Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 17, 1996
World Trade Center
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Trustees Present: Nancy Brataas, Kathleen Caffey, Dennis Dotson, David Erickson, Christine Fritsche, Randall Knudson, Stephen L. Maxwell, Gary Mohrenweiser, William Smoley, Denise Stephens, William Ulland, Michael Vekich
Trustees Absent: Morrie Anderson, Archie D. Chelseth, Robert Erickson
- Call to Order/Announcement
Chair Mohrenweiser called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 17, 1996, in the International Hall of the World Trade Center, St. Paul. Chair Mohrenweiser announced that some of the agenda items will be taken out of sequence to accommodate the marketing presentation.
- Chair's Report: Gary Mohrenweiser
a. Approval of June 19, 1996, Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Motion by Trustee Ulland, seconded by Trustee David Erickson, for approval of the June 19, 1996, Board of Trustees meeting minutes as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
b. Executive Committee Meeting Report, July 9, 1996
Trustee Mohrenweiser reported the Executive Committee's meeting convened at the Nicollet Island Inn, Tuesday, July 9, 1996, at 8:00 a.m. and summarized the meeting highlights. There were no major issues to report.
c. Chancellor Evaluation
The Board of Trustees met in a closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statute 471.705, subdivision 1d (Minnesota Open Meeting Law), to discuss the evaluation of Chancellor Judith Eaton. The following statement was issued by the board as follows:
The chancellor was evaluated in the following four areas:
- Achievement of the four goals established by the board in October 1995.
In addition, issues, opportunities, and challenges facing the chancellor and the MnSCU system were discussed. Based on this evaluation, the board:
- Implementation of the responsibilities contained in the chancellor's job description.
- Effectiveness of the working relationship with the board.
- Overall performance.
- Commends the chancellor on her performance during the first ten plus months and encourages her to continue her strong and effective leadership.
A motion by Trustee Ulland, seconded by Trustee Erickson, to approve the evaluation of Chancellor Judith Eaton. The motion passed unanimously.
- Supports the chancellor's continued strong efforts in pursuit of MnSCU goals and objectives.
d. Fond du Lac Liaison
Trustee William Smoley was named board liaison to Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. The position was vacant due to Trustee Cahlander's appointment to the Board of Trustees expiring on June 30, 1996.
e. Trustee Appointments
Trustee Kathleen Caffey was appointed to the Facilities Policy and Personnel Policy Committees by Chair Mohrenweiser.
- Trustee Reports: Announcement of Candidacy for Board Offices 1996-97
Elections for board offices will take place at the annual meeting in September. Interest was expressed in the following offices: board chair, Trustees Ulland and Erickson; vice chair, Trustees Fritsche and Brataas; secretary, Trustee Stephens; and treasurer, Trustee Maxwell. Per board policy, any board member who wishes to run for an office shall submit his/her name in writing to the board office at least thirty days prior to the date of the election. Nominations from the floor will also be received at the annual meeting.
- Chancellor's Report: Judith Eaton
a. Executive Searches - Update
Chancellor Eaton reported interviews for the executive positions in the system office were nearing completion. She hoped to have a recommendation for the board in September.
b. Akita Visit
Chancellor Eaton visited the MSU-Akita, Japan campus June 24-28, 1996.
c. 1996-97 Marketing and Communication Plan
Christine Roberts, deputy to the chancellor for public affairs, briefly summarized the work of the Public Affairs Division during MnSCU's first year. The division has focused on three primary objectives: to identify opportunities for positive public exposure of the system, the Board of Trustees and the chancellor, especially in the media, 2) to build the infrastructure for a comprehensive marketing and communications program, and 3) to complete a facilitated process that would result in a more strategic system-wide marketing and communications plan, including a new identity, a targeted tactical plan and a new set of collateral materials-electronic and published. Roberts noted that the July board packet includes a copy of the 1996-97 MnSCU marketing and communications plan. The plan identifies MnSCU's identity, a positioning statement, audiences, messages, a theme and a tactical plan. It also includes the schedule for a 52-week communications blitz to establish MnSCU's identity, value and potential between opinion leaders and prospective students. Roberts introduced other members of the MnSCU marketing and communications team: Jim Brown, Jack Rhodes, Ann Silgen, Joyce Petsch, Darla Senn and Tiffany Sershen.
