April 2003
Board Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, April 16, 2003
World Trade Center
St. Paul, Minnesota

Trustees Present: Mary Choate, Chair, Will Antell, Andrew Boss, Cheryl Dickson, Ivan Dusek, Clarence Hightower, Robert Hoffman, Vincent Ijioma, Jim Luoma, Lew Moran, David Paskach, Michael Redlinger, Ann Curme Shaw and Shaun Williams

Absent: Daniel Coborn

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1. Call to Order
   Chair Mary Choate called the meeting to order at 1:07 p.m. and reported that a quorum was present. There were no changes to the agenda.
   

2. Chair's Report
   a. Minutes of Board of Trustees Meeting of March 19, 2003
   There was a correction to the minutes on page 6, agenda item 2, Educational Policy Committee as follows:
   
   Committee Chair Antell moved that the Board of Trustees approves the proposed amendment Policy 3.12 Academic Program Suspension and Reinstatement; deletion of Policy 3.13 Academic Program Closure; and amendment to Policy 4.14 Program Approval. Trustee Vincent Ijioma seconded, and the motion carried with one dissenting vote (Trustee Shaun Williams). Chair Choate announced the minutes stand approved as corrected.
   
   b. Other
   Vice Chair Jim Luoma explained that the Ad Hoc Assessment Committee has met regarding Chancellor McCormick's evaluation. He thanked Chair Choate, Trustees Ivan Dusek and David Paskach, Vice Chancellor William Tschida and Internal Auditor John Asmussen for their work on the assessment committee.
   
   The evaluation form will be available on the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities website beginning May 1, for students, staff and others interested in conveying their input. A letter will be sent to the trustees, presidents, cabinet members, faculty association leaders and student association presidents.
   
   Vice Chair Luoma stated that they are also asking the bargaining leaders and student associations' leaders to contact their constituents to respond to the on-line questionnaire. The results of the numeric and comment data will be compiled and tabulated by Internal Auditor Asmussen.
   
   Vice Chair Luoma reported that the Board members will meet in closed session for review of the evaluation at the June Board of Trustees meeting.
   
   c. Campus Good News
   Chair Choate announced that Metropolitan State University recently honored Trustee Cheryl Dickson at the fifth annual Breakfast of Champions at Metropolitan State University on March 26. Trustee Dickson was one of four people recognized for their leadership, their involvement with Metropolitan State University and their volunteer work in the community.
   
   Chair Choate announced that Ms. May Hang is the first Hmong woman in Minnesota to receive a family nurse practitioner master's degree. Ms. Hang will graduate from Metropolitan State University in May. Chair Choate added that Ms. Rozina Bhimani is believed to be the first Pakistani woman in Minnesota to earn the same credentials, and she is also graduating from Metropolitan State University in May.
   
   Chair Choate announced that Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has an exhibit at the Capitol through May 2. The exhibit highlights the contributions made by the campuses to the state's vitality and provides information for programs offered by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. The exhibit also features a list of Minnesota companies that receive customized training from the campuses, and includes profiles of several successful alumni.
   

3. Trustee Reports
   Chair Choate reported that she was a panelist on Coping Creatively with Budget Reductions at the Association of Governing Boards National Conference on Trusteeship in Seattle, Washington, April 5-8.
   
   Chair Choate stated that there were two main themes of the conference: advocating for higher education as a public good rather than a private commodity, and coping creatively with budget reductions.
   
   Trustee Michael Redlinger reported his attendance at the Student Academic Conference at Minnesota State University Moorhead on April 9. Trustee Redlinger commented that the conference was a great opportunity to see the students showcasing their work.
   
   Trustee Ivan Dusek reported that he was on a panel at the Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) Cultural Diversity Conference in Bloomington on March 20. Trustee Dusek commented that it was an excellent conference, followed by the Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Dinner. He also attended the Native American Awareness Gathering at Ridgewater College in Willmar on April 4 and 5; the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Diversity Conference at Saint Cloud State University on April 4; visited Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College on April 8; and attended the Saint Cloud State University Pow Wow on April 12.
   
   Trustee Ann Curme Shaw announced she was also on the panel at the MSUSA Cultural Diversity Conference in Bloomington on March 20, and attended the Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship that evening. She attended the Breakfast of Champions at Metropolitan State University on March 26, and commented that she was very moved by the accomplishments of Trustee Dickson. Trustee Shaw met with Chancellor McCormick and Mr. David Olson, president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce in Saint Paul on April 8. She also attended a gala event, sponsored by Normandale Community College Foundation at Normandale Community College in Bloomington on April 12.
   

