Presenting the resolution, Regent Pruitt noted that, only a few months into retirement, Mr. Nylander had been asked to take on the job of Interim Chancellor, following the death of Chancellor Lydecker. Because the university needed him at this very difficult time, he agreed to come out of retirement and step into the campus leadership role. Stating the UW community’s deep gratitude to Mr. Nylander for his exceptional loyalty and dedication, Regent Pruitt read the following resolution, which was adopted by acclamation, with a standing ovation in honor of Mr. Nylander.

Resolution of Appreciation: Virgil Nylander

Resolution 9009: WHEREAS, Virgil Nylander has served the community of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with distinction as Interim Chancellor for 13 months, leaving his brief retirement after the untimely death of Chancellor Ann Lydecker; and

WHEREAS, his leadership style is exemplary for its openness and inclusion, notably sharing campus fiscal and educational information leading to collaborative decisions affecting the future of the institution; and

WHEREAS, his recognition of the special challenges and opportunities for the unparalleled growth of the St. Croix Valley inspired him to expand the university’s sharing of faculty, staff and student talents and expertise in the best tradition of the Wisconsin Idea; and

WHEREAS, under his stewardship, the UW-RF campus continued its remarkable physical plant improvements including the University C.H.I.L.D. Care Center, the George R. Field South Fork Suites, and groundbreaking of a new Student Center, an investment of more than $44.5 million, all without any taxpayer expense; as well as an addition to the Robert P. Knowles Physical Education and Recreation Center; and

WHEREAS, despite difficult financial times, as a demonstration of his commitment to the critical importance of faculty as teachers, mentors and advisers to students, his skilled fiscal leadership allowed the recruitment of significant numbers of tenured positions; and

WHEREAS, he was a tireless advocate, advancing the UW-River Falls and the University of Wisconsin System’s aspirations for a sound public higher education system, and he shared that vision with regional leaders, legislators and Governor James Doyle;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System commends Virgil Nylander for his dedicated and accessible leadership and thanks him for his substantial contributions to UW-River Falls and the UW System.

Mr. Nylander was presented with a plaque by Regent Pruitt and a UW System medallion by President Reilly.

Expressing his appreciation for the recognition, Mr. Nylander stated his affection for UW-River Falls, its faculty, staff and students, and the entire UW System.

Regent President Marcovich added his personal thanks for the help and advice Mr. Nylander had offered him over the years and extended best wishes to him for a happy and well-deserved retirement.

Report of the April 15, 2005 meeting of the Educational Communications Board

The Board received a written report on the April 15^th meeting.

Report on the May 4, 2005 meeting of the Hospital Authority Board

A written report on the May 4^th meeting was provided to the Board.

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REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEM

UW-Stout presentation on innovative instructional approach to teaching math

Stating that it has been a pleasure for UW-Stout to host the Board of Regents meetings, Chancellor Sorenson noted that the institution is unique as a Baldridge Award winner and that it relies heavily on data in decision-making processes.

Referring to the Math Teaching and Learning Center as a real success story, he said that, because so many entering students are unprepared for college-level mathematics, UW-Stout invested in a math tutoring lab and hired Jean Foley, an expert in mathematics education, as director of the center. He then turned to Dr. Foley for further description of the program.

Dr. Foley began her remarks by noting that over 40% of students who enter college are not prepared for college-level math. Eleven percent are placed into remedial math, and 43% fail to complete the course successfully on the first try. Over 30% of students are placed into pre-college-level intermediate algebra, and 38% of them do not pass. Locally, 10% of students entering UW-Stout in fall 2004 placed into beginning algebra (Math 010). Using the traditional lecture approach, the non-pass rate in this class has averaged 27%. Thirty-five percent of students placed into intermediate algebra (Math 110). Over the past four years, the non-pass rate has averaged 29%.

This problem, she observed, has both retention and economic impacts. With regard to the former, national and local studies show that the single strongest predictor of retention from first to second year of college is passing a math class. Non-pass rates of near 30% put nearly 200 students at high risk of dropping out each year. Tuition costs for repeating those two courses exceeded $100,000 for 2004-05. If even half of the unsuccessful students dropped out of UW-Stout, losses in tuition revenue would amount to over $600,000 per year. Economic effects include restricted job choices and earning power for those without mathematics skills.

