MINUTES OF APRIL 8, 1998 MEETING

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System was convened in Room 1507 of the State Capitol, City of Lincoln, County of Lancaster, State of Nebraska, on Wednesday, April 8, 1998.

In compliance with the provisions of Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 84-1411, printed notice of this meeting was mailed to each member of the Board of Trustees and was posted in the Office of the Secretary of the Board. In addition, copies of such notice were sent to the Associated Press, Lincoln Journal Star, and Omaha World-Herald on March 30, 1998. We, each of us, hereby acknowledge due and sufficient service to the above, the foregoing notice of the time and place and object of said meeting, and agree to meet in said meeting at the time and place presented.

Board Members attending:
Dr. Doug Christensen, Lincoln
Dr. Alfred Gigstad, Nebraska City
Ms. Frances Grimes, Grand Island
Mr. Rick Kolkman, North Platte
Ms. Sheryl Lindau, Wayne
Ms. Lee-Ellen Matzke, Sidney
Board Member absent:
Mr. Jeff Renner, Bellevue
Student Board Members participating:
Ms. Kimberlee Nelsen, Chadron State College
Mr. Andrew Tynon, Peru State College
Student Board Member absent:
Mr. Broch Muhs, Wayne State College
System Office Staff participating:
Dr. Carrol Krause, Executive Director
Dr. Donna Nelson, Associate Executive Director for Fiscal and Facilities Management
Dr. Larry Schultz, Associate Executive Director for Academic Affairs & Legal Services
Ms. Suzi Shugert, Public Relations/Information Director
Ms. Kim Rauscher, Administrative Assistant
Others attending:
Dr. Samuel Rankin, President, Chadron State College
Dr. Thomas Krepel, Sr. VP for Academic Affairs, Chadron State College
Mr. Ed Hoffman, Vice President for Administration, Chadron State College
Dr. Robert Burns, President, Peru State College
Dr. David Ainsworth, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Peru State College
Ms. Susan Udey, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Peru State College
Dr. Daryll Hersemann, Vice President for Student Services, Peru State College
Ms. Erin Sayer, Director of Residence Life, Peru State College
Dr. Donald Mash, President, Wayne State College
Dr. Jo Taylor, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Wayne State College
Mr. Andy Soll, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Wayne State College
Mr. Curt Frye, Vice President and Dean of Students, Wayne State College
Dr. John Ingram, Research Assistant, Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
Dr. David Wagaman, Department of Administrative Services, Budget Division
Mr. Steve Hotovy, Department of Administrative Services, Building Division
Ms. Nancy Donovan
Mr. Jim Lindau, spouse of Board member Ms. Sheryl Lindau
Press:
Ms. Karen Griess, Lincoln Journal-Star
Ms. Jena Janovy, Omaha World-Herald

CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Kolkman, Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. A roll call was taken: Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; and Tynon were present. Christensen and Gigstad arrived after roll call was taken. Renner, Muhs and Nelsen were absent.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Ms. Grimes moved and Ms. Matzke seconded a motion to go into executive session at 8:10 a.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel and teaching excellence award issues. Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

Ms. Grimes moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to go out of executive session at 8:25 a.m. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Kolkman, Chair, called the public session to order at 8:35 a.m. A roll call was taken: Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon were present. Renner and Muhs were absent.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Ms. Matzke moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: withdraw item 5.B.(9) Chadron State College, Miller Hall Construction Bids; and add Health Insurance Options under Information Items. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 26, 1998 MEETING
Ms. Grimes moved and Ms. Matzke seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the February 26 meeting. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS -- CONSENT AGENDA
Personnel Recommendations
Affirmative Action Statements
Grant Applications and Awards

