Board of Regents
October 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
Superior, Wisconsin
Friday, October 10, 1997
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Superior, Wisconsin
Held in the Rothwell Student Center Third Floor, Ballroom
Friday, October 10, 1997
8:30 a.m.
- President Lubar presiding -
ABSENT: Regent Hempel
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES
There being no corrections, the minutes of the meeting of
the Board of Regents held on September 5, 1997 were approved
as distributed. - - -
REPORT
OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Report
of the 9/12/97 meeting of the Educational Communications
Board
President Lubar stated that a written report of the September
12, 1997 meeting of the Educational Communications Board
had been distributed. Regent Boyle confirmed that anticipated
study of public broadcasting was expected to go forward.
-
Report
on Legislative Matters
President Lubar also noted that a report on legislative
matters had also been provided. There were no comments or
questions asked of Acting Assistant Vice President Lewis;
however, Regent Lubar took this opportunity to express his
appreciation to her and to those in the System for their
work regarding the budget.
-
Report
on the September 24 meeting of the Wisconsin Technical College
System Board
Regent Barry noted that a Report of the Wisconsin Technical
College System Board had been distributed to the Board.
Highlighting one aspect of that report, he informed the
Board that WTCS has been working to develop a core block
of mathematic competencies and performance standards, with
the intent of creating uniform courses in WTCS institutions
across the state. It is hoped that these would offer increased
transfer opportunities among technical collges and other
postsecondary institutions. Regent Lubar was informed that
these courses would be required for an Associate's Degree
in the WTCS system. Regent Orr wondered whether these courses
could help the UW System address the remediation needs of
certain students; Vice President Ward responded that these
requirements may be more likely to help students transfer.
When Regent Orr asked whether it was less costly to work
with WTCS to address remediation issues or if it is less
expensive for UW institutions to develop their own courses,
he was informed that the latter case can be more cost effective,
depending on the situation.
- - -
REPORT
OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEM
UW-Superior:
Mission Statement
President Lyall's report began with the introduction of
Chancellor Erlenbach (UW-Superior), who provided the Board
with a presentation on his institution's mission statement
revisions, the priorities defined within it, and the work
he has accomplished since he became Chancellor. He observed
that this process has incorporated administrative restructuring
that will better and more effectively serve UW-Superior's
constituencies. Two new divisions were created to address
"Advancement" and "Administration and Finance."
Within the past six months, Assistant Chancellors to direct
these divisions had been hired and the University has also
hired a new Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic affairs
- three roles critical to the future planning of the institution.
During this period, UW-Superior has also been engaged in
a strategic planning process, which, it is hoped, will assist
its leaders to clarify the institution's mission and guide
them in efforts to secure a marketing niche for UW-Superior,
as well as to provide a template for the future. A physical
planning process has also begun that will coordinate with
and reflect the current strategic planning efforts. Chancellor
Erlenbach observed that these advances do not represent
the culmination of planning, but rather, the beginning of
a process of ongoing and effective strategic planning. Perhaps
the most important aspect of this process has been UW-Superior's
efforts to build a broad base of community involvement and
support, building not only the community's interest in the
University, but enhancing ties between the university community
and Superior. As the Chancellor stated, they "have
made a conscious effort to bring the University into the
community, and the community into the University."
This effort has enhanced collaboration and partnerships
between University and city, the highlight of which has
been the development of a conference center and multi-use
sports facility.
Chancellor Erlenbach, observing that the future is predicated
upon the past, then provided an overview of UW-Superior's
history, which began in April 1891, when the Wisconsin Legislature
decided to establish a new "normal school" in
the Northern part of the state. After competition with other
qualified ("but not nearly as northern") cities,
Superior was chosen in 1893; the city donated land and improvements,
and the state provided funding to construct the first main
hall. The first class was admitted in the fall of 1896;
two years later, the first yearbook was published, beginning
the University's tradition of supporting Communication Arts.
Chancellor Erlenbach noted a number of firsts, including
Superior's status as the first Wisconsin Normal School to
offer a 4-year Kindergarten training program (1909), its
position as the institution with the longest continuous
North Central Association accreditation in the state of
Wisconsin (held since 1916), the massive expansion of the
physical plant and student body during the 1960s (and the
period of "retrenchment" during the 1980s), to
the present time, in which UW-Superior is growing again,
new faculty are being hired and the campus and community
are engaged in a strategic planning process that will result
in an institution well-positioned to greet the next century.
Chancellor Erlenbach then introduced Professor Paul Keeney,
who discussed UW-Superior's newly revised mission statement.
He began by noting that it is the result of a major strategic
planning process. Created during the 1996-97 school year
as an integral part of that process, the statement was described
as the "cornerstone in the building of the future."
Taking part in this process were members of the revision
committee (which included faculty, academic and classified
staff, students, and representatives of the area business
community) as well as UW-Superior's constituents (alumni,
the mayor and city council members, county board members,
area high school principals and guidance counsellors, UW
Superior students and the faculty and staff). The latter
were invited to respond to a questionnaire asking them to
define a vision for UW-Superior; hundreds of responses were
collected in a "brainstorming period." Each response
was weighed over a series of meetings, until suggestions
were understood and able to be consolidated into a single
statement that adequately expressed the vision of all of
these contributors. The statement was then put through a
cycle of presentation, comment, revision and review, until
product approved by the contributing constituents was ready
for presentation to the Board of Regents for approval. Professor
Keeney noted that the committee's understanding that all
constituents were included in the process and that all ideas
were carefully considered granted it the ability to believe
that this mission statement can serve as the cornerstone
for future planning.
Professor Keeney then introduced Dr. Diane Garsombke, who
reported that it was the goal of the planning process to
address contemporary issues by building on the university's
traditional strengths. Prior to reviewing the goals of the
strategic plan, she reminded the board that the revised
mission statement begins by affirming that UW-S is a window
on the world for the region, and an window on the region
for the world. The university will undertake a variety of
measures to:
-
Offer
quality learning opportunities that prepare students
for living in and contributing to a global environment;
-
Intensify
recruitment and retention efforts;
-
Be
effective stewards of existing resources while seeking
new resources;
-
Accellerate
UW-Superior's move toward information-age teaching,
learning and administrative services;
-
Foster
an environment of trust and cooperation that centers
on the worth of all individuals;
-
Enhance
the university's partnership with the community and
the region; and
-
Develop
a marketing plan that promotes the strengths of the
university.
Dr.
Garsombke provided brief overviews of methods that would
be used to enact these goals, concluding that the sum of
these efforts will effectively communicate the value of
UW-Superior to those in the northern and upper-midwest region
and throughout the state.
Upon the conclusion of Chancellor Erlenbach's presentation,
President Lyall commented on the hard work the campus has
done to reinvigorate its partnerships with the community
as well as within the campus. She cited, as an example of
the lengths to which UW-Superior has gone to develop these
partnerships, the fact that it has recently hosted 14 System-wide
meetings and has raised the visibility of this institution.
-
UW
President's Annual Report
President Lyall noted that her fifth annual report, As
the University Celebrates 150 Years of Service to Wisconsin,
had been distributed, and invited the members of the Board
to not only "reflect on the extraordinary role the
University has played in the progress of our state,"
but also to use it as a resource for any comments they may
want to make regarding the University. She added that the
University of Wisconsin's Sesquicentennial year offers everyone
an opportunity to discuss the role the University has played
in Wisconsin's progress, as well as to envision the role
it will have in the next 150 years.
-
Preliminary
Enrollments, Fall 1997
Preliminary enrollment data for fall 1997 is now available.
President Lyall, citing these data, reported that the "baby
boom echo" is right on schedule: Total UW System FTE
enrollments are up about 1% to 125,175 (actual headcounts
are up to 150,540), and the number of new freshmen (up 4.8%)
reflects the increase in Wisconsin high school graduates
since 1994 which is projected to continue through 2005.
