Board of Regents
November 1997 Minutes - University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
Friday, November 7, 1997
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, November 7, 1997
9:00 a.m.
-
President Lubar presiding -
PRESENT:
Regents Barry, Benson, Boyle, Brandes, DeBraska, DeSimone, Grebe, Hempel,
James, Lubar, MacNeil, Marcovich, Mohs, Orr, Randall, Smith, and Staszak
ABSENT:
None
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES
There
being no corrections, the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Regents
held on October 10, 1997 were approved as distributed. - - -
REPORT
OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Report
of the November 6th meeting of the Hospital Authority Board
Regent
Lubar observed that Regent Orr had provided a written report of the
November 6th, 1997 meeting of the Hospital Authority Board,
and would answer any questions regarding it. Regent Orr expanded on
the report by noting the following:
-
First quarter
statistics show that hospital operations continue to be doing well:
Admissions were up about 3.9%; patient length of stay is down from
6.3% to 6.0%; overall patient day are about 2.1%; and clinic visits
are up 5.8%. Revenues were over expenses $8.4 million, which was
better than last year and better than predicted in the budget. Regent
Orr added that, as a result of a provision in the affiliation agreement,
the Authority transferred $14.8 million to the Medical School, which
has affected the current cash position.
-
Regent James,
chair of the Quality Assurance Committee, presented a report on
two new initiatives, one in hospital-wide customer relations and
another in performance management.
-
There was a
report on capital projects funded with a $50 million bond issued
by the authority several months ago. Ground was broken for UW Clinics
East in October; building is expected to begin in early spring 1998
for completion in spring 1999. UW Clinics West, also expected to
open in spring 1999, requires more permits, with ground-breaking
and footings still to be completed this fall. Regent Orr observed
that this new facility is expected to house the primary care clinical
practice in a more "patient-friendly" and accessible facility.
-
Regent Orr
concluded his report by noting that the Authority Board had heard
clinical program reports on the Ophthalmology program and Clinical
Cancer Center. The former report was presented by Dr. Daniel Albert,
Chair, who noted that this program is ranked second in the area
of federal research funding, and first in the area of federally
funded researchers. Dr. John Niederhuber, the new Director of the
Clinical Cancer Center, presented the report on that nationally-recognized
program. A proposed merger between the Clinical Cancer Center and
the McArdle Laboratories (also recognized nationally) would created
a "formidable force in cancer research."
-
Legislative
Report
Regent
Lubar stated that Margaret Lewis (Acting Vice President for University
Relations) had provided a Legislative Report and would be able to answer
questions concerning it.
-
ECB
Study Commission
Reporting
that Governor Thompson had set up a commission to study public broadcasting
in Wisconsin, Regent Lubar announced that he had appointed Regent Boyle
to serve as the Board's representative on that commission.
-
- -
REPORT
OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEM
President
Lyall began her report by offering her welcome to the members of the
UW-Extension Administrative Leadership Program who were in attendance.
She noted that this program serves faculty and staff holding administrative
appointments in county extension offices or within a UW institution;
by allowing them an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of UW-Extension
and the UW System, the program encourages participants to expand their
range of administrative skills and their understanding of the state
and university.
