Regular meetings of the Academic/Personnel and Fiscal/Facilities Committees of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System were held at Peru State College on Wednesday, April 12, 2000.

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 29, 2000. 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. Alfred Gigstad, Nebraska City
Ms. Frances Grimes, Grand Island
Ms. Willa Kosman, Scottsbluff
Mr. Steve Lewis, Lexington
Dr. Doug Christensen, Lincoln

Student Board Members present:
Ms. Jessica Cady, Chadron State College
Mr. Robert Hollis, Peru State College
Mr. Dan Wetherell, Wayne State College

System Office Staff participating:
Mr. Stan Carpenter, Executive Director
Dr. Larry Schultz, Associate Executive Director for Academic Affairs & Legal Services
Mr. Bruce Donelson, Director, Facilities Management and Planning
Ms. Becky Kohrs, Network Specialist/Accountant
Ms. Kim Rauscher, Administrative Assistant

Others attending:
Dr. Thomas Krepel, President, Chadron State College
Dr. Ben Johnson, President, Peru State College
Dr. Sheila Stearns, President, Wayne State College
Dr. Joyce Hardy, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chadron State College
Mr. Ed Hoffman, Vice President for Administration, Chadron State College
Dr. Jerome Martin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Peru State College
Dr. Susan Udey, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Peru State College
Mr. Ted Harshbarger, Dean of Student Services, Peru State College
Ms. Erin Sayer, Director of Residence Life/Interim Director of Physical Plant, Peru State College
Dr. Robert McCue, Interim Vice Pres. for Academic Affairs, Wayne State College
Ms. Carolyn Murphy, Interim Vice Pres. for Admin. & Finance, Wayne State College
Mr. Curt Frye, Vice President and Dean of Students, Wayne State College
Mr. Bill Beavers, Ameritas Investment Corporation (Revenue Bond Financial Management Consultant)
Mr. Scott Kuehn, Ameritas Investment Corporation
Ms. Jennifer Chleboun, Wayne State College 2000-2001 Student Trustee
Mr. Tom Ward, Chadron State College 2000-2001 Student Trustee

CALL TO ORDER

Dr. Gigstad called the Committee meetings to order at 1:00 p.m.

FISCAL AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE

Tuition Rate for FY 01
When the Legislature set the biennial budget for the Nebraska State Colleges, it assumed at least a 4.0% tuition increase for FY 01. Such a tuition increase, coupled with the appropriation, would result in a short fall of about $75,000. Additionally, a key legislative assumption was that operational costs would increase by only 1.0%. The Council of Presidents, therefore, recommended in addition to the 4.0% legislatively driven tuition increase that the FY 01 tuition rate be increased by an additional 1.2% for a total increase of 5.2%.

Executive Director Carpenter noted that the total tuition/fees/room and board percentage increase proposed for FY 01 is 4.32% and that peer institutions surveyed anticipate 6-10% tuition rate increases for FY 01.

Board members voiced the need to lobby the legislature for a greater percentage of funding. Mr. Lewis suggested a review of student financial aid trends would also be beneficial.

The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended a 5.2% tuition increase to the full Board.

Contingency Maintenance Requests
Mr. Bill Beavers, the Board’s revenue bond financial management consultant, discussed the College requests to spend surplus funds for Contingency Maintenance Projects on their campuses. He reviewed the history of the Nebraska State College System contingency maintenance program and reviewed the requests for 2000-2001 as follows:
Chadron State College..................... $479,000
Peru State College.......................... $385,000
Wayne State College....................... $400,000

The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended approval of the contingency maintenance requests to the full Board.

Chadron State College, Contingency Maintenance Reallocation

Chadron is requesting authorization to reallocate $20,000 from Resolution 4/8/98 (Student Center Bookstore remodel) to miscellaneous items needed in the Student Center (LCD projector, repair of the portable stage and skirting for the stage, PA system upgrades, and furniture recovering). The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended approval of the reallocation to the full Board.

Fee Recommendations

The College requests for fee increases for FY 01 are modest. Chadron proposes no fee increases; Peru proposes a small increase in its facilities fee; and Wayne proposes a modest increase in student event fees and a new technology fee of $5.00 per credit hour. The technology fee will be used to improve the campus web-based system, rotate replacement of equipment and hire residence hall technical assistants. The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended approval of the fee recommendations to the full Board.

