BOR Minutes: November 21-22, 2002
Montana Board of Regents
of Higher Education
Minutes
Regular Meeting
November 21-22, 2002
The University of Montana-Missoula
Missoula, MT 59812
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These minutes were approved unanimously at the January 16-17, 2003 meeting in Missoula, MT |
Academic/Student Affairs Items (Submission and Action)
Administrative/Budget Items (Submission and Action)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2002
ROLL CALL
The Full Board Convened at 7:30 a.m. - Roll Call indicated a Quorum Present
Regents Present: Richard Roehm Chairman, Lynn Morrison-Hamilton Vice-Chair, Christian Hur, Ed Jasmin, John Mercer, Mark Semmens, Margie Thompson, Commissioner Richard Crofts ex officio, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch ex officio
Regents Absent: Governor Judy Martz ex officio
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES |
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The following individuals voiced opposition to the MUS policy against same sex benefits, however the first individual did not identify herself: Mona Bachman � UM Teresa Jacobs Casey Charles � Associate Professor of English at UM Pam Dietrich � UM Alum Carl Olson � Director of Pride. Andrea Olson Dr. Mary Stranahan Erik Lineberger � student. Kay Whitlock � representing Quakers Lisa Polk � ACLU and law school student Suzanne Wiselcha Katie Kane and Russ Killochalk partners. David Holly � research staff at UM Raquel Costellanos-Miller � Blue Mountain Clinic Ryan Applegate Brent Beardsley Bridget Whearty � Davidson Honors College Unidentified female Thea Delamater � student John Garrity Janet Allison � psychologist Amanda Froemsdorf Charlotte Kasl � Dean of Forestry Barbara Hollmann Kim Spurzem Nancy Sundler � UM alum Robert Baker � Associate Professor of English Leslie McColeman � student David Moore � English Dept. Chris Mathers� student Kelly Chadwick - written statement
The following individuals voiced support of the MUS policy against same sex benefits Harris Hines � pastor Big Sky Christian Center in Hamilton John Bates � Hamilton Kerry Monaco Susan Ketty Jones Dallas Berecum Nicole Hasbrook Tee Nash � UM Alum Jerry Grosbeck Chris Jones |
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Chairman Roehm welcomed Jessica Kobos as a co-host of the meeting and a prime mover on revocation of the credit cap.
In response to a request by Regent Roehm for a brief background on the issue of same sex health benefits,Chief Legal Counsel LeRoy Schramm indicated the Board would be unable to take action on any motion made at this time since it has not been noticed. It would be subject to reversal within 30 days. He noted that the specific question of whether or not it is legally permissible to permit participation by same sex partners was not argued to either the Human Rights Commission who has said it is not discriminatory, or before the courts. He did not want to limit the future discretion of the Board to offer such benefits by making that argument. However, that argument could be made because of the statute that says the insurance package may be offered for employees and their dependents. Those individuals being discussed generally do not qualify as dependents under federal law, and therefore law forbids offering coverage. However, the Board does not want to acknowledge that the legislature can limit how it compensates its employees. It maintains that it is the Board�s discretion and the power should not be compromised. He indicated that currently there are three suits in court which may or may not be consolidated. The first is in Helena by two employees and their partners that denial of benefits violated various sections of the constitution. Shortly after that was filed, the same four individuals filed a claim with the Human Rights Division who split the claim in two; one for the employees and one for the partners. Eventually the claims of the two partners went to the full Human Rights Commission. The Division had dismissed the claims and the Commission upheld that dismissal. It was found not to be a violation of state law by discrimination based on marital status or gender. The other case may be combined with the constitutional case to appear before the court. Rod Sundsted indicated it would be difficult to estimate the cost to taxpayers and students if changes were made to include same sex partners. The insurance package is funded through a combination of state and individual funds. If it were to cost more, there could be an impact on the state. It was further explained that the plan is system-wide and to leave the choice to each campus would create uncertainties of cost and would be very complicated to implement. It would be a very questionable step to take. |
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Staff Items: |
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| a. | ITEM 117-1000-R1102 - Staff; The University of Montana Missoula |
| b. | ITEM 117-1500-R1102 - Staff; Montana Tech of The University of Montana Amended to remove section on Research Faculty on pages 2-4. |
| c. | ITEM 117-1500A-R1102 � Staff; Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology |
| d. | ITEM 117-1600-R1102 � Staff; The University of Montana-Western |
| e. | ITEM 1171900-R1102 - Staff; The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology |
| f. | ITEM 117-2000-R1102 - Staff; Montana State University-Bozeman |
| g. | ITEM 117-2300-R1102 - Staff; Agricultural Experiment Station |
| h. | ITEM 117-2400-R1102 � Staff; Extension Service |
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ITEM 117-2700-R1102 - Staff; Montana State University-Billings |
| j. | ITEM 117-2800-R1102 - Staff; Montana State University-Northern |
| k. | ITEM 117-2850-R1102 - Staff; Montana State University-Great Falls College of Technology as amended |
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Regent Mercer noted that the item for Montana Tech showed two sets of salaries. Chancellor Gilmore explained that the section for Research Faculty was informational for those faculty contemplating applying for research grants. Since Montana Tech is only able to pay about 75% of CUPA, the grants would be pro-rated and the staff item would be brought back to the Board for final approval. Regent Mercer indicated he didn�t see where it said it was informational only. Commissioner Crofts noted that the entire section on Research Faculty on pages 2-4 should be pulled from the item. He noted that at UM-Missoula and MSU-Bozeman faculty members are regularly paid when they get grants higher than normal. The Research Vice Presidents have assured MUS that this practice is consistent with federal government accounting and budgeting principles.