-
Presentation:
UW-Whitewater's "Project Assist"
President
Lyall asked Chancellor Greenhill (UW-Whitewater) to introduce John Truesdale
(Director, Disabled Student Services) and Deborah Hall ("Project
Assist"), who presented information on UW-Whitewater's mission
and its special emphasis on serving disabled students. In his introduction,
the Chancellor noted that UW-Whitewater's select mission includes a
specific reference to its responsibility to provide support services
and programs for students with disabilities. Dr. Truesdale began by
observing that UW-Whitewater was a "pioneer" in Wisconsin
when it began providing a formal program and services for students with
disabilities in 1970-71; it is the only campus in Wisconsin and is one
of the few institutions across the nation that provides comprehensive
services to these students. Beginning as a partnership between the university
and the State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the university's
original grant had an annual budget of $20,000, employed two staff and
served only a few students. Twenty-six years later, the campus budget
for direct services exceeds $1 million, and the Disabled Student Services
office accounts for nearly $900,000 of that amount, with an eight person
staff serving between 250 and 300 students. Recognized as one of nation's
leaders in higher education in developing and providing services for
students with disabilities, Dr. Truesdale noted that UW-Whitewater could
credit its success first to the supportive 1973 Board of Regents that
assigned this special mission, and second, to the university's early
interpretation as requiring the provision of services in the broadest
sense. From the beginning, the focus was on developing services to meet
the needs of students with severe disabilities, from retention and graduation
to employment. As a result, UW-W has retained and employed students
at a high rate. Addressing the question of cost of services, Dr. Truesdale
cited statistics supporting the benefits of moving people with disabilities
from being tax-liabilities to being tax assets. Overall, constituents,
parents and students favor these programs. Finally, Dr. Truesdale stressed
that the success of students who happen to have disabilities is due,
not to the work of a single office or department, but to the campus-wide
commitment to the special mission of the University of Wisconsin Whitewater,
from instructors who accommodate students in the classroom, to non-instructional
staff who make necessary exceptions to campus policies, to those who
make possible specially modified residence halls rooms and the expeditious
removal of snow, to a strong central administration and a Board of Regents
that supports these efforts and this mission.
Deborah
Hall then discussed the special support required by students with learning
disabilities and Project Assist, a program designed to meet those needs.
She began by observing that learning disabilities are often misunderstood,
adding that these students have average or above average intelligence.
When Project Assist works with these students, the standards used to
measure success remain unchanged; however, the program does accommodate
the fact that these students gather the information they need to learn
differently and that these students need different ways to express information
once they've learned it. Students (most of whom are freshmen) enter
Project Assist during a summer transition program, and during the school
year they learn skills they need (through workshops or one-on-one tutoring)
to become independent learners. Ms. Hall noted that the goal of the
program is to develop independence by the junior year for successful
transition to employment. Project Assist organizes study groups for
all freshman for courses offered at UW-Whitewater, where students can
"learn how to learn" from each other and develop support
networks; Project Assist students are also offered a variety of leadership
opportunities where they can not only gain further insight about their
own needs, but perform outreach work to ease the transition for other
students who may be in similar circumstances. Occasionally, faculty
will refer students who are having trouble; if appropriate, they are
assessed and diagnosed (in collaboration with the psychology department)
and accommodations are made (such as note taking and test administration)
as needed.
Project
Assist began in 1979 when the faculty and the Department of Special
Education recognized that students with learning disabilities who entered
college needed additional support. Dr. George Mischio, who began the
program, worked with students individually at first. As the program
developed, faculty incorporated it as part of their clinical experiences
for undergraduate and graduate students in special education. In 1985,
Federal Grant support allowed coordinators to train tutors, providing
clinical experience for those students while also providing a more tutors
for students. A 1986 Federal Grant provided funding for the summer transition
program, and in 1987 financial support from the UW System helped the
UW-W take over the financial support for the program until 1992, when
it became a fee- based program, supporting itself except for mandated
accommodations that are supported by the university.
Today,
approximately 50 students enter the summer transition program each year,
direct services are provided to 160 students, and 250 other students
also use the program, which indicates that it is reaching its goal of
fostering independence for its learners. Students in the program are
enrolled in every college on campus and their average grade point achievement
is comparable to their peers'. Ms. Hall concluded her presentation by
reporting that parents express gratitude that the program exists and
has, as one parent stated, "helped so many students to fulfill
their dreams of going to college."
Following
this presentation, Regent James asked whether the students with disabilities
who are served by these programs are able to live in the dorms; Dr.
Truesdale noted that, while the specific situation depends on the student,
the goal is to integrate them into the campus community so that they
have the same experience as non-disabled students. He added that a further
goal is to move them toward independence, too, so later in their university
careers they are encouraged to move into the community. Regent Smith,
who cited the special programs at UW-Oshkosh and UW-Madison, asked whether
other campuses were making efforts to assist students with learning
disabilities. Dr. Truesdale stated that the Americans with Disabilities
Act requires all campuses to make accommodations for students with disabilities;
however, Ms. Hall observed that, while these campuses offer assistance
to these students, UW-Whitewater's program offers an "educational
level" of support, in keeping with the university's unique mission.
