The Board of Regents of Higher Education

May 20-21, 1999

M I N U T E S

Montana State University-Billings Campus
Billings, Montana 59101-0209

These minutes were approved by the  Board of Regents at the July 8-9, 1999 meeting held at the Montana Higher Education Complex, Helena, MT

ACADEMIC/STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

ADMINISTRATIVE/BUDGET COMMITTEE

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1999

REGENTS PRESENT: Pat Davison (Chair), Ed Jasmin (Vice-Chairman), Kim Cunningham, Lynn Morrison-Hamilton, Margie Thompson, Richard Roehm; Commissioner of Higher Education, Richard A. Crofts

REGENTS ABSENT: None        QUORUM PRESENT

The Board of Regents convened for a work session at 7:40 a.m. in the Lewis & Clark Room of the Student Union Building of the Montana State University-Billings Campus. All Regents were present.

The Board recessed for Committee Meetings at 11:00 a.m. followed by Regents' lunch with Student Representatives in the Remington Room.

The Board Convened at 2:10 in the Lewis and Clark Room - Roll Call indicated a Quorum Present

red bullet   Regents Present: Pat Davison (Chairman), Ed Jasmin (Vice-Chairman), Kim Cunningham, Lynn Morrison-Hamilton, Margie Thompson, Richard Roehm, Richard Crofts (Commissioner).
Regents Absent: None

The order of items to be discussed was changed to accommodate those who wished to be heard on various issues.

red bullet Regent Roehm MOVED for APPROVAL of the Minutes from the March 24-25, 1999 meeting as circulated.

red checkmark  With correction of typographical errors, minutes were APPROVED unanimously.

CONSENT AGENDA

Staff Items:

a. ITEM 103-104-R0599 - Staff; Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education

b. ITEM 103-1000-R0599 - Staff; The University of Montana-Missoula

c.ITEM 103-1011-R0599 - Professor Emeritus Status for Bruce P. Budge, School of Business Administration; The University of Montana Missoula

d.ITEM 103-1012-R0599 - Professor Emeritus Status for Patricia P. Douglas, School of Business Administration; The University of Montana-Missoula

e. ITEM 103-1013-R0599 - Resolution Concerning the Retirement of William W. Bevis, Professor of English, College of Arts and Sciences; The University of Montana-Missoula

f. ITEM 103-1014-R0599 - Resolution Concerning the Retirement of Gloria C. Hewitt, Professor of Mathematical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences; The University of Montana Missoula

g.ITEM 103-1015-R0599 - Resolution Concerning the Retirement of Frances Hill, Professor of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences; The University of Montana-Missoula

h.ITEM 103-1016-R0599 - Resolution Concerning the Retirement of Randolph H. Jeppesen, Professor of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences; The University of Montana-Missoula

i. ITEM 103-1017-R0599 - Resolution Concerning the Retirement of Don O. Loftsgaarden, Professor of Mathematical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences; The University of Montana-Missoula

j. ITEM 103-1018-R0599 - Resolution Concerning the Retirement of James Walsh, Professor of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences; The University of Montana-Missoula

k. ITEM 103-1500-R0599- Staff; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

l. ITEM 103-1600-R0599 - Staff; Western Montana College of The University of Montana

m. ITEM 103-1900-R0599 - Staff; Helena College of Technology of The University of Montana

n. ITEM 103-2000-R0599 - Staff; Montana State University-Bozeman

o. ITEM 103-2001-R0599 - Retirement of Richard L. Haines, Department of Political Science; Montana State University-Bozeman

p.ITEM 103-2400-R0599 - Staff; Extension Service

q. ITEM 103-2700-R0599 - Staff; Montana State University-Billings

r. ITEM 103-2701-R0599 - Retirement of C. Randy Howard; Montana State University-Billings

s.ITEM 103-2800-R0599 - Staff; Montana State University-Northern

Other Items:

a. ITEM 103-2703-R0599 - Authorization to Accept Transfer of Special Use Permit and Crippen Cabin; Montana State University-Billings

b. ITEM 103-105-R0599- Confirmation of Governor Racicot's appointments to local Executive Boards.

red bullet Regent Roehm MOVED to APPROVE all Items on the Consent Agenda.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously.

ACADEMIC/STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (Moved Ahead)

ACTION AGENDA

f. Item 102-1509-R0399 - Approval of Proposal to Implement an Associate of Science Degree Program for Registered Nursing Education, College of Technology; Montana Tech of The University of Montana.

