September 20, 1995
The September 20, 1995 Board of Trustees meeting was convened at the
State Capitol Building, Room 123, St. Paul, MN by Chair Gary Mohrenweiser
at 9:05 a.m.
Trustees Present: Robert Cahlander, Christine Fritsche, Nellie Stone Johnson, Scott Kile, Randall Knudson, Stephen L. Maxwell, Gary Mohrenweiser, John Mulder, Fannie Primm, Denise Stephens, and William Ulland
Trustees Absent: Nancy Brataas, Archie D. Chelseth, David Erickson
- Approval of July 18 and 31, 1995 Board Meeting Minutes
Chris Fritsche moved approval of the July 18, 1995 meeting minutes. Bill Ulland seconded. Page 10 of the minutes was corrected to read, "The amendment to the motion passed seven-six. (Ayes-Nancy Brataas, Archie D. Chelseth, David Erickson, Stephen L. Maxwell, John Mulder, Fannie Primm, Gary Mohrenweiser; Nayes-Robert Cahlander, Christine Fritsche, Nellie Stone Johnson, Scott Kile, Randall Knudson, Denise Stephens.) The final vote on the motion was then taken and passed ten-three (nayes-Scott Kile, Randall Knudson, Denise Stephens)." The motion was adopted unanimously.
Bill Ulland moved approval of the July 31, 1995 meeting minutes. John Mulder seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- Chair's Report: Gary Mohrenweiser
Chair Mohrenweiser introduced Vicky Smith, President of Austin Community College. Dr. Smith replaces President Harold Conradi as one of the two community college representatives on the Joint Council of Presidents.
The October 17-18 Board of Trustees meetings will convene at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
a. "Twin Cities Industry Cluster Study," William Byers, Metropolitan Council, and Lee Munnich, Humphrey Institute.
William Byers and Lee Munnich presented information on the "Twin Cities Industry Cluster Study," a study conducted to examine economic development in the Twin Cities. Mr. Byers and Mr. Munnich were encouraged by the Board to include representatives from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in future discussions.
b. Election of Officers
Expressions of candidacy were received from the following Trustees prior to the August 21 deadline: Chair-Gary Mohrenweiser; Vice Chair-Scott Kile, Bill Ulland; Secretary-Christine Fritsche; and Treasurer-John Mulder.
No nominations were received from the floor for the office of Chair. Stephen L. Maxwell moved Gary Mohrenweiser be elected Chair of the Board of Trustees. Nellie Stone Johnson seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
No nominations were received from the floor for the office of Vice Chair. Scott Kile withdrew his candidacy. Nellie Stone Johnson moved Bill Ulland be elected Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. John Mulder seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
No nominations were received from the floor for the office of Secretary. Stephen L. Maxwell moved Christine Fritsche be elected Secretary of the Board of Trustees. Bill Ulland seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
No nominations were received from the floor for the office of Treasurer. Bill Ulland moved John Mulder be elected Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. Stephen L. Maxwell seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- Chancellor's Report: Judith Eaton
a. Appointment of Willmar Community/Technical College President
Interviews with candidates for the Willmar Community/Technical College President position have been scheduled.
b. Chancellor's Update
During the past five weeks, Chancellor Eaton has visited a number of campuses, met with legislators, Board members, faculty, union leadership, community leaders, and many others, and has spent time at the State Fair. Chancellor Eaton stated that, overall, people are positive about the merger, and are looking for vision and direction from the new organization.
c. Harry Peterson Resolution
Bill Ulland moved adoption of the "Resolution of Gratitude and Appreciation to Harry Peterson." Nellie Stone Johnson seconded. The resolution is as follows:
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson served as acting chancellor in the first days of the new Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson displayed effective leadership in the critical initial days of the newly merged system; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson provided an important sense of continuity, direction and momentum during this critical period; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson confronted significant issues with intelligence and sensitivity; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson provided valuable assistance to incoming Chancellor Judith Eaton; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harry Peterson carried out his duties with energy, good humor and thoughtfulness;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities expresses its gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Harry Peterson for his service and leadership as acting chancellor, as well as his many contributions as deputy chancellor.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
- Board Standing Committee Reports
a. Facilities Committee: John Mulder, Chair
John Mulder reported that, as there was not a quorum at the Facilities Committee meeting, no action was taken.