Regent Hempel asked if there were instances in which learning disabilities
were discovered when students arrive at the university. Ms. Hall observed
that, since many students with learning disabilities are quite bright,
they may cope better with a high school curriculum; yet when these students
arrive at university, the increased demands of more difficult courses
may bring attention to previously undiagnosed learning disabilities.
To help address this, Project Assist has a relationship with the Department
of Psychology, which provides assistance in diagnosis and assessment.
Regent
Grebe asked whether funds from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
are provided through the institution or to individual students, and
whether they are renewed annually or if they are requested year to year.
Dr. Truesdale responded that these funds are provided as direct support,
purchased services, or as grants, and that the timing also varies, with
some funds renewed on an annual basis and other awards based on performance.
Dr. Truesdale also stated, in response to Regent Grebe's inquiry about
private funding, that a $10,000 private grant was helping support a
summer recreation program for youngsters with disabilities.
Regent
MacNeil asked if Dr. Truesdale could provide student case histories,
asking in particular about their success after graduation. Several students
were mentioned, including a physician, a successful salesman and a supervisor
at a computer company. Yolande Derni, a student currently working with
the Project Assist program, was asked whether she had ever encountered
any resistance to accommodations required for her learning disability;
she replied that she has never had problems and that faculty are helpful
and willing to provide any accommodation requested.
-
Good
News Items
Carnegie
Foundation Wisconsin Professor of the Year
Professor
Donald Kummings (UW-Parkside, Department of English) has been named
the 1997 Carnegie Foundation Wisconsin Professor of the Year. A scholar
specializing in the work of poet Walt Whitman, Dr. Kummings was nominated
for this award by his colleagues and his students. Annually, only one
Carnegie Professor is named from each state. President Lyall observed,
however, that Dr. Kummings is the second UW-Parkside faculty member
to receive this honor -- Professor John Buenker was so honored in 1990.
She commended Dr. Kummings, and congratulated him and UW-Parkside.
-
Wisconsin
Blue Book
President
Lyall also observed that the 1997-98 Wisconsin Blue Book, the
standard reference source for information on state government, had been
recently released. She noted that this year's edition contains a feature
essay by Professor Susan Paddock (UW-Extension) on "The Changing
World of Wisconsin Local Government."
-
Wisconsin
Public Radio Governor's Award
Congratulations
were offered to Wisconsin Public Radio for receiving the first Governor's
Award in the Humanities for its nationally syndicated program, "Morning
Edition." President Lyall, noting that she frequently listens to
this program, praised the breadth of topics, personal interviews, and
good humor of this program, observing that "we can be proud of
this Wisconsin export."
-
UW-Milwaukee
in Library Collaborative
Noting
that "collaboration" and "partnership" are indicative
of the continuing effort to stretch resources and operate efficiently,
President Lyall reported on one such effort between UW-Milwaukee's Golda
Meir Library and the libraries at Marquette University and Medical College
of Wisconsin. The Cooperative Access Program, which shares research
collections between the faculty and students of all three institutions,
was spurred by the skyrocketing cost of journal subscriptions and other
library materials. These expenses could have forced all three institutions
to cancel subscriptions to stay within their budgets; a problem of particular
concern for UWM, since UW libraries have not had budget increases for
a decade. President Lyall commended UWM Library Director, Peter Watson-Boone,
for leading this collaborative effort which will benefit all three institutions.
-
UW-La
Crosse: Environmental Protection Agency Grant
UW-La
Crosse recently received an Environmental Protection Agency grant of
$650,000 to support research to predict agricultural discharges in the
lower Minnesota River watersheds. The project seeks to estimate the
pollution contribution of urban areas, waste water treatment plants,
and point sources, point sources of pollution in order to calculate
the non-point pollution load in the Mississippi River. The results will
be useful to help farmers evaluate the adoption of specific soil and
conservation management systems that would help to enhance water quality
in the lower Mississippi water shed. President Lyall noted that this
is the single largest research grant received at UW-La Crosse, and that
it will be used in part to provide research opportunities for undergraduates
at that institution.
