02-18-00minutes
Board of Regents
OFFICIAL MINUTES
Meeting of the
University of Alaska Board of Regents
February 17-18, 2000
Juneau, Alaska
OFFICIAL MINUTES
Regents Present:
Michael J. Burns, Chair
Elsa Froehlich Demeksa, Vice Chair
Mary Jane Fate, Secretary
Chancy Croft, Treasurer
Joshua B. Horst
Robert A. Malone
R. Danforth Ogg
Brian D. Rogers - excused Friday, February 18, 2000
Frances H. Rose
Joe J. Thomas
Joseph E. Usibelli, Jr.
Mark R. Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer and President, University of Alaska
Others Present:
E. Lee Gorsuch, Chancellor, UAA
Marshall L. Lind, Chancellor, UAF
John Pugh, Chancellor, UAS
Wendy Redman, Vice President for University Relations
Jim Lynch, Interim Vice President for Finance & Planning
James A. Parrish, General Counsel
James R. Johnsen, Chief of Staff
Janet Jacobs, Executive Director, Statewide Human Resources
Pat Pitney, Director, Institutional Research and Budget, SW
Steve Smith, Chief Technology Officer, SW
Ann Ringstad, Director, Government Relations, SW
Bob Miller, Director, Public Affairs, SW
'Nanne Myers, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
Paul Reichardt, Provost, UAF
Dan Johnson, Provost, UAA
Roberta Stell, Provost, UAS
Carol Griffin, Director, Administrative Services, UAS
F. Stan Vaughn, Interim Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, UAA
Frank Williams, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, UAF
Ralph Gabrielli, Executive Dean, College of Rural Alaska, UAF
Jeannie D. Phillips, Board of Regents' Officer
I. Call to Order
Chair Burns called the meeting to order on Thursday, February 17, 2000 at 8:10
a.m.
II. Adoption of Agenda
Regent Demeksa moved, seconded by Regent Rogers, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED AS AMENDED (amendments noted with *)
"The Board of Regents adopts the agenda as presented.
I. Call to Order
II. Adoption of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes
IV. President's Report
V. Status Report on Academic Initiatives
VI. Public Testimony
VII. Consent Agenda
A. Academic and Student Affairs Committee*1. Approval of Regents' Policy 09.08 - Residence Life and Student Housing (removed from Consent Agenda to VIII.A.1 - New Business)B. Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee
*2. Approval of Regents' Policy 02.07 - Information Resources (removed from Consent Agenda to VIII.A.2 - New Business)
3. Approval of a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology Degree Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage1. Approval of Revised Project Cost for the UAF Poker Flat Research Range/AlliedSignal ProjectC. Human Resources Committee
2. Approval of UAA Building K Phase II Interior Renovations Project
3. Approval of UAA Physical Education Facility Roof Parapets Project1. Approval of Revisions to Regents' Policy 04.11 - Collective BargainingD. Committee of the Whole1. Approval of Spending Plan for Distribution of the Natural Resources Fund
*2. Approval of FY2002 Operating and Capital Budget Request Guidelines (moved to VIII.D.1 and 2)
VIII. New Business and Committee Reports
A. Academic and Student Affairs Committee*1. Approval of Regents' Policy 09.08 - Residence Life and Student Housing (moved from Consent Agenda)B. Audit Committee
*2. Approval of Regents' Policy 02.07 - Information Resources (moved from Consent Agenda)
C. Committee of the Whole*1. Extension of Approval Dates for Tuition Year 2002 Tuition Rates (added)D. Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee*1. Approval of FY2002 Operating Budget Request Guidelines (moved from Consent Agenda)E. Human Resources Committee
*2. Approval of FY2002 Capital Budget Request Guidelines (moved from Consent Agenda)
F. Labor Relations Committee
G. Nominating Committee
H. Planning and Development Committee
*I. Board of Regents' Retreat Report
J. New Business*1. Naming of Sub-units of the University of Alaska Museum (added)
*2. Revision to Board of Regents' Meeting Schedule for April 2000 (added)
IX. Approval of Resolution of Appreciation for Dr. Ruth Lister
X. Approval of Resolution in Memory of Morris Thompson
*X.A. Approval of Resolution in Memory of Eugene F. Short
XI. Review of Spring 2000 Commencement Schedule
XII. Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Report
XIII. UA Foundation Report
XIV. Future Agenda Items
*A. Approval of Issues for Discussion at the April 2000 Board of Regents Meeting (added)
*B. Approval of Discussion of Bylaw Revision regarding Nominating Committee (added)
XV. Executive Session
XVI. Acceptance of Bargaining Unit Contract between the University of Alaska and
United Academics - AAUP/AFT
XVII. Board of Regents' Comments
XVIII. Adjourn
This motion is effective February 17, 2000."
III. Approval of Minutes
Regent Croft moved, seconded by Regent Malone, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the minutes of its special meeting of November 12,
1999 as presented. This motion is effective February 17, 2000."
