A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System was convened at the Lincoln Community Foundation Building, City of Lincoln, County of Lancaster, State of Nebraska, on Friday, February 26, 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 February 17, 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 (arrived during Work Session)

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. Leonard Skov, Interim President, Peru State College (Executive Session only)
Dr. Ken Halsey, Interim President, Wayne State College
Dr. Joyce Hardy, Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chadron State College
Mr. David Scott, Associate VP for Academic Affairs and Institutional Research, 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
Mr. Ted Harshbarger, Interim Dean of Student Affairs, 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
Dr. Robert McCue, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Wayne State College
Mr. Bill Beavers, Revenue Bond Financial Management Consultant, Ameritas Investment Corporation

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. A roll call was taken: Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, and Lindau; Hunke and Renz were present. Christensen, Renner and Hollis were absent.

Dr. Gigstad moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to go into executive session at 10:05 a.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel and collective bargaining issues. Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, and Lindau; Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried. (Christensen and Hollis arrived during the Executive Session.)

Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to go out of executive session at 11:00 a.m. to reconvene in Work Session. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, and Lindau voted aye. Motion carried. (Hollis, Hunke and Renze were excused from the second half of the Executive Session.)

Mr. Kolkman, Chair, called the Work Session to order at 11:05 a.m. to continue the discussion of financial aid that began during the January 15 Board meeting. Dr. Krause led the discussion with the following points of interest:

• Nebraska ranks 38^th in state-supported aid / scholarships
• Students have an average debt of $9,300 upon graduation
• Approximately 70% of State College students receive some form of financial aid
• Most State College financial aid is not for the full four years; the exception is the Board of Trustee scholarship and some Presidential grants.

Information provided by the System Office indicated the following distribution of financial aid in the State College System:

As tuition increases, the access to financial aid becomes even more important. Campus representatives expressed concern about the shift from grant aid to debt-based aid in the form of student loans. Board members were asked to consider:

• Should more financial aid be made available for all four years as opposed to only the first or second year?
• Should Board policy dictate that campuses fund a certain percentage of tuition waivers?

Board members agreed that increased funding for financial aid would only happen with more pressure on state and federal governments to support higher education.

Mr. Kolkman raised the question, "What must the Board do to make sure the student with financial need is able to stay in school?" Dr. Christensen asked that three scenarios showing various degrees of financial need and financial aid available be presented to the Board for review. Campus representatives will work with the System Office to prepare information to be shared with the Board at its September meeting.

The discussion turned briefly to athletic scholarships and athletic gender equity in general. Dr. Schultz noted that the State Colleges are making progress toward meeting the gender equity requirements. These include compliance in participation opportunities, financial aid awarded, and equivalence in other program areas. Board members asked that a plan be presented at its December meeting. The plan shall be structured so that full compliance will be reached within five to seven years with annual updates being provided to the Board.

Mr. Kolkman, Chair, called the public session to order at 1:05 p.m. A roll call was taken: Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz were present.

Ms. Lindau moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to approve the agenda with two additions: Item 6.B.(0)—Resignation of Dr. Richard Flynn, and Item 7. Discussion of a Program for Certified Financial Planners. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

None

Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the January 15 and February 11, 1999 meetings. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Dr. Krause presented the final report on the MGT of America recommendations for the Nebraska State College System. This brought closure to a project began in 1996 to review the administrative and programmatic structure of the System and provide recommendations to assure efficient and effective System and campus operations. While most action required by the recommendations has been completed, some activities have been delayed until the State’s new Nebraska Information System has been installed. The timeline for that project to be accomplished is FY 2004. In summary the following actions have been completed:

• A revised peer institution listing was approved by the Coordinating Commission
• Chadron State College reallocated four management positions partially funded by revenue bond funds to be completely funded by state funds
• Standardized forms were developed by the System Office to collect statistical data from the colleges, thus eliminating the need for regular data requests
• The DAS Materiel Division bidding process limits were raised from $5,000 to $10,000 with passage of LB 314 in 1997, thus reducing expenses and staff time
• A System Office web site was developed to make Board materials and other system information more readily available to system employees and the public
• Funding for a facilities planning position for the system has been requested as part of the 1999-01 budget
• A system-wide academic calendar has been established to begin in 1999-00
• An inter-institutional Advanced Studies degree is in the midst of being developed
• Telecommunications technology is in place on each campus and joint meetings among the three colleges and System Office have occurred
• Campuses have initiated course sharing in the areas of foreign languages, the honors program, social work, educational media and/or the MBA

