Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education 

Minutes

Regular Meeting

January 17-18, 2002

Helena College of Technology of UM

1115 Roberts

Helena, MT 59601

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2002

The full Board convened at 7:30 a.m. with the pledge of allegiance, and immediately went into Executive Session.

Following the Executive Session the Work Session convened at 9:10 a.m.   Regent Jasmin was not present for either the Executive or Work Session

       During the Work Session, Regent Semmens moved for approval of the Communications Plan outlined before them with the K-12 partnership being included in the partnership section of the document and the first idea being strengthened.

       The motion was approved unanimously.

       During the Work Session, Regent Hamilton moved that the Board of Regents authorize the Commissioner to implement the Communications Plan within the budget that is available currently by either an added position in the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education or contracted services.  Funds would have to be reallocated from the campuses to cover this.  The limit imposed would be $80,000.

       The motion was approved on a 4-2 Vote with Regents Hur and Mercer dissenting.

The Work Session recessed at 11:00 a.m. for separate Committee Meetings.  The Work Session was to be completed during New Business on Friday.

The Committees Convened at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned at 12:15.

The Full Board Convened at 1:20 p.m. - Roll Call indicated a Quorum Present  

ROLL CALL

Regents Present: Lynn Morrison-Hamilton, Christian Hur, Ed Jasmin Vice-Chairman (via conference phone), John Mercer, Richard Roehm, Mark Semmens, Margie Thompson Chairwoman, Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch, ex officio, and Commissioner Richard Crofts, ex officio.

Regents Absent:   Governor Judy Martz, ex officio

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

       Chairwoman Thompson MOVED for APPROVAL of the Minutes of the October 19, 2001 Conference Call Meeting as circulated and the minutes of the November 15-16, 2001 Regular Meeting in Bozeman as circulated. 

      The Minutes were APPROVED unanimously as amended.

CONSENT AGENDA

Staff Items:

Other:

        Regent Hamilton MOVED to APPROVE all items on the Consent Agenda as amended

   

STUDENT REPORTS

Andy Parker - President, MAS 

Mr. Parker recognized Jennifer Gerondale who was the Treasurer for MAS and was recently called to active duty in Salt Lake City for the 2002 Olympics.  She did a great job as Treasurer and has been succeeded by Bryce Anderson.   He then reported on the MAS meeting of the previous night.  MAS will be having its annual retreat from Friday through Sunday.  They will be updating the constitution for MAS, and they discussed the turnover in student government and what can be done to alleviate it.  They discussed the goals and priorities for the legislative session, and he reported that they will add to the list the items which they discussed with the Regents at lunch today.   Mr. Parker noted that they also discussed credit transferability and the issue of course challenging.  They also wanted to have more student input into the university budgeting process.

Andy Parker - President, ASMSU

At Montana State University over the last two months, the students have mostly enjoyed their Christmas Break but classes began yesterday.

    During December the students some of the renovations to the third floor of Renne Library and are happy with them.  There are new study rooms for group study, and more study space in the general area.  Overall, the students are pleased, and are eager for completion.

    The ASMSU Day Care Center was the focus of an architecture project on campus last semester.  A group of Architecture students used the Day Care Center’s landscaping as a class topic and presented it to the Day Care teachers and ASMSU Senate in December.  Their input for landscaping and outdoor concepts for the ASMSU Day Care Center were exciting and the presentation was excellent.  The Director of the Day Care Center is applying for grants to fund the actual project.

    Montana State University students did well academically last semester, with 2,107 names appearing on the Dean’s List, 361 of those also being on the President’s List (students that achieved a 4.0 GPA).

    He further reported that Ryan Johnson of MSU was named Academic All American of the year.  He had a 4.0 GPA, and set the rushing record for a season, and it is anticipated he will set a career record next season.  MSU is happy that the relations between athletics and academics is improving with the efforts they have been making.

Christopher Peterson – President ASUM 

Mr.  Peterson reported that ASUM will unveil its new 21-passenger Park-N-Ride bus at the end of this month.  The bus will run on bio-diesel fuel, which will be recycled fry oil taken from the University Center food Court.  The bus will help ease the crowding that passengers have faced this year due to its popularity.  The service is free and funded exclusively through student fees generated by ASUM.