Food Service Contracts

Chadron and Peru recommend new food service contracts with their current vendors for FY 01. Wayne will have its recommendation for a new food service contract ready for the May Board meeting.

The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended approval of the food service contracts to the full Board.

Room and Board Rates

Chadron proposes no increase in its room and board rates. Peru seeks a 5.0% increase in its board rate and a 13.6% increase in its room rate that includes Internet and telephone service, as well as expanded cable service. Wayne seeks a 2.0% increase in its room rate and no increase in board rates. The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended approval of the proposed room and board rates to the full Board.

Salary Policy

The salary increases for faculty, unionized professional staff and unionized support staff were previously negotiated in the 1999-2001 collective bargaining agreements. The FY 01 salary increases for other professional and support staff is to be 3.50% of the 1999-00 salary base, provided employees receive a satisfactory performance rating. The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended approval of the salary policy to the full Board.

Policy Revisions

First-round approval was given to policy changes at the February 28 Board meeting. Second-round and final approval is being requested on changes to the following:

Policy 6022 – Income; System-wide Fees; Individual Campus Fees
Policy 8003 – Real Property; Disposal
Policy 8004 – Real Property; Demolition
Policy 8038 – Unclaimed Property
Policy 8065 – Capital Construction; Contracts; Approvals
Policy 8067 – Capital Construction; Contracts; Works of Art

The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended approval of the policy revisions to the full Board. In addition, the Council of Presidents will be discussing the minimum dollar amount of applications and awards needing to be reported to the Board.

Contracts and Change Orders

Contracts provided by Peru and a change order provided by Chadron were noted. The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended approval of the contracts and change orders to the full Board.

LB 309 Funding

Acceptance of LB 309 funding by Peru for the Jindra Fine Arts Building and the Heating Plant was noted. In addition, the retrieval of funding for the Theater/Auditorium project was noted. The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended approval of the funding to the full Board.

Capital Construction

Capital construction items submitted by Chadron, Peru and Wayne were reviewed. The Fiscal and Facilities Committee unanimously recommended approval of the capital construction items to the full Board.

Peru State College, Fourth Year Free Program

Ms. Erin Sayer, Director of Residence Life, reported on the retention/housing incentive program that was implemented in 1999-2000. The program was designed to encourage students to remain on campus beyond the initial two years required and to reward students for being good citizens and making above average academic progress towards their degree. During the fall semester 1999, 31 students received the room waiver equal to double occupancy charges towards their student account. The average term GPA for the 31 participants was 3.54, significantly higher than the 2.5 minimum required to participate in the program. The financial impact of the program for the fall was $26,131.45. The spring semester 2000 saw 23 residents receiving waivers for a total dollar amount of $19,922. The program has positively impacted the retention of third year students.

ACADEMIC AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Tenure Recommendations

Board members considered the five tenure recommendations submitted by Chadron and the seven submitted by Wayne. The tenure policy was reviewed, as well as the review process that involves peer review, student evaluations, materials provided by the applicant to support the application, and administrative review. Dr. Larry Schultz, Associate Executive Director for Academic Affairs and Legal Services, pointed out the tenure is not awarded merely for completing a certain length of service. Rather tenure is awarded for quality of current professional performance and promise of continued performance. The standards for achieving tenure relate to a demonstrated ability to teaching effectively and to contribute to students’ academic growth and development; evidence of continuing preparation and study through scholarly and creative activity; and service to the college and community.

The Academic and Personnel Committee unanimously recommended approval of the tenure recommendations to the full Board.

Promotion Recommendations

Board members considered six Chadron faculty members, one Peru faculty member, and 11 Wayne faculty members recommended for promotion in rank. The granting of promotion requires that each of these persons meet educational and service criteria such as appropriate degree, years of service at the college level, as well as years of service to the State College. In addition, performance criteria must be satisfied that includes a demonstrated ability to teach effectively, contributions to student growth and development, relevant scholarly and creative activity, service to the college, community, and profession, and professional growth and collegial relationships. Peer review, student evaluations, material supplied by the faculty member to support the application, and administrative review and recommendations are involved in the promotion process.

The Academic and Personnel Committee unanimously recommended approval of the promotion recommendations to the full Board.