Discussion ensued regarding need for an AS in nursing leading to Registered Nurse certification in Butte. Credentialing is identical between AS and BS. Currently, there is no access available in SW Montana. This program would give place-bound students access.

red bullet Regent Thompson MOVED to APPROVE the AS-RN at Montana Tech with a follow-up study on calibration of the education and job requirements in two to three years.

red bullet Regent Hamilton expressed concerns and wanted to see accountability back to the Board of Regents from all campuses.

red bullet Regent Roehm offered a SUBSIDIARY MOTION to delay Regents' consideration until July, and then have the two Provosts report to the Regents.

red checkmark MOTION to DELAY until July was DEFEATED.

red bullet Regent Hamilton AMENDED MOTION to include reporting timeline for accountability, cost, quality and other issues from all nursing programs, and asked that Deputy Commissioner Scott oversee this reporting.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED as AMENDED. Action item is now approved. 4 – 2 (with Regents Roehm and Davison dissenting)

Commissioner Crofts introduced the new Student Regent, Jeremy Fritz, who begins July 1, following Kim Cunningham, and Sherry Rosette who replaces Rose Bond.

NEW BUSINESS (Moved from Friday new business)

a.  Inventory of Fees ITEM 103-1010-R0599

The proposed Inventory of Fees (Mandatory Fee Schedule) reflects action by Board of Regents and approved by the Board at the January meeting. UM students approved two other fees at Missoula. Western had a change in their building fee as discussed by Regents and approved. Fees are still within the 3 percent limit with tuition at a 4 percent increase across the system.

Commissioner Crofts recommended working on following items individually and gave the following explanations:

TUITION: in November the Board talked about a 4 percent system-wide tuition increase. Given the governor's budget, the Regents agreed to no more than 4 percent overall each of the next two years.

MANDATORY FEES: The Commissioner established a guideline of 3 percent for the campus except special, documented items. Tuition is something over $2000. Fees run between 30 and 40 percent of tuition.

MSU Northern's mandatory fee book shows students at the Great Falls Center pay an additional fee of $13.56 per credit hour. What is the appropriateness of a fee of that magnitude? Are Northern's Great Falls students the right source of these funds? It is a unique fee in the system. The Commissioner has received an operational statement on the Center, accounting for tuition and other resources and has recommended that Chancellor Rao consider some way to phase out this fee. Chancellor Rao indicated they have been through a very serious budget reduction this year and are not prepared to lose the revenue. The cost of program delivery in Great Falls is considerably higher.

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE tuition and mandatory fees as submitted: 4 percent in tuition, 3+ percent in mandatory fees.

red checkmark MOTION APPROVED - passed unanimously

COURSE FEES:  Commissioner Crofts recommended approval of the course fees as presented for the upcoming year, requesting that the Regents establish a task force to evaluate the course fees. Some fees were instituted in the past because a department was short of money. A lot of fees could be eliminated if there were an equivalent increase in tuition. The revised tuition would be a more realistic picture of cost and allow campuses to get rid of so many individual course fees.

Regent Davison indicated concern about course fees and recommended a MORATORIUM on new course fees until the problem is resolved.

red bullet Regent Hamilton MOVED to APPROVE course fees, with establishment of a task force and whose work will be implemented according to a time table.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED 5 – 1 (with Regent Roehm dissenting)

The Board recessed at 3:50 to meet with Representatives of Classified Staff and of the Faculty.

FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1999

The Board reconvened At 8:23 a.m. in the Lewis and Clark Room

OPEN FORUM for Public Input on MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM ISSUES

President Dennison explained discussions about the position and timing of the baseball park at UM.

Scott Harris, representing Faculty Association at MSU-Billings, requested that faculty representatives meet with representatives of the Board of Regents and the Commissioner's office for an explanation of the rationale behind the Funding Model. Regent Davison asked that Mr. Harris call Commissioner Crofts during the following week to set up a meeting within the next 30 days for this discussion.

On the subject of a field for a minor league baseball team in Missoula, the following individuals expressed support:

Ron Klaphake, President of Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation;
Wayne Simms, First Bank Missoula and Chairman of Play Ball;
Kent Gray, CTA Architects;
Joe Easton, General Manager, Osprey Team;
Ralph Nellis, who was 19 year president of Pioneer League;
David Paoli, 111 Takimo, Attorney; and
Robert Minto.

The following individuals expressed opposition:

Phil Condon, 304 West Edith—Save Our Neighborhoods;
Jerry Lamb - UM Student;
Marie Morris, 100 W Hillcrest Dr.; and
Celeste River, 304 Westview.

