System Issues

Academic / Student Affairs Items

Administrative/Budget Items

Staff and Compensation Committee Items

Workforce Development Committee Items

Consent Agenda

COMMITTEE MINUTES

Academic/Student Affairs Committee

Budget and Audit Oversight Committee

Staff and Compensation Committee

ROLL CALL

Roll Call indicated a quorum present

Regents Present: Stephen Barrett, Mike Foster Vice Chair, Lynn Hamilton, Kala French, John Mercer Chair, Mark Semmens, Lila Taylor, and Linda McCulloch ex officio.  Also present was Commissioner Sheila M. Stearns.

Regent Absent:  Governor Brian Schweitzer ex officio excused

Representing Governor Brian Schweitzer:  Ms. Jan Lombardi, Education Advisor

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

   Regent Foster moved APPROVAL of the Minutes of the May 10, 2005 Special Meeting in Missoula, MT, the May 18-20, 2005 Regular Meeting in Billings, MT, and the July 14, 2005 Regular Meeting in Great Falls, MT 

  The Minutes were APPROVED unanimously on 7-0 vote.

SYSTEM ISSUES

a.

Roundtable with local members of state legislature and representatives of Governor Schweitzer, Senator Baucus, Senator Burns, Congressman Rehberg

*     Discuss/identify the most important issues, projects, or new ideas for Montana

Sharon Pearson with Senator Burns’s office reported briefly on the appropriations bills.  Chair Mercer asked Ms. Pearson to tell Senator Burns that the Board appreciates all he does, but they are really interested in an opportunity to meet with him as a Board.  He also asked her to let him know that the Board and the Montana University System are ready to help him with any problems he may have.  Randy Vogel with Representative Rehberg’s office said the offer to help is greatly appreciated because the learning curve is steep with turnovers.  Dustin Frost is a new member of their staff, and a recent graduate of UM-Missoula.  Mr. Vogel indicated that Mr. Frost will work a lot with the campuses.  They don’t know what will happen in the near future following the hurricane problems.  The House had passed all of the bills prior to their damage.  Chair Mercer asked Mr. Vogel to invite Representative Rehberg to meet with the Board when he might be in the state.  Rep. Gary Branae, a member of the standing committee for Education said he was encouraged by the emphasis being placed on two-year education.  He indicated that when he was a school counselor one of the problems he had faced was convincing students of the importance of two-year education, and not just four year.  Rep. Branae noted they need to change the mindset in the student community on the value of two-year education.  There needs to be continued and improved collaboration with the PEPB to communicate it to the state.  Sharon Pearson commented that Montana is in a unique position with three congressional people in perfect positions to help the state.  Two are on Appropriations and the third is on Finance.  She indicated this unique position may never happen again.  State Senator Bob Story said that the Montana University System could be helpful in training legislators since the imposition of term limits brings about rapid turnover.  He also said they could help with conflict resolution, and the current school funding issues.  He noted that not having good data is a big problem, and that using a consultant to revise the allocation model without data would be a waste of time.  Senator Story also suggested the Board monitor the interim committees and show up at the meetings to report on what has already been done by the university system.  Alan Peura, Fiscal Analyst gave an update on quality schools and Shared Leadership in action.  See his attached report.

*  MUS coordination and assistance for these efforts

*  Existing process for providing continuity and increased visibility for important initiatives

*  Tracking short- and long-term progress (accountability) toward achieving shared goals

Following a 10-minute break, the Board reconvened at 10:15 a.m.

b.

Montana University System Technology Transfer (Dwyer/McCoy)

 Presentation on how technology transfer is accomplished in Montana

       Example of how university research and innovation supports state businesses and job creation

See attached report    See attached presentation

c.

Presentation of results from the Montana business workforce survey and update on Montana economy (Polzin)

*      Data and conclusions about types of jobs that are available in the State

*      Discuss implications for our postsecondary education system in educating and training the State’s workforce in the short- and long-term.

Mr. Paul Polzin made a presentation to the Board on types of jobs available in the state.  (See attached presentation).  Montana businesses had been reporting difficulties in recruiting, and dissatisfaction with worker skills.  The presentation was based on a questionnaire prepared by the Bureau of Business and Economic Development who then performed interviews across the state.  Mr. Polzin followed this report with another showing the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Montana economy (see attached presentation).

The Board recessed for lunch at noon, and reconvened at 1:10 p.m.

d.

