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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
Held in Room 1820 Van Hise Hall
Friday, December 9, 1994
9:00 a.m.
- President Grebe presiding -
PRESENT: Regents Barry, Benson, Budzinski, Dreyfus, Gelatt, Grebe,
Gundersen, James, Krutsch, Lubar, MacNeil, Orr, Randall,
Schilling, Steil and Tregoning
ABSENT: Regent Hempel
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion by Regent Dreyfus, seconded by Regent Schilling, minutes
of the meeting of the Board of Regents held on November 11, 1994, were
unanimously approved as distributed.
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REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Report of the Chair of the Council of Trustees of the UW Hospital
and Clinics
Summarizing the preceding day's council meeting, Regent Orr reported
that admissions this year are up over eight percent from last year,
reversing a two-year declining trend. The average length of stay
continues to decline and now is about seven days, as compared to an
average stay of nine days a decade ago.
Use of outpatient services continues to grow, particularly at the
East Side Clinic and the Women's Health Center.
As a result of the admission increases, revenues are about four
percent ahead of budget and expenses are slightly under budget.
Expenses, however, may be expected to increase in the latter part of the
year.
One matter of considerable concern is the issue of medicare cuts in
indirect costs which would include the hospital's educational mission.
The current rate of more than seven percent is projected to be reduced to
three percent, which would result in a loss of about $10 million a year.
The council asked staff to prepare a report outlining the estimated
costs of the educational mission and a recommendation on how the hospital
might cope with that lose of funds if it occurs.
The superintendent reported that every effort is being made to a
avoid a rate increase. UW Hospital currently is somewhat more expensive
than its competitors, but that gap is narrowing. There are plans to
expand the Eastside Clinic which is an important source of patients.
Wayne McGown, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, provided a report
on the heart transplant negotiation. Although the process is taking
considerably longer than the participants envisioned, the panel should be
completed by the end of December and their recommendations are expected
soon afterward. Every effort is being made to implement a single
temporary list by December 31.
Reporting that Interim Dean Farrell had made a strong report to the
Council, Regent Orr noted that Dr. Farrell recognizes the important
issues facing the Medical School, including vacant chairs to be filled in
surgery, neurology, and pathology; development of the Clinical Practice
Plan; and development of a strategic plan for the Medical School.
Dr. Strother presented a report on the acute stroke program, which
is regarded as one of the best in the world. This program, Regent Orr
observed, demonstrates strengths of the Medical School and is a reminder
of us how important the hospital is to the continued survival of the
Medical School, which receives almost 55% of its budget from the
hospital. Significant portions of the budgets of the schools of Pharmacy
and Nursing also come from the hospital.
Noting the patient volumes needed to perform the teaching and
research functions, Regent Orr added that Wisconsin need only look to
Minnesota, where the university hospital's patient base has been badly
eroded by competition and the University of Minnesota Medical School's
national reputation has declined significantly. It is necessary is
Wisconsin, he emphasized, to make rapid progress in acquiring practices
to be sure that the UW Medical School does not lose momentum.
Regent Krutsch presented a favorable report on quality assurance and
announced that preparation for the 1996 Joint Commission visit already
has begun.
In discussion at the Board meeting, Regent Gundersen expressed
concern about status of the organ transplant program and about erosion of
the patient base caused by aggressive recruitment by the Mayo Clinic.
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Report of the Regent member of the Educational Communications Board
Supplementing his written report, Regent Gelatt commented that
public radio and television will be under budget constraints even more
severe than contemplated at the November 18 meeting.
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Report on Legislative Matters
A written report was provided.
