BOR Minutes: January 19-21, 2005

Academic/Student Affairs Committee

Please see attached and approved minutes of special meeting held on January 11, 2005

I.

Review and Adopt Agenda.

II.

From the November 17, 2004, meeting of the Committee.

III.

IV.

1.

V.

1.

VI.

Budget and Audit Oversight Committee

The Committee Convened at 1:00 p.m.

(Committee Members:  Chair Regent Mark Semmens, Regent John Mercer, and Regent Lila Taylor)

k.

Execute a Lease for Space in a Private Sector Facility - ITEM 126-2852-R0105 Authorization to Execute a Lease for Space in a Private Sector Facility; Montana State University-Great Falls College of Technology   Lease Agreement

Chair Semmens explained that Pam Joehler had done a meaningful report for the Board.  His conclusion is that the campuses have done a good job of delivering on the mandate of the Board to keep quality with limited resources.  However, he said it is wrong to characterize it as no resources.  He was surprised at the huge disparity between the campuses.  He said the Board needs to be more attentive to that issue.  Rod Sundsted pointed to the one-time reductions at UM which impacted the smaller campuses receiving the funds.  He mentioned that at MSU-Northern, their numbers are very low which doesn't seem logical.  This issue needs more attention.  Regent Mercer asked that with the increase per student as shown at Bozeman, did UM sacrifice quality since their numbers are minimal.  President Dennison indicated the dollars were sent to the smaller campuses, and this was discussed with administrators and students.  There would have been layoffs and fewer classes if they had not transferred the funds.  Regent Mercer asked if this was masking some other problems, such as painting that wasn't done.  President Dennison indicated UM had some increased class sizes, or they used temporary faculty for the first year and picked up tenure track in the second year instead.  Chair Semmens indicated that what UM did was recognize that the allocation model does not consider the incremental revenues from non-resident students.  This was a proper allocation of state dollars.  Regent Mercer indicated the Board should make the decision on transfers to save the campuses.  The smaller campuses should be allowed to sink or swim.

The Committee discussed the Budget Worksheet handed to the Committee.  Chair Semmens indicated that as an example, if everything was adopted for UM, there would be an 8.5% increase in tuition per year over the biennium.  President Dennison indicated the tuition would range from 4% to 12%, with lowest rates at the COTs, a slightly larger amount at Montana Tech because of historic problems, and at UM-Missoula 7.5% for resident students and 8.5% for non-residents.  The issue of declining enrollments weighed heavily on a few campuses, and it was agreed the committee would meet in the evening to resolve the issue.

Staff and Compensation Committee

The Committee Convened at 5:15 p.m.

(Committee Members Present:  Chair Regent John Mercer, Regent Richard Roehm, and Regent Mark Semmens.  

Also Present:  Regent Lila Taylor, and Commissioner Stearns

OCHE Staff member:  Kathy Crego

Discussion:  Utilization of the dependent partial tuition waiver was reviewed.  The dependent tuition waiver was implemented in the 2004 summer session on a pilot basis.  The waiver is subject to collective bargaining for those individuals covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  There was no opposition from campus representatives in regard to continuation of the dependent partial tuition waiver.

Action:  Committee members recommended full Board approval of removal of the sunset clause and continuation of the dependent tuition waiver policy.

The Staff and Compensation Committee Meeting Adjourned at 5:36 pm

Full Board Convened at 7:30 a.m.

SYSTEM ISSUES

a.

ROLL CALL

Regents Present:  Mike Foster Vice Chair, Kala French, Lynn Hamilton, John Mercer Chair, Richard Roehm, Mark Semmens, Lila Taylor, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch ex officio was represented by Cathy Warhank.  Also present was Commissioner Sheila M. Stearns

Regent Absent:  Governor Brian Schweitzer ex officio, excused

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

SYSTEM ISSUES continued

Following a ten-minute break, the Board reconvened at 9:00 a.m.

b.