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Regent Semmens requested REMOVAL of Items b., f., and g. for further
discussion |
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a. |
ITEM 116-1003-R0702 - Approval of Proposal to Create an Institute for Gerontology Education The University of Montana-Missoula Proposal Summary |
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b. |
ITEM 116-1004-R0702 - Approval of Proposal to Create the Center of Riverine Science and Stream Re-naturalization; The University of Montana-Missoula Proposal Summary |
| c. | ITEM 116-1005-R0902 � Request Approval to Establish a Minor in Latin American Studies; The University of Montana-Missoula Proposal Summary |
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ITEM 116-1006-R0902 � Request Approval to Establish a Minor in African American Studies; The University of Montana-Missoula Proposal Summary |
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ITEM 116-1502-R0702 - Approval of Proposal to Rename the Control System Option to Electrical Engineering Option within the Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Science Degree in General Engineering; Montana Tech of The University of Montana Proposal |
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ITEM 116-1503B-R0702 - Approval to Offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Degree; Montana Tech of The University of Montana Proposal Appendix |
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ITEM 116-2008-R0702 - Approval to Establish the Institute for Biobased Products and Food Science; Montana State University-Bozeman |
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ITEM 116-2009-R0702 - Authorization to Establish the 4-H Center for Youth Development; Montana State University-Bozeman |
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ITEM 116-2010-R0702 - Authorization to Establish an Undergraduate Minor in Global Studies; Montana State University-Bozeman Proposal Summary |
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ITEM 116-2011-R0702 - Authorization to Establish a Graduate Certificate Program in Complex Biological Systems; Montana State University-Bozeman Proposal |
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ITEM 116-2012-R0902 - Authorization to Establish a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Earth Sciences. Proposal Summary |
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ITEM 116-2802-R0902 - Authorization to Offer the Associate of Arts Degree; Montana State University-Northern. Proposal Summary Appendix |
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| Administrative/Budget Items: | |
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ITEM 117-1001-R1102 � Certificate of Completion, Series C 1995 & D 1996 Facilities Improvement and Refunding Revenue Bonds; The University of Montana-Missoula Attachments |
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| a. | Budget Committee Report (Information Item) |
| Regent Jasmin reported the committee is working toward a process that presents the information at the right time to make clearer decisions. He indicated it can�t be done overnight, but hopes it will be in place for the next budget go-round. This is a work in progress with many issues to be addressed and the committee should be able to make more complete recommendations after a couple more meetings. | |
| b. | Budget Planning for FY 04-05 |
| Commissioner Crofts indicated an analysis of the executive budget had been received and that it came out pretty much as anticipated. Resolution will be needed on a few issues. The funding proposed for the 04-05 biennium by the governor is equal to the 02-03 biennium. Attachment A indicates that in terms of the General Fund the FY03 is down from FY02, and FY04 is slightly up from FY 03, with FY05 nearly identical to FY04. This budget provides significant challenges. The present law adjustments required by law would be $30 million if run from the base budget to this budget year, and it has been zeroed out by this budget. There are reductions in student assistance and he indicated he will probably recommend a reallocation to need based financial aid. Another problem is insurance compensation. The Governor�s proposal is for a salary freeze for the biennium. Included are increases in both years in the health plan. MUS has generally followed the state pay plan, but not always and not with state money. Last biennium MUS negotiated with the unions for a quarter percent to fund increases through MAP. Significant salary increases above the executive budget would have serious consequences on tuition increases for the next biennium. All groups of employees are under-compensated and it is daunting to think of two years with no increases. Regent Jasmin asked for clarification on funding priorities for the experiment stations. President Gamble indicated that each one submits a budget plan through him, and the appropriated money is distributed according to the proposed budgets. He has asked them for reduction plans which would be targeted and not across