MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 24-25, 1998 MEETING

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System was convened at Chadron State College, City of Chadron, County of Dawes, State of Nebraska, on Thursday, September 24, 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 September 16, 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. Alfred Gigstad, Nebraska City
Ms. Frances Grimes, Grand Island
Mr. Rick Kolkman, North Platte
Ms. Sheryl Lindau, Wayne
Ms. Lee-Ellen Matzke, Sidney
Mr. Jeff Renner, Bellevue
Dr. Doug Christensen, Lincoln

Student Board Members participating:
Ms. Angela Hunke, Chadron State College
Mr. John Funkhouser, Peru State College
Ms. Deanna Badura, 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
Dr. Robert Burns

Others attending:
Dr. Thomas Krepel, Interim President, Chadron State College
Dr. Joyce Hardy, Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chadron State College
Mr. Ed Hoffman, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Chadron State College
Mr. Dale Grant, Comptroller, Chadron State College
Ms. Kay Demaree, President=s Office, Chadron State College
Ms. Carol Porter, President=s Office, Chadron State College
Ms. Deb Holland, Communications Coordinator, Chadron State College
Mr. John Brusie, Chadron Student Senate and CAB President
Dr. Richard Flynn, Interim President, Peru State College
Dr. Jerome Martin, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Peru State College
Dr. Susan Udey, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Peru State College
Dr. Ken Halsey, Interim 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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24--CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.  A roll call was taken: Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke, Renner; Badura, Funkhouser and Hunke were present.

STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP

The following concepts and discussion points emerged.  Additional background information will be presented in Wayne so that the Board may begin to formulate policy direction for the next stage of the System planning process.

Discussion from Demographic Issue Information

A shrinking pool of high school graduates will challenge the State Colleges to remain efficient and effective providers of higher education. Enrollments cannot be maintained by   Atraditional@ students; therefore other strategies must be considered and board policy written or revised where necessary to support those strategies.

Transfer -- The student base may be shored up by an expanded effort to increase transfer students. Problems with this include the fact that most community college students are geographically bound; therefore transfers from these institutions are not necessarily Aseamless@ even though the course work is compatible.  In many areas of the work force, the associate or technical degree is considered adequate, offering another deterrent to transfer.

Retention -- Student retention at the State Colleges is below the national average of AASCU institutions.

Off-campus Course Delivery -- While courses are offered in many different locations, there is a Athreshold@ of enrollment that makes the course economically feasible for the college.

Technology -- While each of the campuses has made progress in offering distance education, this teaching and learning mode is but a small part of the total educational experience.

Marketing -- The State Colleges are not clearly understood by urban Nebraska or, in many instances, by other postsecondary systems within the state.

Discussion from Teacher Education Issue Information

Ten thousand teachers who are not currently in the training pipeline will be needed in Nebraska in the next decade.

Policy Questions for Further Discussion

Role and mission
Economic development, emphasis on multicultural experiences and languages
Course delivery external to campus, serving people where they are, including the potential for higher ed centers
Open admissions
Alignment with K-12 standards
Professional development
Students= financial access to higher education

Follow-up for Further Discussion

Additional statistical data on retention and transfers
The number of community college students who are choosing the general education (academic transfer) core
Coordinating Commission approval process for course delivery/higher ed centers

ADJOURNMENT -- The workshop was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 8:45 a.m.  A roll call was taken: Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke, Renner; Badura and Hunke were present.   Funkhouser arrived after roll call.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Ms. Lindau moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to go into executive session at 8:45 a.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel and labor relations issues.   Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke Renner; Badura, Funkhouser and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

Ms. Matzke moved and Dr. Gigstad seconded a motion to go out of executive session at 9:30 a.m. and reconvene in Public Session.  Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke, Renner; Badura, Funkhouser and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

PUBLIC SESSION

Mr. Kolkman, Chair, called the public session to order at 9:44 a.m.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Ms. Matzke moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the agenda as submitted.   Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Hunke, Funkhouser and Badura voted aye.  Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Deb Holland, Professional Staff Association Vice President, expressed concerns regarding the recent change in the employee health care plan to a PPO plan, and asked the Board to keep in mind that Chadron employees often need to cross state lines for health care.