-
Memorial:
Regent Emeritus Nancy Barkla
President
Lyall concluded her report by noting the passing of former Regent Nancy
Barkla, who received her law degree from UW-Madison and served in Washington
as secretary to Senator William Proxmire and in the Johnson White House
before returning to private law practice in Pierce County. Appointed
to the UW Board of Regents in 1972 by Governor Lucey, she served until
1980 as the first woman Regent of the newly merged UW System.
-
- -
REPORT
OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND FUNDING COMMITTEE
Consent
Agenda Items
Regent
Barry, Chair, began his report by introducing Resolutions 7565- 7568,
which had been adopted by the Physical Planning and Funding Committee,
and presented them for adoption by the full board as consent agenda
items. His motion to approve them was seconded by Regent Mohs and passed
unanimously. Prior to the vote, Regent Lubar asked whether the financial
funding aspects of Resolution 7566 had been completed, and was assured
by Regent Barry that they had.
UW-Madison:
Environmental Management Center - Phase II (Design Report) $4,179,375
($3,300,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing - WISTAR and $879,375 Program
Revenue Borrowing)
Resolution 7565:
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 be granted to construct an Environmental
Management Center - Phase II project at an estimated total project
cost of $4,179,375 ($3,300,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing-WISTAR
and $879,375 Program Revenue Borrowing).
UW-Madison:
School of Pharmacy Building (Design Report) $45,000,000 ($15,000,000
General Fund Supported Borrowing - WISTAR, $15,000,000 General Fund
Supported Borrowing - Healthstar, and $15,000,000 Gifts/Grants.)
Resolution 7566:
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 be granted to construct a School
of Pharmacy Building at an estimated total project cost of $45,000,000
($15,000,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing - WISTAR, $15,000,000
General Fund Supported Borrowing - Healthstar, and $15,000,000
Gifts/Grants.)
UW-Madison:
Observatory Drive Reconfiguration $1,200,000 Institutional Funds
Resolution 7567:
That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison Chancellor
and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority
be granted to construct an Observatory Drive Reconfiguration project,
at an estimated total project cost of $1,200,000, using Institutional
Funds.
UW-Madison:
Lathrop Hall Renovation - expand scope and increase budget $200,000
Gift Funds
Resolution 7568:
That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison Chancellor and
the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority
be granted to expand the scope and increase the budget of the
Lathrop Hall Renovation project by $200,000 of Gift Funds, for
a total revised budget of $5,130,000 ($2,730,000 General Fund
Supported Borrowing, $1,500,000 Gift/Grant Funds, $700,000 Residual
Program Revenue Supported Borrowing, and $200,000 Program Revenue
Cash - Recreation Sports).
-
Report
of the Vice President
Report
on Building Commission Actions
Regent
Barry reported that Assistant Vice President Ives' report included a
report on recent Building Commission Actions. Eight UW System projects
were approved at the October State Building Commission meeting:
In
addition, Building Trust Funds were released to prepare plans and a
design report for UW-Oshkosh Halsey Science Center Renovation.
-
Revisions
to Administrative Rules of the Board of Regents
Regent
Barry reported that Senior Legal Counsel Patricia Brady presented information
regarding Resolution 7569, regarding conduct on university lands. This
item requested that the Board proceed with the administrative rule-making
process to revise Chapter UWS 18 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
He noted that, since the last significant revisions in 1991, campus
police officers have experienced new enforcement problems and have recommended
that the rules be revised to deal with these situations. The next steps
in this process are the submission of the proposed revisions to the
Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse for review and the scheduling
of a required public hearing by the Board. Following the public hearing,
the revisions will be forwarded to the Legislature for review. If there
is no objection on the part of the Legislature, the rules can then be
promulgated. Regent Barry then moved the adoption of Resolution 7569;
his motion was seconded by Regent Marcovich and passed unanimously.
Authority
to conduct public hearings on proposed revisions to UWS18, "Conduct
on University Lands"
Resolution 7569:
That UW System Administration staff be directed to prepare
in proper form, and submit to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse
for review, proposed revisions in s. UWS 18.06, Wisconsin Administrative
Code, concerning conduct on university lands; and further,
That the Secretary of the Board of Regents be directed to file
a notice of hearing with the Reviser of Statutes for inclusion
in the Wisconsin Administrative Register, the purpose of the
hearing being to consider the revisions to Section UWS 18.06,
Wisconsin Administrative Code, concerning conduct on university
lands, said hearing to be held on February 5, 1998, in Room
1820 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin at
12:30 p.m.
