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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 8, 1995
9:00 a.m.
- President Grebe presiding -
PRESENT: Regents Barry, Benson, Brown, Budzinski, Dreyfus, Gelatt, Grebe,
Hempel, James, Krutsch, Lubar, MacNeil, Orr, Smith, and Steil
ABSENT: Regent De Simone and Randall
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion by Regent Dreyfus, seconded by Regent Steil, minutes of
the meeting of the Board of Regents held on November 10, 1994, were
unanimously approved as distributed.
- - -
The reports which follow the Regular action of the Board of Regents
include:
Report of the President of the Board
Report of the President of the System
Report on the Board of Regents study of the UW System in the 21st
Century
Report of the Business and Finance Committee
Report of the Education Committee
Report of the Physical Planning and Development Committee
At the conclusion of the Report of the Physical Planning and Development
Committee, the following additional items came before the board:
- - -
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Cancellation of January 1996 Meeting of the Board of Regents
Regent Grebe introduced Resolution 7092; Regent Dreyfus moved its
adoption. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Resolution 7091: That the meetings of the Board of Regents
scheduled for January 4 and 5, 1996, be cancelled.
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COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, MEMORIALS
Regent Grebe called upon President Lyall to acknowledge the departure
of Tom Sonnleitner, who will be leaving UW System Administration to become
the Vice President for Finance for the West Virginia University System.
President Lyall praised him as the "wizard" who has computed tuition rates
across 85 categories of students, resident and non-resident, and noted
that he will be missed.
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At 11:29, the Board of Regents recessed for five minutes.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Report of the Regent Representative of the Wisconsin Technical
College System Board
Regent Barry had previously submitted a WTCS Board report. In
addition to this report, he called attention to the WTCS Board's approval
of concept of the La Crosse Consortium for Allied Health, noting that the
local WTCS Board is expected to hold a referendum vote on the matter in
April 1996. He expressed his belief that momentum on the project needs
to be maintained; however, in view of DOA's request from participating
members that funds be obtained "up-front" for planning (which has caused
the need for referendum votes to obtain funds) progress has been slowed.
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Report of the Regent member of the Educational Communications Board
Regent Gelatt submitted a written report concerning the Educational
Communications Board. He noted that the joint Regent/ECB Committee on
consolidation is holding public hearings, and that the volume of comment
has resulted in a request for an extension on the submission of the report
to the Joint Finance Committee, since hearings will be held through
January.
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Additional Item
Chancellor Search Committees
Noting that the Board had earlier authorized searches for
chancellors at UW-Superior and UW-Stevens Point, Regent Grebe announced
the appointment of Regent subcommittees that will work with President
Lyall and him to make recommendations to the Board about these positions.
Regent Barry has agreed to chair the Regent Committee for UW-Superior; he
will be assisted by Regents Krutsch and Randall. Regent Smith has agreed
to chair the Regent Committee at Stevens Point; he will be joined by
Regents MacNeil and Orr.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEM
Presentation of the Regent Teaching Excellence Awards
President Lyall observed that the presentation of the Regent
Teaching Excellence Awards provide an opportunity to reflect upon the
importance of good teaching in the UW System, noting that these awards
recognize not only outstanding career achievement by individual teachers,
but that, for the third year, they will recognize an exceptional academic
department that fosters excellence in teaching. She added that this
relatively new award has attracted national interest, and that several
colleges and universities across the country are using the UW System model
to develop their own programs; this interest reflects an awareness of the
need to pay attention to teaching at the programmatic level, as well as at
the level of the individual course.
Regent Krutsch, who, with Regent MacNeil, selected the 1995 award
winners, presented the awards. She noted that these awards represent an
opportunity for the board to recognize and honor some of the UW System's
outstanding teachers and departments, and that they also provide a means
for the Regents to "show support for the idea that effective teaching is
serious, demanding intellectual work." She noted that "those faculty and
academic staff who teach with dedication, creativity and passion are our
most valuable resource, helping ensure for us enlightened citizens,
imaginative and dedicated workers, and thoughtful, compassionate stewards
of the future," and stressed the need to continue to encourage and reward
good teaching. She then presented individual awards, which recognize
career achievement in teaching, to Professor Alan Bigel (UW-La Crosse) and
Professor James Grundloh (UW-Oshkosh).
Professor Alan Bigel
Professor Bigel has taught political science at UW-LaCrosse since
1984, having developed and taught an entire curriculum in legal studies
courses and constitutional law. Earning the highest ranking in his
department on student evaluation scores every semester since he was hired,
he is credited by a colleague as contributing to the success of UW-La
Crosse students in "gaining admission to fine law schools which is "in no
small measure, due to the preparation received in his courses." Regent
Krutsch cited, in particular, Professor Bigel's "unparalleled" commitment
to and love for teaching, noting that former students praised his
dedication, enthusiasm, ability to explain complex concepts, as well as
his availability outside class; many former students credit him with a
profound influence on their intellectual development, career choices, and
lives. Professor Bigel also has a strong record in university and
departmental service, as well as the production of many scholarly articles
in highly respected journals. Thanking the Board for the honors conferred
upon him, Professor Bigel credited his students for the impact they have
had on his life, noting that several former students were there to attend
the presentation of this teaching award.
*
Professor James Grundloh
Professor James Grundloh has taught in the Department of Economics
at UW-Oshkosh since 1970; Regent Krutsch reported that he has excelled not
only in his teaching of traditional college classes and his mentoring of
younger faculty, but in the area of outreach and curriculum development
with the K-12 schools, where he has been enormously influential at the
local, state, and national levels. In his work with both undergraduates
and K-12 teachers, he has pioneered a multitude of new approaches to
making economics education more effective, from new uses of technology and
distance education to student management teams to new ways of connecting
economic theories and ideas with the real world. Citing Professor
Grundloh's colleagues, Regent Krutsch reported that he was praised by them
not only for his ability to get students motivated and to convey difficult
material to them, but also for his positive influence on their lives. As
Director of the Center for Economic Education at UW-Oshkosh, Professor
Grundloh helps the center promote economics literacy by providing teacher
training programs for K-12 teachers, as well as curriculum development
assistance and assessment services; as State Program Director for the
Wisconsin Council on Economic Education, he coordinates the offerings of
the nine campus-based centers throughout the state. As a direct result of
his work, the subject of economics is now "an integral part of the
curriculum in virtually all of the school districts in his area," and the
Oshkosh School District recently received a national exemplary economic
education program award from the National Council on Economic Education.
His work at the state level can be measured by the fact that 85 school
districts representing 65 percent of the K-12 student population in
Wisconsin are now actively involved in enhancing the quality of the
economics strand in their K-12 curriculum. Regent Krutsch also briefly
alluded to his leadership in his department, administrative work, and
university service.