President Lyall also noted that the quality of new freshmen
admitted to UW institutions continues to climb: nearly one
in five comes from the top 10% of their high school class
and 82% come from the top half of their high school classes.
-
The
1997-99 Biennial Budget
The 1997-99 biennial budget contains good news as well as
a few disappointments for the UW System. President Lyall
added that it is much better for the university than the
last budget was. She cited a number of highlights, noting
that budgetary provisions are subject to modification through
the veto process:
-
$15
million from the Governor's TEACH initiative will help
the UW System move forward with distance learning, Badgernet,
and technology training and assistance for faculty and
staff.
-
Funding
was provided to support pilot projects on two campuses
for improvements in the important area of student academic
and career advising.
-
Wisconsin
Higher Education Grant (WHEG) program dollars will increase
by 20%, with $1.4 million allocated to increase minority/disadvantaged
student assistance. These increases, President Lyall
noted, will ease the bite of higher tuition and help
the system continue its efforts to enroll qualified
minority students.
-
Tuition
flexibility will permit the Board to spend up to 104%
of budgeted tuition revenue this year and up to 103%
next year, as earned, for key systemwide priorities.
-
President
Lyall observed that the tuition flexibility would be
needed to fund the unfunded portion of the unclassified
staff 4% / 4˝% pay plan (estimated at $7 million).
While the pay plan will keep faculty and academic staff
salaries competitive and will prevent the gap between
the UW System and its peers from widening, it will not
bring salaries to market levels this biennium. Observing
that classified, represented staff will also receive
increases of 3%/3˝%, President Lyall noted that,
after a biennium of 1% and 2% pay plans, these adjustments
are welcome and essential. Regarding executive salaries,
she reported "mixed news": while the freeze
on salaries that had been in place for the last two
years has been lifted for 97-99, and the system can
include executives in pay plan adjustments, language
that would have allowed the Board to implement its executive
salary policy may be vetoed. This could affect recruitment
and retention for chancellors and executives. In light
of the three chancellor searches currently under in
progress, President Lyall expressed her hope that the
system can avoid a "revolving door leadership problem."
President
Lyall concluded her discussion of the budget by expressing
her disappointment that a plan to address the issue of access
for the "baby boom echo" students mentioned above
had not been included in the budget. According to this plan,
she stated that the UW System had agreed to admit 4,000
additional FTE students for the cost of tuition (i.e., with
no additional GPR funding required for them); however, the
Legislature declined to authorize expenditure of these tuition
payments, asking instead that these students be admitted
before expenditure of the tuition moneys is authorized.
President Lyall observed that the demand will, undoubtedly,
grow and that access for these students will be needed in
the future, therefore, she hoped to reopen the issue in
the next biennial budget.
In discussion following this report, Regent President Lubar
noted that the anticipated need for the system to admit
an additional 4,000 students was based on demographic data
and asked President Lyall why, at this time, the request
to do so was not accepted. President Lyall responded that
the UW needed to make clear that this was an opportunity
to serve additional students with no additional state dollars.
The question should be revisited because the result will
be to decrease the access rate below 31%. Acting Vice President
Lewis noted that the issue revolves around the question
of whether to admit the students prior to releasing funds
for them, or whether the funds should be released before
those students are admitted. Merry Larson, of the Legislative
Fiscal Bureau, noted that the Joint Finance Committee had
affirmed current law rather than extending authority that
the UW System has not had in the past. Under current law,
the Board can go before the Joint Finance Committee (JFC)
to request tuition revenues for additional students. When
Regent President Lubar asked whether the Board could be
assured that those revenues would be released, Ms. Larson
expressed confidence that if the additional students have
enrolled, the JFC will simply extend tuition revenue expenditure
authority. Vice President Bromberg suggested that authority
might be extended nonetheless, since the revenues could
not be spent without the supporting enrollments. President
Lyall noted that there is a possible policy question in
the Legislature about whether the university should grow
and keep pace with enrollment demand.
-
Good
News Items:
Internet
II
Chancellor David Ward (UW-Madison) has been selected to
chair the national Board of Trustees of the new Internet
II corporation. Internet I, originally founded as a computer
network to permit university researchers to talk to one
another, is now accessible to commercial users who generate
90% of the traffic on it. In response, 110 research universities
(the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development,
or UCAID) have banded together to develop Internet II, an
exclusively educational network devoted to broadband applications,
engineering and management tools, research and other educational
uses.
-
Saving
for College
President Lyall noted that a brochure called Saving for
College, which was designed to help parents and students
plan for college, had been distributed. Designed to go with
the HELP On-line resources, schools will distribute the
brochure widely this fall. (Additional copies are available
through University Relations.)
-
UW-Parkside and UW-Extension Collaboration
UW-Parkside and the UW-Extension County officer in Kenosha
and Racine have created a partnership to bring the resources
and knowledge of the university to assist the revitalization
of two depressed neighborhoods in those counties. These
projects are supported by a $400,000 HUD Community Partnership
grant.
-
UW-Milwaukee,
UW-Washington County, and UW-Sheboygan Alliance
A strategic alliance between UW-Milwaukee, UW-Washington
County, and UW-Sheboygan will make new courses available
on each of these campuses to enable students to earn UW-Milwaukee
baccalaureate degrees. This agreement enables students in
Washington County and Sheboygan to participate in advanced
undergraduate and graduate courses and the faculty at all
three institutions will be able to share in the teaching
and mentoring of graduate students. Library, computer, and
other academic support systems will also be shared. This
alliance, President Lyall observed, promises to improve
services to students, provide professionally challenging
opportunities for faculty, and use university resources
very effectively.
-
Ira Baldwin Honored
President Lyall concluded her report by noting that Ira
Baldwin, Emeritus Professor of Agriculture and former University
of Wisconsin Vice President for Academic Affairs from 1948
through 1957, will be honored with UW-Madison's Distinguished
Service Award later this month.
- - -
REPORT
OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Joint
Session with Physical Planning and Funding Committtee
Regent Brandes, Vice Chair, provided the report, stating
that the meeting of the Business and Finance Committee began
with a joint session, held with the Physical Planning and
Funding Committee, where they discussed the UW-Superior
Cooperative Agreement. That item, she noted, would be discussed
in the Report of the Physical Planning and Funding Committee.
-
Coordinated
Planning for Capital and Operating Budgets Beginning the
1999-01 Biennial Budget Cycle
The joint session of the Business and Finance and Physical
Planning and Funding Committees also reviewed a report on
coordinated planning for capital and operating budgets.
Vice President Bromberg reported that the state now requires
separate operating and capital budget proposals and has
separate legislative committees, with the Joint Committee
on Finance and the Building Commission (respectively) responsible
for reviewing those two budgets. Coordinating the planning
efforts for the two proposals at the System level would
result in a more efficient process and a more effective
identification of resources needed to meet systemwide priorities.
To do so, the planning process for both budgets will need
be multibiennial in order to effectively achieve needed
resource levels; in preparation for the 1999-01 cycle, similar
timelines for both budgets have been set and all priorities
will be reviewed for capital as well as operating impact
with the resource needs fully identified.
Following this report, the committees convened separately
.
-
Approval
of minutes of the September 4, 1997 meeting of the Business
and Finance Committee
Regent Brandes reported that the minutes of the September
4, 1997, meeting of the Business and Finance Committee were
approved.
-
Internal
Management Flexibility
Regent Brandes reported that Associate Vice President Sell
reminded the committee members that the Board's Study
of the UW System in the 21st Century had
recommended a number of management flexibilities to enable
the System and the institutions to operate more efficiently
and effectively. She added that the committee maintains
its interest in the concept of comparable costing among
institutions, and has asked the Best Business Practices
Committee to review alternative methodologies. Regent Brandes
then moved the adoption of Resolution 7555, which was seconded
by Regent DeSimone. Prior to its approval, Regent Staszak
asked what process would be followed for institutions to
decide funding of auxiliary activities supported by these
fees; President Lyall informed him that each Chancellor
would have to develop a process that would be reflected
in the campus budget before it comes before the Board. There
were no further comments or questions, and Resolution 7555
was unanimously approved.
