06-4-93minutes
Board of Regents
OFFICIAL MINUTES
Board of Regents' Meeting
June 3-4, 1993
Wood Center Ballroom
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
I. The meeting was called to order by President Gagnon at 9:27 a.m.
Regents Present:
Sharon D. Gagnon, President
Susan A. Stitham, Secretary
Mark H. Helmericks, Treasurer (by audioconference)
Virginia W. Breeze
Mary Jane Fate
Eric Forrer
Joseph Henri
Michael P. Kelly
R. Danforth Ogg
Scott A. Otterbacher
Lew Williams, Jr.
Jerome B. Komisar, Executive Officer and President of the University
of Alaska
In Attendance :
Donald Behrend, Chancellor, University of Alaska Anchorage
Marshall L. Lind, Chancellor, University of Alaska Southeast
Joan K. Wadlow, Chancellor, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Beverly Beeton, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, UAA
William R. Kauffman, Vice President and General Counsel
Luis Proenza, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs & Research
Brian Rogers, Vice President for Finance
Jim Lynch, Controller and Associate Vice President for Finance
Gerald V. Neubert, Assistant Vice President and University Architect
'Nanne Myers, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
Patty Kastelic, Executive Director for Human Resources
Bob Miller, Director of Public Affairs
Mary M. Kauffman, Regents Affairs Officer
II. Adoption of the Agenda
Regent Stitham moved, seconded by Regent Helmericks, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents adopts the agenda as presented.
I. Call to Order
II. Adoption of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes
IV. Election of Officers
V. Resolution of Appreciation for Timothy S. Lamkin
VI. Comments
a. General Public
b. General Assembly
c. Faculty and Staff
d. Students
e. Alumni
f. University Councils
VII. Consent Agenda
1. Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee
a. Increase in Student Activity Fee at University of
Alaska Fairbanks Campus
b. Increase in Student Activity Fee at the Valdez
Campus of Prince William Sound Community
College
c. Establishment of a FY94 Student Activity Fee for
the Copper Basin Campus of Prince William Sound
Community College
d. Prince William Sound Community College Tuition
e. Approval of Policy on Internal Audit
f. FY94 Student Government Budgets
g. University of Alaska Fairbanks Gruening Building
Code Corrections - Approval of Schematic Design
and Authority to Bid and Award a Contract
h. Approval of Operating Budget Renewal and
Replacement/Maintenance and Repair Project Lists
i. Kodiak Commercial Development
j. Fairbanks Commercial Development
k. Fairbanks School Site Lease
2. Committee of the Whole
a. Approval of FY94 Operating and Capital Budgets
3. Human Resources Committee
a. Compensation Policy
VIII. New Business
a. Nominating Committee
b. Academic and Student Affairs Committee
c. Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee
d. Committee of the Whole
e. Human Resources Committee
f. Requested modification to Board of Regents Meeting
Schedule
g. Board of Regents FY95 Meeting Schedule
IX. Executive Session (Working lunch, approximately 2 hrs.)
X. Approval of Honorary Degrees
XI. Renaming of the UAF Fine Arts Theatre
XII. Administrative Status Reports
XIII. Planned Presentations (approximately 3:00 p.m.)
a. Report on Alaska Federation of Natives Resolutions
Pertaining to Higher Education (20 minutes plus discussion)
b. Presentation on Poker Flat Research Range c. Report on President's Task
Force on Alternative
Methods of Instruction (15 minutes plus discussion)
d. Overview of University of Alaska Foundation
XIV. President's and Regents' Comments
a. Board of Regents' Representatives on the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
b. Comments From President and Regents
XV. Adjourn
This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
III. Approval of Minutes
Regent Ogg moved, seconded by Regent Breeze and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the minutes of the April 22-23, 1993 meeting. This
motion is effective June 4, 1993."
IV. Comments
a. General Public
The Board of Regents accepted public comment on the proposed leasing of University land to Wal-Mart and Carr Gottstein Foods Co., Inc. for the purpose of constructing a shopping center. The following individuals appeared before the Board and expressed their opposition to this lease: Phyllis Alexander; Sean McGuire; Doug Yates; Burt McGuire; Flora McGuire; Madge Clark; Margaret Van Cleve; John Wyle; Cindy Reeves; Ronnie Rosenberg; Suzie Lozo; Lou Brown; June Weinstock; Eva Solitas; Celia Hunter; Larry Landry; Mark Andrews; Carl Benson; Ginny Wood; Frank Therrault; Sue Tuccio; Cindy Williams; David Stand; Pat Walsh; Sharon Lockwood; Dorothy Thompson; and Dan LaSoto.
Speaking in support of the lease were Buzz Otis and Jim Desmond.
Phil Younker, Chair of the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Committee for the University, informed the Board that the committee would be meeting and submitting its recommendations on the proposed Wal-Mart/Carrs land lease to the Chamber Board of Directors. The Chamber will then submit its position on this issue to the Board of RegentS.
Mr. Younker said the deferred maintenance problem is one of the Committee's top priorities. He encouraged the development of a statewide plan for financing deferred maintenance and suggested bonding on a long-term basis. He also expressed the need for the University to increase its lobbying efforts.
b. General Assembly
General Assembly President Donna Chantry spoke of the new system governance model; summarized the lobbying efforts during the past legislative session; and encouraged the community to assist in lobbying the legislature for the granting of additional land to the University.
c. Faculty and Staff
UAF Faculty Senate President David Spell expressed his concern about the lack of faculty participation in decisions concerning compensation and program cuts. He expressed the Faculty Alliance's eagerness to work with the Board of Regents and the administration in resolving these problems.