Teaching Excellence Award Nomination

Beginning in 1984, the Board of Trustees has annually awarded the George Rebensdorf Teaching Excellence Award. The award was established by FirsTier Bank in memory of George Rebensdorf, a long time State College Board Trustee and a FirsTier officer. The funds supporting this award are on deposit with and under the management of The Lincoln Foundation, the grantor agency for the Award. Each college nominates one candidate for the award. The Academic and Personnel Committee evaluates the three nominees and then recommends one candidate to the full Board. This recommendation and the resumes of all three nominees are forwarded to The Lincoln Foundation for its concurrence. The Board, following action by The Lincoln Foundation, announces the name of the recipient. The Lincoln Foundation then presents a check for $3,000 to the recipient during the May Board of Trustees meeting. Following are the names of the 2000 nominees:

Dr. Charles Cressy, Professor of Business, Chadron State College
Dr. Dan Holtz, Professor of English, Peru State College
Dr. Robert Zahniser, Professor Humanities, Wayne State College

The Academic and Personnel Committee moved to go into Executive Session to evaluate the three nominations. The Committee reconvened in Public Session.

Policy Revisions

First-round approval was given to policy changes at the February 28 Board meeting. Second-round and final approval is being requested on changes to the following:

Policy 3400 – Tuition Remission
Policy 4160 – Degree Programs; Chadron State College
Policy 4170 – Degree Programs; Peru State College
Policy 4180 – Degree Programs; Wayne State College
Policy 5021 – Delegation of Authority to Make Certain Appointments

The Academic and Personnel Committee unanimously recommended approval of the policy revisions to the full Board.

Elimination of Educational Media Program at Chadron State College

At the May 19 meeting the Board will be asked to approve the elimination of the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts program in Educational Media. The Board first reviewed and approved Educational Media for continuation in 1994. At that time the program produced an average 3.4 graduates per years over the 5-year reporting period. The Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE), however, scheduled an in-depth review for June 1995 focusing on the adequacy of faculty resources and on the demand for the program in the service region. The CCPE noted that while the review documented a need for this specialization, the enrollments did not indicate a student demand in the area.

Following the in-depth review, the CCPE agreed with the Board’s recommendation that the program be given three years to develop and produce the required number of graduates or be discontinued as an undergraduate major and continued as an area of endorsement for teacher education. Following the 1998 supplemental report, which showed an average of 1.8 graduates a year since 1994, the Board recommended that the program be continued for two more years in an effort to develop and produce the required number of graduates. The Board also recommended that a follow-up report be scheduled for June, 2000 to determine the status of the program.

The College recommends at this time that the undergraduate programs in Educational Media be discontinued and that, in compliance with Rule 24 of the Nebraska State Education Department, Educational Media be continued as a graduate level supplemental endorsement.

ADJOURNMENT

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System was held at Peru State College on Thursday, April 13, 2000.

Board Members attending:
Dr. Alfred Gigstad, Nebraska City
Ms. Frances Grimes, Grand Island
Ms. Willa Kosman, Scottsbluff
Mr. Steve Lewis, Lexington
Mr. Jeff Renner, Bellevue
Dr. Doug Christensen, Lincoln

Student Board Members present:
Ms. Jessica Cady, Chadron State College
Mr. Robert Hollis, Peru State College
Mr. Dan Wetherell, Wayne State College

System Office Staff participating:
Mr. Stan Carpenter, Executive Director
Dr. Larry Schultz, Associate Executive Director for Academic Affairs & Legal Services
Mr. Bruce Donelson, Director, Facilities Management and Planning
Ms. Becky Kohrs, Network Specialist/Accountant
Ms. Kim Rauscher, Administrative Assistant