-
Closed
session
Regent
Barry concluded his report by noting that the Committee had adjourned
to closed session at 1:40 p.m. to consider personal histories related
to naming of facilities, adjourning at 1:50 p.m.
-
- -
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
Friday, November 7, 1997
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, November 7, 1997
9:00 a.m.
of the
Madison, Wisconsin
Held in room 1820 Van Hise Hall
Friday, November 7, 1997
9:00 a.m.
- President Lubar presiding -
PRESENT: Regents Barry, Benson, Boyle, Brandes, DeBraska, DeSimone, Grebe, Hempel, James, Lubar, MacNeil, Marcovich, Mohs, Orr, Randall, Smith, and Staszak
ABSENT: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There being no corrections, the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Regents held on October 10, 1997 were approved as distributed. - - -
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Report of the November 6th meeting of the Hospital Authority Board
Regent Lubar observed that Regent Orr had provided a written report of the November 6th, 1997 meeting of the Hospital Authority Board, and would answer any questions regarding it. Regent Orr expanded on the report by noting the following:
- First quarter statistics show that hospital operations continue to be doing well: Admissions were up about 3.9%; patient length of stay is down from 6.3% to 6.0%; overall patient day are about 2.1%; and clinic visits are up 5.8%. Revenues were over expenses $8.4 million, which was better than last year and better than predicted in the budget. Regent Orr added that, as a result of a provision in the affiliation agreement, the Authority transferred $14.8 million to the Medical School, which has affected the current cash position.
- Regent James, chair of the Quality Assurance Committee, presented a report on two new initiatives, one in hospital-wide customer relations and another in performance management.
- There was a report on capital projects funded with a $50 million bond issued by the authority several months ago. Ground was broken for UW Clinics East in October; building is expected to begin in early spring 1998 for completion in spring 1999. UW Clinics West, also expected to open in spring 1999, requires more permits, with ground-breaking and footings still to be completed this fall. Regent Orr observed that this new facility is expected to house the primary care clinical practice in a more "patient-friendly" and accessible facility.
- Regent Orr concluded his report by noting that the Authority Board had heard clinical program reports on the Ophthalmology program and Clinical Cancer Center. The former report was presented by Dr. Daniel Albert, Chair, who noted that this program is ranked second in the area of federal research funding, and first in the area of federally funded researchers. Dr. John Niederhuber, the new Director of the Clinical Cancer Center, presented the report on that nationally-recognized program. A proposed merger between the Clinical Cancer Center and the McArdle Laboratories (also recognized nationally) would created a "formidable force in cancer research."
-
Legislative Report
Regent Lubar stated that Margaret Lewis (Acting Vice President for University Relations) had provided a Legislative Report and would be able to answer questions concerning it.
-
ECB Study Commission
Reporting that Governor Thompson had set up a commission to study public broadcasting in Wisconsin, Regent Lubar announced that he had appointed Regent Boyle to serve as the Board's representative on that commission.
- - -
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEM
President Lyall began her report by offering her welcome to the members of the UW-Extension Administrative Leadership Program who were in attendance. She noted that this program serves faculty and staff holding administrative appointments in county extension offices or within a UW institution; by allowing them an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of UW-Extension and the UW System, the program encourages participants to expand their range of administrative skills and their understanding of the state and university.
