BOR Minutes: March 16-18, 2005

Academic/Student Affairs Committee

At the January meeting, the Great Falls COT was asked to come to a cooperative agreement with Rocky Mountain College regarding the proposed aviation program. Dean Mary Moe reported that an articulation agreement was readily reached, except that Rocky Mountain College asked for assurance, as part of the articulation agreement, that a four-year program would not be developed in the future.  Dean Moe was unwilling to make that assurance part of the articulation agreement, but a letter from President Gamble to President Oates satisfied Rocky that MSU has no intention of developing a four-year program.

Regent Foster moved to forward this item to the full Board. He commended Dean Moe for the COT's efforts in working with Rocky to resolve the issues raised at the last meeting. Regent Hamilton found the student testimony at the January meeting to be very compelling, and Regent Foster asked Regent French to let students know that voicing their concerns is important. Regent Hamilton added that consideration should be given to how to systematize communication with campuses outside of the MUS. Dean Moe suggested that a letter from OCHE staff to private institutions regarding new program proposals might be helpful.

Regent Hamilton is still not convinced that there is a need for this program, but voted with her colleagues to present it to the full Board. Motion carried.

Regents Hamilton and Foster requested a more global view of academic program planning than President Dennison's needs assessment project, which focused on two-year programs. A summary of the information found in the campus strategic plans was shared with Chief Academic Officers and the Academic and Student Affairs Committee prior to the meeting. The goal is for the Board to be aware of the direction the campuses are heading and to have the opportunity to ask questions before programs appear on the submission agenda. Regent Hamilton also sees an advantage to having a strategic plan at the Board level for system-wide planning.

Roger acknowledged that campuses hesitate to lose their competitive edge by announcing their program plans in advance of the Level II submission, but earlier disclosure would help the Regents to prioritize on a system-wide basis, and might encourage collaboration between campuses. Each institution could keep a list of programs that they realistically intend to develop in the near-term and that fit with their campus's strengths. This list would be dynamic, with campuses free to change, add or delete programs as identified needs change. Roger will develop a procedure for the next meeting.

The Chief Academic Officers approved all of the new proposals at their meeting earlier in the day. These submissions will be action items at the May Board meeting.

This policy creates a guarantee that campuses will at least review, if not accept, coursework of a certain age. It also contains a provision for a stricter standard, which will benefit computer science programs and others that require more current coursework. Because this was the first draft policy to be completed in response to the legislative audit, Roger asked Angie Grove for feedback. Angie said that it seems to be on track.

     Roger said that all of the workgroups are concerned that the new policies will not only create more work for campuses without providing additional resources, but will also result in more unhappy students, at least in the short term.

     Regent French moved to forward this item to the full Board. Kathy Hughes remarked that a more generous guarantee would benefit non-traditional transfer students. Regent Hamilton asked if there is an option to challenge coursework by examination. There is, but not for every class. Regent French asked how the workgroup came up with the 5/15 year parameters. Roger said the group tried to satisfy the concerns they were hearing about what would work, and compromised. The monitoring piece will focus on whether the guarantee periods work or will need to be expanded.  The motion carried.

Several members of the workgroup were present to answer questions regarding the proposed policy. Key concerns raised by the academic officers included inability to meet deadlines due to lack of faculty resources to do transfer evaluations during the summer and at the beginning of a semester, and concerns that non-transfer students will be underserved as staff struggle with the additional workload required to meet deadlines for transfer students. The workgroup members said they tried to do their best for the students, and hope campuses can find a way to make the policy work. A suggestion was made that the policy only apply to in-state transfer students; another suggestion was offered that the priority deadline be 30 days prior to the start of classes for in-state students, 60 days for out-of-state transfers, and that transfer requests include a course description and syllabus to facilitate course evaluation.

Regent Foster moved to forward this item to the full Board with the following changes:

Procedure 1. a. is changed from five (5) days to five (5) working days

Procedure 1. c. is changed from two (2) weeks to 10 working days

Motion carried.

Regent French requested that OCHE staff produce a transfer guide for students, and Roger agreed to add it to his "to do" list. Regent Hamilton noted that faculty advisors will also need to be informed of changes to policies affecting transfers.

