BOR Minutes: May 29-30, 2003
Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education
Minutes
Regular Meeting
May 29-30, 2003
Montana State University-Great Falls College of Technology
P. O. Box 6010
Great Falls, MT 59406-6010
These Minutes were approved unanimously by the Board of Regents at the July 10-11, 2003 meeting in Kalispell, MT
Academic/Student Affairs Items (Submission and Action)
Administrative/Budget Items (Submission and Action)
THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2003
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, Lila Taylor. Also present was Interim Commissioner Carrol Krause
Regents Absent: Governor Judy Martz ex officio, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch ex officio
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES |
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The following individuals commented on the failure rate being encountered in the nursing program at MSU-Northern. Carrie Kidd, Benefis Health Care Karen Shaw Becky Holden Laurie Dawn Moe Cindy Covington Alvina Bernsted
End Public Comment |
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Staff Items: |
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a. |
ITEM 119-100-R0503 - Staff; Office of Commissioner of Higher Education |
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b. |
ITEM 119-1000-R0503 - Staff; The University of Montana Missoula |
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c. |
ITEM 119-1003-R0503 - Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Business Administration upon Gary L. Cleveland; The University of Montana-Missoula |
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d. |
ITEM 119-1004-R0503 - Authorization to Confer the Title of Vice President for Student Affairs Emeritus upon Barbara B. Hollmann; The University of Montana-Missoula |
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e. |
ITEM 119-1005-R0503 - Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Business Administration upon Robert W. Hollmann; The University of Montana-Missoula |
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f. |
ITEM 119-1006-R0503 - Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Social Work upon Charles Horejsi; The University of Montana-Missoula |
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g. |
ITEM 119-1500-R0503 - Staff; Montana Tech of The University of Montana |
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h. |
ITEM 119-1600-R0503 - Staff; The University of Montana-Western |
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i. |
ITEM 119-1900-R0503 - Staff; The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology |
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j. |
ITEM 119-2000-R0503 - Staff; Montana State University-Bozeman |
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k. |
ITEM 119-2001-R0503 - Authorization to Confer the Title of Dean Emeritus of the Museum of the Rockies upon Marilyn W. Wessel; Montana State University-Bozeman |
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l. |
ITEM 119-2002-R0503 - Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Biochemistry upon Larry L. Jackson; Montana State University-Bozeman |
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ITEM 119-2003-R0503 - Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Native American Studies upon Henrietta Mann; Montana State University-Bozeman |
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n. |
ITEM 119-2400-R0503 - Staff; Extension Service |
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o. |
ITEM 119-2700-R0503 - Staff; Montana State University-Billings |
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p. |
ITEM 119-2800-R0503 - Staff; Montana State University-Northern |
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q. |
ITEM 119-2850-R0503 - Staff; Montana State University-Great Falls College of Technology |
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Administrative/Budget Items: |
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a. |
ITEM 119-1009-R0503 - Authority Reports; The University of Montana-Missoula Attachment AS AMENDED |
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b. |
ITEM 119-1011-R0503 - Elrod Hall Wiring and Fire Sprinklers; The University of Montana-Missoula |
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c. |
ITEM 119-1012-R0503 - Naming of the New Multi-Unit Student Housing Facility as the Lewis and Clark Village; The University of Montana-Missoula |
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d. |
ITEM 119-1013-R0503 - Authorization to Finance with the Montana Board of Investments for the Construction of Research Lab Facilities; The University of Montana-Missoula Attachment |
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e. |
ITEM 119-1504-R0503 - Authorization to Expend Student Computer Fees; Montana Tech of The University of Montana |
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ITEM 119-1904-R0503 -Authorization to Expend Student Computer and Equipment Fees; The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology |
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ITEM 119-2005-R0503 - Annual Status Report of Regent's Policy 1003.7 Authority; Montana State University - Bozeman Attachment |
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ITEM 119-2701-R0503 - Authorization to Expend Student Computer Fee Funds; Montana State University-Billings |
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i. |
ITEM 119-112-R0503 - Authorization to execute and deliver Series 2003 New Money Issue Bond Documents; Montana University System Bond Resolution |
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j. |
INFORMATIONAL That MSU-Bozeman is pursuing separate Long-Term Leases for Relocation of the Great Falls Campus of the MSU-Bozeman College of Nursing and the Montana Fire Services Training School |
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Labor Agreements/Other: |
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a. |
ITEM 119-101-R0503 Approval of Tentative Agreement with Montana State University-Billings Faculty Association; Office of Commissioner of Higher Education Memo Agreement |