NEW BUSINESS -- CONSENT AGENDA

Personnel Recommendations and Summary Report
1998 Non-resident Scholars Report
1999 Board of Trustees’ Scholarship Applications Report
Grant Applications
Chadron State College
Name of Program: NASA Nebraska Space Grant
Funding Source: NASA Nebraska Space Grant & EPSCOR/UNO
Amount Requested: $750
Funding Period: 3/98 – 2/99
This sub-grant from UNO awards financial aid scholarship monies to students in physics and aviation.
Chadron State College
Name of Program: SME Library Award
Funding Source: Society of Manufacturing Engineers
Amount Requested: $2,466
Funding Period: 2/99 – 2/00
This grant application would provide funding to procure Society of Manufacturing Engineers videotapes to supplement the Industrial Technology department’s library.
Chadron State College
Name of Program: Community/School Revitalization
Funding Source: Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation
Amount Requested: $15,000
Funding Period: 6/99 – 5/00
Grant will require In-Kind Funds: $3,000 for Dr. Edwin Nelson’s time, office space, postage, and telephone.
This grant application would provide funding for a project that involves community/school/youth teams from Brady, Hershey, and Maywood to explore ways of involving youth and the schools in community development.
Chadron State College
Name of Program: D.D. Eisenhower Professional Development Fund
Funding Source: DDE through Nebraska State Department of Education
Amount Requested: $23,739
Funding Period: 10/1/98 – 9/30/99
Restrictions are imposed by regulation on claiming indirect costs.
This grant application would provide continued funding for the Science & Math Learning Center as the co-opting agency for a Northern Panhandle consortium of schools in order for the schools to receive their DDE funds. This program has been funded for the past ten years.

Grant Awards
Chadron State College
Name of Program: Applications of GIS & GPS to Integrated Curricula…Science
Funding Source: CCPE—D.D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program
Amount Requested: $52,339.88
Amount Awarded: $40,209.88
Funding Period: 2/99 – 6/00
Grant will require In-Kind Funds: $6,752 for summer school salary for college credit summer institute for teachers.
This grant award will provide funding for a summer institute for 50 pre-service and in-service educators in science and social studies; emphasis on integration of science and social studies and technology with state standards in education.
Wayne State College
Name of Program: America’s Continuous Love Affair with Baseball
Funding Source: Nebraska Humanities Council
Amount Requested: $658
Amount Awarded: $558
Funding Period: 1/26/99 – 4/15/99
Grant will require State Matching Funds: $116 provided by the HPLS Division
Grant will require In-Kind Funds: Staff time in support of the grant, telephone and copying costs and the use of college equipment.
This grant award will provide funding to support a public lecture by Gary Huey on the popularity of certain sports and sports heroes and what that tells us about American society in the nineties.

Operational Expenditure Reports and Financial Statements (attached to the official minutes)
Contracts
Chadron State College
Location on Campus: Campus Wide
Contracted Work: Elevator maintenance
Contract Amount: $21,120 annually
Fund Source: Operations Budget
Contractor: Montgomery KONE
Chadron State College
Location on Campus: Administration Building
Contracted Work: Program Statement
Contract Amount: $15,000
Fund Source: Operations Budget
Contractor: Bahr Vermeer and Haecker
Chadron State College
Location on Campus: Memorial Hall
Contracted Work: Program Statement
Contract Amount: $8,000
Fund Source: Operations Budget
Contractor: Bahr Vermeer and Haecker
Chadron State College
Location on Campus: Miller Hall
Contracted Work: Fiber Optic Cable
Contract Amount: $26,677
Fund Source: Allocation/Operations Budget
Contractor: Kooi Communications
Peru State College
Location on Campus: Conduct a physical inspection of AD Majors and Morgan Halls
Contracted Work: Physical analysis and recommendation for both buildings
Contract Amount: Not to exceed $9,000, including reimbursable expenses
Fund Source: Contingency Maintenance reallocations
Contractor: Bahr Vermeer and Haecker architects, Kenneth Lathrum and Olsson Associates engineers

