Board of Regents
November 2002 - MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
UW-Madison
Held in the 1820 Van Hise Hall
Thursday, November 7, 2002
11:00 a.m.
- President Gottschalk presiding -
PRESENT: Regents Axtell, Barry, Boyle, Brandes, Burmaster, DeSimone, Gottschalk, Jones, Klauser, Krutsch, Marcovich, Mohs, Olivieri, Randall, Schneider and Smith
ABSENT: Regent Gracz
- - -
THE WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM pRESENTATON
Welcoming WTCS President Richard Carpenter, Regent President Gottschalk recalled that it was almost two and a half years ago that the WTCS Board and the Board of Regents met jointly and passed resolutions designed to facilitate transfer between the two systems. Since that time, he added, progress has been made on an ongoing basis.
Regent Barry, President of the WTCS Board, introduced the following WTCS staff: Randall Key, Executive Assistant; Dan Clancy, Assistant State Director for Finance; Debbie Mahaffey, Assistant State Director for Programs and Policy, and Donna Jordan, Board Secretary and Assistant to President Carpenter. He expressed appreciation to Regents Randall and Schneiders, who have served as excellent Regent members of the WTCS Board.
President Carpenter began by thanking President Lyall who had eased his transition to Wisconsin and served as his mentor, offering assistance and sound advice.
He then presented a video in which students commented favorably on the broad WTCS program array, hands-on learning provided in smaller classes, career preparation in two years or less, and the ability to transfer credits to four-year programs.
Providing an overview of the WTC System, Dr. Carpenter noted that it consists of 16 districts, 46 campuses, and a recently-begun virtual campus. The system has 460,900 students in 338 programs. The WTCS has 19,000 employees and a budget of $1.06 billion.
The mission of the WTCS is to support and promote economic development in the State of Wisconsin through: career and technical degree and diploma programs; related instruction for apprentices; continuing education for the workforce; and adult education programs.
The WTCS and the UW are partners in promoting economic development, he observed, with the two systems complementing each other’s efforts.
Dr. Carpenter then showed a list of annual salaries for graduates of some programs where there are shortages of workers, including fluid power ($46,000), electrical power ($43,677), environmental management ($42,949) and Associate Degree in Nursing ($37,437). These salaries, he noted, reflect the competitive pressures of supply and demand.
The current FTE enrollment, he reported, is 64,000 and has increased 13% in four years. Regent Barry explained WTC enrollments generally rise in a slow economy. On the other hand, contract employment training, which increases in good economic times, tends to decrease when there is an economic downturn.
In response to a question by Regent DeSimone, Regent Barry indicated that state legislation provides that a technical college facility may be created if 30% of the cost is paid by private industry. Gateway Technical College has been aggressive in this area and obtained 45-50% in funding with a major contributor being Abbott Labs, whose employees receive training from Gateway. This legislative authority is due to sunset in July 2003.
Turning to the topic of ethnic diversity, Dr. Carpenter stated that the majority of students of color who earn Bachelors degrees start their postsecondary education at two-year institutions. In 2000-01, WTC institutions served 20,837 African American students, 17,049 Hispanic students, 6,953 Asian students, and 4,920 American Indian students.
Program headcount enrollments in 2000-01 were as follows:
Liberal Arts Transfer: 16,760
Technical Diploma: 35,631
Associate Degree: 106,248
Vocational Adult: 121,926
Contract Education: 127,000
Basic Education: 80,032
Community Service: 14,870
In years part, Dr. Carpenter explained, the technical diploma area formed the backbone of education provided by the WTCS. However, as the workforce evolved, enrollments moved to the Associate Degree area, which has grown rapidly.
Students in the vocational adult and contract education areas generally are often employed full time. The vocational students typically are re-enrolled to retrain or to enhance their positions and usually pay for their own courses. In contract education, the WTC supplies customized training, often on-site, through a contract with the employer who pays for the training. About 4,600 businesses are involved in such contracts.
The WTCS does not charge tuition for the 80,000 enrollments in basic education, which provides services to such people as high school dropouts wishing to resume their education, foreign nationals studying to become American citizens, or others needing training in English as a Second Language. Community service programs provide courses in special interest areas, such as photography and calligraphy.
Regent Barry observed that the array of programs offered by WTC institutions cover a very wide range from basic education to sophisticated associate degree programs.
In terms of full-time equivalent enrollments, Dr. Carpenter listed the following percentages in the various program categories:
Liberal Arts Transfer: 8%
Associate Degree: 58%
Technical Diploma: 14%
Vocational Adult: 7%
Basic Education: 12%
Regent Barry pointed out that in the past technical diploma enrollments would have made up about 40% of FTEs.
With regard to transfers, Dr. Carpenter pointed out that more students transfer to the technical colleges from the UW than from the WTCS to UW institutions.
Regent Barry added that Wisconsin is the only state where that is the case, noting that 45% of transfers to the WTCS are from the UW and that 27% of those transfers already have baccalaureate degrees. Dr. Carpenter explained that such transfers often are employer driven, and that people with bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees come to WTCS institutions to acquire technical skills.
In response to a question by Regent Krutsch, Regent Olivieri indicated that these students transfer credits earned at a UW institution toward a technical college degree.
Chancellor Messner noted that a significant portion of the transfers are from UW College campuses and that these students often are switching from the liberal arts to a two-year degree in a particular field. In other states, he added, this would occur within a single community college, rather than between systems, which explains the disparity between Wisconsin and other states in that regard.
Regent Marcovich asked if there have been studies on whether baccalaureate degree holders in liberal arts come to the technical colleges to become more employable in specific career areas. Dr. Carpenter replied that there is considerable anecdotal evidence to that effect, but that hard data is difficult to obtain.
Regent Barry noted that technical college transfers to the UW do well academically, with an average grade point of 2.9.
President Lyall observed that the high level of transfers shows that the UW and WTC systems respect their different missions and make it easy for students to move between systems in order to find the type of programming that suits them best.
Regent Barry agreed, adding that even more could be done. Minnesota, for example, has many more transfers to universities from community colleges than is the case in Wisconsin. Noting that 95% of WTCS graduates and 80% of UW graduates stay in Wisconsin, he observed that the more collaboration there is between the two systems, the more the state as a whole benefits.
Regent Olivieri inquired about the extent to which transfers depend on articulation agreements, to which Ms. Mahaffey replied that general education credits transfer without articulation agreements. Other credits may also transfer if they are applicable to a particular program.
Dr. Carpenter remarked that great strides have been made in facilitating transfer, moving over the years from a few course to course articulation agreements, to many program-to-program agreements and then system-to-system agreements.
Regent Barry emphasized the importance of moving to more system-wide agreements.
Regent Olivieri noted that the greatest challenge is transfer of credits from associate degree to bachelor’s degree programs. While there are articulation agreements among programs, he commented that the goal should be more system-to-system agreements, rather than further program-to-program articulation.
President Lyall noted that all credits from college parallel programs transfer as well.
Regent Barry commented that an issue remains for other general education credits. Noting that WTCS general education courses are accredited by the North Central Association, he indicated that Minnesota passed a mandate on transfer of such credits, a situation that could be avoided in Wisconsin.
Indicating that up to 15 such credits transfer, Dr. Carpenter indicated that this policy needs to be more uniformly applied. He felt the UW and WTC systems can move forward together in this regard without need for legislative mandates.
Regent Barry added that the systems need to make possible more “upside down” degrees, such as those made possible by the nursing program agreements, where students can enter the university with junior standing.
In response to a question by Regent Krutsch, Dr. Carpenter explained that technically-based two-year programs are infused with general education because, in today’s world, people will need to continue their educations throughout their lives, and the general education component helps prepare them to do that. Requirements for faculty teaching general education courses are similar to those for university faculty and both types of courses are NCA accredited. The concepts taught are the same, he said, the difference being that examples in associate degree courses relate directly to content of the technical field in question.
Chancellor Sorensen cited as a model a program between UW-Stout and Waukesha County Technical College through which students transfer to Stout after two years with no loss of credits.
Continuing his presentation, Dr. Carpenter indicated that, besides the 45% of transfers to the WTCS from UW institutions, 24% of transfers are from one technical college to another, 23% come from out of state, and 7% come from private colleges.
In contract education, the WTCS took in about $25 million in 2001-02 for training about 127,000 employees in 4,600 Wisconsin businesses.
As to funding sources, Dr. Carpenter indicated that 55% of revenues come from property taxes, 19% from state GPR, 17% from student tuition and fees, and 9% from contracts and federal grants. Over the past ten years, tuition/fees, contracts and federal support have remained flat, while state support has decreased and local support has increased. There is a strong effort, he indicated to keep tuition as low as possible for all students and particularly those who have nowhere else to go. Local support has been increased 6%, offsetting a 6% decrease in state support. Regent Barry explained that, even with a 1.5 mill limit, revenues had increased because of rising equalized values.
Turning to expenditures, Dr. Carpenter indicated that WTCS spent over 70% of expenditures for academics, compared with 66% nationally. Student services account for about 10% of expenditures; administrative expenses, including libraries, amount to about 15%; and physical plant costs amount to 10% of expenses. Student service, administrative and facility expenditures are below the national average.
The system is governed by a State Board, consisting of 13 members. Governance is shared with boards that oversee each of the system’s districts. The responsibilities of the State Board are to:
1) Set state policy;
2) Establish program standards;
3) Approve and discontinue programs
4) Annually evaluate programs
5) Approve district board appointees;
6) Approve new facilities;
7) Develop state budget requests;
8) Distribute state and federal aid;
9) Set tuition rates; and
10) Certify instructors and administrators.