4. Chancellor's Comments
   Chancellor McCormick thanked the constituency leaders for their legislative support and testimony, commenting on the tremendous support and advocacy received over the past months.
   
   a. Chancellor's Quarterly Report Chancellor McCormick referred to the third quarterly report on the Work Plan. Priority one, Increasing Access and Opportunity, describes what the campuses are accomplishing to achieve this goal. Priority two, Increase Support, lists progress on building a network of friends and alumni. In addition, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Foundation, formerly Northstar Foundation, has a plan to assess and implement its fund raising efforts.
   
   Chancellor McCormick urged everyone to make a concerted effort to visit with local members of their chambers and businesses to let them know that the system can provide for their businesses. He suggested that a team, such as a president, a trustee, and Dr. Michael Murphy, Associate Vice Chancellor, Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development, along with Chancellor McCormick meet with the businesses in the community to discuss support of higher education. Chancellor McCormick is hoping that the business hiring community will become advocates of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. He added that he has met with 56 legislators this past quarter, and requested that the Board assess the need for him to meet with the legislators again next year. Chancellor McCormick stated that he feels it has been very valuable to build those relationships.
   
   Chancellor McCormick, referring to priority three, Expand High Quality Learning Programs and Services, commented that it is central to the plan, and that measurable goals have been accomplished in the Minnesota transfer curriculum. Priority four, Strengthen Community Development and Economic Vitality, has made progress. Intensive planning and preparation have been established under the leadership of Senior Vice Chancellor Linda Baer culminating in a first formal meeting of the Minnesota P-16 Education Partnership in February. Chancellor McCormick commented that Dr. Cheri Pierson Yecke, the new Commissioner of the Department of Children, Families and Learning, noted that the P-16 partnership with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota clearly identified the preparation of high quality teachers.
   
   Chancellor McCormick stated that the Quarterly Report reflects what the campuses are accomplishing. In priority five, Fully Integrate the System, he commented that Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is not yet where it needs to be, adding that the goal is to bring the various business practices together to become more effective as an integrated system. Chancellor McCormick added that priority six, Across-the Board Priority-Measurement, is on-going and will be part of the focus in next year's plan.
   
   Chancellor McCormick stated that he plans to meet with each trustee individually for review of the draft FY 2004 Work Plan, and he hopes to present it for adoption at the June Board meeting. He added that the focus for next year's plan is wholly based on what the Board projects to be the most critical priorities of the Work Plan.
   

5. Joint Council of Student Associations
   The following representatives of student associations addressed the Board of Trustees: Yorgun Marcel, Chair; Sam Edmunds, Chair-elect (effective July 1); Gordy Loewen, Vice Chair-elect (effective July 1), Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA); and Brent Glass, Executive Director, Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA).
   

6. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities' Bargaining Units
   The following representatives of the bargaining units addressed the Board of Trustees: Jeanne Cornish, President, Minnesota State University Association of Administrative and Service Faculty; Jim Pehler, President, Inter Faculty Organization (IFO); and David Bratt, President, Winona State University Faculty Association, and Professor of Theater and Dance.
   
   
7. Consent Agenda
   a. Out-of-State Tuition Waiver for Non-Resident Non-Reciprocity Students
   
   Vice Chair Jim Luoma moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Trustee Robert Hoffman seconded and the Consent Agenda was approved unanimously.
   
   
8. Board Standing Committee Reports
   a. Finance/Facilities Policy Committee, Ann Curme Shaw, Vice Chair
   
   1. Streamlining Opportunities for Finance/Facilities Board Reports
      Committee Vice Chair Ann Curme Shaw reported that the committee had a discussion regarding the opportunities for streamlining Finance/Facilities Board reports that are presented to the Board on a regular basis.
      
      
   2. Systemwide Administrative Initiatives
      Committee Vice Chair Shaw reported that the committee received an information report on Systemwide Administrative Initiatives. Vice Chair Shaw urged members that did not attend the committee meeting to review the report.
      
      
   3. Northwest Technical College Campus Master Plan
      Committee Vice Chair Shaw reported that the committee received an information update on the Northwest Technical College Campus Master Plan.
      
      
   4. Other
      Committee Vice Chair Shaw reported that the committee received an update on the procedures and schedule for the FY 2004-2009 Capital Budget.
      
   
   b. Advancement Committee, Robert Hoffman, Chair
   1. Southwest State University Request for a Name Change (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Robert Hoffman reported that the committee reviewed a first reading of Southwest State University's request for a name change to Southwest Minnesota State University. This will be an action item at the May meeting.
      
      
   2. Anoka-Hennepin Technical College Request for a Name Change (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee reviewed a first reading of Anoka-Hennepin Technical College's request for a name change to Anoka Technical College. This will be an action item at the May meeting.
      
      
   3. Legislative Update
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported the committee received an update on the legislative session from John Ostrem, Deputy to the Chancellor for Legislative Affairs.
      
      
   4. Federal Relations Update
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee received an information update on the system's Federal relations efforts.
      
