The Board Of Regents Of Higher Education

March 24-25, 1999

MINUTES

Montana Higher Education Complex Building

2500 Broadway

Helena, MT

These minutes were approved by the  Board of Regents at the May 20-21, 1999 meeting held at Montana State University-Billings Campus, Billings, Montana

ACADEMIC/STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

ADMINISTRATIVE/BUDGE COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1999

REGENTS PRESENT: Pat Davison (Chair), Kim Cunningham, Ed Jasmin, Lynn Morrison-Hamilton, Richard Roehm, and Margie Thompson; Commissioner of Higher Education, Richard A. Crofts

REGENTS ABSENT: None

The Board of Regents convened for a WORK SESSION at 7:40 a.m. in Conference Room 102A of the Montana Higher Education Complex Building at 2500 Broadway in Helena. All Regents were present.

The Board recessed at 9:40 a.m. for committee meetings followed by a noon luncheon with student government representatives.

The Full Board convened at 1:30 p.m. and Roll Call showed a quorum present.

REGENTS PRESENT: Pat Davison (Chair), Kim Cunningham, Ed Jasmin, Lynn Morrison-Hamilton, Richard Roehm, and Margie Thompson; Commissioner of Higher Education, Richard A. Crofts

REGENTS ABSENT: None

  Regent Jasmin moved acceptance of the minutes from the January 28, 1999 regular meeting as circulated.

The motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Davison asked the assembly to observe a moment of silence in honor of former Commissioner and Luther College president Jeffrey Baker who passed away March 22.

CONSENT AGENDA

STAFF ITEMS:

a. ITEM 102-100-R0399 — Staff; Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education

b. ITEM 102-1000-R0399 — Staff; The University of Montana-Missoula

c. ITEM 102-1500-R0399 — Staff; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

d. ITEM 102-1500A-R0399 — Staff; Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology

e. ITEM 102-1600-R0399 — Staff; Western Montana College of The University of Montana

f. ITEM 102-1603-R0399 — Professor Emeritus Status for David H. Beier; Western Montana College of The University of Montana

g. ITEM 102-2000-R0399 — Staff; Montana State University-Bozeman

h. ITEM 102-2300-R0399 — Staff; Agricultural Experiment Station

i. ITEM 102-2301-R0399 — Retirement of Donald E. Mathre, Department of Plant Science; Montana State University-Bozeman

j. ITEM 102-2400-R0399 — Staff; Extension Service

k. ITEM 102-2700-R0399 — Staff; Montana State University-Billings

l. ITEM 102-2701-R0399 — Recommendation to Confer Title of Professor of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Emeritus upon Dr. Harry F. Lee, Jr.; Montana State University-Billings

m. ITEM 102-2800-R0199 — Staff; Montana State University-Northern

n. Commissioner Crofts expressed sadness for the death of Professor David H. Beier of Western Montana College.

Regent Jasmin moved that the Board approve the items on the Consent Agenda.

The motion passed unanimously.

OTHER ITEMS:

a. ITEM 102-101-R0399 — Rural Physician Incentive Program; Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education

Regent Hamilton moved that the Board approve the item.

The motion passed unanimously.

STUDENT REPORTS

MASS President Tim Sulser thanked the Board for a great year. He reported that the MASS agenda last night focused on determining the organization’s recommendations to the Governor for a Student Regent. MAS selected and ranked three applicants to convey to the Governor: Brad Faulhaber, Ben Darrow and Jeremy Fritz. Mr. Sulser introduced campus student body presidents who introduced their successors and spoke to individual campus activities.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

The Academic & Student Affairs Committee met at 10:00 a.m. in Conference Room 102A of the Montana Higher Education Complex at 2500 Broadway in Helena. Members present were Regents Margie Thompson (Chair), Pat Davison, and Richard Roehm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The following Level I changes were approved by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (memorandum of March 18 from Deputy Commissioner Scott on file):

Helena College of Technology of The University of Montana

Request to retitle two options in Office Technology at the from Medical Secretary Option to Administrative Medical Assistant, and Legal Secretary Option to Legal Support Professional.