Present at the meeting were:  House Minority Whip Monica Lindeen, House Republican Leader Roy Brown, Speaker Gary Matthews, Senate President Jon Tester, Senate Minority Leader Bob Keenan

Chair Mercer indicated this time was dedicated to a roundtable discussion, with no speeches.  It was intended to build on existing partnerships and continue dialogue between the Board and the Legislature.  Senator Tester indicated communication is always good.  He said the Montana University System is one of the main economic drivers in Montana.  It is important to develop a small business climate to keep people in the state, and to meet the needs of the MUS to be successful in moving society forward with a better quality of life, standard of living, and the ability to keep kids in the state.  Increased tuition is an increased tax.  There is a direct benefit from that tax, but if MUS is priced so high it drives kids out of state for education, it is an unfortunate loss for Montana.  Senator Tester believes the state must be competitive in tuition, and must be affordable.  Further, the university system and the colleges of technology need to be responsive to the business needs in the state.  From a legislative standpoint, they need to give the Board flexibility to answer those needs.  It may mean more dollars.  Senator Tester said the base to education is K-12, and if it is no good, the university system does a lot of work in remediation.  He said he is sensitive to tuition since he has children in college.  When he grew up, his parents paid his tuition, but he can't do that for his own children.  In order to pay off their school loans, they will need to leave the state to earn better salaries.  Senator Keenan said he had served on the Shared Leadership group and was supportive of it, and had a long list of ideas to implement.  He stated the reservations in Montana are the place to some of the work.  He suggested the possibility of picking up the dark fiber optics from defunct businesses and putting them to use.  As far as Shared Leadership is concerned, he feels it is still at the general level, and he likes dealing with specifics, but he is grateful for the communication.  Representative Matthews said that affordability is very important.  This session is not like the last one, which was dealing with a very poor budget and had a difficult time.  This session is much more positive.  He said he thinks the efforts of the Board of Regents on Shared Leadership are wonderful.  He is glad they are looking at those ideas and plans.  He remembered in 1999 that there was a lot of the Board looking for money, and now they are saying they want to help fix the problems in Montana.  He hopes many of those ideas will remain.  Representative Brown appreciated the idea of bringing the two groups together.  He also appreciated the efforts of Shared Leadership.  He suggested one of the biggest issues facing the state in which MUS could help is the transmission of energy.  Perhaps a partnership could be formed to make the electrical transmission system work better.  Another problem he mentioned is the economics of wind energy.  Some say it is good, and others say it is not.  Representative Brown suggested the minds in the MUS could offer ideas and solutions.  He said there are partnerships between industry and campuses that are working, such as the refineries in Billings who partnered with the College of Technology to train their workers, and the business pays for the cost.  There is also the possibility of a medical school in Billings.  Another issue that can be worked on together is distance education.  Representative Lindeen said she was also involved in Shared Leadership and believes there is value in bringing all these folks together to talk about partnering.  She recommended the Board be sure there is buy-in from the campuses for Shared Leadership.  It is a challenge when dealing with the culture of the system.  She said that the MUS plays a key role in workforce training.  She is impressed, and stated the key is that the MUS continues to be responsive to curriculum changes to reflect the changes in industries and jobs of the future.  The changes must be done quickly.  Ideally, the two-year campuses are the place to do this.  Chair Mercer said he hopes the Board can provide information and answers on educational issues, but he would also appreciate their addressing other things that affect the system.  He asked if they had suggestions on how better to interact with the legislature or others.  It was mutually agreed by members of the roundtable that the Board has been doing a good job of reaching out and improving lines of communication.  The Board was encouraged to continue to this.  It was also agreed that informal brainstorming sessions on big issues would be beneficial.  Senator Keenan emphasized the importance of developing distance learning.  Senator Keenan said that Carl Venne, Chairman of the Crow Nation had visited him.  He is trying to move the Crow Nation forward.  They have billions of dollars of assets such as water, coal, timber, and manpower with 70% unemployment.  He is trying to figure out how to get things done.  He mentioned coal bed methane and didn't know where to start.  Senator Tester indicated he called DEQ and they provided a CD that helped Mr. Venne.  The BIA also gives the Crow Nation $5 million a year of highway money.  Senator Tester told him he could also get a state match for federal dollars.  He recommended the Board invite Carl Venne to a discussion.  Representative Lindeen invited the Board to attend any of their meetings, which are on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in room 137 of the Capitol.  Representative Matthews thanked the Board for the nursing program at Miles Community College.  He said that distance learning has been a big issue for them and their hospitals.  Chair Mercer offered a heads up to the panel regarding the presentation of the MUS budget.  It is being put together in advance so the legislature will know what the tuition will be in advance.  He told the panel the Board wants them to know what they are buying for their money.  They will be buying down the cost of tuition.  It will be their responsibility to determine what level the state will pay, and what level the students will pay.  Senator Tester said he thought that was great, and that he appreciated the frankness.  However, he also mentioned that the fees were becoming prohibitive.  Chair Mercer indicated that is one of their mixed messages.  He believed that fees had been topped out, but students desired to impose huge fees on themselves.  He asked if the Committee would be willing to work with the Board on the revision of the allocation model so they would be more involved in analyzing it, and understanding its implications.  Vice Chair Foster gave an open invitation to the panel members to attend any of the Board committee meetings as they work on various issues.  Chair Mercer offered to meet again with the panel at their convenience in March.

