MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 10, 1999 MEETING
A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System was convened at Wayne State College, City of Wayne, County of Wayne, State of Nebraska, on Wednesday, November 10, 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 October 29, 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. Alfred Gigstad, Nebraska CityMs. Grimes moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel and legal items. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, and Lindau; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
Ms. Grimes moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to go out of Executive Session at 9:35 a.m. and reconvene in a Strategic Planning Work Session. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, and Lindau; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION
The Strategic Planning Work Session was called to order at 9:45 a.m. The Board discussed the following issues.
1. State College Service Regions
Board members have held discussions throughout the year on the current alignment of service regions for the Nebraska State Colleges. The issue involves service to the former Kearney State College region. Twenty-three central Nebraska counties were never re-assigned to the three remaining State Colleges when Kearney joined the University system in 1991.
The Presidents and Coordinating Commission staff are receptive to modifying the current service regions. One suggestion is to align the State College service regions with the Community College districts to enhance coordination between the two systems. This would mean Chadron’s service region would encompass the Western and Mid Plains Community College districts; Peru’s service region would encompass the Southeast and Metropolitan Community College districts; and Wayne’s service region would encompass the Northeast and Central Community College districts. Programs unique to an individual college could be offered statewide, such as Peru’s Business Technology degree.
In addition to enhancing coordination between the State Colleges and Community Colleges, realigning the service regions may also enhance the transfer rate to the four-year institutions. The Board directed Dr. Krause to write a letter requesting the Coordinating Commission adjust the State College service regions to encompass those of the Community College districts as noted above.
2. Role and Mission – Associate Degrees
All three State Colleges have offered Associate degrees in the past, but were phased out at the direction of the Coordinating Commission. Dr. Krause presented some advantages of offering Associate degrees, including their use as a recruiting tool, as a response to workforce needs, and meeting regional needs not met by Community College two-year programs. Mr. Lewis questioned the conflict between enhancing cooperation with Community Colleges versus offering some of our own two-year degrees. Dr. Johnson explained that some Associate degree programs needed in a specific service region might not be offered by the Community College in that area. The State Colleges, however, are not allowed to fill this need with a two-year program because of restrictions by the Coordinating Commission to not offer Associate degrees.
Reasons not to offer Associate degrees include increased competitiveness with the Community Colleges, possible duplication of programs, diluting the integrity of a four-year degree by offering two-year degrees, and the potential of encouraging Community Colleges to aspire to offer four-year degrees.
Board members discussed the possibility of offering associate-type programs, but not offering two-year Associate degrees. Dr. Krepel shared Chadron’s recent experience of eliminating a Pre-School Education Associate degree program, and establishing a successful cooperative relationship with Western Community College to offer the two-year degree. Dr. Stearns stated that Wayne State College has a good working relationship with Northeast Community College, as well, to meet the needs of the region.
Dr. Krause agreed that the cooperation and coordination between Chadron and Wayne State Colleges and their respective Community College districts has worked well. Coordination and cooperation between Peru State College and Southeast Community College needs further development.
Dr. Gigstad suggested that Board members consider the discussion held today. After the first of the year, the Board could reassess the policy of offering Associate degrees. Dr. Krause clarified that the State Colleges have Legislative authorization to offer Associate degrees, so the Board would not need to change any policies. If a State College presented a curriculum proposal to offer an Associate degree program in a specific area, the proposal would need approval of both the Board of Trustees and the Coordinating Commission.
Dr. Christensen reiterated that he strongly supports the State Colleges offering associate degree-type programs, but not granting Associate degrees. The policy question is whether our liberal arts institutions should begin granting degrees that do not require the liberal arts programming, thus diluting the integrity of a four-year degree.
Mr. Lewis suggested a retreat be scheduled to gather input from the colleges and discuss this issue and how it relates to the role and mission of the State Colleges.