Set top priorities for the MUS 2010 strategic plan and expectations for when/how action plans will be developed (Foxley)

Dr. Cecelia Foxley gave a brief overview of what had transpired so far in working on the Strategic Plan.  The top priorities had been narrowed down, and it was expected that action plans would be developed by the November Board meeting.

  Regent Hamilton moved ADOPTION of the top three priorities as listed.

Regent Foster suggested challenging the system by identifying seven priorities and asking the campuses to come up with a plan for all seven.  He believes the talent and ability are there and they should  not restrict the priorities to three.  Regent Semmens agreed with Regent Hamilton to work with the top three, but to continue to convey the importance of all items on the list.  Mr. Bill Muse indicated there was a page break and on the following page were two more items that should be considered.  There was considerable debate on what should actually be done at this time, without giving the impression that any item on the list was less important than the three that might be chosen.  Commissioner Stearns indicated the item needed more staff work.  They could structure it in time for the strategic planning meetings with campuses.

  Regent Hamilton WITHDREW her motion.

 END SYSTEM ISSUES

The Board took the following ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET ITEM out of order

r.

ITEM 128-2804-R0905 - Authorization to Acquire the former BLM Lewistown Field Office at Public Benefit Allowance Discount for Educational Purpose through the U.S. Department of Education; Montana State University-Northern

Ms. Diane Oldenberg and Mr. Kevin Byerly of Lewistown testified on behalf of this item.  There was discussion of the building fee that was expected to cover O&M on the building, but which had been pulled at the start of the meeting.  There was also some concern that the fee was so high.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item r. with the condition that the Board subsequently will need to approve the O&M related fee at the November 16-18, 2005 meeting.

  The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY on 7-0 vote with the noted condition.

a.

Discussion of textbook costs.  A Bookstore for All Seasons    A New Model for Textbook Pricing    Bookstore Blues    Bundled    Textbooks    Passing the Bucks    Ripoff 101    Ripoff    Stay Independent

There had been considerable discussion of this issue in the committee meeting.  The campuses are working to move to electronic books, and course packs.  They want to see a more systematic approach in Montana.  Faculty representative Shannon Taylor said he will make the effort to raise awareness of the market on campus, as well as an awareness of the used book market, and to urge the bookstore managers to encourage the use of Amazon.Com and Half.Com.  They will also encourage faculty to include the ISBN for each book on the syllabus.

b. 

Follow-up on the mental health discussion from the March 2005 meeting.

It was reported that these problems nationwide are greater in number than in the past, and part of the reason is better screening.  The committee wants to continue the discussion.

c.  

Possible discussion on the so-called Matrix 5.

Since the current format is designed for K-12, it does not readily lend itself to the university system.  Deputy Commissioner Roger Barber reported that a new format will be designed and they will return to the Board at a future meeting with a complete report.

d. 

College Preparatory Program Report.    Memo

e. 

Distance Learning Report.   Memo

f.  

Credit by Exam Report.    Memo

g. 

Diversity Report.    Memo

h. 

Quality Report.   MSU-Bozeman    MSU-Billings    MSU Great Falls CoT    UM-Missoula    UM-Western    Montana Tech of UM    UM-Helena CoT

  Items d. through h. were deferred to the November 16-18, 2005 meeting.

i.  

Discussion of the Writing Proficiency Project.    Memo    Attachment

The Committee recommended this item be brought to the Board for action at the November 16-18, 2005 meeting.  Superintendent McCulloch indicated she had come prepared to speak to this item since it was on the Agenda, and she did not know if she was going to be able to attend the November meeting.  She felt the Board should be aware of all sides of this issue.  Chair Mercer indicated that until a new procedure is established, it would be best for her to bring her information to the Committee who would then give the best advice to the Regents at the full meeting.  Regent Semmens indicated he would like to hear Superintendent McCulloch’s testimony today in case she can’t be at the November meeting.  She noted that her letter had been handed around to the Regents, and it covered questions and concerns that needed to be addressed.  She said there is more common ground than not.  Her main issue is student achievement and the issue of barriers.  If a test is used for placement, she has no problem, but if the test prevents entry into the university system, she does have a problem.  Ms. McCulloch said the math proficiency test had been put into effect but she had no idea if it was making any difference or not.  She believes that the writing proficiency test puts the cart before the horse.  She said K-12 is guilty of losing writing skills, and permitting it to happen.  There is less formal writing since students use Blackberry, e-mail and other electronic formats.  She indicated she would appreciate a concerted collaborative effort like the P-20 Committee to work on this skill.  Further, she reported that fewer than 20% of American Indian students are passing the test.  Ms. McCulloch indicated they didn’t need more barriers in Montana, and there will always be students who are not prepared.  However, she said it doesn’t mean they won’t be successful and productive in society.  She urged the Board as they work on their strategic goals and objectives to include increased attainment.  Regent Hamilton indicated they will continue to work with the P-20 committee on this issue.

j. 

