A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System was convened at the Hampton Inn-Airport, City of Lincoln, County of Lancaster, State of Nebraska, on Friday, December 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 December 1, 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 City
Ms. Frances Grimes, Grand Island
Ms. Willa Kosman, Scottsbluff
Mr. Steve Lewis, Lexington
Mr. Jeff Renner, Bellevue

Board Members absent:
Ms. Sheryl Lindau, Wayne
Dr. Doug Christensen, Lincoln

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

Student Board Member absent:
Mr. Dan Wetherell, Wayne State College

System Office Staff participating:
Dr. Carrol Krause, Executive Director
Dr. Larry Schultz, Associate Executive Director for Academic Affairs & Legal Services
Dr. Donna Nelson, Associate Exec. Director for Fiscal and Facilities Management (morning session only)
Mr. Bruce Donelson, Director, Facilities Management and Planning (morning session only)
Ms. Suzi Shugert, Public Relations/Information Director (morning session only)
Ms. Kim Rauscher, Administrative Assistant

Others attending:
Dr. Thomas Krepel, President, Chadron State College
Dr. Ben Johnson, President, Peru State College
Dr. Sheila Stearns, President, Wayne State College
Dr. Joyce Hardy, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chadron State College
Mr. Ed Hoffman, Vice President for Administration, Chadron State College
Mr. Dale Grant, Comptroller, Chadron State College (morning session only)
Dr. Jerome Martin, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Peru State College (morning session only)
Dr. Susan Udey, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Peru State College (morning session only)
Mr. Ted Harshbarger, Dean of Student Services, Peru State College (morning session only)
Dr. Robert McCue, Interim Vice Pres. for Academic Affairs, Wayne State College (morning session only)
Ms. Carolyn Murphy, Interim Vice Pres. for Admin. & Finance, Wayne State College (morning session only)
Mr. Curt Frye, Vice President and Dean of Students, Wayne State College (morning session only)
Mr. Bruce Cutshall, Nebraska State College System Lobbyist (morning session only)
Mr. Trent Nowka, Nebraska State College System Lobbyist (morning session only)
Mr. Phil Hovis, Legislative Fiscal Analyst, State of Nebraska
Mr. Dave Wagaman, Budget Division, State of Nebraska (morning session only)
Mr. Steve Hotovy, Building Division, State of Nebraska (morning session only)
Mr. Dennis Scheer, The Clark Enersen Partners (morning session only)
Mr. Greg Lattig, The Clark Enersen Partners (morning session only)
Mr. Ryan Horner, The Clark Enersen Partners (morning session only)
Mr. Dan Orecchio, The Clark Enersen Partners (morning session only)
Mr. Bernie Rempe, The Clark Enersen Partners (morning session only)
Mr. Robert Moyle, President, Blackstone Insurance Group, Inc. (morning session only)
Ms. Peggy Flinn, Blackstone Insurance Group, Inc. (morning session only)
Ms. Martha Stoddard, Lincoln Journal Star newspaper (morning session only)
Ms. Nancy Finken, Nebraska Public Radio Network (morning session only)
Ms. Lilly Blase, Lincoln (morning session only)
Dr. David Powers, Executive Director, Coordinating Commission (joint meeting only)
Dr. Sonia Cowen, Academic Officer, Coordinating Commission (joint meeting only)
Dr. John Ingram, Research Officer, Coordinating Commission (joint meeting only)
Ms. Carna Pfeil, Fiscal Officer, Coordinating Commission (joint meeting only)
Ms. Patsy Martin, Information Specialist, Coordinating Commission (joint meeting only)
Mr. Mike Wemhoff, Facilities Coordinator, Coordinating Commission (joint meeting only)
Mr. Larry Scherer, Policy Analyst, Coordinating Commission (joint meeting only)
Dr. Dick Davis, Coordinating Commission Member (joint meeting only)
Mrs. Imogene Enevoldsen, Coordinating Commission Member (joint meeting only)
Dr. Randy Ferlic, Coordinating Commission Member (joint meeting only)
Dr. Jane Renner Hood, Coordinating Commission Member (joint meeting only)
Mrs. Barbara Marcy, Coordinating Commission Member (joint meeting only)
Mr. Charles Marcy, spouse of Commissioner Marcy
Dr. Helen Morten, Coordinating Commission Member (joint meeting only)
Mr. Eric Seacrest, Coordinating Commission Member (joint meeting only)
Mr. Earl Rademacher, Coordinating Commission Member (joint meeting only)

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. A roll call was taken: Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, and Renner; Cady and Hollis were present. Christensen, Lindau and Wetherell were absent.