Observing that his remarks might echo those made by Professor Bigel,
Professor Grundloh reflected on the support he'd been given by senior
faculty, the "wonderful" working environment he'd been in and the
encouragement he'd received; he recognized the work of administrative and
support staff who help "create an environment that supports and encourages
innovation"; and he concluded by recognizing the feedback received from
his students, whom he cited as having improved his teaching by having
taught him that his role is not to disseminate knowledge, but rather to
facilitate student learning.
*
Department of Plant and Earth Science
Regent Krutsch concluded by presenting the Regents Teaching
Excellence Award for Academic Departments and Programs to the UW-River
Falls Department of Plant and Earth Science. Added three years ago in
response to growing national discussion about the importance of department
collaboration to the coherence of students' educational experience and
overall intellectual development, this award is focused on student
learning; however, it also takes into account the department's crucial
role in creating academic cultures that value teaching, and provide
incentives and rewards for its improvement. Observing that the Plant and
Earth Science Department at UW-River Falls stood out among the excellent
nominations for the award, Regent Krutsch cited its range and
interdisciplinary focus of its six major programs, its effectiveness in
fostering innovation and timely approaches to teaching and curriculum
development, and its success in creating a learning community among
faculty and students that has contributed directly to students'
intellectual growth and academic achievement. To prepare its graduates to
succeed and excel, the department emphasizes field work, cooperative
learning, and discipline-related community service. It encourages and
provides substantive faculty-student and student-student mentoring, and
undergraduate research experiences, including co-authorship of
professional publications and presentations. As a result, a number of its
students have won prestigious graduate school fellowships and national
awards for their research. The department fosters extensive social
contact among students and between students and faculty through an open-
door approach to student advising, five discipline-related clubs within
the department, and other extra-curricular programs. Noting that the
department's nomination folder cited accomplishments of its students and
graduates, as well as teaching awards won by individual faculty members,
Regent Krutsch added that there were also testimonials from other sources,
including the personnel manager of a firm that employs several of the
department's graduates and from former students. The former testimonial
praises the excellence of the training and the enthusiasm of the
department's graduates; the latter example cited the quality of the
program, its ability to prepare students for further study, and the
encouragement and support received while a member of the program.
Professor Samuel Huffman, the Chair of the Department of Plant and Earth
Science, and Professor Ian Williams, a member of the department, accepted
the award on its behalf. Professor Williams observed that awards such as
this improve department morale and demonstrate that excellent teaching is
appreciated.
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Presentation: Distance Education Update
President Lyall introduced Senior Vice President David J. Ward, who
presented information on the most recent developments in distance
education within the UW System. Currently, there are 199 credit courses
planned in Distance Education for 1995-96; 4,908 students are projected to
enroll in these courses, which will be delivered in both synchronous
("real time" or live) and asynchronous (available for access by students
on demand) formats. Telephone, computer and internet, instructional
television fixed service, broadcast television, satellite, fiber optics,
videotape, and compressed video technologies are all used, either singly
or in combination with each other, and most of the UW institutions have
one or more of these technologies available to them. The audiences served
by these technologies include teachers, businesses, WTCS students, nurses,
state employees, and high school students, as well as the general public
and the UW students who form the largest part of the audience. Ward
attributed the small number of courses aimed at high school students to
the need to "relax" a policy that prevented institutions from using credit
outreach for this group; he noted that this policy has been made more
flexible during a two year pilot period to encourage more course offerings
to the high schools. Showing a map of the institutions which can access
the Compressed Video System, Ward reported that it is the product of a
partnership between the UW institutions and UW Extension and was built
through the reallocation of base funds; the system is also linked to other
significant partners, including state agencies and public libraries. UW
institutions, high schools, State and National businesses, Technical
Colleges, and the CESA districts all receive UW Distance Education
Courses.
Ward noted that an important element of Distance Education is the
need inform users about what is being accomplished. To that end, UW-
Extension and UW institutions have formed a Distance Education
Clearinghouse and an Internet site which provides information on all UW
System distance education credit courses. In the future, the
Clearinghouse will also provide information on non-credit programs as well
as a searchable database of courses offered. This information will be
used by students, faculty and as part of the Transfer Information System;
the audience reached will include not only educators and learners in
Wisconsin, but it is also accessible worldwide.
In Spring of 1996, the Nursing Degree Consortium, described as a
"landmark accomplishment in the UW System," is expected to begin. The
five participating institutions (UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh,
UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee) hope to meet the demands of 9,000 RNs who
want to complete a BSN within 5 years; most of these people are
placebound, living in Northern and Southwestern Wisconsin. The response
of these five institutions was to plan a common curriculum and develop a
Home Institution Concept, which allows students to seek a degree and
obtain student services from one institution, while being able to take
courses from all five--this concept is being considered along with other
registration options for other distance education courses.
Other opportunities also exist, including those in partnership with
K-12 schools (to be discussed below); the collaborative efforts of the
Northwest Business Consortium, which uses fiber optics to share courses
between 5 UW institutions and UWC-Barron County; an arrangement between
UW-Platteville and UW-Stout to share courses in engineering and material
handling; an UW-Oshkosh Regional MBA degree that replaces the old system
in which instructors travelled to other campuses to deliver courses; and
UW-Madison's partnership with other Big Ten institutions. On-going
investments in distance education include multi-media classrooms and the
development of campus-wide fiber optic networks (with funding provided by
the technology fee); the Center for Distance Education, which is UW-
Extension's assigned project; and the on-going assessment of distance
education needs. Ward noted that the technology is rapidly evolving; that
this is a period of "start ups and experimentation" which will require
"learning by doing"--policies will need to be flexible and investments
will need to be made strategically. He added that there will be great
need for faculty and staff development funds, and that existing resources
will need to be stretched. He concluded that there are a few things that
are still needed: state funding for technology; cooperation with the
people developing BadgerNet (a statewide telecommunications system
currently under development); and leverage from private vendors, with whom
the UW System hopes to develop mutually beneficial partnerships.
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K-12 Partnership Opportunities
President Lyall reported that discussions have begun with the urban
K-12 school superintendents whose districts encompass two-thirds of all
the students in the public schools; the goal of these discussions is to
help facilitate the development of the UW System's distance learning
network. She noted that there is a great deal of interest in coordinating
K-12 investments in instructional technology with those of UW System, so
that the networks can communicate with each other. Two areas in
particular have been of greatest interest: in-service training for
teachers, an area in which every school district invests heavily, and
providing assistance to college preparation counseling services (through
recruitment and information materials) to allow students and high school
counsellors to tap into our developing information network for all
students.
_
Good News Items
UW-La Crosse Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Student Success
President Lyall reported that 100% of students in UW-LaCrosse's
Nuclear Medicine Technology program passed the national certification
examination this fall; one earned the highest score in the nation.
Placing this success in context, she observed that, nationally, the pass
rate is only 65%.
*
UW-La Crosse Division III Football Title
President Lyall announced that the UW-LaCrosse Eagles won Division
III and would be competing in the Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Virginia, and she
wished them success.