Bonnie Williams commented on the Staff Alliance, compensation, and career ladders.
UAF Faculty Senate President-Elect Colin Reed commented on the proposed six-month delay in the 3 percent annual raise and encouraged the Board and Administration to include faculty in the problem solving process .
Dan Jaffe spoke in opposition to the land lease and encouraged the Board of Regents to hold hearings in the fall to hear the views of all students and faculty members.
Bonnie Williams again addressed the Board and expressed the need for increased revenue and encouraged the Board of Regents to be aggressive managers of the University's lands.
d. Students
Janice Ott commented on the quality of the University faculty and the faculty's willingness to work together to overcome the budget deficits.
Marcus Ortelee, Michelle Westin and Dave Fletch spoke in opposition to the proposed University land lease.
Kris Jenkins thanked the Board of Regents for approving pursuit of funding for the MSW program. Ms. Jenkins also asked that the Board of Regents consider American Sign Language (ASL) as a foreign language and expressed the need for graduates to be proficient in sign language in view of the Americans With Disabilities Act. ASL is currently offered as an elective.
Mat-Su Student Government President Mark Ewing voiced his opposition to the land lease to Wal-Mart and Carrs and thanked the Board for its decision on the nondiscrimination policy.
e. Alumni
Layne Thompson, John Miller, Carol Morris and Rachel Story expressed opposition to the Wal-Mart/Carrs land lease.
V. Executive Session
Regent Kelly moved, and it was passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents goes into executive session in accordance with the provisions
of AS 44.62.310 to discuss matters relating to litigation, this topic being a subject
the immediate knowledge of which would have an adverse effect on the finances of
the university; honorary degrees, meritorious service awards, and the naming of campus
facilities, these topics being subjects which might tend to prejudice the reputation
and character of a person or persons. The session shall include members of the Board
of Regents, President Komisar, Vice President and General Counsel Kauffman, and such
other university staff members as the President may designate and shall last approximately
1 hour. Thus, the open session of the Board shall resume in this room at approximately
1:00 p.m. A.D.T. This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
The Board of Regents went into executive session at 12:00 p.m. and returned to public session at 1:10 p.m. at which time Regent Kelly announced that the Board of Regents just concluded an executive session in accordance with AS 44.62.310 discussing matters relating to litigation, this topic being a subject the immediate knowledge of which would have an adverse effect on the finances of the university; honorary degrees and the naming of campus facilities, these topics being subjects which might tend to prejudice the reputation and character of a person or persons. The session included members of the Board of Regents, President Komisar, Vice President and General Counsel Kauffman and other university staff members designated by the President and lasted approximately one hour and ten minutes.
VI. Election of Officers
Nominating Committee Chair Lew Williams presented the Committee's recommended slate of officers for the positions of president, secretary and treasurer and two nominees for the position of vice president of the Board. Sharon Gagnon was nominated for President, Mark Helmericks for Treasurer and Susan Stitham for Secretary of the Board of Regents. The two candidates nominated for vice president were Virginia Breeze and Mike Kelly.
Regent Henri moved, seconded by Regent Breeze, that nominations for the office of president be closed. Regent Stitham moved, seconded by Regent Ogg, that the Board cast a unanimous ballot for Sharon Gagnon for the office of president. The motion passed unanimously.
President Gagnon invited the two vice-presidential candidates to make a brief statement. Immediately following, the Board of Regents by secret ballot elected Virginia Breeze as its vice-president.
Regent Williams moved, seconded by Regent Henri, that nominations for secretary be closed. Regent Williams moved, seconded by Regent Ogg, that the Board cast a unanimous ballot for Susan Stitham for the office of secretary. The motion passed unanimously.
Regent Williams moved, seconded by Regent Kelly, that nominations for the office of treasurer be closed. Regent Williams moved, seconded by Regent Ogg, that the Board cast a unanimous ballot for Mark Helmericks for the office of treasurer. The motion passed unanimously.
VII. Resolution of Appreciation for Timothy S. Lamkin
WHEREAS, Timothy S. Lamkin graduated from Wasilla High School in 1988 and thereupon entered the University of Alaska Fairbanks; and
WHEREAS, Timothy S. Lamkin served the University of Alaska Fairbanks in many University-related capacities during his years as a student including ASUAF Senate Chairperson; Chair of the ASUAF Senate Financial Affairs Committee; Presiding Officer of the UAF Assembly; Trustee, UAF Student Trust Fund Board; President & Chief Executive Officer of Student Media, Incorporated; and member of the UAF Chancellor Search Committee; and
WHEREAS, Timothy S. Lamkin was appointed by Governor Walter J. Hickel to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska in 1991; and
WHEREAS, Timothy S. Lamkin served the people of the State of Alaska and the University of Alaska with distinction as a member of the Board of Regents of the University from that time until the expiration of his term in May 1993; and
WHEREAS, Timothy S. Lamkin served as a member of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee and the Human Resources Committee during his service as a Regent of the University of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, Timothy S. Lamkin was elected Vice President of the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska in February 1993, and held the office until the expiration of his term, becoming the first student regent in the history of the University of Alaska to hold an elected officer position; and
WHEREAS, Timothy S. Lamkin during his term paid judicious attention to the concerns of the University's statewide system, Regents and the Administration, while providing forthright and outstanding representation for the students of the University of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, Timothy S. Lamkin exemplifies the finest qualities of leadership and integrity in public service; has made significant and long-lasting contributions to his University; and has served as a trusted friend and valued colleague to other members of the Board of Regents.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska takes official recognition of Timothy S. Lamkin's outstanding service, extends to him this statement of appreciation for his contributions to the advancement of higher education in the State of Alaska and extends to him its best wishes in his future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be appropriately engrossed and conveyed to Timothy S. Lamkin
with a copy incorporated in the official minutes of the June 3-4, 1993 meeting of
the University of Alaska Board of Regents.