The main points of discussion involved definitions. In response to the question of why a C- does not count as a grade of C or better, workgroup members said that a C grade is equivalent to 2.0, and since C- grades are not valued at 2.0, they are excluded. The definition of "other postsecondary institutions" will impact COT students that are affiliated with a main campus, such as MSU-Billings. Universities with affiliated COTs currently do not consider their COT students to be transfer students when they enroll at the main campus.

Regent Foster asked Regent French for the students' perspective, but Regent French has had no feedback from her MAS colleagues. Regent Foster moved to forward this item to the full Board with no amendments. Motion carried.

a.       Eric Murray reviewed the materials compiled by the Student Affairs and Security Officers and distributed as part of the Board packet. Security officers Robert Putzke (MSU-Bozeman), Barbara Hagel (MSU-Billings), and Jim Lemcke (UM-Missoula), as well as Marilyn Cameron, Montana Tech Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator, were present to answer questions. Eric noted that every campus is currently meeting the requirements of the Clery Act, and they expect to bring all campuses' crisis manuals up to FEMA and Department of Homeland Security standards within the next six months.

Regent Hamilton appreciated the amount of information contained in the Matrix reports, and would like to see that information on an annual basis. She asked the security officers if the reporting structures currently in place are adequate, and they replied that they are quite satisfied.

Next Steps:

Regent French expressed surprise that some of the larger campuses have many empty boxes in Matrix 5, and hopes to see them filled in the next time this report is presented. 

Regent Foster asked the campuses to refine and prioritize the items on the Needs and Cost Analysis report so that it can eventually be passed on to the Budget Committee. 

Roger would like to focus particular attention on mental health issues and how to provide resources for the smaller campuses to address this growing need. 

National benchmarks will be added to the security reports to give a better perspective on the issues facing safety and security staff.

Submitted by Cathy Doyle

The Academic/Student Affairs Committee adjourned at 4:25 p.m.

Budget and Audit Oversight Committee

The Committee Convened at 11:00 a.m.

(Committee Members:  Chair Regent Mark Semmens, Regent John Mercer, and Regent Lila Taylor)

Others Present:  President George Dennison, Craig Roloff, Terri Iverson, Chuck Jensen, Regent Stephen Barrett, Commissioner Sheila Stearns, Rod Sundsted, Chancellor Ron Sexton, Chancellor Dick Storey, Regent Kala French, President Geoff Gamble, Dean Mary Moe, Susan Briggs, Tom McCoy, Bob Duringer, Pam Joehler, Cathy Swift, President Jane Karas, Rosi Keller, Chancellor Frank Gilmore, Regent Lynn Hamilton, Rolf Groseth, Dave Gibson, Alan Peura, Cathy Conover, Bill Muse and Bob Frazier

Regent Semmens introduced the newest Regent, Stephen Barrett.

Regent Semmens reviewed the Budget Committee conversation of March 3, 2005.

Rod Sundsted reviewed the tuition rates for resident and non-resident students at each of the campuses.  He also provided a breakdown of the dollar amount increases for each of the campuses.  He explained that the pay plan proposed by the Executive Budget accounts for a little more than 50% of the tuition increases.  Regent Mercer said that although the State funds 99% of the pay plan for the Department of Corrections, Students fund 62% of the pay plan for the Montana University System through tuition.

Rod Sundsted indicated that when the Tuition and Fees are presented to the Board at the May 18-20, 2005 meeting, the fee portion will be broken down to show the amount of each and the purpose of each.

Rod Sundsted indicated that the summer session tuition rates must be set at this meeting.

Regent Semmens requested an hour-long workshop to address the proper methods to present these items, and on issues of the process.  David Gibson indicated that they must preserve the confidentiality of the partners, while at the same time covering the Board's fiduciary duty.  There will be a meeting on April 14 in Helena on those issues.  Tom McCoy indicated it would be good for Regents Barrett and Semmens to attend the meeting.  Regent Barrett indicated the model would have to be the national model, which is already out there.  Cathy Swift indicated both campuses will be meeting on April 14, and they hope to come to the May 2005 meeting with a proposal for a better way to handle these issues.  Regent Mercer requested that at every Board meeting some new and interesting discovery by the University System be showcased.

Regent Mercer expressed some concern about approving items e. and f. prematurely.