Following a five-minute break, the Board reconvened at 10:00 a.m.

Staff Present:  Jim Foley and Holly Luck of Senator Baucus' office, Jeff Gerard of Rep. Rehberg's office, and Todd Casper and Betsy Allen of Senator Burns' office.

Chair Mercer explained the Board is interested in knowing ways to improve their working relationship with the Congressional Delegation.  He also expressed that the Board wants the delegates to see the university system as more than asking for things.  If they have an idea or problem that needs to be tested, he hopes the MUS would be the place to test it.  He suggested that if they have problems they can't solve, the MUS has thousands of people with ideas.  He said they would adjust the schedule of the Board to get together with any one of the delegates, or even have a special meeting.  Vice Chair Foster said there is great potential and optimism for the future.  He looks forward to the opportunities for communication if the staff can make it to the Board meetings.  He recalled when President Dennison had brought up the issue of Reauthorization, and what an opportunity it would have been for a great dialogue if the delegation staff had been at that meeting.  Betsy Allen indicated one problem with communications is that constituents don't understand the congressional process.  Jeff Gerard said he looks forward to entering into discussion, and although education is outside his field, he is involved in shared leadership.  Holly Luck said she was delighted to participate in Shared Leadership since she had never been part of the process.  Her primary responsibility is the Senator's schedule.  He was delighted with the exchange and wants it to continue in the future.  He appreciates the cooperation from the campuses and education is one of his major priorities this session.  Senator Baucus' job bill is funding for two-year schools.  Jim Foley complimented the Board for including the Delegation in their meeting.  Montana is unique in having Representative Rehberg on the House Appropriations Committee, Senator Burns on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Baucus on the Finance Committee.  He expounded on Senator Baucus' job bill indicating it was introduced last year to create competitive grants for two-year campuses to match with businesses to be brought into the state.  80% of jobs are coming out of two-year institutions.  Another focus of the delegation will be tax incentives.  He noted that Perkins was cut for reauthorization.  Mr. Foley indicated their bosses had instructed them to take this meeting and future meetings very seriously, and to be partners in moving this state forward.  Regent Semmens said it is remarkable what the Congressional Delegation can do for Montana.  He mentioned specific ideas to work on together are Reauthorization, opportunities for the research universities, access to higher education with such things as need based scholarships and grants, especially in the rural areas, and distance education.  A final area is two-year institutions.  Vice Chair Foster indicated that in the area of grants, the Workforce Development Committee is working on several, and he invited the members of the panel to attend the committee meetings at any time.  Regent Hamilton said that a big issue for Montana students is the expected family contributions, which are significant for Montana families.  Expecting low and middle income families to have those resources in ready cash is often unrealistic.  Chair Mercer requested the panel to provide the Board with a presentation on the federal appropriations process at a future meeting.  He asked the panel if there was anything that could be changed in lobbying by the campuses.  Todd Ketzer said that everything now comes through each side of the university as a package.  In the past, all the professors used to call them.  They are happy with the presentations and impressed with how well they have studied the bills.  They know where the money is and tailor their proposals around it.  Jim Foley told the Board to give them proposals on access and how it should work in rural areas, and they would see if they could make it happen.  He said further that any item given to them is on the burner that day.  Regent French asked the panel if they would give a presentation to the Board on Reauthorization at a future meeting.  Vice Chair Foster indicated round table discussions would become a regular part of the Board meetings.