In the last three years, he noted, more programs have been discontinued than new programs approved, showing that the Board has been effective in eliminating programs that are no longer needed. In addition to the requisite academic credentials, instructors are required to have non-academic work experience that they can bring to the technical classroom, making for stronger programs.
The key functions of the district boards are to:
- Hire district staff;
- Admit students;
- Deliver programs;
- Grant degrees;
- Manage facilities;
- Develop local budgets;
- Assess property tax;
- Set district policies; and
- Negotiate contracts.
Turning to collaboration between the two systems, Dr. Carpenter cited the following examples of successful partnerships:
- Nursing with UW-Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Green Bay and Eau Claire;
- Early Childhood Education with UW-Milwaukee, Parkside and Whitewater;
- Industrial Management with UW-Stout, designed for Master’s completion;
- Agri-Business with UW-River Falls and Platteville;
- Radiography with UW-La Crosse;
- Criminal Justice with UW-Milwaukee and Whitewater;
- Architectural Technology with UW-Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha.
With respect to the Nursing program, he reported that the WTCS Board had approved a budget request asking for the UW to have resources to expand the MSN program to provide more teachers for Technical College nursing programs.
All of these collaborations, Dr. Carpenter observed, have the common goal of enhancing the lives of students and benefiting the state.
After showing a brief video about the success of technical college graduates, Dr. Carpenter concluded his presentation with three key points: First, he emphasized the broad scope of Technical College programs, from educating people who cannot read, write or speak English, to teaching people to build and maintain homes, utilities and infrastructures, to training radiographers, nurses, paramedics, and police officers.
Second, he noted that major strides have been made in recent years in connecting the distinct missions of the WTC and UW systems. These collaborations need to be increased, he stated, by creating more 2+2 programs and in other ways to raise the incomes of workers and increase the percentage of the population holding bachelor’s degrees. Noting that Minnesota has a higher percentage of bachelor’s degree holders than Wisconsin, he said that the gap is explained in part by the fact that Minnesota transfers from community colleges to universities are five times greater than transfers from the Technical Colleges to the UW. This, he remarked, suggests a greater role for transfers in increasing Wisconsin’s percentage of university degree holders.
Third, he emphasized the importance of communicating more effectively to the Legislature and the public how much the two systems are collaborating and how beneficial to the state those collaborations are. This is necessary, he noted, in order to stem the downward trend in state support experienced by both systems.
In discussion following the presentation, Regent DeSimone noted that he has served for many years on the board of the foundation for Gateway Technical College. Each year, the foundation brings together scholarship donors and recipients at a special luncheon. This type of activity, he observed gives fundraising a personal touch and enhances the ability to obtain further donations.
Regent Krutsch suggested that the two systems need to better communicate about the access they are affording to students by combining the numbers and percentages served by both systems in order to inform the public about access to higher education as a whole.
Regent Olivieri commended Dr. Carpenter for his comments about the importance of moving forward aggressively in terms of enhancing transfer opportunities. The UW is receptive to these initiatives, he said, and advocacy in this regard should continue to come from the WTCS.
He suggested that an area of collaboration to explore might be e-learning, especially in view of the expertise available through Learning Innovations. There also may be opportunities for collaboration in cutting costs, he indicated, noting that both systems will face tremendous funding challenges in the coming months. He stated the need to be creative in this area and to be able to demonstrate to the Legislature that the UW and WTCS are working together to cut costs wherever possible.
Noting that the mission of the WTC System is to accept all applicants, Regent Barry pointed out that UW decisions with respect to enrollments could have a significant impact on the Technical Colleges. Therefore, he said, consideration should be given to how the systems’ respective roles will compliment one another in order to maintain overall student access and educational quality. In that regard, the UW Colleges can play a valuable role in accommodating increased enrollments.
Stating appreciation for her partnership with Dr. Carpenter, President Lyall noted that, along with Regent Burmaster, they are partners in the PK-16 Council as well. Much is being accomplished, she said, and more progress will be made going forward.
In addition to further building of 2+2 degrees and other initiatives, she announced three new actions to facilitate transfer. First, a brochure on the transfer process has been created. Second, each system has appointed an ombudsperson to resolve individual transfer problems as they arise: Larry Rubin for the UW System and Deb Mahaffey for the WTC System. These ombudspersons also will keep records that will enable analysis to pinpoint any problem areas.
Third, a technical group has been appointed to draft a guaranteed transfer contract for students who set forth their educational plan at the beginning of their postsecondary career. Many transfer problems arise, she explained, when students begin their studies without really knowing their educational goal and then find that some courses do not transfer when they change majors. The transfer contract will be helpful in encouraging students and parents to plan their course of study at the beginning of the educational process.
She expressed agreement with Dr. Carpenter that the two systems need to communicate more effectively with students, the public and elected officials about their collaborative initiatives and all the progress that is being made. With regard to collaborating on cost reduction, she reported that the systems have a common purchasing contract for computers and software that is saving millions of dollars. They also collaborate in the Co- Lab, which is setting standards for online education. There are other cost-saving efforts in the area of purchasing and more opportunities will be sought going forward.
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2003-05 Budget
In introductory remarks, President Lyall recalled that, following Department of Administration instructions, the Board approved in August a cost-to-continue budget request for 2003-05. The Board also reviewed several supplemental initiatives and directed that these be submitted to DOA in November, along with the response to the Governor’s 95% exercise.
The supplemental initiatives included new efforts that could be undertaken in economic development, nursing and teacher education should additional funding become available. It is clear, she emphasized, that the first priority must be to protect the UW’s core mission and serve its targeted student enrollments, and that the $44 million base budget cut is stretching the ability to serve current enrollments. With the state’s fiscal condition becoming even more difficult, she indicated, the new Governor and legislative leadership will be making every effort to solve the problem, and the UW can expect to part of that solution.
Reflecting the UW’s response to the Governor’s Task Force on Health, Education and Economic Development, the supplemental initiatives were created collaboratively with partners in the Technical Colleges, the Department of Public Instruction, and local and regional economic development partners. As such, President Lyall stated, they are possibilities the state may wish to consider as it works towards a fiscal solution. If the state is not in a position to invest in these initiatives this year, they will be set aside until a better time. Most importantly, she emphasized, the UW will serve its current enrollments as well as it possibly can.
Describing the supplemental initiatives, President Lyall turned first to the Economic Development Initiative, noting that only half of the Economic Stimulus Package for the state was funded in 2001-03 and that Wisconsin still urgently needs additional graduates in high-demand, high-tech fields, such as biotechnology, microbiology, computer science, and engineering. If the state concurs, the UW would train l,250 more students in these high-demand fields, so that they will be ready to work in the next economy. The initiative also includes specific regional projects that UW institutions stand ready to implement if funding is available.
With respect to the Nursing Initiative, President Lyall noted that the Technical Colleges have proposed increasing by 2,000 the number of Associate Degree nurses that they train in order to alleviate the nursing shortage in the state. To accomplish that, they need the UW to produce more master’s degree nurses to teach in the Technical College programs. They also need the UW to expand the online BSN degree completion program to help retain associate degree nurses who want to upgrade their credentials in order to qualify for supervisory and other duties.
With regard to the Teacher Education Initiative, the President noted that school districts have identified statewide a continuing need for more special education teachers. The UW System is prepared to increase access to special education training through online programming and to expand on-campus program capacity if additional funding is available.
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95% Exercise
Introducing this item, President Lyall noted that the Department of Administration had instructed the UW and other state agencies to indicate how a five percent reduction in base budget would be managed.
A five percent cut, she explained would have the following impacts:
- It would remove $49.5 million from the UW’s base budget;
- This would require eliminating about 968 faculty and staff;
- That, in turn, would remove the ability to serve about 7,800 FTE students;
- If none of the $49.5 million cut were offset with additional tuition revenue, campuses would also lose an additional $23.6 million in tuition;
- If the entire $49.5 million were offset by tuition, that would require an 8.4% tuition increase ($250-$325), but then neither faculty/staff cuts nor enrollment reductions would be necessary.
When combined with the ongoing base cut from this year, President Lyall pointed out that a further five percent base cut would result in a total reduction of $84 million in less than a year, or $107 million including lost tuition. Noting that enrollments were not reduced in response to the $44 million midyear cut, she stated that further base cuts must be offset by tuition increases, result in some enrollment reductions, or more likely, some combination of those actions, if the quality of educational services is to be maintained.
Stating that Wisconsin’s economic future depends on having more college graduates, she indicated that applications for admission to UW campuses are growing statewide. To serve those additional students, the UW needs the necessary faculty and staff, computers, library books, advisors and programs to serve them properly. With $1,000 less per student in resources, she said UW institutions are doing a remarkable job of serving almost 15,000 more students than peers around the country serve with the same dollar base.
The first priority, she reiterated, must be to preserve the university’s core mission and serve existing students well, which is what students and parents have a right to expect. If future cuts are necessary, she said that student access can be preserved by increasing tuition, while remaining below the Midwest average, or the UW can continue to have the lowest tuition in the Midwest, but serve fewer students. The UW’s goal, she stated, must be to keep the opportunity for a quality education open and to strive, over the next several years, to serve additional students as resources permit.