*
UW-Extension Survey: "The Quality of Life in Wisconsin"
The UW-Extension Survey Research Lab has released the first volume
of The Quality of Life in Wisconsin, which had been distributed to the
Regents. This survey focuses on work and the economic well-being of the
people of Wisconsin, as well as how they feel about themselves and their
futures. The survey concludes that large numbers of Wisconsinites believe
they are better off financially now than they were four years ago; and
that they will be the same or better off in the coming years. It also
shows that a majority of Wisconsinites are satisfied with their jobs but
believe they will need additional training in the next few years in order
to move ahead. President Lyall observed that the educational
opportunities offered by the UW System will be increasingly important to
the future quality of life in Wisconsin.
*
National Science Foundation Early Career Development Award
A UW-Milwaukee faculty member, Michael Reddy, Assistant Professor of
Chemistry, has received the National Science Foundation Early Career
Development Award. One of 24 scientist nationwide selected to receive the
$370,000, five-year grants designed to promote the development of young
faculty as well-rounded educators, Professor Reddy is a biochemist
studying viruses as models of biological processes involving protein-
nucleic interactions.
REPORT OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Regent Gelatt, Chair, stated that Resolutions 7068 - 7070 had been
approved by the Business and Finance Committee, and moved their adoption
as consent agenda items. The motion was seconded by Regent Hempel, and
the resolutions passed unanimously.
Contractual Agreement with the General Electric Company
Resolution 7068: That, upon recommendation of the President of the
University of Wisconsin System and the Chancellor
of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Board
of Regents accepts an amendment to the previously
accepted agreement with General Electric Company
which provides an additional $1,150,000 to develop
a prototype tomotherapy for the treatment of
cancer.
Helen E. Doolittle Bequest
Resolution 7069: That, upon the recommendation of the President of
the University of Wisconsin System and the
Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison,
the bequest of the late Helen E. Doolittle, of the
County of Dane, State of Wisconsin, 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 Medical
School (Madison).
(The Will states:
THIRD. I give and bequeath the following sums to
the following people or organizations:
A. To the Regents of the University of
Wisconsin, the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000) for the University of Wisconsin
Medical School (Madison), in memory of my
beloved brother, John W. Doolittle, MD.
FOURTH. I give and devise the rest, residue and
remainder of my estate, both real and personal as
follows:
B. To the Regents of the University of
Wisconsin, Seventy-five percent (75%) to the
Eye Department of the University of
Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, in honor of my
beloved brother, John W. Doolittle, MD.
The total distribution will be approximately
$350,000.
Dr. Doolittle received a degree in 1937 from the
University of Wisconsin Medical School.)
Thomas J. Morgan Living Trust
Resolution 7070: That, upon the recommendation of the President of
the University of Wisconsin System, the Chancellor
of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the
Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Eau
Claire, the bequests under the Trust Agreement of
Thomas J. Morgan, of the City of Brookfield,
County of Waukesha, State of Wisconsin, be
accepted; and that the Trust Officer or Assistant
Trust Officers be authorized to sign receipts and
do all things necessary to effect the transfers
for the benefit of the University of Wisconsin-
Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Eau
Claire.
(The Trust states under ARTICLE III:
3.41 Ten per cent (10%) thereof to the
University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire,
Wisconsin.
3.42 Ten per cent (10%) thereof to the
University of Wisconsin, Madison,
Wisconsin.
Each campus has received $60,000.00.)
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Accountability for Achievement: 1995 Report on UW System
Accountability Indicators
Regent Gelatt stated that, since the full Board was invited to be
present for President Lyall's presentation to the Committee, he would not
comment on her remarks. (The President's comments and highlights of the
report are summarized in the Minutes of the Business and Finance
Committee.) He also commented on the significance of the report, noting
that this is an area in which he believes Wisconsin leads the nation in
openly presenting its accountability measures.
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Report on Common Administrative Processes
At the October meeting, the Committee had requested that a briefing
on priorities, projects and timelines relating to common administrative
processes be presented at the December meeting. Associate Vice President
Alley, who presented the report to the Committee, noted that benefits
considered in prioritizing common processes projects are: enhanced
services; solving existing operating problems; better use of systemwide
technology infrastructure; better operational flexibility to adapt
processes to new conditions; reductions in cost; and avoiding future cost
increases. Mr. Alley outlined the near-term plan which focuses on five
common process re-engineering projects: statewide purchasing; the UW
biennial budget; the UW annual budget process; financial management; and
student services. Senior Vice President Sanders has sponsored a series of
staff development programs in process re-engineering, attended by
approximately 50 System Administration staff members. A team from UW
System Administration, UW institutions and the State will attend a three
and one-half day seminar on re-engineering, and several additional UW
staff are planning to attend other seminars on re-engineering. Regent
Gelatt noted that this is a new initiative to capitalise on synergies of
the system.
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1994-1995 Annual Financial Statements
Regent Gelatt reported that, in previous years, System
Administration has prepared two separate financial reports, one on a cash
basis, usually presented in October, and the accrual financial statements,
usually reported in February. In response to the Committeežs request for
more timely accrual basis financial information, the presentation was
consolidated this year into one report. Assistant Vice President Durcan
and her staff presented a computer-generated slide presentation of the
1994-95 Annual Financial Statements. Balance sheet assets were $4.5
billion and total liabilities were $.9 billion, resulting in an equity and
funds balance of $3.6 billion, an improvement of $.2 billion over last
year. Regent Gelatt noted that these figures may not be directly
comparable to more common balance sheets, since depreciation is not
included. In addition, a number of six-year comparisons of financial data
were presented. Regent Gelatt remarked that these figures indicate that
88% of the GPO funding goes to salaries and benefits, which highlights the
importance of effectively and efficiently using staff.
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Presentation on the Intermediate-Term Fund
The Committee was reminded by Vice President Marnocha that, at the
September meeting, it had adopted a resolution redefining the fixed-income
components of the trust funds into three funds: the principal-long term
fund, the principal-intermediate term fund and the cash management fund.
The Committee had also asked that the necessary program modifications be
made to enable the start-up of these funds by December 31. The necessary
system modifications have been made. Institutions and departments will be
notified of the changes and will be given necessary instruction prior to
December 31.
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Annual Report on Research Support: UW-Madison
Regent Gelatt stated that Vice Chancellor Wiley outlined some of the
key research issues and projects on the Madison campus, and then
introduced the new Dean of the Graduate School, Virginia Henshaw. Dean
Henshaw stated that the three major challenges she sees for the Graduate
School are in the areas of commitment, curriculum and communication. She
noted that the commitment needs are in the area of funding, particularly
for facilities which will assist in recruitment. In the area of
curriculum, she noted the importance of not separating graduate,
undergraduate and professional education, since all are dependent upon
research. Communication of the process and benefits of research is
vitally necessary to maintain public support.