Regent Croft moved, seconded by Regent Malone, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the minutes of its retreat of November 13-14, 1999 as presented. This motion is effective February 17, 2000."
Regent Croft asked that the minutes be amended to reflect the nay votes of Regents Croft and Rose regarding the approval of the FY01 capital budget request. Regent Croft moved that the minutes be approved as amended, seconded by Regent Malone, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED AS AMENDED
"The Board of Regents approves the minutes of its regular meeting of November 18-19, 1999 as amended. This motion is effective February 17, 2000."
IV. President's Report
Good morning regents, faculty, staff, and guests to this meeting of the Board of Regents.
It seems a little strange that I am kicking off our meeting now, since most of us have been here in Juneau, at least since yesterday, telling our story to legislators and meeting as Board to follow-up on our recent strategic planning retreat and to have a planning and development committee meeting.
State Budget Request
The lead issue for the University is, of course, our budget request to the legislature.
We have asked for $16.9M in order for this university to scratch and claw its way
out of a fiscal hole that has been dug for us for the last ten years. Our appeal
is based on the fact that the university is not only a good, or even the best,
but in fact the only instrument that can move this state forward economically,
socially, and dare I say, politically. This has been true across the nation for
a very long time. It is true here and now.
The message is being received with tremendous enthusiasm all across this state and appears to be taken very seriously by our legislature. By making the small investment in responsiveness last year, investing in academic initiatives in areas of high importance to our state, we are now able to demonstrate to our elected leaders how responsible (in both senses of the term) we are.
Over the next several months the Governor and our legislators will be struggling
with the hardest job in Alaska, trying to meet the many and great needs of this
state in the context of fiscal constraint. OUR job during this important time is
to keep before our leaders the great promise of this university as the engine for
the economic and social development of Alaska, and the very real fiscal needs we
face in realizing that promise.
Students
In this regard, I really want to commend our students for all their work in support
of our university. The card campaign was a tremendous success and I cannot pass
by the Adopt a Legislator program. It is smart, positive, upbeat, and builds even
more connections between the university and the legislature.
I especially appreciate the support from our students because they have, and continue, to bear a large amount of the fiscal freight of this university. As I rehearsed for you last year, increases in tuition, fees, research, auxiliaries kept us alive over the last ten years. Before the Board at this meeting is the approval of tuition rates for 2002, an increase based on HEPI.
I understand and appreciate that our student government representatives will be expressing their concerns regarding tuition costs when you discuss this topic tomorrow morning. (They have also taken their concerns to the legislature.) I too have concerns about tuition and fees and I look forward to the discussion. My single greatest concern at the present is not with tuition per se (because it is reasonable compared to other state universities, though it has increased rapidly over the last several years), but with fees. We have given our students predictability and stability with respect to tuition, but we have neither when it comes to fees. I want to take a good hard look at how many fees we have, how much they are, who decides the amount, and where they go. Because our students deserve to know, with just as much lead time as tuition, how much their education is going to cost.
I want to note, before moving on, that the debate team at UAA is doing very well again this year, UAF's rifle team is breaking its own impossible records, and the UAF investment club has increased the value of their investment portfolio by 100 percent.
Faculty and Staff
With our faculty we have made some real headway since we met last. We were able
to reach a tentative contract settlement with United Academics, thus enabling us
to include that contract with ACCFT's in the package of state employee contracts
going forward to the legislature this session. It is a good contract for the university,
for the faculty, and because we were able to wrap it up quickly and reasonably,
it's good for our students.
In a similar vein, I was pleased to have participated a few weeks back in a meeting with faculty governance and union leaders. We had the SAC with us, along with national leaders from faculty unions and university administration. I think we walked away with a better sense of the relationship between governance and the unions in the context of some important issues --- distance education, intellectual property, workload, and promotion and tenure.
Research
Things are moving along well here. As you recall, last year I talked about putting
together a research database for the university system. It's taken a little longer
than I would've liked, but we are moving forward very quickly now. I expect that
in about six months we will have a functional system that will enable the university,
our legislative delegation, state agencies, industry, and others to identify our
research strengths, focus our priorities, and generally to be more responsive to
the needs of the state, as well as funding opportunities.
I had the pleasure of attending part of the annual meeting of the Alaska EPSCoR committee yesterday. You have heard me discuss the opportunities provided by this federal grant program---
Alaska EPSCoR:
~ will help diversify the university's research capacity (Like our state's economy,
the university's research capacity is dependent on a narrow range of programs.)
~ will help communicate the importance of research to the people of Alaska, as
well as to legislators
~ will stimulate the transfer of intellectual property for commercial purposes
~ will provide a forum for interaction between university researchers, research
foundations, and industry
Alaska EPSCoR already:
~ has brought university researchers, research foundations, and industry together
with research administrators from other EPSCoR states
~ has brought researchers together from several disciplines and from across the
several campuses of our university system
~ has focused the university's research activities onto areas of importance to
the state with potential for commercialization
~ has produced research focus areas that were of sufficient potential that ASTF
has pledged $1.5M over the next three years as a match for federal funding (Thanks
to ASTF and Jamie Kenworthy.)