John Brusie, CAB President and Student Senate member, addressed the Board with questions regarding the need for computer requests to go through Chadron=s computer services department.   Dr. Krause explained that the campuses are bound by State Purchasing rules and contracts to submit request forms and purchase equipment through the Materiel Division of the State.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 7, 1998 MEETING

Dr. Christensen moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the August 7 meeting.  Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Hunke, Funkhouser and Badura voted aye.  Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS -- CONSENT AGENDA

Personnel Recommendations (attached to official minutes)
Professional Conduct Committee Membership (information only)
The following committee appointments were announced by the three State Colleges (Presidential appointments denoted with *):

Faculty Professional Conduct Committee
Chadron State College: 
Dr. George Watson, Professor of Criminal Justice* (98-99)
Dr. Frank Ferguson, Professor of Mathematics (98-00)
Dr. Jackson Hammitt, Professor of Music (98-01)

Peru State College:    
Mr. Ross Udey, Assistant Professor of Industrial Technology*
Mr. Rob Evans, Assistant Professor of Industrial Technology
Dr. Bill Snyder, Professor of Business

Wayne State College:   
Dr. William Filter, Chair, Rank & Professional Development Committee*
Dr. JoAnn Bondhus, Chair, Faculty Senate
Dr. Daryl Wilcox, Wayne State Education Association

Staff Professional Conduct Committee
Chadron State College: 
Ms. Pat Hoffman, Resource & Network Facilitator* (98-99)
Mr. Todd Auer, Athletic Administrative Assistant (98-00)
Mr. Mark Stephen, Computer Programmer/Trainer (98-01)

Peru State College:    
Ms. Donna Svarc, Financial Aid Director*
Mr. Delyn Clifton, Computer Support Specialist
Ms. Renae Church, Staff Accountant

Wayne State College:   
Ms. Marilyn Liedorff, Librarian*
Ms. Anneliese Cawthon, Assistant Dean for Student Life
Mr. Derek Anderson, Assistant Manager of Student Center


Support Staff Professional Conduct Committee
Chadron State College: 
Ms. Amy Taylor, Staff Assistant II, Institutional Research* (98-99)
(Senate has not elected reps)

Peru State College:    
Ms. Leigh (Pat) Bruggeman, Custodian II*
(Senate has not elected reps)

Wayne State College:   
Ms. Vicki Mitzel, Secretary, Business Division*
Ms. Lynne Olson, Secretary IV, Academic Affairs
Mr. George Sherry, Campus Security Officer II


Instructional Load Reports (attached to official minutes)

Enrollment Reports (attached to official minutes)

Grant Applications

CSC--POETRY ALIVE! Visits Chadron
Funding Source: Nebraska Arts Council
Amount Requested: $660.00
Funding Period: October 7-8, 1998
Grant requires State Matching Funds of $700 from the CSC convocations committee
Grant requires In-Kind Funds of $240: $200 Student Ballroom rental; $10 postage; $20 printing; and $10 telephone.
This grant application would provide funding to entertain the campus and community, to teach pre and in-service teachers how to teach poetry through performance, and to make poetry come alive for public school students through interactive assemblies.

CSC--Certificate in Non-Profit Organization Leadership Development
Funding Source: LB 144
Amount Requested: $25,000
Funding Period: 1998-99
Grant requires In-Kind Funds of $6,250: $3,450 support staff time, telephone; $2,500 facility and equipment use; $300 registration and records management.
This grant application would provide funding for educational and hands-on training for individuals in or aspiring to be in leadership positions in non-profit organizations.

WSC--Nebraska Environmental Trust
Funding Source: State of Nebraska Lottery Funds
Amount Requested: $12,917
Funding Period: 1999-2000
State Maintenance of Effort is required.
This grant application would provide funding to establish an educational wetland on the Wayne State College campus.  Funds would be used for soil excavation, plant collection and establishment, an educational sign and the initial biological surveys.