-
Presentation: UW-Whitewater's "Project Assist"
President Lyall asked Chancellor Greenhill (UW-Whitewater) to introduce John Truesdale (Director, Disabled Student Services) and Deborah Hall ("Project Assist"), who presented information on UW-Whitewater's mission and its special emphasis on serving disabled students. In his introduction, the Chancellor noted that UW-Whitewater's select mission includes a specific reference to its responsibility to provide support services and programs for students with disabilities. Dr. Truesdale began by observing that UW-Whitewater was a "pioneer" in Wisconsin when it began providing a formal program and services for students with disabilities in 1970-71; it is the only campus in Wisconsin and is one of the few institutions across the nation that provides comprehensive services to these students. Beginning as a partnership between the university and the State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the university's original grant had an annual budget of $20,000, employed two staff and served only a few students. Twenty-six years later, the campus budget for direct services exceeds $1 million, and the Disabled Student Services office accounts for nearly $900,000 of that amount, with an eight person staff serving between 250 and 300 students. Recognized as one of nation's leaders in higher education in developing and providing services for students with disabilities, Dr. Truesdale noted that UW-Whitewater could credit its success first to the supportive 1973 Board of Regents that assigned this special mission, and second, to the university's early interpretation as requiring the provision of services in the broadest sense. From the beginning, the focus was on developing services to meet the needs of students with severe disabilities, from retention and graduation to employment. As a result, UW-W has retained and employed students at a high rate. Addressing the question of cost of services, Dr. Truesdale cited statistics supporting the benefits of moving people with disabilities from being tax-liabilities to being tax assets. Overall, constituents, parents and students favor these programs. Finally, Dr. Truesdale stressed that the success of students who happen to have disabilities is due, not to the work of a single office or department, but to the campus-wide commitment to the special mission of the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, from instructors who accommodate students in the classroom, to non-instructional staff who make necessary exceptions to campus policies, to those who make possible specially modified residence halls rooms and the expeditious removal of snow, to a strong central administration and a Board of Regents that supports these efforts and this mission.
Deborah Hall then discussed the special support required by students with learning disabilities and Project Assist, a program designed to meet those needs. She began by observing that learning disabilities are often misunderstood, adding that these students have average or above average intelligence. When Project Assist works with these students, the standards used to measure success remain unchanged; however, the program does accommodate the fact that these students gather the information they need to learn differently and that these students need different ways to express information once they've learned it. Students (most of whom are freshmen) enter Project Assist during a summer transition program, and during the school year they learn skills they need (through workshops or one-on-one tutoring) to become independent learners. Ms. Hall noted that the goal of the program is to develop independence by the junior year for successful transition to employment. Project Assist organizes study groups for all freshman for courses offered at UW-Whitewater, where students can "learn how to learn" from each other and develop support networks; Project Assist students are also offered a variety of leadership opportunities where they can not only gain further insight about their own needs, but perform outreach work to ease the transition for other students who may be in similar circumstances. Occasionally, faculty will refer students who are having trouble; if appropriate, they are assessed and diagnosed (in collaboration with the psychology department) and accommodations are made (such as note taking and test administration) as needed.
Project Assist began in 1979 when the faculty and the Department of Special Education recognized that students with learning disabilities who entered college needed additional support. Dr. George Mischio, who began the program, worked with students individually at first. As the program developed, faculty incorporated it as part of their clinical experiences for undergraduate and graduate students in special education. In 1985, Federal Grant support allowed coordinators to train tutors, providing clinical experience for those students while also providing a more tutors for students. A 1986 Federal Grant provided funding for the summer transition program, and in 1987 financial support from the UW System helped the UW-W take over the financial support for the program until 1992, when it became a fee- based program, supporting itself except for mandated accommodations that are supported by the university.
Today, approximately 50 students enter the summer transition program each year, direct services are provided to 160 students, and 250 other students also use the program, which indicates that it is reaching its goal of fostering independence for its learners. Students in the program are enrolled in every college on campus and their average grade point achievement is comparable to their peers'. Ms. Hall concluded her presentation by reporting that parents express gratitude that the program exists and has, as one parent stated, "helped so many students to fulfill their dreams of going to college."
Following this presentation, Regent James asked whether the students with disabilities who are served by these programs are able to live in the dorms; Dr. Truesdale noted that, while the specific situation depends on the student, the goal is to integrate them into the campus community so that they have the same experience as non-disabled students. He added that a further goal is to move them toward independence, too, so later in their university careers they are encouraged to move into the community. Regent Smith, who cited the special programs at UW-Oshkosh and UW-Madison, asked whether other campuses were making efforts to assist students with learning disabilities. Dr. Truesdale stated that the Americans with Disabilities Act requires all campuses to make accommodations for students with disabilities; however, Ms. Hall observed that, while these campuses offer assistance to these students, UW-Whitewater's program offers an "educational level" of support, in keeping with the university's unique mission. Regent Hempel asked if there were instances in which learning disabilities were discovered when students arrive at the university. Ms. Hall observed that, since many students with learning disabilities are quite bright, they may cope better with a high school curriculum; yet when these students arrive at university, the increased demands of more difficult courses may bring attention to previously undiagnosed learning disabilities. To help address this, Project Assist has a relationship with the Department of Psychology, which provides assistance in diagnosis and assessment.
