September 1996 Board Meeting Minutes

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 18, 1996
Judicial Building Room 230
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Trustees Present: Morrie Anderson, Nancy Brataas, Kathleen Caffey, Archie D. Chelseth, Dennis Dotson, David Erickson, Robert Erickson, Christine Fritsche, Randall Knudson, Stephen L. Maxwell, Gary Mohrenweiser, William Smoley, Denise Stephens, William Ulland, Michael Vekich

Trustees Absent: none

 

  1. Call to Order/Announcement
    Chair Mohrenweiser called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 1996, in the Judicial Building, Room 230 in St. Paul.

    a. Approval of Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
    1. July 17, 1996, Regular Meeting
      Trustee Stephens moved approval of the July 17, 1996, Board of Trustees meeting minutes. Trustee Ulland seconded. The second and third lines of item 6a. were revised to read: Motion by Trustee Erickson, seconded by Trustee Ulland, to accept the recommendation of the administration of Dakota County Technical College and proposes the discharge of the faculty member for theft and misappropriation of money. The instructor shall be provided a notice of the grounds of termination and his rights to challenge the action. The motion passed with one abstention (Trustee Robert Erickson).
    2. August 7, 1996, Special Meeting
      Trustee Ulland moved approval of the August 7, 1997, special meeting minutes as printed. Trustee Caffey seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
    3. August 22, 1996, Special Conference Call Meeting
      Trustee Smoley moved approval of the August 22, 1996, special conference call minutes as printed. Trustee Stephens seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

      b. Executive Committee Reports
      1. August 7, 1996
      2. September 5, 1996
        Chair Mohrenweiser reported that the Executive Committee met on August 7, 1996, and September 5, 1996. Strategic planning and the MnSCU Town Meetings; campus visits; the September 17, 1996, convocation; meeting and dinner with the University of Minnesota Board of Regents; and a meeting and dinner with key legislators were some of the topics discussed.

        c. Election of Board of Trustees Officers
        Chair Mohrenweiser explained the voting procedures for the four board officer positions. Motion was made by Trustee Stephens, and seconded by Trustee Vekich, to suspend the board operating rules. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Trustee Stephens, seconded by Trustee Caffey, to change the voting procedures to a ballot vote.

        Chair: David Erickson and William Ulland had declared their candidacy for the position of chair. No nominations were received from the floor. Trustee Vekich moved that the nominations be closed. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Trustees Vekich and Maxwell tallied the ballots and reported the results to Chair Mohrenweiser. Trustee Ulland received the majority of votes (8-7). Trustee Dotson moved for a unanimous ballot. Trustee Vekich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

        Vice Chair: Nancy Brataas and Christine Fritsche had declared their candidacy for the position of vice chair. No nominations were received from the floor. Trustee Vekich moved that the nominations be closed. Trustee Stephens seconded and the motion was passed unanimously. Trustees Vekich and Maxwell tallied the ballots and reported the results to Chair Mohrenweiser. Trustee Fritsche received the majority of votes (10-5). Trustee Brataas moved for a unanimous ballot. Trustee Dotson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

        Secretary: Denise Stephens had declared her candidacy for the position of secretary. No nominations were received from the floor. Trustee Vekich moved that the nominations be closed. Trustee Ulland seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Trustee Ulland moved a unanimous ballot for Trustee Stephens. Trustee Caffey seconded. Trustee Stephens was unanimously voted in as secretary.

        Treasurer: Stephen L. Maxwell had declared his candidacy for the position of treasurer. No nominations were received from the floor. Trustee Ulland moved that the nominations be closed. Trustee Caffey seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Trustee Fritsche moved a unanimous ballot for Trustee Maxwell. Trustee Maxwell was unanimously voted in as treasurer.

        The new officers' terms begin on October 1, 1996.

  2. Trustees Report
    Trustee Ulland thanked the board members for their support and stated that he looks forward to progressing with the board's initiatives during the upcoming year. Trustee Ulland and the other trustees thanked Chair Mohrenweiser for his leadership, dedication and courage.