the board. Regent Mercer asked if the $30 million referenced earlier only included present law adjustment or if the pay plan was included. Commissioner Crofts indicated the $30 million includes annualization of the previous pay plans, but not raises. Regent Mercer asked 1) to put into perspective the added tuition and further efficiencies or programmatic changes needed to make up the shortfall, and 2) what kind of tuition it would take to make up the $30 million loss without a pay plan, and if MUS funds the pay plan what percentage would it take? The Commissioner indicated the opportunities of significantly addressing the $30 million problem with efficiencies is modest. The elimination of programs would not create any immediate relief due to the way they are phased out. Rod Sundsted indicated the actual figure should be $35 million. He indicated in dollar amounts a 1% increase in tuition generates $3.2 million, and that a 1% pay increase each year is $6 million including benefits. | |
| c. | Planning for 03 Legislature |
| Regent Hamilton reported that the legislative planning has been an outgrowth of the communications project. It is a team effort to personalize the process with one-on-one meetings with senators and representatives before and after the election. Regent Thompson noted that on page 2 of the report it indicated a meeting with the legislators would be held in early January and questioned if any thought had been given to making it before the first of the year. Cathy Conover indicated that early January was chosen due to the logistics of trying to get the leadership together. Report | |
| d. | Update on Changes to Allocation Model (Information Item) - Rod Sundsted |
| Ron Sundsted indicated he is working with individuals appointed by the CEO of each campus and they have had frank and sometimes heated discussions on the various issues. His concern is that the model doesn�t set funding levels, but only how much is allocated to campuses. If more is given to one campus then it must be taken away from another one. He believes some changes would have to be phased in. He believes they should be substantially complete with their work by January and will be able to assess the impact on the campuses as the changes are made. Some of the issues had consensus to move forward, some have already been addressed and others should be dealt with outside the model since they don�t fit in it. Mr. Sundsted indicated that in working on salary targets, both North and South Dakota now are out of the bottom 12 states but he recommends continuing to use them, making it a 14 state group. Some of the issues on the model need to be coordinated with the Tuition Policy Committee. Three issues that do not lend themselves to the allocation model are work force training, deferred maintenance and technology infrastructure. He believes that money needs to be taken outside the model to address these issues. | |
| e. | Tuition Policy Committee Report (Information Item) |
| Regent Hamilton reported the committee has met via conference call, plus a couple of face to face meetings. She thanks Bozeman and Dave Dooley who set up a session with John Brucestone. They had about two hours of fruitful discussion with him. She indicated that the framework the committee has developed has goals, levels of tuition and other issues to be considered and they would like further direction from the Board. The committee supports flexibility on the campuses, while the differential tuition still needs to be worked through. Pricing of distance education needs to be more marketable, however the committee needs more information about management factors before they can make a recommendation. The Commissioner indicated they anticipate moving in the direction of taking into account the actual cost of distance education and what is charged students. Various mandatory fees are assessed somewhat inconsistently to distance students. Since this is an area that is difficult to tie down the tuition policy, he recommends using a business plan model as with Canadian students. He has already urged three campuses to use that model as they approach the pricing of distance education as well as other programs. Chairman Roehm thanked the committee and noted that the committee was established because it appeared that when the legislature didn�t appropriate what was needed, MUS raised tuition. This committee is looking at all aspects of the issue. | |
| f. | Reduction of spring semester tuition surcharge; Montana State University-Bozeman (Information Only) |
| President Gamble announced they are rolling back the tuition surcharge from $175.80 to $157.80 because of increased enrollment. | |
| g. | Reduction of spring semester tuition surcharge; The University of Montana-Missoula (Information Only). |
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Chancellor Gilmore indicated they will be able to lower the tuition surcharge at Montana Tech of UM from $12 to $10 per credit hour, and Dean Steven Hoyle noted they would lower theirs at Helena College of Technology from $6.35 to $5 per credit hour.