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ITEM 119-1014-R0503 Operating Agreement between The University of Montana and the University of Montana Foundation; The University of Montana-Missoula |
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c. |
ITEM 119-1501-R0503 Operating Agreement between Montana Tech of The University of Montana and the Montana Tech Foundation; Montana Tech of The University of Montana |
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ITEM 119-2702-R0503 Foundation Operating Agreement; Montana State University-Billings |
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e. |
ITEM 119-2802-R0503 Foundation Operating Agreement; Montana State University-Northern Service Agreement |
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END CONSENT AGENDA |
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a. |
Level I Memo (Informational Item) |
| There were no questions on Item a. | |
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b. |
Level II Memo (Informational Item) |
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Helena College of Technology has received a letter of objection from Carroll College to their proposed Associate of Science in Nursing program. The CoT will work further with Carroll and come back to the Board with more information. |
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c. |
ITEM 118-1011-R0103 - Request to offer the Masters of Public Administration degree (MPA) online with four MPA courses per calendar year available over the internet; The University of Montana-Missoula |
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d. |
ITEM 118-2003-R0103 - Authorization to discontinue collaborative Public Administration program; Montana State University-Bozeman Proposal |
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e. |
ITEM 118-2004-R0103 - Approval to Create a Joint Masters Degree in Public Administration; Montana State University-Bozeman and Montana State University-Billings. Summary Memorandum of Agreement |
| Item e. was pulled from the Agenda. | |
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f. |
ITEM 119-104-R0503 Math Proficiency Admissions Standards (Discussion Item) Dr. Scott |
| Dr. Scott indicated this was the final recommendation to the Board, following a lengthy and intensive process. It introduces standard scores beginning Fall of 2004, phasing them in to reach full standard in the Fall of 2007. She indicated that when the writing standards were introduced performance improved, and she expects that to happen with math as well. This standard applies to freshmen, but not transfer or non-traditional students. Dr. Scott proposed moving forward with the new standard as recommended, and to proceed in the next year to work with the transfer and non-traditional student standards. There were no objections from the Board. | |
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g. |
Nursing Transfer Credit Articulation into MT Tech Nursing Programs (Report from MT Tech) |
| Dr. Scott indicated this was the report on articulation requested by the Board when they approved the AS and BSN for Montana Tech. | |
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h. |
Gear Up Annual Accomplishments 2002-03 (Informational Item) |
| Please see original report. | |
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i. |
Report on Spring 2003 Writing Proficiency Pilot in 89 High Schools (Informational item) |
| One hundred twenty three teachers from 89 high schools have participated in training on scoring these tests. The results are improving and this is another example of the cooperation between higher education and K-12. | |
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j. |
Proposed MUS Transfer Articulation Project Costing Estimate (Informational item) |
| Dr. Scott indicated they have surveyed at least once all transfer groups in the MUS. The conclusion is no major transfer problem exists. The other conclusion is the most economical thing is to work and update the educational match annually. She indicated UM has taken action to introduce on-line automatic matching that permits students, faculty, and deans to look up and evaluate transfer credits for acceptance. The CAOs believe too, that if a small portion of revenue and hard labor were devoted to activating and updating the system, it would be better than spending the kind of money indicated in this report. One point of interest is that MUS is receiving and graduating transfer students at twice the national rate. A program to monitor and track transfers by administration combined with an annual audit will show the percentage moving to campuses and compare their credit hours to graduation with those who originate on campus. At UM and Montana Tech students are within 6 to 8 credit hours. The largest differential in the range is 20 credit hours. Dr. Scott recommended coming back to the Board with an interim plan as UM brings up the balance of the evaluation software, and to try to meet the requirements by other than spending the money indicated in the report. There was no objection from the Board. | |
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ITEM 119-103-R0503 - Perkins Report - Arlene Parisot Perkins Incentive Grant |
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Dr. Arlene Parisot indicated there is concern with the FY04 President's proposed budget. Funding has not been changed at present, but is being considered in conference committee. She indicated they met with each member of the Congressional Delegation last week in DC, expressing the impact the change would have on Montana. Senator Burns assured her that since he is a member of the conference committee, he will work to maintain the funding level. Dr. Parisot said the format for the '04 budget is a prototype of what the Perkins budget may move from formula-based to competitive. Asked if it would help for the Board to send a letter to the Congressional Delegation expressing their concern, she indicated it definitely would.
Ms. Arlene Hannawalt indicated the reauthorization will affect student loan programs. She indicated they would like to see loan limits for freshmen raised to help with the increased tuition they face.