Regent Grebe asked whether funds from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation are provided through the institution or to individual students, and whether they are renewed annually or if they are requested year to year. Dr. Truesdale responded that these funds are provided as direct support, purchased services, or as grants, and that the timing also varies, with some funds renewed on an annual basis and other awards based on performance. Dr. Truesdale also stated, in response to Regent Grebe's inquiry about private funding, that a $10,000 private grant was helping support a summer recreation program for youngsters with disabilities.
Regent MacNeil asked if Dr. Truesdale could provide student case histories, asking in particular about their success after graduation. Several students were mentioned, including a physician, a successful salesman and a supervisor at a computer company. Yolande Derni, a student currently working with the Project Assist program, was asked whether she had ever encountered any resistance to accommodations required for her learning disability; she replied that she has never had problems and that faculty are helpful and willing to provide any accommodation requested.
-
Good News Items
Carnegie Foundation Wisconsin Professor of the Year
Professor Donald Kummings (UW-Parkside, Department of English) has been named the 1997 Carnegie Foundation Wisconsin Professor of the Year. A scholar specializing in the work of poet Walt Whitman, Dr. Kummings was nominated for this award by his colleagues and his students. Annually, only one Carnegie Professor is named from each state. President Lyall observed, however, that Dr. Kummings is the second UW-Parkside faculty member to receive this honor -- Professor John Buenker was so honored in 1990. She commended Dr. Kummings, and congratulated him and UW-Parkside.
-
Wisconsin Blue Book
President Lyall also observed that the 1997-98 Wisconsin Blue Book, the standard reference source for information on state government, had been recently released. She noted that this year's edition contains a feature essay by Professor Susan Paddock (UW-Extension) on "The Changing World of Wisconsin Local Government."
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Wisconsin Public Radio Governor's Award
Congratulations were offered to Wisconsin Public Radio for receiving the first Governor's Award in the Humanities for its nationally syndicated program, "Morning Edition." President Lyall, noting that she frequently listens to this program, praised the breadth of topics, personal interviews, and good humor of this program, observing that "we can be proud of this Wisconsin export."
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UW-Milwaukee in Library Collaborative
Noting that "collaboration" and "partnership" are indicative of the continuing effort to stretch resources and operate efficiently, President Lyall reported on one such effort between UW-Milwaukee's Golda Meir Library and the libraries at Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin. The Cooperative Access Program, which shares research collections between the faculty and students of all three institutions, was spurred by the skyrocketing cost of journal subscriptions and other library materials. These expenses could have forced all three institutions to cancel subscriptions to stay within their budgets; a problem of particular concern for UWM, since UW libraries have not had budget increases for a decade. President Lyall commended UWM Library Director, Peter Watson-Boone, for leading this collaborative effort which will benefit all three institutions.
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UW-La Crosse: Environmental Protection Agency Grant
UW-La Crosse recently received an Environmental Protection Agency grant of $650,000 to support research to predict agricultural discharges in the lower Minnesota River watersheds. The project seeks to estimate the pollution contribution of urban areas, waste water treatment plants, and point sources, point sources of pollution in order to calculate the non-point pollution load in the Mississippi River. The results will be useful to help farmers evaluate the adoption of specific soil and conservation management systems that would help to enhance water quality in the lower Mississippi water shed. President Lyall noted that this is the single largest research grant received at UW-La Crosse, and that it will be used in part to provide research opportunities for undergraduates at that institution.
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Memorial: Regent Emeritus Nancy Barkla
President
Lyall concluded her report by noting the passing of former Regent Nancy
Barkla, who received her law degree from UW-Madison and served in Washington
as secretary to Senator William Proxmire and in the Johnson White House
before returning to private law practice in Pierce County. Appointed
to the UW Board of Regents in 1972 by Governor Lucey, she served until
1980 as the first woman Regent of the newly merged UW System.