CSC -- Teacher Mentoring via Technology Grant Application
Funding Source: Newblom Foundation
Amount Requested: $2,250
Funding Period: 8/1/98 - 7/31/99
This grant application would provide funds to establish a teacher mentoring program for first year novice teachers in the Chadron State College service region.
CSC -- Community/School Revitalization Grant Application
Funding Source: Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Amount Requested: $15,000
Funding Period: 7/1/98 - 6/30/99
This grant application would provide funds to enhance the economy and quality of life in the communities of Ainsworth, Bassett, Springview and Stuart by designing and stimulating cooperative action plans among leaders, school personnel and youth.
CSC -- Wetland Education: Lake Pontchartrain Grant Application
Funding Source: Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
Amount Requested: $24,634
Funding Period: 3/1/98 - 11/30/98
This grant application would provide funds to offer four workshops that provide basic ecological concepts, technological skills and methods of interpretation necessary for assessing wetland and upland habitat change in the Shell Beach and Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. Workshops would address a cut channel and hurricane effects on wetlands using aerial photography, satellite imagery, wetland maps and would introduce traditional mapping technology into the classroom.
CSC -- Mari Sandoz Center Planning Grant Application
Funding Source: Partnership for Economic Development (LB 144 - 1995)
Amount Requested: $25,000
Funding Period: 7/1/98 - 6/30/99
This grant application would provide funds to create a planning/coordinator position which in turn will create a plan to launch a fund drive to create the Mari Sandoz Center.
Grant would include indirect cost funds for the college=s use
Grant would require state matching funds of $6,250 for employee benefits
Grant would require in-kind funds of $2,600 (secretarial), $200 (photocopying), $800 (mailing and postage), $1,600 (equipment), $600 (telephone), $2,000 (travel), $1,800 (office space).
Grant would fund 1.0 new FTE
CSC -- Post Playhouse Grant Application
Funding Source: U.S. West
Amount Requested: $5,000
Funding Period: 5/16/98 - 8/21/98
This grant application would provide funds to support the summer theatre program.
CSC -- Galaxy Series: Native American Day Cultural Celebration Grant Application
Funding Source: U.S. West
Amount Requested: $6,500
Funding Period: 10/12-13/98
This grant application would provide funds for multicultural programming for the Galaxy Series: Celebration of Native American Day.
Grant would require in-kind funds of $200 (housing), $200 (workshop materials), $500 (marketing), $100 (postage), $300 (reception), $500 (administrative)
Grant would require state maintenance of effort.
CSC -- Wounded Knee Workshop Grant Application
Funding Source: Newblom Foundation
Amount Requested: $620.55
Funding Period: 6/98 - 8/98
This grant application would provide funds for Dr. David Scott to enrich his Wounded Knee workshop during the summer.
CSC -- Newblom Graphic Arts Equipment Request Grant Application
Funding Source: Newblom Foundation
Amount Requested: $1,820
Funding Period: 1998
This grant application would provide funds to purchase larger monitors for use in Graphic Arts and enable students to learn more efficiently.
Grant would require state matching funds.
CSC -- Wetland Education: Cape Hatteras Lookout Point Grant Award
Funding Source: NASA-Ames/National Wetlands Research Center: USGS
Amount Awarded: $16,000
Funding Period: 4/1/98 - 3/31/99
This grant will provide funding for two workshops that provide basic ecological concepts, technology skills and methods of interpretation necessary for assessing wetland and upland habitat change in the Cape Hatteras-Lookout Point, North Carolina area. Workshops will explore human and natural impacts on a barrier reef using aerial photography, satellite imagery and introduce traditional mapping technology into the classroom.
Grant will include indirect cost funds for the college=s use.
Restrictions are imposed by regulation on claiming indirect costs.
WSC -- NBDC 1998 Grant Award
Funding Source: U.S. Small Business Administration through UNO subcontract
Amount Awarded: $51,000
Funding Period: 1/1/98 - 12/31/98
This grant will provide funding for the continuation of the Nebraska Business Development Center at Wayne State College for 1998. Funding is provided to the University of Nebraska at Omaha from the Small Business Administration. Funding will provide for the Director and 2-time Secretary=s salary and benefits as well as for travel and office supplies.
Grant will require state matching funds.
WSC -- Northeast Nebraska Math and Science Coalition Grant Award
Funding Source: National Science Foundation through a subcontract with UNL
Amount Awarded: $2,000
Funding Period: 10/1/97 - 9/30/98
This grant will provide funding for the continuation of the Northeast Nebraska Regional Math and Science Coalition to further support the policy board and its programs.