DISCUSSION WITH CAMPUS CEOs

  (President Gamble, Interim Dean Frazier, Chancellor Sexton, Chancellor Storey, and President Karas) Over the course of several meetings, all of the CEOs, on a rotating basis, will have an opportunity to talk with the Board about important higher education issues, trends and directions, and concerns related to their campuses.  The Commissioner will determine the rotation.

Please also see attached reports

President Gamble requested the ability to hold part of his report until Friday morning.  He indicated that his written report outlined key points, but he called the Boards attention to Neil Cornish in the Physics Department at MSU-Bozeman who continues to receive international acclaim for determining the size and shape of the universe.  He believes he could be on track for a Nobel Prize.

Interim Dean Frazier gave an overview of his brief time at Helena College of Technology indicating much has been accomplished at the campus to stabilize enrollment and communication problems.  He is also pursuing an opportunity started by Alex Capdeville when he was at the Helena Campus, and is attempting to arrange training of employees in four state departments.  If they find they are unable to deliver everything requested, they are willing to broker with the state departments to put together training programs from the other MUS campuses.  Mr. Frazier indicated it might be time for the system to look at a system wide communication plan and to lay out parameters.  He finds that they don't talk together, but at each other.  He suggested the possibility of putting individuals on different campuses for a week at a time to interact.  He further expressed that resource diversification at the small campuses is just as important as at the large ones.  He asked the Board to think of the small campuses when they are reallocating resources, and how they can better work with organizations and private companies.  Mr. Frazier believes there are three thirds to the MUS and often the two larger thirds get a lot of the focus.  He asked the Board to consider making time to focus on the smaller campus needs during their discussions.  He also asked if they are communicating well enough with the high schools and elementary schools.  He has always believed in Shared Leadership, but this is a long-term process.  Montana on the Move had a good meeting in Helena last week, and it also has great potential, as does Shared Leadership.

Chancellor Sexton thanked the Board for the attention they gave to his initiatives and the questions he raised.  He said an important issue the Board needs to work on soon is pricing.  The University of Phoenix is establishing its first site in Montana in Billings.  He said part of the quality that needs to be retained is 24/7/365.  He said the campuses need latitude to establish their own pricing, with some classes being loss leaders that will balance out in the end.  He also encouraged the Board to strengthen their advocacy for building the infrastructure for two-year education.  Chancellor Sexton indicated he hesitated to bring the next issue to the Board, but believes the discussion needs to start on expanding their offerings into a comprehensive community college.  They need to go to the community and seek financial support, and they need the support of the Board.  He believes the groundwork has been laid.  Chancellor Sexton said that probably the most contentious issue concerns Board policies.  He understands what the Board and system are trying to accomplish with policies and revisions.  To build a quick case, he said when they go through the budget discussions, Montana has a great return for its investment.  One reason is the ingenuity of faculty and staff on the campus.  When the Board passes policies, he understands the need for unity, but they need to be careful not to use the policies as silver bullets.  The campuses need to retain their uniqueness.  There is no single solution for all the campuses in the budget discussion.  Regent Semmens said they need to talk about the tuition policy and market realities.  He asked if Chancellor Sexton actually meant a transition to a local district and local mill support when he discussed expanding to a community college.  Chancellor Sexton said that is what they need to discuss.  He said that where community colleges now exist they have community support.  He said in order to build and make the transition to a community college, it would best be based on demographics, with a larger percentage of diversity in the population, and a very effective advisement system is needed.  Regent Semmens asked Chancellor Sexton if there are Board policies that restrict his faculty from pursuing research.   He replied it is a combination of things, a big one being resources.  Regent Semmens then clarified that it is not policy, but resources that limits them.

Chancellor Storey reported that Experience One is quite remarkable.  There are only three schools in the country that have been able to do it, and they are all private schools.  UM-Western is the first public school to use the system.  They are not dealing with how to schedule time, but what to do with that time.  It is working and succeeding.  Student reports are uniformly good.  Only one student said the class was too difficult and challenging.  There is a great retention rate, which is now higher than in the past.  The faculty are working hard to learn to teach in the new environment.  They have plans for faculty to travel to Colorado Springs, visit courses, and have meetings to learn techniques.  Chancellor Storey hopes the Board understands there could be speed bumps along the way.  He also commented on the Ag Conference held at Western, which brought 150 people to campus.  They held dinner for the community in the arena and more than 300 people attended.  The conference was quite successful and covered many controversial issues.  They also held a recent meeting to consider converting heating of the campus to timber by-products.  There were about 40 or 50 people in attendance from MUS, federal, state and city and they were all enthusiastic.  Chancellor Storey indicated that just the other day, the small local radio station in Dillon ran an ad for the University of Phoenix.  It caused him to pause.  That is the largest university in the world, and he is concerned that they feel it is worthwhile to run an ad in Dillon.  He echoed his peers in reminding the Board that the quality of the campuses is directly related to quality faculty.  The one thing that keeps him awake at night is that the salaries they offer faculty are too low.  He said they have terrific people teaching who are very dedicated.