She planned to assemble a small team within System Administration to help interface with the Governor and legislative leaders on these important issues. This effort will be integrated with the Board’s larger “Engage Wisconsin” effort.
Expressing agreement with the President’s remarks, Regent Mohs noted that, after a recent legislative forum, the Chair indicated that the UW might have a $2 million to $3 million cut – a reduction of 20% or more. While he believed that the value of the university is fully understood by the Legislature, there might be a suspicion by some that there is extra money that can be cut. Although this clearly is note the case, he suggested that planning be done in the event that there might be a deeper cut than any one would want to expect.
Expressing his hope that such severe cuts would not materialize, Regent Marcovich agreed that the UW should prepare for any eventuality and be ready to demonstrate very specifically what would happen on every campus in terms of employment and programs if such cuts were imposed. Noting that the state is the only stakeholder that is withholding resources from the UW, he remarked that parents and students have absorbed tuition increases and have voted to increase their tuition through differential tuition programs, even though their incomes may have been reduced and retirement plans have decreased in value. Similarly, the UW’s gift donors and grant makers have worked very hard to maintain their level of support, even while facing the same economic problems as the state. As the entity legally responsible for educating Wisconsin’s young people, he felt the state should give further consideration to the value of investing in the UW before making final budgetary decisions.
Regent Smith requested that President Lyall bring to the Board at the next meeting enrollment and other data that the Board would need to make non-traditional decisions in these difficult economic times. Stating that quality cannot be compromised, he noted the direct relationship between the number of students that can be enrolled and the UW’s financial condition.
Noting that Chancellors have received incentives to enroll to target and that those targets have in some cases been exceeded, Regent Smith cautioned that in the current environment, policies and practices in the area of enrollments will need to be carefully reviewed.
Regent President Gottschalk asked if there were any disagreements with Regent Smith’s request. Hearing none, it was deemed to be the consensus of the Board.
Regent Klauser noted that admissions for next year are being considered now and that budget decisions will not be made for some time. He advised that it would be prudent for Chancellors to recognize that enrollment targets are maximums and may, in reality, be too high. In that regard, he cautioned that campuses might end up with funding for 90% or less of their targets, even if they enrolled 100%.
Expressing agreement with what had been said, Regent Jones suggested that the Board also look at whether high tuition levels are causing enrollment of fewer non-resident students, whose tuition dollars serve to subsidize in-state students. He expressed strong support for the “Engage Wisconsin” effort and for letting the public know as much as possible about the UW and how it is funded.
Regent President Gottschalk requested that President Lyall also advise the Board in December as to how other states are handling cuts to higher education.
Regent Krutsch noted the importance of creative, nontraditional ways of delivering quality, in view of major budget cuts. For example, she felt it might not be necessary to have all courses taught by instructors with PhDs. In addition, she emphasized the point that cuts should not be made across the board, but should be targeted carefully in order to preserve that which is most valuable.
Regent Olivieri concurred, noting that some campuses would like to reduce enrollments as a strategy, while it is important to the success of other campuses to increase enrollments. He felt that no cuts should be made across the board, but rather that each of the campuses and programs should be looked at individually.
He asked for the Board to be advised in December of all plans for differential tuition to be brought forth in the coming year. With major cuts on the horizon, he considered it imperative to be as aggressive as possible about using all mechanisms available to deal with the situation, including differential tuition initiatives. He pointed out that it is important to consider revenue opportunities and not just enrollment cuts.
Regent Klauser expressed concern on the basis that he did not see differential tuition as a way to supplant existing funding, but rather to expand and enhance campus programs such as advising or undergraduate research.
Chancellor Wells added that, at UW-Oshkosh, differential tuition is targeted toward addressing serious limitations in advising and counseling.
Adding to the urgency of the fiscal situation, he pointed out, is a large increase in applications to UW institutions – a 52% increase at UW-Oshkosh. The enrollment target at Oshkosh had been exceeded last year, he explained, because of stronger than expected retention of existing students. In addition, he noted that students this year are applying to more institutions, making it harder than usual to predict the yield rate.
Regent Boyle suggested that quality be better defined. In his view, components of quality include: faculty/student ratio, updating of technology, adequate advising, adequate salaries for faculty, ratio between faculty and instructional academic staff, availability of class sections, adequate library resources, laboratories with quality equipment. These more specific definitions, he remarked, would make it easier to explain to stakeholders what is meant by reducing quality in response to budgetary reductions.
Noting that the UW’s mission has components of outreach and research, along with instruction, Chancellor Zimpher indicated that losses in these areas also should be quantified. For example, she noted that, due to budget cuts, the university has fallen behind in implementing the funded portion of the Economic Stimulus Package, in carrying forth vital K-12 initiatives, and in conducting research in such areas as environmental health. Also adversely affected would be the university’s ability to obtain research dollars from the federal government and private sector.
Noting that the goal must be to convince the state to treat the university as well as possible, Regent Mohs observed that the UW’s plan needs to be very thoughtful and able to stand up to fair scrutiny. Since 85% of the budget pays for faculty and staff, he indicated that a topic to address in December would be how to deal with cuts in that area and what kind of constraints are involved. Noting that he was not suggesting salary reductions, he remarked that it will be necessary to continue to compete for the best faculty available. Among matters to be addressed, he indicated, are how to protect the highest quality departments and what to do about faculty and staff who now are being recruited.
President Lyall agreed that this is an area that must be carefully considered, in that there are notice periods and other requirements that must be respected.
With regard to defining quality, Chancellor Messner remarked that one measure is how well a university delivers what is promised in its mission. Since a core part of the mission of the UW Colleges is providing access to affordable high-quality education, he observed that diminishing access therefore means diminishing quality.
He expressed concern that the 95% exercise greatly understated the impact on student access, since it was measured against enrollment targets, rather than actual applications. For the first time in their history, he pointed out, the UW Colleges had to turn away students, so that 800 – 1,000 applicants were denied admission. Applications for the spring semester were up 50% over last year and applications for next fall already are running 30% ahead of last year.
Chancellor Reilly added that UW-Extension, in partnership with UW campuses, has about one and a half million enrollments or contacts with people all over the state every year. A five percent cut means that 75,000 people would not have the access they expect.
Further, he added, a five percent cut to Extension would be magnified by reductions in county revenues and campus budget cuts, all of which would cripple economic development efforts.
Regent Barry said the effort must be to convey such consequences to stakeholders – parents, students, legislators, faculty, staff, and the broader public – so that consequences are fully understood. In doing so, he indicated the importance of engaging the whole university community in the discussion.
Regent Krutsch concurred with the necessity of making sure that faculty and staff are an integral part of the process of deciding what must be done on each campus to deal with the crisis in ways that best serve its mission.
Regent Smith concluded the discussion by noting that one thing learned over the past several years of economic development efforts is that education is the way to economic prosperity. From his business experience, he knew that it is hard to make investments when dollars are scarce, but that decisions to go ahead with such investments turn out to be the right decisions.
Noting that she would be unable to attend the next day’s meeting in person, Regent Burmaster indicated her intention to join the meeting by telephone and asked if the proposed PhD in History at UW-Milwaukee could be scheduled at a time certain so that she could participate in the discussion and vote on that item.
There being no objection, Regent President Gottschalk ordered that the item be taken up at 9:30 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
_________________________________
Judith A. Temby, Secretary
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
UW-Madison
Held in the 1820 Van Hise Hall
Friday, November 8, 2002
9:00 a.m.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD.. 1
Report on the October 18th Meeting of the Higher Education Aids Board.. 1
Report on the November 6th Meeting of the Hospital Authority Board.. 2
REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND FUNDING COMMITTEE.. 2
Report of the Assistant Vice President.. 2
Building Commission Actions. 2
Discussion of UW-Milwaukee Kenilworth RFP.. 2
UW-Madison: Facility Planning Update.. 2
Medical Facilities: Healthstar and University Hospitals. 2
Real Estate Development Corporation. 3
Authority to Amend the Land and Facilities Lease Agreement for Site of UW-Waukesha, UW Colleges. 3
UW-River Falls: Authority to Increase the Budget of the New Residence Hall Project 4
UW-Platteville: Authority to Increase the Budget of the Living and Learning Center Project 4
Amendments to Regent Policy 96-4: Deputizing Police Officers, UW System.. 5
report of the BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE.. 5
Overview of UW System Financial Management Structure.. 5
UW Foundation Perspective on Hedge Funds. 5
Review of Emerging Markets and High Yield Debt 6
Quarterly Gifts, Grants, and Contract Report 6
Report of the Vice President.. 6
Status of Classified Represented Pay Plan. 6
Discussion of "Direct" Versus "Full" Cost Recovery Programs. 7
Public Forum on Trust Funds Investments. 7
Principal Expenditure: UW System Trust Funds: Mary W. Enerson Bequest 7
UW System Trust Funds: Acceptance of the Robert Kuehneisen Bequest 8
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Acceptance of Funds Agreement Modification-Technical Adjustments. 8
Ph.D. in History, UW-Milwaukee.. 9
UW-Milwaukee: Program Authorization (Implementation) Ph.D., History. 13
Program Authorization (Implementation) Ph.D., History. 19
Wisconsin Economic Summit III. 19
Wisconsin Economic Summit III 20
report of the president of the system... 21
November 18-22 is International Education Week.. 21
30th Anniversary of Title IX.. 22
Chancellor Sorensen receives Eagle Award. 22
UW System and Wisconsin Technical College System Co-Lab Award. 22
Regent Gerard Randall Top Innovator Award. 23
Canadian National Grant to UW-Superior. 23
report of the education committee.. 23
Report of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. 23
Race and Ethnic Diversity in the Curriculum – United Council Presentation. 23
Discussion of Wisconsin Technical College System Presentation.. 24
Success and Pre-College Programming: Report of Pre-College Program Study.. 24
Program Authorizations – First Reading.. 24
M.S. in Health Care Informatics, UW-Milwaukee. 24
UW-Milwaukee: Program Authorization (Implementation) B.S., Biochemistry. 24
UW-La Crosse: Program Authorization (Implementation) B.S., Biochemistry. 25
UW-Madison: Program Authorization (Implementation) M.S., Biotechnology. 25
UW-Platteville: Revised Mission Statement 25
UW-Eau Claire: Revised Mission Statement 25
UNFINISHED OR ADDITiONAL BUSINESS. 26
Program Approval in Current Fiscal Environment.. 26
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
UW-Madison
Held in the 1820 Van Hise Hall
Friday, November 8, 2002
9:00 a.m.