Regent Stitham moved that a unanimous vote be cast for approval of the resolution.
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the resolution of appreciation recognizing the invaluable
service and dedication of Timothy S. Lamkin to the University of Alaska. This motion
is effective June 4, 1993."
VIII. Consent Agenda
1. Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee
Regent Henri reported that during the Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee
meeting on June 3, the Committee made the following recommendations:
a. Increase in Student Activity Fee at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus
The University of Alaska Fairbanks student body approved a $4.00 per semester increase in the activity fee for FY94 to help support the student radio station KSUA. This action was brought before the Board for its approval.
PASSED
"The Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee recommends that the Board of Regents approve a $4.00 per semester activity fee increase for the Fairbanks campus. This motion is effective June 3, 1993."
b. Increase in Student Activity Fee at the Valdez Campus of Prince William Sound Community
College
The Valdez Campus of Prince William Sound Community College requested the Board of Regents' approval of a $15 increase in the full-time activity fee for FY94 in support of academic, social and recreational student activities.
PASSED
"The Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee recommends that the Board of Regents approve a $15.00 per semester fee increase for Prince William Sound Community College, Valdez campus. This motion is effective June 3, 1993."
c. Establishment of an FY94 Student Activity Fee for the Copper Basin Campus of Prince
William Sound Community College
The Copper Basin Campus of Prince William Sound requested that the Board of Regents approve the establishment of activity fees to be used for graduation activities and a student scholarship program. The fees would be $2.50 per semester for 1-3 credit hours; $5.00 per semester for 4-6 credit hours; and $10.00 for 7 or more credit hours.
PASSED
"The Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee recommends that the Board of Regents approve the establishment of activity fees for Prince William Sound Community College, Copper Basin campus. This motion is effective June 3, 1993."
d. Prince William Sound Community College Tuition
The Prince William Sound Community College Council requested Board of Regents' approval to maintain the PWSCC tuition rate at its current level of $48 per credit hour for lower division courses. Local communities contribute 20 percent of the college budget and the Council has expressed concern that an increase in tuition would reduce the number of part-time students who are not eligible for financial aid.
PASSED
"The Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee recommends that the Board of Regents approve the following tuition rates for Prince William Sound Community College:
Resident Non-Resident
Undergraduate
Lower Division $48 $144
Upper Division $64 $192
This motion is effective June 3, 1993."
e. FY94 Student Government Budgets
Student government organizations developed and submitted proposed budgets to the Board of Regents for approval. These budgets were included as Reference 3 of the agenda.
PASSED
"The Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee recommends that the Board of Regents approve the FY94 student government budgets as described in Reference 3 of the agenda. This motion is effective June 3, 1993."
f. University of Alaska Fairbanks Gruening Building Code Corrections - Approval of Schematic Design and Authority to Bid and Award a Contract Reference 4
A Fire and Life Safety Code Corrections Report was prepared in October 1992 by Patricia Peirsol Architects for the Gruening Building. The report proposed design corrections for code deficiencies identified by the State Fire Marshal in an inspection on April 5, 1991.
The scope of work includes code corrections such as modifying sprinkler head locations, reconstructing corridors to meet one hour fire resistive construction, sealing penetrations, installing smoke gaskets, door closers and rated door/frame assemblies at corridor doors, reconfiguring hall entries to eliminate "dead-end" corridors.
The design consultant for the project is Patricia Peirsol Architects, of Fairbanks, Alaska. Consultant approval was received from the Board of Regents at its August 15-16, 1991 meeting.
This project is funded by a $5,000,000 FY93 capital appropriation for code corrections, and a $250,000 FY91 appropriation for Gruening sprinklers. The Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee requested the Board's approval of the schematic design of the UAF Gruening Building Code Corrections Project and requested authority to award a construction contract within available funding.
PASSED
"The Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee recommends that the Board of Regents approve the schematic design of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Gruening Building Code Corrections project as presented and authorize award of a construction contract within available funding. This motion is effective June 3, 1993."
g. Approval of Operating Budget Renewal and Replacement/Maintenance and Repair Project
Lists
The Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee requested Board of Regents' approval of the allocation for construction projects in the Renewal and Replacement and routine Maintenance categories contained in the FY94 operating budgets of the campuses. These allocations were detailed in Reference 5 of the agenda.
PASSED
"The Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee recommends that the Board of Regents approve the allocation from the FY94 operating budget categories Renewal and Replacement/Maintenance and Repair lists as submitted. This motion is effective June 3, 1993."
Following discussion of the motions brought forward in the consent agenda, Regent
Henri moved, seconded by Regent Williams and approved unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents adopts the recommendations of the Finance, Facilities and
Land Management Committee as stated above. This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
2. Committee of the Whole
The FY94 Operating and Capital budgets were bound separately and presented during the Committee of the Whole meeting.
President Gagnon reported that during the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 3, the Committee made the following recommendation:
PASSED
"The Committee of the Whole recommends that the Board of Regents adopt the FY94 Operating and Capital budget requests as presented. This motion is effective June 3, 1993."
Following presentation of the motion, President Gagnon moved, seconded by Regent
Kelly and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Committee of the Whole recommends that the Board of Regents adopt the FY94
Operating and Capital budget requests as presented during the Committee of the Whole
meeting. This motion is effective June 3, 1993."