EPSCoR has a long way to go:
~ will get its proposals in this summer to the NSF
~ will assist in pulling together our research data base
~ will, over the next decade, generate the kind of support for university/industry
research partnerships that we see all across the country (Georgia/Kentucky).
Federal Initiatives
I will be carrying back to DC week after next our federal initiatives for FY01.
Martha Stewart has worked very hard over the last three months pulling these together
with our campuses, the governor's office, and the DC delegation. Key to these initiatives
is that they are well planned and will move the university forward in its ability
to provide educational, research, and outreach services.
A big one on the horizon is the National Missile Defense system, coming to an Alaska
near you. We are working with General Oates, commander of the Alaska Guard, and
folks back in DC to make sure that the university's expertise in arctic engineering,
computer modeling, space weather, logistics, distance education, and on and on,
will be on the table as this important initiative moves forward.
Facilities and Information Technology
We will address many of these topics in committee this afternoon, so I won't touch
on them now. I would like to report a couple of very positive developments.
One is that the university will soon receive a very generous gift of OC-3 fiber optic bandwidth from GCI.
Another highlight is that the university is pushing hard on delivering to our students the ability to register for their courses on-line. This will be a big improvement in service for our students.
And finally, seemingly from outer space, we received a proposal recently which would involve the university providing the land for development of a "concert hall" that would be used just once, for a millennium concert beamed to over 2.5 billion people worldwide, and then donated to the university. We have responded to the proposal with a long list of technical engineering questions. While there are some positives to the proposal, we are going to do a full dental exam on this gift horse.
Academic Initiatives
As you know in FY00 an initiative pool was formed that was equivalent to 1% of
UA's general fund appropriation. Savings from leaving RIP positions vacant provided
the source of the initiative pool.
Initiative funding for FY00 was directed to programs in Education, Health, Vocational Education, and Logistics. Many valuable partnerships have been formed through these programs and, in several cases, the programs have demonstrated UA's ability to rapidly respond to state needs. The programs that received funding were selected based on the following criteria:
~ Responsiveness to state needs
~ Strategic partnerships with internal and external constituencies
~ Statewide perspective
~ Intercampus collaboration
~ Building from current strengths
~ Previous commitments
~ Accountability
~ Cost effectiveness
Progress reports for each program funded are required every other month. The latest report covers program activity through January. A review of the progress of each program will follow this report.
NCATE Accreditation
Over the last several weeks, the leaders of our teacher education programs have
been working through a number of tough issues. Here are just a few---What is the
cost of NCATE accreditation? Are there alternatives that ensure high quality standards
and access? What is the relationship between NCATE accreditation and our new 5th
year program? What is the impact of the new 5th year program on rural access to
our program? What is the view of the Commissioner of Education and the State Board
of Education? As these discussions proceed, we will need to get you deeply involved.
Board of Regents' Meeting
You have a full agenda ahead of you.
After this report, you will receive an update on our academic initiatives, followed by public testimony.
And due to last minute scheduling with the Governor's office, we will have lunch today with the Governor. This is a great opportunity to express our appreciation for his ongoing commitment to support our budget request.
This afternoon, you will meet in committee to take up a number of key issues, too many to touch in this report. And tomorrow, we come together to move many of those issues forward.
Thanks very much for all your help and good counsel over the last several months. I look forward to our discussions to come.
V. Status Report on Academic Initiatives
A status report was provided summarizing the progress of the FY00 program initiatives. FY00 initiative funding was invested in the programs responding to high priority academic initiatives in healthcare, vocational education, logistics and education. The programs are in various stages of development and implementation.
VI. Public Testimony
Tom Wardleigh, Alaskan Aviation Safety Foundation, and Leonard Kirk, FAA/UAA Capstone Project, spoke in support of the BS in Aviation Technology program at UAA.: remedy the situation of pilot accidents in Alaska; need to train Alaska pilots.
Bob Congdon, ACCFT President, shared memories of Eugene Short; and reported on legislative meetings and discussions regarding the information resources policy.
Stacey Banks, ASUAF president, reported on student campaign including the Adopt-A-Legislator program, legislator trading cards, programs targeted at UA Scholars, "UA is Good Business" posters; a second postcard campaign that will go to legislators; and e-mails to faculty asking to meet with their classes for a few moments to promote student programs.
Win Gruening, president of the UAS Advisory Council, welcomed the board to Juneau
and reported on activities of the UAS Advisory Council.
Laraine Derr, Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association, asked that the
board support the move for a new state hospital.
Annie Mabry, 4-H Volunteer Association, urged the board to support full funding of 4-H programs and agents.
Darcy Davies, 4-H member and high school student, asked for support of a 4-H agent in her community; and spoke on what 4-H has done for her since she joined in 1st grade.