- President Gottschalk presiding -
PRESENT: Regents Axtell, Barry, Boyle, Brandes, Burmaster (participated by phone), DeSimone, Gottschalk, Gracz, Jones, Klauser, Krutsch, Marcovich, Mohs, Olivieri, Randall, Schneider and Smith
ABSENT: None
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The minutes of the October 10th and 11th meetings of the Board stood approved as distributed.
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REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Report on the October 18th Meeting of the Higher Education Aids Board
The Regents received a written report on the October 18th meeting of the Higher Education Aids Board.
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Report on the November 6th Meeting of the Hospital Authority Board
A written report on the November 6th meeting of the Hospital Authority Board was provided to the Regents.
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REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND FUNDING COMMITTEE
The committee’s report was presented by Regent Schneiders, Vice Chair.
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Report of the Assistant Vice President
Nancy Ives, Assistant Vice President reported that the Building Commission approved about $6.5M for various projects at their October meeting, including construction of the Aquaculture Center that will be built at the Red Cliff Reservation.
Discussion of UW-Milwaukee Kenilworth RFP
UW-Milwaukee Assistant Chancellor Don Melkus, Dean of Architecture and Urban Planning Bob Greenstreet, and Director of Facilities Planning Claude Schuttey reported on the UW‑Milwaukee Kenilworth building. This 5-story building is now owned by the Board of Regents, after having gained use of it through the Federal Surplus Property Program. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is soliciting proposals from developers for re-development of the building to meet university needs and community needs.
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UW-Madison: Facility Planning Update
Medical Facilities: Healthstar and University Hospitals
Dr. Philip Farrell, Dean of the UW Medical School provided an overview of the status and schedule of projects at UW‑Madison. The Waisman Center addition and Rennebohm School of Pharmacy have been completed; and the Health Sciences Learning Center is under construction. Two forthcoming projects include an Interdisciplinary Research Complex and School of Nursing.
Donna Sollenberger, CEO of UW Hospital & Clinics, noted the developments that have been implemented since the Hospital Authority was established in 1996. These projects include a new Pediatric ICU, operating rooms, patient room remodeling, and Ambulatory Services. Upcoming projects include Med Flight relocation, emergency room expansion, and a new children's hospital tower. Ms. Sollenberger reported that the Hospital Authority has developed an aggressive off-site ambulatory strategy to better serve their clients, and proactive planning for land use on the west campus. Staffing, due to the nurse shortage, and the shortage of on-site parking are challenging issues which will be addressed.
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Real Estate Development Corporation
Mark Bugher, Director of UW Research Park, reported on the Real Estate Development Corporation, which is a subsidiary of the University Research Park. This corporation works with the university and private developers regarding joint development projects. The establishment of the Corporation was recommended by the Urban Land Institute upon completion of the Campus Master Plan a few years ago. Discussions are underway relative to redevelopment of two areas along University Avenue and one on Park Street. The goal is to meet University needs for various types of facilities, and also provide retail and other private developments.
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Regent Schneiders presented the following resolutions to the Board of Regents as consent agenda items. Regent De Simone seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Authority to Amend the Land and Facilities Lease Agreement for Site of UW-Waukesha, UW Colleges
Resolution 8608: That, upon the recommendation of the UW Colleges Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted for the officers of the Board of Regents to amend the land and facilities lease agreement between the Regents and Waukesha County for the site of UW‑Waukesha. The amendment will permit Waukesha County to enter into a lease/easement agreement with TeleCorp Realty, LLC, for the specific purpose of erecting and operating a cellular tower on campus land.
UW-Eau Claire: Approval of the Design Report and Authority to Construct a Towers Residence Hall Fire Sprinkler System Project
Resolution 8609: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Eau Claire Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Design Report be approved and authority be granted to construct a Towers Residence Hall Fire Sprinkler System project at an estimated total project cost of $1,971,000 Program Revenue Supported Borrowing.
UW-Madison: Approval of the Design Report and Authority to Construct a Crew House Expansion Project
Resolution 8610: 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 Crew House Expansion project at an estimated total project cost of $8,350,000 ($2,250,000 Gifts and $6,100,000 Program Revenue Supported Borrowing).
UW-River Falls: Authority to Increase the Budget of the New Residence Hall Project
Resolution 8611: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-River Falls Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to increase the budget of the New Residence Hall project by $1,179,100 Program Revenue Housing - Cash, for a revised total budget of $11,033,000 ($9,180,000 Program Revenue Supported Borrowing and $1,853,000 Program Revenue Housing – Cash).
UW-Platteville: Authority to Increase the Budget of the Living and Learning Center Project
Resolution 8612: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Platteville Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to increase the project budget for the Living and Learning Center project by $158,500 for a revised total budget of $1,110,500 Program Revenue Supported Borrowing.
Amendments to Regent Policy 96-4: Deputizing Police Officers, UW System
Resolution 8613: That, upon the recommendation of the President of the University o f Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents amends Regent Policy 96-4: Deputizing Police Officers as follows:
- authority for deputizing university police officers be delegated to the Chancellors or the Chancellors' designees; and
- names of newly deputized officers shall be reported to the Secretary of the Board of Regents
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report of the BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Regent Klauser, Chair of the Business and Finance Committee presented the report..
Overview of UW System Financial Management Structure
Doug Hendrix, Associate Vice President for Financial Administration, UW System, reported on fiscal controls. Mr. Hendrix pointed out the overarching controls in the organizational and fiscal environment and described the process for establishing control procedures for transaction processing.
Regent Krutsch noted the Board's independence from management and inquired whether Internal Audit should report directly to the Board. Vice President Durcan responded that, like the UW System, most Big 10 institutions' auditors go through the finance office and have a reporting relationship to the Board.
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UW Foundation Perspective on Hedge Funds
A report on the UW Foundation perspective on Hedge Funds was presented by John Feldt, Senior Vice President, UW Foundation. Mr. Feldt explained the process UW Foundation uses and recommended the UW System use a “fund to funds” approach which will be reviewed by the committee.
Review of Emerging Markets and High Yield Debt
Assistant Trust Officer Doug Hoerr reviewed emerging markets and high yield debt. The committee will be taking action on changes to asset allocation.
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George Brooks, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, UW System, presented the Annual Sick Leave Report. This is a statutorily required report on sick leave usage by faculty and academic staff. In response to a question regarding the value of the conversion of sick leave credits to purchase health insurance, Mr. Brooks stated the final value at retirement depends on several factors, including salary and years of service.
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Quarterly Gifts, Grants, and Contract Report
Vice President Durcan presented the first quarter gifts, grants, and contracts report for 2002-03, noting an increase of $53.6 million over last year at this time. Ms. Durcan noted that UW-Madison received a $32 million increase in federal funding for research.
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The annual broadcast report was presented by Kerry Niemcek, Policy Analyst, UW System. Ms. Niemcek noted the addition of a new student radio station at UW-Madison. UW-Madison is the last Big 10 University to have a student radio station.
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Status of Classified Represented Pay Plan
Associate VP Brooks reported on the status of the Classified Represented Pay Plan. He noted that the collective bargaining agreements for 2001-03 have still not been resolved. Although some bargaining units have reached tentative agreements the Legislature's Joint Committee on Employee Relations has ratified no contracts. 8,500 classified employees of the University System are affected, including UW System teaching assistants.
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Discussion of "Direct" Versus "Full" Cost Recovery Programs
Vice Chancellor John Torphy noted that the goals and terms of the various differential tuition programs throughout the UW System need to be better clarified between the institutions and Board. Regent Olivieri articulated his position on encouraging the institutions to use differential tuition to raise revenue and to continue access. Mr. Torphy also reported on the lost revenue impact due to the decline in the yield of nonresident students.
Regent Krutsch pointed out that the loss of nonresident tuition equals approximately $350 per resident Wisconsin undergraduate at UW-Madison.
Regent Klauser noted that out-of-state students subsidize in-state students by paying tuition that is substantially greater than the cost of their instruction.
Regent Schneiders asked if the limit of 25% out-of-state undergraduate students had been reached, to which Chancellor Wiley replied that the current percentage at UW-Madison is 23.8%.
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Public Forum on Trust Funds Investments
The Committee outlined the Board's policy and fiscal responsibilities regarding the UW System’s endowment. Speakers asked the Board to be more active in following and adhering to its guidelines. The speakers were supportive of the Board's increased activity in proxy voting as a positive first step but hoped the Board would take a more active role in divestiture of assets holdings in the future.