IX. New Business
a. Nominating Committee
Regent Williams reported there was no new business. He thanked all the Regents who agreed to be candidates for the election. President Gagnon thanked Regent Williams and the Nominating Committee for their work.
b. Academic and Student Affairs Committee
Regent Stitham reported that the Committee has scheduled a work session on President Komisar's memorandum to the Board on the Allocation and Employment of Instructional Resources.
Regent Stitham commented on the excellent presentation by Dr. Wadlow on the status of the College of Rural Alaska and the School of Education. Regent Stitham stated that many people have worked very hard to make this new structure work.
Regent Stitham reported on the Committee's lengthy discussion on Alaska 2000 and some of the initiatives occurring in the state in terms of public education and the potential areas where the University could be helpful. As a result of that discussion, Dr. Komisar expressed an interest in arranging a statewide meeting this fall to convene the different campuses, as well as the other universities that are working with teacher preparation to discuss how universities should be and can become more directly involved in the improvements that are being made in K-12 education.
Regent Forrer advised the Board that the subject of education is one that he has been interested since his appointment to the Board. He expressed concern about the failure rate of high school seniors particularly in the Juneau area and their lack of preparation for entering college. He stated that most needed a year of remedial courses despite having a high school diploma. Regent Forrer continued with further concerns. At Regent Kelly's request, a written copy of Regent Forrer's comments was sent to all of the Regents.
Regent Stitham moved, seconded by Regent Forrer and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents strongly supports the President's plan for a statewide meeting
in the fall of 1993, to include, among others, the leaders of the Education faculties
of UAS, UAA and UAF, and of Alaska Pacific University and Sheldon Jackson College,
and of the members of the Regents Academic and Student Affairs Committee.
The purpose of the meeting is to explore the central role of higher education in
supporting ongoing changes in Alaska K-12 education.
The meeting should develop specific recommendations to the President for ways to
enhance the cooperation within the campuses of the University of Alaska System,
and between the University of Alaska and the private colleges in the state in order
to accomplish the following:
1. preparation of teachers for changed Alaska schools and students;
2. research in innovative teaching strategies and school structure which identify
and incorporate the successes occurring in some Alaska schools; and
3. disseminating the practical application of this research (perhaps in a Cooperative
Extension model) to current practitioners as well as to those in preparation programs.
Further, the Board of Regents asks the President to report in December 1993 with
recommendations for a proposed structure for the delivery of higher quality teacher
preparation across the state, and for the accomplishment of recommendations from
the fall meeting which enhance the University's role in the area of K-12 education.
This motion is effective June 4, 1993.
c. Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee
1. Approval of Policy on Internal Audit
At the April 22, 1993, Board of Regents meetings, several Regents inquired about the activities of the internal auditors and their interaction with the Board. Based on comments from the Regents and others, Vice President for Finance Brian Rogers developed a policy amendment creating a Board of Regents Audit Committee and a policy statement defining the authority and responsibilities of the internal audit department.
The proposed policy was presented to the Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee by Vice President Brian Rogers and Internal Audit Director Randy Weaver. The committee discussed the internal audit function and the proposed policy statement. Regent Henri reported that a suggestion was made to have the Audit Committee consist of the treasurer of the University and the chair of the finance committee with the third member to be appointed by the president of the Board.
Regent Henri moved, seconded by Regent Kelly and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents adopts Regents Policies 01.01.02(E) and 05.17.01 on Internal
Audit as amended in the Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee meeting.
This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
The referenced Policy amendment follows.
Amend existing Policy 01.01.02(E) as follows:
Section E. Committees 01.01.02(E)
The following standing committees of the Board of Regents are established:
a. Academic and Student Affairs;
b. Finance, Facilities, and Land Management;
c. Human Resources;
d. Planning and Development; and
e. Nominating; and
f. Audit.
. . . [unamended material excluded] . . .
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee shall be composed of the Treasurer of the Board, who shall serve
as chair, the Chair of the Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee and
at least one other member appointed by the President of the Board. The committee
shall be responsible for advising the Board on matters relating to stewardship of
university finances and assets, for oversight of internal and external audit functions
and for ascertaining the existence and adequacy of accounting and internal control
systems and safeguards over university assets. The committee shall recommend to
the Board the selection of the university's external auditors.
2. Kodiak Commercial Development
Carr Gottstein Foods Co., Inc., has expressed interest in constructing a grocery store on an unused portion of the Kodiak College campus. The campus, which currently consists of three buildings, is built on approximately 50 acres which were given to the University by the Kodiak Island Borough in 1971. Master plans for expansion of the College indicate all new buildings are contemplated north of the existing campus.
The property is currently zoned public use and therefore a rezone will be necessary. In addition, there currently exists a moratorium on water and sewer system connections which may affect the project. Given the time frame needed to rezone the property, it is anticipated that construction would start in 1994.
Carrs proposes to lease the property from the University and construct a 50,000-60,000 square foot grocery store and an Oaken Keg.
The Kodiak College Council has discussed this matter on several occasions and conducted a public meeting on April 15, 1993, which was attended by more than 50 people.
Regent Henri distributed a resolution which incorporates the desires of the Kodiak Council. The resolution does not give the administration authority to enter into a lease, but requires it be brought back to the Board of Regents for approval once the details have been resolved.
Regent Ogg expressed his satisfaction with the work between the Advisory Council, the Board and the University of Alaska Anchorage. He stated that the community went through the hearing process and as result of that process has a proposal it feels will be beneficial to them.
Regent Henri moved, seconded by Regent Kelly and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the amended resolution presented in the Finance,
Facilities and Land Management Committee meeting regarding the lease of certain
University lands in Kodiak for a shopping center. This motion is effective June
4, 1993."
