Back to Regent Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Held in the Tamarack Room, Davies Center
Friday, October 6, 1995
8:35 a.m.
- Vice President Lubar presiding -
PRESENT: Regents Barry, Benson, Brown, De Simone, Dreyfus, Gelatt, Grebe,
Hempel, James, Krutsch, Lubar, MacNeil, Orr, Randall, Smith and
Steil
ABSENT: Regent Budzinski
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the September 7 and 8, 1995, meetings of the Board of
Regents were unanimously approved as distributed.
- - -
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Report of the Regent members of the Higher Educational Aids Board
Regent Vice President Lubar noted that a written report had been
submitted. Regent Gelatt asked whether the Board will be responsible for
administering its portion of the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant Program
as of the 1996-97 academic year. Regent Krutsch replied that she believed
that it would not be responsible for administrative duties, but would be
responsible for recommending distribution of funds.
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Report of the Regent member of the Wisconsin Technical College System
Board
There were no questions regarding the Report of the Wisconsin
Technical College System which had been submitted by Regent Barry.
- - -
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEM
President Lyall began her report by introducing Chancellor Schnack of
UW-Eau Claire, which hosted the October 1995 meeting of the Board of
Regents. Chancellor Schnack introduced Provost Smelstor, who would be
discussing the effects of the review of curriculum which UW-Eau Claire had
undertaken. The chancellor highlighted two results of this review: the
creation of the Division of Information and Technology Management which
provides technological support for new curriculum and new modes of
instruction, and a reorganization which ensures the most efficient and
effective structure to support the curriculum and instructional program.
He noted that these were institutional initiatives driven by broad
discussion within the faculty and that the initiatives provided
opportunities for reallocation of scarce resources. Pointing out that
planning and preparing for the future is a continuous process at UW-Eau
Claire, Chancellor Schnack stated that with the continued attention and
hard work of the faculty and staff, UW-Eau Claire will be prepared for
whatever fiscal future awaits it.
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Presentation: "Fit the Future - UWEC in the 21st Century - Provost
and Vice Chancellor Marjorie Smelstor
Provost Smelstor introduced her presentation by noting that three
particular areas (curriculum, organization and technology) had been
addressed in UW-Eau Claire's preparations for the future. Agreeing with
Chancellor Schnack's observation that "curriculum drives everything we
do," Provost Smelstor added that the subject and method of teaching are
"core" issues at UW-Eau Claire. To address these issues, UW-Eau Claire
engaged in a five year process to redefine the baccalaureate degree, and
has begun the process of implementing the new degree. Socrates'
admonition that "the unexamined life is not worth living," was extended to
UW-Eau Claire's curriculum, as Provost Smelstor suggested that "the
unexamined curriculum is not worth teaching." Thus, UW-Eau Claire
thoughtfully and systematically examined "what it teaches and how it
teaches" over a five-year period, and produced significant changes
informed by a particular philosophy. Citing the document that contains
the philosophy of new degree, she asserted that the baccalaureate at the
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire represents more than a collection of
courses and credits, more than the delivery of facts and information, and
more than a set of requirements: "Most of all," she said, "it represents
a set of expectations." Undergraduates are expected to leave UW-Eau
Claire prepared to be citizens of the future and to become leaders who
will shape the 21st century; they will be liberally educated and equipped
to assume specific careers; their broad-based education will provide them
with the flexibility and opportunity to perform not only their first jobs,
but also their last jobs.
Eleven goals have been identified to help UW-Eau Claire students meet
the university's expectations. Those goals include developing an
understanding of a liberal education, gaining a historical consciousness,
and developing the ability to think, analyze, and understand numerical
data. Provost Smelstor provided a booklet of essays used as part of a
freshman colloquium and written by members of the UW-EC university
community. In the colloquium, this text is used to teach the newest
members about the eleven goals which make up the new degree. Provost
Smelstor noted that this curriculum review was not only broad, but
detailed, as all departments were encouraged to examine curricula,
redefine majors and develop a vision of the future for their particular
graduates. Every department produced a five year curriculum and staffing
plan to help produce these changes, which in turn will help the campus
with the next planning effort, which aims to review all programs and
services during the coming year. This new effort will ask the university
community to examine and categorize every program and service: those that
are essential to the UW-Eau Claire mission, those that are less essential,
and those that will be essential in the future.
In the course of redefining the UW-Eau Claire baccaluareate degree,
the university found it necessary to address its organizational structure.
This occurred in large and small ways, as in the reduction of the school
structure (shifting from six schools to three colleges, and from five to
three deans), and the elimination of the School of Graduate Studies
resuting in decentralized graduate education. These changes have not only
resulted in fiscal economies but have also renewed connections between
disciplines, such as those in the new College of Professional Studies.