Others attending:
Dr. Thomas Krepel, President, Chadron State College
Dr. Ben Johnson, President, Peru State College
Dr. Sheila Stearns, President, Wayne State College
Dr. Joyce Hardy, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chadron State College
Mr. Ed Hoffman, Vice President for Administration, Chadron State College
Ms. Jolene Hersch, Interim Director of Human Resources and Development, Chadron State College
Dr. Jerome Martin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Peru State College
Dr. Susan Udey, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Peru State College
Mr. Ted Harshbarger, Dean of Student Services, Peru State College
Mr. Kent Propst, Director of College Advancement, Peru State College
Ms. Erin Sayer, Director of Residence Life/Interim Director of Physical Plant, Peru State College
Dr. Chet Harper, Professor of Speech/Theatre, Peru State College
Dr. Anthony McCrann, Professor of English, Peru State College
Ms. Peggy Groff, Coordinator of Special Events, Peru State College
Ms. Linda Jacobsen, Business Manager, Peru State College
Ms. Karen Fritschle, Assistant to the President, Peru State College
Mr. Carl Ellis, Associate Vice President for Technology and Extended Campus, Peru State College
Mr. Dan Johnson, Executive Director, Peru State Foundation
Dr. Robert McCue, Interim Vice Pres. for Academic Affairs, Wayne State College
Ms. Carolyn Murphy, Interim Vice Pres. for Admin. & Finance, Wayne State College
Mr. Curt Frye, Vice President and Dean of Students, Wayne State College
Ms. Jennifer Chleboun, Wayne State College 2000-2001 Student Trustee
Ms. Sheryl Ehmke, Peru State College 2000-2001 Student Trustee
Mr. Tom Ward, Chadron State College 2000-2001 Student Trustee
Mr. Dan Worth, Bahr Vermeer & Haecker Architects
Mr. Mike Daily, Bahr Vermeer & Haecker Architects
Mr. Chad Doane, Olsson Associates

Peru State College Students

Ms. Tammie Robinson, Mr. Tricia McDermott, Mr. Jonathan Annin, Mr. Scott Macholan, Mr. RJ Reid, Mr. Ben Tammen, Ms. Diane Raven, Ms. Melinda Cramer, Mr. Miranda Kernen, Mr. Jamie Sherman, Mr. Ryan Tweedy, Ms. Emily Radler, Mr. Kenny Vodicka, Mr. Ryan Krier, Mr. Tyler Strecker, Ms. Tyree Sejhae, Mr. Zachary Simlson, Ms. Alicia Millard, Ms. Krystal Northouse, Mr. Brad Dorenkamp, Ms. Abigail Meri, Ms. Heather Logston, Ms. Lauren Varvuro, Mr. Matt Davison, Mr. Jordan Boyer, Mr. Nathan Yurk, Mr. Tai Halalilo, Ms. Kim Pukall, Mr. Con Hensen, Mr. Michael Chamberlain, Mr. Alan Gregersen, Mr. Alan Gager, Ms. Cam Pentland, Ms. Stephanie Huffman, and Ms. Kathy Chase

CALL TO ORDER

Dr. Gigstad called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. Lewis moved and Ms. Kosman seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the February 28 meeting. The motion was unanimously approved.

Several Peru students and others expressed concern that their views are not being considered by the Peru Administration--specifically regarding the recent termination of the Industrial Technology Program, housing changes at the Centennial Complex, enforcement of a campus-wide sign policy, and non-renewal of English teacher Matthew Mauch. Others expressed appreciation to the Board for its efforts regarding Peru.

The Board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel items. No action was taken.

Personnel Recommendations
Ms. Kosman moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to approve the personnel recommendations submitted by the Colleges. The motion was unanimously approved.

Tenure Recommendations
Ms. Kosman moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to approve the tenure recommendations for faculty as submitted by the Colleges. The motion was unanimously approved.

Rank Promotion Recommendations
Ms. Kosman moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to approve the recommendations regarding promotion in rank for faculty as submitted by the Colleges. The motion was unanimously approved.

Teaching Excellence Award Nomination
Ms. Kosman moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to approve the recommendation of the Academic and Personnel Committee for the 2000 Teaching Excellence Award recipient, and submit that recommendation to The Lincoln Foundation for final approval. The motion was unanimously approved.

Policy Revisions
Ms. Kosman moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to give second-round and final approval of technical changes to the following policies:

Policy 3400: Tuition Remission

A correction under the State Tuition Waiver section changes the formula to be based upon gross resident tuition rather than gross resident enrollment.

Policy 4160: Degree Programs; Chadron State College
Policy 4170: Degree Programs; Peru State College
Policy 4180: Degree Programs; Wayne State College

Changes reflect program changes made at each of the State Colleges during the past two years.

Policy 5021: Delegation of Authority to Make Certain Appointments

The change requires a summary report to the Board on all full and part-time staff appointments be made on an annual basis, instead of the current semester requirement.