Resolution of Appreciation: Senior Vice President Bornstein
Regent Steil presented the following resolution and moved its
adoption which was affirmed with an ovation in honor of Vice President
Bornstein:
Resolution 6822: WHEREAS, Ronald C. Bornstein has served the
University of Wisconsin System and the people of
Wisconsin with grace, intelligence, distinction
and skill as a faculty member in communications,
a director of public broadcasting and
telecommunication programs, and a senior
administrator of the University of Wisconsin
System; and
WHEREAS, he took leaves of absence to serve the
nation as vice president for telecommunications
with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and
acting president of National Public Radio,
restoring them to solvency during a time of grave
crisis; and
WHEREAS, he has served the local community
through his exemplary leadership of United Way of
Dane County, the Downtown Madison Rotary Club,
the Madison Club, the Madison Arts Center, the
Wisconsin Special Olympics, and many other civic
projects; and
WHEREAS, he is the recipient of numerous
professional honors, including an Emmy Award, the
Edward R. Murrow Award for Distinguished Service
to Public Radio from the Corporation for Public
Broadcasting, and election to the Wisconsin
Broadcasters Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, he was instrumental in the consolidation
of the UW System Administration at two locations
and the construction of the 780 Regent Street
building; and
WHEREAS, he is retiring on December 31, 1994 from
full-time duties as Senior Vice President for
Administration, forsaking countless meetings,
endless administrative chores and the frigid
blessings of Wisconsin winters for a new home in
Arizona;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of
Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, on
behalf of the people of the state, extends
sincere appreciation and best wishes to Ronald C.
Bornstein upon his retirement; with deep
gratitude for his 27 years of university and
civic service, his devotion to public
broadcasting, his wise counsel to three
presidents and many Regents, his advocacy for
public higher education, and his tremendous
spirit of good will.
Senior Vice President Bornstein remarked that in his 27 years at the
UW, he had been a part-time teacher and a full-time administrator at
three institutions: UW-Extension, UW-Madison, and UW System
Administration. He had the opportunity of teaching undergraduate and
graduate courses in public telecommunications for 15 years for the UW-
Madison Department of Communication Arts, and the joy of serving as a
major professor to Ph.d students who occupy communications policy
positions at the federal level. When two national professional service
opportunities came along, the University granted him leaves of absence
which enriched his career and allowed him to make a difference in the
national arena.
He also had the pleasure of managing WHA Radio and Television--
public broadcasting stations that are considered to be among the best in
the country.
During his time with the System Administration, he had worked with
36 Chancellors, 11 vice presidents, 15 associate vice presidents, 11
assistant vice presidents, three System presidents, 45 Regents, and 6
Regent presidents. Coming from a charter university--the University of
Michigan--he was amazed at how a great university like the UW could exist
in such a regulated state government environment. More than anything
else, he commented, it is testimony to the staff and faculty of the
University--and the good will of the people of Wisconsin who value the
importance of a great university.
Commending the presidents of the Board of Regents for their
leadership, Vice President Bornstein observed they have been the right
people for the right time. He expressed confidence that the Board of
Regents, as trustees of one of Wisconsin's major assets, will continue to
advocate and demonstrate the highest standards of stewardship that befit
one of the premier institutions of higher education in the nation.
He expressed gratitude to the chancellors, faculty, staff, and
students who have made his UW career an exceptional experience, and also
thanked the highly professional System Administration staff. Among them,
he acknowledged Pat Wieczorek and Nancy Westrum--professional secretaries
who served with him for a total of 23 years; Vice Presidents Ward,
Brown, Marnocha, and Olien; Special Assistant Pat Takemoto; Associate
Vice President Judith Ward; and Regent Secretary Temby.
He stated his "profound appreciation to, and unbounded admiration
for, Katharine Lyall, a truly great president and good friend and
counselor." The state, the UW, and the Board of Regents, he stated, are
fortunate to have her as the UW System president.
In closing, he expressed the hope that this and future Boards will
abide by President Grebe's principle that Regents should focus on policy
issues and respect the rights and responsibilities of management, in
order to operate most efficiently for the benefit of the university and
the state.