President Karas offered the help of Flathead Valley Community College to Chancellor Sexton in his efforts to move toward a community college.  She reported they were delighted with the settlement of the suit on the Bond issue.  However, the cost of construction and materials has increased over the two years.  They will review all of the plans over the next few weeks and decide what will need to be downgraded.  They are continuing plans for a Center for Allied Health Partnerships with Kalispell Hospital and MSU, and UM.  She recommended the Board invite Sandra Ellman to speak to them on accreditation and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities as they will be reviewing the standards over the next two years.

Regent Roehm referred to Chancellor Sexton's desire to convert the College of Technology to a Community College, and said he believes the Board needs to have some sort of transition plan for the colleges of technology.  He realizes not all are ready to make that move now.  He suggested the Two Year Committee discuss the feasibility of such a plan and urged the committee to give a report to the Board at the March 17-18, 2005 meeting.  Chair Mercer indicated he preferred to have the Commissioner brainstorm with the two-year campuses and other leaders.

END DISCUSSION WITH CAMPUS LEADERS

Ms. Angie Grove indicated the report she was sharing with the Board is the same one she presented to the Legislative Audit Committee.  She said the issue is being given back to the Board to apply management controls, establish time lines, standardize decision-making, and determine where decisions will be maintained.  She was able to compile her data from Banner.  Board policies are limited in providing guidance in this process.  The general education core is not consistent, and there is wide variation among the two year programs and the number of credits required to graduate or transfer.  A second series of recommendations is to clarify and enforce the core in place, coordinate the two-year degrees, and recommend clear criteria for a cumulative grade point and what minimum grade is needed to pass.  Her audit targeted nursing, which has unique problems.  Some of the complexities are caused by three levels, LPN, CNA, and RN.  However, the transfer problems are mainly between the LPNs and the others.  All curricula are comparable and cover the basics of the same things.  However, the number of credits required varies from 45 to 70, which can be $3000 difference in cost.  When transferring, it takes an average of 152 days to decide if credits are transferable.  What will be accepted into the RN programs varies from 12 to 41 credits.  Ms. Grove indicated more leadership is required, with the creation of policy to standardize the number of credits, the kinds of degrees, and that transfer agreements are in place.  Across the board, it takes an average of 73 days to decide if credits are transferable. Chair Mercer said some people may have thought the MUS would be defensive about this audit, but hoped that Ms. Grove had found it to the contrary.  He asked the Commissioner and faculty members to address the manner in which this audit can be acted on rapidly.  Commissioner Stearns indicated that the system intends to use this audit and will respond quickly.  There have been favorable responses from legislators, but she was shocked at the number of legislators who believe the MUS makes transferability difficult to keep students longer in order to get more money.  Deputy Commissioner Barber attended the hearing on the Audit with Commissioner Stearns and said it was very clear they needed to respond quickly.  His initial recommendation of September 2005 was not acceptable.  They then had a special meeting of the Academic/Student Affairs Committee and developed a work plan.  Small workgroups will work on each of the eight recommendations, with representation by registrars, admissions staff, and faculty members.  They will bring the greater part of their recommendations to the March 17-18, 2005 meeting, with perhaps some being brought to the May 19-20, 2005 meeting.  Ms. Grove indicated her department has offered to help the work groups and they will keep the Audit Committee informed.  Things are in motion, and she will write a formal memo at some point to give the implementation status of each recommendation.  Faculty representative Keith Edgerton indicated the faculty are completely committed to this.  He was concerned about the perception in the legislature that they would deliberately keep students from transferring to get more money from them.  He said faculty are committed to working with the Audit office and the Board of Regents to address all these issues and to rectify them as soon as possible.  Regent Semmens asked if there was student representation on the work groups.  Mr. Barber replied no, but hopes some would join the effort.  Student Regent French is involved in a workgroup and is committed to keeping students informed.