Dr. Johnson explained that an Associate degree offered by Peru State College would have a general education focus, unlike the Community College Associate degree programs that have a technical focus.
Dr. Gigstad closed the discussion so that the Board could prepare for the Public Session.
RECESS
A recess was taken at 10:55 a.m. prior to the Public Session.
PUBLIC SESSION
The Public Session was called to order at 11:05 a.m. A roll
call was taken: Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner;
Cady, Hollis and Wetherell were present.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mr. Lewis moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: eliminate item 5.B.(11) Peru State College, Campus Services Building Design Development Presentation; and delay any action on item 5.B.(15) Wayne State College, Terrace Hall Renovation Bids. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 30 MEETING
Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to
approve the minutes of the September 30 meeting. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes,
Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion
carried.
NEW BUSINESS--CONSENT AGENDA
Personnel Recommendations
(.pdf format)
Campus Professional Conduct Committee Appointments
The following Professional Conduct Committee memberships and
terms of appointment were reported, with Presidential appointments noted (*).
Faculty Professional Conduct Committee
Chadron State College: Dr. Frank Ferguson, Professor of
Mathematics (98-00)
Dr. Jackson Hammitt, Professor of Music (98-01)
Dr. Charles Cressy, Professor of Business* (99-02)
Peru State College: Mr. Rob Evans, Asst Professor of
Industrial Tech (98-00)
Dr. Bill Snyder, Professor of Business (98-01)
Dr. Joel Lundak, Professor of Education* (99-02)
Wayne State College: Dr. Daryl Wilcox, Wayne State Education
Association (99-00)
Dr. Glenn Kietzmann, Chair, Faculty Senate (99-01)
Dr. Randy Bertolas, Asst Professor of Geography* (99-02)
Staff Professional Conduct Committee
Chadron State College: Mr. Todd Auer, Athletic Administrative
Assistant (98-00)
Mr. Mark Stephen, Computer Programmer/Trainer (98-01)
Ms. Deb Holland, Communications Coordinator* (99-02)
Peru State College: Mr. Delyn Clifton, Computer Support
Specialist (98-00)
Ms. Renae Church, Staff Accountant (98-01)
Ms. Julia Perry, Career Services Specialist* (99-02)
Wayne State College: Ms. Marilyn Liedorff, Librarian* (99-00)
Mr. Derek Anderson, Manager of Student Center (99-01)
(Senate has not elected rep) (99-02)
Support Staff Professional Conduct Committee
Chadron State College: Ms. Deb Smith, Career Development
Secretary* (99-02)
(Senate has not elected reps)
Peru State College: Ms. Leigh (Pat) Bruggeman, Custodian*
(98-01)
(Senate has not elected reps)
Wayne State College: Ms. Vicki Mitzel, Business Division
Office Asst.* (99-00)
Mr. George Sherry, Campus Security Officer (99-01)
Ms. Sue Denklau, Library Office Assistant (99-02)
Campus Contracts and Change Orders (.pdf
format)
Campus Capital Construction Reports (July – September) (.pdf
format)
LB 309 Fund Acceptance and Retrieval
Chadron State College
1. Acceptance of $42,500 for Administration Building
heating/cooling system design and bid documents.
Allocation Date 9/30/99
Allocation Amount $42,500
College Contribution 7,500
Total Project Cost $50,000
2. Acceptance of $75,000 for Memorial Hall sprinkler
system on the first floor and basement.
Allocation Date 9/30/99
Allocation Amount $75,000
College Contribution 75,000
Total Project Cost $150,000
3. Retrieval of $3,248.70 for Armstrong Gymnasium
bathroom revisions. Work completed.
Allocation Date 8/1/96
Allocation Amount $42,500.00
Retrieval Date 10/4/99
Retrieval Amount 3,248.70
Total Project Cost $39,251.30
Peru State College
4. Retrieval of $190.00 for Theater/Auditorium roof repair.
Work completed.