Grant Awards

WSC--Student Support Services (S.T.R.I.D.E.)
Funding Source: U.S. Department of Education
Amount Requested: $184,250
Amount Awarded: $184,250
Funding Period: 10/1/98 - 9/30/99 (second year of a five-year project period)
Grant includes Indirect Cost funds for the College=s use; restrictions are imposed by regulation on claiming indirect costs.
Grant will continue to fund 4.125 FTE positions.
This grant award will continue funding for the Students Taking Responsibility in Development and Education (STRIDE) Office at Wayne State.  The program serves low income, first generation and/or physically handicapped students.  The goal of STRIDE is to reduce the numbers of disadvantaged students dropping out because of academic programs and/or related difficulties.

1997-98 Year-End Operating Expenditure Reports (attached to official minutes)

Reallocation of Funds

The following General Funds are to be reallocated to the System Office for the payment of Dr. Robert Burns= salary and benefits for one year from the three State Colleges as follows:

Contracts and Change Orders

Chadron State College Contracts
Location on Campus: Kent Hall Dormitory Elevator
Contracted Work: Professional Services to replace elevator
Contract Amount: $5,000
Fund Source: Contingency Maintenance
Contractor: Rex Peterson, Architect

Location on Campus: Maintenance Building
Contracted Work: Professional Services
Contract Amount: $8,020
Fund Source: Cash
Contractor: Bahr Vermeer and Haecker

Peru State College Contracts
Location on Campus: Campus
Contracted Work: Mowing for Oak Bowl, AP@ bank, practice field bank (to be completed by 8/10)
Contract Amount: $1,200
Fund Source: Cash
Contractor: Phil=s Lawn Service of Peru, NE

Location on Campus: Dormitory rooms
Contracted Work: Interior dorm room painting
Contract Amount: $1,400
Fund Source: Revenue Bond
Contractor: J&C Enterprises of Auburn, NE

Location on Campus: Industrial Technology Building
Contracted Work: Exterior trim painting
Contract Amount: $500
Fund Source: Cash
Contractor: J&C Enterprises of Auburn, NE

Location on Campus: Marquis
Contracted Work: Marquis painting
Contract Amount: $400
Fund Source: Cash
Contractor: J&C Enterprises of Auburn, NE

Location on Campus: Campus
Contracted Work: Mowing for Oak Bowl, AP@ bank, practice field bank (to be completed by 8/23)
Contract Amount: $1,200
Fund Source: Cash
Contractor: Phil=s Lawn Service of Peru, NE

Location on Campus: Avenue Parking Lot
Contracted Work: Improvements
Contract Amount: $49,000
Fund Source: Cash
Contractor: General Excavating of Lincoln, NE

Location on Campus: Avenue Parking Lot
Contracted Work: Liner installation
Contract Amount: $9,250
Fund Source: Cash
Contractor: General Excavating of Lincoln, NE

Wayne State College Contracts
Location on Campus: Recreation Center
Contracted Work: Remove and replace sidewalk and drainage pipes
Contract Amount: $8,997
Fund Source: Contingency Maintenance
Contractor: Christiansen Construction Company of Pender, NE

Chadron State College Change Orders
Location on Campus: Burkhiser Technology Complex
No. And Description: Change Order #1 for revised rail design for entrance
Change Order Amount: $885.60
Fund Source: Cash
Contractor: Ainsworth-Benning Construction

Location on Campus: Burkhiser Technology Complex
No. And Description: Change Order #2 for installation of structural rebar in step, replace deteriorating brick retaining wall and increase length of handrails
Change Order Amount: $1,465
Fund Source: cash
Contractor: Ainsworth-Benning Construction