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel items. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Mr. Lewis moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to go out of Executive Session at 10:10 a.m. and reconvene in Public Session. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis, and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

The Public Session was called to order at 10:15 a.m. A roll call was taken: Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis were present. Christensen, Lindau and Wetherell were absent.

Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the agenda as distributed. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

There were none.

Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the November 10 and November 20 meetings. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Campus Contracts and Change Orders 

LB 309 Fund Acceptance and Retrieval
Chadron State College
1. Acceptance of $59,500 for Memorial Hall first floor entrance and restrooms ADA modifications.
Allocation Date 11/9/99
Allocation Amount $59,500
College Contribution 15,500
Total Project Cost $70,000

Peru State College
2. Acceptance of $1,572 for Jindra Fine Arts Building elevator repair.
Allocation Date 11/9/99
Allocation Amount $1,572
College Contribution 278
Total Project Cost $1,850

Wayne State College
3. Acceptance of $15,300 for Carhart Science stair tread removal/replacement.
Allocation Date 11/9/99
Allocation Amount $15,300
College Contribution 2,700
Total Project Cost $18,000

Campus Physical Plant Reports 

Ms. Kosman moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Academic Affairs, Student Life & Personnel Subcommittee – Willa Kosman, Committee Member
Executive Director Search Update
Ms. Kosman moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Stanley Carpenter, General Counsel and Director of Employee Relations for the Vermont State College System, as the Executive Director of the Nebraska State College System effective February 1, 2000, with the 1999-2000 annual salary rate of $125,000 plus reasonable moving expenses. This initial contract is subject to extension or renewal as provided in Section 5 of the employment contract.  Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Health Insurance Review Update
Mr. Robert Moyle, President of Blackstone Insurance Group, was hired by the Board to provide health care consultant services to the Nebraska State College System. Mr. Moyle presented a review of his findings to the Board, comparing the current costs of the State College plan to that of the State of Nebraska and industry averages. Following the presentation, Dr. Krause recommended to the Board that the consultant continue with Phase II of the contract to develop bid specifications and provide the Board with technical assistance and advice on bid evaluation and carrier selection. Mr. Lewis moved and Ms. Kosman seconded a motion to have bid specifications developed. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Dr. Krause distributed to Board members a proposed legislative bill that would authorize a self-insurance trust fund for the State College System.

1998-99 Athletic Gender Equity Report
A summary of gender equity in athletics in the Nebraska State College System was presented to the Board. Dr. Stearns reported that Wayne State College added women’s soccer at the varsity level in the fall of 1998 in an effort to address inequities. The college has also increased coaching staff and the budget for women’s soccer. In an effort to further address the gender equity issue, Dr. Stearns stated that Wayne State College is interested in organizing a symposium for smaller colleges in the state.

Dr. Johnson stated that Peru State College is also considering adding a women’s soccer program. He commented that Peru State is examining their large off-campus population and how they might involve those students in the athletic program.

Dr. Krepel reported that Chadron State College continues to survey its students to determine if the interests of the under-represented gender (females) are being accommodated by the present programs.

Campus Athletic Gender Equity Compliance Plans
Ms. Kosman moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to accept the Campus Athletic Gender Equity Compliance Plans as provided by each of the State Colleges. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Campus Diversity Plans
Ms. Kosman moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to accept the annual Campus Diversity Plan Reports as provided by each of the State Colleges and forward them to Dr. Ricardo Garcia for his review. Dr. Garcia will be invited to the March Board meeting to assess the progress of each campus plan. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Chadron State College, Follow-up Program Review Reports
Ms. Kosman moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to accept the follow-up program review reports on the Chadron State College Art (BA) degree program and the Theatre (BA) degree program and forward the Art report to the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. Christensen, Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Business Affairs Subcommittee—Budget -- Jeff Renner, Chair
Schedule for 2001-2003 Biennial Budget Requests
A proposed schedule for preparation and submittal of the 2001-2003 Operating and Capital Construction Budget Requests was presented to the Board as follows:

Business Affairs Subcommittee--Physical Plant -- Fran Grimes, Chair
Contracts and Change Orders 
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the contracts provided by Chadron and Peru State Colleges. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Peru State College, Campus Master Plan
Architects from The Clark Enersen Partners firm presented the updated Peru State College Campus Master Plan to the Board for review and discussion. Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to accept the Peru State College Campus Master Plan as presented by The Clark Enersen Partners. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Peru State College, Campus Services Building Design Development Documents
Architects from The Clark Enersen Partners firm presented the design development documents for the Campus Services Building project at Peru State College. Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to accept the Peru State College Campus Services Building Design Development Documents. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried. Copies of the materials will be distributed to representatives of the DAS Budget, Building Division, Legislative Fiscal Office and Coordinating Commission for review and comment.