Dr. Arlene Parisot reported that by meeting or exceeding requirements, Montana as one of 16 qualifying states, had received a windfall of $750,000 for WIA, Adult Education and Perkins. |
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The Board took a 20 minute break. |
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a. |
ITEM 118-107-R0303 - Approval of New Policy on Use of General Operations Savings to Establish Scholarship and Stipend Accounts; Montana University System |
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b. |
ITEM 119-117-R0503 Budget Amendment Fiscal Year 2003; Flathead Valley Community College |
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c. |
ITEM 119-1001-R0503 Approval of University System/Employee Joint Venture; The University of Montana-Missoula |
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d. |
ITEM 119-1002-R0503 Approval of University System/Employee Joint Venture; The University of Montana-Missoula |
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e. |
ITEM 119-2004-R0503 Authorization to Establish a Mandatory Information Technology Fee at Each Campus of Montana State University Attachment |
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The Board discussed the variations in funding methods for IT with the campus CEOs. |
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ITEM 119-2013-R0503 Authorization to Allow a Provisional Exception to BoR Policy 802.3; Montana State University-Bozeman |
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Following a lengthy discussion, President Gamble pulled this item from the Agenda until the July 10-11, 2003 meeting. |
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ITEM 119-2301-R0503 Authorization to Grant Right-a-way for Construction of Natural Gas Pipeline on Northern Agricultural Research Center Property; Agricultural Experiment Station Attachment |
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ITEM 119-2401-R0503 Increase Authority Level for Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program; Montana State University Extension Service |
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i. |
ITEM 119-2703-R0503 Authorization to Offer Access at In-State Tuition Rates to Online Courses with Excess Capacity to Non-resident Students; Montana State University-Billings Attachment |
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Item i. pulled from agenda until July 10-11, 2003 meeting and Regent Semmens suggested that Regent Hamilton meet with the Tuition Committee to address this issue. |
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a. |
Possible Nomination and Selection of Finalists for position of Permanent Commissioner |
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Item a. was deferred to Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. |
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b. |
Consideration of Tuition Levels for FY04-05 and Long Term Budget Planning Regent Roehm/Commissioner Krause |
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Item b. was discussed at length at the budget presentation on Wednesday afternoon. |
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c. |
ITEM 119-115-R0503 - Annual Approval of Tuition and Fees; MUS and Community Colleges - Rod Sundsted Community Colleges Course and Misc Fees Tuition and Mandatory Fees AMENDED |
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Item c. requests final approval of the budgets presented on Wednesday afternoon. |
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Sara Anderson indicated the fee is $5.00 for e-mail. It was approved five and a half years ago but was never imposed until now. Students do not want to pay for what they can get free. Dean Moe said they spoke with students about the fee, and listened to their concerns. She explained the fee was not imposed before because the campus never had the money to buy the necessary servers before. They intend to use the campus e-mail system for advising and teaching, and these issues need a secure site. She also noted that students go in and out of different accounts which causes loss of communication. She believes the $5.00 is minimal. |
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This item was cut short by the hour and picked up again after lunch. |
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The Board recessed at 11:50 for lunch with student representatives followed by a meeting with classified staff representatives The Board reconvened at 2:06 p.m. |
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 Representative Norma Bixby stopped by the meeting on her return from the Economic
Summit in Billings and gave a brief of report of what had happened. She stated it
was repeatedly stressed that education is a high priority and a very important part
of the economic development picture for Montana's future. She spoke about a leadership
program based on a Wyoming model. Montana Leadership is ready to train 40 people
and they are accepting applications. The courses are on a one year cycle which is
repeatable each year. Ms. Bixby also indicated that the cluster concept appears to
be promising. Chancellor Sexton announced Sysco Corp. has settled in Billings and
will bring more jobs to the area. |
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ITEM 119-115-R0503 - Annual Approval of Tuition and Fees; MUS and Community Colleges - Rod Sundsted Community Colleges Course and Misc Fees Tuition and Mandatory Fees CONTINUED |
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| Aaron Flint, new president of ASUM indicated the students had voted against the 1% for quality. Prof. Rich Howard and others said faculty have a different perspective and are in favor of it. Most dollars are aimed at skills level type courses which are a large factor in the retention of those students who need extra help. | |
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Regent Jasmin called for the question.
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Following a lengthy discussion and separating item c. in two parts, Regent Jasmin called for the question on the main motion |
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There was extensive discussion of the various fees presented by the campuses and discussion of who would work with the allocation model to incorporate these other components. |
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Regent Semmens called for the question.