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REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND FUNDING COMMITTEE
Consent Agenda Items
Regent Barry, Chair, began his report by introducing Resolutions 7565- 7568, which had been adopted by the Physical Planning and Funding Committee, and presented them for adoption by the full board as consent agenda items. His motion to approve them was seconded by Regent Mohs and passed unanimously. Prior to the vote, Regent Lubar asked whether the financial funding aspects of Resolution 7566 had been completed, and was assured by Regent Barry that they had.
UW-Madison: Environmental Management Center - Phase II (Design Report) $4,179,375 ($3,300,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing - WISTAR and $879,375 Program Revenue Borrowing)
| Resolution 7565: | 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 be granted to construct an Environmental Management Center - Phase II project at an estimated total project cost of $4,179,375 ($3,300,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing-WISTAR and $879,375 Program Revenue Borrowing). |
UW-Madison: School of Pharmacy Building (Design Report) $45,000,000 ($15,000,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing - WISTAR, $15,000,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing - Healthstar, and $15,000,000 Gifts/Grants.)
| Resolution 7566: | 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 be granted to construct a School of Pharmacy Building at an estimated total project cost of $45,000,000 ($15,000,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing - WISTAR, $15,000,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing - Healthstar, and $15,000,000 Gifts/Grants.) |
UW-Madison: Observatory Drive Reconfiguration $1,200,000 Institutional Funds
| Resolution 7567: | That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to construct an Observatory Drive Reconfiguration project, at an estimated total project cost of $1,200,000, using Institutional Funds. |
UW-Madison: Lathrop Hall Renovation - expand scope and increase budget $200,000 Gift Funds
| Resolution 7568: | That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to expand the scope and increase the budget of the Lathrop Hall Renovation project by $200,000 of Gift Funds, for a total revised budget of $5,130,000 ($2,730,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing, $1,500,000 Gift/Grant Funds, $700,000 Residual Program Revenue Supported Borrowing, and $200,000 Program Revenue Cash - Recreation Sports). |
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Report of the Vice President
Report on Building Commission Actions
Regent Barry reported that Assistant Vice President Ives' report included a report on recent Building Commission Actions. Eight UW System projects were approved at the October State Building Commission meeting:
In addition, Building Trust Funds were released to prepare plans and a design report for UW-Oshkosh Halsey Science Center Renovation.
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Revisions to Administrative Rules of the Board of Regents
Regent Barry reported that Senior Legal Counsel Patricia Brady presented information regarding Resolution 7569, regarding conduct on university lands. This item requested that the Board proceed with the administrative rule-making process to revise Chapter UWS 18 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. He noted that, since the last significant revisions in 1991, campus police officers have experienced new enforcement problems and have recommended that the rules be revised to deal with these situations. The next steps in this process are the submission of the proposed revisions to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse for review and the scheduling of a required public hearing by the Board. Following the public hearing, the revisions will be forwarded to the Legislature for review. If there is no objection on the part of the Legislature, the rules can then be promulgated. Regent Barry then moved the adoption of Resolution 7569; his motion was seconded by Regent Marcovich and passed unanimously.
Authority to conduct public hearings on proposed revisions to UWS18, "Conduct on University Lands"
| Resolution 7569: | That UW System Administration staff be directed to prepare
in proper form, and submit to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse
for review, proposed revisions in s. UWS 18.06, Wisconsin Administrative
Code, concerning conduct on university lands; and further,
That the Secretary of the Board of Regents be directed to file a notice of hearing with the Reviser of Statutes for inclusion in the Wisconsin Administrative Register, the purpose of the hearing being to consider the revisions to Section UWS 18.06, Wisconsin Administrative Code, concerning conduct on university lands, said hearing to be held on February 5, 1998, in Room 1820 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin at 12:30 p.m. |
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Closed session
Regent Barry concluded his report by noting that the Committee had adjourned to closed session at 1:40 p.m. to consider personal histories related to naming of facilities, adjourning at 1:50 p.m.
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