Provost Smelstor noted the integration of technology into the
institution, citing the computers available for students (11 students per
computer) and faculty, the establishment of distance education courses,
and the development of the awareness among faculty and staff that
technology is a means to an end, not an end in itself--and that the goal
is to educate UW-Eau Claire's students for the twenty-first century. She
concluded her presentation that UW-Eau Claire is not, as science fiction
writer Ray Bradbury described it, trying to "prevent the future."
Instead, it is trying to plan and prepare both itself and its students for
it.
President Lyall asked the provost if she could discuss the text used
in the freshman colloquium; Provost Smelstor noted that, in previous
years, the colloquium had relied on autobiographies augmented by
discussions with the authors. This year, since this freshman class serves
as "pioneers" in the new curriculum, the booklet of eleven essays produced
by UW-Eau Claire faculty and staff introduces them to the university
community. Following President Lyall's report, Regent Krutsch commended
Chancellor Schnack, Provost Smelstor, and the UW-Eau Claire faculty and
staff for undertaking a "thoughtful and difficult process of strategic
curricular redesign" to impove the quality of education and save money.
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Preliminary Enrollments: Semester I, 1995-96
Noting that the final enrollment counts would not be available until
November, President Lyall reported that the preliminary enrollment figures
suggest that the Semester I 1995-96 enrollment will be about 1% below the
previous year's level, and 2% below the target level (126,480) for this
year. She reminded the Board that fall 1995 was predicted to be the first
year of a demographic upturn in the number of Wisconsin High School
graduates seeking admission to the UW System, and that, as predicted, the
new freshman and transfer enrollments have increased. The number of
continuing students, however, is lower than anticipated--a trend
experienced by the Wisconsin Technical College System as well as
nationally. President Lyall suggested that this might be due to the
"extremely robust" labor market in Wisconsin which might "entice" students
to work for a semester or a year before returning to school. Further, the
discussions of anticipated cuts in federal student financial aid might
also contribute to students' reluctance to bypass current job
opportunities. These factors suggest that the enrollment increase is
simply being delayed until these students return to school when the
economy softens. President Lyall noted that, in the presentations to the
Board as part of the "Planning for the UW System in the 21st Century"
study on October 5, 1995, Dr. Paul Voss had discussed similarly complex
factors associated with individual decisions about work and study.
In discussion following President Lyall's report, Regent Krutsch
inquired about the current policies for student re-entry and asked whether
their "unpredictable" re-entry might challenge the system. President
Lyall noted that this is a good question which needs to be addressed,
since the current policy allows students to re-enter if they had "stopped
out" in good standing--the system might be stressed if many students
reentered at once. She noted that surveys of students who have not
returned this fall had been suggested, and that such a survey might
indicate whether this phenomenon is driven by the job market or other
factors.
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Federal Financial Aid Cuts
President Lyall noted that the combined effect of state and federal
budget cuts could significantly impact the ability of UW-System
institutions to serve students and the needs of the state. She cited the
critical example of recently passed Senate resolutions that would cut
$10.4 billion from student financial aid over the next seven years. The
key components of this legislation are:
Estimated Cost
to UW System
(Millions of dollars per year)
* An annual .85% tax on student loans, paid by
institutions' state funds (i.e., the tax may not be
paid from raising tuition or fees) $1.67M/yr.
* Direct lending would be capped at 20% of loan volume;
the $10 loan fee paid to direct lending institutions
would be eliminated (3 of our institutions, Milwaukee,
Eau Claire and Superior, are participants in this
program serving more than 25,000 students) $ .12M/yr.
* The interest subsidy for student loans during the six-
month grace period before repayment begins would be
eliminated for all new borrowers--adding about 4% to
the capitalized value of an average student loan of
$9,000 $4-5M/yr.
TOTAL: $5.7-6.7M/yr.
President Lyall summed up these actions by noting that their total
cost would more than double the $5 million tuition offset surcharge in the
state budget, with the result that UW students and institutions will have
to increasingly struggle to maintain educational opportunity. She further
noted that the tax on student loans penalizes UW System universities
serving needy students, and sets a precedent which might lead citizens to
expect similar taxes on state funding of medical care, corrections,
environmental preservation and other areas.
President Lyall urged the necessity to speak out in opposition to
these "devastating and counterproductive attacks on educational
opportunity for the next generation." Calling them "hasty and ill-
conceived reductions in our most important investment for the future,"
President Lyall observed that these cuts penalize students who are willing
to struggle and incur significant debt to earn a college education. She
reported that she has written to the Wisconsin Congressional delegation,
asking them to oppose the final adoption of this package which would
affect more than 60,000 UW students, and encouraged others to follow suit.