Contracts and Change Orders

CSC -- West Court Apartments
Contracted Work: Remodel/repair interior
Contract Amount: $13,593
Funding Source: Contingency Maintenance
Contractor: Fuller Construction
CSC -- Stadium
Contracted Work: Professional services for stadium expansion
Contract Amount: $9,000
Funding Source: Chadron State College Foundation
Contractor: Rex Peterson, Architect
CSC -- Brooks Hall/Edna Work Hall
Contracted Work: Repair north and west entrances
Contract Amount: $10,801
Funding Source: Contingency Maintenance
Contractor: Fuller Construction

LB309 Allocations

Chadron State College
Acceptance of $119,000 for drainage corrections on the south side of the Administration building.
Allocation Date 2/5/98
Allocation Amount $119,000.00
College Contribution 21,000.00
Total Project Cost $140,000.00

Retrieval of $1,345.67 for asbestos abatement of Armstrong Gymnasium. Project has been completed.
Allocation Date 8/1/96
Allocation Amount $38,010.00
Amount Retrieved 1,345.67
Total Project Cost $36,664.33

Wayne State College
Acceptance of $15,300 for wall stabilization of Benthack Hall
Allocation Date 2/5/98
Allocation Amount $15,300.00
College Contribution 2,700.00
Total Project Cost $18,000.00

Acceptance of $148,750 for roof replacement of Rice Auditorium
Allocation Date 3/5/98
Allocation Amount $148,750
College Contribution 26,250
Total Project Cost $175,000

Retrieval of $675 for roof repair of Connell Hall. Project completed.
Allocation Date 9/6/96
Allocation Amount $2,125.00
Retrieval Amount 675.00
Total Project Cost $1,450.00

Campus Physical Plant Reports 
Bookstore Contracts
The 1998-99 bookstore contracts submitted by the three State Colleges are as follows:

Chadron State College -- Wallace=s Bookstores, Inc.
Peru State College -- Peru State Advancement, Inc.
Wayne State College -- Barnes & Noble Bookstores, Inc.

Occupancy and Income Potential Reports
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

SUBCOMMITTEE AGENDA
Academic Affairs, Student Life & Personnel Subcommittee
Lee-Ellen Matzke, Chair
Rank Promotion Recommendations
Ms. Matzke moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the rank promotion recommendations for faculty as submitted by the three State Colleges. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.
CHADRON STATE COLLEGE

PERU STATE COLLEGE

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

Tenure Recommendations
Ms. Matzke moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the tenure recommendations for faculty as submitted by the three State Colleges. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.
CHADRON STATE COLLEGE:
David Helton, Jack Hytrek
PERU STATE COLLEGE:
Kelly Asmussen, Richard Clopton, Joy Dunnigan, Paul Hinrichs, Peggy Jones, Tom Klubertanz, Marky Mokris, Kathryn Rempp
WAYNE STATE COLLEGE:
Barbara Blck, Marian Borgman-Ingwersen, Joni Boye-Beaman, Eddie Elfers, Richard Keenan, Stacy McMillen, David Ogden, Gretchen Ronnow, Beverly Soll, Linda Taber, Sharon Thomas

1998 Teaching Excellence Award
Ms. Matzke moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the recommendation of the Academic Affairs Subcommittee for the 1998 Teaching Excellence Award recipient, and submit that recommendation to the Lincoln Foundation for final approval. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

Business Affairs Subcommittee--Budget
Fran Grimes, Committee Member

1998-99 Tuition Rates
Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Gigstad seconded a motion to approve the 1998-99 tuition rates as follows: Undergraduate Resident -- $59.50 Graduate Resident -- $74.50 Undergraduate Non-Resident -- $119.00 Graduate Non-Resident -- $149.00 In addition the non-resident scholars rate shall be identical to the undergraduate resident rate. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

1998-99 Capital Improvement Facilities Fee
Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Gigstad seconded a motion to approve the 1998-99 Capital Improvement Facilities Fee of $3.00 per credit hour at each of the State Colleges, to be assessed beginning with the Fall semester, 1998. The proceeds of such fees are to be used for construction, renovation and repair projects at the three State Colleges, as approved by the Board, excluding projects authorized by the Revenue Bond program. At the end of each semester or summer term drop-and-add period, the proceeds will be transferred to the System Office for deposit into the Facilities Fee Trust Fund established for that purpose. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