Resolution 7555:
That, upon recommendation of the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents:
Provides institutions with the flexibility to transfer
surplus funding from one auxiliary activity to another.
Transfer requests would be made to System Administration
and would be considered at the time of the Board
of Regents' deliberations on the annual operating
budget.
Eliminates sub-activity reporting.
-
Annual
Sick Leave Report
Regent Brandes reported that Associate Vice President Wright
had presented the annual sick leave report. This report
is required, per 1987 legislation, if UW institutions wish
the Secretary of DOA to waive caps on the amount of unused
sick leave unclassified staff may convert to funding retiree
health insurance premiums.
-
REPORT
OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Gifts,
Grants and Contracts
Vice President Bromberg reported to the committee that there
were no contracts over $500,000 brought forward for approval
this month.
*
New
Treasury Manager
Regent Brandes reported Vice President Bromberg also reported
that Lori Mills has joined System Administration as the
new Treasury Manager. Dave Konshak will be moving to Financial
Administration and will be handling special projects.
-
Report
of the Audit Subcommittee
Quarterly
Internal Audit Report
The Business and Finance committee adjourned at 2:38 p.m.
The Audit Subcommittee convened immediately to hear Internal
Audit Director Ron Yates provide the First Quarter Internal
Audit Report. Regent Brandes summarized the audits currently
being performed:
-
Academic
Fees audits at several institutions in the System;
-
Extended
Degree Program audits at the four institutions that
offer them;
-
Wisconsin
Distinguished Professorship Program audits at several
institutions;
-
Laboratory
Modernization Program audits at most of the institutions;
-
Academic
Assessment Program audits at several institutions.;
and
-
Unclassified
Sick Leave audit at selected institutions.
*
Legislative
Audit Bureau
The Legislative Audit Bureau will be releasing the federally-mandated
A133 audit report this month; Regent Brandes noted
that the subcommittee does not anticipate any problems with
this report. The Audit Bureau has also begun a systemwide
audit of the service centers operated at the institutions,
with an emphasis on the fleet and stores service centers.
The UW System will also be included in the LAB's annual
statewide financial statement audit.
Concluding her report, Regent Brandes noted that, in the
past six months, institution internal auditors have issued
over sixty audit reports (reviewing cash handling controls,
compliance issues, fixed assets and inventory controls,
vendor contracts, student center operations, payroll/personnel
controls and auxiliary operations), which had prompted committee
members to observe the benefit of having institution auditors
provide timely reviews.
- - -
REPORT
OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Approval
of the minutes of the September 4, 1997, meeting of the
Education Committee
Regent Smith, Chair, provided the report. He began by noting
that the committee had approved minutes of its September
4, 1997 meeting.
-
Consent
Agenda Items
Regent Smith then reported that the committee had adopted
Resolutions 7556 - 7558, and moved their approval by the
full board as a consent agenda. Regent MacNeil seconded
his motion, which was unanimously approved.
Approval
of UW System Reports to Joint Finance Committee for release
of Information Technology funds
Resolution 7556:
That, upon recommendation of the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents
approves the Reports to the Joint Finance Committee
for Release of Technology Funds.
University
of Wisconsin System: The Center for Learning Innovation
Resolution 7557:
That, upon recommendation of the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, the report entitled Center for Learning Innovation: A Proposal to the
Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System be accepted, and that creation of the UW Center for
Learning Innovation be authorized; and further,
That the development of the UW Center for Learning
Innovation be implemented in such a manner as to
produce revenues and/or other resources for the
University that will be used to enhance student
learning, including the establishment of cooperative
arrangements, as permitted by law and Regent policy,
with a non-profit corporation existing for the benefit
of the University of Wisconsin System.
Authorizations
to recruit: Professor, Medical School, at a salary exceeding
the Executive Salary Group Six maximum, UW-Madison
Resolution 7558:
That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Madison and the President
of the University of Wisconsin System, the Chancellor
be authorized to recruit for a Professor, Medical
School (at a salary that exceeds the Executive Salary
Group Six maximum).
-
Report
of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
UW-Superior
General Education program
Regent Smith reported that, following the full session regarding
the 1997 UW System Information Technology Plan, Senior Vice
President Ward introduced UW-Superior Provost Charles Schelin
and Assistant professor Joel Sipress, who described the
process that has led to the current UW-Superior General
Education program. UW-Superior has in place a goal-oriented
General Education program under the supervision of a standing
General Education committee of the faculty's Academic Affairs
Council.
*
Center
for Learning Innovation
Senior Vice President Ward and Dean Mike Offerman then presented
a proposal to establish a Center for Learning Innovation.
The Center, approved in Resolution 7557, will focus the
UW System's efforts to explore revenue possibilities associated
with distance education programs. It was noted that the
establishement of this Center is a "defining moment,"
as it marks the first time that the UW Board of Regents
has authorized extending the UW System beyond Wisconsin's
borders.
-
New
Program Authorization
Regent Smith reported that the committee conducted an initial
review of UW-Milwaukee's request to implement a B.S. in
Information Resources. The proposed program will be reviewed
again at the November meeting.
-
UW-Superior
Revised Mission Statement
The Education Committee reviewed UW-Superior's revised mission
statement. Regent Staszak reported that strong support for
the revision had been voiced by representatives of both
the university and the larger community at the public hearing
held September 22, 1997. Regent Smith reported that the
committee then approved the revision, and Regent Marcovich
was invited to introduce Resolution 7559. He did so, noting
that he was pleased to move the adoption of Resolution 7559,
and that in doing so, he and the Education Committee wished
UW-Superior well as it seeks to achieve the goals set forth
in the statement. His motion was seconded by Regent Randall,
and carried unanimously. (The statement is attached as .) Exhibit A
UW-Superior:
Revised Mission Statement
Resolution 7559:
That, upon recommendation of the President of the
University of Wisconsin System and the Chancellor
of UW-Superior, the Board of Regents approves the
revised UW-Superior mission statement.
-
Education
Committee Update Reports
Proposed
Education Committee Presentation Schedule
Regent Smith reported that the committee heard updated reports
in three areas. First, they discussed the schedule of presentations
to the Education Committee for 1997-98. He noted that this
list can be modified, and invited his fellow board members
to notify him if there are issues they would like to have
raised during the year.
*
Diversity
Tess Arenas, Special Assistant to the President for Multicultural
Affairs, reported to the committee regarding a range of
activities, including efforts to work with public schools
to better prepare minority and disadvantaged students and
to meet with the UW System's Education deans to discuss
better preparation of teachers who will work with minority
students. Regent Smith noted that Regents will be informed
of the schedule of visits so they may attend any of these
meetings, if they wish.
-
21st Century Study Implementation Subcommittee
The final update reviewed by the committee concerned The
Board of Regents' Study of the UW System in the 21st Century recommendation that high school students be
encouraged to take college credit courses. Associate Vice
President James reported that participation has increased
in Advanced Placement courses and dual credit programs,
such as UW-Oshkosh's CAPP program. Participation has increased
by nearly 30%, which Regent Smith called an "outstanding"
response that should have "dramatic" results.
-
Special
Session: Douglas County UW-Extension: Programs, Partnerships,
and Results
Regent Smith reported that the committee adjourned briefly,
reconvening in a special session held at the Douglas County
Courthouse, where they met with representatives from the
community, local and state government, and UW-Extension.
Thanking Regent Boyle for suggesting the meeting be held
in this location, Regent Smith observed it was, indeed,
a "special" meeting in which the committee reviewed
an inspiring program that clearly conveyed the profound
benefits UW-Extension has on its surrounding communities.