Jan Hanscomb, volunteer leader in the Tanana District (Denali Elementary), reported that 4-H started in Fairbanks 70 years ago; and that a petition drive supporting 4-H has collected 5,000 signatures asking for full funding of the University budget request and for support of Alaska Cooperative Extension programs.
Bobbie Krause, 4-H member and Fairbanks high school student, spoke on what 4-H has meant for her.
Barbara Zimmerman, 4-H leader in Kodiak, asked for support of the 4-H program and for the rehiring of 4-H agents.
Finn Rye, Mat-Su Campus student body president, expressed his concerns regarding tuition increases.
[Full Board meeting recessed until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18, 2000.]
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1999
VII. Consent Agenda
Regent Demeksa moved, seconded by Regent Malone, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the recommendations of its standing committees as stated below. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
A. Academic and Student Affairs Committee1. Approval of Regents' Policy 09.08 - Residence Life and Student Housing[Removed from Consent Agenda to VIII.A.1]
2. Approval of Regents' Policy 02.07 - Information Resources
[Removed from Consent Agenda to VIII.A.2]
3. Approval of a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology Degree Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage - Reference 3
MOTION
"The Board of Regents approves a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage, with the stipulation that the program be reviewed for continuation by the Board of Regents in five years. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
B. Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee
1. Approval of Revised Project Cost for the UAF Poker Flat Research Range/AlliedSignal ProjectMOTION
"The Board of Regents approves an increase in the estimated total project cost for the Poker Flat Research Range/AlliedSignal Project authorization from the $700,000 previously authorized to $800,000. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
2. Approval of UAA Building K Phase II Interior Renovations Project - Reference 5
MOTION
"The Board of Regents approves the UAA Building K Phase II renovation project as presented and authorizes the administration to proceed with contract awards at a total project cost not to exceed $800,000. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
3. Approval of UAA Physical Education Facility Roof Parapets Project - Reference 6
MOTION
"The Board of Regents approves the UAA Physical Education Facility Roof Parapets Project as presented and authorizes the administration to proceed with contract awards at a total project cost not to exceed $500,000. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
C. Human Resources Committee
1. Approval of Revisions to Regents' Policy 04.11 - Collective Bargaining - Reference 10MOTION
"The Board of Regents approves the revisions to Regents' Policy 04.11 - Collective Bargaining, as presented. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
D. Committee of the Whole
1. Approval of Spending Plan for Distribution of the Natural Resources Fund - Reference 11MOTION
"The Board of Regents approves the distribution plan for the Natural Resources Fund awards for projects and activities related to natural resources as presented in Table II of Reference 11. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
2. Approval of FY2002 Operating and Capital Budget Request Guidelines
[Removed from Consent Agenda to VIII.D.1 and .2]
VIII. New Business and Committee Reports
A. Academic and Student Affairs Committee1. Approval of Regents' Policy 09.08 - Residence Life and Student Housing - Reference 1Regent Croft moved, seconded by Regent Malone, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED AS AMENDED
"The Board of Regents approves Regents' Policy 09.08 - Residence Life and Student Housing, as amended by the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, and rescinds Regents' Policy 09.93 - Student Housing. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
2. Approval of Regents' Policy 02.07 - Information Resources - Reference 2
Regent Croft moved, seconded by Regent Ogg, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED AS AMENDED
"The Board of Regents approves Policy 02.07 - Information Resources, as amended by the Academic and Student Affairs Committee and rescinds Regents' Policy and University Regulation 08.06 - Information Technology. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
3. Committee Report
Regent Croft submitted the following written report:
Consent Agenda Items:
The Academic and Student Affairs recommended the following item be approved by the Full Board on its Consent Agenda:
~ Approval of a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology Degree Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage
New Business Items:
The committee amended portions of the following policies and requested they be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed as items of New Business:
~ Approval of Regents' Policy 09.08 - Residence Life and Student Housing
The Academic and Student Affairs Committee amended the proposed Policy 09.08 as follows:P09.08.03 - Student Housing Agreements (addition in bold):
. . . Residents will be required to agree to allow the university the right to enter, with reasonable prior notice, a residential unit for facility maintenance, health and safety inspections, enforcement of Regents' Policy, University Regulation, and MAU rules and procedures, and in emergency situations.
P09.08.05 - Student Housing and Residence Life Staff (deletion in overstrike):
Students may be employed as student housing and residence life staff. The senior student services officer or designee will be responsible for determining the balance between student employees and professional staff and establishing training and development programs.
~ Approval of Regents' Policy 02.07 - Information Resources
Policy 02.07.020.A was amended accordingly (deletions in overstrike):
Information Resources include the electronic equipment systems and networks owned, leased, or operated by the university, as well as the software and data resident on the electronic equipment, systems and networks.