The motion was unanimously approved.

Tuition Rates

Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the following 2000-01 tuition rates:

Undergraduate Resident -- $65.75
Graduate Resident -- $82.50
Undergraduate Non-Resident -- $131.50
Graduate Non-Resident -- $165.00
In addition, the non-resident scholars rate shall be identical to the undergraduate resident rate.

The motion was unanimously approved.

Board members expressed the need to address the issue of declining state funding. Trustee Christensen suggested planning a strategy prior to the next legislative session that would address the issue of declining state support.

Fee Recommendations

Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the fee schedules for 2000-01 as submitted by the Colleges. The motion was unanimously approved.

2000-01 Salary Policy

Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the 2000-01 salary policy as follows:

Faculty (SCEA): As per collective bargaining agreement (3.5% across the board for all bargaining unit members with satisfactory performance), plus a $200 comparability base adjustment for returning faculty members who occupy the ranks of associate professor, assistant professor and instructor.

Unionized Professional Staff (NSCPA): As per collective bargaining agreement (3.0% across the board to all bargaining unit members with satisfactory or better performance) and any additional adjustments required by the collective bargaining contract.

Unionized Support Staff (NAPE): As per collective bargaining agreement (3.50% 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 3.50% of its 1999-00 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 3.50% of its 1999-00 salary base for this specific group of employees, with the increases provided to all employees with a satisfactory performance rating.

In addition to the salary increases specified above, Board Policy 5405 calls for the employer contribution to the retirement plan to remain at 7.5%.

The motion was unanimously approved.

Grant Applications

Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the grant applications as submitted by the Colleges:

Chadron – Fourth Annual Learn and Serve Conference -- $225 requested from the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission

Chadron – Service Learning Project/Brooks Hall Pursuit of Knowledge 2000 -- $500 requested from the Nebraska Consortium for Service-Learning in Higher Education

Peru – Biological Surveys and Inventories – extension of existing grant requested from the National Science Foundation

Peru – Research Experience for Undergraduates -- $10,000 requested from the National Science Foundation

The motion was unanimously approved.

Grant Awards

Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the grant awards as submitted by the Colleges:

Chadron – Fourth Annual Learn and Serve Conference -- $225 awarded by the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission

Peru – Biological Surveys and Inventories – extension of existing grant from the National Science Foundation

Peru – Research Experience for Undergraduates -- $10,000 awarded by the National Science Foundation

Wayne – Nebraska Writing Project Rural Institute -- $20,106 awarded by the Eisenhower Professional Development Program

Wayne – Native American Mathematics Education (NAME) -- $45,561 awarded by the Eisenhower Professional Development Program

The motion was unanimously approved.

Policy Revisions

Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to give second-round and final approval of technical changes to Policy 6022: Income; System-wide Fees; Individual Campus Fees

A revision to allow the colleges to establish a late payment charge for unpaid fees and contractual obligations due the colleges.

The motion was unanimously approved.

Food Service Contracts

Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the 2000-01 food service contract recommendations submitted as follows:

Chadron – Chartwells

Peru – Sodexho-Marriott, Inc.

A recommendation is anticipated from Wayne at the May 19 Board meeting. The motion was unanimously approved.

Room and Board Rates

Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the 2000-01 room and board rate proposals as submitted. The motion was unanimously approved.

Contingency Maintenance Requests

Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve resolutions authorizing the colleges to spend surplus funds for contingency maintenance projects on their campuses as follows:

Chadron -- $490,000

Peru -- $385,000

Wayne -- $400,000

The motion was unanimously approved.

Chadron State College, Contingency Maintenance Reallocation

Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to authorize Chadron to reallocate $20,000 from Resolution 4/8/98 (Student Center Bookstore remodel) to miscellaneous items needed in the Student Center (LCD projector, repair of the portable stage and skirting for the stage, PA system upgrades, and furniture recovering). The motion was unanimously approved.

Contracts

Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to approve the contracts submitted:

Peru – Pate Hall at Centennial Complex -- $14,180 for architect study for painting and carpeting and conversion to kitchens (BANS)

Peru – Campus Water System -- $19,774 for construction phase professional services (LB 878)

Peru – TJ Majors Third Floor Ceiling Repair -- $20,860 for professional services for ceiling replacement (LB 309)

The motion was unanimously approved.