1998-99 Fee Schedules
Ms. Grimes moved and Ms. Matzke seconded a motion to approve the fee schedules for 1998-99 as submitted by the State Colleges. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

1998-99 Salary Policy
Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Gigstad seconded a motion to approve the 1998-99 salary policy as follows:

Faculty (SCEA): As per collective bargaining agreement (3.0% across the board for all bargaining unit members with satisfactory performance).
Unionized Professional Staff (NSCPA): As per collective bargaining agreement (3.0% across the board to all bargaining unit members with satisfactory or better performance).
Unionized Support Staff (NAPE): As per collective bargaining agreement (3.0% across the board to all bargaining unit members with satisfactory or better performance).
Other Professional Staff: Each campus and the System Office is authorized to provide salary increases equal to 3.0% of its 1997-98 salary base for this specific group of employees, with the increases provided to all employees with a satisfactory performance rating.
Other Support Staff: Each campus and the System Office is authorized to provide salary increases equal to 3.0% of its 1997-98 salary base for this specific group of employees, with the increases provided to all employees with a satisfactory performance rating.

In addition, Board Policy 5405 calls for the employer contribution to the retirement plan to increase from 7.0% to 7.25% effective July 1, 1998.

Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

Deficit Requests, Committee=s Recommendations
The following status report on the Board of Trustee=s Deficit Request for 1997-99 was shared as information:

Business Affairs Subcommittee--Physical Plant
Fran Grimes, Chair

Chadron State College, Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum of Geology
Ms. Grimes moved and Ms. Matzke seconded a motion to accept the report on naming of room and collection to be housed in the Chadron State College Math and Science Building as the AEleanor Barbour Cook Museum of Geology.@ Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

Peru State College, Hoyt Science Hall
Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Gigstad seconded a motion to authorize Peru State College to initiate procedures, as outlined in Board Policy #8066, for selecting an architectural firm to prepare a Program Statement for the renovation of the Hoyt Science Hall facility on the Peru State College campus. Following discussion by the Board, Dr. Christensen offered an amendment to the motion to proceed in two phases: phase one being an Academic Program Statement, and phase two where it=s applied to any specific building, that that be coordinated with the Postsecondary Coordinating Commission so that if the Commission needs the specific facility application then we can proceed with it, if they don=t then we can stop it at that point. The amendment was seconded by Ms. Matzke. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye to amending the motion. Motion carried. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye on the amended motion. Motion carried.

Wayne State College, Studio Arts Building
Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Gigstad seconded a motion to approve the request by Wayne State College to participate in the State Master Lease Program in the amount of $250,000 to meet the cash flow needs of the Studio Arts Building renovation project. Funds to pay back the Master Lease Program will come from the Wayne State Foundation. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

Business Affairs Subcommittee--Revenue Bond
Al Gigstad, Chair

1998-99 Food Service Contracts
Dr. Gigstad moved and Ms. Matzke seconded a motion to approve 1998-99 food service contract recommendations submitted by the State Colleges as follows:
Chadron State College -- Chartwells
Peru State College -- Sodexho Management Services
Wayne State College -- Chartwells
Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

1998-99 Room and Board Rates
Dr. Gigstad moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the 1998-99 room and board rate proposals as submitted by all three State Colleges. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

Contingency Maintenance Requests
Dr. Gigstad moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the resolutions authorizing the State Colleges to spend surplus funds for Contingency Maintenance Projects on their campuses as follows:
Chadron State College -- $443,000
Peru State College -- $75,000
Wayne State College -- $400,000
Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke; Nelsen and Tynon voted aye. Motion carried.