Peru State College Change Orders
Location on Campus: Campus
No. And Description: Change Order #3 to excavate and remove 1,400 cubic yards unstable soil in area of 30,000 gallon tank; decommission additional 300 gallon tank found in excavation of 30,000 gallon tank; coordinate re-routing storm sewer
Change Order Amount: $9,423.75
Fund Source: State Building General Funds provided by LB 388 and Cash
Contractor: Tony=s Cement Works of Lincoln, NE

Wayne State College Change Orders
Location on Campus: Studio Arts Building
No. And Description: Change Order #2 for various necessary adjustments to the work
Change Order Amount: $9,980
Fund Source: Private funds, Cash, Capital Improvement Fund
Contractor: Beckenhauer Construction Inc of Norfolk, NE

Location on Campus: Connell Hall Renovation
No. And Description: Change Order #2 to install new soffits around roof perimeter instead of refinish old
Change Order Amount: $9,658
Fund Source: State Building Fund
Contractor: Beckenhauer Construction Inc of Norfolk, NE

Location on Campus: Connell Hall Renovation
No. And Description: Change Order #3 for various necessary adjustments to the work
Change Order Amount: $9,982
Fund Source: State Building Fund
Contractor: Beckenhauer Construction Inc of Norfolk, NE

Location on Campus: Connell Hall Renovation
No. And Description: Change Order #5 for various necessary adjustments to the work
Change Order Amount: $9,447
Fund Source: State Building Fund
Contractor: Beckenhauer Construction Inc of Norfolk, NE

LB309 Allocations
Chadron State College
Acceptance of $103,740 for air quality correction in Math/Science building
Allocation Date: 8/10/98
Allocation Amount: $ 103,740
College Contribution: $85,328
Total Project Cost: $ 289,068

Retrieval of $14,808.55 for Math/Science ADA modifications.  Project complete.
Allocation Date: 8/1/96
Allocation Amount: $51,000.00
Project Cost: $ 36,191.45
Total Amount Retrieved: $14,808.55

Retrieval of $16,915 for Campus underground steam condensate line.  Project complete.
Allocation Date: 6/3/97
Allocation Amount: $ 85,000
Project Cost: $ 68,085
Total Amount Retrieved: $ 16,915

Wayne State College
Acceptance of $17,255 for Quonset roof repair, foundation and block work, and overhead doors
Allocation Date: 8/10/98
Allocation Amount: $17,255
College Contribution:$3,045
Total Project Cost:  $20,300

LB 309 Progress Reports (attached to official minutes)

Campus Physical Plant Reports (attached to official minutes)

1997-98 Year-End Revenue Bond Expenditure Reports (attached to official minutes)

Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser, and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

SUBCOMMITTEE AGENDA
Academic Affairs, Student Life & Personnel Subcommittee
Lee-Ellen Matzke, Chair

1997-98 Off-Campus Reports
Ms. Matzke moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to accept the report of Off-Campus, Early Entry and Correspondence Course offerings as submitted by each of the three State Colleges for fall 1997, and spring and summer 1998.

Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser, and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

Policy Manual Revision, Policy 3400: Tuition Remission
Ms. Matzke moved and Dr. Gigstad seconded a motion to give first-round approval of Policy 3400: Tuition Remission to add the Phi Theta Kappa Community College Transfer Scholarship.  Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser, and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

Chadron State College, Center for Excellence in Electronically Mediated Instruction
Ms. Matzke moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the development of Chadron State College=s Center for Excellence in Electronically Mediated Instruction.  Dr. Krepel distributed information previously shared during the budget process.  He explained that educational and corporate entities could save money spent on training by using the experience of Chadron State College as a resource and training source.  Personnel and equipment expenditures will be necessary to organize the Center.  This proposal will next proceed for approval by the Coordinating Commission.  Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser, and Hunke voted aye.   Motion carried.