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In Memorium
Walter Malzahn (1899-1995)
President Lyall observed the passing of Walter Malzahn, a West Bend
business and civic leader, who died in September 1995 at age 96. Briefly
recounting the history of Mr. Malzahn's connections with the UW System,
she reported that this 1919 graduate of UW-Madison's School of Business
and recipient of its Distinguished Business Alumnus Award was devoted both
to UW-Madison and to UW Center-Washington County in West Bend, where his
gifts supplemented a classroom modernization grant in developing distance
education and multimedia learning facilities on campus. The Phyllis R.
Malzahn Memorial Scholarship, endowed in memory of his late wife of 69
years, is the largest such fund anywhere in the UW Centers and provides a
two-year, $6,000 grant to a Washington County graduate who goes on to
pursue a degree in special education.
*
Robert J. Doyle
Robert J. Doyle, a 1938 UW-Madison journalism graduate who became a
legendary reporter for the Milwaukee Journal during World War II, passed
away on September 24. Mr. Doyle served the Wisconsin State Universities
System as its director of public relations, and went on to serve the UW
System as an assistant to the president and as a staff associate,
providing support in the areas of public information and legislative
affairs, until he retired in 1985. President Lyall credited his
communications skills for helping the university systems make a smooth
transition after the systems were merged in 1971.
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Good News Items
UW-Oshkosh: Merit Scholarship Endowment Fund
President Lyall noted that UW-Oshkosh continues to attract
contributions for student scholarships from individuals in the Oshkosh
community, reporting that Edward and Belle Rudoy have pledged $100,000 to
establish an endowment fund for merit scholarships beginning in 1996.
President Lyall commented that the anticipated reductions in federal
student aid will make such contributions more important than ever in
keeping educational opportunity alive for Wisconsin citizens.
*
UW-Parkside: Phoenix Award
President Lyall offered congratulations to UW-Parkside professor Dale
Wheeler, who received a Phoenix Award from the American Chemical Society
for coordinating National Chemistry Week activities in Wisconsin. This
award recognizes activities that increase public awareness of the
contributions of chemistry to society and everyday life and encourages
elementary students to develop an interest in studying science. Among
other activities, the program provided free admission for more than 3,500
students from nine counties to visit Discovery World Museum in Milwaukee,
courtesy of W. H. Brady Co., Miller Brewing, and the American Chemical
Society.
*
UW-Milwaukee: The Riverwest Public Community School Project
Faculty from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are lending their
expertise to a new concept in community redevelopment. The Riverwest
Public Community School Project is a program to extend the use of
neighborhood public schools beyond the traditional 8 to 4 school day, to
extend education beyond the three R's, and to expand schools into places
where both students and neighborhood residents acquire education and learn
skills as they work on projects to benefit the community. Ten UWM faculty
members from seven departments and centers are participating in the
project.
UW-Milwaukee: Campus Open House, "Showcase for Learning"
President Lyall reported that the UW-Milwaukee campus was planning to
hold an open house on October 13 and 14. The "Showcase for Learning"
would be directed at prospective students and parents, community members
and others
interested in learning about the variety of exciting opportunities
available at UW-Milwaukee.
*
UW-Whitewater: Minority Science and Math Program
Concluding her report, President Lyall noted that UW-Whitewater has
established a Minority Science and Math Program through a working
agreement with Milwaukee Public Schools and with support from the GE
Corporation and Abbott Laboratories. This is one of a number of pre-
college programs mounted by UW institutions in partnership with DPI and
the public schools across the state. Targeting minority students, these
programs stimulate individual aspirations and a desire to study subjects
that can lead to opportunities in higher education and professional
careers.
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REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Regent Dreyfus, Chair, reported that Resolutions 7023-7028 had been
adopted by Physical Planning and Development Committee and moved their
approval as consent agenda items. Seconded by Regent De Simone, the
Resolutions passed unanimously.
UW System: Approval of 1997-99 Capital Budget Priorities and Ranking
Criteria
Resolution 7023: That, upon the recommendation of the President of
the University of Wisconsin System, emphasis of
facilities maintenance, academic significance, and
operating efficiencies be adopted as the basis for
prioritizing and categorizing GPR projects over
$250,000 for inclusion in the System's 1997-99
Capital Budget, as supported through the use of
the ranking criteria appearing in attached
Appendix A;
That other factors may be considered by System
Administration and the Board of Regents in ranking
GPR major projects to address unique circumstances
such as emerging, critical initiatives
(instructional technology changes and
partnerships); accreditation requirements;
historic value of facilities; and outside funding
opportunities;
That all GPR projects requiring enumeration must
be supported by a completed Campus Space Use Plan;
That, at all stages of the priority setting
process, consideration be given to the
institutional priority established by each
Chancellor;
That additional guidelines which may be
established by the Department of
Administration will be addressed in the
context of the foregoing framework.