RECESS 9:30-9:45
INFORMATION ITEMS
State of Legislative Bills
Dr. Krause distributed a summary of funding provided to the State Colleges as specified in the following legislative bills:
LB 386

LB 1100
Beginning on July 1, 1999 and ending June 30, 2009, the State College Facilities Program Fund shall receive an annual appropriated amount of not-less-than $400,000 to accomplish only the maintenance, repair and renovation projects listed in the bill. Undisbursed appropriations balances shall be reappropriated each year until the year June 30, 2012. Total appropriations shall not exceed $4,000,000.
Beginning with July 1, 1999 and continuing through June 30, 2009, the Board of Trustees are to provide matching funds on a one-to-one basis, up to $400,000 per year for a total of $4,000,000.
The Coordinating Commission must approve all proposed projects that will have a cost in excess of $225,000 OR those that would incur an increase in annual operating expenditures of over $55,000.
The Board of Trustees shall provide a semiannual progress report to the LB 309 Task Force on the status of each project authorized by LB 1100.
The Board of Trustees may enter into a long-term contract to implement the projects and provide for the long-term payment of the cost of the projects. Such contract shall not extend beyond July 15, 2011 nor exceed the repayment capabilities implicit in the funding streams authorized by the bill.
The Board of Trustees is authorized to spend interest earnings from any fund created by LB 1100 for the purposes stated in the act. Any appropriated amounts or any matching funds which are in excess of amounts required to meet the debt service, and any interest earnings derived from the reserve funds or any other funds created under the authority provided for in any contract authorized by the bill, shall be accumulated and applied toward early retirement of debt as authorized under the indenture.

LB 1108
Section 57 appropriates $527,416 to the Board of Trustees for FY 97-98 to be used on all three State College campuses to eliminate fire and life safety deficiencies, eliminate facility accessibility barriers, and other projects of renewal work as defined in State Statute Section 85-173. The following projects were submitted in the deficit budget request as possible projects for which these funds would be used:
Chadron State College - Air quality corrections in Math/Science Building-------$187,000
Peru State College - Fire alarm systems in four classroom buildings---------------110,000
Peru State College - ADA modifications in five classroom buildings-------------------42,000
Wayne State College - Fire and life safety projects in ten classroom buildings-119,600
Wayne State College - ADA modifications in ten classroom buildings---------------74,300
TOTAL-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$532,900

Section 153 also contains language that directs the University of Nebraska and the State Colleges to cooperate with the Coordinating Commission in developing comprehensive facilities plans and a statewide facility information base, including facilities utilization information. The report must be submitted to the Coordinating Commission by July 1, 1999 with a copy also being submitted to the Building Renewal Task Force for review.

NOTE: On March 31, 1998, Governor Nelson line-item vetoed the $527,416 appropriated in LB 1108 by the Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations Committee plans to override the veto.

LB 1138
Section 1 appropriates the following funds to the Board of Trustees for Miscellaneous Renewal Projects (as defined by RRS, Section 81-173) at Peru State College:
State Building Fund

Section 2 appropriates the following funds to the Board of Trustees for the Hoyt Science Hall Renovation and Classroom Addition Project at Peru State College:
State Building Fund

The expenditure of these fund is subject to approval of the project by the Coordinating Commission.

Section 3 states that prior to consideration of the project proposal, the Coordinating Commission must undertake and complete a study with the following elements:
1) Role and mission of and academic offerings provided by Peru State College
2) Educational and service needs of students who attend Peru State College
3) Peru State College enrollment, retention, graduation, and related data and trends
4) Costs of educating students at Peru State College
5) Condition and utilization of current facilities and needs for renewal, renovation and remodeling of existing facilities at Peru State College
6) Employment and economic development needs of southeast Nebraska
7) The need for a residential, public, four-year college in southeast Nebraska
8) The extent of services which are currently provided or which may potentially be provided in southeast Nebraska by postsecondary educational institutions other than Peru State College
9) Potential modifications to the role and mission of and academic offerings provided by Peru State College
10) Capital and operating costs implications related to subdivision (9) of this section
11) Effectiveness of alternative means of academic program delivery
12) Impact upon other educational institutions relating to any modifications to the role and mission of and academic offerings provided by Peru State College
13) Statutory or other revisions which may be necessary relating to any modifications to the role and mission of and academic offerings provided by Peru State College
14) A reasonable time line and process for implementation of any modifications to the role and mission of and academic offerings provided by Peru State College

The Coordinating Commission is to report its findings to the Governor and Legislature on or before December 1, 1998.