Change Orders

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the change orders submitted:

Chadron – Parking Lot located in the southeast corner of campus -- $13,366.50 for pavement, curb and gutter, light pole base, electrical conduit (contingency maintenance funds)

The motion was unanimously approved.

LB 309 Funding

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to approve the acceptance and retrieval of LB 309 allocations as follows:

Peru – acceptance of an additional $750 for Jindra Fine Arts Building railing repair due to higher than anticipated bids for materials

Peru – acceptance of $8,500 for the Heating Plant feedwater pumps

Peru – retrieval of $80 from the Theater/Auditorium roof repair

The motion was unanimously approved.

Policy Revisions

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to give second-round and final approval of changes to the following policies:

Policy 8003: Real Property; Disposal

A revision to eliminate the appraisal requirement.

Policy 8004: Real Property; Demolition

A clarification that ownership of real property being considered for demolition remains with the Board of Trustees unless state funds are sought to pay for the cost of demotion.

Policy 8038: Unclaimed Property

A revision providing directives on disposition of unclaimed property in keeping with State Statutes.

Policy 8065: Capital Construction; Contracts; Approvals

A revision to increase dollar limits for contracts and change orders that can be approved by the College Presidents.

Policy 8067: Capital Construction; Contracts; Works of Art

A revision specifying that funding for works of art is not to be included in construction/renovation projects of certain utilitarian nature.

The motion was unanimously approved.

Chadron State College, Burkhiser Project Substantial Completion Designation

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to ratify the inspection committee’s recommendation to accept Burkhiser Technology Complex as substantially complete. The motion was unanimously approved.

Chadron State College, Memorial Hall Renovation Design/Development Documents

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to receive the Chadron State College Memorial Hall Renovation Design and Development documents as presented by Dan Worth of Bahr Vermeer & Haecker and Chad Doane of Olsson Associates. The motion was unanimously approved. Design development documents will be scheduled for approval at the May 19 Board meeting, and construction document approval will be requested at the June 30 meeting.

Peru State College, Bids for New Water System

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to accept the low bid for the water system project as remitted by Triple S Construction of Falls City, NE for $215,512.50. Olsson Associates reviewed all bids and supports the recommendation of Triple S. The motion was unanimously approved. Substantial completion is expected by August 18, 2000 and final completion on or before September 8, 2000.

Peru State College, LB 1138 Funding Changes

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the request by Peru State College to expend $528,481 remaining from LB 1138 Miscellaneous Renewal Projects for LB 1138 Hoyt Science Hall renovation and classroom addition. The motion was unanimously approved.

Peru State College, Library/Old Gym Renovation Project Contract Extension

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to authorize extension of the contract for professional services with The Clark Enersen Partners for the Library/Old Gym Renovation Projects at Peru State College and authorize Peru to initiate the design phases of the project. The contract extension shall cover the Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents and Construction Phases. The fee for those services, including reimbursables, shall not exceed $445,000. The motion was unanimously approved.

Peru State College, Purchase of Longley Property

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to approve the purchase of the Longley Property, 0.57 acres adjoining Peru State College campus, at a cost of $570 plus legal costs. The motion was unanimously approved.

Wayne State College, Memorial Stadium Revised Program Statement

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to receive the Wayne State College Memorial Stadium renovation/expansion program statement. The motion was unanimously approved. Approval of the program statement is scheduled for the May 19 Board meeting.

Wayne State College, Studio Arts Renovation Project Final Completion Designation

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to authorize final completion designation for the Wayne State College Studio Arts renovation project. The motion was unanimously approved.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION

Affirmative Action Report and Statement

Signed affirmations by each President regarding their college’s commitment to offering equal employment and educational opportunities, and prohibiting discrimination based on political or religious opinions or affiliations, race, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status or handicap have been placed on file in the System Office.

Peru State College, Cooperative Agreements with Community Colleges

As directed by the Board of Trustees during the February 28, 2000 meeting, Peru conducted a review of their relationships with community colleges in terms of the Industrial Technology (IT) program. At the present time, the Bachelor of Technology (BT) degree offered by Peru and the existing articulation agreements provide adequate educational opportunities for students to combine technical skills with a management-oriented education. The BT program meets existing workforce and student needs. Peru will continue to explore options that will allow students to earn a secondary education endorsement in Industrial Technology through Peru using technical courses from community colleges and distance learning as appropriate for selected IT courses.