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On behalf of the Business and Finance Committee, Regent Klauser moved the adoption of the following resolutions. The motion was seconded by Regent Krutsch and it carried unanimously.
Principal Expenditure: UW System Trust Funds: Mary W. Enerson Bequest
Resolution 8614: That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System and the Dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, the principal and income balance of the Mary W. Enerson bequest becomes available for spending.
UW System Trust Funds: Acceptance of the Robert Kuehneisen Bequest
Resolution 8615: That, upon the recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System and the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the bequest of the late Robert Kuehneisen be accepted, and that the Trust Officer or Assistant Trust Officers be authorized to sign receipts and do all things necessary to effect the transfer for the benefit of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Let it be herewith further resolved, that the President and Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, and the Chancellor and Dean of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee express their deepest thanks and appreciation to the late Robert Kuehneisen for this exceptionally generous gift, which will be used as a memorial fund to sustain and further the quality of the School of Education.
(It is anticipated that the School of Education will receive a total of approximately $1,250,000 from the Kuehneisen estate. It should be noted that the Swimming Program at UW-Milwaukee is potentially the beneficiary of Mr. Kuehneisen's IRA, with a value of some $215,000.)
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Acceptance of Funds Agreement Modification-Technical Adjustments
Resolution 8616: That upon the recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System and the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Board of Regents:
- Approves the “Agreement to Accept Gifts between the Wisconsin United for Health Foundation, Inc., the University of Wisconsin Foundation and the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents” with technical adjustments made from the last agreement, which technical adjustments reorder information in the last agreement, incorporate other minor language changes which do not change the meaning, and establish the UW Medical School, not the UW Foundation, as the entity which will expend the funds in accordance with the Insurance Commissioner’s Order of March 28, 2000 and under Board of Regents oversight.
- Authorizes John Torphy, Vice Chancellor of Administration, University of Wisconsin-Madison to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Board.
Ph.D. in History, UW-Milwaukee
At this time, Regent Burmaster joined the meeting by telephone conference.
Noting that the Education Committee forwarded the matter on a proposed Ph.D. in History to the full Board of Regents without recommendation, Regent President Gottschalk made the following remarks to frame the debate on this matter. First, he noted that there were well-meaning men and women on both sides of the issue, and he thanked Senior Vice President Marrett and Provost Wanat for their thoughtful perspectives. Both perspectives, he said, deserve careful consideration as do the opinions of others who have commented about the matter.
What is before the Board, he remarked, is not a choice between individuals or campuses, but a choice of what is best for UW-Milwaukee, the community of Milwaukee, the UW System, and the citizens of Wisconsin. In closing, he noted that it is common practice for trustees and corporate boards to have vigorous debate and then to come together with one voice to support the majority decision. It was his expectation that the Board of Regents would abide by this process in this matter, as it has in others, and come together in a united manner to face the great challenges of the months ahead.
He then called on Senior Vice President Marrett and Chancellor Zimpher to make presentations about the proposed program.
Dr. Marrett began by noting that System Administration necessarily takes account of needs, impacts and resources beyond those associated with any one institution. For doctoral programming, she explained, this means examining the context across the nation because doctoral programs operate in a national environment.
In December 2001, she recalled, System Administration brought to the Board for a first reading UW-Milwaukee’s proposed PhD in History. At that time, the plan had been to recommend implementation of the program at the February meeting. At the December meeting some questions arose, and between December and February the budgetary climate changed drastically. These circumstances caused the Office of Academic Affairs to alter the original plan in terms of timing and to undertake a study of the context and content of the proposed program. The results of this study led Dr. Marrett to conclude that it would not be consistent with her responsibility to the Board to endorse the proposed program.
Explaining the reasons for her conclusion, Dr. Marrett first described the proposed program as consisting of three sub-areas: Urban history, global history, and modern studies. Expected participants would come from three groups: K-12 teachers and administrators; individuals employed in museums, archives, and other sites for public history; and individuals interested in teaching history on the college level. The program would admit five to seven students a year and would produce one or two graduates annually. The institution already offers through its master’s program some of the graduate courses to be included in the PhD, and a faculty of more than 30 would direct the program.
Turning to context for the program. Dr. Marrett indicated that the PhD is considered a research degree, signaling that a recipient has mastered advanced concepts in an academic field and is able to make independent intellectual contributions to that field. Institutions investing in PhD education, she observed, generally do so for the benefits that will accrue to society from the research and scholarship that will emanate from such a program. While PhD degrees can advance careers and generate personal satisfaction, she said, justification for the program extends well beyond returns to the individual. Indeed, she added, studies of the effectiveness of PhD programs routinely attend to the outcomes of the programs, not simply the inputs.
With respect to the field of history, Dr. Marrett indicated that the President of the American Historical Association has presented a forceful case against the expansion of doctoral programs in history on the basis that there are not enough positions within or outside of the academy for people holding those degrees and that the proportion of new degree recipients reporting employment at the time of degree conferral has declined for the past 10 years. He noted a trend away from hiring professionally trained historians, with libraries and historical societies tending to seek librarians, curators, fund raisers and other professionals.
In view of these trends, Dr. Marrett noted, leading departments have tended to downsize their graduate programs and some have completely opted out of graduate training in history. Of institutions in the Urban 13, all offer a master’s degree in history, but the majority do not offer a PhD in history. There is, she noted, no connection between quality of the institution and whether or not it confers doctoral degrees in history.
She cited two models as warranting notice: 1) The University of New Orleans has a PhD in urban studies with a concentration in history; and 2) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, history faculty participate in an interdisciplinary PhD program. At UW-Milwaukee, she added, a PhD degree with an emphasis in history may be conferred through the interdisciplinary committee route.
With regard to resources, Dr. Marrett observed that numbers of history degrees at the master’s level at UW-Milwaukee have remained stable over time, while the number of undergraduate degrees have trended downward, leaving a larger staff available for the doctoral program than might be the case at other institutions.
The study that was done on doctoral education in general at UW-Milwaukee, she continued, prompted these conclusions. First, a PhD degree with emphasis on research does not serve well those searching primarily for intellectual enrichment, nor does the quest for enrichment advance the research mission or standing of an institution. Second, downward trends of employment opportunities for PhDs in history suggest that investment in this degree will generate only modest return to the public. Third, the nontraditional population targeted by this program may be well served through other options such as the PhD in Urban Education and the PhD in Urban Studies. The latter program includes a sizeable number of History Department faculty and seems to have the capacity to serve more students.
Expressing high regard for Dr. Marrett’s analysis, Regent Klauser asked if faculty and institutions are enhanced by oversight of graduate students and Dr. Marrett replied in the affirmative.
Regent Klauser asked if Dr. Marrett would support a PhD in Urban History. In reply, Dr. Marrett indicated some concern for the viability of the Urban Studies PhD if the history faculty in that program were to leave; thus a PhD in Urban History seemed a possible strategy. The question of whether there is need for such a program has not been answered at this time.
In response to a question by Regent Klauser as to whether employability of graduates should be a standard for program approval, Dr. Marrett indicated that questions of employability arise more specifically for doctoral programs than for undergraduate programs.
Noting reference in Dr. Marrett’s paper to availability of programs at other institutions within 100 miles, Regent Klauser asked if that is standard for program approval. Responding in the affirmative, Dr. Marrett noted that geographical location of other programs often is taken into account.
Regent Klauser viewed the proposed PhD program as a request from the Milwaukee community, not just from UW-Milwaukee, and as a proposal consistent with the Wisconsin Idea. He noted that there would be no benefit to the community if students went to a university located elsewhere and that faculty at that university would be enhanced, rather than local faculty.
Regent Brandes referred to the suggested option of expanding the PhD in Urban Studies to accommodate an Urban History emphasis. She asked why it would be better to reallocate for this program than to reallocate for the PhD in History.
In reply, Dr. Marrett indicated that, because the Urban Studies program already exists, expanding it would be less complex than implementing a new program. She saw no reason why a humanities orientation could not be added to the social science orientation of Urban Studies.
Regent Krutsch asked if it would be more cost effective to add an Urban History track to the Urban Studies program, rather than adding a PhD in History. Replying in the affirmative, Dr. Marrett indicated that would be a viable option to consider, given that such an emphasis exists at other universities.
In response to a further question by Regent Krutsch, Dr. Marrett indicated that larger investments generally are required for a doctoral student than for an undergraduate, due to the need for more extensive time commitments, research activities and library resources.
Regent Mohs noted that the UW-Madison History program has a faculty/undergraduate student ratio of 12.4 to 1, while UW-Milwaukee’s is 3.2 to 1, and he asked for comments on that ratio. In response, Dr. Marrett indicted that other universities have many more undergraduate majors than UW-Milwaukee. The low ratio would free faculty time for work with doctoral students.
Chancellor Zimpher began her presentation by noting that, with the strong support of the Board and President Lyall, UW-Milwaukee was moving toward the ambitious goal of becoming a premier urban research university, deeply committed to its students and community and to meeting the educational, economic, and environmental needs of its region and state.
After a 15-year hiatus in doctoral expansion, she pointed out, UW-Milwaukee had proposed the PhD in History. In the course of review, mounds of information had been provided, the entire doctoral array defended, and the support of prospective students, corporate partners and Regent Emeritus advisors had been demonstrated.