The referenced resolution follows.
WHEREAS , the land subject to this resolution is owned by the University of Alaska and is in an area physically separated, by a stream, from the Kodiak College campus buildings; and
WHEREAS , the subject land is currently idle and surplus to the educational needs of the University; and
WHEREAS , the master plan for the Kodiak College campus does not include the construction of any educational or administrative buildings or facilities on the subject land; and
WHEREAS , the granting of a leasehold estate to the subject land would not permanently alienate the subject land from the University of Alaska, and would not unduly restrict decision-making regarding use of the land by a future Board of Regents of the University of Alaska; and
WHEREAS , the lease of the subject land would generate income which would be used to directly benefit Kodiak College and its educational programs; and
WHEREAS , it is in the best interests of the University of Alaska to enter into a lease for a term not to exceed fifty years of the subject land for the purpose of constructing shopping facilities thereon.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
I. The administration of the University of Alaska is authorized to negotiate to enter into a land lease or leases of no longer than fifty years for the purpose of constructing a shopping center on land owned by the University of Alaska situated south of campus and bounded by Rezanof Drive, Benny Benson Drive and Woody Way.
II. In negotiating the lease, to the maximum extent practicable, the administration should ensure the following:
a. The facilities will be designed and constructed in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, to blend in with the surrounding landscape and to complement the campus. The university will perform design review to ensure the quality of architecture, site planning and landscaping.
The site plan for commercial development will recognize the needs of the campus, include appropriate barriers to protect the college environment, and will recognize and relocate the bike path if necessary. Further, landscaping will provide a plant barrier consistent with existing flora between the parking lot and Rezanof Drive and preservation of the natural setting and landscape will receive high priority and incorporation into the architectural design of the building and parking area.
b. Provision should be made to encourage the lessees, shopping center owners, operators, managers and retail stores therein to hire Kodiak College students and to provide internships and other educational opportunities to them.
c. Consideration received shall be no less than fair market value.
d. The option of receiving up-front money to be used for immediate capital improvements to the Kodiak College campus; or in lieu of funds, constructions of a building on the Kodiak campus shall be pursued.
e. The lease agreement will be reviewed by the Kodiak College Council before returning to the Board of Regents for approval.
f. Kodiak College will have a representative on the negotiating team, who will provide periodic briefings and take input from the Council as negotiations proceed.
III. All income derived from the project will be used for Kodiak College capital improvements and/or endowed for future projects and will not impact the Kodiak College operating budget or allocation thereof.
IV. The administration should report to the Board of Regents on a regular basis on the status of lease negotiations.
3. Fairbanks Commercial Development
The University of Alaska Fairbanks' campus consists of 2,249 acres, including one and one-half miles of frontage along Geist Road. Approximately half the Geist Road property is occupied by two public schools on land leased to the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Approximately 175 acres, bounded by the Parks Highway, Geist Road and the Alaska Railroad, have been farmed by the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station of the School of Agriculture and Land Resources Management for several decades.
Wal-Mart and Carr Gottstein Foods Co., Inc., are planning new stores in the Fairbanks area and have expressed interest in leasing approximately 25 acres along Geist Road near the Parks Highway.
The proposed lease was discussed in the Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee meeting. Regent Henri offered a proposed motion relative to the land lease to Wal-Mart and Carrs. He stated that the motion directs the administration to thoroughly apprise themselves of the income from and value of the existing agricultural use on this property, to report their findings to the Board of Regents and to also negotiate an alternative site.
Regent Henri moved, seconded by Regent Williams that:
MOTION
"The Board of Regents directs the administration to invoke a process for public
involvement in discussions regarding commercial development of University of Alaska
Fairbanks property on Geist Road. The administration shall report to the Board of
Regents, at the next regular or special meeting of the Board of Regents, on public
comments concerning this land development and shall prepare additional background
information on impacts of the proposed development on UAF agricultural research,
including a long-term plan for agricultural research projects which may be impacted
by possible commercial development of these lands. The report shall contain the
administration's recommendations for the property, and shall contain any recommendations
for actions which address public concerns regarding development of the property.
The Board further directs that in negotiating the proposed lease, to the maximum
extent practicable, the administration shall ensure the following:
a. The facilities will be designed and constructed to provide a safe and convenient
access by the students, faculty and staff of UAF.
b. The stores located at the facility shall serve the shopping needs of the students, faculty and staff of UAF.
c. The facilities should be designed and constructed in an aesthetically pleasing
fashion, to blend in with the surrounding landscape and to complement the UAF campus.
d. Provision should be made to encourage the lessees, shopping center owners, operators, managers and retail stores therein to hire UAF students and to provide internships and other educational opportunities to them.
e. Consideration received shall be no less than fair market value.
This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
Regent Stitham then moved, seconded by Regent Kelly and failed with all regents voting in opposition with the exception of Regent Stitham that:
FAILED
"The Board of Regents approves that the University's negotiations for commercial
development on Geist Road property be restricted to the property on Fairbanks Street
and Geist, east of the agricultural research plots and that those negotiations conform
to the requirements in the proposed motion from the Finance, Facilities and Land
Management Committee, with a change in the wording "the next regular meeting", which
is the time of the reporting, to "the September meeting", which is the next Board
of Regents in Fairbanks, and that the Board specify that the word "impacts" in line
12 of the proposed motion includes legal issues and environmental impacts as well
as the other items specified."
Vice President Rogers suggested that the Board be very explicit in providing guidance to the staff doing the negotiating and said that the legal and environmental issues will be addressed in the report to the Board. Vice President Rogers stated that changing the reporting date to September would give all students and faculty a chance to express their views but at the same time be a disadvantage in that it may impact one of the two parties involved in the lease in terms of the timing.