Discussion of the admissions program at The University of Montana-Missoula.

k.

Memorandum on grade point average values.

l.

Memorandum on minimum grade policy and its implementation.

m. 

Report on the Montana State University Rural Nursing Partnership in North Central Montana.

n. 

Discussion of the transfer information on the Montana University System web site.  Index   Minimum Grades     Policies

o.

Discussion of  “next steps” in the transfer arena.

p. 

Discussion of possible activities for the Academic & Student Affairs Committee.

  Items k. through p. were deferred until the November 16-18, 2005 meeting

q. 

ITEM 128-101-R0905:  An Assessment Plan for the Transfer Audit Policies.  Attachment 1    Attachment 2    Attachment 3    Attachment 4    Attachment 5    Attachment 6

r.

ITEM 128-102-R0905:  Revision of Board of Regents’ Policy 209.2, Coordinator of Community Colleges.    Attachment

   Regent Hamilton MOVED approval of items q. and r.

  The motion was APPROVED unanimously on 7-0 vote.

s.

ITEM 128-104-R0905:  Faculty Appeal

   Regent Hamilton MOVED that the Board not hear this appeal, and to uphold the decision of the Commissioner.

  The motion was APPROVED unanimously on 7-0 vote.

t.

ITEM 128-105-R0905:  Student Appeal – CONFIDENTIAL

  Regent Hamilton MOVED that the Board not hear this appeal, and to uphold the decision of the Commissioner.

 The motion was APPROVED on 5-2 vote with Regents Foster and Mercer dissenting.

u.

 Level I memorandum.

Deputy Commissioner Barber noted a correction to one item in the Level I memorandum.  Please see the MSU-Great Falls Lazarus item online.

 Level II Action Items.

v.

ITEM 128-2003-R0705: Pre-Medical Certificate, Montana State University-Bozeman.    Request    Summary     Proposal    Budget

w.

ITEM 128-2004-R0705:  Master of Science degree in Ecological and Environmental Statistics, Montana State University-Bozeman.  Request    Summary    Proposal    Budget

x.

ITEM 128-2005-R0705:  Humanities Institute, Montana State University-Bozeman.   Request    Proposal    Budget

y.

ITEM 128-2801-R0705:  Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Technology, Montana State University-Northern.    Request     Summary     Proposal     Budget    Appendix 1    Appendix 2

z.

ITEM 128-1001-R0705:  Minor in Central and Southwest Asian Studies, The University of Montana-Missoula.    Request    Summary    Proposal

aa. 

ITEM 128-1002-R0705:  Paleontology Center on campus and field station in Glasgow area, The University of Montana-Missoula.    Request    Summary    Proposal    Budget

bb. 

ITEM 128-1501-R0705:  Master of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Montana Tech of The University of Montana-Missoula.    Request    Summary    Proposal    Budget

cc.

ITEM 128-1505-R0705:  Revised mission statement, Montana Tech of The University of Montana.    Request    Vision

dd.

ITEM 128-1506-R0705:  Conversion of option in Medical Assistant to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assistant, Montana Tech of The University of Montana.    Summary    Proposal    Budget

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of items v. through dd.

Regent Foster indicated he saw duplication in some of the proposed programs, and that there should be an explanation to the Board.  He asked how many graduates it takes for a program to pay for itself, what the economic development impact was of each proposal, and if they were duplicative, he requested an explanation.  Regent Barrett agreed completely, and believes the burden should be on those requesting the programs.  Regent Hamilton noted there is a section in the form that speaks to other programs in the system.  Deputy Commissioner Barber indicated the campuses are creative in defining the word duplication.  Regent Hamilton said the campuses are good about working together.  One problem is that the agendas are very heavy, and she fears they might be shortsighted in their discussions.  Chair Mercer again issued a challenge to find a solution for wading through all these documents.  He suggested possibly having graduate students review for duplication, but added they need to have the justification in writing.  Deputy Commissioner Barber referred to page 258 in the materials which displayed a clear description of the question.  He said it could be expanded to include the issues of collaboration.  Regent Barrett noted that without the necessary information, there is mission creep all around.  He indicated that if the campuses don’t complete all the information, they are not to bring the items to the Board.  Regent Hamilton said the Board needs to take the responsibility to question duplications, and then their responsibility is not to approve the problem proposal.  She said the campuses make good arguments, but the call is the Board’s.