This item consists of two pieces:  one is the purchase of a lot in the acquisition zone, and the second is the request to increase the purchase price to $190,000.

Staff and Compensation Committee

The Committee Convened at 3:30 p.m.

Committee Members Present:  John Mercer, Chairman; Regent Mark Semmens

Others Present:  Regent Barrett; Commissioner Stearns

OCHE Staff to Committee:  Kathy Crego

Action:  A minor modification was made to clarify the intent of one itemized responsibility.  (Modification attached.)

Public testimony was heard concerning the possibility of allowing eligible employees to cover one additional adult dependent under the Montana University System group health insurance plan. Such covered will be at the employee's expense.  Nine individuals testified against the proposed addition, and three individuals supported the change.  

    In response to a number of comments from the public, Chairman Mercer explained that the proposal does not recognize same sex domestic partners as legally married couples.  The proposed item is intended to ensure compliance with a December 2004 State Supreme Court decision that addressed the issue of equal protection.  The proposed change was evaluated on the basis of effective insurance principles and practices.  The additional dependent is objectively defined solely on the basis of a documentable dependent relationship with the employee.

Action: Following discussion by committee members relative to the wording of the official Board item, Regent Semmens proposed that the item be moved forward to the full Board with a recommendation to approve.  

Committee members were updated regarding the Inter-Unit Benefit Committee's recent endorsement of a two-year pilot program to assist lower paid employees with the cost of covering their dependent children on the group health insurance plan.  Employees paid less than $25,000 annually will be eligible for a waiver of the cost of out-of-pocket premiums to cover dependent children.  The waiver will become effective July 1, 2005.  Approximately 300-500 employees are anticipated to take advantage of the waiver.

Action:  No action required.

Action:  OCHE staff will solicit input from campuses and develop revised policy for consideration at the May 2005 meeting.

A tentative agreement has been reached with Montana Public Employees Association, covering 1620 employees of MUS.  After ratification by union members, the Board will be requested to take formal action on the agreement.

A summary was discussed concerning OCHE's and the Board's need for improved data/information access and utilization.  Updates will be discussed with the committee in the future, and recommended course of action will be presented no later than September 2005.

Action:  No change will take place.  Consent agenda items will continue to be submitted in accordance with deadlines established by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and will be considered at every regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.

END Staff and Compensation Committee Meeting

FULL BOARD MEETING

The Full Board Convened at 8:00 a.m.

ROLL CALL

Regents Present:  Stephen Barrett, Mike Foster Vice Chair, Lynn Hamilton, Kala French, John Mercer Chair, Mark Semmens, and Lila Taylor.  Also present was Commissioner Sheila M. Stearns.

Regent Absent:  Governor Brian Schweitzer ex officio, and Linda McCulloch ex officio excused

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of the Minutes of the January 19-21, 2005 meeting in Helena, MT

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

SYSTEM ISSUES

a.

Due to a conflict in his schedule, Governor Schweitzer was unable to attend the meeting.

b.

Pam Joehler gave an overview of HB 2 and how it varied from the Regents' proposed initiatives.  She also indicated that an agreement was reached with the subcommittee to lower the proposed new rent from $75,000 to $50,000 in exchange for removal of a mandated reduction in the OCHE FTE.  Rod Sundsted indicated that OCHE staff would be testifying on Monday on HB 540.  He also stated that HB 5 is the most important since it has $15.5 million for the Montana University system.  It was reported that SB 273 had been tabled, but might possibly return in another form.  President Gamble provided copies of his talking points and narrative which he presented to the subcommittee regarding SB 273.  He asked the Board to fund and support a study of rural health issues in Montana, and offered to put together a group to do the study and make recommendations to the Board and perhaps the Legislature.  Regent Hamilton asked President Gamble how he saw this study differing from the study done by Governor Martz's administration.  He responded that part of it would be replicated, but that they needed to develop a more coordinated approach to the whole spectrum.  Both Regents Hamilton and Mercer doubted the need for another study, and it was agreed that the Blue Ribbon Report on Health Care Shortages would be reviewed by the Workforce Development Committee to see what has been accomplished.  President Dennison reported that a needs assessment is going on and they will have the results this spring.  From that they will develop an academic master plan with designated lead campuses.