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Gifts, Grants and Contracts
Vice President Marnocha reported to the Committee that total gifts,
grants and contracts for the five-month period ended November 17, 1995,
were $287.8 million, a decrease of $6.8 million over the previous year.
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UW-Madison Category B Academic Staff Gender and Race Equity Awards
Vice President Marnocha reported that, at the July meeting, the
Board approved equity salary adjustments for all institutions except
Madison, and authorized the UW System President to approve the UW-Madison
equity adjustments which are deemed necessary. UW-Madison has identified
658 individuals who are entitled to equity salary adjustments. The
annualized cost, pending 120 appeals, is $907,756. It is estimated that
after appeals, the cost will approach $950,000. The President has
approved the awards as proposed. Any modifications resulting from appeals
will be presented to the President for approval.
REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Regent Krutsch, Chair, presented the report. She began by stating
that Resolutions 7071 - 7074 had been approved by the Education Committee,
and presented them for action by the full Board. Her motion was seconded
by Regent MacNeil, and the resolutions passed unanimously.
Appointment of UW System representatives to Natural Areas
Preservation Council
Resolution 7071: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Extension, the University
of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, the Board of
Regents, as authorized by the legislature,
reappoints Ronald G. Hennings, State Geologist and
Assistant Director, Wisconsin Geological and
Natural History Survey, UW-Extension, and Paul E.
Sager, Professor, Natural and Applied Sciences,
UW-Green Bay, to new three-year terms (January 1,
1996 - December 31, 1998) as University of
Wisconsin System representatives to the Natural
Areas Preservation Council.
Faculty Policies and Procedures: UW-Milwaukee
Resolution 7072: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the
President of the University of Wisconsin System,
revisions to section 5.30 of the UW-Milwaukee
Faculty Personnel Policies and Procedures be
approved.
Authorization to Recruit: Dean, Professional Studies, UW-Green Bay
Resolution 7073: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the
President of the University of Wisconsin System,
the Chancellor be authorized to recruit for a Dean
of Professional Studies.
Ernst and Young Professor of Accounting, UW-Madison
Resolution 7074: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Madison and the President
of the University of Wisconsin System, Professor
Larry Rittenberg be appointed the Ernst & Young
Professor of Accounting, School of Business,
effective immediately.
_
Report of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Announcement of Sabbatical Awards, 1996-97
Senior Vice President Ward announced that 255 faculty members have
been selected to receive sabbatical leaves during 1996-97, 113 of whom
will be on leave the full year. Of the recipients, 30 percent are women
and 13 percent are minorities.
*
Update on National Accreditation Movement
Senior Vice President Ward updated the Committee on the status of
the national accreditation movement. Regent Krutsch reminded the Board
that it had hosted a panel discussion of proposals from the National
Policy Board on Higher Education for Institutional Accreditation in
February 1995. That policy board was disbanded in June 1995, and its
efforts to form a new national organization on accreditation were turned
over to a committee of college and university presidents. This committee
has developed a proposal which President Lyall encourages the Board to
review; she has asked that comments and reactions to it be directed to her
so that she can relay them to the committee. Regent Krutsch added that
she believes this proposal is improved, although the "disconnection"
between governing boards and accrediting agencies continues to be a
problem. She suggested that governing boards consider nominating members
to the national board.
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UW-Superior: Academic Reorganization
Regent Krutsch reported that the committee considered the proposed
academic reorganization of UW-Superior. Interim Chancellor Jan Womack
told the Committee that, as a result of the 1995-97 budget cuts, UW-
Superior proposes to eliminate one level of academic administration in
order to protect the instructional mission during fiscal retrenchment.
Doing so will strengthen departments and move academic leadership closer
to the faculty and students. Regent Krutsch reported that Resolution 7075
was approved by the Education Committee; she moved its adoption by the
Board of Regents. Her motion was seconded by Regent MacNeil, and it
passed unanimously.
UW-Superior academic reorganization
Resolution 7075: That, upon recommendation of the Interim
Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Superior
and the President of the University of Wisconsin
System, the Board of Regents, pursuant to s.
36.09(1)(gm)(3.), Wis. Stats., approves the
discontinuation of the College of Arts and
Sciences and the College of Professional Studies,
University of Wisconsin-Superior, effective July
1, 1996.
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Panel Discussion: Goals for reducing the average number of credits
taken for the baccalaureate degree and revisions of ACIS-6.0 "UW
System Undergraduate Transfer Policy"
Regent Krutsch stated that Senior Vice President Ward had introduced
two documents ("Goals for Reducing the Average Number of Credits Taken for
the Baccalaureate Degree" and "Revisions of ACIS - 6.0, UW System
Undergraduate Transfer Policy") which were then discussed by a panel of
Chancellors and Vice Chancellors. She noted that the former issue affects
the number of students the UW System can enroll: when students consume
high numbers of credits, they are effectively keeping other students from
enrolling. The effective use of credits can help maintain student access
to the UW System. As part of planning for Enrollment Management III, the
board was presented with a report and a plan for reducing the average
number of credits that students enroll for in preparation for the
baccalaureate degree; each institution would establish a goal for reducing
credits-to-degree by the year 2000-2001.
The second document is also related to Enrollment Management III,
which emphasized the importance of facilitating student transfer within
and into the UW System. A working group to review transfer policy and
practice was convened and it developed these policy revisions. Regent
Krutsch reported that the underlying expectation in the revised policy is
that transfer students should be accommodated by institutions to the
fullest extent possible and should, with rare exception, be treated the
same as continuing students.
The panel discussing these items consisted of Chancellor Gary
Thibodeau (UW-River Falls), Chancellor John Schroeder (UW-Milwaukee),
Provost/Vice Chancellor Kay Schallenkamp (UW-Whitewater), and Provost/Vice
Chancellor Julius Erlenbach (UW-La Crosse). Regent Krutsch summarized
their comments, reporting that Provost Erlenbach described the issue of
credits-to-degree as a major concern of the UW-La Crosse faculty, and
urged the board to consider strategies such as per credit tuition charges,
tuition surcharge for excess credits and late drop charges. He also noted
that under current policy, part-time students subsidize full-time
students. Regent Krutsch noted that she had inquired whether individual
campuses can or should have the flexibility to make such decisions; she
learned that current Regent policy precludes them from doing so, and
suggested that individual campuses be allowed to develop policies to help
achieve their goals.
Provost Schallenkamp discussed the need to address "more is better "
attitudes and expectations of faculty, employers and students which
encourage students to take additional courses in their majors and
experience the depth and breadth of the curriculum. UW-Whitewater is
promoting three-year degrees, the concept of life-long learning, enhanced
advisory programs and program assessment; UW-Whitewater strongly endorses
the revisions to the transfer policy. Chancellor Thibodeau reported that
UW-River Falls has lowered degree requirements from 128 to 120 credits
(except for credentialing programs in education); he also noted the
differences and relationships between advising and scheduling. Regent
Krutsch added that he had stated that academic quality and integrity can
be maintained with this kind of reduction as long as professors carefully
consider individual courses and their the content.