Policy 02.07.030 was amended to add subsection E accordingly:
E. protect the confidentiality of sensitive data collected under research grants and contracts with outside agencies.
Policy 02.07.060.B.3 was modified accordingly: (additions in bold)
IR personnel will maintain confidentiality of files and information, other than evidence of conduct threatening the security of information resources, that are accessed pursuant to subsection B.2 to the extent practicable. If, however, the Director of Information Resources or the person fulfilling that function, in consultation with University Counsel, concludes that files or information resident on or processed through university systems suggest the reasonable possibility of a violation of state or federal statute or regulation, Regents' Policy, University Regulation, such files and information may, subject to subsection B.5 below, be disclosed to university personnel or law enforcement authorities without a search warrant.
Policy 02.07.060.B.5 was modified accordingly (deletions in overstrike):
. . . contained on computing equipment information resources or in files . . .
Reports and Presentations:The committee held discussions and heard presentations regarding the following:
~ Second Reading of Regents' Policy 09.11 - Student Health
~ Discussion Regarding Developmental Education Funding
~ Update on Corporate Programs
~ Update on Regents' Scholarship Program
~ Update on the Status of the UAA School of Nursing
~ Report on Development of an Air Force ROTC Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage
~ Discussion on Application of Course Credit Simultaneously to Fulfillment of General Education Requirements and Major Requirements
~ Prince William Sound Marine Fire Fighting Symposium.Future Agenda Items:
Members of the committee requested that a full discussion be held at the April 2000 committee meeting regarding the University's teacher education programs and their relationship to NCATE.
Eugene Rice Reception and Dinner:
The committee also approved the following motion:
PASSED
The Academic and Students Affairs Committee of the Board of Regents sponsors the reception and dinner on March 3, 2000 for Eugene Rice. This motion is effective February 17, 2000."
B. Audit Committee
Regent Croft presented the following written report:
Ongoing Issues
--Status Report on the FY1999 External Audit
The management letter and the final federal reports are the only items left outstanding. These are expected to be delivered by the end of this week or next week.
--Review of Recently Completed Audits
UAF SFOS
UAA Consortium Library
UAS Student Services
UAA Kodiak College
UAF Business Office
--Status Report on the FY2000 Annual Audit Plan
Reviewed the annual plan for progress. No changes were made.
--Status Report on Internal Audit Staffing and Resources
IR has hired a student intern from UAF and recruitment will begin in the spring for an entry level auditor.--Status Report on Internal Audit Procedures
Discussed follow-up audits.
Discussed potential for developing a rating scheme for audits.
--New Business
Presentation on Internal Controls
Watched an Association of College and University Auditors internal control video.
Future Agenda Items:
Presentation on audit rating schemes.
Presentation on purchasing regulations.C. Committee of the Whole
1. Extension of Approval Dates for Tuition Year 2002 Tuition RatesRegent Ogg moved, seconded by Regent Demeksa, and passed that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents extends the approval date for TY2002 tuition rates until the June 2000 meeting of the Board of Regents. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
2. Committee Report
In addition to the action item, the Committee of the Whole also heard presentations on the Alaska Cooperative Extension program, accreditation visits at UAS and Prince William Sound Community College; a first reading of a crisis planning, response and communications policy; and a report on MAU mission statement review processes.
D. Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee
1. Approval of FY2002 Operating and Capital Budget Request Guidelines Reference 12E. Human Resources CommitteeRegent Demeksa moved, seconded by Regent Ogg, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED AS AMENDED
"The Board of Regents approves the FY2002 Budget Request Guidelines as amended by the Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
2. Approval of FY2002 Capital Budget Request Guidelines - Reference 12
After discussion, the Board of Regents requested that the approval of guidelines for Capital Budget Requests be deferred until the April 2000 meeting.
TABLED
"The Board of Regents approves the FY2002 Operating and Capital Budget Request Guidelines as presented. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
3. Committee Report
Regent Demeksa submitted the following report:
Consent Agenda Items:
The Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee recommended the following items be approved by the Full Board:
~ Approval of Revised Project Cost for the UAF Poker Flat Research Range/Allied Signal Project
~ Approval of UAA Building K Phase II Interior Renovations Project
~ Approval of UAA Physical Education Facility Roof Parapets Project
New Business~ Approval of the FY2002 Operating Budget Request Guidelines
The committee revised the Operating Budget Request Guidelines on page 197, paragraph 6 accordingly:
The operating budget request will be based on the funding necessary to cover the base operating needs and specified program initiatives. Combined with In addition to the revenue expected from the recommended tuition increase for FY02, the general fund increment request will likely be in the range of $18 to $25 million. . . .
Reports and Presentations
The committee also held discussions and heard reports on the following ongoing issues:
~ Status Report of the Lena Point Project
~ Status Report on the Coal-Water Fuel Project
~ Status Report on Construction in Progress and Other Projects
~ Statewide Office of Land Management Annual Report Presentation
~ Presentation on the Advance College Tuition (ACT) Plan
~ Presentation of the FY99 Financial StatementsRiverhaven Subdivision
The committee approved the development and sale of lots within Riverhaven Subdivision, North Pole, Alaska. Board of Regents' Policy does not require board approval to proceed with the project; however, when the 1999 Development Plan was approved, the administration indicated that it would secure specific approval of the Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee prior to proceeding with construction activity or binding commitments for the development of a project expected to result in receipts or disbursements in excess of $500,000. This project is expected to result in receipts of approximately $550,000 and expenses of approximately $170,000.