Rod Sundsted will let the Board know what these reductions do to the split between campuses and students on the surcharge. President Dennison indicated that all four UM campuses at split 39%-61%. |
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Chairman Roehm noted that many nurses were in attendance from Butte in regard to the BSN item and the Board would now take up the deferred items of the Academic/Student Affairs Consent Agenda. |
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f. |
ITEM 116-1503B-R0702 - Approval to Offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Degree; Montana Tech of The University of Montana Proposal Appendix |
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Dr. Scott explained that this item is the second part of a proposal that came before the Board two years ago for an AA in Nursing RN. Several students have completed the course and now want to complete the BSN. The program at MSU-Bozeman is a generic program. This is a completion program similar to the one offered by MSU-Northern. It enables those who are working to obtain their BSN and continue to work. Chancellor Gilmore explained this program is not as costly as the first two years as there is much less clinical required, and the first two years require an 8-1 student-teacher ratio. The current two year enrollment is 243, and the final two years will probably be 130.
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ITEM 116-1004-R0702 - Approval of Proposal to Create the Center of Riverine Science and Stream Re-naturalization; The University of Montana-Missoula Proposal Summary |
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ITEM 116-2008-R0702 - Approval to Establish the Institute for Biobased Products and Food Science; Montana State University-Bozeman |
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President Gamble noted that this program is not solely dependent on state funding since the faculty are very competitive in the grants and contracts arena. Dr. Duane Johnson, Director of Crescent Experiment Station stated that through this program they plan to bring an integrated marketing approach to advance agriculture, and will look at bio-based products and value added products in addition to the traditional approach. Commodity based industry sends the product out of state for 10 cents and brings it back for $1. In Colorado they took canola and made motor oil, turning 10 cents into $10.
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Meeting recessed at 11:43 for Regents' lunch with students followed by a one hour meeting with faculty representatives at 1:00 p.m.
The Board reconvened at 2:00 p.m. |
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| h. | Presentation on University Financial Statements - Lauie Neils |
| This was deferred to a later meeting due to an incomplete audit | |
| i. | ITEM 117-101-R1102 � Proposed new policy regarding Disclosure and Approval of Supplemental Salaries (Submission Item) (Regent Mercer) |
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Regent Mercer indicated his desire to have all extra compensation presented at the same time and same place as the regular pay for all employees. Further, administrative and professional employees must have their extra compensation approved by the Board of Regents before they receive it. During extended discussion, Regent Hur recommended that Regent Mercer split the item into two parts and present them separately. Regent Semmens asked if Regent Mercer would accept on Item 2, compensation to be reported be in the amount of $5000 or some other pre-approved figure. Regent Mercer indicated that would do it.
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| j. | ITEM 117-102-R1102 - Proposed New Policy re: Prohibition Against Conducting Board Business Via Electronic Mail (Submission Item) (Regent Mercer) |
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Following debate over the wording of this item, Regent Mercer was amendable to the following change.
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ITEM 117-103-R1102 � Proposed Amendment of Policy 702.5, Regarding Notices of Non-Renewal (Submission Item) (Regent Mercer) |
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Regent Mercer indicated there is a six month notice for most contract employees, while the Commissioner and Presidents have a one year notice. This item will shorten that notice to six months. He was concerned that the employees were not required to give the same notice if they decided to leave. There was discussion on the competitive situation to recruit and keep good people in these positions and that cutting the notice period would worsen the position of MUS in the marketplace. Nationally, discussion is about longer term contracts (3 or 4 year) and rolling contracts. The compensation offered MUS CEOs is 65% or 70% of comparable salaries. The retirement contribution of 2% or 3% is 5% to 6% below the standard, and the benefit package is well below standard. Regent Hamilton noted that faculty are on annual contracts and asked why they would treat the CEOs any differently.