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Recognition of Regent Randall's receipt of Teaching Award
President Grebe congratulated Regent Randall for being chosen to
receive one of the prestigious awards granted by Ameritech to the
outstanding teachers in the Milwaukee public school system.
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Report on the Executive Assistant Search
Regent Lubar, chair of the Search, reported that advertisements were
run in the Chronicle of Higher Education, The Milwaukee Journal, The
Wisconsin State Journal and Wisconsin Bar Journal. In addition, letters
inviting nominations were sent to private and public sector leaders in
the local, state and national levels. The response to this request for
nominations has been very good, with over 90 nominations and applications
received to date, and a strong field of candidates is expected. The
deadline for nominations and applications is January 1, 1995.
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Appreciation for Service-Beverly Zimmerman
It was reported by Regent President Grebe that on January 3, 1995,
Beverly Zimmerman was to retire from her position in the Board of Regents
Office. During her 15 years with the Board office, she had served with
60 Regents. Individually and as a group, Regent Grebe noted, the Regents
and many others throughout the System have benefited greatly over the
years from her capable assistance and conscientious work. On behalf of
current and predecessor Boards, he expressed appreciation to Ms.
Zimmerman for her outstanding contributions to the UW System.
- - -
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEM
Report on $8.7 million lapse requirement
President Lyall reported receipt of a letter from Secretary Klauser,
of the Department of Administration, directing the UW System to lapse
$8.7 million to the state unallotted reserve by January 16, 1995. His
letter stated: "In view of the serious 1995-97 budget outlook, the
Governor has asked that I take steps to curb nonessential state
government spending this fiscal year." It also gave the UW System full
discretion to propose where these reductions should be taken, except that
they may not be taken from debt service, fuel, or utilities accounts.
Noting that the Governor had exempted the UW from the five and ten
percent budget reduction exercise required of all other state agencies,
President Lyall stated that the UW also appreciated being treated
preferentially in this lapse with recognition that educational
opportunity must be sustained. UW institutions have taken prudent cost-
reduction measures throughout the fall in anticipation of a 1995-97
shortfall which also will help to handle this reduction. The timing of
the cut, coming as it does in the middle of this academic year, however,
makes it more difficult to manage since teaching contracts have been
signed for second semester and class schedules have been published. The
demand for many services, including registration, housing, and advising
services peaks at this time, and admissions offices must continue to deal
with applications for next year.
Pledging that System Administration will work with the institutions
to identify the best way in which to meet this lapse, President Lyall
expected that institutions will have to take a number of actions: while
second semester enrollments will not be reduced, it will be necessary to
reduce the number of ad hoc instructor appointments and a number of
sections will have to be combined to form larger ones; planned
investments in learning technology will be deferred; and some purchases
of classroom laboratory equipment will be suspended. At some
institutions, plans to join WonderNet and equip classrooms for compressed
video distance education will have to be deferred. Pending appointments
and contracts not yet signed will be held until particulars of the 1995-
97 biennial budget are known.
In previous years, where mid-year cuts have occurred, the Board has
requested authority for a tuition surcharge to maintain course offerings
and student services through the second semester. This year, the $8
million lapse would amount to about $70 per FTE student. However,
President Lyall stated, she will not recommend a surcharge this year.
With larger potential cuts on the horizon in the next biennium, she felt
current tuition levels should be maintained throughout the rest of this
academic year. Any tuition offsets to base budget reductions should be
considered only after specifics of the next biennial budget are known.
On behalf of students, Regent Tregoning expressed appreciation for
the decision to not impose a tuition surcharge. He thought students
would understand the necessity of the cutbacks that will have to be made.
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Presentation: Meeting Student Technology Needs
Removal of Sunset of Lab/Classroom Modernization
and Computer Access Program
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, David J. Ward, described
the three-fold purpose of the laboratory and classroom modernization and
computer access programs:
to improve the computer literacy of UW students;
to enhance the competitive advantage of UW graduates in the job
market;
to build the technical quality of the labor pool for Wisconsin.