- - -
REPORT
OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND FUNDING COMMITTEE
Joint
Session: Physical Planning and Funding Committee and Business
and Finance Committee
Regent Barry reported that the Physical Planning and Funding
Committee had met joint session with the Business and Finance
Committee to review UW-Superior's Cooperative Agreements
for the use of physical facilities. He noted that this report
provided insight into the way this institution interacts
with its local community to maximize the use of its facilities.
-
Report
of the Vice President
Legislative
Action on 97-99 Capital Budget
As noted in the Report of the Business and Finance Committee,
the committees also reviewed efforts to coordinate planning
for both capitol and operating budgets in preparation for
the beginning of the next biennial budget cycle.
-
Consent
Agenda Items
Regent Barry reported that when the committees reconvened
following their joint session, the Physical Planning and
Funding committee adopted Resolutions 7560 and 7561. Regent
Barry moved their adoption by the full board, which was
seconded by Regent Mohs. Prior to the vote, Regent Lubar
asked about the financial impact of the change in scope
(from remodeling to new construction) for the UW-Platteville
Student Center. Regent Barry responded that the remodeling
project was not only in a less desirable location, but that
it would be nearly as costly as new construction; the committee
approved the move to design a new facility, with the understanding
that GPR funding for the computer laboratory was not yet
approved. Following this explanation, his motion to approve
Resolutions 7560 and 7561 passed unanimously.
UW-Platteville:
Authority to change the scope of the Student Center Remodeling
project to a project for construction of a facility and
to proceed with design of a new Student Center Project
Resolution 7560:
That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Platteville
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, Authority be granted to change the
scope of the Student Center Remodeling project to
a project for construction of a facility, and to proceed
with design of a new Student Center to be constructed
at an estimated cost of $10.4 million ($7.4 million
Program Revenue-Student Fees (cash and borrowing)
and $3.0 million Gift Funds/Program Revenue) that
includes a $4.5 million Technology Mall that will
be considered for GPR funding and prioritized with
other University System academic needs for the 1999-01
biennium. No GPR funding commitment is being made
at this time.
Authority
to seek state funding for Special Equipment to develop Multi-Media/Distance
Education facilities at various UW College campuses
Resolution 7561:
That, upon the recommendation of the UW Colleges
Chancellor and the President of the University of
Wisconsin System, authority be granted to seek state
funding for Special Equipment to develop Multi-Media/Distance
Education facilities at various UW College campuses,
at an estimated total cost of $1,135,875 General Fund
Supported Borrowing. ($203,450 existing 95-97 All-Agency
Funds, $87,375 existing 97-99 UW Colleges' Capital
Equipment Funds , $466,150 97-99 UW Colleges' Capital
Equipment Funds, and $378,900 9799 UW System
Classroom Renovation/Instructional Technology project
funds).
-
Report
on Building Commission Actions
Regent Barry reported that the committee reviewed current
UW System projects upon which the Building Commission has
recently acted. Funds had been recently released to prepare
plans and design reports for the following major projects:
-
UW-Milwaukee
Sabin Hall Remodeling Project
-
UW-Parkside
P.E. Fieldhouse Addition/Remodeling Project
-
UW-Stout
Communication Center Replacement Project
-
UW-Green
Bay Academic Building
-
UW-Superior
Campus Development Plan Progress Report
Regent Barry concluded his report by praising an excellent
report Chancellor Erlenbach had provided regarding the UW-Superior
Campus Development Plan Progress.
- - -
ADDITIONAL
ITEMS
Regent Staszak then presented Resolution 7562. His motion
to approve it was unanimously adopted with a round of warm
applause, after which Regent Lubar expressed his gratitude
to Chancellor Erlenbach for the hospitality extended to
him and to the board.
Resolution
of Appreciation to UW-Superior
Resolution 7562:
Whereas, the Board of Regents is very pleased to
have been invited to UW-Superior for the October 1997
meetings and to have the opportunity to experience
and learn about some of the programs and characteristics
that exemplify UW-Superior's value to the University
of Wisconsin System and the people of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, among the highlights of this visit were
informative campus tours, an excellent student/faculty
and Cooper Elementary art show; an interesting tour
of the L.L. Smith at Barker's Island; and an impressive
cruise of the world's largest inland harbor, sponsored
by the UW-Superior Alumni Association;
Whereas, the Board was pleased to have the opportunity
to meet with student leaders from UW-Superior, United
Council, and across the UW System and to share perspectives
on key issues; and
Whereas, the Board's meetings were enriched by
informative presentations on the UW-Superior Cooperative
Agreements for Use of Physical Facilities; the Campus
Development Plan Progress Report; the Report on
General Education; and the Presentation on the UW-Superior
Strategic Plan; and
Whereas, the Education Committee also was pleased
to visit the Douglas County Courthouse and to hear
a special presentation on the Douglas County University
of Wisconsin-Extension; and
Whereas, the warm and gracious hospitality extended
by Chancellor and Mrs. Erlenbach; the faculty, staff
and students of UW-Superior; the UW-Superior Foundation;
the UW-Superior Alumni Association and the community
of Superior and Douglas County has been deeply appreciated;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Regents
of the University of Wisconsin System hereby thanks
the University of Wisconsin Superior and all those
involved in arranging this interesting and memorable
visit.
- - -
UNFINISHED
OR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Election
of Assistant Trust Officer
Regent
Lubar noted that the next item concerned the election of
the Board's Assistant Trust Officer; Secretary Temby noted
that a memo from Vice President Bromberg regarding this
election had been distributed, recommending that Lori Mills,
the new UW System Treasury Manager, be elected to succeed
David Konshak, who had moved to another position. Regent
Smith made a motion to elect Ms. Mills to this position;
seconded by Regent Boyle, his motion carried unanimously.
- - -
CLOSED
SESSION
At 10:00 a.m., Regent Orr moved the adoption of Resolution
7563, which was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote with
Regents Barry, Benson, Boyle, Brandes, DeBraska, Grebe,
James, Lubar, MacNeil, Marcovich, Mohs, Orr, Randall, Smith,
and Staszak (15) voting in the affirmative. There were no
negatives or abstentions.
Resolution 7563:
That, the Board of Regents recess into closed session,
to consider a salary adjustment above the group 6
executive pay plan, UW-Extension, and to consider
competitive matters, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats.; to consider appointments to the
UW-Milwaukee Board of Visitors, and honorary degree
nominations, UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee,
as permitted by s.19.85(1)(f), Wis. Stats.;
and to confer with legal counsel, as permitted by
s.19.85(1)(g), Wis. Stats.
-
At 10:45 a.m. the Board arose from closed session and announced
the adoption of Resolution 7564, which was adopted in that
session.
UW-Milwaukee:
Appointments to Board of Visitors
Resolution 7564:
That, upon the recommendation of the University
of Milwaukee Chancellor and the President of the University
System, the following appointments be made to the
UW-Milwaukee Board of Visitors for terms ending in
August 2000.
Reappointment: Mr. Trueman Farris, Jr.
New Appointments: Carl Baehr
Edward Carroll, Jr.
David DeBaets
Kristine Ehrmann
Kathleen Huston
Karma Rodgers
Frances Swigart
Terri Weiland
Ge Xiong
-
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
Submitted by
[Signature]
Judith A. Temby
Secretary
22 October 1997
EXHIBIT
A
Revised
Mission Statement
UW-Superior
UW-Superior
is a window on the world for the region and a window on
the region for the world. UW-Superior is a public university
small enough to serve the needs of individuals, while providing
a selection of quality learning opportunities in the arts,
sciences, liberal studies, professional programs, and extracurricular
activities at an affordable rate. UW-Superior is a sharing
member of the larger community of students, families, community
organizations, business, government, alumni, education,
and the UW-Superior Foundation.
The University provides a nurturing setting where the pursuit
of personal, career, and professional development takes
place within the tradition of a vibrant liberal arts education.
Personal and social growth are enhanced through group and
individual learning opportunities where diversity is encouraged.
