MINUTES OF JANUARY 15, 1999 MEETING

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System was convened at the Hampton Inn, City of Lincoln, County of Lancaster, State of Nebraska, on Friday, January 15, 1999.
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 January 6, 1999. 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
Mr. Jeff Renner, Bellevue (afternoon session only)

Board Members absent:
Ms. Lee-Ellen Matzke, Sidney (resigned effective 1/11/99)

Student Board Members present:
Ms. Angela Hunke, Chadron State College
Mr. Robert Hollis, Peru State College
Ms. Amy Renz, 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, Director, Public Relations/Information
Ms. Kim Rauscher, Administrative Assistant

Others attending:
Dr. Thomas Krepel, President, Chadron State College
Dr. Richard Flynn, Interim President, Peru State College
Dr. Ken Halsey, Interim President, Wayne 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
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. 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
Mr. Mark Stubbs, Director of College Relations, Wayne State College
Ms. Cheryl Waddington
Dr. Ricardo Garcia, Professor of Curriculum & Instruction, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ms. Carna Pfeil, Fiscal Officer, Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
Mr. Mike Wemhoff, Facilities Coordinator, Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
Mr. Greg Lattig, Clark Enersen Partners (afternoon session only)
Mr. Tim Reynolds, Clark Enersen Partners (afternoon session only)
Mr. Robert Everett, Clark Enersen Partners (afternoon session only)
Mr. Dan Worth, Bahr Vermeer & Haecker Architects (afternoon session only)
Mr. Dan Grasso, Bahr Vermeer & Haecker Architects (afternoon session only)
Mr. Steve Weber, Bahr Vermeer & Haecker Architects (afternoon session only)
Ms. Jena Janovy, Omaha World-Herald
Ms. Karen Griess, Lincoln Journal-Star (afternoon session only)
Mr. Barry Bedlan, Associated Press (afternoon session only)

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. A roll call was taken: Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman and Lindau were present. Renner was absent.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Gigstad seconded a motion to go into executive session at 8:30 a.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel and legal issues. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman and Lindau voted aye. Motion carried.

Dr. Gigstad moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to go out of executive session at 9:15 a.m. to reconvene in Work Session. Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman and Lindau voted aye. Motion carried. Christensen was not present for the vote.

WORK SESSION
Mr. Kolkman, Chair, called the Work Session to order at 9:20 a.m. to discuss strategic planning.

1. Peru State College planning in relation to the Coordinating Commission recommendations and benchmark requirements.
Dr. Flynn reviewed the preliminary activities that Peru State College has taken to begin addressing the benchmarks established by the Coordinating Commission. Campus committees are being organized to address each of the identified issues, with a written plan to be presented to the Coordinating Commission by April 1.

A rough draft of the required plan will be available by the end of February for review and discussion with various groups, including the Board, Coordinating Commission and representatives from the nineteen-county advisory committee.

Dr. Flynn has met with the Peru State College Foundation to develop a job description in anticipation of hiring an Executive Director for a fund raising campaign. Letters have gone out to alumni requesting donations and meetings are being held with community representatives from the service region.

Dr. Krause reported that the town of Peru is developing a strategic plan. He also reported that in meetings with representatives from the University of Nebraska and the Community Colleges interest has been expressed by those institutions in working with the State Colleges to develop a needs analysis for learning centers in southeast Nebraska.

Board of Trustees participation during this planning phase will include:
a. Review of budget requests
b. Interaction with community leaders in southeast Nebraska
c. Board representatives meeting initially with the Peru State College Steering Committee
d. Input on the draft plan addressing the benchmarks

BREAK (10:25-10:40)

2. System-wide Strategic Planning

Board members discussed retention of students as it is related to admission standards and financial aid. A great deal of discussion centered around the current open admission policy of the State Colleges. Dr. Christensen agreed to work with campus representatives (to be identified by each of the Presidents) to develop a set of AStandards for Succeeding in College,@ a draft of which is due at the March Board meeting.

Discussion then turned to the status of financial aid available. (More time is needed for this issue, so the item will be continued to the February Board meeting.) Possible action may involve the Executive Council working with each of the Foundations regarding financial aid issues.