In discussing the pay plan item, Regent Mercer reiterated that the State funds 99% of the pay plan for Corrections, but only 37% for the Montana University System.  The balance is paid by the students, and the current pay plan accounts for 50% of the current tuition increases.  The Commissioner also quickly reviewed HB 16, 151, 369, 435, 447, 521, 584, and 747, and SB 72, 171, 219, 432, and 445.  Regent Mercer thanked the Commissioner and her staff for following these bills for the Board.

Following a ten-minute break, the Board reconvened at 9:50 a.m.

President Dennison reported that he had spoken to each of the Congressional Delegates regarding the cuts in President Bush's Budget that zero out Trio, Perkins and other critical programs.  He indicated they are clear that they don't see any reason to do that, although there is a need to save money.  Senator Burns has offered to be a co-host for Trio in the Spring to show that it is absolutely necessary in Montana.

Ray Ford from The University of Montana-Missoula gave a presentation to the Board on the possibilities of conducting e-meetings.  He indicated it would be possible to do something along the lines of LAWS with the equipment the system now has.  Beyond that, there are two audiences to address, and usually an independent firm is engaged to conform the hardware to the needs of each room.  There is a high price tag for this service.  One breakthrough is the addition of the Hilton in the city of Missoula.  The IT company that works on their conventions approached UM about handling their needs.  Chair Mercer indicated he was looking at the cost involved in all the paper, postage and distribution of the agendas, as well as the time lost shuffling and trying to find things during the meetings.  He believes if they could save one hour, it would be a large savings.  He feels the University System should be on the cutting edge, and yet is behind.  Although he wants to see the meetings done in an electronic format, he does not want to lose the flexibility of manipulating the documents.  Ray Ford indicated that a start would be to put public terminals in the hallways for "transient attendees" to access the progress of the meetings.  He asked what the Board wanted beyond that.  Regent French suggested the possibility of starting out with laptops with the electronic agenda for the Board members.  Regent Barrett believed that would be an appropriate first step, since it would be the simplest and a whole year of meetings would fit on one CD.  Along with the laptops, he suggested there be a couple general access terminals in the halls.  There was discussion on the appropriate furniture to prevent the Board members from being hidden by their monitors.  There was consensus that the Board did not want to lose the flexibility they now have to meet at each of the campuses, to make notes on documents, but they also want to balance the costs and the limitations of the various facilities with the benefits.  Chair Mercer asked that one Board member, the Commissioner and one of her staff volunteer to pursue this issue.  However, he was disinclined to try anything at the next meeting since it would be half-baked and probably would fail.  Regent Barrett said it would be a good plan to get the laptops and CDs and practice on a mini-scale.  He also noted that there are national standards on electronic formats that the Montana University System could use.  It was found that each member of the Board has a laptop with appropriate software.  It was agreed that Regent Barrett will be the liaison on the pilot process.

Trust Lands Issue - Update

Following a ten-minute break, the Board reconvened at 10:55 a.m.

Congressional Delegation Representatives Present:  Holly Luck for Senator Baucus, Jim Foley for Senator Baucus, Sarah Converse for Senator Burns, Betsy Allen for Senator Burns, Todd Casper for Senator Burns, and Jeff Gerard for Rep. Rehberg.

Todd Casper gave a presentation to the Board on the federal appropriations process.  It was noted that for the first time, Montana has a representative in both the House and the Senate on the appropriations committee.  Senator Burns sits on more committees than any other member of the Senate, and his seniority and rank as chair of the Appropriations Committee carries many privileges for bringing funding to Montana.  The budget proposed by the President is not final, and when it goes to the floor, it is up to the representatives to restore funding for vital programs.  The local offices provide information to the Senators and Representative on how various issues directly impact Montana.  They use letters of support, information and ideas from the State, the Board of Regents, and other education entities.  It was requested that close communication between the Montana University System and the Congressional Delegation representatives be maintained to alert each other to important issues.  Holly Luck requested the use of more e-mail and phone calls than testimonials.  Contact should also be made with the local offices rather than the DC offices since there is more e-mail traffic to check in DC.  The local office is also able to put items higher on the list of priorities in DC.  Jeff Gerard said they will be looking more to the Board of Regents for guidance on items that should be supported, or not supported.