Dr. Foley explained that students fail math classes taught in the traditional way because they do not do their homework, do not attend class, and do not make use of instructors’ office hours and available tutoring services. In that regard, she noted that it takes a lot of time to grade homework and provide feedback. In the meantime, students may continue to make the same mistakes and become discouraged. In addition, they may not attend classes or take advantage of tutoring opportunities because they are afraid of the subject matter and feel inadequate.

The Math Teaching and Learning Center offers a new approach, with homework graded daily by computer, providing students with immediate feedback. Lectures are shorter, leaving time in class to do homework and get help. Instructors hold part of their office hours in the classroom or in the tutor lab which is conveniently located next to the classroom.

Daily computer-graded homework counts for 20% of the course grade. It can be done any time, anywhere, and online help is available for each problem. There is immediate feedback, and the students can repeat each problem until they get it right. The program also gives instructors ongoing feedback on student progress.

Class attendance counts for about 10% of the grade, motivating students to attend. Their presence in the classroom allows instructors to get to know them and to provide live homework help every day. Quizzes and tests also are taken in the classroom.

The tutor lab, which is specifically targeted to Math 010 and 110, is staffed for 40 hours a week by math TLC instructors and undergraduate student tutors. Students can work together, but each also has his or her own set of problems to solve.

Turning to results of the new approach, Dr. Foley indicated that the median time spent on homework in fall 2004 was 95 minutes per day. The assignment completion rate was 97% and the average homework score was 93%. Attendance at lectures was 94% for Math 110 and 85% for Math 010. Weekly visits to the tutor lab averaged 108 out of an enrollment of 330. Total visits for the semester numbered 1620, compared to 80 visits all semester to the campus tutoring center for these two courses under the traditional teaching approach in fall 2003.

The remedial class (Math 010) drop out rate decreased from 27% to 15% (44% lower than with the traditional approach) and the Math 110 drop out rate decreased to 19% (34% lower than with the traditional approach).

In spring 2005, non-traditional students comprised over half of the 3^rd quarter Math 010 class, with time since their last math class ranging from 4 to 35 years (average 13 years). The failure rate for this group was only 4% (1 out of 23 students).

In a student survey, 90% said they had learned as much or more than they expected; and 88% said they would take a class under this format again. As to parts of the program that helped their learning, students most often identified “my teacher” as being instrumental to their success.

Dr. Foley then introduced two students to share their comments with the Board.

John Henry Freeman III, a junior in Service Management, indicated that he had gained confidence through the program. A good relationship with his teacher and easy access to the math lab, which was always open when he needed help, were key elements in making him feel comfortable and able to learn.

Caroline Anderson, a senior in Business Administration, noted that she is a non-traditional student who had been out of school for 18 years before enrolling at UW-Stout. Although she came to campus with rusty math skills and a lack of confidence, she was able to obtain a lot of one-on-one help and earned an A in Math 010. While that success alleviated her anxiety, math still requires a lot of effort on her part – about three hours a day. With hard work and the help that continues to be available, she is earning an A in her current class.

Dr. Foley then introduced the Math TLC student tutors and instructors, expressing particular thanks to Department Chair Eileen Zito, without whose strong support the program could not have been up and running so quickly.

Plans for the future include tracking performance in subsequent courses, investigating the correlation with retention rates, using the hybrid course structure for summer Math Prep Camp, extending the program to other math courses, assisting other departments in adapting the TLC concept to their requirements and resources, collaboration with other UW System colleges and universities, and partnering with the technical colleges.

Thanking Dr. Foley for her inspiring presentation, Regent President Marcovich commented that this approach might well be helpful to younger students as well and asked if there were plans to export the program to high schools. Dr. Foley replied that she has heard suggestions to that effect and believes the time is coming for it to be used in the high school setting.

President Reilly added that the program is particularly valuable given the importance of math skills to many disciplines.

Research on Cholesterol

President Reilly commended Professors Kristina Gorbatenko-Roth and Lynn Murel for their collaboration on multiple research endeavors on cholesterol levels. The impetus for their work was two-fold. Dr. Murel noticed an increasing trend in abnormal cholesterol levels in UW-Stout students and was concerned about the lack of research regarding this trend and the underlying public health implications. In the meantime, Dr. Gorbatenko–Roth needed an applied health psychology research project for her graduate students. The two met and many potential projects were generated as a result.