LUNCH BREAK (12:05-1:30)

PUBLIC SESSION
Dr. Gigstad, Vice-Chair, called the public session to order at 1:30 p.m. A roll call was taken: Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz were present. Kolkman arrived at 1:45 p.m.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of item 6.B.(2a) Peru State College, Interim Presidential Appointment. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 3, 1998 AND JANUARY 4, 1999 MEETINGS
Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the December 3, 1998 and January 4, 1999 meetings. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hunke. Hollis and Renz abstained. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS -- Review of Campus Diversity Plans
Dr. Ricardo Garcia of the University of Nebraska reviewed the diversity plans recently developed by the campuses and submitted to the Board of Trustees.

In summary, all three plans meet the criteria set by the Board. All three plans are at different stages of diversity planning, however. Chadron State College=s plan is the most mature, including what they have done in the past and what they plan to do in the future. Peru State College=s plan is thorough, but identifies no infrastructure or resources/people committed to the on-going activities, so it is therefore the least mature plan. Wayne State College=s plan is somewhere in between, with sporadic attempts at diversity and no permanent infrastructure in place.

The System-wide Diversity Task Force will now review the plans and discuss future activities. An annual report on campus diversity will be due to the Board each December.

Dr. Garcia offered to meet with the in-coming Presidents as part of their orientation process and to assist with the analysis of campus plans periodically. Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion that Dr. Ricardo Garcia meet with each of the new Presidents as part of their orientation process and return in one year to assess the progress of each campus plan. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Ms. Grimes then moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to adopt the following resolutions:

CHADRON STATE COLLEGE

WHEREAS, the campus community of Chadron State College has come together to explore existing and potential diversity related programs and activities; and

WHEREAS, the campus= diversity committee, led by Dr. Joyce Hardy and Becky Caselli-Smith, is composed of a broad base of thirty-two Chadron State College faculty, staff and students representing all fifteen Academic Departments and eighteen other campus units; and

WHEREAS, a comprehensive diversity plan for the College has been developed based upon the five-year plan of the College; and

WHEREAS, seventy-two items are deemed to be of high priority and feasible for accomplishing within the first year of the plan and fifty-four activities are deemed to be potential future actions; and

WHEREAS, the campus has identified action goals that can be accomplished within existing budget allocations plus an additional expenditure of less than $16,000 for the first year; and

WHEREAS, the result of this work is a proactive and ambitious plan for enhancing, exploring and celebrating diversity at the campus and community;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System recognizes, applauds and supports the efforts of the Chadron State College community for its commitment to creating a campus environment that is aware of and open to diversity, and developing an attitude of civility and community building.

PERU STATE COLLEGE

WHEREAS, the campus community of Peru State College has come together to explore existing and potential diversity related programs and activities; and

WHEREAS, the campus recognizes cultural and human diversity should be at the core of our educational aspirations, values and beliefs; and

WHEREAS, a comprehensive diversity plan for the College has been developed based upon the five-year plan of the College; and

WHEREAS, achievable goals have been articulated that will increase cultural diversity programming in all areas of campus life; will increase recruitment and retention of under represented administrators, faculty and staff; will increase the recruitment and retention of minority and female students, especially in fields where they are under represented; and

WHEREAS, the result of this work is a proactive and ambitious plan for a convivial campus that embraces diversity with civility and enhances the human dignity of all individuals in the immediate and extended community;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System recognizes, applauds and supports the efforts of the Peru State College community for its commitment to creating a campus environment that is aware of and open to diversity, and developing an attitude of civility and community building.

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

WHEREAS, the campus community of Wayne State College has come together to explore existing and potential diversity related programs and activities through a four-year plan, "Building Community"; and

WHEREAS, the campus= diversity committee has identified three quantifiable goals to enhance diversity: (1) to create a more hospitable and nondiscriminatory college community climate that embraces diversity, (2) to increase the recruitment and retention of under represented administrators, faculty and staff, and (3) to increase the recruitment, retention and graduation rate of under represented students especially in disciplines where under representation is especially acute; and

WHEREAS, the College has identified fourteen specific objectives, supported by appropriate Responsibility Centers, to be used as benchmarks for success in implementing the plan; and

WHEREAS, the faculty and staff of Wayne State College have made a written commitment to academic Aresponsibility and integrity@ as part of their effort to work with students; and

WHEREAS, the result of this work is a proactive and ambitious plan for enhancing, exploring and celebrating diversity at the campus and community;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System recognizes, applauds and supports the efforts of the Wayne State College community for its commitment to the creation of a convivial campus that embraces diversity with civility, respects the dignity of all members of the campus community, and supports academic goals.

Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS -- CONSENT AGENDA
Personnel Recommendations
Graduation Lists and Distinguished Service Awards
Fall Enrollment Reports
Fall Instructional Load Reports
Grant Applications
CSC B Community/School Revitalization Project
Funding Source: Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation
Amount Requested: $15,000
Funding Period: 6/21/99 - 5/30/00
Grant will require In-Kind Funds: $3,000 for project director's time, office space, and telephone.

Grant application will continue to provide funding for a project to involve community/school/youth teams from the communities of Brady, Hershey and Maywood to explore ways of involving the youth and the schools in community and economic development. A previous grant was funded by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development in 1998 in the amount of $15,000.

Contracts
Peru State College
Location on Campus: Delzell Hall
Contracted Work: Basement electrical upgrade
Contract Amount: $4,000
Fund Source: Revenue Bond
Contractor: Tom Combs Electrical, Auburn, NE
Location on Campus: Fine Arts Building
Contracted Work: Pressure relief valve installation
Contract Amount: $7,709
Fund Source: LB 1138
Contractor: H&S Plumbing, Lincoln, NE

Location on Campus: Administration Building
Contracted Work: Pressure relief valve installation
Contract Amount: $2,241
Fund Source: LB 1138
Contractor: H&S Plumbing, Lincoln, NE
Location on Campus: Industrial Technology Building
Contracted Work: Pressure relief valve installation
Contract Amount: $2,494
Fund Source: LB 1138
Contractor: H&S Plumbing, Lincoln, NE

Location on Campus: Football Practice Field Renovation
Contracted Work: Recrown, grade and reseed including drainage
Contract Amount: $13,785
Fund Source: Cash Funds
Contractor: Green Streak, Inc.

Location on Campus: Fine Arts, Administration, TJ Majors and Auditorium
Contracted Work: Roof repair
Contract Amount: $18,410
Fund Source: LB 309/Cash Funds
Contractor: Boone Brothers Roofing

Wayne State College
Location on Campus: Bowen Hall
Contracted Work: Replace corridor carpeting on two men's floors
Contract Amount: $11,504
Fund Source: Contingency Maintenance
Contractor: Complete Floors, Inc., Norfolk, NE

Location on Campus: Connell Hall
Contracted Work: Water Service Connection Fee
Contract Amount: $1,500
Fund Source: State Building Fund (General Fund)
Contractor: City of Wayne

Change Orders
Wayne State College
Location on Campus: Benthack Hall
No. & Description: ADA Improvements B relocate elevator
Change Order Amount: $6,458
Fund Source: LB 309/LB 1108 Funds
Contractor: Otte Construction, Inc., Wayne, NE

Location on Campus: Connell Hall
No. & Description: #8--Miscellaneous adjustments to specified work
Change Order Amount: $9,641
Fund Source: State Building Fund (General Fund)
Contractor: Beckenhauer Construction, Inc., Norfolk, NE

LB309 Allocations
Chadron State College
Acceptance of $17,000 for campus-wide fire alarm study
Allocation Date 11/16/98
Allocation Amount $17,000
Campus Amount 3,000
Total Project Cost $20,000

Acceptance of $25,000 for replacement of Heating Plant condensate return tank
Allocation Date 12/16/98
Allocation Amount $25,000
Campus Amount 3,750
Total Project Cost $28,750

Peru State College
Retrieval of $933.60 for stabilization of south wall of Physical Plant building
Allocation Date 7/6/98
Allocation Amount $13,600.00
Retrieval Amount - 933.60
Total Project Cost $12,666.40

Wayne State College
Acceptance of $17,000 for campus fire alarm study
Allocation Date 11/16/98
Allocation Amount $17,000
Campus Amount 3,000
Total Project Cost $20,000

Acceptance of $8,500 for Hahn Administration ADA elevator modifications
Allocation Date 12/16/98
Allocation Amount $ 8,500
Campus Amount 1,500
Total Project Cost $10,000

Acceptance of $8,500 for Humanities ADA elevator modifications
Allocation Date 12/16/98
Allocation Amount $ 8,500
Campus Amount 1,500
Total Project Cost $10,000

Acceptance of $8,500 for Fine Arts ADA elevator modifications
Allocation Date 12/16/98
Allocation Amount $ 8,500
Campus Amount 1,500
Total Project Cost $10,000

Acceptance of $17,000 for Campus ADA survey
Allocation Date 12/16/98
Allocation Amount $17,000
Campus Amount 2,000
Total Project Cost $19,000

Campus Physical Plant Reports
Dr. Gigstad moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