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UW System: Approval of 1995-99 Program Revenue Contribution to
Central Utilities Capital Costs
Resolution 7024: That, upon the recommendation of the President of
the University of Wisconsin System, the revised
assessments shown in the table below be adopted
for each university as the annual Program Revenue
contributions to capital costs of central campus
utilities, for the period FY 1995-96 through FY
1997-98:
Institution Annual Program Revenue Contribution
1990-94 1995-98
UW-Eau Claire $ 57,600 +69.3% = $ 97,500
UW-Green Bay 8,200 13,900
UW-LaCrosse 58,200 98,500
UW-Madison 332,200 562,300
UW-Milwaukee 57,100 96,700
UW-Oshkosh 59,100 100,000
UW-Parkside 16,400 27,800
UW-Platteville 42,300 71,600
UW-River Falls 43,600 73,800
UW-Stevens Point 65,900 111,600
UW-Stout 49,300 83,500
UW-Superior 21,000 35,500
UW-Whitewater 75,200 127,300
Total Ann. Contribution $886,100
$1,500,000
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UW-Madison: Approval of Design Report and authority to construct an
Herrick Drive Incinerator Replacement project, $930,800 General Fund
Supported Borrowing - Health, Safety and Environment Funds
Resolution 7025: 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 Herrick
Drive Incinerator Replacement project at a cost of
$930,800, using All-Agency Health, Safety and
Environment Funds.
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UW-Parkside: Approval of Design Report and authority to construct a
Primary Electrical Distribution System Repair project, $912,700
General Fund Supported Borrowing - Utilities Repair and Renovation
funds
Resolution 7026: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Parkside
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, the Design Report be approved
and authority granted to construct the Primary
Electrical Distribution System Repair project at
UW-Parkside, at a cost of $912,700, using All-
Agency Utilities Repair and Renovation Funds.
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UW-Superior: Approval of sale of land for $12,500
Resolution 7027: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Superior
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authority be granted to sell a
25 ft. x 125 ft. unimproved parcel of land
(approximately .07 acre) on Belknap Street to the
adjacent land owner for $12,500.
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UW-Green Bay: Approval to plan an addition to the Weidner Center at a
cost of up to $5 million, Gift Funds
Resolution 7028: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Green Bay
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authority be granted to:
1) increase the scope of the original Weidner
Center for the Performing Arts project to
enable construction of additional space, and
2) use gift funds to hire a consultant to
develop cost estimates, preliminary plans
and a Design Report. Very preliminary
estimates indicate a likely cost in the
range of $4 million to $5 million.
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Regent Drefus added the following comments before the Resolutions
were adopted by the Board: First, that the project cited in Resolution
7028 will be funded entirely by gifts; next, he noted that the capital
budget (Resolution 7023) requires an itemization of everything over
$250,000 in capital expenditure. Regent Dreyfus suggested that the
$250,000 figure, established 28 years ago, should be changed to reflect a
more current amount. Noting that the equivalent indexed adjusted number
today is $1 million dollars, Regent Dreyfus suggested that using an
adjusted figure would reduce unnecessary workload and increase efficiency.
Regent Lubar asked whether the incinerator referred to in Resolution
7025 provides a valid means of disposal, in compliance with EPA
guidelines. Vice President Paul Brown noted that it is being replaced
because it is currently non-conforming, and that the new incinerator will
meet both present and future requirements.
Regent Grebe asked whether there is a procedure for communicating UW-
System priorities to DOA in the new environment. Regent Dreyfus stated
that priorities are forwarded promptly to DOA. The work that moves
projects toward design and implementation, which used to be performed by
UW-System Administration, is now DOA's responsibility; they must determine
what work they have to do to assist the campuses with engineering for
design and estimation.
- - -
REPORT OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The report was provided by Regent Gelatt, Chair, who began by noting
that Resolutions 7029-7031 had been approved as consent agenda items by
the Business and Finance Committee, and made a motion for their approval
by the Full Board. Regent Steil seconded the motion, and the resolutions
passed unanimously.
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Competition with the Private Sector Challenge, i.e. Sewing With Nancy
Resolution 7029: That the Board of Regents authorizes UW-Extension
to enter into an agreement with Nancy Zieman,
Nancy's Notions, Ltd., for the period January 1,
1996, through December 31, 1996, to co-produce a
television series, Sewing With Nancy, under the
provisions of the Regents' policy on competition
with the private sector.
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UW System Liability Coverage
Resolution 7030: That, upon the recommendation of the Business and
Finance Committee, System Administration negotiate
with the Department of Administration on ways to
more economically provide liability insurance
coverage, possibly through the private sector or
another method.