  3. Chancellor's Report
    Chancellor Eaton congratulated the new officers and stated that she looks forward to working with them in the coming year. Chancellor Eaton also thanked Chair Mohrenweiser for his leadership during her 13 months with the MnSCU system. Chancellor Eaton introduced Dr. Lee Kerschner, Executive Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Michael Nugent, Deputy to the Chancellor for System Relations.

    a. Report on August 20-21, 1996, Board of Trustees Retreat
    1. Vision Statement
    2. Strategic Themes
      Trustee Caffey moved adoption of the tentative vision statement and strategic themes as part of the MnSCU strategic planning process to be discussed at the MnSCU Town Meetings during fall 1996. Trustee Ulland seconded the motion. The motion passed with one abstention (Trustee Maxwell).

    b. Status Report on Bemidji State University, M. James Bensen, President
    President James Bensen provided a status report on Bemidji State University.

    c. North Central Accreditation Visit
    Chancellor Eaton announced that a North Central Accreditation team will be reviewing the system office on October 17-18, 1996.

    d. Chancellor's Initial Agenda
    Chancellor Eaton reported that some of the goals listed in the Chancellor's Initial Agenda will be shifted to the strategic planning document.

    e. Vice Chancellor for Budget for MnSCU System Office
    Trustee Chelseth moved to suspend the rules to take action on Chancellor Eaton's recommendation for a Vice Chancellor for Budget. Trustee Ulland seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Anderson moved approval of Chancellor Eaton's recommendation to appoint Laura King to the position of Vice Chancellor for Budget in the MnSCU System Office. Trustee Chelseth seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

  4. Chancellor's Consent Agenda
    Trustee Vekich moved approval of the recommended action for the items on the Chancellor's Consent Agenda. Trustee David Erickson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

  5. Board Standing Committee Reports
    a. Personnel Policy Committee
    1. Proposed Amendment to Policy 1A.4 - System Administration Appointment of Administrators (second reading)
      Trustee David Erickson moved approval of the amendment to MnSCU policy 1A.4, Part 5, Subpart B. Trustee Robert Erickson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
    2. Proposed Policy 4.4 - Weather/Emergencies Closings (first reading)
      The proposed policy 4.4 - Weather/Emergencies Closings received a first reading.

    b. Board Operations Committee
    1. Proposed Policy 1A9 - Use or Possession of Alcoholic Beverages at MnSCU Institutions and Repeal of State University Carry-Forward Policies 8.3 and 8.4 (second reading)
      Trustee Maxwell moved approval of Policy 1A9 - Use or Possession of Alcoholic Beverages at MnSCU Institutions and repeal of State University carry-forward Policies 8.3 and 8.4. Trustee Vekich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

    c. Educational Policy Committee
    1. Award: "McGraw Hill School of Excellence for Distance Education" to Northwest Technical College
      Dr. Ray Cross, President of Northwest Technical College, accepted the "McGraw Hill School of Excellence for Distance Education" award on behalf of the college. Northwest Technical College is the first recipient of this award, which cites the college's evolving use of the Internet to bring college courses for credit to prospective students.
    2. Proposed Amendment to Policy 3.9 - Licensure of Technical College Faculty (second reading)
      Trustee Fritsche moved repeal of Technical College Licensure Rules 3515.4400 Appeal Procedure, and 3700.0145 Substitute License, which were carried forward under Policy 3.9 Licensure of Technical College Faculty, Part 5, Licensure Rules. Trustee Stephens seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
    3. Licensure Presentation
      Vice Chancellor Dennis Hefner presented an overview of the technical college licensure process, including the purpose, history, MnSCU's impact, available licenses, costs, and individuals affected.
    4. Aviation Programs and Course Information
      Vice Chancellor Dennis Hefner provided background information on the aviation programs and course information provided by MnSCU institutions.
    5. Rochester Planning
      A series of meetings have been held to discuss the Rochester planning issue and an action plan is being developed. Key elements include: name of the educational site; description of the relationship between MnSCU and the University of Minnesota; development of an identity; responsibilities of an executive officer; title of the executive officer; funding and reporting relationship for the executive officer; and composition of the local advisory board.
    6. Naming of Consolidating Worthington Community College and Southwestern Technical College
      Trustee Fritsche moved approval of the name "Minnesota West Community and Technical College" for the consolidated Worthington Community College and Southwestern Technical College, effective January 1, 1997. The motion was seconded by Trustee Caffey and passed unanimously.
    7. Reciprocity Agreement between Minnesota and Iowa - Inclusion of Canby and Granite Falls with Southwestern Technical College
      Trustee Fritsche moved approval of the Minnesota-Iowa Reciprocity Agreement as required by M.S. 136A.08, Subd. 6, effective for the 1996-97 academic year. The motion was seconded by Trustee Stephens and passed unanimously.
    8. Proposed Policy 3.18 - Honorary Degree (first reading)
      The Proposed Policy 3.18 - Honorary Degree, was reviewed. This proposed policy utilizes the basic framework of the former state university policy for awarding honorary degrees and expands it to include all MnSCU colleges and universities.
    9. Update on Strategic Comprehensive Program Enhancement (SCOPE)
      Carried over until October 1996.
    10. New Program Approval
      a) Dental Hygiene AAS Program, Southwestern Technical College and Worthington Community College
      Trustee Fritsche moved approval of the Dental Hygiene AAS Program at Southwestern Technical College and Worthington Community College. Trustee Stephens seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
      b) Acute Care Paramedic Diploma, Ridgewater College, A Community and Technical College - Hutchinson
      Trustee Fritsche moved approval of the Acute Care Paramedic Diploma at Ridgewater College, A Community and Technical College - Hutchinson. Trustee Ulland seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
      c) Manufacturing Reliability Technician, AAS, Diploma and Certificate, Alexandria Technical College
      Trustee Fritsche moved approval of the Manufacturing Reliability Technician - AAS, Diploma and Certificate at Alexandria Technical College. Trustee Stephens seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