Future Agenda Items
The committee requested that the following items be added to the April 2000 Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee agenda:
~ Approval of FY2002 Capital Budget Request Guidelines
In addition to the action item, the Human Resources Committee also heard a report on current activities in the human resources area.
F. Labor Relations Committee
No report.
G. Nominating Committee
Regent Thomas requested that any members wishing to serve as officers for the next year let him know by e-mail or telephone call.
H. Planning and Development Committee
The Planning and Development Committee discussed possible revisions to the University of Alaska Mission Statement, reviewed the Vision Statements from the November 1999 retreat and scheduled a discussion of implementing steps for the vision statements for the April 2000 meeting.
I. Board Retreat Report
On February 16, 2000, the Board of Regents met in retreat and discussed the following:
~ Board Appraisal Process
~ Board Roles and Responsibilities
~ Ground RulesJ. New Business
1. Naming of Sub-units of the University of Alaska Museum
[Note: Regents Burns and Usibelli abstained from voting on this motion.]
Regent Croft moved, seconded by Regent Ogg, and passed that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the naming of the University of Alaska Museum sub-units offered in accordance with the naming schedule in the development plan and directs President Hamilton to bring forth all subsequent naming opportunities in accordance with Regents' Policy 05.12.07.A. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
2. Revision to Board of Regents' Meeting Schedule for April 2000
Regent Demeksa moved, seconded by Regent Rose, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents revises its 2000 meeting schedule to change the location of its April 20-21, 2000 meeting from Juneau/Ketchikan to Juneau only. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
IX. Approval of Resolution of Appreciation for Dr. Ruth Lister
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruth Lister has served the University of Alaska Fairbanks and its students admirably for nearly a decade, first as associate dean of UAF's School of Career and Continuing Education, and then as director of the Tanana Valley Campus of UAF; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruth Lister's extraordinary leadership has enabled her to guide TVC to meeting Alaska's workforce development needs through collaboration and cooperation with leaders in education, business, industry, and state and local governments, resulting in articulation agreements between the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and the University of Alaska Fairbanks for delivering vocational-technical education in Fairbanks; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruth Lister provided crucial guidance in bringing together the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the School District, and the University to formulate a partnership regarding Hutchison Career Center, resulting in a joint effort by all parties to demonstrate that this project was of the highest priority to all three entities; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruth Lister's personal style has enabled her to take on the most difficult of tasks and to make their resolution appear remarkably easy because of her steady sense of self and her serenity and grace under the pressure of intense circumstances; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruth Lister's education, experience and background in management and advocacy in human services and women's issues, buttressed by her unwavering commitment to individual liberties, have always made her a formidable participant in public deliberations; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruth Lister has, on many occasions, quietly ensured the recruitment of students and their subsequent placement into the workforce; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruth Lister has served the citizens of this state in many capacities, including President of the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, President of the Arctic Alliance for People, Member of the JOBS Committee of the Family Support Task Force, Member of the Fairbanks Private Industry Council Board, Member of the Alaska Human Resource Investment Council, and innumerable University of Alaska committees, councils and task forces;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska takes official recognition of Dr. Ruth Lister's outstanding service and extends to her this statement of appreciation for her contributions to the quality and effectiveness of higher education in the State of Alaska.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be conveyed to Dr. Ruth Lister, with a copy to be incorporated into the official minutes of the February 17-18, 2000 meeting of the Board of Regents.