- Debt Service Policy (also reviewed by the Budget and Administration
Committee)
How to pay the one-third debt service for capital construction projects which are not related to preservation of existing facilities of life safety was discussed. Vice Chancellor Ed McMahon presented three options: (a) payment of the entire one-third cost by the campus receiving the capital project; (b) payment of one-third of the debt service by the individual campus receiving the capital project with the remaining portion paid at the system level in an amount not to exceed two percent of the institution's annual operating allocation; and (c) full payment of debt service at the system level - there would be no assessment to the individual campuses receiving the capital projects. Chancellor Eaton stated that staff will prepare a recommendation to be discussed by both the Facilities committee and the Budget and Administration Committee in October. Bill Ulland requested that action be taken on this issue in October. - Rochester Memorandum of Understanding
John Mulder moved adoption of the "Memorandum of Understanding Among Governor Arne Carlson, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, the Greater Rochester Area University Center and Rochester Community Legislators Regarding Minnesota Riverland Technical College-Rochester Campus." Fannie Primm seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously. - Anoka-Hennepin Technical College Air Handling System
Fungal problems have been detected at Anoka-Hennepin Technical College. Staff and students have been alerted, and the air at the campus is being monitored. Both short and long term issues need to be discussed. Staff were asked to bring recommendations to the Board in October. - Normandale Parking Project - Status Report
The parking project at Normandale Community College is progressing as scheduled. A $24,000 easement, rather than the purchase of land for $100,000, has been negotiated. - System Office Space Update
The MnSCU System Office move has been delayed 6-12 months pending further study. - Miscellaneous Information Items
Vice Chancellor Ed McMahon reported the City of St. Paul Schools will transfer $840,000 to St. Paul Technical College for purchase of property adjacent to the west parking lot. The money was appropriated to the St. Paul Schools by the 1994 Legislature for purchase of property adjacent to St. Paul Technical College, but was not used.
b. Human Resources Committee: Nancy Brataas, Chair
As Chair Nancy Brataas and Vice Chair David Erickson were ill, Trustee Robert Cahlander chaired the Human Resources Committee meeting.
- Resolution on Early Retirement Legislation
Robert Cahlander moved adoption of the "Resolution on Retirement Legislation (Laws of 1995, Chapter 262, Article 5 - H.F. 1040)" with the addition of, "and shall be effective from September 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995" at the end of number 1. Stephen L. Maxwell seconded. The original printed resolution is as follows:
The Board of Trustees shall make available to eligible employees the retirement incentive provided in Laws of 1995, Chapter 262, Article 5 (H.F. 1040) under the following conditions:
- This incentive shall be made available through Board resolution to those eligible employees who are not represented by a bargaining agent. Any similar benefit negotiated for represented employees shall be in a Memorandum of Understanding and subject to the review and approval of the Board.
- The Chancellor for the chancellor's office and the college president for their respective college/university and/or campus, after consultation with the chancellor, must elect whether or not to declare a downsizing or a reduction in force.
- Following declaration of downsizing or a reduction in
force, this incentive will be available if:
A. The chancellor or president decides to permanently eliminate a position in the employee's respective department, program, or unit which is scheduled to downsize, and the employee's retirement results in cost savings greater than the cost of the incentive. Any subsequent refilling of a position must receive prior approval of the Chancellor or her/his designee; and
B. the employee meets the following criteria:
- have at least 15 years of combined service credit in any Minnesota public pension plans governed by M.S. 356.30, subd. 3, and the plan governed by M.S. 354B;
- be at least 55 years of age;
- retire before January 31, 1996, or for a person who first becomes eligible for this incentive between January 31, 1996, and December 31, 1996, retire within 90 days of the declaration to downsize, but before January 31, 1997;
- upon retirement be immediately eligible for a retirement annuity from defined benefit plan if the person is a member of a defined benefit plan; and
D. No employee shall receive more than 100% of total compensation in a single fiscal year. - At six month intervals beginning December 31, 1995,
each campus president who has permitted employees to use this
incentive shall file a report with the chancellor which provides:
A. Documentation of the employees' eligibility under 3b above; and
B. Documentation that the criteria in 3 a, c and d have been met. - In accordance with MnSCU directive, employee participants may not be rehired.
Nellie Stone Johnson moved to amend the Cahlander motion to adopt the "Resolution on Retirement Legislation (Laws of 1995, Chapter 262, Article 5 - H.F. 1040)" as originally printed. John Mulder seconded.
A roll call vote was taken on the Nellie Stone Johnson amendment. The Amendment was adopted 7-4 (nayes-Robert Cahlander, Stephen L. Maxwell, Denise Stephens, Gary Mohrenweiser).
A final vote was then taken. The resolution was adopted 8-3 (nayes- Robert Cahlander, Stephen L. Maxwell, Gary Mohrenweiser).
- Proposed Policy 4.5: Student Employees (Final Reading)
(Information item. Also reviewed by Budget and Administration Committee)
c. Educational Policy Committee: Nellie Stone Johnson, Vice Chair
- Resolution on Planning for Southwest Minnesota
Bill Ulland moved adoption of the "Resolution on Planning for Southwest Minnesota." Christine Fritsche seconded. The resolution is as follows:
Background
Planning higher education services for Southwest Minnesota was addressed by the recommendation of the Special Advisory Group on Governance and Support Services (SAGGSS), which required the three higher education institutions to develop and submit a plan that describers their ".current and proposed collaborative efforts in academic program planning and articulation, access to student services and student life, facilities and administrative services."