Change Orders
Chadron State College
Location on Campus: Miller Hall
No. & Description: 3—Insulation, rooftop access covers, etc.
Change Order Amount: $3,130
Fund Source: Allocation
Contractor: Fuller Construction
Wayne State College
Location on Campus: Connell Hall
No. & Description: 9—Miscellaneous adjustments to specified work
Change Order Amount: $9,995
Fund Source: State Building Fund (General Fund)
Contractor: Beckenhauer Construction Inc. of Norfolk

LB 309 Progress Reports

LB 309 Fund Acceptance/Retrieval
Chadron State College
Retrieval of $4,071.35 for Library ADA improvements
Allocation Date 3/8/95
Allocation Amount  $218,500.00
Retrieval Date  2/1/99
Retrieval Amount  $4,071.35
Total Project Cost  $214,428.65

Peru State College
Acceptance of $2,000 for Administration roof repair
Allocation Date 5/4/98
Allocation Amount  $3,200.00
Allocation Date 1/20/99
Allocation Amount  $2,000.00
Total Project Cost  $5,200.00
Peru State College
Retrieval of $5,287.25 for Campus exit lighting
Allocation Date 10/1/98
Allocation Amount  $18,000.00
Retrieval Date  2/1/99
Retrieval Amount   $5,287.25
Total Project Cost  $12,712.75

Campus Physical Plant Reports

Quarterly Capital Construction Reports

Fall 1998 Occupancy and Income Reports

Contingency Maintenance Reports

Revenue Bond Expenditure Reports

Ms. Grimes moved and Ms. Lindau 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

Resignation of Dr. Richard Flynn
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to accept the resignation of Dr. Richard Flynn, Interim President at Peru State College, effective February 28, 1999, and adopt the following resolution of appreciation:

"Whereas, Dr. Richard Flynn has effectively and efficiently served the Nebraska State College System as Interim President of Peru State College from July 1998 until February 1999, and

"Whereas, Dr. Flynn’s leadership has helped to unify the campus through interactive discussion and consensus building, and

"Whereas, his outreach efforts within and among the entire Peru State College service region have brought the communities of southeastern Nebraska together in support of Peru State College,

"Now therefore be it resolved that the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System extends thanks and appreciation for Dr. Flynn’s contribution to Peru State College and the State College System as a whole, and wishes him well in his new position.

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

Preliminary Notification of New Programs
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to approve the following list to be submitted as the Preliminary New Program Notification List to the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education:
Chadron State College – Spanish (BA) with IDL courses from Wayne State College
Chadron State College – Advanced Studies (MA/MS) system-wide degree
Peru State College – Advanced Studies (MA) system-wide degree
Wayne State College – Physical Science Major or Physical Science Concentration
Wayne State College – Advanced Studies (MA) system-wide degree

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

SCEA Collective Bargaining Agreement
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to recommend ratification of the 1999-2001 contract between the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges and the State College Education Association which will include an increase in base salary for all returning faculty members of 3.50% on July 1, 1999 and 3.50% on July 1, 2000. In addition, returning faculty occupying the ranks of associate professor, assistant professor and instructor shall receive an additional $200 each year. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Support Staff Classification / Pay Plan Revision
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to authorize the Executive Director to implement changes in the Support Staff Classification and Pay Plan with such changes to be effective July 1, 1999. Any revision of this plan shall not result in a loss of pay to any bargaining unit member because of a downward revision of a position. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Policy and Procedural Manual Revisions
Dr. Christensen moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to give first-round approval of the following new policies:
Policy 3601: Posthumous Degrees
Policy 5024: Presidential Associate Appointment
Policy 5401: Early Retirement Incentive; Tenured Faculty
To give first-round approval of the following revised policies:
Policy 5112: Grant of Tenure; Faculty
Policy 5113: Promotion Criteria and Process; Faculty
Policy 5405: Retirement Plan; State College Employees
Policy 5511: Tuition Waiver; Professional Growth; State College Employees
Policy 5612: Catastrophic Leave Donation
And to give first-round approval to delete the following policies:
Policy 5402: Voluntary Tenure Settlement Program; Tenured Faculty
Policy 5601: Leaves of Absence Due to Disability; Temporary
Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

1999-2004 System-wide Academic Calendar
The following academic calendar schedule was provided as information to the Board. All three State Colleges will utilize the same semester calendar and class starting times; and each semester shall contain 75 instructional days.