SUBCOMMITTEE AGENDA
Academic Affairs, Student Life & Personnel Subcommittee
Dr. Christensen, Committee Member

Collective Bargaining Agreements
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion for ratification of the 1999-2001 contract between the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges and the Nebraska State College Professional Association which will include an increase in base salary for all returning professional staff employees of 3.0% on July 1, 1999 and 3.0% on July 1, 2000. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion for ratification of the 1999-2001 contract between the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges and the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, Local #61, of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees which will include an increase in base salary for all returning support staff employees of 3.25% on July 1, 1999 and 3.50% on July 1, 2000 and increase the hire and maximum rates 2.0% each year of the contract. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Wayne State College, Presidential Appointment
Ms. Lindau moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Dr. Sheila M. Stearns as the President of Wayne State College and as a Professor of Education effective July 1, 1999, with the 1999-2000 annual salary rate of $120,000 plus a housing allowance of $14,000. This appointment includes a contract extended until June 30, 2001. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Peru State College, Interim Presidential Appointment
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to authorize the Executive Director to contract with Education Consulting Consortium, Inc., for the services of Dr. Leonard Skov to serve as Interim President of Peru State College from March 1 to May 30, 1999, in the amount of $33,000 representing salary and benefits, payable in three monthly installments. Also approve authorizing Dr. Skov to use the President=s house at Peru State College during this appointment. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Peru State College, Presidential Search
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to approve the appointment of a Presidential Search Committee for Peru State College as follows:
Dan Holtz, Professor of English, as Co-Chair
Jim Thomas, Professor of Business, as Co-Chair
Julie Bixler, Student
John Chaney, Auburn State Bank
Richard Clopton, Associate Professor of Biology
Dan Cox, Professor of Education
Russell Crouch, Student Senate President
Robert Engles, Auburn Insurance
Peggy Jones, Associate Professor of Art
Eldon Kistner, Carpenter, Physical Plant
Tara Kreklau, Athletic Director
Lisa Parriott, Secretary, Humanities Division
Carla Patterson, Community Representative
Kathryn Rempp, Associate Professor of Elementary Education
Erin Sayer, Director of Residence Life
Al Gigstad, Regional Board of Trustees Member
Carrol Krause, Executive Director

Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Employment Contract, Dr. Robert Burns
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion in accordance with Board Policy 5200 which authorizes the Board to negotiate a settlement during the final year of the employment contract of a campus president, the Subcommittee recommends approval of an agreement by which Dr. Robert L. Burns resigns his employment effective January 4, 1999, and releases all applicable claims he has relating to his contract and otherwise in payment of $35,000, a sum which is approximately fifty percent (50%) of the value of the remaining balance of his employment contract with the State College System. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hunke and Renz voted aye. Hollis abstained. Motion carried.

Wayne State College, Editing and Publishing Minor
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to approve the proposed Editing and Publishing Minor to the Communication Arts degree program at Wayne State College. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Wayne State College, On-Line Media Minor
Dr. Christensen moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the proposed On-Line Media Minor to the Communication Arts degree program at Wayne State College. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Wayne State College, Pre-Law Minor
Dr. Christensen moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the proposed Pre-Law Minor to the Political Science degree program at Wayne State College. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Wayne State College, Foods and Nutrition Concentration
Dr. Christensen moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the proposed Foods and Nutrition Concentration to the Family and Consumer Sciences degree program at Wayne State College. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Wayne State College, Public Accounting Concentration
Dr. Christensen moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the proposed Public Accounting Concentration to the Business Administration Major at Wayne State College. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Business Affairs Subcommittee--Physical Plant
Fran Grimes, Chair

Selection of LB 1100 Projects Architect
The Board Selection Committee assigned to interview and recommend the architectural firm(s) to prepare five program statements for some of the LB 1100 projects will interview Alley Poyner Architects of Omaha; Bahr Vermeer & Haecker of Lincoln; DLR Group of Omaha; and Clark Enersen Partners of Lincoln on January 21. Once a firm or firms are chosen to develop the program statements, the committee will negotiate the contract(s) and forward a recommendation to the Board of Trustees for its approval.