Roberts noted that MnSCU has conducted both qualitative and quantitative research to provide benchmark information about image, performance and expectations among students, alumni, employers and Minnesota opinion leaders. The qualitative research, conducted by Cincinnatus, Inc., comprised a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews of opinion leaders. Three representatives of Cincinnatus, Kent Eklund, Diane Herman and Tom Watson, presented the research findings. Results of the quantitative research, conducted by the Angus Reid Group, were presented by Eileen Wolford of that firm.
d. Hibbing Presidency
Motion by Trustee Ulland, seconded by Trustee Fritsche, to accept Chancellor Eaton's recommendation to appoint Anthony Kuznik president of the consolidated Hibbing Community College, A Technical and Community College. The motion passed unanimously.
- Chancellor's Consent Agenda
Motion by Trustee Ulland, seconded by Trustee Maxwell, to approve the request from St. Cloud State University to serve wine and champagne on campus during the Homecoming Alumni Banquet on October 25, 1996. The motion passed unanimously.
- Personnel Policy Committee
a. Proposed Action to Dismiss Faculty Member
The Personnel Policy Committee met in a closed session at 9:00 a.m., July 17, 1996, to discuss the dismissal of a faculty member at Dakota County Technical College. Motion by Trustee Erickson, seconded by Trustee Ulland, to accept the recommendation of the administration of Dakota County Technical College proposing the discharge of the faculty member for theft and misappropriation of money. The instructor shall be informed of the grounds for termination and his rights to challenge the action. The motion passed unanimously.
b. Resolution Placing Employees on Unrequested Leave of Absence After Review of Hearing Officers' Recommendations (cities of the first class)
Motion by Trustee Erickson, seconded by Trustee Maxwell, for approval of the resolution placing employees on unrequested leave of absence (cities of the first class) after review of hearing officers' recommendations. The motion passed unanimously.
c. Final Resolution Placing Employees on Unrequested Leave of Absence (cities of the first class)
Motion by Trustee Erickson, seconded by Trustee Ulland, for approval of the resolution placing employees on unrequested leave of absence (cities of the first class). The motion passed unanimously.
d. Resolution Rescinding Previous Notice of Unrequested Leave of Absence (cities of the first class)
Motion by Trustee Erickson, seconded by Trustee Maxwell, for approval of the resolution rescinding previous notice of unrequested leave of absence (cities of the first class). The motion passed unanimously.
e. Proposed Amendment to Policy 1A.4 - System Administration Appointment of Administrators (first reading)
The proposed amendment was written to provide consistency among MnSCU institutions for recruiting permanent presidential positions. This policy will also ensure that persons serving in interim positions are allowed full discretion of actions in performing their duties.
The Personnel Policy Committee discussed the amendment at its July meeting. Staff was asked to provide the board with additional information and a revised recommendation. Implementation of the proposed amendment would apply only to administrators who were hired subsequent to the implementation date of the amendment.
The revised policy amendment will be presented again at the September board meeting. The amendments to Policy 1A.4 - System Administration Appointment of Administrators received a first reading.
- Board Operations Committee
a. Discussion of Topics for Board Retreats Trustee Maxwell summarized the information available from the results of the retreat topics survey. Deputy to the Chancellor for Legislative Analysis John Ostrem noted that not all the surveys had been returned; however, of those received, strategic planning was most favorable. The other topics to be discussed (in order of preference) are: board processes, faculty and employment issues, higher education finance, and programs and technology.
As additional surveys are received, the Board Operations Committee will forward the results to the Board of Trustees Executive Committee.
b. Proposed Policy 1A.9 - Use or Possession of Alcoholic Beverages at MnSCU Institutions and Repeal of State University Carry-Forward Policies 8.3 and 8.4 (first reading)
The proposed alcohol policy received a first reading. Additional information was requested by the board in relation to insurance costs and campus recording and reporting procedures. Staff will provide this information at the September meeting when the proposed policy is presented for a final reading.
- Educational Policy Committee
a. Proposed Policy 3.15 - Advanced Placement (second reading)
This policy will establish common practices among all MnSCU institutions for awarding credit to students based on their performance results of the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. This provides consistency with the University of Minnesota. This policy repeals community college carry-forward policy III.02.04 and state university carry-forward policy 4.3.