SUBMISSION AGENDA: CONSENT

From the University of Montana-Missoula:

a. ITEM 102-1001-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add an Option in Physical Geography to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography.

b. ITEM 102-1002-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add a Comprehensive Study (Non-Thesis) Option to the Master of Arts Degree in Political Science.

c. ITEM 102-1003-R0399 — Approval of Proposal to Re-title the Native American Studies Program to Department of Native American Studies and Re-title the Unit Head from Director to Chair.

d. ITEM 102-1004-R0399 — Approval of Proposal to Establish an Institute for Teaching Excellence.

e. ITEM 102-1005-R0399 — Approval of Proposal to Add an Option in Photojournalism to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism.

f. ITEM 102-1006-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Care, College of Technology.

g. Support and Human Resources -- to the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting Technology, College of Technology.

From Montana Tech of the University of Montana:

h. ITEM 102-1506-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add a Network Technician Certificate and Associate of Applied Science Degree in Network Technology, College of Technology.

i. ITEM 102-1507-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add a Certified Nurse Assistant Program, College of Technology.

j. ITEM 102-1508-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Convert the Current Practical Nursing

Program to an Associate of Applied Science Degree, College of Technology.

From Western Montana College of the University of Montana:

k. ITEM 102-1601-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add a Minor in Special Education to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education.

From Helena College of Technology of the University of Montana:

l. ITEM 102-1901-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add an Associate of Applied Science Degree for Correctional Officers.

From Montana State University-Bozeman:

m. ITEM 102-2002-R0399— Authorization to Offer a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration Jointly with Washington State University.

From Montana State University-Billings:

n. ITEM 102-2704-R0399— Authorization to Convert the Certificate in Practical Nursing to the Associate of Applied Science Degree, College of Technology.

The Committee recommended to the Board that items a-n below move to the action agenda for the Board meeting in May.

The Board concurred with the Academic & Student Affairs Committee’s recommendation to move the Submission/Consent agenda, Items a. through n. to the Action Agenda for the May 20-21, 1999 meeting.

SUBMISSION AGENDA

From Montana State University-Bozeman:

a. ITEM 102-2004-R0199— Authorization to Establish the Center for the Discovery of Bio-Active Compounds.

 From Montana Tech of the University of Montana:

b. ITEM 102-1501-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add an Option in Civil Engineering to the Bachelor of Science Degree in General Engineering and Master of Science Degree in Engineering.

c. ITEM 102-1502-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add an Option in Mechanical Engineering to the Bachelor of Science Degree in General Engineering and Master of Science Degree in Engineering.

d. ITEM 102-1503-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences.

e. ITEM 102-1504-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Add a Bachelor of Science Degree in Software Engineering.

f. ITEM 102-1505-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Change the Name of the Engineering Science Major of both the Bachelor of Science Degree and the Master of Science Degree to General Engineering.

g. ITEM 102-1509-R0399— Approval of Proposal to Implement an Associate of Science Degree Program for Registered Nursing Education, College of Technology.

The Committee recommended to the Board that items a-g, as revised, be moved forward to the Action agenda for the May meeting.

The Board concurred with the Academic & Student Affairs Committee’s recommendation to move the Submission Agenda, Items a. through g. to the Action Agenda for the May 20, 1999 meeting.

 ACTION AGENDA

a. ITEM 60-004-R0788— Delivery of Instruction via Telecommunications; Montana University System (REVISION of Board of Regents' Policy 303.7) The Committee recommended approval with recognition that amendments will be developed with faculty and working groups.

Regent Thompson moved approval of ITEM 60-004-R0788.

The Board concurred and the motion passed unanimously.

b. ITEM 102-1604-R0399— Approval of Revised Mission Statement; Western Montana College of The University of Montana. The Committee recommended approval.

Regent Thompson moved approval of ITEM 102-1604-R0399.

The Board concurred, and the motion passed unanimously.

c. ITEM 102-2851-R0199— Approval to Add a Certificate Program in Network Architecture under the College's Approved Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Technology/Network Support Option; Montana State University College of Technology-Great Falls. The Committee recommended approval.

Regent Thompson moved approval of ITEM 102-2851-RO199.