Business Affairs Subcommittee--Budget
Jeff Renner, Chair

Write-Off of Uncollectible Accounts
Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the requests to write-off specific uncollectible student accounts as submitted by the State Colleges.   Following campus attempts to collect past-due accounts, they are turned over to a collection agency.  Those accounts deemed uncollectible by the collection agency(s) are brought to the Board of Trustees for write-off.  Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser, and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

Business Affairs Subcommittee--Physical Plant
Fran Grimes, Chair

Contracts and Change Orders
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the following contracts and change orders as provided by the State Colleges:

Chadron State College Contracts
Location on Campus: Math and Science Building
Contracted Work: Professional Services for HVAC system
Contract Amount: $19,950
Fund Source: LB 1108, LB 309 and Cash
Contractor: Olsson Associates

Peru State College Change Orders
Location on Campus: Campus
No. And Description: #2 for additional excavation and rock for installation of 30,000 gallon tank
Change Order Amount: $13,668.58
Fund Source: LB 388 and Cash
Contractor: Tony=s Cement Works of Lincoln, NE

Location on Campus: Campus
No. And Description: #4 for 1115 cubic yards sand fill for back fill excavation of 30,000 gallon tank
Change Order Amount: $11,685.20
Fund Source: LB 388 and Cash
Contractor: Tony=s Cement Works of Lincoln, NE

Wayne State College Change Orders
Location on Campus: Connell Hall
No. And Description: for leveling of floor slabs on lower and main floors
Change Order Amount: $16,883
Fund Source: State Building Fund
Contractor: Beckenhauer Construction Inc of Norfolk, NE

Location on Campus: Connell Hall
No. And Description: for removal, repair and leveling of floors on upper level of building
Change Order Amount: $73,299
Fund Source: State Building Fund
Contractor: Beckenhauer Construction Inc of Norfolk, NE

Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser, and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

LB 1100 Projects, Selection of Architect(s)
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to authorize the following Screening and Selection Committees to solicit proposals for architectural services (where required) for the LB 1100 projects:

Screening Committee:
Three representatives from each campus, appointed by the respective President

Selection Committee:
Fran Grimes, Physical Plant Committee Chair
Lee-Ellen Matzke, Chadron Regional Board Member
Al Gigstad, Peru Regional Board Member
Sheryl Lindau, Wayne Regional Board Member
Donna Nelson, Associate Executive Director for Fiscal & Facilities Mgmt
State Building Division Representative
One Representative from each Campus

Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

Projects for LB 1100 Bond Proceeds (information only)
The following projects, authorized in LB 1100 for possible use of bond proceeds, along with estimated costs for each were provided as information to the Board members.

Chadron State College---Total  $2,785,680

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Administration Building---$742,000
* Will require preparation of Program Statement

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Memorial Hall---$530,000
* Will require preparation of Program Statement

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Math & Science Building---$325,420
* Will require a Needs Statement

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Old Library--- $848,000
* Will require preparation of Program Statement
* Private fund raising may be feasible for this project

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Reta King Library --- $340,260
* Will require a Needs Statement
                               
Peru State College---Total  $9,628,673

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Library  --- $4,541,057
(April, 1998 updated budget was approved at $5,071,066)        
* Has approved Program Statement and the project is the first priority in the System=s 1999-01 Capital Construction Budget Request
* Includes an addition which cannot be funded with LB 1100 funds

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Hoyt Science Building---$3,570,700
* A program Statement will be prepared and submitted by December, 1998.
* Includes an addition which cannot be funded with LB 1100 funds 
* Funds for this project have already been appropriated in LB 1138.

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Old Gymnasium---$997,658
* Will require preparation of a Program Statement

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Power Plant --- $519,258
* Will require preparation of a Program Statement
* Clark Enersen is currently assessing problems with the facility               

Wayne State College---Total  $2,720,000

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Broadcast Studio ---$185,000
* Will need Needs Statement

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Hahn Administration Building   --- $285,000
* Will need Needs Statement

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Memorial Stadium --- $1,645,000
* Will require preparation of a Program Statement.  A Project Study has been completed for this project.