Students learn to help others and themselves by exploring
personal, community, regional, and global issues.
UW-Superior
instruction combines advanced information technology and
traditional educational methods. Students grow through study,
scholarship, and service. Faculty develop professionally
as they teach, advise, and engage in scholarship and service.
"Superior says it all."
To
accomplish these ends, the University will:
-
Provide
students with a carefully articulated and comprehensive
foundation in liberal studies as a base for all degree
programs.
-
Award
baccalaureate degrees in selected fields in education,
the arts and the humanities, in the sciences and social
sciences, and in business.
-
Offer
graduate programs in areas associated with its undergraduate
emphases and strengths.
-
Extend
its undergraduate and graduate resources beyond the
boundaries of the campus through distance learning programs.
-
Expect
scholarly activity, including research, scholarship,
and creative endeavor, that supports its programs at
the associate and baccalaureate degree levels, its selected
graduate programs, and its special mission.
-
Engage
in appropriate interinstitutional relationships to enhance
educational and service opportunities.
-
Foster,
with University of Wisconsin-Extension, the development
of cooperative and general outreach programming and
the integration of the Extension function with that
of this institution.
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Superior, Wisconsin
Friday, October 10, 1997
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Superior, Wisconsin
Held in the Rothwell Student Center Third Floor, Ballroom
Friday, October 10, 1997
8:30 a.m.
- President Lubar presiding -
ABSENT: Regent Hempel
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There being no corrections, the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Regents held on September 5, 1997 were approved as distributed. - - -
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Report of the 9/12/97 meeting of the Educational Communications Board
President Lubar stated that a written report of the September 12, 1997 meeting of the Educational Communications Board had been distributed. Regent Boyle confirmed that anticipated study of public broadcasting was expected to go forward.
-
Report on Legislative Matters
President Lubar also noted that a report on legislative matters had also been provided. There were no comments or questions asked of Acting Assistant Vice President Lewis; however, Regent Lubar took this opportunity to express his appreciation to her and to those in the System for their work regarding the budget.
-
Report on the September 24 meeting of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board
Regent Barry noted that a Report of the Wisconsin Technical
College System Board had been distributed to the Board.
Highlighting one aspect of that report, he informed the
Board that WTCS has been working to develop a core block
of mathematic competencies and performance standards, with
the intent of creating uniform courses in WTCS institutions
across the state. It is hoped that these would offer increased
transfer opportunities among technical collges and other
postsecondary institutions. Regent Lubar was informed that
these courses would be required for an Associate's Degree
in the WTCS system. Regent Orr wondered whether these courses
could help the UW System address the remediation needs of
certain students; Vice President Ward responded that these
requirements may be more likely to help students transfer.
When Regent Orr asked whether it was less costly to work
with WTCS to address remediation issues or if it is less
expensive for UW institutions to develop their own courses,
he was informed that the latter case can be more cost effective,
depending on the situation.
- - -
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEM
UW-Superior: Mission Statement
President Lyall's report began with the introduction of Chancellor Erlenbach (UW-Superior), who provided the Board with a presentation on his institution's mission statement revisions, the priorities defined within it, and the work he has accomplished since he became Chancellor. He observed that this process has incorporated administrative restructuring that will better and more effectively serve UW-Superior's constituencies. Two new divisions were created to address "Advancement" and "Administration and Finance." Within the past six months, Assistant Chancellors to direct these divisions had been hired and the University has also hired a new Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic affairs - three roles critical to the future planning of the institution.
During this period, UW-Superior has also been engaged in a strategic planning process, which, it is hoped, will assist its leaders to clarify the institution's mission and guide them in efforts to secure a marketing niche for UW-Superior, as well as to provide a template for the future. A physical planning process has also begun that will coordinate with and reflect the current strategic planning efforts. Chancellor Erlenbach observed that these advances do not represent the culmination of planning, but rather, the beginning of a process of ongoing and effective strategic planning. Perhaps the most important aspect of this process has been UW-Superior's efforts to build a broad base of community involvement and support, building not only the community's interest in the University, but enhancing ties between the university community and Superior. As the Chancellor stated, they "have made a conscious effort to bring the University into the community, and the community into the University." This effort has enhanced collaboration and partnerships between University and city, the highlight of which has been the development of a conference center and multi-use sports facility.
Chancellor Erlenbach, observing that the future is predicated upon the past, then provided an overview of UW-Superior's history, which began in April 1891, when the Wisconsin Legislature decided to establish a new "normal school" in the Northern part of the state. After competition with other qualified ("but not nearly as northern") cities, Superior was chosen in 1893; the city donated land and improvements, and the state provided funding to construct the first main hall. The first class was admitted in the fall of 1896; two years later, the first yearbook was published, beginning the University's tradition of supporting Communication Arts. Chancellor Erlenbach noted a number of firsts, including Superior's status as the first Wisconsin Normal School to offer a 4-year Kindergarten training program (1909), its position as the institution with the longest continuous North Central Association accreditation in the state of Wisconsin (held since 1916), the massive expansion of the physical plant and student body during the 1960s (and the period of "retrenchment" during the 1980s), to the present time, in which UW-Superior is growing again, new faculty are being hired and the campus and community are engaged in a strategic planning process that will result in an institution well-positioned to greet the next century.
Chancellor Erlenbach then introduced Professor Paul Keeney, who discussed UW-Superior's newly revised mission statement. He began by noting that it is the result of a major strategic planning process. Created during the 1996-97 school year as an integral part of that process, the statement was described as the "cornerstone in the building of the future." Taking part in this process were members of the revision committee (which included faculty, academic and classified staff, students, and representatives of the area business community) as well as UW-Superior's constituents (alumni, the mayor and city council members, county board members, area high school principals and guidance counsellors, UW Superior students and the faculty and staff). The latter were invited to respond to a questionnaire asking them to define a vision for UW-Superior; hundreds of responses were collected in a "brainstorming period." Each response was weighed over a series of meetings, until suggestions were understood and able to be consolidated into a single statement that adequately expressed the vision of all of these contributors. The statement was then put through a cycle of presentation, comment, revision and review, until product approved by the contributing constituents was ready for presentation to the Board of Regents for approval. Professor Keeney noted that the committee's understanding that all constituents were included in the process and that all ideas were carefully considered granted it the ability to believe that this mission statement can serve as the cornerstone for future planning.
Professor Keeney then introduced Dr. Diane Garsombke, who reported that it was the goal of the planning process to address contemporary issues by building on the university's traditional strengths. Prior to reviewing the goals of the strategic plan, she reminded the board that the revised mission statement begins by affirming that UW-S is a window on the world for the region, and an window on the region for the world. The university will undertake a variety of measures to:
-
Offer quality learning opportunities that prepare students for living in and contributing to a global environment;
-
Intensify recruitment and retention efforts;
-
Be effective stewards of existing resources while seeking new resources;
-
Accellerate UW-Superior's move toward information-age teaching, learning and administrative services;
-
Foster an environment of trust and cooperation that centers on the worth of all individuals;
-
Enhance the university's partnership with the community and the region; and
-
Develop a marketing plan that promotes the strengths of the university.
Dr. Garsombke provided brief overviews of methods that would be used to enact these goals, concluding that the sum of these efforts will effectively communicate the value of UW-Superior to those in the northern and upper-midwest region and throughout the state.
Upon the conclusion of Chancellor Erlenbach's presentation, President Lyall commented on the hard work the campus has done to reinvigorate its partnerships with the community as well as within the campus. She cited, as an example of the lengths to which UW-Superior has gone to develop these partnerships, the fact that it has recently hosted 14 System-wide meetings and has raised the visibility of this institution.
-
UW President's Annual Report
President Lyall noted that her fifth annual report, As the University Celebrates 150 Years of Service to Wisconsin, had been distributed, and invited the members of the Board to not only "reflect on the extraordinary role the University has played in the progress of our state," but also to use it as a resource for any comments they may want to make regarding the University. She added that the University of Wisconsin's Sesquicentennial year offers everyone an opportunity to discuss the role the University has played in Wisconsin's progress, as well as to envision the role it will have in the next 150 years.