Allocation Date 5/4/98
Allocation Amount $950.00
Retrieval Date 10/4/99
Retrieval Amount 190.00
Total Project Cost $760.00
5. Retrieval of $1,840.00 for Administration roof repair.
Work completed.
Allocation Date 5/4/98
Allocation Amount $5,200.00
Retrieval Date 10/4/99
Retrieval Amount 1,840.00
Total Project Cost $3,360.00
6. Retrieval of $680.00 for T.J. Majors Education roof
repair. Work completed.
Allocation Date 5/4/98
Allocation Amount $1,600.00
Retrieval Date 10/4/99
Retrieval Amount 680.00
Total Project Cost $920.00
7. Retrieval of $2,912.00 for Fine Arts roof repair. Work
completed.
Allocation Date 5/4/98
Allocation Amount $12,000.00
Retrieval Date 10/4/99
Retrieval Amount 2,912.00
Total Project Cost $9,088.00
Wayne State College
8. Acceptance of $63,570 for Campus sewage pump lift station
replacement.
Allocation Date 9/30/99
Allocation Amount $63,750
College Contribution 11,250
Total Project Cost $75,000
9. Acceptance of $8,500 for Education Building elevator
modifications.
Allocation Date 9/30/99
Allocation Amount $8,500
College Contribution 1,500
Total Project Cost $10,000
10. Acceptance of $8,500 for U.S. Conn Library elevator
modifications.
Allocation Date 9/30/99
Allocation Amount $8,500
College Contribution 1,500
Total Project Cost $10,000
11. Retrieval of $11,906.53 for Benthack Hall wall
stabilization. Project put on hold pending five year monitoring of wall
movement. A funding request will be submitted at a future date.
Allocation Date 2/5/98
Allocation Amount $15,300.00
Retrieval Date 10/4/99
Retrieval Amount 11,906.53
Project Cost to date $3,393.47
12. Retrieval of $5,078.61 for Campus ADA survey. Work
completed.
Allocation Date 12/16/98
Allocation Amount $17,000.00
Retrieval Date 10/4/99
Retrieval Amount 5,078.61
Total Project Cost $11,921.39
Campus Physical Plant Reports
Mr. Lewis moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve
the Consent Agenda. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and
Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
SUBCOMMITTEE AGENDA
Academic Affairs, Student Life & Personnel Subcommittee
-- Sheryl Lindau, Chair
Off-Campus Course Offerings
Ms. Lindau moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to accept
the report of Off-Campus and Early Entry Course Offerings as submitted by each
of the three State Colleges for FY 98-99. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman,
Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
1998-99 Quantitative Academic Reports
A report on the number of graduates by major for the past
five years and the average number of student credit hours produced by full-time
equivalent faculty assigned by department was shared for information.
1998-99 Athletic Gender Equity Report
This item was moved to the December Board meeting so that it
could be reviewed along with the campus Athletic Gender Equity Compliance Plans.
Campus Athletic Gender Equity Compliance Plans
This item will be brought forward at the December Board
meeting.
1999 Board of Trustees Scholarship Acceptance Report
Information on the number of Board of Trustee Scholarships
accepted by entering freshmen was shared with the Board. It was noted that the
number of scholarships offered by the campuses is usually higher than the number
actually accepted.
Wayne State College, Modern Language and Culture Supplemental
Report
Ms. Lindau moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to
approve the Supplemental Program Review Recommendation to continue the Wayne
State College Modern Language and Culture BA degree program and forward the
report to the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.
Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and
Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
Business Affairs Subcommittee—Budget -- Jeff Renner, Chair
Operating Budget Audit Reports
Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to receive
the Operations Audit Reports (financial audit only) for the three State Colleges
for the year ended June 30, 1999 and approve the responses to the Auditor’s
Comments and Recommendations. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis,
Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried. Dr.