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Study of Mainframe Computer Services, UW-Madison
Resolution 7031: 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 approves, as submitted, the plan to
contract with independent consultants for a study
of mainframe computing services at UW-Madison, as
required by Section 9157(2at) of the 1995-97
biennial budget bill and, directs that it be
transmitted to the Co-chairpersons of the Joint
Committee on Finance and the Co-chairpersons of
the Joint Committee on Information Policy.
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Prior to the vote, Regent Gelatt commented on the Resolutions.
Regarding Resolution 7029, he explained that, following discussion at the
September meeting, he had appointed a subcommittee consisting of Regents
James, Hempel and Orr (with Regent Gelatt serving as an ex officio
member). On October 3, the subcommittee met to review the challenge by
WKOW-TV to a co-production agreement between Wisconsin Public Television
and Nancy Zieman, Nancyþs Notions, Ltd., under the Regentsþ policy on
competition with the private sector. The parties or their representatives
were present as observers. The subcommittee voted not to consider the two
additional issues that WKOW proposed concerning the 1993 contract, and
discussed only the proposed co-production agreement for the period January
1, 1996, through December 31, 1996. The subcommittee unanimously approved
a motion to permit UW-Extension to enter into an agreement with Nancy
Zieman, Nancyþs Notions, Ltd., for the period January 1, 1996, through
December 31, 1996, to co-produce a television series, Sewing with Nancy,
under the provisions of the Regentsþ policy on competition with the
private sector. Under the provisions of the competition policy, decisions
are to be approved by the full Board.
The development of Resolution 7030 had been prompted by questions
raised at the September 1995 meeting. The Committee had asked about
insurance coverages and liabilities of the Board of Regents; a written
report was provided to the Committee. General Counsel Stathas and UW
System Risk Manager Dave Pulda answered questions at the October 5, 1995
meeting. Regents had questioned the high ratio of premiums to claims, and
noted that private insurance would provide loss control services in
addition to insurance coverage. This Resolution directs System
Administration to investigate possible cost reductions, including private
coverage, with the Department of Administration.
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Report on Common Processes
Regent Gelatt reported that discussion following the presentation of
the 1995 Strategic Plan for Information Technology at the June 1995
meeting had led to a number of suggestions offered by the Committee for
enhancement of the Strategic Plan, one of which was to supplement the 1995
academically-focused plan with comparable planning for common information
systems and business processes. The Committee had requested an interim
briefing at the October meeting.
Associate Vice President Alley reviewed typical functional processes
required to run most universities and the four categories of common
systems: data, transactions, software and processing center. He noted
that common processes are an extension of the concept of common systems
and stated that, to date, there has been a relatively less ambitious
collection of institutional initiatives in this area. He indicated that
Senior Vice President Sanders is leading an effort to introduce common
process reengineering into the Universityþs systems management. This will
begin with a small number of reengineering pilots in areas which are
already accustomed to systemwide cooperation. These might include the
systemwide budget process, procurement and fiscal audit.
The Committee requested that staff return at the December meeting
with a set of criteria and priorities of common functionalities as well as
a tentative schedule. They noted the importance of setting goals prior to
making budget requests. A formal report on plans and progress will be
included in the 1996 Strategic Plan for Information Technology at the June
1996 Business and Finance Committee meeting.
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UW-Eau Claire: Presentation, "Institutional Planning in a System
Context"
A presentation was made to the Committee by Bill Hogue, UW-Eau Claire
Assistant Chancellor for Information Technology Management, who provided
an overview of institutional planning in a system context based on UW-Eau
Claireþs experience. He noted that, although highest priority is given to
attending to the information technology needs of current faculty, students
and staff, it is also important to keep an eye on the future--working with
grade school students today will provide enthusiastic, talented university
students and staff in the future. He emphasized the need to build upon
the strengths of the institution, looking at the mission, affirming its
validity or making changes where necessary and moving forward with a
consistent sense of purpose. He further noted the need for consulting
broadly with faculty, staff and students to identify elements of
information technology support that are essential, those that are useful
and desirable but not absolutely essential, and those that are emerging as
new and important areas for increasing support. Local planning must also
be mindful of the broader picture, the context of systemwide planning and
resource sharing established in partnership with the UW System
Administration and sister institutions with whom ideas are communicated
and shared.
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Trust Funds
Regent Gelatt reported that the Committee approved the proposed
guidelines for the Principal Fund-Intermediate Term Fund. They voted to
amend the small fraction speding plan to set the spending fraction at 5%,
and to permit realized gains to be utilized to maintain the rate.