Regent Forrer expressed his opposition to the substitute motion. He stated that the public testimony was valuable and that leaving the property open to negotiation will help shed light with the Board on the School of Agriculture on which no light has been shed in recent years. Knowledge will come out of the process in discussing the project. He said that in the testimony, what the Board saw in action eas a sense of place. The citizens in the community have a sense of place which is related to the physical of this world here. The testimony was well reasoned and quite powerful. Regent Forrer said the two voices who spoke in favor of development were reasoned voices and he urged that the Board keep the land open for discussion because benefit would come from conversation.
Regent Ogg opposed restricting the development to a particular area. He stated that he preferred having the master plan for the campus reviewed to see if there are alternate lands that have potential for commercial development and that the developers may find an alternate site more suitable.
Regent Fate stated that in the over 2,000 acres at UAF, there should be a definition of the restriction on the land use and the Board should have a long-term plan for land use. She stated she was in favor of developing certain University lands but did not know the area of land to which Regent Stitham was referring and what restrictions it might have on it as far as the intent for use when the University acquired it.
Regent Stitham stated that she has been informed by people giving testimony, that there is a potential problem with grants and ongoing applications for grants. Opportunities for funding are being lost because the funding agencies are not confident that the land will still be available for research.
Returning to the original motion, Regent Stitham moved, seconded by Regent Ogg that:
MOTION
"The Board of Regents changes the words "the next regular or special meeting" to
"the September meeting of the Board of Regents". This motion is effective June 4,
1993."
A further amendment was made by Regent Henri and seconded by Regent Forrer. The question was called and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents changes the wording in the proposed motion from "the next
regular or special meeting" to "the September 1993 meeting or a special meeting".
This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
Regent Ogg moved, seconded by Regent Breeze and failed with all regents voting opposed with the exception of Regent Ogg that:
FAILED
"The Board of Regents amends the wording in line 5 of the proposed motion to read
"UAF campus" instead of "Geist Road". This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
There being no further discussion, the question was called on the original motion as amended. The motion as unanimously passed is as follows:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents directs the administration to invoke a process for public
involvement in discussions regarding commercial development of University of Alaska
Fairbanks property on Geist Road. The administration shall report to the Board of
Regents, at the September 1993 meeting or a special meeting of the Board of Regents,
on public comments concerning this land development and shall prepare additional
background information on impacts of the proposed development on UAF agricultural
research, including a long-term plan for agricultural research projects which may
be impacted by possible commercial development of these lands. The report shall
contain the administration's recommendations for the property, and shall contain
any recommendations for actions which address public concerns regarding development
of the property. The Board further directs that in negotiating the proposed lease,
to the maximum extent practicable, the administration shall ensure the following:
a. The facilities will be designed and constructed to provide a safe and convenient
access by the students, faculty and staff of UAF.
b. The stores located at the facility shall serve the shopping needs of the students,
faculty and staff of UAF.
c. The facilities should be designed and constructed in an aesthetically pleasing
fashion, to blend in with the surrounding landscape and to complement the UAF campus.
d. Provision should be made to encourage the lessees, shopping center owners, operators,
managers and retail stores therein to hire UAF students and to provide internships
and other educational opportunities to them.
e. Consideration received shall be no less than fair market value.
This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
4. Fairbanks School Site Lease
The Fairbanks North Star Borough (the borough) has been leasing land on the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) campus since 1956 for elementary school, high school, and vocational education programs. The current lease, for 77.61 acres of the 2,249 acre UAF campus at a rent of One Dollar per year, is scheduled to expire March 31, 2020 at which time the land and the improvements would revert to the university. There are no renewal provisions in the lease.
The lease site is located on the UAF campus south of the railroad tracks between Geist Road, University Avenue, and Fairbanks Street.
Overcrowding of area schools has resulted in the search for a new high school site. The school board and the borough determined that the UAF lease site offers the best possible location for the new high school and a unique opportunity to create a campus setting with a middle school, high school and vocational school all within walking distance and sharing outdoor sports facilities (West Valley High School would be converted to a middle school upon completion of the new high school as part of the overall plan). At its April 20, 1993 meeting the school board directed the borough to build the new high school on the UAF lease site. With only twenty seven years remaining on the lease term the borough determined that a lease extension would be necessary prior to construction of a new building. Any such lease extension will exceed the $100,000 real estate transaction limit and require Board of Regents approval.
University staff met with borough and school district representatives to discuss a lease extension but did not come to any agreement concerning basic terms. Regent Henri reported that the Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee directed Vice President Rogers to present the negotiated lease to the Committee for its approval prior to entering into the lease agreement.
Regent Henri moved, seconded by Regent Kelly and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"Contingent upon Board review and approval of the new borough site master plan
and the final lease agreement, the Board of Regents authorizes the administration
to negotiate and the President to execute a lease extension for the borough's UAF
campus school lease site consistent with the policy guidelines listed in Item k of
the Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee agenda. This motion is effective
June 4, 1993."
5. Tappe and Mathisen Property
Regent Henri reported on the proposed acquisition of the Tappe and Mathisen properties in Juneau.
In 1988, the Board of Regents approved in concept the UAS Juneau Land Acquisition Plan which included the Tappe and Mathisen Houses located on lots H-1 and F-1 adjacent to the UAS Campus. The current housing shortage and a planned retirement and relocation of the sellers makes the timing of these purchases critical over the next few months. UAS Juneau Campus currently has $65,000 in capital funds to apply to the financing and closing costs.