The three higher education institutions in Southwest Minnesota offer academic programs to a total of 5,723 students at six different sites:
Fall 1994 Headcount FY1994 FYE Southwest State University (Marshall) 2,484 2,312 Worthington Community College 904 656 Southwestern Technical College Canby 260 246 Granite Falls 456 351 Jackson 1,052 613 Pipestone 567 352
There also is a need to fully address structural aspects of higher education in Southwest Minnesota to ensure efficient use of resources and continued provision of vital academic programs.
Resolution
The Board of Trustees requests that the Chancellor develop a comprehensive planning proposal that fully addresses the issues identified by the SAGGSS report and provides recommendations on alternative governance structures for the affected institutions. The alternatives shall include options for consolidating institutions.
Further, the resultant recommendations submitted to the Board of Trustees shall satisfy five overall goals:
- Ensure access to effective higher education programs (diploma, associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees) for the population residing in Southwest Minnesota.
- Enhance educational offerings (technical, academic, occupational) by redirecting resources to academic programs that address student needs and regional priorities.
- Expand the opportunities for distance-learning education.
- Improve academic program integration, avoid unnecessary duplication, and effectively utilize existing resources to meet the educational needs of the region.
- Reduce the overall administrative costs associated with the current MnSCU institutions located in Southwest Minnesota.
The final plan, including recommendations, shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees by no later than June 30, 1996 for implementation by no later than June 30, 1998. The Chancellor will make a progress report to the Board of Trustees at the February 1996 meeting.
The resolution was adopted unanimously. The Board of Trustees encouraged the campuses involved to expedite implementation of the consolidation plan prior to June 30, 1998.
- Minnesota State University - Akita
Nellie Stone Johnson moved adoption of the Minnesota State University - Akita status report to be submitted to the Legislature. Fannie Primm seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- New Academic Program Recommendations
(a) Barbering - Pine Technical College
(b) Public Welfare Eligibility Specialist - Minneapolis Technical College
(c) Associate in Science Degree in Registered Nursing - Lake Superior College
Nellie Stone Johnson moved adoption of the Barbering Program at Pine Technical College, the Public Welfare Eligibility Specialist Program at Minneapolis Technical College, and the Registered Nurse Program at Lake Superior College. Christine Fritsche seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously. - Proposed Policy 2.9: Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress
(Final Reading)
Nellie Stone Johnson moved adoption of Policy 2.9: Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress. Bill Ulland seconded. The policy was adopted unanimously. - Proposed Amendment to Policy 3.5: Post-Secondary Enrollment
Options (Final Reading)
Nellie Stone Johnson moved adoption of the Proposed Amendment to Policy 3.5: Post-Secondary Enrollment Options. Fannie Primm seconded. The amendment to the policy was adopted unanimously. - Technical College Student Life/Activity Fee Proposal
This information was reviewed and acted on by the Budget and Administration Committee. - Proposed Policy 3.10: Academic Program Improvement (First
Reading)
The Educational Policy Committee heard the first reading of this proposed policy. - Proposed Policy 3.11: Academic Program Accountability (First
Reading)
The Educational Policy Committee heard the first reading of this proposed policy. - Proposed Policy 3.12: Academic Program Suspension and Reinstatement
(First Reading)
The Educational Policy Committee heard the first reading of this proposed policy. - Proposed Policy 3.13: Academic Program Closure (First Reading)
The Educational Policy Committee heard the first reading of this proposed policy. - Technical College Faculty Licensure Status Summary
As a result of new legislation, changes in licensure practices have taken place. The committee heard a report on these changes.
- Release of Non-Recurring Appropriation (Partial)
Bill Ulland moved allocating $40,000 to Fond du Lac American Indian student outreach and $300,000 for library access (PALS). Randall Knudson seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously. - Technical College Student Life/Activity Fee Proposal (also
reviewed by the Educational Policy Committee)
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of the Technical College "Student Life/Activity Fee Proposal" as printed. Denise Stephens seconded.
Stephen L. Maxwell moved amending the motion to add "per quarter" to the recommendation. Christine Fritsche seconded. The amendment was voted on and was adopted unanimously.
The original motion was voted on and adopted unanimously.