Please see the attached report on the current status of the Federal Budget.  Chair Mercer requested a one-page document be prepared for the Board for the next meeting showing everything that the system is working on with the Congressional Delegation and their representatives, and a checklist showing progress.  Regent Hamilton requested the information in this update be placed on the web site to reach a broader audience.

Following a five-minute break, the Board reconvened at 11:35 a.m.

DISCUSSION WITH CAMPUS CEOs

Please also see attached reports

President Dennison updated the Board on two items he had mentioned to them the previous summer.  The first issue is that they are in the planning stage of a planned community on a portion of land at the south end of campus, near the track and the Lewis and Clark Village.  The identified property is now dedicated to a golf course, but they want to use the property for the highest and best return.  They are considering up to 500 units which will include duplexes, apartments, houses, patio homes and condominiums.  The University will sell the units, but retain ownership of the land by leasing it with the units.  Revenue will be derived from the leases, and from a portion of the return on value of each unit.  These funds could help defer tuition increases.  This development will benefit UM, students, and the community.  Taxes will be paid on the homes, and those that want to live there will be active on campus and in the community.  In researching the concept, it was found that the campus planned-communities that failed had included health care facilities in the plan.  UM will not offer health care facilities in this development.  President Dennison said that all the issues raised in the community forums will be addressed.  If everything can be worked out, the proposal will be brought to the Board for approval later.

     President Dennison then turned to the joint venture project in China to offer accredited programs.  University of Montana programs will be delivered on site in China and must meet the UM accreditation requirements as well as Board approval.  UM will provide the programs, and the joint venture will provide the capital.  The Chinese are having trouble leaving China for education, and this program will be delivered entirely in English with opportunities for our students to mentor since the program calls for one native speaking student to mentor ten Chinese students.  It is the intention to begin with one or two programs.  If UM faculty were interested in teaching in China, they would need to use sabbatical time and would be paid by the venture.  This does not leave UM short handed since those on sabbatical are always replaced until they return.  Chair Mercer asked when the Board might see the item on the planned community.  President Dennison indicated it could be as soon as the May 18-20, 2005 meeting.   He also indicated that is a possibility for the China venture.  Regent Hamilton said that when the Regents learn of these things, speaks to the inability to make system wide or statewide plans.  As part of that discussion, she said they need to talk about the quality of education, academic issues, and facility issues.  She asked what was the campus size that provides the best learning experiences for students, and if the Board will be willing to cap enrollment when it reaches the optimal number.  Chair Mercer replied the Staff and Compensation Committee is responsible for long range planning, and perhaps this could be brainstormed at the next meeting.  Regent Semmens noted that they will be dealing with strategic planning at the July retreat, and that would be an appropriate time to address this issue.  President Dennison said that planning for size is important in the context of state population and in the long term.  It needs to be attended carefully.  However, it is also necessary to diversify the revenue streams since there will not be enough money in the state to make higher education run.  He reported the term privatization has fallen out of favor, and now the more common term is public purpose university with a varied funding base.  Regent Barrett asked if President Dennison could obtain some information for him on the planned community.  Regent Mercer asked if UM was sending a group to tour the various sites around the country, and President Dennison indicated that Bob Duringer would provide that information for him.

The Board recessed at 11:55 for lunch with the student leadership followed by a meeting with classified staff representatives.

The Board reconvened at 1:45 p.m.

DISCUSSION WITH CAMPUS CEOs continued

President Hetrick reported that the record enrollment set in 1995, was exceeded this year.  He told the Board it was largely due to the Farm and Ranch Business Management program they had approved and allowed Dawson Community College to find extension sites.  They have completed 77 people in the program, and 90 are currently enrolled.  Depending on the other five sites, the enrollment could go over 100, which would push them to 200 in any given year.  President Hetrick said that although he has the responsibility to assure they offer appropriate programs, he wanted to give credit to the Montana University System and the Board of Regents for their support of Dawson's requests.  He believes that when one institution does something well, the credit goes to all of higher education.  He indicated that legislators have asked him even more questions about that program, and they are quite happy with it.  President Hetrick referred to his written report and noted that the two phases of the building project were scheduled for completion around January of 2006 and March of 2006, however he had just received word that the gym will be finished by August of 2005, and the other will be completed by November 2005.  Representative Lenhart of Glendive, who was a faculty member at Dawson for 30 years, was able to commit Governor Schweitzer to be their commencement speaker this year.