Peru State College, Hoyt Science Renovation Design Development Documents
Architects from The Clark Enersen Partners firm presented the design development documents for the Hoyt Science Renovation project at Peru State College. Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to accept the Peru State College Hoyt Science Renovation Design Development Documents. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried. Copies of the materials will be distributed to representatives of the DAS Budget, Building Division, Legislative Fiscal Office and Coordinating Commission for review and comment.

Dr. Krause distributed a proposed Legislative Resolution that could be introduced in early January authorizing the Board of Trustees to proceed with solicitation of bids for renovation and construction of the Physical Plant Facility and Hoyt Science Hall consistent with all statutory requirements.

Chadron State College, Use of Facilities Fee for Burkhiser Project
Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the use of $455,000 from the Capital Improvement Fees Fund by Chadron State College to complete the Burkhiser Technology Complex remodel project. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Business Affairs Subcommittee—Revenue Bond -- Steve Lewis, Chair
Wayne State College, Reallocation of Contingency Maintenance Funds
Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to authorize Wayne State College to reallocate $159,000 from the following Resolutions to the Terrace Hall Radiator/Piping Project:

Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Contracts and Change Orders  

Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to approve the Change Order submitted by Wayne State College. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to authorize final completion designation for the Wayne State College Student Center Addition and Renovation Project. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Ms. Kosman moved and Ms. Grimes seconded a motion to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO ELIMINATING THE STATE COLLEGE SYSTEM THROUGH RESTRUCTURING THE GOVERNANCE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION IN NEBRASKA

Whereas, the Nebraska State College Board of Trustees can trace its origin to the time of statehood in 1867, and as such is the oldest Governing Board in the State of Nebraska; and

Whereas, the Nebraska State College System has as its primary mission providing undergraduate education to students in rural areas of the state; and

Whereas, the State College System faculty members are dedicated, fully qualified professionals whose first priority is classroom teaching; and

Whereas, the State College System is unique in its ability to deliver quality baccalaureate and master degree programs at low cost; and

Whereas, the State College System offers access to all students who desire the opportunity to pursue a college degree; and

Whereas, the State College System prides itself on personal student attention and a supportive environment that enhances opportunities for success; and

Whereas, the State College System has a tradition of excellence in producing outstanding teachers, the majority of whom serve Nebraska’s rural schools; and

Whereas, 50 years ago the State Colleges became comprehensive undergraduate institutions and have developed proud records in preparing people for medicine, law, engineering, business, architecture and all professions; and

Whereas, the State College System is dedicated to community and economic development in rural Nebraska;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System unanimously opposes any legislation or constitutional amendment that would eliminate the State College System through restructuring the governance of postsecondary education in Nebraska. The Board directs this resolution to be forwarded to Governor Mike Johanns; members of the Legislature; campus faculty, administrative and student groups; and media.

Approved this 10^th day of December, 1999.

Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Dr. Gigstad expressed thanks on behalf of the Board members to Dr. Krause for efforts during his tenure as Executive Director of the State College System and wished him well during his retirement. Ms. Grimes moved and Mr. Renner seconded a motion to engage Dr. Krause to provide consulting services related to the position of Executive Director at a fee of $1.00 (as requested by Dr. Krause) from January 1 through January 31, prior to Mr. Carpenter assuming office on February 1. Gigstad, Grimes, Kosman, Lewis and Renner; Cady and Hollis voted aye. Motion carried.

Dr. Stearns reported that the issue of teacher quality/teacher shortages has been of interest on the Wayne State College campus this fall. Representatives from Wayne State College and area public schools will be attending a summit in Washington, DC on this very issue.

Dr. Johnson reminded everyone of Peru State’s annual madrigal dinner this weekend. He also announced that an International Reading Association conference will be held in Nebraska for the first time and 300 teachers are expected to attend.