    He also reported that ASUM has a new Vice President.  Matthew Hayes Lindsay stepped down from his position as Vice President after an offer of an excellent position with Senator Baucus’ Re-election campaign.  Heather O’Loughlin of Great Falls has been sworn in as his replacement and has taken over with admirable ease.

    For the third straight year, the ASUM senate has pledged its support for extending health benefits to Montana University System’s same-sex partners.  The resolution passed the ASUM overwhelmingly.  ASUM stands by the simple fact that this is an issue of equal pay for equal work.

    KBGA, the student run radio station at The University of Montana has been selected to be part of a satellite radio system.  KBGA was selected based on its 365 day broadcasting and quality of programming.

    Curry Student Health Services obtained a $200,000 grant allowing a team to put together a program on preventing violence against women.  

    He also noted that the football team went to Chattanooga and won the national title.

Dan Geelan – President ASMSU-N 

Mr. Geelan reported that the Christmas party was great.  Students and Staff that facilitated and organized it were overwhelmed by the attendance.  It was estimated that perhaps 250 people would attend, but the final count was 535.  The proceeds collected on the dinner were donated to the Havre Food Bank.

    The “Club To Be Named Later” is up and running.  It is located in the Student Union Building.  They have been providing Karaoke and dance music two nights a week.  They will continue that along with other activities through the end of the Spring term.  Student Senate is very excited about the future success of the club.  During the last general election the idea for the club came from feedback on a survey done on campus.

    MSU-Northern is initiating a New Student Advising Center.  Part of the service offered to students will be advising and guidance directly relating to ensuring those students are aware of the importance of timely completion of their degree requirements.  ASMSUN government along with the other campus student governments has concerns about the timely completion in light of the recent abolishment of the credit cap.

    Members of ASMSUN will travel to Great Falls & Lewistown campuses to ensure that those student voices are heard and have an opportunity to ask questions of their student government.  They have just recently had Northnet hookups with those campuses to give those students the opportunity to communicate with student government.  During the visits they will treat the students to pizza.

    ASMSUN Program Council Coordinator Amy Warburton’s term ended in December.  Amy did a fantastic job in the 13 months she provided and organized activities.  Amy’s enthusiasm for her job and her efforts are going to be missed greatly.  Brandy Thomas has taken the elected position and has already coordinated the next semester’s activities.

Enrollment at Northern continues to grow and students continue to express excitement about the direction the campus is going with improvements, the radio station and the new activities available.

Jake Fuller – President ASHCT 

Mr. Fuller reported that Helena College of Technology is in the process of hiring a permanent Dean and CEO.  There are five finalists, and there has been interest and input from the community, the media, staff and students.

    Architects recently made a presentation in the Student Center on the projection drafts, with questions and answers and comment cards for the new building being planned on campus.  Important dialogue occurred between the designers and the students, faculty, and staff regarding the needs of the school.

    The annual Christmas celebration was a success with a live Santa who made an appearance in response to a Student Senate donation to the Melody House.  They are currently gearing up for one of the biggest events of their year, the Valentine’s Dance.  

    ASHCT supports investing in the long term in an effort to enhance expansion and longevity.  They have taken measures to support the personnel that make the system work as well as to attract capable candidates in the future.  As a whole, HCT is taking big strides in the right direction.

April Keith – President, ASMSU-GF CoT 

Ms. Keith reported that during their last meeting, the senators’ lounge was officially opened.  To celebrate they had an open house and used the opportunity to recruit new senators.

    At the end of last semester student government was extremely busy putting together gifts for the giving tree.  The tree is sponsored by SEAP (Student Emergency Aid Program).  SEAP provides assistance to students for emergency financial problems that jeopardize their enrollment.  At Christmas the Giving Tree is used to help them with the expenses of gifts for their spouses and children (and even grandchildren).  SEAP organizes and approves the applications, wraps all the sponsored gifts, purchases gifts for any person who was not sponsored, and arranges distribution.  There were about 25 applications this year compared to 10 last year.

    Vice President Neal DuBois accepted a wonderful job in Reno, NV and transferred there to continue his education.  He will be greatly missed.  His dedication and contribution to student government were far above the call of duty.  In his place the senate has elected Sara Anderson.  Ms. Anderson is a drafting and design student.  She has been involved in student government for a year and a half.  She also is work study for the maintenance department.  She sits on the Safety Committee and is not a stranger to leadership.  During her high schools years in Dutton, she was President of various clubs, and helped organize numerous activities.