Discussion of Policy 5011: Employment Contracts; President and Executive Director
The recent buy-out of the remaining six months of Dr. Robert Burns’ contract has been in the press and has raised some questions regarding the policy provision allowing for such a buy-out. Board members reaffirmed their support of Policy 5011 that states, "During the final contract year, the Executive Director or President may be assigned administrative or other duties at one of the State Colleges or in the System Office. An alternate arrangement may be negotiated which is mutually agreeable to the person involved and the Board."

Governor’s 1999-01 General Fund Budget Recommendations – information only

Dr. Krause also distributed a draft of the planned testimony for the upcoming Legislative Budget Hearing to be held on March 8.

Wayne State College, Administrative Computer Purchase
At the November 12, 1998 Board meeting, authorization was given to Wayne State College to proceed with a financing arrangement through the State of Nebraska Master Lease Program for replacement of administrative computer equipment. Purchase of the proposed computing system was not to exceed a cost of $95,000, subject to receipt of sealed bids and approval of financing. Furthermore, Wayne State College requested that the Executive Director be authorized to approve the purchase of the proposed administrative computing system. After review of bids, the proposal from Great Lakes Computer of Grand Rapids, Michigan, met the proposed system requirements at a cost of $92,684. The Executive Director has given authorization to Wayne State College to proceed with the purchase.

Business Affairs Subcommittee--Physical Plant
Fran Grimes, Chair

Peru State College, Hoyt Science Project Architect Contract Extension
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to extend the contract for professional services for the Peru State College Hoyt Science Renovation Project with The Clark Enersen Partners for a fee not to exceed $250,000, which includes the normal reimbursables; and authorize the college to initiate the design process upon receiving approval by the Coordinating Commission of the project and its Program Statement. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Chadron State College, Burkhiser Renovation Design Development
Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Gigstad seconded a motion to accept the Design Development Documents for the Chadron State College Burkhiser Renovation Project as developed by the firm of Bahr Vermeer & Haecker of Omaha, NE; and authorize Bahr Vermeer & Haecker to proceed with preparation of construction documents in anticipation of bidding the project. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Contracts and Change Orders
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the following contract provided by Chadron State College:
Location on Campus: Crites Hall
Contracted Work: Electrical Improvements
Contract Amount: $52,780
Fund Source: Contingency Maintenance
Contractor: Snell Services, Inc.

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

Peru State College, Reallocation of LB 1138 Funds
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to authorize Peru State College to reallocate $59,645 in LB 1138 funds, designated for the Physical Education Center electrical upgrade, to the preparation of computer aided design (CAD) drawings for campus buildings and soil borings required as a result of the recent Coordinating Commission study. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Business Affairs Subcommittee—Revenue Bond
Al Gigstad, Chair
Policy and Procedural Manual Revision
Dr. Gigstad moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to give second-round and final approval of revised Policy 9006: Revenue Bonds; Use of Surplus Funds. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Peru State College, Reallocation of Funds
Dr. Gigstad moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to authorize Peru State College to reallocate the following Contingency Maintenance Funds:
$5,137.20 from Resolution 4/98 Line 3 (Residence Hall Room Furnishings) to Resolution 4/97 Line 2 (Oak Hill and Faculty Apartment Window Replacement)
$9,000.00 from Resolution 4/98 Line 6 (Student Center New Furniture) to be used for a structural audit of AD Majors and Morgan Hall.
Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Appointment of Audit Firm
Dr. Gigstad moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve renewal of the agreement with KPMG Peat Marwick to provide revenue bond auditing services for fiscal year 1998-99 for a total fee of $16,900, which includes estimated out-of-pocket expenses of $5,000. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Chadron State College, Refinancing of 1994 Bonds
Dr. Gigstad moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to authorize System Office staff, Chadron State College staff and Revenue Bond Financial Consultant, Bill Beavers, to proceed with necessary procedures to refinance the Chadron State College Refunding Bonds, Series 1994, provided a net present value savings of not less than $150,000, after issuance expenses, can be achieved. Further, authorize the Business Affairs Subcommittee to approve all required bond sale documents so that the refinancing will occur on approximately April 1, 1999. Mr. Bill Beavers was in attendance and summarized the current bond market and proposed refinancing to Board members. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kolkman, Lindau and Renner; Hollis, Hunke and Renz voted aye. Motion carried.