-
Preliminary Enrollments, Fall 1997
Preliminary enrollment data for fall 1997 is now available. President Lyall, citing these data, reported that the "baby boom echo" is right on schedule: Total UW System FTE enrollments are up about 1% to 125,175 (actual headcounts are up to 150,540), and the number of new freshmen (up 4.8%) reflects the increase in Wisconsin high school graduates since 1994 which is projected to continue through 2005. President Lyall also noted that the quality of new freshmen admitted to UW institutions continues to climb: nearly one in five comes from the top 10% of their high school class and 82% come from the top half of their high school classes.
-
The 1997-99 Biennial Budget
The 1997-99 biennial budget contains good news as well as a few disappointments for the UW System. President Lyall added that it is much better for the university than the last budget was. She cited a number of highlights, noting that budgetary provisions are subject to modification through the veto process:
- $15 million from the Governor's TEACH initiative will help the UW System move forward with distance learning, Badgernet, and technology training and assistance for faculty and staff.
- Funding was provided to support pilot projects on two campuses for improvements in the important area of student academic and career advising.
- Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG) program dollars will increase by 20%, with $1.4 million allocated to increase minority/disadvantaged student assistance. These increases, President Lyall noted, will ease the bite of higher tuition and help the system continue its efforts to enroll qualified minority students.
- Tuition flexibility will permit the Board to spend up to 104% of budgeted tuition revenue this year and up to 103% next year, as earned, for key systemwide priorities.
- President Lyall observed that the tuition flexibility would be needed to fund the unfunded portion of the unclassified staff 4% / 4˝% pay plan (estimated at $7 million). While the pay plan will keep faculty and academic staff salaries competitive and will prevent the gap between the UW System and its peers from widening, it will not bring salaries to market levels this biennium. Observing that classified, represented staff will also receive increases of 3%/3˝%, President Lyall noted that, after a biennium of 1% and 2% pay plans, these adjustments are welcome and essential. Regarding executive salaries, she reported "mixed news": while the freeze on salaries that had been in place for the last two years has been lifted for 97-99, and the system can include executives in pay plan adjustments, language that would have allowed the Board to implement its executive salary policy may be vetoed. This could affect recruitment and retention for chancellors and executives. In light of the three chancellor searches currently under in progress, President Lyall expressed her hope that the system can avoid a "revolving door leadership problem."
President Lyall concluded her discussion of the budget by expressing her disappointment that a plan to address the issue of access for the "baby boom echo" students mentioned above had not been included in the budget. According to this plan, she stated that the UW System had agreed to admit 4,000 additional FTE students for the cost of tuition (i.e., with no additional GPR funding required for them); however, the Legislature declined to authorize expenditure of these tuition payments, asking instead that these students be admitted before expenditure of the tuition moneys is authorized. President Lyall observed that the demand will, undoubtedly, grow and that access for these students will be needed in the future, therefore, she hoped to reopen the issue in the next biennial budget.
In discussion following this report, Regent President Lubar noted that the anticipated need for the system to admit an additional 4,000 students was based on demographic data and asked President Lyall why, at this time, the request to do so was not accepted. President Lyall responded that the UW needed to make clear that this was an opportunity to serve additional students with no additional state dollars. The question should be revisited because the result will be to decrease the access rate below 31%. Acting Vice President Lewis noted that the issue revolves around the question of whether to admit the students prior to releasing funds for them, or whether the funds should be released before those students are admitted. Merry Larson, of the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, noted that the Joint Finance Committee had affirmed current law rather than extending authority that the UW System has not had in the past. Under current law, the Board can go before the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) to request tuition revenues for additional students. When Regent President Lubar asked whether the Board could be assured that those revenues would be released, Ms. Larson expressed confidence that if the additional students have enrolled, the JFC will simply extend tuition revenue expenditure authority. Vice President Bromberg suggested that authority might be extended nonetheless, since the revenues could not be spent without the supporting enrollments. President Lyall noted that there is a possible policy question in the Legislature about whether the university should grow and keep pace with enrollment demand.
-
Good News Items:
Internet II
Chancellor David Ward (UW-Madison) has been selected to chair the national Board of Trustees of the new Internet II corporation. Internet I, originally founded as a computer network to permit university researchers to talk to one another, is now accessible to commercial users who generate 90% of the traffic on it. In response, 110 research universities (the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development, or UCAID) have banded together to develop Internet II, an exclusively educational network devoted to broadband applications, engineering and management tools, research and other educational uses.
-
Saving for College
President Lyall noted that a brochure called Saving for College, which was designed to help parents and students plan for college, had been distributed. Designed to go with the HELP On-line resources, schools will distribute the brochure widely this fall. (Additional copies are available through University Relations.)
-
UW-Parkside and UW-Extension Collaboration
UW-Parkside and the UW-Extension County officer in Kenosha and Racine have created a partnership to bring the resources and knowledge of the university to assist the revitalization of two depressed neighborhoods in those counties. These projects are supported by a $400,000 HUD Community Partnership grant.
-
UW-Milwaukee, UW-Washington County, and UW-Sheboygan Alliance
A strategic alliance between UW-Milwaukee, UW-Washington County, and UW-Sheboygan will make new courses available on each of these campuses to enable students to earn UW-Milwaukee baccalaureate degrees. This agreement enables students in Washington County and Sheboygan to participate in advanced undergraduate and graduate courses and the faculty at all three institutions will be able to share in the teaching and mentoring of graduate students. Library, computer, and other academic support systems will also be shared. This alliance, President Lyall observed, promises to improve services to students, provide professionally challenging opportunities for faculty, and use university resources very effectively.
-
Ira Baldwin Honored
President Lyall concluded her report by noting that Ira
Baldwin, Emeritus Professor of Agriculture and former University
of Wisconsin Vice President for Academic Affairs from 1948
through 1957, will be honored with UW-Madison's Distinguished
Service Award later this month.
- - -
REPORT OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Joint Session with Physical Planning and Funding Committtee
Regent Brandes, Vice Chair, provided the report, stating that the meeting of the Business and Finance Committee began with a joint session, held with the Physical Planning and Funding Committee, where they discussed the UW-Superior Cooperative Agreement. That item, she noted, would be discussed in the Report of the Physical Planning and Funding Committee.
-
Coordinated Planning for Capital and Operating Budgets Beginning the 1999-01 Biennial Budget Cycle
The joint session of the Business and Finance and Physical Planning and Funding Committees also reviewed a report on coordinated planning for capital and operating budgets. Vice President Bromberg reported that the state now requires separate operating and capital budget proposals and has separate legislative committees, with the Joint Committee on Finance and the Building Commission (respectively) responsible for reviewing those two budgets. Coordinating the planning efforts for the two proposals at the System level would result in a more efficient process and a more effective identification of resources needed to meet systemwide priorities. To do so, the planning process for both budgets will need be multibiennial in order to effectively achieve needed resource levels; in preparation for the 1999-01 cycle, similar timelines for both budgets have been set and all priorities will be reviewed for capital as well as operating impact with the resource needs fully identified.
Following this report, the committees convened separately .
-
Approval of minutes of the September 4, 1997 meeting of the Business and Finance Committee
Regent Brandes reported that the minutes of the September 4, 1997, meeting of the Business and Finance Committee were approved.