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a. |
ITEM 117-1002-R1102 � Grant of Easements to the U.S. Forest Service to Obtain Access to Tract of Land (Tract B of COS#5035) and Development of a Public Trail and Administrative Vehicle Access to Same Property; The University of Montana-Missoula Attachments |
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ITEM 117-1003-R1102 � Assignment and Transfer of Management and Control of the Daly Family Mansion, Hamilton, Montana, from the Montana Historical Society to The University of Montana; The University of Montana-Missoula Attachments |
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| c. | ITEM 117-1901-R1102 - Authorization to Assess Course Fees for Fire Training Credit Classes; The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology |
| d. | ITEM 117-1902-R1102 - Authorization to Assess Continuing Education Fees; The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology |
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| e. | ITEM 117-2001-R1102 � Authorization to Enter into Negotiations for a Trade of Land with SAAM Real Estate, the Owner of Two Lots in the Greekway Subdivision,; Montana State University-Bozeman Attachment 1 Attachment 2 |
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| f. | ITEM 117-2002-R1102 � Authorization to Purchase and Install a Modular Building; Montana State University-Bozeman Attachment |
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g. |
Exploration of Benefits from the Refinancing of Bonds; Montana State University-Bozeman (Information Item) |
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President Dennison indicated that David Aronofsky had arrived and would be able to answer questions on item b. regarding the Daly Mansion. Mr. Aronofsky indicated that all of those who worked on this contract were unaware of any financial obligation that would befall UM. The Historical Society indicated there was none. Under Montana State Tort Claims Act, the premiums will be paid by UM since it is assumed the Society was required to kick in a premium to the state for the fund based on actuarial formulae. The Land Board has indicted the ownership of the property remains with and has always been with the State. He indicated it was possible the State Land Board was actually paying the premiums. He offered to get the answer to who has been paying these premiums. The meeting recessed at 5:05 p.m. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2002 The Board reconvened at 8:30 a.m. |
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b. ITEM 117-1003-R1102 � Assignment and Transfer of Management and Control of the Daly Family Mansion, Hamilton, Montana, from the Montana Historical Society to The University of Montana; The University of Montana-Missoula Attachment c. ITEM 117-1901-R1102 - Authorization to Assess Course Fees for Fire Training Credit Classes; The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology d. ITEM 117-1902-R1102 - Authorization to Assess Continuing Education Fees; The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology |
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STUDENT REPORTS
Dan Geelan, MAS President Mr. Geelan indicated that eleven schools were represented at the Wednesday evening MAS meeting, the most he has seen since being a member of MAS. They have hired student lobbyists and identified their legislative initiatives. Report
Please see attached reports.
END STUDENT REPORTS |
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The following presentations were made to the Board: Professor Doug Young: Taxation and the Montana Economy Carol Donaldson: Impact of Alliance for Montana�s Future (please see web site www.montanasfuture.com) Tony Rudback: MonTech END OF PRESENTATIONS |
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Appeal |
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Following discussion of the process by which appeals are heard, it was agreed that in the future they would be discussed in Executive Session before a decision is made in open meeting on hearing them. |
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a. |
Level I Memo (Information Item) |
| There were no questions on item a. | |
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ITEM 117-1501-R1102 - Request to offer the Bachelor of Applied Science, Business Option Helena; Montana Tech of The University of Montana Proposal Tuition Comparisons Letter from Carrol College (Submission Item) Transfer Agreement |
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Deputy Commissioner Scott indicated the Board had all the pertinent documentation before them, including a letter from Carroll College. The majority of students using this program are non-traditional, who take courses in the evenings or on weekends and can�t afford Carroll College. Following several months of discussion between MUS and Carroll College, they were invited to attend this meeting, as well as the meeting in January, 2003 to address this item. A follow-up letter will be sent to them following action by the Board at this meeting.
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| c. | Two-year Task Force Report (Action Item) Form I Form II Form IIIA Form IIIB Form IIIC Form IV Form V |
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Chancellor Sexton noted there are two parts to the report. Part one is on Best Practices, and Part 2 has specific operational recommendations. He requested the Board keep in mind this committee has a lot of work ahead of it. They are working on state agency relations, local town meetings, external relations, as well as issues that are being given to the Tuition Policy Committee.
Regent Mercer asked why the other committee report needed no approval. Chairman Roehm indicated this report lists 8 goals and the Board is asked to endorse those as well as the direction the committee is taking.
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| d. | ITEM 117-106-R1102 - Policy 303.3 - Program review (Submission Item) |
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| e. | Nursing Analysis Progress Report (Information Item) |
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Dr. Scott gave a brief explanation of the report. |
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m.
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Action Proposals from Regent Hur 1. Resolution: Business Clusters & the MUS Resolution that the Montana University System provide meeting space, organizational logistics, marketing and other such assistance as needed and requested to further the Mission of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity in regards to the promotion of business clusters in the State of Montana as consistent with the Mission of the Montana University System. Regent Hur MOVED approval of item m.1. Motion APPROVED unanimously on a 7-0 vote.