On another matter, Craig Wilson MSU-Billings faculty spoke to the funding formula and his perceptions about its impact on the student body.

CONCLUSION OF PUBLIC COMMENT.

STUDENT REPORTS

Jessica Kobos, MAS president, and President of ASUM Missoula introduced MAS OFFICERS: Ryan Kelly, Vice President; Shad Houston, Treasurer

MAS Goals for next year: Develop a modern system of government for MAS; Develop positive communication between MAS, the Legislature and the Board of Regents as well as the Commissioner's office; Encourage improved communication between MAS members and their respective campuses; Work toward making the tenure process and teacher evaluation forms a more positive model for all schools in the university system; Develop and implement the protocols suggested by the Board of Regents to be in place on all campuses by the November Regents' meeting; Implement the MAS Monitor to be published and distributed on a regular basis to the Board of Regents, Legislators, and the individual campuses, including administration.

At the request of Regent Jasmin, Ms. Kobos will provide the Regents with a complete listing of all MAS officers, as well as all the campus officers.

Robert Wilkin, President of student union at MSU—Great Falls introduced his officers: Chris Helverson, Vice President; Randy Slate, Business Manager
Report: Construction on the new information technology addition is nearing completion; Construction on college of nursing section is ongoing.
Immediate Goals: To work to integrate Bozeman College of Nursing and MSU—Northern students into the campus

Shad Houston, MSU-Billings student union President Reported: Mandatory Fees passed with a majority vote of student government.

Grant Williams– student union president, MSU-Butte College of Technology Reported: Students at Tech were uninformed on the fees, which therefore were not passed. After a full explanation by Administration, the Student Senate passed 12-0 in favor of the original $51 fee.

Nell Snooker, President ASWMC, introduced: Vice President, Kim Nolan

Jared Harris—student union president, MSU Bozeman Reported: they have good communication with administration and are in agreement on the fee schedule.
Goals: Take a look at Computer Assisted classes and meal plans on campus.

Jessica Kobos, ASUM President Missoula, introduced her officers: Jerry Lamb, Vice President; Marcus Kosina, Business Manager; Chris Peterson, Senator; Lea Taddonio, Senator; Ben Schmidt, Senator; Barrette Kaiser, retiring President; Ben Darrow, lobbyist
Report: All fees passed except information technology fee which failed 3 -1.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

ACADEMIC/STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Level I Changes: (corrections)
1:     BA to Bachelor of Science in Geology was listed under Tech--belongs under University of Montana-Missoula

Action Item: (corrections)
1:     Under College of Technology; Change from Certificate in Computer Technology to Certificate in Computer Assistant

SUBMISSION AGENDA:
 Regent Thompson requested Commissioner Crofts address Item b: and then move all three items to the Action Agenda.

b.   Item 103-2801-R0599 - Approval of Proposal to Delegate Administration of Motorcycle Safety Training Program; Montana State University-Northern

Commissioner Crofts indicated the Motorcycle Safety Training program, moved from the Office of Public Instruction to the Board of Regents by Statute in the last Legislature and actually transfers July 1, 1999. The fee for this program is in the Inventory of Fees.

red bullet Regent Thompson MOVED to APPROVE item b. be MOVED to the Action Agenda.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

a.  ITEM 103-1601-R0599 - Authorization of Name Change Proposal: Name Change from Main Auditorium to the David Beier Auditorium; Western Montana College of The University Montana

c. ITEM 103-103-R0599 - Recognition of Denturist Technology Program from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

red bullet Regent Thompson MOVED to APPROVE that items a. and c. be MOVED to the Action Agenda .

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

ACTION AGENDA-CONSENT

a. ITEM 102-1001-R0399 - Approval of Proposal to Add an Option in Physical Geography to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography; The University of Montana-Missoula

b.ITEM 102-1002-R0399 - Approval of Proposal to Add a Comprehensive Study (Non-Thesis) Option to the Master of Arts Degree in Political Science; The University of Montana-Missoula

c.ITEM 102-1003-R0399 - Approval of Proposal to Re-title the Native American Studies Program to Department of Native American Studies and Re-title the Unit Head from Director to Chair; The University of Montana-Missoula

d. ITEM 102-1004-R0399 - Approval of Proposal to Establish an Institute for Teaching Excellence; The University of Montana-Missoula

e. ITEM 102-1005-R0399 - Approval of Proposal to Add an Option in Photojournalism to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism; The University of Montana-Missoula

f. ITEM 102-1006-R0399 - Approval of Proposal to Add an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Care, College of Technology; The University of Montana-Missoula