-
Internal Management Flexibility
Regent Brandes reported that Associate Vice President Sell reminded the committee members that the Board's Study of the UW System in the 21st Century had recommended a number of management flexibilities to enable the System and the institutions to operate more efficiently and effectively. She added that the committee maintains its interest in the concept of comparable costing among institutions, and has asked the Best Business Practices Committee to review alternative methodologies. Regent Brandes then moved the adoption of Resolution 7555, which was seconded by Regent DeSimone. Prior to its approval, Regent Staszak asked what process would be followed for institutions to decide funding of auxiliary activities supported by these fees; President Lyall informed him that each Chancellor would have to develop a process that would be reflected in the campus budget before it comes before the Board. There were no further comments or questions, and Resolution 7555 was unanimously approved.
| Resolution 7555: | That, upon recommendation of the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents:
Provides institutions with the flexibility to transfer surplus funding from one auxiliary activity to another. Transfer requests would be made to System Administration and would be considered at the time of the Board of Regents' deliberations on the annual operating budget. Eliminates sub-activity reporting. |
-
Annual Sick Leave Report
Regent Brandes reported that Associate Vice President Wright had presented the annual sick leave report. This report is required, per 1987 legislation, if UW institutions wish the Secretary of DOA to waive caps on the amount of unused sick leave unclassified staff may convert to funding retiree health insurance premiums.
-
REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Gifts, Grants and Contracts
Vice President Bromberg reported to the committee that there were no contracts over $500,000 brought forward for approval this month.
*
New Treasury Manager
Regent Brandes reported Vice President Bromberg also reported that Lori Mills has joined System Administration as the new Treasury Manager. Dave Konshak will be moving to Financial Administration and will be handling special projects.
-
Report of the Audit Subcommittee
Quarterly Internal Audit Report
The Business and Finance committee adjourned at 2:38 p.m. The Audit Subcommittee convened immediately to hear Internal Audit Director Ron Yates provide the First Quarter Internal Audit Report. Regent Brandes summarized the audits currently being performed:
- Academic Fees audits at several institutions in the System;
- Extended Degree Program audits at the four institutions that offer them;
- Wisconsin Distinguished Professorship Program audits at several institutions;
- Laboratory Modernization Program audits at most of the institutions;
- Academic Assessment Program audits at several institutions.; and
- Unclassified Sick Leave audit at selected institutions.
*
Legislative Audit Bureau
The Legislative Audit Bureau will be releasing the federally-mandated A133 audit report this month; Regent Brandes noted that the subcommittee does not anticipate any problems with this report. The Audit Bureau has also begun a systemwide audit of the service centers operated at the institutions, with an emphasis on the fleet and stores service centers. The UW System will also be included in the LAB's annual statewide financial statement audit.
Concluding her report, Regent Brandes noted that, in the
past six months, institution internal auditors have issued
over sixty audit reports (reviewing cash handling controls,
compliance issues, fixed assets and inventory controls,
vendor contracts, student center operations, payroll/personnel
controls and auxiliary operations), which had prompted committee
members to observe the benefit of having institution auditors
provide timely reviews.
- - -
REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Approval of the minutes of the September 4, 1997, meeting of the Education Committee
Regent Smith, Chair, provided the report. He began by noting that the committee had approved minutes of its September 4, 1997 meeting.
-
Consent Agenda Items
Regent Smith then reported that the committee had adopted Resolutions 7556 - 7558, and moved their approval by the full board as a consent agenda. Regent MacNeil seconded his motion, which was unanimously approved.
Approval of UW System Reports to Joint Finance Committee for release of Information Technology funds
| Resolution 7556: | That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents approves the Reports to the Joint Finance Committee for Release of Technology Funds. |
University of Wisconsin System: The Center for Learning Innovation
| Resolution 7557: | That, upon recommendation of the President of the
University of Wisconsin System, the report entitled Center for Learning Innovation: A Proposal to the
Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System be accepted, and that creation of the UW Center for
Learning Innovation be authorized; and further,
That the development of the UW Center for Learning Innovation be implemented in such a manner as to produce revenues and/or other resources for the University that will be used to enhance student learning, including the establishment of cooperative arrangements, as permitted by law and Regent policy, with a non-profit corporation existing for the benefit of the University of Wisconsin System. |
Authorizations to recruit: Professor, Medical School, at a salary exceeding the Executive Salary Group Six maximum, UW-Madison
| Resolution 7558: | That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Chancellor be authorized to recruit for a Professor, Medical School (at a salary that exceeds the Executive Salary Group Six maximum). |
-
Report of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
UW-Superior General Education program
Regent Smith reported that, following the full session regarding the 1997 UW System Information Technology Plan, Senior Vice President Ward introduced UW-Superior Provost Charles Schelin and Assistant professor Joel Sipress, who described the process that has led to the current UW-Superior General Education program. UW-Superior has in place a goal-oriented General Education program under the supervision of a standing General Education committee of the faculty's Academic Affairs Council.
*
Center for Learning Innovation
Senior Vice President Ward and Dean Mike Offerman then presented a proposal to establish a Center for Learning Innovation. The Center, approved in Resolution 7557, will focus the UW System's efforts to explore revenue possibilities associated with distance education programs. It was noted that the establishement of this Center is a "defining moment," as it marks the first time that the UW Board of Regents has authorized extending the UW System beyond Wisconsin's borders.
-
New Program Authorization
Regent Smith reported that the committee conducted an initial review of UW-Milwaukee's request to implement a B.S. in Information Resources. The proposed program will be reviewed again at the November meeting.
-
UW-Superior Revised Mission Statement
The Education Committee reviewed UW-Superior's revised mission statement. Regent Staszak reported that strong support for the revision had been voiced by representatives of both the university and the larger community at the public hearing held September 22, 1997. Regent Smith reported that the committee then approved the revision, and Regent Marcovich was invited to introduce Resolution 7559. He did so, noting that he was pleased to move the adoption of Resolution 7559, and that in doing so, he and the Education Committee wished UW-Superior well as it seeks to achieve the goals set forth in the statement. His motion was seconded by Regent Randall, and carried unanimously. (The statement is attached as .) Exhibit A
UW-Superior: Revised Mission Statement
| Resolution 7559: | That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System and the Chancellor of UW-Superior, the Board of Regents approves the revised UW-Superior mission statement. |
-
Education Committee Update Reports
Proposed Education Committee Presentation Schedule
Regent Smith reported that the committee heard updated reports in three areas. First, they discussed the schedule of presentations to the Education Committee for 1997-98. He noted that this list can be modified, and invited his fellow board members to notify him if there are issues they would like to have raised during the year.
*
Diversity
Tess Arenas, Special Assistant to the President for Multicultural Affairs, reported to the committee regarding a range of activities, including efforts to work with public schools to better prepare minority and disadvantaged students and to meet with the UW System's Education deans to discuss better preparation of teachers who will work with minority students. Regent Smith noted that Regents will be informed of the schedule of visits so they may attend any of these meetings, if they wish.
-
21st Century Study Implementation Subcommittee
The final update reviewed by the committee concerned The Board of Regents' Study of the UW System in the 21st Century recommendation that high school students be encouraged to take college credit courses. Associate Vice President James reported that participation has increased in Advanced Placement courses and dual credit programs, such as UW-Oshkosh's CAPP program. Participation has increased by nearly 30%, which Regent Smith called an "outstanding" response that should have "dramatic" results.
-
Special Session: Douglas County UW-Extension: Programs, Partnerships, and Results
Regent Smith reported that the committee adjourned briefly,
reconvening in a special session held at the Douglas County
Courthouse, where they met with representatives from the
community, local and state government, and UW-Extension.
Thanking Regent Boyle for suggesting the meeting be held
in this location, Regent Smith observed it was, indeed,
a "special" meeting in which the committee reviewed
an inspiring program that clearly conveyed the profound
benefits UW-Extension has on its surrounding communities.
- - -
REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND FUNDING COMMITTEE
Joint Session: Physical Planning and Funding Committee and Business and Finance Committee
Regent Barry reported that the Physical Planning and Funding Committee had met joint session with the Business and Finance Committee to review UW-Superior's Cooperative Agreements for the use of physical facilities. He noted that this report provided insight into the way this institution interacts with its local community to maximize the use of its facilities.