Chadron State College, Elimination of Educational Media Undergraduate Degrees

At the May 19 meeting, the Board will be asked to approve the elimination of the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts programs in Educational Media at Chadron, and, in compliance with Rule 24 of the Nebraska State Education Department, Educational Media will continue as a graduate level supplemental endorsement.

Update on Wayne State College Energy System Contract

For 30 years, Wayne has contracted with Energy Systems to provide steam and chilled water to the campus. Energy Systems has proposed a 3-month extension of the lease and right-of-way agreement that expired February 10, 2000, and has proposed a new agreement that would increase the College’s expenses by approximately 21%. At the February 28 Board meeting, the law firm of Cline, Williams, Wright, Johnson & Oldfather was retained to represent Wayne’s interests in this matter. Bruce Wright of the firm has been corresponding with attorneys for Energy Systems. In addition, Allvine and Associates has proposed a consulting contract to assist in evaluation of the existing system and various options for the College to pursue.

Campus 2000-01 Occupancy and Income Potential Reports

Chadron, Peru and Wayne provided potential occupancy and income reports for Fall 2000 and Spring 2001.

Peru State College, Fourth-Year-Free Program

At the April 1999 meeting, the Board of Trustees gave approval to Peru to implement a retention/housing incentive program for students who have lived in the residence halls for three or more years. Ms. Erin Sayer presented an update on the program during the Committee meeting held on April 12.

Contracts

The following contracts were reported to the Board for information only.

Chadron – Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center -- $116,385 for professional services covering basic items present in the Program Statement approved by the Board on March 11, 1994 (CSC Foundation)

Peru – Wheeler Activity Center -- $2,500 for architect study of sidewalk replacement (LB 309)

Peru – Theater/Auditorium -- $750 for architect study of niche repair (LB 309)

Peru – Theater/Auditorium -- $1,750 for architect study of loft wall repair (LB 309)

Peru – Larson Building -- $18,565 to replace condensate return line (LB 309)

Wayne – Athletic Department/President’s Office -- $11,361.50 for collection and evaluation of information (cash funds)

Change Orders

The following change orders were reported to the Board for information purposes.

Chadron – Parking lot southeast corner of campus -- $6,455.63 deduct for seeding (Contingency Maintenance)

Peru – Campus -- $3,301 for water system survey no. 1 (LB 878)

Campus Physical Plant Status Reports

Chadron, Peru and Wayne provided physical plant status reports to the Board for information purposes. Copies are attached to the official minutes.

Personnel Recommendations

Personnel recommendations not requiring Board approval were reported for information.

Executive Director’s Report

Executive Director Carpenter expressed appreciation for the work done by State Senators in districts in or near the Colleges for securing funding for the NSC’s mid-biennium deficit requests, including the Chadron maintenance building and asbestos abatement issues at Peru and Wayne. A letter was sent to each of the Appropriations Committee members and Governor Johanns thanking them for their support. (President Stearns informed the Board that a $6,500 contract would be extended to the asbestos assessment company that performed the original analysis to take the project through the bid process.)

Mr. Carpenter asked Trustee Christensen to comment on recent Pre-K through 16 Steering Committee activities. He indicated that an Advisory Council, to be composed of 100+ individuals representing various sectors of education in Nebraska, is being formed, and that a conference is being planned for later this year, focusing on the connections between K-12 and higher education. Executive Director Carpenter is the representative of the State Colleges on the P-16 Steering Committee.

The System Office has been working with the Transportation Service Bureau (TSB) regarding a change in the way the colleges will be billed for their use of state cars. The substantial increase in cost will be built into the operating budgets to be presented to the Fiscal and Facilities Committee at its May 19 meeting.

In addition, property insurance rates are also due to increase substantially in the next year. These increased costs will also be reflected in the operating budget requests.

Mr. Carpenter reported on his attendance at the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) conference held in New Orleans in March. He also met with representatives from the National Association of System Heads (NASH) to discuss governance issues. Ms. Sheryl Lindau also attended the conference and found the pre-session workshop to be particularly beneficial.