  Motion APPROVED unanimously on 7-0 vote.

ff.

Letter from Montana State University-Billings concerning possible new nursing program in that city.

Regent Barrett indicated that the bottleneck in health care is the number of clinical slots available, not the number of programs available.

gg.

Level II items on submission at this meeting.

There were no questions on this item.

END ACADEMIC / STUDENT AFFAIRS ITEMS

The issue of speech pathology was assigned to the Workforce Development Committee for research, and Tuition Policy was assigned to the Budget and Audit Oversight Committee for review.

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ITEMS

  Item b. was deferred to the November 16-18, 2005 meeting to permit more work by staff.

  Items c. through f. were discussed in Committee.

END WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ITEMS

    Regent Mike Foster indicated he will place the issues raised by the presentation from Paul Polzin on the November committee agenda and they will work to address them.  He noted that Regent Hamilton had mentioned they now have the information from the business sector.  They now need to focus on the government sector and asked that Paul Polzin follow through on it.

    Commissioner Stearns introduced Mick Robinson, the new Associate Commissioner for Fiscal Affairs, and Harry Freebourn financial manager for OCHE.  She thanked Pam Joehler for filling the Associate Commissioner position for the past five months.  She also acknowledged the assistance provided by Mark Bruno from the Governor’s office over the last several months

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ADMINISTRATIVE/BUDGET ITEMS

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item a.

  The motion was APPROVED unanimously on 7-0 vote.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item b.

  The motion was APPROVED unanimously on 7-0 vote.

There was discussion of the desired scope of the revised allocation model, with reservations being voiced about including the structural issue.  Regent Semmens said it was important to consider tuition and fees in the model, and the impact they will have on families.  The impact must be understood, so they need to consider tuition and fee policy, the market rate for distance education, mandatory fees, and what goes into tuition.  Regent Hamilton asked if it was typical not to include all sources of revenue in a business.  Regent Semmens indicated they are trying to consider all sources.  Chair Mercer noted that when the scope is broadened the issue becomes very complicated.  The real issue is how the state dollars are divided.  He believes the institutions receiving the money now are the best people to provide ideas on how it should be divided.  He recommended that rather than having the Commissioner do this, he would like to see the eight units produce their ideas.  Chair Mercer said he would like to see a simple model tied to base budgets.  Regent Semmens asked if the scope should include state funds, tuition and fees, and Chair Mercer indicated yes.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL to authorize the Office of the Commissioner to put out an RFP for a consultant with the campuses to provide the funding in an amount up to $30,000.

 The motion was APPROVED on 5-2 vote with Regents Foster and Mercer dissenting

Following a 10-minute break the Board reconvened at 4:30 p.m.

Regent Semmens said the Board needed to give guidance to staff and the consultant on what they want to achieve.  They will need to know if differential tuition, need based aid at the system level, base funding, incentives and rewards for behaviors aligned with strategic planning, and being enrollment driven are important.  Commissioner Stearns indicated there should be a preliminary list ready for the Campus Advisory Group meeting on October 20.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item e.

  The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY on 7-0 vote

  Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item f.

Regent Foster asked what this item was all about.  President Gamble indicated that by statute the Board appoints members to the Council every two years.  Regent Foster asked if the Board was supposed to appoint members, why they did not see the applications.  He asked how they could approve something they had not seen.  Chair Mercer said Regent Foster could vote no today, and then examine if the members should be appointed by the Board, or if they could go to the next legislative session and change the statute.

  The motion was APPROVED on 5-2 vote with Regents Foster and Taylor dissenting.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item g.

  The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY on 7-0 vote.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Items h. and i.

  The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY on 7-0 vote.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item j. removing the words “unrestricted funds.” 

  The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY as amended on 7-0 vote.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item k. removing the words “unrestricted funds.” 

  The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY as amended on 7-0 vote.

  Item l. was deferred to the November 16-18, 2005 meeting.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item m.

  The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY on 7-0 vote.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item n.

  The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY on 7-0 vote.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item o.

  The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY on 7-0 vote.

   Regent Semmens MOVED APPROVAL of Item p.

  The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY on 7-0 vote.

  Due to the high cost of this 6.1 acre property at $250,000 per acre, it was decided to present item q. as information only at this meeting.  It will be brought back to the Board at the November 16-18, 2005 meeting.