g. ITEM 102-1007-R0399 - Approval of Proposal to Add Two New Options—Network Support and Human Resources—to the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting Technology, College of Technology; The University of Montana-Missoula

h. ITEM 102-1506-R0399 - Approval of Proposal to Add a Network Technician Certificate and Associate of Applied Science Degree in Network Technology, College of Technology; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

i. ITEM 102-1507-R0399- Approval of Proposal to Add a Certified Nurse Assistant Program, College of Technology; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

j.ITEM 102-1508-R0399- Approval of Proposal to Convert the Current Practical Nursing Program to an Associate of Applied Science Degree, College of Technology; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

k. ITEM 102-1601-R0399 - Approval of Proposal to Add a Minor in Special Education to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education; Western Montana College of The University of Montana

l. ITEM 102-1901-R0399- Approval of Proposal to Add an Associate of Applied Science Degree for Correctional Officers; Helena College of Technology of The University of Montana [New item]

m.ITEM 102-2002-R0399- Authorization to Offer a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration Jointly with Washington State University; Montana State University-Bozeman

n. ITEM 102-2704-R0399 - Authorization to Convert the Certificate in Practical Nursing to the Associate of Applied Science Degree, College of Technology; Montana State University-Billings

o. ITEM 103-1502-R0599 - Mission Statement - Montana Tech of The University of Montana, Butte, MT 59701

red bullet Regent Thompson requested a change in wording of Item d. (ITEM 102-1004-R0399) from :….Establish an Institute for….." to "…..Establish a Center for….."

red bullet Regent Thompson MOVED to APPROVE, with this change, Items a. through o.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously.

ACTION AGENDA

a.ITEM 102-1501-R0399- Approval of Proposal to Add an Option in Civil Engineering to the Bachelor of Science Degree in General Engineering; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

b.ITEM 102-1502-R0399- Approval of Proposal to Add an Option in Mechanical Engineering to the Bachelor of Science Degree in General Engineering; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

c.ITEM 102-1503-R0399- Approval of Proposal to Add a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

d.ITEM 102-1504-R0399- Approval of Proposal to Add a Bachelor of Science Degree in Software Engineering; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

e.ITEM 102-1505-R0399- Approval of Proposal to Change the Name of the Engineering Science Major of both the Bachelor of Science Degree and the Master of Science Degree to General Engineering; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

f.ITEM 102-1509-R0399- Approval of Proposal to Implement an Associate of Science Degree Program for Registered Nursing Education, College of Technology; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

g. ITEM 102-2004-R0199- Authorization to Establish the Center for the Discovery of Bio-Active Compounds; Montana State University-Bozeman [Held on Submission Agenda from 1/99 meeting]

red bullet  Regent Thompson MOVED to APPROVE Items a, b, c, d, e, and g.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED Unanimously.

For Item f, see page four of these minutes.

OTHER

Chancellor Rao reported on recommendations of the Northwest Association interim accreditation visit conducted this year.

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ADMINISTRATIVE/BUDGET COMMITTEE

SUBMISSION AGENDA

a. ITEM 94-001-R0197 - Tuition; Post-Baccalaureate Students; Montana University System, approved by the Board of Regents March 27, 1997 REVISION

b.ITEM 103-1019-R0599- Baseball Park Construction and Operating Lease Agreement with the Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation Foundation and Play Ball Missoula, The University of Montana-Missoula

c. ITEM 103-101-R0599 - Revision of Montana Tuition Assistance Program (MTAP), renamed the Baker Grant

Item b. was withdrawn from the Agenda and provided only for information.

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE that Items a. and c. be MOVED to the Action-Consent Agenda.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

ACTION AGENDA-CONSENT

a. ITEM 103-1001-R0599 - Student Computer Fee Allocation; The University of Montana-Missoula

b. ITEM 103-1501-R0599- Authorization to Expend Student Computer Fees; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

c.ITEM 103-2850-R0599 - Authorization to Expend Computer Fees; Montana State University College of Technology-Great Falls

d. ITEM 103-1002-R0599- Campus Wiring, Series D 1996 Facilities Improvement and Refunding Revenue Bonds; The University of Montana-Missoula

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE items a. through d.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