The University proposes to purchase the houses and property using a mix of operating, capital and borrowed funds (from a private lending institution or from the University of Alaska Foundation). The UAS Juneau Campus will pay the debt from operating, capital and rental income. Should the University purchase the properties from the Foundation, the University on behalf of UAS Juneau Campus will enter into a repayment plan with the Foundation to recover all acquisition costs, holding costs, and all lost earnings incurred by the Foundation.
The Finance, Facilities and Land Management Committee requested approval to authorize the Vice President Rogers to negotiate a purchase agreement for the acquisition of the two lots.
The question was called and the Board voted unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents authorizes the administration to negotiate and execute all
documents for the University of Alaska Southeast Juneau campus acquisition funds
for the Tappe property and the Mathisen property purchases at fair market value not
to exceed $300,000 plus financing costs. This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
d. Committee of the Whole
Board of Regents Nondiscrimination Policies
At its February 26, 1993, meeting, the Board of Regents requested Vice President and General Counsel Kauffman to prepare for the Committee of the Whole's consideration at the June 1993 meeting, revisions to the Board's nondiscrimination policies. Such revisions were to include technical amendments to clarify the Board's statements concerning nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Additionally, it was requested that Vice President Kauffman present separate language which would include concepts in the UAF Faculty Senate resolution of February 8, 1993, concerning nondiscrimination.
Those revisions were presented in Reference 8 of the agenda.
The Committee of the Whole made the following recommendation.
PASSED
"The Committee of the Whole recommends that the Board of Regents amend Policies 01.01.04 and 04.03.01 and add a new Policy 10.11.01 in the manner indicated in Reference 8 of the June 3, 1993, agenda of the Board of Regents Committee of the Whole. This motion is effective June 3, 1993."
Regent Kelly moved, seconded by Regent Stitham and passed with all regents voting in favor with the exception of Regent Henri that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents amends Policies 01.01.04 and 04.03.01 and adds a new Policy
10.11.01 in the manner indicated in Reference 9 of the June 3, 1993 agenda. This
motion is effective June 4, 1993."
e. Human Resources Committee
1. Compensation Policy
The FY94 operating budget adopted by the Legislature provided insufficient funding to pay salary and benefit increases to University employees under Regents Policy 04.05.01(B)(2), (3), (4) and (5). The University is facing significant increases in staff benefits costs for employee retirement programs and health care costs, and University employees are facing increased costs for dependent health care. This uncertain environment makes it difficult to carry out the Regents policy on compensation.
The Human Resources Committee sought Board approval for the suspension of Policy 04.05.01(B) regarding minimum 3 percent increases in salary through the August 1993 Board of Regents meeting to enable the administration to thoroughly investigate the overall salary and benefits issue and bring forward a program for compensation including plans for a minimum 3 percent average salary increase.
Regent Kelly moved, seconded by Regent Breeze and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents suspends Regents Policy 04.05.01(B) regarding minimum 3 percent
increases in salary through the August 1993 meeting of the Board of Regents. The
administration is requested to present to the Board of Regents at the August 1993
meeting its program for employee compensation for FY94 including plans for a minimum
3 percent average increase effective no later than January 1, 1994, and any other
salary and benefit issues the administration deems appropriate. This motion is effective
June 4, 1993."
2. Revision of the University of Alaska Grievance Policy
Regent Kelly reported that the grievance policy has been approved by the President, Chancellors and General Assembly after a few minor revisions.
Regent Kelly moved, seconded by Regent Breeze and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the revision of the University of Alaska Grievance
Policy as amended by the Human Resources Committee on June 4, 1993. This motion
is effective June 4, 1993."
f. Requested Modification to Board of Regents Meeting Schedule
President Gagnon requested Board members to consider a change in date of the June 1994 Board of Regents meeting.
Regent Kelly moved, seconded by Regent Ogg and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves a change in date of its June 1994 meeting from June
8-9 to June 2-3, 1994. This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
g. Board of Regents FY95 Meeting Schedule
Regent Breeze moved, seconded by Regent Forrer and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the FY95 meeting schedule as presented. This motion
is effective June 4, 1993."
Meeting Dates Location
_____________________________________________
August 18-19, 1994 Homer
October 6-7, 1994 Fairbanks
December 1-2, 1994 Anchorage
February 16-17, 1995 Juneau
April 20-21, 1995 Juneau
June 1-2, 1995 Fairbanks
X. Approval of Honorary Degrees
Recommendations were submitted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks for recipients of honorary degrees.
Regent Breeze moved, seconded by Regent Forrer and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the list of nominees for honorary doctoral degrees,
as proposed, to be presented during UAF's 1993 Alumni Reunion in July, 1993, and
authorizes Chancellor Wadlow to invite the approved nominees and announce their acceptance.
This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
XI. Renaming of the UAF Fine Arts Theatre
University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Joan Wadlow endorsed a proposal to name the UAF Fine Arts Theatre in honor of Lee Salisbury, a highly respected former faculty member who was instrumental in the planning and development of the Fine Arts Building. In recognition of Professor Salisbury's many contributions to the University and the state of Alaska which include the creation of the drama department at UAF, his role in the establishment of KUAC-FM and his service as director of the College Orientation Program for Alaskan Native Students, Board of Regents approval of the proposal was requested.
Regent Breeze moved, seconded by Regent Fate and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the renaming of the UAF Fine Arts Theatre to the
Lee Salisbury Theatre. This motion is effective June 4, 1993."