    It is time to plan the faculty and staff appreciation picnic, to recruit new members for senate, assist in the planning and preparation of the graduation ceremony, and to work with Dr. Moe to facilitate a Resolution Committee.

    Ms. Keith clarified her report of last meeting on the security issues on campus.  The students are mainly concerned about the safety of their cars and the possessions in them.  Student government is working with Administration to determine if a problem truly exists and if it does the extent of the problem and possible solutions. 

Senator Tony Delmoe reported for Shawn Isakson – President, ASMT

Mr. Delmoe reported that Montana Tech graduated over 80 students in the month of December.  Spring semester began last Monday after a brief Christmas break.  Registration numbers will not be available for at least two weeks.

    The renovation of the HPER expansion is coming along well.  The entire framework is completed, the walls are completed with drywall, and the painting is complete.  The ceiling needs to be raised to accommodate taller athletes using some of the equipment.  The HVAC is 90% complete.  The projected opening date is in early to mid February.

The ASME (Mechanical Engineering) design team has been working hard on the human powered vehicle for this year’s competition to be held during the month of April in Reno, NV.

    Football coaching staff have been recruiting and have already signed 4 players from Montana (2 from Butte, 1 from Thompson Falls and 1 from Frenchtown).

    The Healthcare Informatics is moving along at a steady pace during the approval process.  It is expected that the degree will be officially accepted by the Faculty of MT Tech this semester with classes to start as early as Fall, 2002.

On-line courses continue to expand.  Collaboration with The University of Montana-Missoula has brought an on-line Philosophy course to the school.

    MT Tech has moved into the Helena area and now offers 300 and 400 level business courses there.  This move was a collaboration between Montana Tech and the Helena College of Technology.  It permits Helena residents to continue business education in their own city without having to attend Carroll College.

    KMSM, Montana Tech’s student run radio station will be switching its broadcasting frequency from 106.9 FM to 107.1 FM sometime this semester.  The switch came after a deal was struck with a commercial radio station who wished to purchase KMSM’s 106.9 frequency so that they could make their own 106.9 frequency more powerful, thus reaching more areas.  Consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revealed that any commercial radio station has greater authority and power than a local public radio station.

Bryce Anderson –  Vice President, ASMSU-B 

Mr. Anderson reported that Jennifer Gerondale was called to active duty at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake.  She therefore stepped down from her position as President of ASMSU-B.  Mr. Anderson indicated he will assume the position of President for the remainder of the 2001-2002 Academic School Year.  ASMSU-B Senate nominated and appointed Senator Dana Price as the Vice-President for the remainder of the Academic Year.

    Student government held its spring retreat the first weekend in January, presenting issues that need to be discussed during the next semester.  The senate is looking forward to an active year, holding regular open session meetings at 5:30 p.m. on Monday evenings during Spring Semester.  Student government is also currently looking to have new brochures published for legal services provided by ASMSU-B Attorney, Elwood English.  ASMSU-B also sponsored a tree at the Festival of Trees in Billings during the holidays and represented the school in the Holiday Parade.  After the last Board of Regents’ meeting they held an open forum for discussion with the Chancellor.

    MSU-Billings is entering its Winter Fest Week in January with numerous activities for the students.  The activities calendar is posted in the elevators of the LA Building and around campus.  Career Services will also have their career fitness fair on the 21^st of February.

Kim Dolan –  President, ASUM-Western 

Ms. Dolan was unable to attend the meeting, but did provide a written report for her campus.  She reported the student government held a special election on December 6, 2001 to give students the opportunity to voice their opinions on the fate of the school yearbook (Chinook) and a new ASUM-W Constitution.  The Constitution was approved as was an increased fee for the yearbook.  That fee will go from $18 per year to $20 per semester.

    Student government is also looking at ways of targeting off-campus students to get them more involved in campus activities.  Ideas that were gathered over the last semester will be implemented during Spring Semester.

    Ms. Dolan indicated also that student senate thanked the Board of Regents for elimination of the Credit Cap.

David Morris –  President, ASMCC

Mr. Morris reported that Student Senate put together Thanksgiving baskets for the non-traditional students at Miles Community College.  The baskets contained turkeys and other holiday foods.