Nelson reported that Peru and Wayne State Colleges are drafting responses to
reportable findings that were part of the federal funds audit. These responses
will be included in a corrective plan of action to be forwarded to the US
Department of Education. Copies will also be forwarded to Board members for
their information.
Ratification of Deficit Budget Requests
Mr. Renner moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to ratify
the 1999-2001 deficit budget requests totaling $1,569,435 as follows:
|
Operating Budget Deficit Requests |
||
|
Dollars |
Year |
|
| Chadron State College | ||
|
$39,788 |
2000-01 |
| Peru State College | ||
|
$31,298 |
2000-01 |
| Wayne State College | ||
|
$30,100 |
2000-01 |
|
Capital Construction Deficit Requests |
||
| Chadron State College | ||
|
$996,170 |
2000-01 |
| Peru State College | ||
|
$126,725 | 2000-01 |
| Wayne State College | ||
|
$276,500 | 2000-01 |
| Peru State College | ||
|
$48,854 | 1999-00 |
|
$20,000 |
1999-00 |
Technical Amendment
Request that LB 878, Section 60 (7) for Program 927 be amended to read: "Up to $1,099.41 of the cash funds appropriation may be re-appropriated for Program 927."
The purpose of this amendment is to remove all of the cash fund appropriation for FY 1999 for Program 927 except for that amount that was expended in FY 1999 and to remove all cash fund appropriations for Program 927 for FY 2000.
Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and
Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried. Dr. Krause
informed the Board that the Coordinating Commission plans to recommend funding
for only the Peru State College Oak Bowl Field House sewage pump equipment at
their November 12 meeting.
Business Affairs Subcommittee--Physical Plant -- Fran Grimes,
Chair
Chadron State College, Change Order
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve
the change order as provided by Chadron State College. Christensen, Gigstad,
Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye.
Motion carried.
Chadron State College, Memorial Hall Architect Contract
Extension
Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to approve the contract extension for Bahr Vermeer and Haecker Architects to continue serving as architects for the Chadron State College Memorial Hall renovation project. The fee for these services, including basic reimbursables, shall be $166,910. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
Wayne State College, Connell Hall Substantial Completion Ratification
Ms. Grimes moved and Ms. Lindau seconded a motion to ratify designation of substantial completion status for the Wayne State College Connell Hall project. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
Wayne State College, Connell Hall Final Completion Designation
Ms. Grimes moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to approve final completion designation for the Wayne State College Connell Hall renovation project, subject to final review by campus staff on completion of detail items. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
Business Affairs Subcommittee—Revenue Bond -- Steve Lewis,
Chair
Revenue Bond Audit Reports
Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to accept the 1998-99 Revenue Bond Operating Budget Audit Reports as submitted for each of the State Colleges by KPMG Peat Marwick. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
Chadron State College, Reallocation of Contingency Maintenance Funds
Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to authorize Chadron State College to reallocate $15,000 from Resolution 4/97 (Edna Work Hall Bath Renovation) to the Edna Work Hall/Wing renovation program statement. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried.
Wayne State College, Terrace Hall Renovation Bids
Dr. Stearns explained that the Terrace Hall Renovation bids opened on November 2 were $350,000 higher than the $1.8 million budgeted for the project. The campus is continuing to review options to modify the project that was to have been completed by August 2000. It is hoped that the cost can be reduced by looking at some factors the architect considered and some re-design options.
MISCELLANEOUS ACTION
Pending Legislation on Governance Reorganization
A discussion was held on Legislative Bill 631 introduced by Senator Kristensen that would eliminate the State College System and restructure governance of postsecondary education by incorporating Chadron State and Wayne State Colleges into the University of Nebraska System and Peru State College into the community college system.
Ms. Lindau moved and Dr. Christensen seconded a motion to draft a Resolution to maintain the unique role and mission of the State College System in opposition to LB 631. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, Lindau and Renner; Cady, Hollis and Wetherell voted aye. Motion carried. A resolution will be drafted and acted upon at the December 10 Board meeting.