Motion by Trustee Fritsche, seconded by Trustee Ulland, for approval of the MnSCU policy 3.15 - Advanced Placement and repealing community college carry-forward policy III.02.04 Acceptance of Credit for Advanced Placement and State University carry-forward policy 4.3 Advance Placement. Information will be provided annually as part of the student information packet. The motion passed unanimously.
b. Proposed Policy 3.16 - International Baccalaureate Credit (second reading)
This policy will allow students who have successfully completed the International Baccalaureate coursework and examinations to receive academic credit from a MnSCU institution. This includes all MnSCU institutions and provides consistency with the University of Minnesota. This policy repeals state university carry-forward policy 4.10.
Motion by Trustee Fritsche, seconded by Trustee Erickson, for approval of MnSCU policy 3.16 - International Baccalaureate Credit, and repealing state university carry-forward policy 4.10 - International Baccalaureate Credit. Information will be provided annually as part of the student information packet. The motion passed unanimously.
c. Program Closures: St. Cloud State University - Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and Bachelor of Science in Imaging Engineering Technology
St. Cloud State University requested the closure of the bachelor of science in engineering technology and imaging engineering technology. The Educational Policy Committee discussed in detail the ramifications of closing these programs. The committee concurred to recommend approval to close the programs based on declining enrollment and limited financial support.
Motion by Trustee Fritsche, seconded by Trustee Maxwell, for approval of the request by St. Cloud State University to close the bachelor of science degree program in engineering technology and the bachelor of science degree program in imaging engineering technology effective September 15, 1996. The motion passed with one nay vote (Kathleen Caffey).
d. Proposed Amendment to Policy 3.9 - Licensure of Technical College Faculty (first reading)
Approval of the proposed amendment to policy 3.9 - Licensure of Technical College Faculty would eliminate a part of the process currently used for the licensure of faculty members. The proposed amendment received a first reading.
e. Update on Strategic Comprehensive Program Enhancement (SCOPE)
The SCOPE advisory committee gave a status report on the activities of the committee. The committee will convene again in September. Discussion has begun regarding the definition of distinctive institutional missions. The board will receive regular progress reports at future board meetings.
f. Enrollment in Aviation Programs and Courses
At the June board meeting, Trustee Brataas requested additional information about the aviation programs and courses. After reviewing the information, the Educational Policy Committee further requested statistical data about the costs per student and the program costs involved in these programs. Staff will provide the information at the September board meeting.
g. State Systems Tenure Meeting
Motion by Trustee Fritsche, seconded by Trustee Ulland, to direct the chancellor to convene a meeting of the chief executive officers and board chairs of the major state college and university systems to review tenure in public higher education and offer recommendations for strategies whereby major state systems can jointly pursue modifications of future tenure practice and policy. The motion passed unanimously.
- Fiscal Policy Committee
a. Repeal of Carry-Forward Policies (first reading)
- Imprest Cash Fund (CC V.01.01)
- Credit Cards (CC V.01.05)
- Guidelines for Paid Media Advertising (SU 9.1)
- Payment for Publication (SU 9.2)
Repeal of the carry-forward policies from the community college and state universities received a first reading.
b. Technology Fee - Winona State University
Winona State University, the pilot site chosen to test the effects of mandate reduction and exemption from board policies, requested to be released from the constraints of state university policy 5.4 - Supplemental Fees and given the authority to assess a fee not to exceed $2.60 per credit hour up to a maximum of 14 credits.
Motion by Trustee Ulland, seconded by Trustee Maxwell, to remove Winona State University from the requirements of carry-forward State University Board Policy 5.4, Sub. 12, and authorizes the assessment of a fee not to exceed $2.60 per credit hour up to a maximum of 14 credits to support instructional technology. The motion passed unanimously.
c. 1998-99 Biennial Budget Development
An update on the biennial budget development was reviewed. Trustee Ulland indicated that there will be additional documentation provided at the September board meeting.
- President Advisory Council
No report given.
- Joint Council of Student Associations
Representatives from MSUSA, MCCSA, and MTCSA gave brief updates on current activities within their associations. An invitation to attend the annual conferences was extended to the board.
- MCCFA, IFO and UTCE: Joint Opportunity to Address the Board of Trustees
Representatives from MCCFA, and UTCE addressed issues pertinent to their associations.
- Requests by Individuals to Address the Board of Trustees
No individual requests to address the board were made.
- Other Business
No other business came before the board.
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Adjournment
Motion by Trustee Erickson, seconded by Trustee Knudson, to adjourn the July 17, 1996, Board of Trustees meeting at 1:55 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Gary Mohrenweiser, Chair Board of Trustees
Cindy Hauser, Recording Secretary
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