The Governor has signed LB 1003, creating a Higher Education Savings Plan. The program accepts and invests contributions from participants to pay for future education costs for designated beneficiaries. Participants enter into an agreement with the state that the investment, earnings, and interest will be used for college expenses by the named beneficiary. The program becomes operable on January 1, 2001.

Presidents’ Reports

CSC President Krepel highlighted several items. Consumer activist and U.S. presidential candidate, Ralph Nader, spoke on the Chadron campus; the program was attended by a large number of campus and community members. The annual Scholastic Day attracted 2,400 students from throughout the region. Spring commencement will be held May 6, and 310 undergraduates and graduates are scheduled to receive their degrees, including 69 undergraduates with honors. He also noted a Peter Kiewit Foundation grant in the amount of $200,000 in support of Phase I development of the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center. With this award, $1,354,806 has been raised for Phase I after one year of fund raising ($1,350,000 goal). Additionally, commitments to the Sandoz Center endowment now total $575,600 ($1,000,000 goal).

WSC President Stearns noted that Fred and the late Martha Davenport have committed $40,000 toward the Martha Roe Davenport Mentor Program and the Martha Roe Davenport Endowed Scholarship Program for the "All About Student Campaign." The programs will match "at risk" Wayne High School students with WSC mentors in an effort to help students. The scholarship program will provide funds for those students to attend Wayne. She also reported that eleven Wayne students, joined by students from UNL, UNO and UNK, would be traveling to the Czech Republic and Greece for the Nebraska Semester Abroad Program. In addition, the Madrigal group will be performing in Moscow and St. Petersburg following Commencement in May. And, finally, Oglala Lakota Jerome Kills Small shared a variety of talents during his faculty residency.

PSC President Johnson announced that admissions applications are approximately 27-30% ahead of last year, which could result in the largest freshmen class in Peru’s history this fall. He also reported that the Peru Foundation, under the direction of Dan Johnson, has raised $1.61 million in the past year toward a goal set by the Legislature of $2 million over a five-year period of time. The Foundation was completely restructured at the recent annual Board of Directors meeting. A new national Board of Directors is being formed, to include dual chairs held by spouses.

Student Trustee Reports

Ms. Jessica Cady reported that the Chadron student newspaper, The Eagle, won All American rating from the Associated Collegiate Press, the highest level of recognition provided by ACP, and received four marks of distinction from the ACP for coverage and content, writing and editing, photography, art and graphics, and layout and design. In addition, the Chadron Conferencing Office was recently recognized by the Nebraska Development Network for its innovative certificate program in non-profit organization leadership development. Ms. Cady announced that nine Chadron students devoted their spring break to work with 15 elementary school students to prepare science-related exhibits as part of the "Family Science Night on the Road" activity in Tryon, Nebraska. Chadron’s web site will be on-line soon to assist students with class registration, and checking the status of financial aid. Ms. Cady closed her comments by introducing Mr. Tom Ward who will serve as Chadron’s Student Trustee for 2000-01, and thanking Board members for the experience of serving as a Student Trustee.

Mr. Dan Wetherell reported that Wayne’s men’s basketball team recently completed the most successful season in Wayne’s history, advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division II Tournament. He also announced that Ms. Shawn Arburst, a case coordinator for the Center on Wrongful Convictions, spoke on campus. While a graduate student at Northwestern University, she worked with her professor and journalism class to clear five innocent people on murder charges. Mr. Wetherell thanked Board members for the honor and privilege of serving as a Student Trustee and closed by introducing Ms. Jennifer Chleboun, as the new Wayne Student Trustee.

Mr. Rob Hollis thanked the Board for meeting at Peru. He shared his excitement about graduating and his excitement about the passion shown by Peru students. Mr. Hollis explained that the stars on the ground around campus were part of the Job Olympics activity being hosted by Peru. He also thanked the Board for the year and a half he has served on the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Gigstad presented certificates of appreciation to each of the Student Trustees, recognizing their service to the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Gigstad thanked Dr. Johnson and the Peru staff for hosting the Board for its annual meeting on the campus.

Executive Session

The Board moved to go into Executive Session at 11:35 a.m. No action was taken. The Executive Session concluded at 11:55 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

Persons interested in source documents relating to the above agenda items may consult the Board Book for this meeting kept on file in the State College System Office in Lincoln.