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Report of the Vice President
Vice President Marnocha had reported to the Committee that total
gifts, grants and contracts for the three-month period ended September 15,
1995, were $208.3 million, an increase of $.6 million over the previous
year. Federal awards increased by $10.5 million, while non-Federal awards
decreased by $9.9 million.
- - -
REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Regent Krutsch, Chair, presented the Committee's report.
Presentation: "Fit for the Future--UW-Eau Claire College of Business
in the 21st Century"
Regent Krutsch summarized this presentation for the Board, and quoted
Provost/Vice Chancellor Marjorie Smelstor as having said that UW-Eau
Claire considers its mission to be primarily as a liberal arts
institution; thus, it uses that curriculum as appropriate preparation for
professional careers. Thomas Dock, Dean of the College of Business,
discussed the business curriculum as "positioned for the future,"
emphasizing the technological and global changes that are driving business
and society. Students are preparing for the 21st century that he
described as a time, not of certainty, but of planned ambiguity.
Regents asked the dean about the program's experiences with
specialized accreditation, with distance education and the economics of
it, and the impetus for the 12 month curriculum. In response to a
question from Regent Lubar, Dean Dock described the area of excellence in
entrepreneurship, a program for "calculated risk takers." Other regents
asked how the program was organized to facilitate the input of outside
business, what the drop-out rate is in the program, the number of students
who work while enrolled and the hours and types of jobs they have. Regent
Smith urged that the program impress upon students the rapid pace of
change of pace is taking place in business today.
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Program Review and Planning in the UW System, 1995-96
Regent Krutsch noted that this report is an annual informational
report that includes academic program changes approved by System
Administration during the past year. She reported Senior Vice President
Ward's observation that the report documents a portion of the considerable
amount of time and effort expended by faculty and administration in the
System each year in the serious task of program review and program
planning. He also acknowledged the continuing concern for the review of
program array (both to watch for unwarranted duplication and to develop
interest in consolidation and cooperative offerings), recognized the
realities of the current national and state fiscal climate, and the
struggle to maintain resources sufficient to sustain the current level of
activities. At the same time, he stressed that new programs which will
drive the future vitality of our institutions must be allowed to emerge.
In response to questions about where the most significant curricular
change takes place, Provost Smelstor and Interim Chancellor Thoyre
described the review processes at their institutions. Regent Smith asked
how the impact of student/market demand for the courses and programs are
taken into account.
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Presentation: UW-River Falls, "Reach for the Future"
A presentation was made by UW-River Falls Chancellor Gary Thibodeau
on the strategic planning process calling for substantial changes at that
campus. Reviews of program array, and the administrative and student
support services within that array have resulted in agreement on 9 goals,
32 objectives and over 90 action steps, a number of which will be agenda
items for future board meetings. The plan calls for a reduction in
undergraduate and graduate program offerings, with a probable 50%
reduction in graduate degree offerings. Regent Smith complimented the
chancellor on this process, noting that even the name of the strategic
plan, "Reach for the Future," is appropriate.
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Revisions to Academic Informational Series
Regent Krutsch noted that, at previous Committee meetings, Senior
Vice President Ward has expressed his concerns about the small number of
new programs proposed by system institutions in recent years. The
campuses also have concerns about the length of time required to develop a
program and the number of steps needed to complete that process. To
address those issues, he formed a Joint UW System/Vice Chancellors'
Program Authorization/Entitlement Working Group.
Regent Krutsch summarized the document provided to the Committee for
a first reading, the revisions to ACIS-1, which was the result of that
group's deliberations. She asserted that while the revised ACIS-1
maintains the focus on general education, on program review, on the close
review of new programs and on cost control, the areas of program
development, implementation of minors, submajors, certificates, emphases,
etc., are more clearly responsibilities of the campuses themselves.
Furthermore, the relationship of UW System Administration to campuses is
somewhat redefined to become more consultative to the campuses and
cooperative in the areas of academic planning and program review.
Regent Krutsch noted several points made in Committee discussion of
these revisions. Associate Vice President Albert Beaver had summarized
the charge to the working group and reviewed the major revisions that are
in the proposal. Provost Howard Cohen (UW-Green Bay), a member of the
working group, said that the current ACIS-1 was probably appropriate at
one time to prevent or control program duplication, but is not appropriate
in the current fiscal and learning environment. Regent Krutsch added that
the Committee will still be able to manage the question of program
duplication; rather, since consultation with System Administration will
occur earlier in the process, these problems may be eased. The revised
document will speed up the process of new program development and foster
responsiveness, dialogue and consultation. Provost Smelstor said that
further streamling is necessary in the campus procedures and that in the
future consideration might be given to delegating all program authority to
the campuses. However, Regent Krutsch expressed her reservations
regarding this because the state-wide vision of System Administration and
the Board is needed to avoid unnecessary duplication and to promote
cooperative initiatives. Regents agreed that the revised document is a
necessary start but more changes need to be made to simplify and speed up
the process and decision-making. Concern was expressed over where the
responsibility for the overall vision of program array lies. Regent Smith
said that the needs of the System must be addressed and the process
changed accordingly, and concluded that some things need to be
decentralized, some centralized, and the board must decide which is which.