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Ramsey Theatre --- $285,000
* Since submittal of the information to the Legislature for LB 1100, the scope for this project was changed to include an addition.  An addition cannot be funded with LB 1100 funds.
* The early budget for the addition and renovation was established at $1,260,000.
* A  Program Statement has been approved and the budget is now established at $1,936,716.
* Entire Project has been included in the System=s 1999-01 Capital Construction Budget request as priority # 2.

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Rice Auditorium --- $170,000
* Will require a Needs Statement

Deferred maintenance, repair and renovation of Telecommunications Classrooms --- $150,000
* Will require a Needs Statement                                                        

Peru State College, Science/Technology Facility Program Statement, Appointment of Architectural Firm
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve appointment of the firm of Clark Enersen Partners of Lincoln, NE, to provide architectural services in developing a Program Statement for the Peru State College Science/Technology Facility for a total fee of $30,000 plus travel expenses (not-to-exceed $2,000) for laboratory design consultant.   Clark Enersen will be looking at two options: new space and renovation of the current facility.  Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

Peru State College, Deficit Request, Fuel Tank Removal Project
Ms. Grimes moved and Ms. Matzke seconded a motion to authorize Peru State College to submit a 1998-99 deficit request in the amount of $190,000 for additional funds to cover the increased cost of additional fuel oil tank removal.  Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser and Hunke voted aye.   Motion carried.

Business Affairs Subcommittee--Revenue Bond
Al Gigstad, Chair

Wayne State College, Residence Hall Renovation Project, Extension of Architect Contract
Dr. Gigstad moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the extension of the architect=s contract for professional services for the Terrace Hall Renovation project at Wayne State College with Prochaska & Associates of Omaha, NE, through design development at a negotiated fee for basic services of $38,130 plus reimbursables not to exceed $5,000.  All costs are to be paid from the Revenue Bond Surplus Fund.  Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

Legislative Affairs Subcommittee
Al Gigstad, Chair
Dr. Gigstad moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Bruce Cutshall to serve as Lobbyist during 1999 for the Nebraska State College System.  A fee of $20,000 will be paid in four equal quarterly payments commencing January, 1999.   Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau, Matzke and Renner; Badura, Funkhouser and Hunke voted aye.  Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Student Trustee and President=s Reports
Dr. Flynn reported that the Peru State College Diversity Committee has begun plans for the campus diversity programs with an education session scheduled.  A ASoutheast Nebraska Appreciation Day, @ sponsored by the Peru State College Foundation, will be held in October in conjunction with a football and volleyball game, to include a BBQ lunch. A number of searches are in process on campus, and Dr. Flynn expressed his appreciation of the interim appointees.   Preliminary work is beginning for the NCATE and North Central self-study reports.   He also reported that the campus is in good spirits concerning the recent media coverage of the Coordinating Commission=s study of Peru State College.

Mr. Funkhouser reported that the students at Peru State College are excited about recent changes on campus.  He brought to the Board=s attention student concerns regarding power outages in the men=s dorm, Delzell Hall, and slow notification and/or payment from the financial aid office.  Student Senate would like a clarification of what they can do with their publication fee.  The proposal to move some of the offices in the Administration Building, namely the Residence Life Office, into the Student Center has met with student opposition.  Mr. Funkhouser also requested, on behalf of the Student Senate, to grant an honorary degree to a student who recently died and was within one class of graduation.  The Board asked that the issue be investigated.  Students have expressed positive comments regarding the new leadership at Peru State College.

Dr. Flynn addressed the issues raised by Mr. Funkhouser and requested that campus concerns be brought to the President=s office.  He had not been notified of some of the issues.