The Board concurred, and the motion passed unanimously.

d. ITEM 102-2852-R0199— Approval to Offer a Certificate Program in Resource Interpretation to Prepare Individuals to Interpret Natural, Cultural, and Historical Resources; Montana State University College of Technology-Great Falls. The Committee recommended approval.

Regent Thompson MOVED to APPROVE ITEM 102-2852-R0199.

The Board concurred, and the MOTION PASSED unanimously.

e. ITEM 102-2003-R0399 — Authorization for the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department to place an Immediate Moratorium on student enrollment in the I&ME Manufacturing Option and the I&ME Manufacturing Engineering Minor, with complete elimination of the Program by Fall 2000; Montana State University-Bozeman. The Committee recommended approval.

Regent Thompson MOVED to APPROVE ITEM 102-2003-RO399.

The MOTION PASSED unanimously.

OTHER

Report on Campus Accreditations

Deputy Commissioner Joyce Scott called the Board’s attention to the Northwest Association of Colleges and Schools (NWACS) report on MSU-Billings and its renewal of accreditation. Chancellor Sexton briefed the Board on the key commendations and recommendations from the Northwest Association.

President Malone, a member of the NWACS Commission, reflected on the importance of regional accreditation as well as the concern of the association that the level of state funding has declined so greatly in recent years. He also noted that the 1994 consolidation of higher education in Montana is of great interest to accreditors as are the implications of the change. Commissioner Crofts noted that the kinds of collaboration going on in the Montana University System is also of great interest to NWACS.

Staff reviewed briefly the summary of regional and specialized accreditation on each of the Montana University System and community college campuses. In response to a question, President Malone indicated that Montana campuses’ accreditation status is comparable to that of campuses in other states.

Dean Alex Capdeville, also a member of the NWACS Commission, noted that there has been a substantive amount of change in two-year programs and progress. President Dennison reported that the campuses of the University of Montana will undergo coordinated campus accreditation visits in the next academic year.

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ADMINISTRATIVE/BUDGET COMMITTEE

The Administrative/Budget Committee met at 10:00 a.m. in Conference Room 102B at the Montana Higher Education Complex, 2500 Broadway, Helena, Montana. Members present were Regents Ed Jasmin (Chair), Kim Cunningham, and Lynn Morrison-Hamilton.

SUBMISSION AGENDA

a. ITEM 40-002-R0783— Montana Work Study Program; Montana University System (REVISION of Board of Regents' Policy 504.2).

Regent Jasmin moved acceptance of the revisions.

The motion passed unanimously.

b. ITEM 49-002-R0985— Student Participation in Mandatory Fee Decisions; Montana University System (REVISION of Board of Regents' Policy 506.1)

Regent Jasmin reported the committee TABLED the item and asked the Board to do likewise.

The Board voted unanimously to table the item.

Regent Jasmin indicated the committee had formed a substitute action in the form of resolution:

The Board of Regents requests the chief executive officers of each System campus to develop, after consultation with the campus student government organization, campus specific protocols for implementing the student input provisions of Regents’ policy 506.1. The officer shall, no later than November 1, 1999, inform the Commissioner of the results of these endeavors. The Commissioner will thereafter inform the Regents

Regent Jasmin MOVED the Board APPROVE the resolution.

Barrett Kaiser asked to suggest an amendment to the resolution [to delete after consultation with and insert jointly after develop].

Regent Cunningham MOVED the AMENDMENT, and it was defeated.

Chair Davison CALLED for ACTION on the ORIGINAL MOTION to approve the proposed Board resolution

The MOTION PASSED unanimously.

ACTION ITEMS -- CONSENT

From The University of Montana-Missoula:

a. ITEM 102-1008-R0399— Renaming the Pharmacy/Psychology Building.

From Western Montana College of The University of Montana:

b. ITEM 102-1602-R0399— Certificate of Completion, Physical Education Building Remodeling, Series C 1995 Facilities Improvement and Refunding Revenue Bonds.