On behalf of Dr. Krepel, Dr. Hardy reported on Chadron State College activities. Of particular note was recent funding for the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center provided through two separate federal bills: the Save American Treasures bill (Department of the Interior) and the Institute for Museums and Library Services bill (Department of Labor), totaling $900,000. Senator Robert Kerrey was instrumental in pursuing the funding and a letter of thanks will be sent on behalf of the Board for his efforts.

Ms. Cady reported on Chadron State College student activities. The Student Senate recently passed a resolution on governance similar to the Board Resolution passed today.

Mr. Hollis reported that the Peru State College Christmas band and choir concerts have been a success, and students are preparing for finals week.

Dr. Krause reviewed agenda items for the afternoon’s joint meeting with the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.

RECESS – A recess was taken at 1:05 p.m., to reconvene in a joint meeting with the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education at 2:00 p.m.

The joint meeting with the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education was called to order at 2:10 p.m. All in attendance introduced themselves. Mr. Seacrest, Chair of the Coordinating Commission, recognized Dr. Krause and presented him with the following Resolution adopted by the Commission:

"The Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education hereby recognizes Dr. Carrol Krause upon his retirement as Executive Director of the State College System and for his accomplishments and the achievements of the State Colleges during his tenure. These include the State Colleges’ participation in Nebraska’s most comprehensive articulation arrangements to date; the increased use of instructional technologies by the State Colleges to enhance access to their courses throughout their service regions; a stronger role for the State College system central office, which promoted cost effectiveness throughout the system; and, Dr. Krause’s efforts to increase levels of cooperation among the three State Colleges. The Coordinating Commission also expresses high levels of appreciation to Dr. Krause for his willingness to work congenially and constructively with the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education to help achieve important postsecondary education goals in Nebraska."

Mr. Seacrest called on Mr. Scherer to explain the Comprehensive Plan revision process to date, which has included meeting with numerous focus groups across the state. Summaries of the focus group issues were distributed.

Ms. Kosman inquired whether economic development surveys were being used as they relate to higher education issues of the state. Mr. Scherer responded that Commission staff is utilizing existing surveys provided by the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska and the Department of Labor.

Mr. Lewis asked for clarification of the roles of the Coordinating Commission, State College Board of Trustees and the University Board of Regents. Dr. Powers explained the Constitutional authority given the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education and how that relates to the Governing Boards’ responsibilities.

An issue not raised in the focus group meetings, which is of interest to the State Colleges, is the issue of additional funding to achieve athletic gender equity. Board members asked that the Coordinating Commission examine this need as it relates to budget issues.

In addition, Commission staff indicated that a statewide database is being developed to address the issue of facilities utilization as it relates to capital construction review.

Dr. Krause presented proposed changes to the State College service regions that would align the State College service regions with the Community College districts to enhance coordination between the two systems. Mr. Seacrest expressed that the Commissioners are receptive to the proposal.

Statutory authority permits the Nebraska State Colleges to offer Associate, Baccalaureate, and Masters degree programs. In response to recommendations from the Coordinating Commission in the early 1990’s, all of the State Colleges’ associate degree programs were eliminated. Dr. Krause recommended that the associate degree option remain available to the State Colleges in the future, particularly to meet the increasing need for criminal justice, early childhood, and information management system degrees.

Mr. Seacrest announced that a Coordinating Commission Task Force on Workforce Shortages has been established, with representatives from all sectors of higher education, to examine workforce needs. He also noted that the Commission has had a history of strongly supporting need-based financial aid for under-represented populations.

Commission members asked for the Board’s reaction to the higher education governance and structure issues. Board members shared copies of the Resolution in opposition to eliminating the State College System through restructuring the governance of postsecondary education in Nebraska as approved at the morning Board meeting. While some Commission members would have liked the resolution to also include a statement of support for the Coordinating Commission, Board members felt the resolution needed to focus on the unique role and mission of the State Colleges.

Mr. Seacrest reported that the Program Review, Budgeting Review, and Capital Construction Review procedures are all currently under review by working groups with representatives from each of the higher education sectors in an effort to streamline the process.

Ms. Kosman commended all three State College presidents on their cooperative efforts with Community Colleges and area businesses. Ms. Morton mentioned the increase in the number of articulation agreements between the State Colleges and Community Colleges. Dr. Krepel expressed an interest in rewards and incentives for successful cooperation and collaboration efforts.

Board members and Commissioners agreed on the need to maintain current campus infrastructure and to not defer maintenance.

All in attendance agreed that annual meetings, such as the one held today, should continue.

The joint meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.