Chancellor Gilmore reported that over the past year, the Montana Tech Foundation paid for an audit by an outside company.  That report is on their website.  The report shows they are strong academically, on the right track, but have trouble in alumni affairs and coordination.  They are already addressing better public relations by hiring a full time Director for the Alumni Association and a full time person for public relations.  They also need to streamline their mission/vision statement and will present it at the May 18-20, 2005 meeting for approval.  Chancellor Gilmore noted they have been involved in energy production for over 100 years.  NW Pacific Labs has earmarked $3 million for Montana Tech to find better ways to use the current power grid, rather than making even more power.  He also reported that Montana Tech is the Montana representative in the Rocky Mountain Center for Energy Excellence created by the White House.  The intent is for the group to look at various energy sources over time.  He said that most of their programs such as petroleum engineering are involved with production of energy which is like a cash program.  Chancellor Gilmore noted there is a growing crisis in the work force for natural resource engineers.  In just the last few years, there has been a threefold increase in the need for mining engineers.  Montana Tech needs to produce 300 graduates a year, but are only graduating 100.  They have the capacity, but not the students.  Tech has just signed an agreement with Dawson Community College permitting a student to start at Dawson for two years, and then transfer everything directly into the nursing and engineering programs at Tech.  He thanks President Hetrick for working with them on that.  On another issue, Tech is working with ARCO on the possibility of acquiring about 100 acres west of campus at no cost except to solve the environmental issues.  They believe those issues are low but need to work with several groups to be sure that is the case before they present it to the Board.  Montana Tech will have their five-year accreditation visit on April 20 and 21.  At the request of Commissioner Stearns, Chancellor Gilmore agreed to send an electronic version of their proposed mission/vision statement to the Board and her office before the next meeting.

Dean Moe reported that from the 1960s to 1975 Great Falls was the largest city in Montana.  It had an agricultural, military and industrial base.  Between 1975 and 1979 the economy that supported that population "withered and died."  The Anaconda Smelter closed with the loss of 2500 jobs, and Malmstrom lost one mission, which cost another 1000 jobs.  There has been a significant loss of population with a disproportionate share in the 25-35 year group.  In a ten-year period, the average age went from 29 to 37.  Great Falls also has the largest population of non-reservation Indians.  Dean Moe said the good and bad of Great Falls is its regional reach.  It is a symbol to the outlying communities on the high-line who want to see the city doing well.  They have a bright spot in the K-12 public and private schools, but there is no strong presence of public higher education in Great Falls.  She believes people still do not think of two-year campuses as real colleges.  Regent Hamilton requested the Board to set aside more time to discuss this issue.  She believes it is a picture that can be applied to any community in north central Montana.  She wants to find out what keeps this from working.  Great Falls has a wonderful dual enrolment program, and the best model to bridge P-20 but the issues remain.

END DISCUSSION WITH CAMPUS LEADERS

ACADEMIC/STUDENT AFFAIRS ITEMS

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item A.

Regent Hamilton said her one concern is that MSU-Great Falls College of Technology does not have a historical mission in aviation, and she doesn't see this program meeting a need.  She also noted that the industry is volatile right now and graduates would not be bound to Montana.  She wants the campus to return in two years with a report on how the program is working, and providing a profile of the students.  Regent Barrett said the Board needs to make decisions that are best for the System.  He believes this is the kind of program that should be a pilot project to see if it has potential.

  Regent Barrett moved to amend the Motion to require a review in two years.

  Motion as AMENDED approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item B.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Items C. through G.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item H.

Regent Barrett questioned if this program would not be better served with a two-year degree.  It was explained that industry had requested UM-Western expand the program for greater depth and broader coverage, to include core courses which prepare students for management positions in the industry.  This program has also increased non-resident enrollment.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item I.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

Items J. and K. were housekeeping items.

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item E.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

Following a five-minute break, the Board reconvened at 3:00 p.m.