From Montana State University-Bozeman:

c. ITEM 102-2005-R0399— Authorization to Replace Roof on Rooms 295A, B, C and D at the Strand Union Building.

d. ITEM 102-2006-R0399— Authorization to Expend an Additional $350,000 for Modular Laboratory Buildings.

e. ITEM 102-2007-R0399— Authorization to Purchase and Set Up Modular Laboratory Building at Marsh Laboratory.

f.ITEM 102-2008-R0399 — Authorization to Install New Exterior Lighting for West Julia Martin and Grant Chamberlain.

g. ITEM 102-2009-R0399— Authorization to Remodel Harrison East Dining Room.

h. ITEM 102-2010-R0399— Authorization to Paint Existing Areas of Auxiliaries Services.

Regent Jasmin moved approval of the ACTION/CONSENT Items a. through g.

The MOTION PASSED unanimously.

ACTION ITEMS

a. ITEM 102-1009-R0399— Student Computer Fee Allocation; The University of Montana-Missoula.

Regent Jasmin MOVED APPROVAL of the ACTION agenda.

The MOTION PASSED unanimously.

b. ITEM 102-2001-R0399— Authorization to Initiate a Pilot Computer Leasing Program; Montana State University-Bozeman.

Regent Jasmin MOVED APPROVAL of the ACTION agenda.

The MOTION PASSED unanimously.

c. ITEM 102-2703-R0399 — Authorization to Provide a Utility Easement for Student Family Housing; Montana State University-Billings.

Regent Jasmin MOVED APPROVAL of the ACTION agenda.

The MOTION PASSED unanimously.

Regent Jasmin reported that the committee then moved to consideration of facilities and convened the Facilities Committee composed of the Regents’ Administrative/Budget Committee plus Rod Sundsted,

Scott Cole and Tom Stump to look at university system property, deferred maintenance, leased real estate; to understand how it is managed.

The Board adjourned at 3:15 p.m. and agreed to reconvene at 8:30 a.m. on March 25.

MARCH 25, 1999

Chair Davison reconvened the Board at 8:30 a.m. and moved directly to old business.

OLD BUSINESS

a. Credit Cap (Review of Policy 940.27)

Commissioner Crofts presented an overview of the discussions and thinking underlying the credit cap revisions proposed in his memorandum of March 12, 1999 and the draft revised policy. In discussion, Regents expressed a preference for policy that states positively what is allowed rather than enumerate exceptions on what is not allowed. Regent Hamilton concurred and added that students’ enrollment allows them to experiment and enhance their educational experience, that their career aspirations change and they need some latitude. Regent Cunningham expressed concern about the duration of the appeal process under the proposed revision.

Regent Davison invited those in attendance to comment. In extended, detailed discussion, the following individuals expressed opposition to the proposed revisions to the policy: Vice President for Student Affairs Barbara Hollmann of the University of Montana; Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Robert Kindrick of the University of Montana; Vice President for Student Affairs Allen Yarnell of Montana State University; Montana Associated Students Student Body Presidents Tim Sulser of Montana Tech, Barrett Kaiser of the University of Montana Missoula, Brad Faulhaber of Western Montana College, Matt McKamey of MSU Bozeman and students Ryan Hopkins of the University of Montana, Brian Kelly of Montana State University, Dawn Bagnaud of Great Falls College of Technology, and Danyel Sheen of Helena College of Technology. President Michael Malone expressed concern about the impact of student petitions for exceptions on administrative staff. President George Dennison spoke to the need for simplicity. Chancellor Rao suggested that first-generation students might take longer to orient themselves to higher education and need the range afforded by the 170-hour limit.

Regent Davison invited discussion from the Board. Regent Cunningham outlined her academic career and noted that her program of study would have cost her $7,154 more under the 144 credit hour limit. She suggested a warning system be tied to expiration of financial aid eligibility when student reaches maximum limit of funds available. Regents noted there was no motion on the floor to frame discussion.

Regent Jasmin MOVED REVISION of the CURRENT POLICY to delete paragraphs 3 and 4 and references to 144 and 155 credit hours in the fourth line of the Procedures section.