What is important, she stated, is not how many other urban universities offer a doctorate in History, but that the best and most productive urban peers do offer it. The program, she emphasized, is not a traditional PhD, but is an innovative program for already-employed professionals. Further, the proposed program is in keeping with UW-Milwaukee’s select mission to develop a balanced array of high quality doctoral programs in basic disciplines and professional areas, to attract highly qualified students with potential for intellectual development, innovation and leadership for their communities, and to further academic and professional opportunities at all levels for women, minorities, part-time and financially and educationally disadvantaged students.
What is involved, she said in conclusion, is full realization of the Milwaukee Idea and UW-Milwaukee’s ambition to become a premier urban research university through careful and limited expansion of doctoral array.
She then called on Dr. Jeffrey Merrick, Chair of the History Department, to discuss further the nature, need and resources for the proposed program. Emphasizing the point that this would not be a traditional program, he indicated that national leaders in the field have promoted change in the History PhD to involve more technological work, more connections with K-12 education, and globalization of the teaching of American History. These are innovations, he said, that UW-Milwaukee’s program will undertake.
Stating that other options would not meet the needs of the students interested in the program, Dr. Merrick explained that surveys, along with many letters and e-mails demonstrated that these students are not interested in degrees in Urban Education or Urban Studies and that existing traditional PhD programs in History at UW-Madison and Marquette University are not realistic options for these nontraditional students.
Emphasizing that the program would not cost additional dollars, he said that the 32 current faculty in the History Department provide adequate staffing to mount a quality PhD program without neglecting students in the B.A and M.A. programs.
Regent Jones thanked the presenters for setting forth compelling points of view on both sides of the issue. In response to questions by Regent Jones, Dr. Merrick explained that the number of faculty in the department had increased from 27 to 32 and that enrollments in the B.A. and M.A. programs also are increasing with 30 students admitted to the M.A. program this year and over 100 undergraduate majors.
Regent Krutsch asked if this exemplifies a model of program development in which the campus hires faculty for a proposed program and then is able to state that no new resources are needed when the time comes for program approval. She commented that the number of faculty in the department did not seem to be justified by the number of undergraduate and master’s students. Dr. Merrick replied that the new faculty were not hired contingent on approval of the PhD program.
Regent Brandes observed that the faculty also served students not majoring in history, and Dr. Merrick added that student credit hours are very high and that most of those taking history courses are not majoring in history.
Provost Wanat explained that new funding was received for Milwaukee Idea initiatives and that faculty had been added in various areas, including the History Department. In addition, he noted that new faculty were needed in a number of areas in response to increasing enrollments at UW-Milwaukee.
Regent Barry asked what would happen to the doctoral program if budget cuts should force a reduction in faculty. Dr. Merrick did not believe that the difference would be so significant that the department could not mount the program.
Adoption of the following resolution was moved by Regent Krutsch and seconded by Regent Mohs:
UW-Milwaukee: Program Authorization (Implementation) Ph.D., History
Resolution: That, upon recommendation of the Office of the Senior Vice President, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee not be authorized to implement the Ph.D. in History.
Regent Klauser moved to amend the resolution by deleting the word “not”, and the motion was seconded by Regent Jones. At the suggestion of Regent President Gottschalk, deletion of the words “upon the recommendation of the Office of the Senior Vice President” was added to the motion, so that the resolution would read: “That the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee be authorized to implement the Ph.D. in History.”
Regent Klauser observed that the Board is custodian of the Wisconsin Idea, which means fulfilling the needs of the community and the state. He had no doubt that there is a need for the program in the Milwaukee area and southeastern part of the state. This area, he pointed out, has the greatest ethnic, racial, cultural and economic diversity in the state - - a multi-dimensional diversity that creates issues and problems that the community and UW-Milwaukee are attempting to address.
Noting that the Regents had received considerable correspondence identifying need for the program, he called attention in particular to a letter from the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, an organization that represents 2,500 businesses in the Milwaukee area. Noting that these entities support the university through taxes and provide jobs as a critical component of the economy, he said that they support the program because there is a paucity of understanding of the world community in an increasingly global society – a problem that is particularly acute in the multi-dimensional Milwaukee area community. There is concern, he continued, that young people are not properly prepared for life in a global context, that teachers are not adequately prepared to educate them in that regard, and that curricular materials used in elementary and secondary schools are lacking in content necessary to understand contemporary world events.
Stating that UW-Milwaukee is poised to help in remedying this situation, he said the proposed program will enhance the community and the state and will improve understanding of the history of richly diverse communities such as Milwaukee. He observed that the study of history is a powerful building block of the local, national and world economies and that it plays an important part in solving problems on all of those levels.
Citing support for the program by former Regent Presidents from the Milwaukee area, he stated in conclusion that, as custodians of the Wisconsin Idea, the Board must be responsive to the need that has been identified.
Regent Axtell indicated that three key points to consider were cost, need/demand, and mission, noting first that the Board has been assured that there is no additional cost to mounting the program. As strong evidence of need and demand, he cited a survey of 800 teachers, 150 of whom expressed interest in the program, and support for the program by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce on behalf of its large membership.
With respect to mission, he noted that nontraditional students, like those who would be served by this program, are a high priority for the UW System. Because these students are already employed, the lack of employability for PhDs in history on a national level would not be a factor in this case. In addition, he noted that the program is consistent with UW-Milwaukee’s mission and with the Milwaukee Ideas vision of UW-Milwaukee as a premier urban research university. Finally, he referred to a letter from three former Regent Presidents who pointed out that principles articulated when the UW System was created made clear that Wisconsin needed and intended to support two doctoral research universities.
In addition, he remarked that the degree complements the Bachelor of Global Studies Degree and a growing focus throughout the UW System on internationalizing curricula – a point emphasized by student comments to the Education Committee that international understanding should be taught throughout the curriculum.
In conclusion, Regent Axtell stated his strong support for the amendment on the basis of demonstrated need for the program and because the program supports the university’s mission at little or no additional cost.
Stating her strong support for the program, Regent Brandes observed that it met the Board’s criteria for approval. Referring first to mission, she noted that it is consistent with the mission of the university to offer a balanced array of high quality doctoral programs in basic disciplines.
Second, she pointed out that there is clear student demand for the program, as evidenced by the correspondence that had been received urging its approval. In addition, she cited the strong support for the program by the UW-Milwaukee faculty as a whole, not only faculty in the History Department. In addition, she noted strong support from the business community and former Regent Presidents.
Noting that no additional resources are being sought for the program, she commented that it is an efficient use of dollars to accommodate important student and community needs.
Further, she pointed out that all Regents from southeastern Wisconsin strongly supported the program. While representing the entire UW System, she noted that they have special knowledge of that part of the state and the needs of the people who live there.
With respect to the view that a job market is lacking for those with PhDs in history, Regent Brandes commented that, as a business leader, she often hires people with strong backgrounds in the liberal arts, rather than in business. Finally, she observed that offering a doctorate in history would enhance the competencies of the faculty and benefit students who take courses in history.
Expressing his strong support for the program, Regent Randall remarked that universities are responsible for promoting intellectual growth in the community, as well as providing practical education for the job market. In that regard, he pointed out that UW-Milwaukee is a critical contributor to making Milwaukee intellectually vibrant.
It is incumbent on the Board, he stated, to support the university so that it can continue to lead the renaissance of creativity, understanding and progress articulated by Chancellor Zimpher in the Milwaukee Idea. In conclusion, he expressed the view that the degree is important to fulfilling the campus’ mission and should be approved by the Board.
Regent Marcovich began his remarks by indicating that the decision was very difficult for him, particularly in view of the Board’s strong support for UW-Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Idea He viewed the matter as an appeal to the Board from a decision made by the Office of Academic and Student Services on the basis of its judgment as to what is best for the UW System as a whole. Because few members of the Board are expert in matters of curriculum, he added, it is necessary to rely on professionals to make judgments in these matters.
He felt overwhelming evidence would be needed to cause him to support overruling that decision. Because he did not see that kind of evidence in this case, he intended to vote against the amendment.
Stating her support for the recommendation of the Senior Vice President, Regent Krutsch expressed the view that the manner in which this proposal was brought forward is unusual and approval would set an unfortunate precedent. A campus wanting a new program, she pointed out, will certainly be able to present a strong argument in favor of that program. One of the benefits of a university system, she observed, is that new program approvals are reviewed by experts at the System level and carry their positive recommendation when brought to the Board. She did not consider it good practice to have competition before the Board between campuses and the Office of Academic Affairs.
Noting her concurrence with what had been said about the Board’s strong support for UW-Milwaukee and the vibrancy of that university, she emphasized that her concern was about the process and the precedent that would be set in this case. Observing that an important benefit of a university system is the discipline that it provides in terms of program expansion, she remarked that one of the reasons that the UW has been able to offer more cost-effective education for the citizens of Wisconsin is that the university system has been very effective in controlling the growth of expensive professional and doctoral programs. She expressed concern that, if numbers of supporters in a given area were to determine what programs were approved, there could be a loss of the kind of discipline needed to control program expansion in the future.
With regard to cost, Regent Krutsch pointed out that the proposed program would require additional resources in the sense that doctoral programs cost more than undergraduate programs. While adequate resources may be available at this time for the doctoral program, she observed that using resources in that way could adversely affect delivery of bottleneck undergraduate courses if a severe budget crunch were to occur.