The programs, have been ongoing since 1984 with an annual allocation
of $8.6 million and currently are scheduled to sunset in 1996. Senior
Vice President Ward provided examples of how the funds have dramatically
improved the quality of education and the employability of UW students by
updating laboratory equipment and facilities, increasing student access
to computers, and renovating outmoded classrooms.
A recent survey of UW institutions has indicated that the UW System
needs $138 million to renovate remaining classrooms and labs, and to meet
the recommended ratio of one computer per 20 students. Dr. Ward argued
that removing the current sunset will assure continued state support in
this area, and would also enable the UW institutions to augment those
funds by leveraging them with additional corporate and private donations.
Coupled with institutional allocations, these programs have proven an
effective three-way partnership.
Regent Krutsch asked what became of outmoded computers, to which Dr.
Ward responded that they were usually recycled to meet other UW needs,
and would eventually become part of state surplus. He also spoke of
established protocols for sharing computers, in answer to Regent James's
question about how computer use and time was policed in the labs.
Regent Tregoning asked about the relationship of the new student
technology fee to these programs, to which Dr. Ward replied that they
were complementary in helping to provide students with greater access to
information technology.
Regent Grebe commented about the coincidence of this request for
continued funding of $8.6 million and the $8.7 million budget cut
recently imposed on the UW.
Regent Gundersen praised the effectiveness of these programs and
urged that the Board keep them in high priority.
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REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Regent Krutsch presented Resolutions 6823-6829, which had been
approved by the Education Committee, and moved their adoption as consent
agenda items by the Board of Regents.
The motion was seconded by Regent MacNeil and Regent Tregoning and
carried unanimously:
Revisions to Faculty Personnel Policies and Procedures: UW-Oshkosh
Resolution 6823: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of
the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the
President of the University of Wisconsin System,
the revisions to Chapters UWO 3.2A, 3.2B, 10A.1.,
10.A.2., 10C.3.F., Faculty Personnel Policies and
Procedures, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, be
approved.
Authorizations to RecruitVice Chancellor, UW-River Falls
Resolution 6824: That upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-River Falls and the
President of the University of Wisconsin System,
the Chancellor be authorized to recruit for a
Vice Chancellor.
Dean, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, UW-
Platteville
Resolution 6825: That upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the
President of the University of Wisconsin System,
the Chancellor be authorized to recruit for a
Dean, College of Engineering, Mathematics and
Science.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Education, UW-Platteville
Resolution 6826: That upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the
President of the University of Wisconsin System,
the Chancellor be authorized to recruit for a
Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Education.
Dean, College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture,
UW-Platteville
Resolution 6827: That upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the
President of the University of Wisconsin System,
the Chancellor be authorized to recruit for a
Dean, College of Business, Industry, Life Science
& Agriculture.
Natural Areas Preservation Council Appointment
Resolution 6828: That, upon recommendation of the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, the Board of
Regents, as authorized by the legislature,
reappoints Virginia Kline, Arboretum Botanist and
Lecturer, UW-Madison, to a new three-year term
(January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1997) as a
University of Wisconsin System representative to
the Natural Areas Preservation Council.
Named Professorship, UW-Madison
Resolution 6829: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of
the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the
President of the University of Wisconsin System,
the status of Professor Joseph Sackett,
Department of Radiology, Medical School, UW-
Madison, be changed to the John H. Juhl Chair in
Radiology, effective July 1, 1995.
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Report of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Sabbatical Leaves
Senior Vice President Ward presented a report that 223 faculty
members have been selected to receive sabbatical leaves during 1995-96.
Included in the agenda materials were descriptions of what each person
intends to accomplish during the sabbatical.
Program Review and Planning
This annual report, which also includes academic program changes and
designations approved by System Administration, documents the
considerable amount of time and effort expended by faculty and
administration in the ongoing work of program review and planning.