Regent Roehm expressed concern about how the public would view the Board reducing the credit cap in terms of the Regents’ accountability and serving the public interest. The cost of the difference between a student’s completing 150 and 165 credit hours is $2,793 in state general fund at $140 per credit hour and $ 85 per credit to the student. Regent Roehm expressed the wish that the policy would accommodate a student’s completing a broad general education and, for those seeking it, such things as multiple endorsements within a teacher education program.Regent Hamilton expressed support for 170 hours as a means of being responsive to students who should have responsibility and choice to manage their academic careers. Regent Thompson noted that the bachelor’s degree today has become more common, and students need broad preparation for their work lives. She suggested a better way to save money would be to focus on improving campus retention of freshmen. Regents suggested further amendments that were accepted. Deputy Scott said that item 2 under Procedures would need further refinement, and Regents agreed to revisit the policy later to correct that item.

Regent Davison expressed concern about premature revision of the policy in the absence of any empirical data. He noted that the policy came into being as part of Regents’ efforts to manage enrollments in the face of resource limitations and the need to serve clientele better. He suggested that a study was needed before the policy was changed and suggested a moratorium. Taxpayers tend to support efforts to manage enrollment. Regent Jasmin said the policy could be revisited in the future.

In a roll call vote, Regents Cunningham, Jasmin, Hamilton, Roehm and Thompson voted in favor of the motion, and Regent Davison voted against it. The motion passed.

b. Tuition Differential Proposal

Deputy Scott introduced the topic noting that the proposal was another effort to manage enrollment, using "pricing" of tuition to balance enrollments and enhance affordability at the colleges of technology and in lower division courses at Western and MSU-Northern. The proposal would freeze tuition at the aforementioned campuses and cause increases on the larger campuses and for upper division at Western and MSU-Northern at 4.36 percent in FY 2000 and 4.35 percent in FY 2001. Dr. Scott also shared impact assessments for the campuses as calculated by the budget division.

Regent Jasmin MOVED TO ACCEPT the recommendation.

Regent Roehm asked if the revenue neutral character of the proposal could be handled from other sources of funding to avoid increasing tuition more than 4 percent on any campus. He asked what was the promise made to students on rate of increase. Deputy Scott reported that the original proposal was to limit the tuition increase to 4 percent overall across the System.

Dean Bob Carr expressed concern about possible loss of revenue to the colleges of technology. Regent Hamilton clarified that it is revenue neutral, and President Dennison explained that colleges of technology would receive increased revenue at the 4 percent level by transfer of general fund dollars to the institutions. This would increase the ration of general fund support to tuition.

Regent Hamilton asked about capacity and how far away we are from limits. Deputy Scott reported that no institutions are turning students away because of capacity although some programs are limiting new admissions due to shortage of clinical placements; and there is not now an indication of how far the campuses are from capacity. Regent Roehm noted the funding model rewards not turning away students, even though the enrollment-driven funding operates on the margin and does not fully fund the cost.

Regent Hamilton asked about mandatory fees, and President Dennison reported that there could be an increase of up to 3 percent. Regent Roehm asked for input about how the change could affect attractiveness of the colleges of technology to students. Dean Alex Capdeville said the change should make the programs more attractive to students, the change to bring costs in line with other states will be beneficial, and students might start out where they belong.

Brian Kelly spoke in support of the proposal on behalf of MSU-Northern. The following individuals spoke in opposition to tuition differential: Barrett Kaiser of the University of Montana, Matt McKamey of Montana State University

Commissioner Crofts observed that the 4 percent tuition increase has always been a system-wide average. With respect to tuition, Montana’s colleges of technology are some of the most expensive in the country, and if there is any subsidization going on it is that students at the two-year campuses have been subsidizing those at the doctoral campuses. The planning has cut increases at other campuses as much as possible. Regent Roehm cited November minutes noting the recommendation to hold tuition increases down to an overall increase of 4 percent.

The Regents voted four in favor, two against the motion to institute a tuition differential policy between the colleges of technology and lower division enrollment at Western Montana College and MSU-Northern.

c.  Regents’ Information Technology Committee Status Report

Laurie Neils reported that the Banner student system registration processes are being tested now. Billings and Great Falls have been on payroll since January. Finance components well underway for a July 1 implementation. A demonstration will be arranged for the Board meeting in Billings. Presidents Dennison and Malone noted that the Banner implementation was placing a heavy burden on staff who were giving overtime and a big effort to meet deadlines.

d. Board of Regents’ Mission Statement

Regent Jasmin outlined the process by which the Regents’ subcommittee had developed the mission statement and circulated it to the campuses for comment. There have been hearings around the state with Regents in attendance, and the committee went through multiple re-drafts to take into account campus feedback.