      
   5. Friends and Alumni Network
      Committee Chair Hoffman reported that the committee received an information update on the implementation of a Friends and Alumni Network.
      
   
   c. Audit Committee, Clarence Hightower, Chair
   
   1. *Appointment of External Auditors for Century College, Hennepin Technical College, Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and Southwest State University
      Committee Vice Chair Hightower moved that the Board of Trustees approves the appointment of the following public accounting firms to serve as external auditors for the respective colleges and universities. The firm of Larson, Allen, Weishair & Company, LLP, is appointed as external auditor for Century College. The firm of Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd., is appointed as external auditor for Southwest State University and Rochester Community and Technical College, as well as prepare the partial financial statement audits (Statement of Net Assets only) for Fergus Falls Community College and Northland Community and Technical College. The firm of Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP, is appointed as external auditor for Hennepin Technical College, Metropolitan State University, and Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
      
      The scope of these audit services shall include an annual audit of the general financial statements of the above mentioned colleges and universities unless otherwise noted. The term of this appointment begins upon execution of contracts and shall continue to fulfill external auditing needs for the three fiscal years from June 30, 2003 through 2005.
      
      The Board of Trustees authorizes the Executive Director of Internal Auditing and the Vice Chancellor/Chief Financial Officer to negotiate contracts with Larson, Allen, Weishair & Co., LLP, consistent with the terms contained in its proposal dated February 24, 2003; Kern DeWenter, Viere, Ltd., consistent with the terms contained in its proposal dated February 25, 2003; and Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP, consistent with the terms contained in its proposal dated February 27, 2003. Trustee Dusek seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
      
      
   2. FY 2004 Systemwide Risk Assessment
      Committee Vice Chair Hightower reported that the committee reviewed 25 items relative to risk assessment. There was a lengthy discussion and the conclusion was that the 25 items are not exhaustive; there will be additional items to take into consideration.
      
      
   3. Update on System-Level Accountability Framework
      Committee Vice Chair Hightower reported that due to time constraints, the Update on System-Level Accountability Framework has been deferred to the May meeting.
      
   
   d. Educational Policy Committees, Will Antell, Chair
   
   1. Academic and Student Affairs Update
      Committee Chair Will Antell reported that the committee received an update on Academic and Student Affairs by Linda Baer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs.
      
      
   2. *Proposed Amendment to Policy 3.5 Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Program (Second Reading)
      Committee Chair Antell moved that the Board of Trustees approves the proposed amendment to Policy 3.5 Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Program with the amendment that a monitoring report, and review and analysis of the 2001 Office of Internal Auditing report be discussed with new Board members in September 2003. Trustee Redlinger seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
      
      Committee Chair Antell reported that there were many questions regarding PSEO, and the Board will review this subject in greater detail at a future date.
      
      
   3. Campus Climate and Diversity Planning
      Committee Chair Antell reported that the committee received presentations from Northland Technical College and Minnesota State University Moorhead on issues related to addressing campus climate and diversity.
      
      
   4. Proposed Amendment to Policy 2.6 Intercollegiate Athletics (First Reading)
      Committee Chair Antell reported that this item was deferred for further review and will be brought before the Board in the near future.
      
      
   5. 2002 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Academic and Student Affairs Awards
      Committee Chair Antell reported that Senior Vice Chancellor Linda Baer presented awards to Barbara McDonald, Dean of Academic Affairs at Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids. She is the recipient of the system's 2002 award for Outstanding Academic and Student Affairs Administrator; the Bio-Technology Program at Minnesota State University Moorhead has been selected to receive the 2002 award for Excellence in Curriculum Programming; and, Health PRO's (Peers Reaching Out) at Minnesota State University, Mankato, has been selected to receive the 2002 award for Innovation in Student Affairs Programming.
      
   
   e. Joint Meeting of the Educational Policy and Technology Committees, Will Antell and Lew Moran, Co-Chairs
   1. Information Technology Infrastructure Planning Review
      Committee Chair Lew Moran reported that the committee received an information update on the information technology infrastructure planning process.
      
      
   2. Minnesota Online Overview Committee
      Chair Moran reported that the committee received an information update on the Minnesota Online Overview. The committee discussed how the online curriculum is organized and delivered.
      
   
   f. Human Resources Policy Committee, Ivan Dusek, Chair
   Committee Chair Dusek reported that William Tschida, Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, outlined the evaluation process for members of the Chancellor's cabinet.
   
   1. Demographic Report
      Committee Chair Dusek reported that the committee received the annual Demographic Report, which outlines the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities workforce. Additional diversity information will be forthcoming at the July meeting.
      
      
9. Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
   There were no requests to address the Board.
   
   

10. Other Business
    There was no other business to come before the Board of Trustees.
    

11. Adjournment
    Chair Choate adjourned the meeting by consensus at 2:25 p.m.
    

Recorded by Ingeborg K. Chapin
Board Secretary

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