the time FY2004 tuition recommendations are presented to the Board. The Board continues the policy of market-driven tuition for closed enrollment courses, customized training, continuing education, distance learning and contract postsecondary enrollment option programs.
      4. Pilot programs at Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Riverland Community and Technical College, Northland Community and Technical College, Hibbing Community College and Minnesota State University Moorhead to allow expanded tuition waiver authority are defined in attachment E5. The Chancellor approved, effective Fall 2002, that Mesabi Range be allowed to also pilot the nonresident tuition waiver.
      5. The President of Minnesota State University Moorhead, per Board Policy 5.12, part 1, subpart 3, be allowed to waive resident tuition, as proposed in attachment E6.
      
      Trustee Coborn seconded the motion.
      
      Trustee Splonskowski commented that she would not support the motion because of the concerns about the tuition fee increases raised by students. She continued that she wished the Board could vote separately on each campus' tuition rates.
      
      Trustee Antell commented that the proposed tuition increase puts too heavy a burden on our students, especially on the minority students that can least afford to pay. Those people who can pay will get the benefits and those that cannot afford to pay will drop out. He continued that there has to be another way to finance higher education in Minnesota.
      
      Trustee Redlinger congratulated everyone involved in the process and commented that the information relative to the proposed tuition rates is the best he has seen over the past four or five years. Trustee Redlinger continued that he still has concerns and he must act on them based on his principles. He noted that he is in agreement with Trustee Splonskowski that the Board needs to have a fundamental discussion of how it approves tuition. Trustee Redlinger suggested that the Board have a discussion on values relative to the tuition process during the October to November time frame. He stated that the Board owes it to the Chancellor, as our hired chief executive, to give him position statement on tuition with more direction for both presidents and the legislature.
      
      Trustee Swanson commented that he is in favor of the tuition increase. He explained that he does not favor raising tuition, but from the perspective of a steward and the monies needed, and based on trust in the staff who have made these recommendations, he will support the motion.
      
      The motion carried on a roll call vote with 12 in favor (Trustees Boss, Brataas, Coborn, Dotson, Dusek, Erickson, Hoffman, Luoma, Moran, Swanson, Vekich and Chair Choate) and three opposed (Trustees Antell, Splonskowski and Redlinger).
      

   b. Human Resources Policy Committee, Nancy Brataas Chair
   Committee Chair Brataas reported that at the start of the committee meeting, Trustee Vekich asked to add information on the Chancellor's assessment to the agenda. See agenda item three.

   1. Proposed Amendment to Policy 4.2, Appointment of Presidents (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that the committee reviewed the proposed amendment to Policy 4.2, Appointment of Presidents as a first reading. This will be an action item at the June Board meeting.
   2. Faculty and Student Ethnicity Report for FY 2002
      Committee Chair Brataas reported that the committee received the Faculty and Student Ethnicity Report for FY 2002.
   3. Chancellor's Assessment Process
      Committee Chair Brataas provided an update on the Chancellor's Assessment Process. An assessment form was distributed to all Trustees to be completed by May 31. Public input will be received by way of a secured web page that can be accessed starting on May 23 from the MnSCU home page. A timetable for the Chancellor's assessment was also distributed.
      
      

   c. Technology Committee, Ivan Dusek and Joseph Swanson, Co-Chairs

   1. Inver Hills Community College Cisco Academy Presentation
      Committee Co-Chair Dusek reported that the committee reviewed a presentation of Inver Hills Community College Cisco Academy Presentation.
   2. Security Update
      Committee Co-Chair Dusek reported that the committee heard an update on security planning and firewalls.
   3. Information Technology Roundtable Update
      Committee Co-Chair Dusek reported that the committee heard an update from the Information Technology Roundtable.
      
      

   d. Advancement Committee, Lew Moran, Chair

   1. Legislative Session 2002 Update
      Committee Chair Moran reported that the committee received an update on the legislative session.

   2. Amendment to Policy 3.23 Naming Colleges and Universities (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Moran reported that the committee reviewed an amendment to Policy 3.23 Naming Colleges and Universities as a first reading. This will be an action item at the June Board meeting.

   3. New Trustee Orientation
      Committee Chair Moran reported that the committee reviewed an outline of orientation sessions for new Trustees.

   4. Federal Relations Planning
      Committee Chair Moran reported that the committee heard an update on federal relations planning.

   5. Development Update
      Committee Chair Moran reported that the committee heard an update on development plans.

   6. Resolution Regarding Northstar Foundation
      Committee Chair Moran moved the following resolution:
      
      

      Be it Resolved: that the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees fully supports the vision, mission, and goals of the Northstar State Colleges and Universities Foundation and will support the foundation's new initiative to actively seek external funding in support of all MnSCU member institutions and the Office of the Chancellor. The Northstar Foundation, in turn, resolves to seek that funding in collaboration with member institutions and from sources not readily available to member institution related foundations. Trustee Vekich seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

   7. Marketing Update
      Committee Chair Moran reported that the committee heard a marketing update.

   e. Educational Policy Committee, Robert Hoffman, Chair

   1. Academic and Student Affairs Update
      Linda Baer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, provided an update on academic and student affairs.
   2. Proposed Policy 3.28 Charter School Sponsorship (Second Reading)
      Committee Chair Hoffman moved that the Board of Trustees approves the proposed Policy 3.28 Charter School Sponsorship. Trustee Luoma seconded the motion. The motion carried with one nay (Trustee Antell) and three abstentions (Trustees Dusek, Redlinger, Splonskowski).
   3. E-Learning Task Force Recommendations
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee reviewed the recommendations of the E-learning Task Force.
   4. Preliminary Draft of Strategic Plan
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee reviewed a preliminary plan of the strategic plan.
   5. Northwest Technical College Plans
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee reviewed a recommendation from Linda Baer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, and staff regarding the proposed administrative reorganization of Northwest Technical College. Staff has had listening sessions on the campuses and a public forum has been scheduled for June 12. A recommendation will be presented at the June Board meeting.
      

9. Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
   There were no requests by individuals to address the Board.
   

10. Other Business
    Trustee Erickson offered that the Board may want to schedule time at a future meeting for Trustee Dusek to present the roundtable discussion on diversity that he facilitated at the Association of Governing Board's conference.
    
    Trustee Splonskowski suggested that more consideration be given to hosting hearings and public forums in out-state Minnesota.

11. Adjournment
    Chair Choate adjourned the meeting by consensus at 2:46 p.m.