    The Computer Department organized an intern program for their students.  They built a new computer lab where the old one was.  They put in new furniture, installed new machines, software programs, etc.  The students did about 90% of the work themselves.  Their instructor, Don Warner guided them through any problems they encountered.

    Student Senate will move into their new office at the end of this month.  It will provide more space for them, but they still need to move over the phones and equipment.  

    The nursing program has been approved to change from an Associate of Applied Science to an Associate of Science degree.

    Mr. Morris reported that student government treasurer, Robert Edwards was called to active duty last semester but has now returned to campus and reassumed his duties as Treasurer and is back into his classes.

END STUDENT REPORTS

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Chairwoman Thompson indicated that Superintendent of Public Instruction, Linda McCulloch is a regular at the Board of Regents’ meetings and she forgets to welcome her.  She noted that the entire Board appreciates her attendance.  She noted that Ms. McCulloch also attended the Regents’ retreat.

Superintendent McCulloch handed out informational packets to the Regents covering 1) an invitation to participate in A Conversation on Creating Regional Professional Development Opportunities and 2) the updated version of  CSPAC Chapter 57 of the Administrative Rules of Montana.  She indicated that those rules had not been completely reviewed since 1972, but had undergone periodic adjustments.

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT

The Commissioner commented on two subjects:  the recent national report on college affordability and the use of accountability measures.

1.  The report of the Lumina Foundation entitled “Unequal Opportunity” was released on January 7, 2002 and received some commentary in the State of Montana.  He attached the pages that deal with Montana from the report.  The higher education community has given this report mixed reviews and many have commented on its flawed methodology.

According to the report, only The University of Montana – Western is deemed “affordable” for low- and median-income independent students.   For dependent students, only MSU – Billings and UM – Western are found to be affordable among MUS campuses.  Such conclusions, of course, fly in the face of the evidence that MUS has many such students on all of its campuses.

    The problems with the study include the following:

• The study did not use actual institutional data, but broad ratings such as offered by Peterson’s Guides.

• The study’s conclusions about the availability of financial aid represent averages that are “estimates based on incomplete data” and are characterized as a “rough estimate.”

• The labeling of institutions as “unaffordable” does a disservice to those institutions, especially when the labels are based on averages, generalizations, hypothetical scenarios, and not on data from either the institutions or students.

• The use of labels is a needless distraction from the real issue of affordability and may discourage students and parents from considering some options as they make decisions about attending college.

• Finally, the report diverts attention from the State as the unit of analysis.  Research has shown that college affordability is most closely related to a state’s mix of institutions, the state’s level of financial commitment to higher education, and the existence and scope of state grant and scholarship programs.           

The flaws of the study aside, MUS should appreciate the attention the report brings once again to college affordability.  Policy makers should once again note that the potential for higher education opportunity is limited by where a student lives, the type of institutions available, and the amount of support provided to institutions and students by the State.

2.    The Legislature has created an interim subcommittee to consider public policy goals for higher education in the State of Montana and the possibility of accountability measures for the Montana University System.  At its meeting last week, the subcommittee decided to use the strategic plan of the Board of Regents for its starting point in the determination of public policy goals for higher education in the State.  While asking its staff and the Office of the Commissioner to begin to develop accountability measures, the subcommittee also would appreciate a continuing dialogue with the Board of Regents.

    To provide some context for consideration he reported on the results of a survey on states’ use of performance indicators in higher education.  The survey, conducted by the State Higher Education Executive Officers organization, found that 37 states were using measures of institutional performance in some way to respond to public and political demands for accountability.  According to the survey, the most common performance indicators were:

• Graduation rates

• Transfer rates

• Faculty workload/productivity

• Follow-up satisfaction studies

• External research funding

• Remediation effectiveness

• Pass rates on licensure examinations

• Degrees awarded

• Placement data on graduates

• Admissions standards

• Total student credit hours

• Number and percentage of accredited programs

The director of the SHEEO organization has summarized out of the survey the common elements of effective accountability systems.  They:  work to improve performance, not punish failure; establish a few, clear, significant, measurable goals; monitor progress publicly; employ both intrinsic and extrinsic incentives; utilize every tool available; build capacity, and invest in results.