- Ratification Resolution - Wisconsin Reciprocity Rate Approval
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of the "Resolution on Wisconsin Reciprocity Agreement Rates". Bill Ulland seconded. The resolution is as follows:
The Board of Trustees ratifies the following Wisconsin Reciprocity Agreement Rates scheduled for implementation effective academic year 1995-96. The agreement, which was developed by the former Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board, allows for the negotiation of new reciprocity rates each academic year. The Board hereby adopts the following per credit rate for Wisconsin students attending MnSCU institutions under the agreement:
State University Undergraduate $43.00
State University Graduate $76.00
State University Business
Masters $86.00
Community College $35.00
Per the agreement, Wisconsin students attending technical colleges will pay the Minnesota resident rate.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
- Proposed Policy 7.3: Allocations and Spending Plans (Final
Reading)
Staff requested that action on this policy be deferred until the October meeting.
- Proposed Policy 7.1: Financial Management / Accounting /
Reporting (Final Reading)
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of Policy 7.l: Financial Management Accounting / Reporting. Bill Ulland seconded. The policy was adopted unanimously.
- Proposed Policy 7.2: Internal Audit (Final Reading)
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of Policy 7.2: Internal Audit. Denise Stephens seconded. The policy was adopted unanimously.
- Proposed Policy 4.5: Student Employees (Final Reading) (also
reviewed by the Human Resources Committee)
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of Policy 4.5: Student Employees. Robert Cahlander seconded.
Nellie Stone Johnson moved tabling the policy until the October meeting. Randall Knudson seconded. The motion passed 5-4 (ayes-Scott Kile, Randall Knudson, Nellie Stone Johnson, Denise Stephens, Bill Ulland; nayes-Robert Cahlander, Christine Fritsche , Stephen L. Maxwell, Gary Mohrenweiser).
- Proposed Policy 1A.8: Expense Allowances (Final Reading)
Christine Fritsche moved adoption of Policy 1A.8: Expense Allowances. Randall Knudson seconded. The policy was adopted unanimously. This policy is effective July 1, 1995.
- Gift Acceptance
(a) Hennepin Technical College
(b) Metropolitan State University
Christine Fritsche moved approval of the $102,045 grant from the MN Job Skills Partnership to Hennepin Technical College - Brooklyn Park Campus for a project entitled "CNC Machining for Wood and Plastics" during 9-01-95 through 8-31-97; and the $133,600 donation from F.R. Bigelow Foundation to Metropolitan State University for the Applied Mathematics Program/Challenge Grant, August 1995. Bill Ulland seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- Approval of Penny Fellowship Foundation for Employee Payroll
Deduction
Christine Fritsche moved approval of the Penny Fellowship for employee payroll deduction. Bill Ulland seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- Debt Service Policy (also reviewed by the Facilities Committee)
The committee will review this policy in October.
- Status of System Implementation
(a) Personnel/Payroll
(b) Accounting
Personnel/Payroll and Accounting systems are progressing. People are getting paid. Staff are working on the problems with the MAPS system.
- Debt Service Policy (also reviewed by the Budget and Administration
Committee)
- Joint Council of Student Associations
Paul Hetlund, MSUSA Chair, gave a historical perspective of the Minnesota State University Student Association and explained the role of the organization. He advocated building a partnership with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the Board of Trustees.
Dawn Gordon, MTCSA Legislative Liaison, explained how the Minnesota Technical College Student Association is organized and updated the Board on meetings and conferences that are planned. Ms. Gordon stated that MTCSA would like to work toward better communication and a partnership with the Board of Trustees.
- Joint Council of Presidents
No report was given.
- MCCFA, IFO, and UTCE: Joint Opportunity to Address the Board
Larry Litecky, MCCFA President, reported on and distributed a booklet explaining initiatives that MCCFA has developed to improve quality education for both faculty and students.
- Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
There were none.
- Other Business
Stephen L. Maxwell moved suspension of the rules to allow action on requests from Metropolitan State University and St. Cloud State University. Christine Fritsche seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
Stephen L. Maxwell moved approval for Metropolitan State University to serve alcohol at the November 14 event; and St. Cloud State University to serve alcohol at the November 18 event. Bill Ulland seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
Chair Gary Mohrenweiser asked the staff to send a questionnaire to all trustees regarding their preference(s) for committee assignments. Executive Committee assignments will be effective October 4; the new standing committee assignments will be effective October 17. Chair Mohrenweiser reported that he would like to create two new committees: an Audit Committee and Board Operations Committee. He would also like to implement a Chancellor's Consent Agenda.
- Closed Session Of Full Board: Closed session to discuss labor
negotiations pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 471.705, subd 1a
(1994) (Minnesota Open Meeting Law).
Stephen L. Maxwell moved closing the open session of the meeting to discuss labor negotiations pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 471.705, subd. 1a (1994) (Minnesota Open Meeting Law). Nellie Stone Johnson seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
Bill Ulland moved adjourning the closed session of the meeting to go into open session. Scott Kile seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
- Adjournment
Bill Ulland moved adjournment of the meeting at 2:30 p.m. Scott Kile seconded. The motion was adopted unanimously.
Gary Mohrenweiser, Chair Board of Trustees
Carol Larson, Recording Secretary
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