Senior Vice President Ward acknowledged the continuing concern for
review of program array to guard against unwarranted duplication, as well
as growing interest in consolidation and cooperative offerings. He also
recognized the realities of the current fiscal climate and the struggle
to maintain resources sufficient to sustain the current level of
activities. At the same time, he emphasized that new programs which will
drive future educational vitality must be allowed to emerge.
In the near future, Senior Vice President Ward will ask the Vice
Chancellors to join in examining both the pace of new program development
and the joint process that leads to new program authorization, to see
whether that process can be refined, shortened, and made more receptive
and responsive.
Report on State Postsecondary Review Entity Standards
Senior Vice President Ward presented the Committee with information
about the State Postsecondary Review Entity (SPRE) program, a federally
mandated program established to deal with the problem of high student
loan default rates. Under this legislation, the state is required to
establish a SPRE, the principal function of which is to review
institutions that trip one of eleven "triggers".
Governor Thompson has designated the Wisconsin Higher Educational
Aids Board as the state's SPRE and has appointed a board, of which
President Lyall is a member to oversee the SPRE's activities. Wisconsin,
Regent Krutsch noted, is taking a least restrictive approach to
implementing this program.
UW-Whitewater Vice Chancellor named to accrediting body
It was announced by Senior Vice President Ward that Kay
Schallenkamp, Provost and Vice Chancellor, UW-Whitewater, has been
appointed to a four-year term on the Commission on Institutions of Higher
Education for the North Central Association regional accrediting body.
Video conference on technology in the classroom
Senior Vice President Ward reported on a conference on enabling
technology in the classroom, in which more than 75 UW System faculty and
staff participated via compressed video. This multi-site conference
brought together people from UW-Milwaukee, UW-Green Bay, UW-Eau Claire,
UW-Stout, UW-Platteville, UW-Madison and the UW Centers. It is the first
conference with that many hook-ups to be conducted by the UW System.
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Report on remedial education in the UW System
Regent Krutsch summarized extensive discussion by the Education
Committee of the annual report on remedial education, including
demographics, remedial completion and student retention.
Regent Benson stressed the necessity to intervene in the junior year
of high school to assess what the student needs to do in the senior year
in order to enter the UW. High school teachers also must know what the
UW expects in English and math preparation. Regent Randall expressed
mixed feelings about remedial programs and wondered whether the current
focus on School to Work programs will result in a larger pool of students
who need remediation. Regents questioned whether any students with ACT
scores below 18 should be admitted to the UW, or if so, whether they
should be admitted on probation or with restrictions. Senior Vice
President Ward noted the need for remediation, especially in math, for
many older non-traditional students. Approximately 25% of the UW
students who need remediation are older students, while the remaining 75%
are traditional age students.
Senior Vice President Ward introduced Professor James Sobota,
Department of Mathematics, UW-LaCrosse; Senior Lecturer Ingrid Holzner,
Department of Mathematics, UW-Milwaukee; and Debby Weyer, a mathematics
teacher from Greendale High School which sends 73% of its graduates to
college. The panel discussed the Early Math Placement Testing Program
which has had a direct impact on reducing the need for remedial
education.
Students in participating high schools are given a test similar to
the PSAT in the middle of their junior year. This test indicates whether
they are likely to need university remediation or, if not, which
university math course they probably will be eligible to enter. The
purpose of the program is to raise students' awareness about their
possible math difficulties. Students indicate which university they wish
to attend and, from their test scores, get immediate feedback from that
university on the math requirements for the programs in which they plan
to enroll.
Students are encouraged to remove any deficiencies by taking an
appropriate math course in their senior year; in fact all students are
advised to enroll in a senior year math course to improve or retain their
math skills. Professor Sobota reported that students who have 4 years of
high school math are more likely to graduate from the university in 4
years.
It was suggested by Regent Krutsch that reexamination of admission
policies should include the amount of math that is required for entrance
into the UW System.