Regent Croft moved, seconded by Regent Demeksa, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the resolution of appreciation for Dr. Ruth Lister. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
X. Approval of Resolution in Memory of Morris Thompson
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson, an alumnus of the University of Alaska and a long-time member of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Board of Visitors, was appointed to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska in 1989 by Governor Steve Cowper, and served with distinction as a member of the Board until 1993; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson's values and ideals were forged in the Yukon Village of Tanana where he was born and grew up, and later at Mt. Edgecumbe in Sitka, where he studied as a youth; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson became a leader who was as much at home with fish-wheel tenders as he was with corporate and government leaders of the nation and the world, yet never forgot the roots from which he drew his strength and eloquence; and
WHEREAS, the life of Morris Thompson exemplified deep love and commitment to the rights, dignity, and aspirations of his own Alaska Native people and all others, and worked all his life to turn those values and ideals into reality for his beloved Alaska and all its people; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson was a major force in seeking passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act resulting in the establishment of regional corporations and giving Alaska's indigenous peoples significant economic interests in their homeland; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson shared his personal and leadership talents with the citizens of Alaska and the United States by serving in many capacities including President of the Alaska Federation of Natives, Vice President of Northwest Alaska Pipeline Company, Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, President and Chief Executive Officer of Doyon, Ltd.; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson was selected as the 1997 Business Leader of the Year by the Associated Students of Business at the UAF School of Management; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson believed deeply in the value of higher education and demonstrated his belief by helping to establish the Doyon Foundation to provide scholarships for Doyon shareholders and their children; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson was furthering the work to someday establish a Doyon House, built at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to enhance the recruitment, retention, and increased graduation rate of Alaska Native students from the Doyon Region; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson was dedicated to preserving Alaska's cultural and natural historical treasures, and generously volunteered his time to serve on the Major Gifts Committee of the University of Alaska Museum Expansion Campaign; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson brought to his leadership and service on the Board of Regents the same qualities of patience, tolerance and wisdom that would endear him to all the colleagues and associates who had the opportunity to know him and work with him; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson was always able to lead his fellow Regents with a style of quiet confidence which often served to guide divergent perspectives to compromise and consensus; and
WHEREAS, Morris Thompson and his beloved wife, Thelma Mayo Thompson, and their daughter, Sheryl Lynn Thompson, were taken from us all too soon when they perished tragically in an airplane accident on January 31, 2000;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska officially mourns the loss of great Alaskans Morris Thompson, Thelma Mayo Thompson, and Sheryl Lynn Thompson, and takes official recognition of Morris Thompson's outstanding humanity and service, and extends to his family this statement of sympathy and appreciation for his contributions to the advancement of higher education in the State of Alaska; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be conveyed to the family of Morris Thompson, Thelma Mayo Thompson, and Sheryl Lynn Thompson, with a copy to be incorporated into the official minutes of the February 18, 2000 meeting of the Board of Regents.
After reading the resolution into the record, Regent Fate moved, seconded by Regent
Croft, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the resolution in memory of Morris Thompson. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
X.A. Resolution in Memory of Eugene F. Short
WHEREAS, Eugene F. Short was born December 17, 1916, in San Francisco, California, and earned a bachelor's degree from the College of the Pacific in Stockton, and a master's degree from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California; and
WHEREAS, Eugene F. Short came to Alaska in 1955 as a teacher of physics at Anchorage High School which later became West Anchorage High School, and taught there for three years; and
WHEREAS, Eugene F. Short believed passionately in the value and importance of community-based higher education, and was appointed director of Anchorage Community College in 1959 when there were 800 students enrolled; and
WHEREAS, Eugene F. Short tirelessly promoted Anchorage Community College for adult Alaskans seeking a high school diploma, and also encouraged innovative programs in nursing, electronics, welding, aviation, dental assisting and faculty programs in the humanities, social sciences, business and office administration; and
WHEREAS, Eugene F. Short also started off-campus college education programs at military bases and outlying communities, and worked diligently to obtain federal and state grants for the fledgling Anchorage Community College; and
WHEREAS, when Eugene F. Short retired in 1976, the enrollment at Anchorage Community College had grown from 800 to 7,000 students; and
WHEREAS, Eugene F. Short was honored by the University of Alaska in 1972 by his name being given to the former community college administration building on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus; and
WHEREAS, Eugene F. Short was honored again in 1979 when the University of Alaska Board of Regents awarded him an honorary Doctor of Education degree; and
WHEREAS, Eugene F. Short dedicated his life to helping and to educating others and to enriching their lives; and
WHEREAS, Eugene F. Short died at the age of 83 on February 8, 2000;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Regents recognizes the substantial and meaningful contributions in the field of Alaska education made by Eugene F. Short; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Regents extends to the family of Eugene F. Short its deepest sympathy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be conveyed to the family of Eugene F. Short, with a copy to be incorporated into the official minutes of the February 17-18, 2000 meeting of the Board of Regents.
Bob Congdon, President of the Alaska Community Colleges' Teachers Federation, read the resolution in memory of Eugene F. Short into the record.
Regent Croft moved, seconded by Regent Rose, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the resolution in memory of Eugene F. Short. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
XI. Review of Spring 2000 Commencement Schedule
The following campus commencement exercises have been scheduled for Spring 2000:
Kachemak Bay (Homer) Saturday, April 29
Kenai Peninsula (Soldotna) Tuesday, May 2
Northwest (Nome) Thursday, May 4
Kuskokwim (Bethel) Friday, May 5
Mat-Su (Palmer) Friday, May 5 @ 7:00 p.m.
Ketchikan Friday, May 5 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sitka Saturday, May 6 @ 7:00 p.m.
UAF - Fairbanks Sunday, May 7 @ 1:30 p.m.
UAS - Juneau Sunday, May 7 @ 2:00 p.m.
UAA - Anchorage Sunday, May 7 @ 4:00 p.m.
Chukchi (Kotzebue) Thursday, May 11
Prince William Sound (Valdez) Friday, May 12
Bristol Bay (Dillingham) Saturday, May 13 @ 2:00 p.m.
Kodiak Friday, May 19 @ 7:00 p.m.