      Trustee Fritsche requested that future college and university requests for the new programs include fiscal information.

    d. Fiscal Policy Committee
    1. Repeal of Carry-forward Policies (second reading)
      a) Imprest Cash Fund (CCV.01.01)
      b) Credit Cards (CCV.01.05)
      c) Guidelines for Paid Media Advertising (SU9.1)
      d) Payment for Publication (SU 9.2)
      Trustee Chelseth moved that the following policies be repealed: CCV.01.01, CCV.01.05, SU9.1, and SU9.2. Trustee Brataas seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
    2. 1997-99 Biennial Budget: Progress to Date and Allocation Model
      Chancellor Eaton reported that the system office has established a budget development process for the 1998-99 biennial budget, a timetable and calendar. The budget will be brought to the board for review and approval in November 1996. A request was made that the public be allowed to address the Board of Trustees regarding the biennial budget. A special meeting will be scheduled for this purpose. An additional special meeting (following the special meeting to receive input from the public) will be scheduled in November for further review and approval by the Board of Trustees. The allocation model will also be brought to the Board of Trustees for action.
    3. Report: Tuition Increases Above Four Percent
      In April 1996, the Board of Trustees approved a 4% increase in tuition, along with discretionary authority for an additional 2% increase at the campus level. Ten colleges elected to raise tuition above four percent following consultation with college student organizations.

      Trustee Anderson stated that the performance measures focused on input, rather than output, and requested that in the future the Board of Trustees receive the information on performance measures prior to approval of a tuition increase.

    4. Biennial Commitment to MnSCU Institutions
      Trustee Chelseth moved that the Board of Trustees affirm its commitment to all MnSCU campuses through the next biennium ending June 30, 1999, and directed the chancellor to implement the strategy described in the "Biennial Commitment to MnSCU Institutions." This commitment does not preclude efforts to produce greater efficiency and academic effectiveness through consolidations and other organizational changes. The chancellor will bring a report to the board describing implementation of this strategy by June 30, 1997. The existing configuration of colleges and universities will be reviewed and analyzed comprehensively as we prepare for the following biennium. Trustee Ulland seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

    e. Facilities Policy Committee
    1. Inventory Control and Security
      Recent audits by the legislative auditor have identified certain deficiencies in asset management within MnSCU. The background of asset management within MnSCU, the schedule for the new inventory system, verification of assets as well as policies and procedures, were reviewed. An update will be provided at the March 1997 meeting. The policies will be presented at the April 1997 Facilities committee meeting.
    2. Annual Report on Technical College Carpentry Sales
      A report on sales of the technical colleges carpentry programs was discussed. A question was raised regarding net proceeds on the construction project listed for Alexandria Technical College. Staff will request clarification and report back to the committee.


    f. Joint Meeting - Audit and Fiscal Policy Committees
    1. MnSCU Financial Status: Request for Proposal (RFP)
      Chancellor Eaton outlined the procedures the system office has taken to solicit proposals for a financial compilation report and an analysis of financial reporting needs. Two firms have responded with proposals and a decision on the selection of a firm will be made in the near future.

    g. Audit Committee
    1. 1996 Technical College Audit
      An audit report on technical colleges was recently completed by the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA). The report, and the system's response to it, were discussed. Trustees will be sent a monthly update on progress addressing the issues.
  6. Presidential Advisory Committee
    No report was given.

  7. Joint Council of Student Associations
    Representatives from MSUSA, MCCSA and MTCSA gave brief updates on current activities within their associations.

  8. MCCFA, IFO and UTCE: Joint Opportunity to Address the Board
    Larry Litecky, President of MCCFA, reported on community college faculty efforts to focus on learning. A grant request has been submitted.

  9. Requests by Individuals to Address the Board
    No requests were made.

  10. Other Business
    Chair Mohrenweiser thanked board members and the chancellor for their support during his term in office.

  11. Adjournment
    Trustee Fritsche moved adjournment of the meeting at 3:25 p.m. Trustee Stephens seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Gary Mohrenweiser, Chair Board of Trustees
Recorded by Carol Larson

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