Both Ms. Holzner and Ms. Weyer presented statistics showing how this
testing program has reduced the need for math remediation for students
from high schools involved in the program. Professor Sobota noted that a
proposal for funding the program on a statewide basis was developed last
year by the UW System Office of Academic Affairs and the Department of
Public Instruction.
A spirited discussion following, in which it was made clear that a
key to the success of such a program is articulation between university
and high school faculties. Regent Benson and Senior Vice President Ward
agreed to have discussions on implementing a statewide early math
placement test and on creating a better dialogue on remediation in
English and mathematics between university and high school faculties.
Regent Krutsch saw the broader issue as the importance of increasing
communication between the UW, DPI, and the K-12 schools.
It was suggested by Regent Tregoning that a similar presentation be
provided to the full Board at a future meeting.
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Report on progress of integration of the extension function
The report, prepared by UW-Extension and UW institutions, concludes
that substantial progress has been made to assure that extension and
public service are responsibilities of all campus schools, colleges,
departments and faculty.
Noting that the mission of the UW System includes extending
knowledge and its application beyond the boundaries of the campuses,
Gerald Campbell, Provost and Vice Chancellor, UW-Extension, said the
purpose of integration of the extension function is to strengthen
partnerships to bring the expertise of faculty and programs in contact
with the people who need them.
Howard Thoyre, Provost and Vice Chancellor, UW-Stevens Point,
described the operation of Cooperative Extension and the College of
Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point and how UW-Extension, through
interinstitutional agreements, helps facilitate programming.
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Comments on SAVE Commission recommendation
Noting that the State SAVE Commission was questioning the role of
the Department of Public Instruction, Regent Gundersen asked how the
public schools could be expected to improve without the guiding force and
mission provided by the State Superintendent.
President Lyall commented that Superintendent Benson is moving the
Department in the right direction by deregulating and working with the UW
to improve teacher education and pre-college programs.
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REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Committee's report was presented by Regent Dreyfus, Chair.
Regent Dreyfus presented Resolutions 6830-6835, which were approved
unanimously by the Physical Planning and Development Committee, and moved
their adoption as consent agenda items by the Board of Regents. The
motion was seconded by Regent Gundersen and carried unanimously:
UW-Eau Claire: Authority to construct three residence hall
infrastructure projects
Resolution 6830: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Eau
Claire Chancellor and the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, authority be
granted to construct the following three
Residence Hall Infrastructure projects at a total
cost of $612,000 from Program Revenue Cash -
Housing:
(1) Thomas Hall Electrical Renovation $164,300
(2) Thomas Hall Shower Rooms/Restroom
Renovation $240,000
(3) Sutherland Hall Floor Tile Replacement
$207,700
$612,000
UW-Eau Claire: Approval of design report; Authority to construct
Brewer Complex capital renewal project
Resolution 6831: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Eau
Claire Chancellor and the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, the Design Report
be approved and authority granted to construct
the Brewer Complex Capital Renewal project at a
cost of $2,324,000 from 1993-95 General Fund
Supported Borrowing.
UW-Green Bay: Authority to construct two Residence Life maintenance
projects
Resolution 6832: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Green Bay
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authority be granted to
construct two Residence Life Maintenance
projects, at a total cost of $419,000 from
Program Revenue Cash - Housing, as follow:
(1) Residence Life Maintenance
Facility $194,000
(2) Residence Life Plumbing
Replacement $225,000
$419,000
UW-Madison: Authority to construct Camp Randall Memorial Sport
Center Floor Replacement project
Resolution 6833: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authority be granted to
construct the Camp Randall Memorial Sports Center
(Shell) Floor Replacement project at a cost of
$750,000 from Program Revenues.