Adult Basic Education (Anch) TBA
Military Programs (Eielson AFB) TBA
The Board of Regents' Office requested that board members indicate which commencements they will attend as soon as possible.
XII. Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Report
Representatives Demeksa and Rose reported on discussions taking place at the commission including the topic of Postsecondary Commission versus Postsecondary Corporation; and reported that loan rates have gone down from 8.5 percent to 8 percent.
XIII. UA Foundation Report
Regent Croft requested that the Board of Regents' UA Foundation representatives discuss with the Board of Trustees a possible $2 million gift.
XIV. Future Agenda Topics
A. Approval of Issues for Discussion at the April 2000 Board of Regents Meeting
Regent Ogg moved, seconded by Regent Malone, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents requests that the administration include the following items on the Committee of the Whole agenda at its April 2000 meeting:
--Discussion regarding the Alaska Quality Schools Initiative;
--Discussion regarding Tribal Colleges; and
--Status Report on University Fundraising Activities
This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
B. Approval of Discussion of Bylaw Revision regarding Nominating Committee
Regent Ogg moved, seconded by Regent Croft, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the addition of a discussion during the April 2000 Committee of the Whole meeting regarding a revision of Regents' Bylaws regarding the Nominating Committee. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
XV. Executive Session
Regent Malone moved, seconded by Regent Usibelli, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents goes into executive session at 4:25 p.m. A.S.T in accordance
with the provisions of AS 44.62.310 to discuss matters the immediate knowledge
of which would have an adverse effect on the finances of the university related
to:
~ Litigation
~ Labor
~ Land
~ Contract Negotiations
and matters that would affect the reputation or character of a person or persons
including:
~ Personnel Matters
~ Naming of Facilities
The session will include members of the Board of Regents, President Hamilton, General
Counsel Parrish, and such other university staff members as the president may designate
and will last approximately one hour. Thus, the open session of the Board of Regents
will resume in this room at approximately 5:25 p.m. A.S.T. This motion is effective
February 18, 2000."
The Board of Regents concluded an executive session at 5:30 p.m. A.S.T. in accordance with AS 44.62.310 discussing matters the immediate knowledge of which would have an adverse effect on the finances of the university; and matters that would affect the reputation or character of a person or persons. The session included members of the Board of Regents, President Hamilton, General Counsel Parrish, and other university staff members designated by the president and lasted approximately 1 hour.
XVI. Acceptance of Bargaining Unit Contract between the University of Alaska and United Academics - AAUP/AFT
Board of Regents' Policy 04.11.02 - Exclusions and Agreements, states:
No collective bargaining agreement shall be binding upon the Board of Regents without prior approval of the entire agreement by the Board of Regents.
Alaska Statute 14.40.170(a)(2) provides:
The Board of Regents shall . . . fix the compensation of the president of the university, all heads of departments, professors, teachers, instructors, and other officers; . . .
Alaska Statute 14.40.170(b)(1) provides:
The Board of Regents may . . . adopt reasonable rules, orders, and plans with reasonable penalties for the good government of the university and for the regulation of the Board of Regents.
The Alaska Supreme Court has stated:
Through legislative enactments, the University enjoys a considerable degree of statutory independence. Not only does the board of regents have the constitutional authority to appoint the president of the University, formulate policy and act as the governing body of the institution, but the legislature has specifically empowered it to fix the president's compensation and the compensation of all teachers, professors, instructors and other officers . . .
Pursuant to this policy and legal authority, the university administration has tentatively agreed upon a contract with the United Academics - AAUP/AFT union. In the event the members of the union ratify this contract, the Board of Regents will be asked to approve the contract at this meeting.
Pursuant to AS 23.40.215, the monetary terms of this collective bargaining agreement are subject to initial approval/disapproval and annual funding by the Alaska Legislature.
Regent Malone moved, seconded by Regent Usibelli, and passed unanimously that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents accepts the bargaining unit contract between the University of Alaska and United Academics - AAUP/AFT for the term of January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, as presented. This motion is effective February 18, 2000."
XVII. Board of Regents' Comments
Regent Thomas commended the Alaska Cooperative Extension for their excellent presentation; and reported that the Human Resources Committee would be receiving reports regarding employee criminal checks.
Regent Ogg complimented the board members and staff on an excellent retreat; was impressed by the 4-H Kids and their presentation; and thanked the staff for their work.
Regent Horst reported on good things that are happening with the students including the voting campaign; and thanked the board for its obvious respect of students and their issues.
Regent Demeksa thanked Chancellor Pugh and the UAS students for the wonderful Student Ambassador Dinner and congratulated him and his staff on the excellent accreditation visit report.
Regent Usibelli commented that "three days is a long meeting"; cautioned that the board must remember to not "swoop the trees"; and thanked the staff for their efforts during the meeting.
Regent Burns thanked UAS for the wonderful dinner.
XVIII. Adjourn
Chair Burns adjourned the meeting on Friday, February 18, 2000 at 5:45 p.m.