2. MUS Student Access to Courses MUS students, with consent of the course instructor and approval of their academic advisor, will be allowed to take any prescribed MUS course for their declared major and degree program, except when to do so would specifically violate any prescribed accreditation standard. Following previous discussions with students and faculty, Regent Hur moved this from an action item to a discussion item. |
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Transfer Steering Committee Report (Information Item) Dr. Scott |
| Please see report mailed with Agenda. | |
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ITEM 117-104-R1102 - Revision of Policy 301.5 - Transfer of credits (Submission Item) Dr. Scott |
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ITEM 117-105-R1102 - Revision of Policy 301.10 General Education Block Transfer Policy (Submission Item) Dr. Scott |
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Proposed BOR Transferability Goals: Montana Board of Regents Course Transferability Policy Goals Regent Hur Discussion |
| In this discussion on transferability, problems were cited, and it was also noted that credits may be transferred, but the real issue is how they are applied to the degree. That is based on professional judgment. | |
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r.
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MOTIONS by Regent Mercer 1. State Government Outreach The board directs that the Commissioner, Presidents and Chancellors, working together, prepare for presentation to the board at the January 2003 meeting a written inventory of challenges facing state government as reported to them during interactions with state government officials or otherwise brought to their attention. The board further directs that a letter be sent from the board to Montana�s statewide elected executive branch leaders, legislative leaders and the Chief Justice of the state supreme court inviting them to meet with the board during the January meeting to prepare an inventory of the various challenges facing state government extending beyond higher education and higher education funding and for a discussion of ways the board and the Montana University System can work with those officials on crafting solutions. Regent Mercer MOVED for approval of item r.1. Professor Howard indicated the faculty believe this is a good idea in principle. However, the primary expertise will come out of the faculty who are already involved in many ways, and he asked that consideration be given to their workload and expectations. Regent Hamilton expressed concern about the practicality of the second paragraph if it was expected that the inventory of challenges and concerns was to be presented at the January, 2003 meeting. Regent Mercer indicated he only expected the CEOs to make up lists and to check them with their current contacts, and that no special meetings would be expected. Motion APPROVED unanimously on a 7-0 vote. Regent Mercer MOVED the Board direct that a letter be sent to the Montana Congressional Delegation asking them to provide the Board with dates they would be available to meet with the Board to present ideas and proposals they have to promote the mission of the Montana University System and to set forth ways the Board and the MUS could assist them, and to further direct the Chairman or the Commissioner to arrange such a meeting or meetings based on those dates or schedules they would provide. Motion APPROVED unanimously on a 7-0 vote. 2. Montana University System Inreach Presently, students, faculty, staff, professionals and administrators share the same right enjoyed by all citizens of Montana to offer concerns and suggestions to the board. In the event some of them are unaware of that right or are hesitating to bring problems or suggested solutions to the board, the Board hereby instructs the Commissioner, after consultation with representatives of students, faculty, staff, professional and administrative employees, to develop a procedure for soliciting opinions and suggestions regarding the operation and management of the University System and each of its respective campuses from faculty, staff, professional and administrative employees of the System as well as from students. The procedure should: 1. Allow opinions and suggestions to be submitted either anonymously or with attribution, at the choice of the contributor. 2. Direct opinions and suggestions, not to any specific individual, but to the Board of Regents as a body. 3. Provide for a periodic review of the opinions and suggestions by the Board of Regents. 4. Protect the privacy rights of individuals who are either the source of or subject of the opinions and suggestions in a manner consistent with state law. 5. Contain provisions for publicizing the availability of the procedure in a fashion that reasonably assures that all employees and students are aware of their right to submit opinions and suggestions. This may be a system of manual publicity (e.g., a sheet distributed to each employee on a pay day), electronic publicity, or both. The procedure should be submitted to the Regents for final approval prior to implementation. Regent Mercer MOVED for approval of item r.2. Motion APPROVED unanimously on a 7-0 vote. Regent Mercer encouraged the anonymous suggestion box and requested someone provide a proposal on how it might be handled. Professor Howard offered the help of faculty to create the proposal and offered to work with Regent Mercer to accomplish it. |
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l. |
Report on Worker Comp Self Insurance - Rod Sundsted |
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Dr. Crofts commented on the Workers Compensation issue that they would probably need a system-wide policy on risk management. The group continues to work on it and could come forward with a recommendation toward the end of the academic year.
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Committee Assignments were handed out to the Board. Commissioner Crofts will write up reports on his visits around the state. |
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DISCUSSION WITH CAMPUS CEOs/COMMISSIONER Please see attached reports |
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The Minutes were APPROVED
unanimously as amended.
Open Forum for Public Input on MONTANA
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM ISSUES|
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 12:12 p.m.
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