Referring to the presentation made by Dennis Jones as part of the
Regent Study of the UW System in the 21st Century, Regent Krutsch noted
that, with more flexibility for the campuses, it becomes even more
important that the Board and System Administration have a clear vision of
the total System mission and the individual campus missions. Those
decisions may become even more important when processes are being
decentralized.
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New Program Authorizations
Regent Krutsch reported that the Committee had an initial review of
proposals to authorize seven new degree programs. Senior Vice President
Ward had noted that, since merger, the system has had a history of
mounting new programs by base reallocation because the state has not
provided funds for new programs. The past year, with one exception, the
UW System has had a freeze on new programs. In the past three years only
ten new programs have been approved.
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Lateral Review on Teacher Education
Regent Krutsch concluded her report by introducing Resolution 7032,
which was adopted by the Education Committee after continued discussion of
the Lateral Review on Teacher Education. She noted that Regent Randall
had expressed his frustration with the lateral review, and its failure to
address what he thinks are necessary components that result in shaping the
profile of a successful teacher. It was agreed that the lateral review
process must be revisited. Regent Krutsch moved adoption of Resolution
7032; her motion was seconded by Regent MacNeil, and it passed
unanimously.
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Lateral Review on Teacher Education
Resolution 7032: The Board of Regents recognizes the UW System's
Colleges, Schools, and Departments of Education
(CSDE) proposed efficiencies, reallocations, and
cooperative programs developed as part of the
lateral review of education. It expects
chancellors at each UW System institution offering
teacher education to be responsible for ongoing
improvements based on principles of
effectiveness, efficiency, inter-institutional
cooperation, geographic access, sensitivity to
market supply and demand, and overall
institutional financial equilibrium.
It expects the CSDE to integrate mission-based use
of technology into its programs, and to
communicate with K-12 schools, employers and the
public as it seeks to improve its programs.
It expects the CSDE to continue its pursuit of
reducing time-to-degree with a goal of four years
for current baccalaureate teaching programs,
recognizing that continuing education for
practicing teachers is an important supplement to
preservice education.
The board believes that the following principles
should undergird teacher education at all UW
System institutions:
1. The central goal for teacher education
programs should be to improve teacher
effectiveness in maximizing individual
K-12 student achievement in both
foundational skills (such as reading,
composition, analytical thinking,
computer literacy) and core academic
areas, and in preparing students for a
variety of post-secondary options.
2. All teachers should be well-grounded
in the disciplinary areas that they
will teach.
3. Admission requirements and exit
standards for teacher education
programs should reflect the goal that
K-12 teachers be intellectual role
models and resources for their
students.
4. The improvement of teacher education
is one of the most important
contributions of the UW System in
response to the public desire to
improve the education of K-12
students.
5. The education of K-12 teachers is a
university-wide responsibility and the
design and implementation of teacher
education programs benefits from more
focused involvement of historians,
mathematicians, scientists, teachers
of literature and composition, and
other scholars in addition to
education faculty.
6. Teacher education programs should
promulgate standards for successful
programs and should have in place
ongoing mechanisms for improvement.
The public, K-12 teachers,
administrators, and school boards, and
representatives of business and
industry have a valuable contribution
to make in evaluating the
effectiveness of teacher education
programs.
Chancellors shall develop appropriate campus
processes to review teacher education
programs and will be responsible for
incorporating the above principles into
reviews.
The Board of Regents will work with state K-
12 education officials to encourage reform
of licensure requirements that is both less
prescriptive and that enunciates clear and
focused standards for entry into the
teaching profession.
In addition, the board encourages UW System
institutions seeking to improve program
quality, effectiveness and efficiency to
consider applying for DPI's experimental
option for program certification and to
consider the following questions in the
design of its programs:
1. What knowledge, skills, and abilities
should be expected of beginning
teachers? (Expectations may differ
according to grade level, discipline,
and other specializations.)
2. How should courses be designed, and
which courses and practicum
experiences should be required so that
beginning teachers have the
foundational knowledge, skills and
abilities to achieve the goal of
maximizing K-12 student achievement?
3. How should admission and exit
standards be designed so as to reflect
principle #3?
4. What are the criteria for a successful
program and what is the mechanism for
ongoing improvement?