Chancellor Schroeder commended the board on its approach to this
issue, observing that it has gotten the institutions' attention by telling
them "where to go but not how to get there." Noting that institutions
differ, he cautioned that UW-Milwaukee's student body is composed of large
numbers of non-traditional students and transfer students, and the
application of transfer and credit-to-degree policies needs to reflect
these characteristics; he added that the transfer policy is not always
compatible with individual campus curricular requirements such as English
proficiency or general education principles; and finally, he agreed that
students are acutely aware of the job market, but getting out of the
university as soon as possible does not always help with employment.
Recalling Provost Schallankamp's remarks, Regent Krutsch noted that while
it may be desirable for some students to accumulate more credits, the
availability of limited resources suggests that after accumulating a
certain number of credits, students who choose to earn more could pay a
higher percentage of actual costs.
Senior Vice President Ward noted that there are two issues, the
number of credits required for the degree and the number of credits a
student attempts beyond the required number, and that all credits do not
have a "value added" component. Regent Smith observed that the emphasis
on good advising, careful scheduling and review of degree requirements can
have positive results for students, and asked if the revisions in the
transfer policy go far enough. Chancellor Grugel responded that the
changed and improved policy will help students throughout the system,
particularly since it emphasized improved communication. Regent Krutsch
concluded her summary of the discussion by noting that David Stacey,
President of United Council, said he is not convinced there is a problem
with extra credits; compared with other systems, the UW System is below
the national average in credits attempted and the potential benefits of
changing current practice are not that valuable.
Regent Gelatt asked whether the proposed revisions to the ACIS-6.0
will reduce the volume of complaints from students about "lost" credits
that do not transfer. Vice President Ward replied that they would; he
noted that there is not a large quantity of complaints, but rather that
the complaints that exist are often made to the legislature. These
revisions are aimed to reduce the level of dissatisfaction by assigning a
"point person" at System and on each campus to address transfer problems.
Regent Krutsch added that other changes in the policy will help the new
institutions recognize students' attempts to meet requirements at their
former institutions; she also observed that this system has been in the
process of improving for some time. She then introduced Resolution 7076,
and moved its adoption by the Board. Her motion was seconded by Regent
Smith, and it passed unanimously.
Revision of ACIS-6.0, UW System Undergraduate Transfer Policy
Resolution 7076: That, upon recommendation of the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, the Board of
Regents approves ACIS-6.0 (revised), UW System
Undergraduate Transfer Policy, effective January
1, 1996, and authorizes the Senior Vice President
for Academic Affairs to grant extensions to
institutions that request additional time to
implement specific provisions of this policy.
REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Regent Dreyfus, Chair, presented the report. He noted that Regents
Barry, Brown and Dreyfus had been joined in their committee meeting by Mr.
Robert Brandherm, from the Division of State Facilities Development.
Regent Dreyfus then introduced Resolutions 7077 - 7086, which had been
approved by the Physical Planning and Development Committee, and moved
their adoption as consent agenda items by the full board. Seconded by
Regent Barry, the motion passed unanimously.
UW-Madison: Authority to construct an Ingraham Hall remodeling
project for Area and International Studies programs, $219,000,
campus funds
Resolution 7077: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authority be granted to
construct an Ingraham Hall second and third floor
remodeling project at a cost of $219,000 using
campus funds.
UW-Milwaukee: Authority to construct a Lapham Hall Terrestrial
Ecology and Molecular Biology Research Remodeling Project
Resolution 7078: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Milwaukee
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authority be granted to
construct a Lapham Hall Terrestrial Ecology and
Molecular Biology Research Remodeling project at a
cost of $106,000 using General Fund Supported
Borrowing - WISTAR Funds.
UW-Eau Claire: Approval of Design Report and authority to construct
a Hilltop Center Dining/Kitchen Remodeling project
Resolution 7079: 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 a Hilltop
Center Dining/Kitchen Remodeling project at a cost
of $2,451,100 using $1,535,100 Program Revenue
Cash and $916,000 Program Revenue Borrowing.
UW-La Crosse: Approval of the Design Report and authority to
construct the Campus Central Chilled Water Plant and Distribution
System Project
Resolution 7080: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-La Crosse
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, the Design Report be approved
and authority granted to construct a Central
Chilled Water Plant and Distribution System
project, at a cost of $2,693,000 from All-Agency
Funds ($1,775,000 Utility Funds and $918,000
Health and Safety Funds).
UW-La Crosse: Approval of the Design Report and authority to
construct the Cowley Hall Fume Hood Replacement and Ventilation
project
Resolution 7081: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-La Crosse
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, the Design Report be approved
and authority granted to construct the Cowley Hall
Fume Hood Replacement and Ventilation project at a
cost of $1,979,523 using All-Agency Health and
Safety Funds.
UW-La Crosse: Approval of the Design Report and authority to
construct a Trowbridge Residence Hall Maintenance Project
Resolution 7082: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-La Crosse
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, the Design Report be approved
and authority granted to construct the Trowbridge
Residence Hall Maintenance project at a cost of
$250,500 using Program Revenues.
UW-Madison: Approval of the Design report and authority to construct
a Camp Randall Stadium Wrestling Center remodeling project
Resolution 7083: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, the Design Report be approved
and authority granted to construct the Camp
Randall Stadium Wrestling Center Remodeling
project, at an estimated cost of $666,400, using
Gift Funds.
UW Center-Fox Valley: Conceptual approval of the Science
Facility/Student Services/Administration Addition/Reconstruction
proposal and authority to seek state funding for movable equipment
Resolution 7084: That, upon the recommendation of the UW Centers
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, conceptual approval be granted
to the Science Facility/Student
Services/Administration Reconstruction proposal
for UW Center-Fox Valley and authority granted to
seek funding for movable equipment, estimated at
$1,490,200, as part of the UW System's 1997-99
Capital Budget.
UW-Madison: Authorization to Execute Memorandum Agreement with City
of Marshfield and Wood County on Behalf of College of Agricultural
and Life Sciences
Resolution 7085: That, upon the recommendation of the President of
the University of Wisconsin System and the
Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison,
the Vice President for Physical Planning and
Development be authorized to sign a Memorandum
Agreement with the City of Marshfield and Wood
County for the exchange of lands and leasehold
interests to accommodate the future needs of the
City of Marshfield and the UW-Madison College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences at the Marshfield
Agricultural Research Station.
-
Regent Dreyfus noted that Resolution 7086 begins a long-range plan
to undertake a series of maintenance and renovation work on 22 UW-Madison
residence halls to ensure that they will meet the needs for the next
century. His motion to adopt Resolution 7086 was seconded by Regent
Barry, and it passed unanimously.