Dr. Halsey reported that fall enrollment Wayne State College is stable as compared to last year.  Some very positive foundation gifts are in the wings, and will be reported on at the November Board meeting.  Wayne State College=s association with Little Priest Tribal College is progressing and the College has received their accreditation status from the North Center Association.  The campus computer software and operating systems are in place for the Year 2000 transition.  The Nebraska Literature Festival was held on the campus with 500-600 participants.  The campus Habitat for Humanity group experienced a night of homelessness on campus recently.  A faculty development workshop is scheduled for October, as well as diversity workshops.  A minority and foreign student forum was also held on campus recently.  Mr. Soll reported that biennium budget proposals have been completed, and expressed his appreciation of Carolyn Murphy in the newly automated budget process.  He is looking forward to sharing capital construction projects with Board members when they visit Wayne State College in November.  Dr. Halsey announced that Student Trustee, Ms. Badura, will be leaving for a semester in France and wished her well.

Ms. Badura reported on the progress of work on Connell Hall and Student Senate meetings at Wayne State College.  She also stated that there appears to be good campus involvement by students, with homecoming scheduled for this week.  She also thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as Student Trustee.

Dr. Krepel reported on Chadron State College=s slight decline in enrollment figures.  A diversity plan is under development by the Diversity Committee and 96% of Chadron=s employees have attended sensitivity training workshops.  Chadron was pleased to have the first student to register in the newly developed Western Governor=s University enroll in a class offered by Chadron State College.   Several faculty and staff were recognized for their work in these projects.  A meeting was held with the school superintendents located along Highway 20, at which time they expressed a real concern about the availability of teachers throughout the state, and expressed their appreciation of the role the State Colleges play in providing teachers.   Dr. Krepel also reported that a project director has been hired for the Mari Sandoz Center.  As requested by the Board at the August meeting, discussions with the McCook Economic Development were held on August 28, where they confirmed their commitment to developing a four-year college in McCook.  Dr. Krepel also addressed the upcoming Tax Lid Initiative 413 to be placed on the ballot in November.  The immediate impact on Chadron State College=s budget would be between $650,000 - $1.2 million, and would result in tuition increases and/or personnel and program cuts.  Chadron=s new fact book was distributed and is also available on Chadron=s home page.  Dr. Krepel thanked the Board for visiting Chadron State College.

Ms. Hunke commented on the diversity training being conducted at Chadron State College, and stated that the program is wonderful.  The computer center in the High Rise is up and running.  Issues of interest to the Student Senate include lighting on campus, a designated driver program, a computer code of conduct, and whether a new yearbook should be in video or printed form.  A good turn-out was experienced at the Family Day and Homecoming will be held in October.  Family passes have been instituted for campus activities.

Mr. Kolkman spoke on behalf of the Board regarding the interim appointment status of Dr. Tom Krepel as President of Chadron State College.  The Academic Subcommittee will work with Dr. Krause to develop appropriate procedures for making a decision regarding the Chadron State College presidency at the November Board meeting.

Executive Director=s Report
Dr. Krause commented on Initiative 413 and the impact it would have on tuition rates.   A display showing the potential impact of the Tax Lid was distributed, indicating a 17% tuition increase.  He plans to take part in a press conference of higher education representatives to be held in Omaha to provide information regarding the lid impact.

The Coordinating Commission has scheduled a public hearing on the Peru Study to be held November 13 in Lincoln which conflicts with the Board meeting scheduled in Wayne on November 12-13.  The Board agreed to change the Wayne meeting to November 11-12.

Dr. Krause also spoke regarding the Coordinating Commission=s draft of the Peru Study.   Some issues give incomplete information regarding Peru State College, and this has been picked up by the press.  One impression taken from the draft is that the only reason to have a State College is to serve the employment needs of the region.  While that is a factor, the most important mission is to provide educational opportunities to students in the region.

Comments by the Chair of the Board
Mr. Kolkman requested that the campuses and System Office put their Year 2000 plans in writing by the November meeting regarding what is in place to deal with the potential computer problems associated with the year 2000 and what testing is taking place.   Service and supply vendors should also be contacted to know what plans they have in place.

He also extended thanks to Chadron State College for hosting the Board meeting.   Meetings with the various groups on campus have been very beneficial.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

Persons interested in source documents relating to the above agenda items may consult the meeting Briefing Notes kept on file in the State College System Office in Lincoln.


08/24/06