In a related item, an Appropriations Committee hearing regarding the Peru State College benchmarks is scheduled for December 6 or 7. This would be an opportunity for Board members to express their feelings on LB 631. Dr. Krause encouraged Board members to meet with individual Senators to discuss the issues.
Dr. Gigstad reminded Board members that the Coordinating Commission will be meeting in Lincoln on November 12, and encouraged any interested Board members to attend.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Executive Director, Presidents’ and Student Trustees’
Reports
Mr. Hollis commented on the beauty of the Wayne State College campus. He reported on several activities at Peru State College: the two-day show choir concert festival and the high quality of performers it attracted; finals will be coming up soon; and the Student Senate has officially stated its opposition to LB 631.
Mr. Wetherell reported on the Wayne State College football team and their recent 71-21 win; Casino Night was a success; three Madrigal dinners are planned for the campus, additional performances are planned in Lincoln, Sioux City and Norfolk, and the group will be traveling to Moscow and St. Petersburg in December.
Ms. Cady thanked the Wayne State College students, faculty and staff for a wonderful time, including Casino Night. She reported that Chadron State College will continue their tradition of Spring Day and have recently held a Fall Fling. She recounted Halloween and Homecoming activities held on campus. She shared that the Chadron Student Senate has taken an official stand against LB 631. Students have expressed concern about the Social Security numbers on their identification cards; a task force is looking into the concern.
Dr. Krepel reported on a variety of recent campus activities at Chadron State College, including October Disability Awareness Month, Career Day, Health Profession Day and music activities. He announced that Dr. Joyce Hardy has been recognized as a Distinguished Young Alumni by the campus. He updated the Board on campus Task Force activities, and the discovery of fossils in the hills near Chadron State College. A Chadron State College office has been opened on the North Platte campus of Mid Plains Community College. A needs assessment is being discussed for the McCook area. He distributed information from Wisconsin that proposes setting a limit on the percentage of the cost of education borne by students to 40% of the total undergraduate resident education costs. He announced the appointment of Dr. Joyce Hardy as the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Johnson reported that 850 students from 45 high schools participated in the show choir festival and 1,800 were in the audience. At the same time, the water main burst and the campus had to import Porta Potties. The campus master plan is nearly complete and will be presented at the December meeting. He announced a major gift of $250,000 to the Peru State College Foundation and a variety of other significant gifts. The Foundation’s Executive Director has sent a survey out to 2,000 alumni; 200 surveys have been returned and 13 have indicated Peru State College has been placed in their wills. A new extended campus office has recently been opened in Falls City. A new tradition of an annual Christmas Party for the entire campus is in the planning stages.
Mr. Renner thanked Dr. Johnson for sending each Board member a copy of "100 Colleges Where Average Students Can Excel", a book that listed Peru, Chadron and Wayne State Colleges, the only Nebraska institutions included.
Dr. Stearns recognized the many Wayne State College representatives in attendance, and especially Ms. Lucille Peterson, Secretary to the President, for her work in organizing the Board meeting on campus. She distributed several publications that summarize the Wayne State College mission and its marketing efforts. She also discussed Wayne’s efforts in assisting with economic development in the region. She highlighted the Black and Gold arts series, and noted that most tickets for tonight’s event have been sold.
Dr. Krause reminded Board members of the Appropriations Committee hearing to be held on December 6 or 7, and encouraged Board members to attend. Until progress can be demonstrated on the Peru State College benchmarks, the Hoyt Science Hall project cannot move forward. It’s possible the appropriation might be released via a legislative bill introduced early in the session or via a resolution, which would be preferable.
Dr. Gigstad recognized Mr. Jerry Conway, a former Board member, and Dr. Hal Stearns, spouse of the Wayne State College President. He thanked the campus for its hospitality in hosting the Board meeting.
ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m.