ACTION AGENDA

a.ITEM 40-002-R0783- Montana Work Study Program; Montana University System (REVISION of Board of Regents' Policy 504.2)

b. ITEM 103-102-R0599- Policy 940.17.1 - RESCIND (Helena MPA fee @ $45/credit)

c. ITEM 103-1004-R0599- Authorization to Proceed, Series F 1999 Restructuring and New Money Issue; The University of Montana-Missoula

d.ITEM 103-1003-R0599- Miscellaneous Improvements to Lakeside Lab, Flathead Lake Biological Station; The University of Montana-Missoula

e. ITEM 103-1009-R0599- Classroom/Laboratory Renovations; The University of Montana-Missoula

f. ITEM 103-1901-R0599- Purchase of Property, 1121 Sanders, Helena, MT; Helena College of Technology of The University of Montana

g.ITEM 103-2002-R0599- Authorization to Adjust the Scope of the Gaines Hall Room 6 Remodel to include Renovation of four (4) Additional Teaching Labs; Montana State University-Bozeman

h.ITEM 103-2003-R0599- Authorization to Renovate the Basement of AJM Johnson Hall; Montana State University-Bozeman

i.ITEM 103-2702-R0599- Authorization to Acquire Real Property; Montana State University-Billings

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE item a.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE item b.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE item c.

red bullet  Regent Cunningham MOVED to AMEND THE MOTION to impose the fee immediately upon approval

Commissioner Crofts indicated that this Item is only for the approval to proceed with planning.

red checkmark Regent Cunningham's MOTION to AMEND was DEFEATED unanimously

red checkmark Regent Jasmin's MOTION to APPROVE item c. PASSED unanimously

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE item d.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE item e.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE item f.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE item g.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE item h.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE item i.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

ITEM 103-2004-R0599 - Authorization to Borrow Intercap Funds Related to Construction Costs of the Agricultural Bio-science Building Project; Montana State University-Bozeman - Walk on Item.

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE ITEM 103-2004-R0599.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously

OLD BUSINESS

a. Montana University System Mission Statement

b. Regents' Information Technology Committee

c. Planning for Regents' "Conversation on Tenure"

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED that the Mission Statement be moved to the Board Work Shop on July 18.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED unanimously.

Item b. A demonstration was given on the Banner System.

Item c. Discussion on Tenure was delayed with further recommendations to be presented at the July meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

a. Inventory of Fees: ITEM 103-1010-R0599 - Technology Fee; The University of Montana-Missoula

b. Approval of the Operational Plan between Lincoln County and Flathead Community College

c. Approval of UTU Contract

CONTINUATION OF SCHEDULE OF FEES: OLD BUSINESS

a. Distributed Learning Fees:

Discussion ensued on the validity of some fees. This year, all Distance Learning students are reported to the State and counted for state support. Regents agreed to eliminate extensive fees except with documentation that tuition and state support are insufficient, and to establish a consistent standard throughout the system.

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE the Miscellaneous Fees with the exception of the Distributed Learning Fees (those listed on schedule "Distributed Learning Fees"), with the fees being returned to students if resolution is not reached by July.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED Unanimously.

University of Montana Information Technology Fee Proposed by Campus:

UM-Missoula - $36 denied by student body; Students proposed $15
MT Tech - $36 approved by students
Helena COT - $36 approved by students
Western MT College - $24 approved by students

red bullet Regent Hamilton MOVED to APPROVE the fees for the campuses where there is agreement and to exclude the fees for the University of Montana campus.

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to AMEND THE MOTION for approval of the fees agreed upon at the three campuses as well as the $15 fee for the Missoula campus with additional resolution by the July meeting.

red checkmark MOTION PASSED as AMENDED 5-1 (with Regent Hamilton dissenting)

b. Approval of the Operational Plan between Lincoln County and Flathead Community College

Commissioner Crofts introduced Stephanie Hicswa, the new Director of the Lincoln County Campus of Flathead Community College as of June 1, 1999.

red bullet Regent Jasmin MOVED to APPROVE the Operational Plan as proposed.

red checkmarkMOTION PASSED unanimously.

c. Approval of UTU Contract
Item c. was dropped from the Agenda as faculty had not yet ratified the contract.

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT

No Commissioner's Report

CAMPUS REPORTS

President Dennison reported that the new Chancellor at Western Montana College will take over July 1, 1999. The search for three new deans concluded with the appointment of the first choices. Those individuals will also take over on July 1, 1999.

Chancellor Stearns reported that the Montana National Youth Challenge offered by the Montana National Guard will be housed on the campus of Western Montana College.

Chancellor Rao reported their new Provost is Roger Barber, and Carol Green is the new Associate Chancellor for Student Affairs. Jody Hellegaard was approved by the Regents as Director of Fiscal Affairs.

With no further business to come before The Board of Regents, the meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.

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