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item L.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item m. with removal of section 2. Appeal of Decisions, and addition of the term working days in two places

There was an extended discussion on the problems of staying on top of the transfer reviews within the 10 working day guidelines, as well as whether or not this policy applied only to Montana transfers or included out of state transfers.  Regent Hamilton suggested that perhaps faculty could be paid to be on campus 30 days early to review these applications.  She offered that the policy is supposed to work for the students.

  Regent Barrett moved to CLARIFY the policy would apply only to Montana students.

Discussion continued on what penalty would be applied if the deadline was not met.  Suggestions included automatic acceptance of the transfer credits, and cost of entire semester tuition to be paid by the campus.  It was agreed that some penalty needed to be included in the policy.  There was consensus that the ten working day deadline would be triggered by receipt of a completed packet from the student, and syllabi are part of the packet.  Catherine Swift noted that the Committee had been working on the premise that this policy was for transfer within the MUS.  She said the Committee had also discussed the penalty portion.  At the recommendation of the Board, the item will be amended to cover the suggestions from this meeting and then presented again at the May 18-20, 2005 meeting.

  Regent Barrett withdrew his motion

  The original Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote with the item to come before the Board at the May 18-20, 2005 meeting with further changes.

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item N.

There was considerable discussion on the pros and cons of plus/minus grades versus full letter grades, as well as what grades count toward degrees and what don't.  Many voiced concern over the lack of uniformity in grading across the system, and Keith Edgerton requested the Board to mandate a plus/minus grading structure across the system. Chair Mercer asked the Committee to take the policy back and revise it for uniform grading across the system, and if necessary to err on the side on quality.  Regent Barrett suggested that a D in a pure elective should be acceptable across the system.  Roger Barber recommended that a booklet be made available on all the campuses which would include all transfer policies.  He is not sure the web site is the best place for these to be accessed.

  Item n. was returned to the Committee for revision, and will be brought to the Board for action at the May 18-20, 2005 meeting.

a.

  Regent Hamilton moved ADOPTION of the recommendations in Item O.

Regent French requested the campuses to update Matrix V of the Security Information and to bring it back to the Board at the September 28-30, 2005 meeting, with an explanation for any items which are incomplete.

Rod Sundsted reminded the Board that a couple of years ago he had put together all of the living arrangements for students, showing which were sprinkled and which were not.  He indicated there are many married complexes that are not sprinkled, and not required to be sprinkled because of other safety measures in place.  He will update that report and bring it back to the Board.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

END ACADEMIC/STUDENT AFFAIRS ITEMS

Workforce Development Items

a.

b.

Due to amendments to this item, action was deferred to Friday.

c.

e.

f.

Arlene Parisot provided an update on the marketing of two-year education in Montana.  Although they were unable to gather hard data during the first phase, they are writing that requirement into the RFP for the second phase.

The Board recessed at 5:00 p.m.

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FRIDAY, March 18, 2005

b.

  Regent Foster moved APPROVAL of Item b. as AMENDED

Chair Mercer requested the final proposals be brought back to the Board to ensure appropriate evaluation of each one.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

END WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ITEMS

Budget and Audit Oversight Items

  Regent Semmens moved APPROVAL of Item d. using the same increases from the Board's current discussion.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

  Regent Semmens moved APPROVAL of Items e. and f.

Regent Semmens indicated the committee along with Catherine Swift and David Gibson will work closely with university personnel to ensure a process is in place that protects the confidentiality of the parties and discoveries, while permitting the Board to properly uphold its fiduciary duty.  Chair Mercer requested that both Regent Semmens and Regent Barrett be involved in the development.  He also asked that some of the inventions from the MUS be showcased at the Board meetings.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

There are two parts to Item g.  One is the purchase of the lot; the second is the increase in purchase price in the acquisition zone to $190,000.

  Regent Semmens moved APPROVAL of Item g.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

Following a ten-minute break, the Board reconvened at 9:00 a.m.

STUDENT REPORTS

Following a ten-minute break, the Board reconvened at 9:40 a.m.

STAFF AND COMPENSATION ITEMS

Minor changes have been made to the Charge to the Committee

  Regent Semmens moved APPROVAL of Item c.1. as amended

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

END STAFF AND COMPENSATION ITEMS

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Open Forum for Public Input on MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM ISSUES

Staff Items:

a.

  Regent Foster moved APPROVAL of all staff items

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m. and went directly into Executive Session.