She did not believe that need for the program had been compellingly demonstrated and cited the example of a master’s program in American History that targeted teachers and was directed to areas where they needed additional understanding as a more cost effective manner of improving history education.
Regent Smith spoke about several matters that were of concern to him with regard to these issues. First, he noted some suggestions that it may be a Madison versus Milwaukee issue, which he considered incorrect because barriers between the two cities had been largely eliminated over the years. Second, the question had been raised as to the priority to be given to the humanities vis-à-vis more applied fields. In that regard, Regent Smith stated the Board’s view that the humanities are of great importance in the UW’s program array. Third, he emphasized that there is no doubt of the Board’s support of UW-Milwaukee, its outstanding chancellor, and its PhD program as a whole.
Stating his intention to support the recommendation of the Senior Vice President, Regent Smith explained that his decision is based on the importance of adhering to the UW’s program approval process. He commended Dr. Marrett for having presented a strong report and for facing an issue that had been awaiting resolution for 10 years. This, he commented, was too long a delay on a matter that should have been decided years ago. Noting that the issue had come before three senior vice presidents over that period, he believed that it had not received a positive recommendation from any of them because it was not viewed as a high priority program. Although the process was flawed in this case by failure to make a more timely management decision, he said that he would need a very strong reason to vote against the decision now made and that a strong enough reason had not been presented.
At this point Regent Gracz made a call for the question, and the motion was seconded by Regent Axtell. Regent Barry stated his objection to calling the question.
Regent Klauser inquired about the Regent President’s intent concerning debate if the motion did not pass, and Regent Gottschalk replied that he would let all Regents be heard once before calling the question.
Based on that intent, Regent Gracz withdrew his motion, and Regent Axtell withdrew his second.
Regent Krutsch stated her discomfort with a strict limit on discussion when further debate might be found desirable. She preferred relying on the judgment of the Regent President.
Regent Marcovich moved that each Regent who had not already spoken on this issue be given an opportunity to speak before calling the question, and the motion was seconded by Regent Gracz.
The question was put on the motion, and it was adopted on a voice vote.
Stating that he would vote for the proposed program, Regent Jones noted the strong support evidenced by the community and business leadership. He considered it appropriate for UW-Milwaukee to appeal the matter to the Regents as stewards and final decision makers of the UW System.
Regent Barry indicated his inclination to support the management team in making a difficult decision, as Dr. Marrett had done in this case. Such decisions, he predicted, will become more difficult as the state sails into a fiscal “perfect storm” and reductions in faculty and staff have to be made. With regard to cost, he expressed his view that the History Department hired staff in anticipation of program approval, and that there would be costs to the System when reductions in staff are required.
Regent Boyle concurred with Dr. Marrett’s assessment of the proposed program as a traditional research degree, although it would be offered to nontraditional students. He believed the need in the Milwaukee area could be satisfied by using other program models. For example, he did not think the PhD in the History program would make a significant difference in improving teaching in K-12 education from a methodology or content standpoint. There are other models, he suggested, that could make a greater contribution to the community.
With regard to resources, Regent Boyle observed that offering a PhD program is likely to create gaps in service elsewhere, because teaching and advising at the PhD level is very time-consuming. In conclusion, he commented that the Board needs to make tough decisions in these difficult economic times.
Speaking in favor of the program, Regent Olivieri pointed out that a paper provided by the Office of Academic Affairs at the time of the program’s first reading last December states that the program is in line with the core mission of the doctoral cluster and the select mission of UW-Milwaukee which includes offering high quality graduate programs appropriate to a major doctoral university. It was noted that the program would allow non-traditional students to continue their education and advance their careers by enrolling in a nontraditional program designed to meet their needs and that it would keep these and other well-educated graduates in Wisconsin to augment the quality of the work force. External consultants had described the program as excellent and exceptionally strong. They called it a forward-looking program consistent with the mission of UW-Milwaukee.
As anecdotal points, Regent Olivieri cited a phone message from an instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College who called to say that he was one of the students interested in this program. In addition, he noted that teachers of advanced placement history courses at his daughter’s high school have PhD degrees. He commented that the kind of vigorous, critical understanding of advanced concepts that a PhD provides should be available to enhance student learning at the high school level.
Regent Mohs stated that, while he respects the excellence of the Milwaukee History Department and is a strong supporter of the humanities in education, he would be unable to vote for the proposed program for reasons related to process and timing in the current fiscal environment. Stating that the Board will have to make more difficult decisions in the near future, he noted that any programs adversely affected have constituencies that will advocate for them and that the Board will need to back its courageous staff in making the difficult choices that lie ahead.
Speaking in support of the program, Regent Burmaster remarked that it is consistent with UW-Milwaukee’s mission as a major urban doctoral university charged with providing a wide array of degree programs and that the program would be of high quality. Further, she noted that there is demand for the program by working adults and that it would not require new budgetary resources.
Regent DeSimone commented on a lack of knowledge of history among many young people. While he credited Dr. Marrett for her excellent work on this issue, he felt that UW-Milwaukee had demonstrated the ability to offer the program without new resources and should be permitted to deal with the matter as appropriate in future budget cuts.
Regent Schneiders concluded the discussion by noting the civil tenor of the debate and observing that it should not be divisive to the Board. With regard to process, she emphasized that the Board has the responsibility for serving as final decision makers, after hearing all sides of an issue.
The question was put on the amendment, and it was adopted on a roll-call vote, with Regents Axtell, Brandes, Burmaster, DeSimone, Gracz, Jones, Klauser, Olivieri, Randall and Schneiders (10) voting “Aye”, and Regents Barry, Boyle, Krutsch, Marcovich, Mohs, and Smith (6) voting “No”.
Program Authorization (Implementation) Ph.D., History
Resolution 8617: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee be authorized to implement the Ph.D. in History.
Thanking the Regents for their thoughtful debate and decision, President Lyall affirmed that the UW System will follow the Board’s lead and join with UW-Milwaukee to make the program successful. She commented that the kind of soul-searching evidenced by this debate will take place many times over throughout the UW campuses as they decide how to manage the budget cuts that lie ahead.
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Regent President Gottschalk thanked Regent Smith and President Lyall for co-hosting another successful statewide Economic Summit. He also expressed gratitude to Dick Wegner and Laurie Dies, the Summit coordinators, for all their hard work.
Stating that the Summit was about results, action and implementation, he reported that more than 800 people attended the three-day event at the Midwest Express Center in Milwaukee. There were a number of distinguished speakers, including Governor McCallum, Governor-Elect Doyle, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, Wall Street Journal Editorial Page Editor Paul Gigot, President of the Federal Reserve Bank Gary Stern, and William Daly, former Secretary of Commerce and current President of SBC Communications. Also included was a Fiscal Reform Panel that issued a bipartisan attempt to address the state’s fiscal crisis.
A highlight of the Summit was formation of the Wisconsin Economic Collaboration Council, initiated by a group of business, government, education and non-profit leaders. The Council will provide a platform for conversations among the many statewide, local and regional organizations that are working on economic action plans. The UW will be an active member of the new Council, which plans to review economic development strategies and share best practices to help organizations avoid duplication. The Council also will explore taking on the responsibility of hosting future Economic Summits.
Regent Smith concluded Summit III by assuring the audience that there would be a fourth Summit next year and by announcing that Robert W. Baird and Company pledged substantial financial support for that effort. He urged lawmakers, state officials and business leaders to stay involved in collaborative economic development efforts.
In summary, Regent President Gottschalk observed that, with the continued leadership of Regent Smith and President Lyall, along with the hard work of UW System staff, the Wisconsin Economic Summit has become the focal point for assessing and promoting the state’s economic development. It has been a remarkable success, he indicated, and has resulted in closer collaboration by education, government and business on behalf of the state as a whole.
Regent Smith added his expression of appreciation to President Lyall, the Regents, Dick Wegner and Laurie Dies.
The objective of the Collaboration Council, he indicated, is to continue collaboration between Summits, so that there is ongoing communication between groups in the effort to move Wisconsin’s economy forward.
Regent Smith was thanked for his leadership with a round of applause.
President Lyall emphasized that the co-sponsorship of the next Summit by Robert W. Baird and Company is a very positive step forward.
In addition to financial assistance, Regent Smith added, the company will provide excellent contacts in the business community that should broaden business involvement in future efforts.
Regent Axtell presented the following resolution and moved its adoption by the Board of Regents. The motion was seconded by Regent Randall and carried unanimously.
Resolution 8618: WHEREAS, more than 800 people attended the third Wisconsin Economic Summit held in Milwaukee, October 14-16 to help move Wisconsin’s economy forward; and
WHEREAS, more than 150 people contributed their ideas and expertise through outstanding presentations, workshops and panel discussions; and
WHEREAS, one powerful development was the creation of the Wisconsin Economic Collaboration Council to serve as a non-partisan forum for public, private and nonprofit stakeholders interested in economic growth to better coordinate their efforts;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System thanks all who contributed to and helped organize this very successful event, especially members of the President’s staff and the UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the board endorses the creation of the Wisconsin Economic Collaboration Council and pledges the university to be a full partner in the important effort; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board especially thanks and commends Regent Jay L. Smith and UW System President Katharine C. Lyall for their continued leadership not only in convening and hosting the economic summit, but also in keeping the university focused on the future of Wisconsin’s economy.