UW-Milwaukee: Authority to purchase and install Biological Sciences
Electron Microscope Laboratories equipment
Resolution 6834: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Milwaukee
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authority be granted to
purchase and install Elemental Analysis Research
Equipment for the Biological Sciences Electron
Microscope Laboratories at an estimated total
project cost of $411,000 from the following
funding sources:
National Science Foundation Grant
Funds $187,000
General Fund Supported Borrowing -
WISTAR $224,000
$411,000
UW-Oshkosh: Authority to grant easement to City of Oshkosh
Resolution 6835: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Oshkosh
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authority be granted for the
President or Vice President and Secretary or
Assistant Secretary of the Board of Regents to
execute an easement to the City of Oshkosh for a
strip of land 15 feet wide and approximately .4
mile long that includes the University's existing
9-foot-wide asphalt pathway located immediately
adjacent to the Fox River.
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Progress in addressing deferred maintenance backlog
Regent Dreyfus noted that a 1990 study had identified a deferred
maintenance backlog of $364 million and that the Board had proposed to
eliminate that backlog in 10 years. In the following two biennia, about
$121 million had been provided. Commenting that substantial progress is
being made, Regent Dreyfus predicted that the UW should be within 20
percent of its goal by the turn of the century, particularly in view of
the Board's commitment to avoid new construction not funded by gifts or
other outside sources.
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Removal of UW-River Falls project
Upon motion by Regent Dreyfus, seconded by Regent Gundersen, it was
unanimously voted to remove from consideration proposed authority to
increase the scope and budget of the Ames Teacher Education replacement
project at UW-River Falls. The project was withdrawn at the request of
the Chippewa Valley Technical College, which was interested in leasing
space in the Ames Center but was not ready to move forward at this time.
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Authority to amend UW System 1995-97 Capital Budget request
It was moved by Regent Dreyfus and seconded by Regent Gundersen that
the following resolution, which was unanimously approved by the Physical
Planning and Development Committee, be adopted by the Board of Regents:
Resolution 6836: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, the following amendment to the
System's 1995-97 Capital Budget request be
approved and authority granted to submit it to
the Department of Administration:
UW-Madison: Authority to enumerate a
Waisman Center Addition and Remodeling
project at a total cost of $17,500,000 from
Gift Funds
In response to a question by Regent Gelatt, Vice President Brown
indicated that, because projects funded by gifts, grants or program
revenue are not prioritized, this project would not affect the
prioritized list of other capital budget items. This project will not
require expenditure of any GPR or program revenue monies.
Put to a vote, Resolution 6836 was adopted unanimously.
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Report of the Vice President
Status report on campus lighting and telephones
This report to the Committee was made in response to a 1991 Board
resolution on assessing and reporting on security lighting and emergency
telephone systems throughout the UW System. The report showed that, in
general, all campuses are well-lighted, although each has identified
areas where increased security measures should be addressed. This will
be accomplished by installation of additional lighting fixtures,
installation of security telephones, or tree and shrub trimming to
provide higher street light illumination levels.
Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame
Vice President Brown reported to the Committee on completion of the
Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame addition at the Schmeeckle Reserve
Center, UW-Stevens Point. The City of Stevens Point contributed $70,000
to completion of the 2,600 square foot facility.
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Endorsement of building program proposals to SAVE Commission
It was moved by Regent Dreyfus and seconded that Resolution 6837,
which was unanimously approved by the Physical Planning and Development
Committee, be adopted by the Board of Regents.
Vice President Brown explained that any project exceeding $250,000
in cost must under current law be specifically identified in the
authorized building program which is incorporated in the capital budget.
It must be approved by the Building Commission, the Joint Committee on
Finance and the full Legislature. This proposal would increase the
threshold for enumeration to $1 million.
Regent Dreyfus pointed out that the $250,000 threshold has been in
effect since the 1960s. Moving the threshold to $1 million would be in
accord with the original legislative intent, taking into account
inflation since that time.
Regent Gelatt pointed out that the proposals to exempt from
enumeration all non-GPR projects would be another major change.