UW-Madison: Acceptance of a Long Range Plan for Single Student
Housing Maintenance and approval of the Design Report and authority
to construct the first of the projects: Slichter Hall Maintenance
project
Resolution 7086: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System:
(1) a long-range plan for major maintenance of
single student housing be accepted, at an
estimated total cost of $18.1 million and
(2) the Design Report be approved and authority
granted to construct the first of the
projects involving a Slichter Hall
Maintenance project at a cost of $910,000.
All work will be funded using Program Revenue-
Housing Funds.
_
Regent Dreyfus then introduced the following resolutions, moving
adoption of each Resolution:
UW-Platteville: Authority to name the south campus roadway "Longhorn
Drive"
Resolution 7087: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-
Platteville Chancellor and the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, authority be
granted to name the south roadway on campus
"Longhorn Drive."
UW-Stout: Authority to name the Jarvis Hall Addition "Micheels Hall"
Resolution 7088: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Stout
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authority be granted to name the
Jarvis Hall Addition "Micheels Hall."
The motions to adopt Resolutions 7087 and 7088 were seconded by
Regent Barry; they passed unanimously.
-
UW-Eau Claire: Authorization to Seek Enumeration of a Student
Residence Hall in the State of Wisconsin's 1996 Budget Adjustment
Bill
Resolution 7089: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Eau Claire
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authorization be granted to
issue a Request for Proposals for private
development of student housing to serve
approximately 350 students.
Regent Dreyfus moved that Resolution 7089 be adopted; Regent Barry
seconded the motion. Prior to its adoption, Regent Barry noted that this
revised resolution may come back to the Committee for enumeration as a
state program revenue project; however, the committee felt the private
sector evaluation should take place before enumeration. Regent Gelatt
asked whether this was consistent with other Board decisions; Regent Barry
replied that, because of UW-Eau Claire's housing shortage and the
apartment suite-design of this complex, it was deemed worthwhile to seek
private sector support and involvement. Regent Dreyfus added that this
complex will be part of the University's residence hall program, and that
it therefore is part of the academic co-curricular program.
-
Report of the Vice President for Physical Planning and Development
Proposed Service Agreement between the UW System and Division of
Facilities Development
Regent Dreyfus introduced Resolution 7091, regarding the proposed
service agreement between the UW System, and the Division of State
Facilities Development of the Department of Administration; he noted that
the background information contains the details of the major changes
involved in this agreement. Regent Dreyfus added that Vice President
Brown has not yet signed the agreement, pending the Board's
recommendation. Regent Dreyfus moved the adoption of Resolution 7091,
which was seconded by Regent Brown and passed unanimously.
Resolution 7090: That the proposed Service Agreement between the UW
System and Division of Facilities Development be
approved.
*
UW-Madison: Parking Ramp
Regent Dreyfus reported that Vice President Brown provided the
committee with an update on two UW-Madison parking ramps: the vertical
expansion of Lot 46 (located in the 600 block of University Avenue, near
the University Square shopping center) which could provide approximately
400 additional stalls, and Lot 3A (located on Lake Street near the
Peterson Building and the Extension Building) which could add about 300
stalls. The two ramps being advanced will serve the central and lower
campus as well as the Kohl Center Multi-Purpose Arena and the Red Gym.
*
UW-Madison: Kohl Center Update
Regent Dreyfus added that an accelerated time frame is being
attempted for constuction of the Kohl Center, with ground-breaking being
considered for Spring 1996. However, before that can occur, the Safety
Department will have to be relocated at a cost that will exceed the
$100,000 threshold that the Board had originally planned for the move. He
suggested that Vice President Brown seek Building Commission approval for
this plan in January 1996, with the understanding that it would be
contingent upon Regent action in February.
CLOSED SESSION
At 11:35 a.m., Regent Lubar moved the adoption of Resolution 7092,
which was seconded by Regent Dreyfus. It was adopted on a unanimous roll
call vote, with Regents Barry, Brown, Budzinski, Dreyfus, Gelatt, Grebe,
Hempel, James, Krutsch, Lubar, MacNeil, Orr, Smith, and Steil (14) voting
in the affirmative. There were no dissenting votes and no abstentions.
Resolution 7092: That the Board of Regents recess into closed
session to consider personal histories relating to
naming a pavilion and plaza adjacent to the multi-
purpose Sports Arena at UW-Madison; to naming a
room in the Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
building at UW-Milwaukee; and to naming the
University Archives and a room in the University
Center at UW-Stevens Point; to consider honorary
degree nominations at UW-Milwaukee, UW-Superior,
and UW- Stout, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(f), Wis.
Stats.; to consider a salary adjustment above the
maximum of Group 6 of the Executive Pay Plan and
to consider personnel evaluations, as permitted by
s. 19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats.; and to confer with
legal counsel, as permitted by s. 19.85(1)(g),
Wis. Stats.
-
At 12:10 p.m., the Board arose from closed session and announced the
adoption of Resolutions 7093 - 7095.
Base salary adjustment above the Executive Salary Group Six Maximum
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Resolution 7093: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the
President of the University of Wisconsin System, a
full-time base salary adjustment of $8,928,
resulting in a new full-time base salary
equivalent of A$98,213, effective October 15,
1995, be approved for Barbara Moser, M.D., Senior
Physician, Health Center.
Base salary adjustments above the Executive Salary Group Six Maximum
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Resolution 7094: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Madison and the President
of the University of Wisconsin System,
a base salary adjustment of $17,340, resulting in
a new base salary of A$104,040, effective January
1, 1996, be approved for Judith Kimble, Professor
in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences, to counter a
competitive offer;
a base salary adjustment of $29,783, resulting in
a new base salary of A$100,696, effective January
1, 1996, be approved for Marvin Wickens, Professor
in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences, to counter a
competitive offer.
-
The meeting concluded at 12:10 p.m.
Judith A. Temby
Secretary
REPORT ON BOARD OF REGENTS STUDY OF THE UW SYSTEM IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Noting that the groups working on the Study of the UW System in the
21st Century had met the previous day, Regent Grebe called on them to
provide progress reports.
Working Group on Program Array
Regent Orr, Chair, reported that the Working Group on Program Array
had further reviewed the data available on other systems to see how the UW
System compares in terms of the level of courses offered at the Bachelor's
and Master's Degree levels. Based on "considerable data," Regent Orr
noted that it suggests that the UW System is in the mid-range or at the
low end of the number of course offerings at these degree levels. Noting
that the system's Doctoral level offerings are about average, and that the
professional program levels have been "very constrained," he stated that
there is nothing to suggest that the UW System program offering is
abnormal. He recalled that, at the last meeting, he had reported that a
review of program offerings had shown that there was little program
duplication. He noted that the committee had asked whether substantially
identical programs which had different names were counted as two programs
or one; further research revealed that a conscientious effort was made to
accurately evaluate duplication based on program substance rather than
name, which led Regent Orr to conclude that the data was valid, and that
little duplication exists.