Regent Jasmin suggested one more round of circulation for additional input. In discussion, Regent Davison asked if the updated Mission Statement could be re-circulated for additional comment prior to being acted upon at the May meeting.

e. Proposed Agenda for a Conversation on Tenure

Commissioner Crofts reminded members that Regent Conroy had raised the issue at the January meeting. The Commissioner and Deputy met with faculty leaders to develop an outline to guide a discussion on faculty personnel matters. This could devolve into a daylong meeting with students, faculty, administrators and Regents to discuss these issues. A July time frame was suggested.

Regent Roehm asked for elaboration on "tenure as a management tool" for deans, provosts and others. Regent Davison asked staff to proceed with planning and organizing a meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

a. Baker Awards.

Regent Davison spoke to the memorials being discussed in honor of former Commissioner Jeffrey Baker. At Commissioner Baker’s instigation, a task force put together a financial assistance program that was adopted in 1996 under the name of the Montana Tuition Assistance Program. Regent Davison read a resolution designating the MTAP student grants as Baker Grants.

Regent Jasmin MOVED to ACCEPT the resolution.

Resolution PASSED unanimously.

b. Resignations

Regent Davison reported that Regent Colleen Conroy has tendered her resignation from the Board and read a resolution in her honor.

Regent Jasmin MOVED to ADOPT the resolution honoring Regent Colleen Conroy.

The Resolution was ADOPTED unanimously.

Regent Davison announced the resignation of Rose Bond as Secretary to the Board and extended the Board’s appreciation for her service.

c. Quality of Education

Regent Davison introduced the topic of maintaining quality in the face of severe resource limitations. The restructuring was built on quality, access and affordability but the constraints threaten the university’s ability to attract, recruit and retain good faculty. Tuition increases are a concern. What methodology can we use to monitor and maintain quality?

Provost Kindrick recalled a 1993 statement on quality from the chief academic officers and suggested it serve as a basis of the discussions. He also mentioned the assessment functions in the Northwest Association accreditation could be useful. President Malone noted that specialized accreditations will help in assessment and that most reviewers will view Montana institutions as strong on output and weak on input. Deputy Scott mentioned that there are several indicators available through certification and licensure examinations that should be assembled for the Board’s review. President Malone offered to gather reports from the NASULGC Kellogg project to share with the Board.

Commissioner Crofts proposed to collect documents that are available and bring back to the Board. Regent Roehm suggested that the Board does not do well in bringing information about its work, management and quality control to the public and that there is need for a communications function in the Commissioner’s Office. Regent Davison asked for further discussion and recommendations at the next meeting. Regent Hamilton suggested that the Board forward to the Commissioner its ideas about what it would like to see.

CAMPUS REPORT

University of Montana President George Dennison reported that Student Senate on the campus agreed to put fees on the ballot in April: $2 on University Center administration, technology fee and a recreation facility.

President Malone announced that student Chelsey Elender of Missoula has won a Truman Scholarship. The dedication of the Agriculture/Biosciences Building will be announced in May.

Chancellor Gilmore announced that the residence hall will be finished by Fall, and Chemistry building will be ready in April. The campus is holding diversity workshops. There is good enrollment in the new Cisco program. Student Bradley Estes has received the Copper Club scholarship, the fifth such winner in six years with four scholarships given in the country every year.

Chancellor Sterns announced funeral service for Professor David Beier on Friday. She indicated that the Rowe House would be ready for occupancy in the Fall where administrative offices will be housed.

Chancellor Rao reported that progress continues on the prospect of an NBC affiliate station on the campus at Northern. Interim appointments approved by the Board will fill out the administrative team at MSU-Northern as they begin a focused planning process. The new grants office opened in the fall is going well with some $400,000 new awards in the last few months. Grants are focused on technology education and efforts to recruit Indian students to science, engineering and technology related fields.

Regent Davison thanked Chancellor Sterns, Kathy Conover, student interns and Commission staff for their effective efforts in the Legislative Process.

With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

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 Pat Davison, Board Chairman

Sherry Rosette, Board Secretary

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