Section 4 appropriates $60,000 to the Coordinating Commission to aid in carrying out the provisions stipulated in Section 3.

Dr. Krause concluded by saying that the Board will need to request proposals from underwriters for the LB 1100 bonds, and from firms to serve as trustee for the bonds which are to be issued through the Nebraska State Colleges Facilities Corporation. The selection process was delegated to the Business Affairs Subcommittee, which will bring recommendations on those two items to the June Board meeting. The subcommittee members will also review the campus project priorities prior to the May meeting and, at a later date, provide their recommendation on the distribution of the bond proceeds.

Peru State College Study
A tentative schedule for the Coordinating Commission=s study regarding Peru State College was shared with Board members. An RFP will be released April 10, the contractor=s presentation to the Commission is scheduled for June 11, with the final report submitted to the Governor December 1.

Health Insurance Options
Due to an anticipated 10% increase in health insurance premiums for 1998-99, the System Office has been pursuing alternative plans with the current carrier, Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Nebraska. Dr. Schultz presented information to the Board regarding the proposed APreferred@ $0 Deductible PPO Plan. Action will be taken at the May Board meeting to adopt the APreferred@ Plan as an option to the current AClassic@ $100 Deductible Plan. Because benefits are a negotiable item with the unions, it was suggested that State College employees could be given the option to voluntarily change to the APreferred@ Plan for 1998-99.

Presidents and Student Trustee Reports
Dr. Mash reported, in the absence of Mr. Muhs, that Wayne State College recently hosted a regional meeting of the Habitat for Humanity. College representatives from four states were in attendance to develop leadership skills in the fight to eliminate substandard housing. He also announced that the Wayne State Spring Faculty Meeting would be held April 16 to conclude a very successful year, and that Connell Hall renovation will begin following the May commencement ceremonies. Dr. Mash expressed his appreciation to Dr. Krause and Board members on their efforts during this very productive legislative session.

Ms. Nelsen reported that Chadron State College is planning for their Spring Days event. She also announced that the Student Senate has elected their 1998-99 officers. One issue of interest is the student-proposed recommendation to implement a plus/minus grading system. The proposal will soon be submitted to Dr. Rankin. Students have also expressed a concern that book prices will increase due to the recent change in bookstore contracts.

Dr. Rankin responded by saying that Nebraska Bookstore, while no longer the contractor of record, is planning to open a store in downtown Chadron, which may result in competitive pricing. He also reported that the annual Scholastic Competition was recently held on the Chadron State College campus and the Distinguished Service Award was presented last week to Jack McBride for his years in service to distance learning development. Dr. Rankin also announced that plans are being developed for Chadron=s participation in the Western Governor=s University.

Mr. Tynon reported that Peru State College Student Senate elections have also taken place. Personally, he is completing the last few weeks of student teaching in math and as a track coach, and looking forward to graduation. He thanked the Board members for the experience of serving with them during the past year.

Dr. Burns thanked the Board and Dr. Krause on behalf of Peru State College for their support of LB 1100 and today=s action regarding the Hoyt Hall program statement. He recently attended a meeting with Dr. Krause at the Coordinating Commission to review information to be gathered during their study of Peru State College. Dr. Burns announced that the Peru State College economic development coordinator has been working with Johnson county representatives to develop a similar position for the county with possible student internships in the future. Support is also being given to Tecumseh as a potential site for the state=s new prison. He also reported that the campus is beginning to prepare for accreditation visits scheduled for 2000-2001.

Following the reports, Mr. Kolkman suggested that a future Board workshop should include discussion of the proposed grading scale being suggested by students at Chadron State College.

Recognition of Student Trustees
Mr. Kolkman then recognized the 1997-98 Student Trustees for their participation during the past year, and wished them well. New Student Trustees will be named May 1.

Commencement Ceremonies
The following people will represent the Board at the upcoming commencements: Ms. Matzke will attend Chadron=s commencement; Dr. Gigstad will attend Peru; and Ms. Lindau will represent the Board at Wayne.

Schedule of Annual CEO Evaluations
The annual evaluations for Dr. Burns, Dr. Mash and Dr. Krause will be held the afternoon prior to the June Board meeting.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.