He then noted that the group moved on to evaluate program addition
and deletion, and reminded the Board that, since merger, 290 programs have
been dropped and 263 programs have been added. Compared to other states,
the group's conclusion was that the changes approved at the Board's last
meeting give the UW System a workable and flexible system for program
additions. The group would suggest, however, that the system will require
future review to determine if further adjustment is appropriate. Noting
that program addition and deletion will continue to take place, the
working group turned its attention to program variety, asking whether the
programs offered meet students' interests. Again, based on a variety of
comparable data, Wisconsin reflects national trends in course offerings,
although Regent Orr commented on the difficulty in meeting rapidly
changing student demands for courses; he cited the example of demand for
business education courses, which increased rapidly during the 1980's.
Noting that the institution has had to face dramatic changes, he observed
that it could have responded better. Stating that the working group has
identified some regulatory and statutory constraints which limit the
ability of the institution to respond to changing demands, and that
anticipating changes in demand is difficult, Regent Orr acknowledged that
there are historical and legislative reasons for the delays in
responsiveness. He did suggest, however, that slightly more flexibility
would allow the institutions to better respond to these changes.
Regent Orr reported that the group then discussed its continuing
study of the use of budget incentives to effect changes in curriculum and
program array. Citing a lengthy study of performance funding around the
country, he noted that this is an area of increasing interest which will
continue to be studied by the group. The working group was also presented
with information about UW-Extension's credit and non-credit system
programming. Regent Orr noted that Extension is working with other UW
institutions in some "promising" areas. At the next meeting, the working
group will again be studying the use of budget incentives, as well as
trying to understand why collaborative programming hasn't been more
successful within the UW System. He noted that the presentation on
Distance Education had indicated that some progress in collaboration has
been made, and that this area of the group's inquiry might overlap with
that of the Working Group on Instructional Technology and Distance
Education, but suggested that the issue needs to be examined to determine
if there are ways to structure incentives to encourage more collaboration
and to reduce disincentives.
Regent Gelatt asked whether the group had suggestions about
improving responsiveness to rapid changes in student demand if staffing is
based on tenured professors. Regent Orr replied that faculty help to
identify changes, too, and that the institutions are quite responsive to
changes; however, flexibility is needed in the area of academic staff,
supplies, and in balancing salaries and supply accounts to provide better
service to the students. Some additional flexibility, he predicted, would
pay dividends.
*
Working Group on Access and Affordability
Regent Hempel, Chair, observed that as this study progresses her
group has found a wide array of issues to address. To respond efficiently
to this phenomenon, the Working Group on Access and Affordability has
divided into sub groups to highlight particular areas of interest.
Chancellor John Kerrigan has assumed a responsibility for pursuing the
affordability section; Interim Chancellor Jan Womack will be the liaison
with the working group focussing on Instructional Technology and Distance
Education; Regent Smith has undertaken the study of time and credits to
degree, which overlaps with his work on the Education Committee and with
the work already undertaken at the various institutions; Kris Mcgrew of
UW-Extension has been studying why students choose to attend the UW System
rather than the technical college system, and how to enhance the state's
investment in its educational assets by working with the K-12 system to
advise students on their decisions about higher education. Regent Hempel
noted that the conclusions reached by these sub-groups should help the
working group achieve its goal of providing the UW System with
recommendations for its budget process, as well as to suggest future
agenda items for the Business and Finance and Education Committees.
Regent Hempel then summarized a few of the policy issues being
studied by the working group. She noted that President Lyall's
presentation to the Business and Finance Committee [to be discussed below]
had made her aware that the group's discussions of state supported
financial aid have been too narrow, and that they may need to look at more
alternatives to make education more affordable--these may include
providing more support for the UW-Foundation's fund-raising efforts,
assisting private financing of financial aid, containing the growth and
cost of room and board, encouraging high school seniors to make better use
of advanced placement courses, and/or ensuring that students who can are
able to use the UW Centers for summer school education at a reasonable
cost.
One sub-group will be looking at technology and instructional
productivity; its members have been discussing barriers to the
implementation of new technology for learning efficiency, and how much
help the faculty might need in time, supplies and expense of software to
facilitate more efficient learning. Regent Hempel stated that she
considers this area to be quite promising. She was careful to define what
is meant by "instructional productivity," noting that the term is not
intended to describe how hard people work; rather, it addresses the
technologies people have at their disposal and the way work and its
results are prioritized.
*
Working Group on Future Funding and Revenue Structures
Regent Gelatt, Chair, recalled that, at the last meeting,
projections of future expenses and revenues had identified a likely gap of
over $150 Million to occur ten years from now. The committee has been
looking at both what might be done to slow the growth of expenses and what
might be done to try to raise revenues over the next ten years. To help
develop ideas, the committee has been reviewing funding and expense
structures of comparable institutions--in November, it looked at
comparisons of revenue and expense structures between Madison and its
peers and Milwaukee and its peers; in December, it looked at comprehensive
institutions. The committee noted that in almost all of the peer
comparisons the fraction of state support of the peers was lower than the
fraction of the state support for the Wisconsin institutions and the
fraction of tuition revenue is higher. Regent Gelatt noted that several
options for "closing the gap" were discussed, and that they will be
discussed further at a meeting scheduled for December 20, 1995, in order
to meet the goal of producing some results by the February 1996 meeting.
Items which will be discussed further include: statutory language changes
which might increase flexibility in the use of auxiliary reserves for
related purposes; various tuition structures, such as the viability of a
market-based rather than a cost-based tuition and the removal of
constraint that all comprehensive institutions charge the same tuition;
the possible revenue effects of closing or privatizing campuses, of
combining or restructuring the Center System, and encouraging
comprehensive campuses to recruit more out of state students (to the
extent that they have space available) in order to gain a tuition which is
more than the average cost of instruction.
Regent Gelatt concluded that the working group is still working on
developing a final definition of what it will report, but that he
anticipates reporting options for expense cuts or revenue increases to be
achieved through significant changes to the extent that it's required in
the biennial budget process. The problem exists because of a projected
gap that will occur based on current expectations that state revenue will
not keep pace with growth in enrollments and the cost of instruction;
thus, one of the roles of the Board will be to try and convince the
Legislature and the citizens of Wisconsin of the importance of public
higher education.
Regent Krutsch pointed out that the definition of "unmet need" in
the area of financial aid sometimes assumed no financial contribution from
the student, and asked whether the group was considering whether to
require students to work some hours during the school and in the summers,
or to redefine "unmet need" in the process of considering these questions.
Regent Gelatt replied that this might be a question to be addressed by the
Working Group on Access and Affordability. Regent Krutsch later commented
that, in the future, the greatest decisions by the Board may be to make
choices about what the UW System chooses to subsidize with tax-payer
money, and she asked whether this issue would be addressed by this working
group. Regent Gelatt replied that it may fall within the issue of market-
based versus cost-based pricing for tuition. Regent Krutsch inquired
further about making decisions about what is purchased with that payment,
an issue which Regent Gelatt agreed would arise in future discussions
about the allocation of the base budget.