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:50 a.m.

The Board reconvened at 1:10 p.m.

a.

2.   ITEM 126-103-R0105 - The Transfer Audit

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item 2.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

B.   ITEM 126-102-R0105 - New Meeting Schedule for the Board   Attachment

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item B.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

1.   Level I memorandum.

There was discussion among the Board of the use of the Level I and Level II processes for approving programs.

2.   Level II memorandum with academic program items on submission.

Regent Hamilton indicated the items on the Level II memo were up as Submission Items, and would be presented to the Board for Action at the March 17-18, 2005 meeting.

C.   ITEM 125-2851-R1104 - A.A.S. degree in Aviation in Bozeman, MSU-Great Falls College of Technology.  Cover   Summary   Proposal   Budget   Agreement

There was some discussion about the perceived competition with the Rocky Mountain College BA program in aviation.  Following testimony from students and citizens, President Oates was convinced this program is no real threat.

Regent Hamilton indicated the Committee recommended that Item C. should be held over until the March 17-18, 2005 meeting to give the Great Falls College of Technology and Rocky Mountain College an opportunity to work out an articulation agreement for their two programs.

D.   ITEM 124-1007-R0704 - Graduate certificate in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution, The University of Montana-Missoula.  Cover   Summary   Proposal

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item D.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

E.   ITEM 126-101-R0105 - Honorary degree policy revisions.

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of Item E.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

ADMINISTRATIVE/BUDGET ITEMS

  Regent Roehm moved APPROVAL of Item g.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

  Regent Taylor moved APPROVAL of Item h.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

  Regent Roehm moved APPROVAL of Item i.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

  Regent Roehm moved APPROVAL of Item j. with stipulation that MSU must consult the Budget Committee before making their final decision to opt out.

  Motion approved unanimously on 6-0 vote with Regent Semmens abstaining.

Following a ten-minute break, the Board reconvened at 2:50 p.m.

Regent Roehm moved APPROVAL of Item k.

  Motion approved on 6-1 vote with Regent Hamilton dissenting

  Regent Hamilton moved APPROVAL of the spending plan as amended

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

The Board recessed at 5:15 p.m.

Chair Mercer announced the meeting would reconvene Friday morning at 9:00 a.m.

FRIDAY, January 21, 2005

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

  Regent Roehm moved to REMOVE the sunset clause from this policy to make it permanent.

  Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote

Workforce Development Committee

Staff Items:

a.

Administrative/Budget Items

a.

Chair Mercer requested the record show that many students were absent and excused and unable to give their reports because they were testifying before the legislature.

Please see attached reports.

END STUDENT REPORTS

Open Forum for Public Input on MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM ISSUES

Janet Trethewey, Associate Professor/Employee Wellness Director at MSU-Northern thanked the Board for providing Christian Oberquell, the Athletic Trainer at MSU-N with a retention pay raise that kept him on campus.  She related a very touching story of Mr. Oberquell and the wrestling team who happened upon an accident, and although unable to save a life, provided CPR for more than an hour before an ambulance arrived.  She told the Board these are the types of individuals they have working in the university system.

President Gamble took this opportunity to give the balance of his report.  He said the teepee issue on campus was very serious, and he read the campus policy on racism for the Board.  Two Native students gave their feelings during the time of the event, Mr. Brad Hall who is the American Indian Council President, and Mr. Jeremy Stands Over Bull.  There was an expression of mixed emotions from anger to disbelief.  They were able to work through this time with the help of Henrietta Mann, Special Assistant to the President at MSU.

Chancellor Sexton stated that Governor Schweitzer announced the appointment of Reno Charette as his new Coordinator of Indian Affairs.  He suggested the Board invite her to the next Board meeting.

With no further business to come before the Board Regent Roehm moved for Adjournment.

Motion approved unanimously on 7-0 vote.

Chair Mercerdetermined that the demands of individual privacy exceeded the merits of public disclosure with regard to  Executive Session matters and therefore closed the Executive Session of the meeting as allowed by MCA 2-3-203.

The Board adjourned at 11:30 a.m. and went directly into Executive Session.