Put to the vote, Resolution 6837 was adopted unanimously:
Resolution 6837: That the Board of Regents of the University of
Wisconsin System endorses the following
recommendations for modification of state
statutes relating to the Capital Budget, as
submitted by System President Katharine Lyall to
the SAVE Commission, and requests that this
resolution of endorsement be forwarded by the
President of the Board to the Administrator of
the Division of Facilities Development:
(1) That the exemption from enumeration be
extended to include all non-GPR sources,
including gifts, grants and agency receipts
(program revenues). [Since Building
Commission approval would still be needed
to construct all projects, further
legislative involvement is redundant.]
(2) That the exemption from enumeration be
extended to repair, remodeling and
renovation of existing space, so that these
kinds of projects would be funded from the
UW System's All-Agency allocation.
[Enumeration would be reserved for new
space projects.]
(3) That the threshold for enumeration of
projects be increased from $250,000 to $1
million. [The $250,000 threshold for
enumeration was established in 1967. Cost
indices have escalated that figure to well
over $1 million in 1994 dollars. Very few
projects start with estimates under
$1 million.]
The following statutory language would accomplish
these suggested changes:
20.924 Building Program Execution. (1) In
supervising and authorizing the implementation of
the state building program under the
appropriation authority of s.20.867, the building
commission:
(a) Shall authorize the design and
construction of any
new building space, structure or facility costing
in excess of $250,000 $1,000,000 regardless of
funding source that utilizes general purpose
revenues, only if that project is enumerated in
the authorized state building program.
(b) Shall authorize the acquisition of
land, or the repair, remodeling or improvement to
any existing building, structure or facility
costing in excess of $250,000 regardless of
funding source, only if that project is
enumerated in the authorized state building
program.
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Endorsement of all-agency funds concept for maintenance needs
Presenting Resolution 6838, which was approved unanimously by the
Physical Planning and Development Committee, Regent Dreyfus explained
that projects currently are funded on a first-come-first-served basis,
which does not permit advance planning and prioritization. This problem
would be resolved if funding is allocated at the beginning of the
biennium. Upon motion by Regent Dreyfus and seconded by Regent Barry,
the following resolution was adopted unanimously by the Board of Regents.
Resolution 6838: That the Board of Regents endorses the concept of
an allocation of All-Agency funds to the
University of Wisconsin System at the start of
each biennium, as supported by the SAVE
Commission. Having such an allocation made at
the outset of each biennium will:
(1) allow better long-range planning,
(2) enhance pro-active management through
better priority setting to address the
University of Wisconsin System
infrastructure needs, and
(3) address the backlog of deferred
maintenance.
Further, that this resolution of endorsement be
forwarded by the President of the Board to the
Administrator of the Division of Facilities
Development.
- - -
REPORT OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Committee's report was presented by Regent Gelatt, Chair.
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Alice Hunerkoch bequest
Presenting Resolution 6839, which was approved unanimously by the
Business and Finance Committee, Regent Gelatt moved its adoption by the
Board of Regents as a consent agenda item. The motion was seconded and
unanimously carried:
Resolution 6839: That, upon the recommendation of the President of
the University of Wisconsin System and the
Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-
Extension, the bequest of the late Alice
Hunerkoch, Paducha, McCracken County, Kentucky,
be accepted; and that the Trust Officer or
Assistant Trust Officers be authorized to sign
receipts and do all things necessary to effect
the transfer for the benefit of the University of
Wisconsin, Extension Department
(The Will states:
Article III: I give, devise and bequeath two-
thirds (2/3) of the above-mentioned property that
I might acquire during my life-time of whatsoever
kind and wheresoever situated to the University
of Wisconsin, Extension Department, to fund
courses in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.
This bequest is to be made in honor of my
brothers, Carlton Hunerkoch, Charles Hunerkoch,
and Alice Hunerkoch.
Alice Hunerkoch took courses through UW-Extension