Regent Barry observed that, while it is often perceived that
individuals might attend technical college prior to transferring to the
university to earn degrees, some people who obtain degrees from the
university eventually attend technical college to learn job-related
skills. He then asked whether the discussions about the UW-Centers might
include aligning them more with the Technical College System. Regent
Gelatt asked if this might mean improving the alliance between the four-
year institutions and the Technical Colleges; Regent Barry replied that
this pattern suggests that there may be a need for a foundation of
intellectual skills to which the technical skills are added.
*
Working Group on Mission and Roles
Regent Lubar, Chair, reported that the group had spent the morning
and early part of the afternoon listening the chancellors comment on
questions relating to the role of the Regents and System Administration,
potential changes in roles, missions and rules that would allow
institutions to better accomplish their goals; they were also asked to
highlight what makes their institution distinctive. The first question
requested that Chancellors describe their views of the role of the Regents
and/or System Administration; they were also asked to suggest changes.
Regent Lubar commented with interest on the similarity of responses,
noting that a common theme throughout the responses was that the Board
should focus more on broad system-wide goals; that the Regents and System
Administration should provide a supportive environment for creative and
flexible planning; that there is a need for more institutional autonomy;
and that opportunities for cooperation among campuses should be
encouraged. It was believed that the Regents and System Administration
should focus less attention on management details and more attention on
what institutions are doing to accomplish their missions; further,
Chancellors asked that reporting burdens be reduced where possible. It
was also clear that Chancellors believe the Regents should be stronger
advocates for the UW System and its institutions and help to educate
Wisconsin citizens on the importance of the UW System to the health of the
state. Chancellor Ward noticed that the reputation of UW-Madison improves
as one moves farther away from the state, and he suggested that there
should be a more positive focus in Wisconsin on the excellent work of
faculty, staff and students who make the system great.
The second question asked about changes that might be made in the
missions of the institutions. For the most part, the chancellors
indicated that there was no need for large changes in their institutions'
missions; instead, they felt they needed flexibility to accomplish their
existing missions more fully--in particular, several cited the need for
more flexibility in areas of personnel and use of auxiliary resources.
The third question asked how institutions can address pressing
needs, particularly for professional development and instructional
technology in an environment of declining state support or (at best) the
same level of state support. The group was informed of several
strategies: institutions' strategic planning to reallocate base funds to
fund initiatives in high priority programs; partnerships among
institutions and with the private sector to respond to changing needs;
increased fund-raising efforts, seeking additional gifts and grants and
alternative sources of funding--although it was clear that donors expect
to contribute to a margin of excellence and do not expect their gifts to
substitute for state funding; funding staff professional development (a
high priority) through base reallocation of external funds; and finally,
exploring the possibility of allowing faculty and staff to take advantage
of the expertise within the System (i.e., allowing them to take courses
without charge) to help keep pace with changing technologies. Two major
points were made concerning changing technology. The first recognized
that technological advances are affecting both instructional and
administrative processes; the second noted that, while chancellors embrace
technology, they acknowledge that it is a very expensive investment.
The fourth question asked whether the possible creation of an
incentive fund would encourage implementation of state wide goals. Regent
Lubar reported that, in general, while there was some enthusiasm for an
incentive fund supported by new monies, there was no support if these
weren't new funds coming in. In effect, the chancellors cautioned that
the fund must be large enough to foster creative work, but it should be
established with new money since we are not now fully funding basic needs.
There is some concern that an incentive fund would create additional work
and a win/loose environment that might outweigh the benefits to be
derived. One chancellor talked about encouraging risk and emphasized that
such a program should have at its core that success would be rewarded
while failure would not be punished.
The fifth question asked what synergies within the UW System would
help each Chancellor's institution better achieve its missions and
ambitions. The common theme in the responses was recognition of the
amazing resources within the UW System, that these resources can be shared
better, that policies should encourage collaboration within the UW System
to improve program array, avoid unnecessary duplication, improve transfer
of credits and share expertise for professional development and training.
Chancellors were asked what rules, regulations or policies should be
rescinded or modified to help them lead or manage. Responses provided a
number of specific examples relating to fiscal management, personnel
administration and reporting requirements. For example, Chancellors would
like to be permitted to move funds freely from one expenditure category or
budget line to another so that they can react to what the market is asking
for. They could be more responsive if the rules regarding program revenue
funds were relaxed. Personnel issues received some attention: An
interest was expressed in creating a category of non-tenure track faculty
(which would require changes in Chapter 36 of the State Statutes as well
as other revisions in the Administrative Code); and it was reported to be
difficult to reconcile the need to hire creative professionals within the
requirements of the Classified Personnel System. In addition, the group
was reminded that some measures of accountability do not track quality
well in the current environment, and that concepts of faculty workload are
changing dramatically with new instructional technologies
Finally, Chancellors highlighted the distinctive character of their
institutions. Obvious differences between institutions are due to size,
mission and character. The chancellors' statements asked the group to
understand that their missions do not need to be revised so much as the
institutions need to be empowered to carry them out more completely and
efficiently. Upon the conclusion of the presentations, Senior Vice
President Sanders agreed to do a report for the February 1996 meeting to
suggest ways to increase managerial authority and flexibility. At that
meeting, the experiences of other Systems, particularly Oregon and
Maryland will be reviewed and considered.
Regent Lubar concluded his report by observing that the findings of
each of the working groups seemed to be coalescing. Regent Grebe asked
whether the group had discussed the role of the Board of Regents. Regent
Lubar replied that, while there was a degree of reluctance to offer
critique, no one suggested eliminating the Board; rather, it is perceived
as a necessary part of the system.
*
Working Group on Instructional Technology and Distance Education
Regent Dreyfus announced that this group has essentially concluded
its task and is prepared to submit its final report at the appropriate
time. In that report, four key policy issues will be identified: one will
assess the role of distance education and instructional technology on the
campus and inter-campus as being primarily to respond to student needs;
second, a policy proposal relating to both internal (within a campus and
between UW institutions) and external (with K-12, technical colleges,
businesses, communities and perhaps the CIC); third, a policy to deal with
the adequacy of instructional technology resources; and finally, a policy
to provide incentives (such as funding incentives, as well as influencing
promotion and tenure decisions) for the development of faculty competence,
participation and utilization of instructional technologies.
Regarding the first proposed policy recommendation and drawing a
distinction between current and potential students, Regent Gelatt asked
whether the recommendation represents a decision not to provide
instruction to those who are not currently students. Regent Dreyfus
explained that the policy is to be driven by student needs; no distinction
was made between those on campus and outreach for others not currently
enrolled. Regent Grebe noted that, as he understood it, the policy will
be driven not by the technology but rather by a desire to be responsive to
the needs of the student consumers.