    The Senior Management of the Montana University System has suggested the following as a pilot project to test our use of accountability measures:

• Student/faculty ratio

• Average class size

• Progress toward degree:  retention and graduation rates, credits to degree, access to classes

• Repair and maintenance expenditures and deferred maintenance as a percentage of plant assets

• Allocation of current unrestricted dollars:  instructional expenditures per FTE, student support expenditures per FTE; institutional support expenditures per FTE; cost of attendance per FTE (all funds)

• Each campus would be encouraged to develop two additional measures uniquely appropriate to its mission

Chairwoman Thompson commented that the accountability and credibility of MUS is again brought into question by this report.  However, Lumina is only one year old and that should be pointed out and made known.  Regent Semmens indicated that the statewide policy and goals being established by the governor’s office are being based on the Strategic Plan adopted by the Board of Regents.  Most members feel that this is an example of more and better interaction with the legislature.  Chairwoman Thompson inquired if the other regents will receive minutes of the Legislative Interim Subcommittee on Post-Secondary Education meeting.  Regent Semmens indicated minutes were taken, but he had not received them.  He said the Commissioner will take care of it.  Regent Hamilton asked how the continuing dialogue between the Sub-committee and the Board mentioned in his report was going to be accomplished.  Regents Semmens indicated that the Strategic Plan is the starting point.  They will meet again in March, and when the final version with comments and suggestions is distributed it will be brought to the Board.  In establishing accountability measures the Regents agreed that it would be counter-productive to adopt such sweeping measures that they would be paralyzed and become dysfunctional.  It was suggested that time be taken by Senior Management to pick out from other states’ accountability indicators what the priorities are for Montana.  That could then be presented in a proposal to the Board for consideration at the March meeting.

END COMMISSIONER'S REPORT

CAMPUS REPORTS

President George Dennison, UM-Missoula introduced Paul Williamson the new Dean at the College of Technology in Missoula.  In addition to his written report, he noted that he had passed around an announcement on the inaugural members of the Montana Campus Compact’s Community Partners Program.  This program links volunteerism with higher education by providing education awards to citizens who serve a minimum of 300 hours with community organizations.  For more information on this please see their web site at http://www.umt.edu/mtcompact/com_part.htm.  President Dennison also announced that on February 28 they will bring on-line the automated library, and that Salish Kootenai College will be included in this system.  It will be compatible with other library systems.  Report

Ron Sexton, Chancellor of MSU-Billings reported that on Monday they had a very successful EDAG round table in Billings.  He thanked Mary Moe for her help in organizing it.  There were 100+ participants from K-12, the tribals colleges, business, industry, several legislators, and Regent Roehm and they all had good ideas and suggestions.  This will all be posted on the MSU-B web site.  He also reported that President Gamble was on campus on Monday and made a good presentation to the Billings Rotary.  Chancellor Sexton reported that the anticipated 3000 on-line students turned into 3500.  The first ACT testing center is nearly ready to open and will be available to Montanans.  They have focused on manpower training and development.  He also alerted everyone that they will be hosting an international business conference that might be of interest.  However, attendees might need to take tents since the city is also hosting the bowling competition and they expect 60,000 participants during that period.  He reported that the Center for Applied Economic Development is making a study to see who is benefiting from it.  They have received $100,000 as a partnership for the softball complex from Cenex.  Other refineries have helped this way in the past, but it is the first time for Cenex.  He reported that the Business Incubator is already running at near capacity.  That wasn’t expected to happen for another six to eight months.

Stephen T. Hulbert, Chancellor, Western Montana College of The University of Montana Campus Report

W. Franklin Gilmore, Chancellor, Montana Tech of The University of Montana Campus Report

Rick Gray, Interim Dean/CEO of Helena College of Technology Campus Report  

President Geoff Gamble, MSU-Bozeman Campus Report

Alex Capdeville, Chancellor, Montana State University-Northern Campus Report

Mary Moe, Dean of MSU-Great Falls CoT introduced their new Associate Dean, Dr. William Tapp from Wharton Junior College in Texas.  Report

Terry Hetrick, President of Dawson Community College.  Report

Dr. Jane Karas, Vice President/Dean of Instruction Flathead Valley Community College Campus Report

END CAMPUS REPORTS

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

ADMINISTRATIVE/BUDGET COMMITTEE

SUBMISSION AGENDA

ACTION CONSENT AGENDA

ACTION AGENDA