Peru State College, Revised Capital Construction Budget Request
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the revised capital construction budget request for Peru State College as follows:

1999-2001 Biennium
* $125,000 for campus-wide consultant services for facilities renovation to address Coordinating Commission findings
* $75,000 for program statements for remaining projects (Library, Old Gym, and Physical Plant)
* $250,000 for water pipe replacement and filter system
* $500,000 for Old Gym -- second year of biennium for area to be used as library (subject to feasibility study of this option)
* $200,000 distance learning classrooms
The following funds should be appropriated in the 1999-2001 biennium for expenditure in 2001-03:
* $5.75 million for additional renovations after planning is complete:
Old Gym remaining renovation
Library (without addition)

Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Peru State College, Hoyt Project Program Statement
The firm of Clark Enersen Partners of Lincoln, NE presented its report on the Program Statement for the Renovation/Addition of the Hoyt Science Building at Peru State College. Following the presentation, the document will be distributed to staff members in the offices of the State Building Division, DAS Budget, Legislative Fiscal Office and Coordinating Commission. Those persons will be asked that any comments and questions arising from their review of the Program Statement be forwarded to the System Office so that they can be routed, along with those from Board members and System Office staff, to the college and architects for responses. If the responses are determined to be adequate, the college will recommend that approval of the Program Statement be considered at the February 26, 1998 meeting.

Chadron State College, Burkhiser Renovation Schematic Design
Bahr, Vermeer & Haecker, architects presented the Schematic Design documents for the Burkhiser Renovation project at Chadron State College. Funds for the project are being provided as follows:

The Design Development documents will be reviewed by staff in the System Office and the DAS/LB 309 offices with any comments and questions to be addressed by the college and architect prior to construction documents being finalized. Board members may either forward their questions or comments to staff in the System Office or to the college. The current schedule for the project indicates that construction documents are to be completed by March 26, 1999, advertising for the project will begin on March 29, 1999, bids are to be received on April 20, 1999, and the contract awarded on April 27, 1999. Some adjustments to that schedule may be necessary since the Board meeting subsequent to the bid opening will not occur until May 14, 1999.

Chadron State College, Memorandum of Cooperation with the Mari Sandoz Society, Inc.
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve a Memorandum of Cooperation between Chadron State College and the Mari Sandoz Society, Inc. Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried. Christensen left prior to the vote.

INFORMATION ITEMS
AGB Conference Attendance
Board members were asked to indicate their interest in attending the Association of Governing Boards Conference to be held March 27-30 in Seattle, Washington. Registration will be coordinated through the System Office.

Reports
Ms. Hunke reported that students are just getting back to classes at Chadron State College following the holiday break. The Student Senate has a Leadership Conference planned for area high school students at the end of February.

Dr. Krepel reported the Miller Hall re-conversion project is well underway at Chadron State College. The Social Work program has recently received preliminary accreditation and full accreditation is expected. In addition, one-third of the Chadron faculty have had proposals funded through scholarship development dollars recently.

Ms. Renz announced that Wayne State College has many Martin Luther King Jr. activities planned on campus, and a Leadership Conference is also planned. There also appears to be a lot of interest on campus in the naming of the new president, Dr. Sheila Stearns.

Dr. Halsey said he was pleased to have Ms. Renz representing the Wayne State College students following the resignation of Ms. Badura. He reported highlights of the visiting scholars series and the men=s and women=s basketball season. He announced that over 72% of area high school students had identified Wayne State College as their first college choice; and two of the recently established Phi Theta Kappa Community College Transfer Scholarships are to be awarded next year. Wayne State College is applying for a Japanese student exchange program; and an articulation concern has arisen involving the University of Nebraska that will need to be discussed with the Board at some point in time.

Mr. Hollis congratulated Dr. Flynn who is leaving March 1 to assume the Presidency at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. He expressed excitement about the formation of a search committee for the next president of Peru State College. He also announced that the honors program is experiencing growth in its offerings.

Dr. Flynn welcomed Mr. Hollis to the Board as a student trustee following the resignation of Mr. Funkhouser. He reported that there has been good progress with the Peru State College Foundation, and much time has been spent on the Coordinating Commission=s benchmarks. He thanked the Board for his experience serving as Interim President of Peru State College.

Dr. Krause reported that many legislative bills are in the process of being filed and he will keep the Board informed of those relating to the State Colleges. He announced that the Peru State College Presidential Search Committee has had an organizational meeting and an ad has run in several publications. He then distributed a proposal designating the Presidential spouse as APresidential Associate@. This will be discussed with the Board at a later date.

Mr. Kolkman requested that a letter be sent to Ms. Matzke accepting her resignation with regrets, due to her husband, Senator Gerald Matzke, having been appointed to the Legislature's Appropriations Committee.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting was adjourned at 3:55 p.m.