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At 3:30 p.m. the Board took a 15 minute break. The Annual Award for Montana University System Excellence in Citizenship was presented to Laura Humberger and Jim Darcy for their excellence and persistence in implementing the new GASB rules. Not present for the presentation were winners LeAnn Anderson and Dan Jenko, also heavily involved in this endeavor.
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ITEM 119-107-R0503 Amendment of Policy 940.12.1 - Annual fee and tuition approval |
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Based on the two year cycle of the legislature, and the budget dependency on state funding, Regent Mercer amended item d. to read from every year to "every two years" and add "odd numbered years." He wants to see an end to fees being brought to the Board at every meeting.
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ITEM 119-105-R0503 - Authorization to Establish a Permanent Montana Associated Students Fee of $1.00 per student per semester; All Campuses excluding Community Colleges Regent Roehm/MAS FTE Report Pay Plan Funding Proposal |
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Student Government pulled item e. from the Agenda. |
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ITEM 119-114-R0503 - Guidelines for Policy 807.2, Travel - Regent Roehm/Rod Sundsted Memo |
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Following discussion of the merits of the item, with several changes being proposed, Regent Hamilton called for the question. |
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g. |
Consolidated Financial Statements (Discussion Item) Laurie Neils |
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The Board had no questions regarding item g. |
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ITEM 119-116-R0503 - New Policy on Commitment to Integrity Regent Roehm Cover Memo |
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ITEM 119-110-R0503 Board Self Evaluation (Discussion Item) Regent Roehm |
| It was agreed to delay this item until the permanent commissioner has been hired. |
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ITEM 119-109-R0503 Issues of available space for SAF, MHESAC, MGSLP and OCHE. (Discussion Item) Commissioner Krause Summary Fact Sheet Attachments |
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The Board discussed the difficulties with the current location of the Commissioner's office, and a variety of ideas to solve the space issue. Although MHESAC is able to pay whatever is needed because of their source of revenue, GSL and OCHE must keep their costs low based on state funding. The second issue was whether to separate the three organizations or to keep them together. |
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The Board recessed at 5:16 p.m. |
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Friday, May 30, 2003The Board reconvened at 8:30 a.m. |
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STUDENT REPORTS Please see attached reports
Chairman Roehm acknowledged both Trevor Blythe and Dan Geelan along with their colleagues for their extensive work and dedicated leadership during their tenure in office. This was their last meeting as they leave office.
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| SYSTEM ISSUES continued | |
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Possible Nomination and Selection of Finalists for position of Permanent Commissioner |
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Chairman Roehm announced that two finalists will be invited back for further interviews. Those two are Warren H. Fox, Scholar in Residence at UC Berkeley, and Sheila Stearns, President of Wayne State University and former Chancellor of UM-Western. The interview times and places will be announced when they are scheduled. |
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ITEM 119-111-R0503 Amendment of Article XIII of Policy 201.7 (By-Laws) Regent Roehm/LeRoy Schramm Memo |
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There was debate on the pros and cons of the item. |
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ITEM 119-113-R0503 Consideration of Status of Commissioner as Ex-officio Member of the Board of Regents Regent Hamilton Attachment |
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Interim Commissioner Krause asked for consensus for OCHE to have the statute changed. The Board agreed. |
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m. |
Regent Committee Appointments (Information Item) Chairman Roehm |
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Regent Taylor was added to the Budget Committee. |
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n. |
ITEM 119-106-R0503 Amendment of Article IV of Policy 201.7 By-Laws Regent Mercer |
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| Election of new officers | |
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o. |
An Agenda for Progress (Discussion Item) Regent Mercer |
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p. |
Higher Education AGB Report Challenges and Opportunities (Discussion Item) - Regent Roehm |
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q. |
Campus Compact Annual Report (Informational Item) |
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Please see original reports for items o., p., and q. |
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Regent Hamilton MOVED for APPROVAL of the Minutes of the March 3, 2003 Special
Meeting in Helena, MT, the March 20-21, 2003 Regular Meeting in Helena, MT, and the
April 2, 2003 Special Meeting in Helena, MT as circulated
The Minutes of the March 3, 2003 Special Meeting were APPROVED unanimously on
a 7-0 vote. The Minutes of the March 20-21, 2003 Regular Meeting approved unanimously
as amended on 7-0 vote. The Minutes of the April 2, 2003 Special Meeting were approved
unanimously on 7-0 vote.|
The MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:20 A.M. for executive session |