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Regent Krutsch added that there had been a great deal of discussion
of the lateral review process, and that she would be circulating suggested
improvements for Regent comment. She reported that Regent Smith had noted
that some of the lateral reviews worked, but that he felt the teacher
education review did not work because it took so long. Another issue was
whether the focus was clear from the outset. Regent Krutsch added that
there also needs to be further input from people on the campus level who
have an overall campus view (ie. chancellors and provosts) in addition to
deans and faculty of the programs to be reviewed.
- - -
ADDITIONAL RESOLUTIONS
Regent Grebe called on Regent Orr to read an additional Resolution.
Before he did so, Regent Orr noted that the members of the Board of
Regents found UW-Eau Claire to be "a most impressive institution," with
"attractive and very, very well maintained" physical facilities, an
"innovative and energetic" faculty and administration, and a "student body
which is engaged and happily engaging." On behalf of the Board of
Regents, Regent Orr moved the adoption of Resolution 7033, which was
seconded by Regent DeSimone, and was unanimously adopted with a show of
applause.
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Resolution of appreciation to UW-Eau Claire
Resolution 7033: Whereas, the Board of Regents is very pleased to
have been invited to hold its October 1995
meetings at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
and to benefit from this opportunity to gain
further appreciation for UW-Eau Claire's
outstanding programs and special contributions to
the University of Wisconsin System; and
Whereas, this visit has been enhanced by an
interesting tour featuring the Information
Technology Resource Center, and informative
presentations on the UW-Eau Claire College of
Business in the 21st Century, Institutional
Planning in a System Context, and the UW-Eau
Claire in the 21st Century; and
Whereas, the warm and gracious hospitality
extended by Chancellor and Mrs. Schnack, the
university community and the people of the Eau
Claire area is deeply appreciated;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of
Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
hereby expresses gratitude to the University of
Wisconsin-Eau Claire and all those involved in
making this visit a very interesting and enjoyable
experience.
- - -
CLOSED SESSION
At 9:28 a.m., the Board of Regents recessed. It reconvened at 9:35,
at which time Regent Brown moved the adoption of Resolution 7034, which
was seconded by Regent Gelatt and adopted by unanimous roll call vote,
with Regents Barry, Benson, Brown, De Simone, Dreyfus, Gelatt, Grebe,
Hempel, James, Krutsch, Lubar, MacNeil, Orr, Randall, Smith and Steil (16)
voting in the affirmative.
Resolution 7034: Recess into closed session to consider personal
histories relating to appointments to Board of
Visitors, UW-Extension, naming of a laboratory at
UW-Stout after a person, and consideration of
honorary degree nominations, UW-Madison, as
permitted by s.19.85(1)(f), Wis. Stats., to
consider a personnel evaluation, and to consider
salary adjustments above the Executive Salary
Group 6 maximum for existing faculty members, UW-
Madison and UW-Milwaukee, 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.
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At 10:45 p.m., the Board arose from closed session, with Resolutions
7035-7038 having been adopted.
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UW-Extension: Appointments to Board of Visitors
Resolution 7035: That, upon the recommendation of the University of
Wisconsin Extension Chancellor and the President
of the University of Wisconsin System, the
following appointments be made to the UW Extension
Board of Visitors:
Colleen Bates (two-year term)
Katherine Burnham (four-year term)
Reverend Larry Drake (three-year term)
James Haney (three-year term)
Daphne Holterman (two-year term)
Richard Lehmann (three-year term)
Barbara Lorman (three-year term)
Tom Lyon (four-year term)
Joseph Maehl (three-year term)
Bob Milbourne (two-year term)
David Newby (four-year term)
Stanley L. Shaw (four-year term)
Don Stevens (two-year term)
Cheri Weinke (four-year term)
Nancy Zieman (two-year term)
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UW-Stout: Proposed naming of a laboratory after a person
Resolution 7036: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-
Stout Chancellor and the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, authority be
granted to name a laboratory (Rooms 318 and
320) in Fryklund Hall the "Geraldine R.
Hedberg Laboratory."
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UW-Madison: Salary adjustment above the Group 6 maximum
Resolution 7037: 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 resulting
in a new salary of A$113,500 be approved for
Professor Charles Cleeland, Department of
Neurology, Medical School, effective January
1, 1996.
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UW-Milwaukee: Salary adjustment above the Group 6 maximum
Resolution 7038: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor
of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and
the President of the University of Wisconsin
System, a temporary base salary adjustment
resulting in a new salary of A$101,000 be
approved for Kenneth Neusen while he serves
as Acting Dean of the College of Engineering
and Applied Science, effective September 1,
1995.
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The meeting adourned at 10:45 a.m.
______________________________
Judith A. Temby, Secretary
October 25, 1995