XII. Administrative Status Reports
a. President's Report
President Komisar reported on his recent visit to Juneau. He thanked the governor and his staff for the budget support received during the year, argued in support of the University's budget and began discussions for the FY94 budget. He said there appeared to be two items of concern: workload and organized research. Dr. Komisar stated that the University and the Board will have to be in a position to respond to the governor and to the legislature over the course of the year on both of these questions. In the area of the capital budget, there were a couple of points that the University needs to consider: deferred maintenance issue and capital budget for the Juneau campus. President Komisar expressed the need to present the entire capital improvement budget to the governor and the legislature in a more "charismatic" way. He also emphasized the need to format it in such a way that it will grab attention and catch the excitement for the university and its potential for the future. The President said he hopes to assemble documents this fall to make the case for the University in a strong and dramatic but concise way
b. Chancellors' Reports
UAF
Chancellor Wadlow announced the following appointments: Dean of Student Services, Dr. Carla Kirts; Dean of the School of Mineral Engineering, Dr. Robert Trent; and Director of the Office of Arctic Research, Dr. Ted DeLaca. Dr. Wadlow spoke of several science education projects underway at UAF this summer including: the 4-H Fisheries Project; the High School Science Symposium; the Space Academy; and the Science Carnival.
Chancellor Wadlow announced the completion of the UAF 1993 Fact Book; spoke of UAF's efforts to promote greater educational equity; and distributed a report on actions of the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Native Education.
Dr. Wadlow summarized recommendations of the 18-member Task Force on Safety which included: the installation of phones in each room in the residence halls; the placement of desk attendants in the residence hall from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.; an evaluation of the Department of Security at UAF; a review of the policy on alcohol; and the initiation and implementation of a "safety conscious campaign" by the student leaders through ASUAF.
In response to a question from Regent Kelly relative to UAF's efforts to resolve the imbalance in numbers in Native male and female students, specifically the attraction and retention of Native males, Chancellor Wadlow spoke of the joint endeavor between Kuskokwim College and the ROTC at UAF to allow Native students and others to get their commissions through a cooperative program.
UAS
Chancellor Lind distributed his written report to the Regents.
UAA
Chancellor Behrend thanked the Regents who participated in the UAA commencement ceremonies; spoke of UAA's continued work with the Alaska Health Fair Programs across the state; the initiation of the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development; and introduced Dr. Charles Neff, the director of the Technical Assistance Center for Market Economy (TACME) which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development.
XIII. Planned Presentations
a. Report on Alaska Federation of Natives Resolutions Pertaining to Higher Education
Dorothy Larson, Executive Vice President of the Alaska Federation of Natives, spoke to the Board of Regents about the resolutions passed at the 1992 Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Conference.
On behalf of the Rural College Council, Ms. Larson thanked President Komisar and all of the Regents who participated in the commencement ceremonies. The College had approximately 220 students graduate this year. She stated that there was still a lot activity in rural Alaska in higher education despite the restructuring and reorganization of the College of Rural Alaska. She commended the faculty, staff and campus councils for their hard work and dedication in striving to meet the educational needs of the students.
Ms. Larson encouraged the recruitment of Native faculty and staff throughout the University system. She spoke of the cooperative effort among the campuses in rural Alaska with state and federal government, and with nonprofit and regional organizations in delivering education to their communities.
b. Presentation on Poker Flat Research Range
Merritt Helferrich, Associate Director for Institute Relations, University of Alaska Geophysical Institute, provided the Board with an informative review of the activities of the University of Alaska Fairbanks at the Poker Flat Research Range. He began his presentation with a video of a recent launch which included footage of the aurora as viewed from a camera located in the rocket payload. Mr. Helferrich noted that the operation and maintenance of the Range is funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In addition to discussing the additional funding received as a part of the SPIRIT II launch, he also described the current upgrade activities at Poker Flat. Mr. Helferrich stressed the significant opportunities for research at the facility and spoke of the potential industry for Alaska in space-related activities. In addressing the educational/research value of the Poker Flat endeavors, he emphasized the desire to improve undergraduate and graduate instruction; further develop the University's space and aeronomy research instrumentation; provide Arctic research logistical support; increase technical capacity in environmental research; establish ties with University engineering programs; and transfer technology to the private sector.
c. Report on President's Task Force on Alternative Methods of Instruction
Chancellor Lind reported on the progress of the President's Task Force on Alternative Methods of Instruction. The mission of the task force was to determine how the University of Alaska can most effectively and efficiently deliver alternative instruction. The Chancellor stated that the task force focused primarily on three areas: organization, program accessibility and financial aid. Subcommittees were established to explore these particular areas. Chancellor Lind gave a brief summary of recommendations of the Task Force and stated that the final report would be forthcoming.
XIV. President's and Regents Comments
President Gagnon reported on her visit with former President Terris Moore and stated that he was thrilled at the possibility of doing an oral history concerning the University.
President Gagnon welcomed new student Regent Scott Otterbacher. Regent Otterbacher thanked the Board and other staff members for making his first meeting enjoyable.
President Gagnon said she was pleased with the work of the Board and also expressed her appreciation to those who gave public testimony, expressing their concern and desire to have a good University.
Regent Breeze thanked the Board for electing her to the office of vice president.
Regent Ogg stated that it is a pleasure to have President Komisar for another term, thanked him for the wonderful work he has done in the past.
Regent Stitham thanked President Komisar for the past three years and stated that she looks forward to the next three years. Regent Stitham offered congratulations to the newly elected officers, welcomed Regent Otterbacher, and thanked Jo Scott and President and Mrs. Komisar for their hospitality.
Regent Helmericks congratulated the newly elected officers and congratulated President Komisar on the past three years and stated that he looks forward to another.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.