Legislative Subcommittee
Al Gigstad, Chair

Dr. Krause provided an update on Legislative Bills of interest to the State College System.

• LR 19CA (Brown) proposes a Constitutional amendment to create the Nebraska Higher Education Board of Regents – has been indefinitely postponed
  
• LR 23CA (Kristensen, Chambers) proposes a Constitutional amendment to change higher education structure, governance and oversight – Hearing held February 8
  
• LB 211 (Schmitt) proposes to prohibit smoking in the State Capitol building; amended to include, among other state buildings, proposal to prohibit smoking in sixty percent of residential housing rooms or units on University or State College campuses
  
• LB 561 (Brown) proposes to create the Higher Education Board of Regents and eliminate other higher education governing bodies – has been indefinitely postponed
  
• LB 814 (Bohlke) proposes to create the Higher Education Planning Team – Hearing held February 22
  
• LB 815 (Bohlke) proposes to create a task force to study public postsecondary educational institutions – Hearing held February 22
  
• LB 816 (Bohlke) proposes to change the statewide comprehensive plan for postsecondary education – Hearing held February 22

Program for Certified Financial Planners
Ms. Grimes, a Certified Financial Plan Practitioner, reported that the industry is finding it difficult to hire certified financial planners. After reviewing the business/accounting courses currently offered by the State Colleges, she requested the campuses examine the possibility of offering a certified financial planning program. She provided some information to the Presidents showing the minor changes/additions that would be necessary to offer such an academic program.

INFORMATION ITEMS
Reports
Mr. Hollis reported that the Peru State College students are excited about campus activities. He also requested that the Board publish its stand on legislative bills of importance to the State Colleges. (It was noted that a copy of the testimony given by the Board Chair at the Education Committee hearing was distributed to all Board members and Presidents following the hearing.)

Dr. Martin reported that Peru State College administrators are involved in the major strategic and benchmark planning due to the Coordinating Commission by April 1. The campus has also hosted many middle school and high school students recently through a Business contest, History Day and music events.

Ms. Renze commented that Wayne State College students have been following with interest the progress of legislative bills relating to higher education. She also reported that Student Senate elections were held recently.

Dr. Halsey commented that Wayne State College scholarship applications are up for 1999-00 and 300 of the 800 dorm rooms have been wired for computer access. Dr. Sheila Stearns has been on campus and met with administrative staff in preparation of her start date in July. He also reported that the diversity plan implementation would be spearheaded by a multi-cultural faculty group of fifteen or sixteen supporters.

Ms. Hunke reported that Chadron State College campus has also hosted various high school groups recently for Special Education, Career Days and a Speech tournament. A big issue on campus currently is the increase in campus parking fines. She also commented on the recently established Native American Student Center. Ms. Hunke announced that she has been admitted to medical school. Board members shared congratulations with her.

Dr. Krepel highlighted several recent faculty accomplishments, and offered to take the lead in an effort to recognize the 50^th anniversary of liberal arts programs in the State Colleges. He extended an invitation to everyone to attend the Presidential Inauguration to be held May 1-2. He also reported that the Chadron State College Foundation would hire a full-time Executive Director.

Dr. Krause reported that the Presidential search for Peru State College is progressing. Finalists should be identified sometime in March. He also announced that the Board meeting scheduled for September 16-17 will be moved to September 30-October 1 at Chadron State College.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.