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report of the president of the system
Noting that the new state leadership is facing the continuing challenge of developing a plan to provide a permanent solution to the budget deficit and a focus for growth in the future, President Lyall stated that the UW is a willing partner in those efforts and has much to offer – most importantly, educational opportunity for Wisconsin’s next generation of citizens and workers.
With regard to the State Legislature, she reported that, of 17 new members, five are UW graduates and three hold degrees from other higher educational institutions. One of them, Curtis Gielow, is a former President of the UW-Milwaukee Foundation Board. Another, Thomas Lothian, is a retired chemistry professor from the University of Illinois in Chicago. In the entire Legislature, 83 of 132 members hold attended or hold degrees from institutions of higher education. Seventy-three of those hold at least one degree from a UW institution.
The UW, she said, looks forward to working with the new members and the entire state leadership to find the best solutions for Wisconsin in the challenging times ahead.
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November 18-22 is International Education Week
Noting that the upcoming observance of International Education Week, President Lyall remarked that, in the year after 9/11, there has been growing recognition of the importance for university graduates to be prepared to function in a global environment. She referred to a survey by the American Council on Education that showed 77% of Americans supporting international course requirements in the college curriculum; 79% agreeing that college students should have a study-abroad experience; 80% supporting a high school foreign language requirement; and 80% believing that the presence of international students on American campuses enriches the learning experience for all students.
International Education Week, she said, provides the opportunity to celebrate the diversity that international students bring to the campus and to recognize the importance of helping American students look toward the rest of the world in very challenging times.
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President Lyall reported that this fall marks the 30th anniversary of Title IX, the federal statute passed in 1972 that ensures equal access for women to all educational programs of colleges and universities that receive federal dollars. The amendment specifying that the law also pertains to athletics was added two years later. Although many today view Title IX solely in terms of athletics, she observed, the greatest impact of the law has been in overall access of women to higher education. In 1972, UW System enrollments were 119,000 FTE, of which about one-third were women. Today, enrollments are 135,000 FTE, of which 55% are women.
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Chancellor Sorensen receives Eagle Award
President Lyall congratulated UW-Stout Chancellor Charles Sorensen on being honored with Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College’s Eagle Management Leadership Award. This award is made to individuals who have demonstrated leadership that has produced significant results for the Wisconsin Technical College System. Chancellor Sorensen has worked with the Technical Colleges to establish a statewide 2 + 2 program in Printing Graphics and is a leader in the Chippewa Valley computer industry initiative.
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UW System and Wisconsin Technical College System Co-Lab Award
Another example of successful collaboration with the WTC System, President Lyall reported, is the $1 million grant to support the Wisconsin Co-Lab, which is included in a Defense bill to be signed by President Bush. The Co-Lab combines the forces of the WTCS and UW to establish standards for technology based training and education that will be used across the United States. The Wisconsin Co-Lab, which is one of only three in the country, is working on a global directory of learning materials to ensure that they are easily shared by more than 500 colleges and universities.
She expressed appreciation to Senator Herb Kohn and Representative Tammy Baldwin, who were instrumental in obtaining this funding.
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Regent Gerard Randall Top Innovator Award
Regent Randall was congratulated by President Lyall for being named the 2002 Top Innovator of the Year by the Daily Reporter Publishing Company. He was honored for starting REACH, a program to help those who have dropped out of high school to get their GED’s while working a well-paying jobs.
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Canadian National Grant to UW-Superior
President Lyall reported that the Canadian National Railway made a $150,000 grant to the Canadian National Transportation and Logistics Management Fund at UW-Superior to help develop programs and support scholarships. The fund also will support a student research project and field experiences. The grant, which marks the first-year anniversary of Wisconsin Central becoming part of the Canadian National rail network, helps to support UW-Superior’s Transportation and Logistics program.
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It was reported by President Lyall that half of all applications for admission for next fall are being submitted online. The percentage of online applications is expected to grow further in the coming years.
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report of the education committee
Report of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Race and Ethnic Diversity in the Curriculum – United Council Presentation
Dr. Marrett reported on the United Council presentation which was represented by five universities: UW-Stevens Point, UW-Waukesha, UW-Eau Claire and UW-Madison. Emphasizing the integration of diverse ideas and discussion of diversity within the classroom, Dr. Marrett continued, the students presented recommendation to the Board of Regents to address these issues. Plans are in progress for further implementation of their recommendations.
Discussion of Wisconsin Technical College System Presentation
Focusing on the collaboration between the WTC and the UW systems, Dr. Marrett noted the importance of better communicating the extensiveness and value of the collaborations that have already been developed between the two systems. Although it is a continuing challenge, she continued, tremendous progress has been made.
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Success and Pre-College Programming: Report of Pre-College Program Study
Dr. Marrett reported that the Education Committee had asked UW System staff to determine the effectiveness of pre-college program efforts as they contribute to retention and graduation rates. UW System representatives articulated the steps which have taken place to improve the program. Instituting a longitudinal study of various pre-college programs to determine their impact and focusing on outcomes rather than the process will be a model that will be implemented in the future. Other long term longitudinal studies will provide feedback on how to improve programs and how to effectively determine their value in terms of outcomes.
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Program Authorizations – First Reading
M.S. in Health Care Informatics, UW-Milwaukee
Regent Boyle reported on the first reading of the proposed M.S. in Health Care Informatics at UW-Milwaukee. This is a program designed for positions in the health care delivery system, system analysis and design, computer networking, and health care computer procurement and management.
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Regent Boyle moved adoption of the following resolutions to the Board of Regents as consent agenda items. The motion was seconded by Regent Mohs and carried unanimously.
UW-Milwaukee: Program Authorization (Implementation) B.S., Biochemistry
Resolution 8619: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Chancellor be authorized to implement the B.S. in Biochemistry.
UW-La Crosse: Program Authorization (Implementation) B.S., Biochemistry
Resolution 8620: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Chancellor be authorized to implement the B.S. in Biochemistry.
UW-Madison: Program Authorization (Implementation) M.S., Biotechnology
Resolution 8621: 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 implement the M.S. in Biotechnology.
UW-Platteville: Revised Mission Statement
Resolution 8622: That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents approves the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s revised mission statement.
UW-Eau Claire: Revised Mission Statement
Resolution 8623: That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents approves the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s revised mission statement.
Regent Olivieri asked if the Education Committee felt comfortable that the study of pre-college programs showed results that are worth the considerable investments being made.
Replying in the affirmative, Regent Boyle added the stipulation that it is difficult to make judgments at this time because the assessment was very preliminary and sampling improvements are needed. Further reports will be made as time goes on.
Concerning collaboration with the Technical Colleges, Regent Olivieri urged continued attention to facilitating credit transfer. A simplified transfer system, he observed, would benefit students and be more easily communicated to the public.
Regent Mohs noted that it was fundamental to Plan 2008 that pre-college programs are powerful means of bringing into the university experience those who have not participated fully. Noting that $1.6 million is invested annually in these programs, he said there is interest in making sure that the programs are producing in a manner that warrants this investment of scarce resources. Stating his satisfaction with the preliminary assessments, he said they showed that longer programs are more effective than shorter ones and that skill-building programs also are effective. Ongoing assessments will enable identification of weak programs that can be eliminated, strong programs to preserve and best practices that can be used to further improve the programs.
With respect to the discussion of diversity in the curriculum, Regent Krutsch noted the need for diversity of ideas in the classroom and cautioned that faculty should not feel pressured to teach in a given way by the point of view of a particular group of students.
Regent Boyle indicated that students were clear in noting that faculty make the decisions on what is included in any particular courses. They expressed a wish for faculty to recognize diversity where appropriate so that students could have the benefit of that broader perspective in preparing for life in a global society. They did not ask for any Regent mandates in this area, but indicated that they communicated these thoughts to professors who often ask for their ideas.
Regent Brandes agreed that the students were asking to be prepared for real-life experiences in a diverse world. They commented that students should not be expected to understand the real world just by taking a diversity class, but by learning about diversity in their other classes as well.
Regent Jones noted that campuses can consider student thoughts in this area as part of the second phase of Plan 2008. He commented that it is healthy for Regents to have discussion of such issues directly with students.
Regent Mohs added that students do not want diversity injected into courses in a surface manner; rather, they want deep infusion in the curriculum of worthy and important topics.
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UNFINISHED OR ADDITiONAL BUSINESS
Program Approval in Current Fiscal Environment
Regent Barry reported that he had discussed with President Lyall and Regent Boyle his suggestion for discussion in the Education Committee of suspending new doctoral program proposals for a defined period of time, pending consideration of how programs should be approved in the current fiscal environment and while the current budget is pending.
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The meeting was recessed at 12:15 p.m. and reconvened at 12:30 p.m., at which time the following resolution, moved by Regent Randall and seconded by Regent Schneiders, was adopted unanimously on a roll-call vote, with Regents Axtell, Barry, Boyle, Brandes, Jones, Klauser, Krutsch, Mohs, Olivieri, Randall, Schneiders, Smith and Gottschalk (13) voting in the affirmative. There were no dissenting votes and no abstentions.
Resolution 8624: That, the Board of Regents recess into Closed Session, to confer with Legal Counsel, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(g), Wis. Stats., to consider personal histories related to naming of a facility at UW-Madison, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(f), Wis. Stats., to consider Honorary Degree Nominations at UW-Milwaukee and UW-Oshkosh, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(f), Wis. Stats.
The Board arose from closed session at 12:45 p.m., at which time the meeting was adjourned.
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Judith A. Temby, Secretary