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Report of the Vice President
Legislative Action on 97-99 Capital Budget
As noted in the Report of the Business and Finance Committee, the committees also reviewed efforts to coordinate planning for both capitol and operating budgets in preparation for the beginning of the next biennial budget cycle.
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Consent Agenda Items
Regent Barry reported that when the committees reconvened following their joint session, the Physical Planning and Funding committee adopted Resolutions 7560 and 7561. Regent Barry moved their adoption by the full board, which was seconded by Regent Mohs. Prior to the vote, Regent Lubar asked about the financial impact of the change in scope (from remodeling to new construction) for the UW-Platteville Student Center. Regent Barry responded that the remodeling project was not only in a less desirable location, but that it would be nearly as costly as new construction; the committee approved the move to design a new facility, with the understanding that GPR funding for the computer laboratory was not yet approved. Following this explanation, his motion to approve Resolutions 7560 and 7561 passed unanimously.
UW-Platteville: Authority to change the scope of the Student Center Remodeling project to a project for construction of a facility and to proceed with design of a new Student Center Project
| Resolution 7560: | That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Platteville Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, Authority be granted to change the scope of the Student Center Remodeling project to a project for construction of a facility, and to proceed with design of a new Student Center to be constructed at an estimated cost of $10.4 million ($7.4 million Program Revenue-Student Fees (cash and borrowing) and $3.0 million Gift Funds/Program Revenue) that includes a $4.5 million Technology Mall that will be considered for GPR funding and prioritized with other University System academic needs for the 1999-01 biennium. No GPR funding commitment is being made at this time. |
Authority to seek state funding for Special Equipment to develop Multi-Media/Distance Education facilities at various UW College campuses
| Resolution 7561: | That, upon the recommendation of the UW Colleges Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to seek state funding for Special Equipment to develop Multi-Media/Distance Education facilities at various UW College campuses, at an estimated total cost of $1,135,875 General Fund Supported Borrowing. ($203,450 existing 95-97 All-Agency Funds, $87,375 existing 97-99 UW Colleges' Capital Equipment Funds , $466,150 97-99 UW Colleges' Capital Equipment Funds, and $378,900 9799 UW System Classroom Renovation/Instructional Technology project funds). |
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Report on Building Commission Actions
Regent Barry reported that the committee reviewed current UW System projects upon which the Building Commission has recently acted. Funds had been recently released to prepare plans and design reports for the following major projects:
- UW-Milwaukee Sabin Hall Remodeling Project
- UW-Parkside P.E. Fieldhouse Addition/Remodeling Project
- UW-Stout Communication Center Replacement Project
- UW-Green Bay Academic Building
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UW-Superior Campus Development Plan Progress Report
Regent Barry concluded his report by praising an excellent report Chancellor Erlenbach had provided regarding the UW-Superior Campus Development Plan Progress.
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ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Regent Staszak then presented Resolution 7562. His motion to approve it was unanimously adopted with a round of warm applause, after which Regent Lubar expressed his gratitude to Chancellor Erlenbach for the hospitality extended to him and to the board.
Resolution of Appreciation to UW-Superior
| Resolution 7562: | Whereas, the Board of Regents is very pleased to
have been invited to UW-Superior for the October 1997
meetings and to have the opportunity to experience
and learn about some of the programs and characteristics
that exemplify UW-Superior's value to the University
of Wisconsin System and the people of Wisconsin; and Whereas, among the highlights of this visit were
informative campus tours, an excellent student/faculty
and Cooper Elementary art show; an interesting tour
of the L.L. Smith at Barker's Island; and an impressive
cruise of the world's largest inland harbor, sponsored
by the UW-Superior Alumni Association; Whereas, the Board was pleased to have the opportunity
to meet with student leaders from UW-Superior, United
Council, and across the UW System and to share perspectives
on key issues; and Whereas, the Board's meetings were enriched by
informative presentations on the UW-Superior Cooperative
Agreements for Use of Physical Facilities; the Campus
Development Plan Progress Report; the Report on
General Education; and the Presentation on the UW-Superior
Strategic Plan; and Whereas, the Education Committee also was pleased
to visit the Douglas County Courthouse and to hear
a special presentation on the Douglas County University
of Wisconsin-Extension; and Whereas, the warm and gracious hospitality extended
by Chancellor and Mrs. Erlenbach; the faculty, staff
and students of UW-Superior; the UW-Superior Foundation;
the UW-Superior Alumni Association and the community
of Superior and Douglas County has been deeply appreciated; Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System hereby thanks the University of Wisconsin Superior and all those involved in arranging this interesting and memorable visit. |
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UNFINISHED OR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Election of Assistant Trust Officer
Regent Lubar noted that the next item concerned the election of the Board's Assistant Trust Officer; Secretary Temby noted that a memo from Vice President Bromberg regarding this election had been distributed, recommending that Lori Mills, the new UW System Treasury Manager, be elected to succeed David Konshak, who had moved to another position. Regent Smith made a motion to elect Ms. Mills to this position; seconded by Regent Boyle, his motion carried unanimously.
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CLOSED SESSION
At 10:00 a.m., Regent Orr moved the adoption of Resolution 7563, which was adopted on a unanimous roll call vote with Regents Barry, Benson, Boyle, Brandes, DeBraska, Grebe, James, Lubar, MacNeil, Marcovich, Mohs, Orr, Randall, Smith, and Staszak (15) voting in the affirmative. There were no negatives or abstentions.
| Resolution 7563: | That, the Board of Regents recess into closed session,
to consider a salary adjustment above the group 6
executive pay plan, UW-Extension, and to consider
competitive matters, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats.; to consider appointments to the
UW-Milwaukee Board of Visitors, and honorary degree
nominations, UW-Madison |
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At 10:45 a.m. the Board arose from closed session and announced the adoption of Resolution 7564, which was adopted in that session.
UW-Milwaukee: Appointments to Board of Visitors
| Resolution 7564: | That, upon the recommendation of the University
of Milwaukee Chancellor and the President of the University
System, the following appointments be made to the
UW-Milwaukee Board of Visitors for terms ending in
August 2000.
Reappointment: Mr. Trueman Farris, Jr. New Appointments: Carl Baehr |
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
Submitted by
[Signature]
Judith A. Temby
Secretary
22 October 1997
EXHIBIT A
Revised Mission Statement
UW-Superior
UW-Superior is a window on the world for the region and a window on the region for the world. UW-Superior is a public university small enough to serve the needs of individuals, while providing a selection of quality learning opportunities in the arts, sciences, liberal studies, professional programs, and extracurricular activities at an affordable rate. UW-Superior is a sharing member of the larger community of students, families, community organizations, business, government, alumni, education, and the UW-Superior Foundation.
The University provides a nurturing setting where the pursuit of personal, career, and professional development takes place within the tradition of a vibrant liberal arts education. Personal and social growth are enhanced through group and individual learning opportunities where diversity is encouraged. Students learn to help others and themselves by exploring personal, community, regional, and global issues.
UW-Superior instruction combines advanced information technology and traditional educational methods. Students grow through study, scholarship, and service. Faculty develop professionally as they teach, advise, and engage in scholarship and service. "Superior says it all."
To accomplish these ends, the University will:
- Provide students with a carefully articulated and comprehensive foundation in liberal studies as a base for all degree programs.
- Award baccalaureate degrees in selected fields in education, the arts and the humanities, in the sciences and social sciences, and in business.
- Offer graduate programs in areas associated with its undergraduate emphases and strengths.
- Extend its undergraduate and graduate resources beyond the boundaries of the campus through distance learning programs.
- Expect scholarly activity, including research, scholarship, and creative endeavor, that supports its programs at the associate and baccalaureate degree levels, its selected graduate programs, and its special mission.
- Engage in appropriate interinstitutional relationships to enhance educational and service opportunities.
- Foster, with University of Wisconsin-Extension, the development of cooperative and general outreach programming and the integration of the Extension function with that of this institution.