The team planned to present its first project on cholesterol levels the following month at the American College Health Association annual meeting. Their research is among the first regarding cholesterol levels in college-aged students. They hope to collaborate with other departments to increase the sample size and to generalize their findings to other colleges and universities across the country.

With regard to local impact, a public health communications campaign has been launched to increase awareness of high cholesterol risk among UW-Stout’s male students. In addition, the team has worked with MS in Applied Psychology students to evaluate the student health services, giving them “hands-on” experience in research, analysis and communication skills, while improving health services on campus.

President Reilly then introduced Professors Murel and Gorbatenko-Roth, who expressed their excitement about the blossoming of research ideas and about working with students to provide opportunities for internships and presentations.

Partnership with Spectrum Industries

President Reilly recognized the creators of a partnership between UW-Stout’s Vocational Rehabilitation Institute and Spectrum Industries Inc., of Chippewa Falls, in helping to meet the needs of persons with disabilities through updated technology. UW-Stout researchers were part of a team that created a high-tech electronic lectern that is able to bring the work surface to the user. Called ADApt Lecturn, it exceeds federal accessibility standards and is ideal for wheelchair users, but also adapts for use by any presenter, with or without disabilities. He congratulated Jeff Annis and Dave Swan, of the Vocational Rehabilitation Institute, for their excellent work on this new development.

Demonstrating the adjustability of the lecturn, Professor Annis indicated that the team hoped to patent the device. He added that another project in process is to design an adjustable height cook top.

UW-Stout Bioinformatics Program

Referring to the university’s new program in Bioinformatics, President Reilly explained that this discipline uses tools and techniques in mathematics, computer sciences and biology to cure diseases, create new crops, and help answer fundamental questions about biology. One of only about a half-dozen such programs in the nation, it answers the call from employers who say they want workers trained in both math and science. He recognized Associate Professor Diane Christie for her role in giving graduates the training and skill they need to succeed in the knowledge economy.

United Council Presentation and Farewell Remarks by United Council President

United Council President Stephanie Hilton described United Council as the only statewide voice for students. She then referred to the background of the organization and some changes that were being made to position it for the future. Formed in 1960 at UW-Stevens, United Council was run for many years by students from their respective campuses. There was no stable funding source until implementation of the mandatory refundable fee in 1980. In the early 1990’s UC moved to a full-time staff. Two positions were added in 2000 and 2001 for a total of nine full-time staff.

Discussion of changes began with the launching of a strategic planning committee in January 2004. The committee recommendations were released in January 2005 and ratified at the February and April General Assemblies. Personnel changes included change from an elected staff manager and chief advocate to a hired executive director, change in the title of the current executive director to finance and development director, and elimination of two-year staff terms.

Ms. Hilton then introduced the newly elected president and vice president of United Council: Beau Stafford, a UW-Rock County student transferring to UW-Madison, and Guillermo Cuautle, Jr., a student at UW-Milwaukee.

Mr. Stafford described structural changes in United Council, including election of a president and vice president who are current students on member campuses, and creation of a board of directors to provide oversight and ongoing strategic planning. Operational changes include reducing the number of General Assembly meetings from 8 to 5 per year; maintaining General Assembly policy platform oversight; shifting financial and personnel policy to the board, increasing the focus on grassroots organizing, training and campaigns at the General Assemblies, and increasing recruitment to and student involvement in General Assemblies.

Mr. Cuautle described other changes, including a decrease in the referenda cycle at 4-year campuses from every two to every four years, requiring all member and non-member campuses to run referenda; increasing the focus on adding campuses to United Council, and building a more diverse movement.

In conclusion, Mr. Stafford listed the following goals for the future: Reconnect alumni and create giving opportunities; expand grant support; recruit non-member campuses; move toward longer-term campus organizers; and develop an internship program to involve students in leadership roles. The overall aim, he stated, is for United Council to be the best student association in the nation.

In farewell remarks, Ms. Hilton indicated that she will be leaving United Council to go to work for two Assembly representatives. Noting that her involvement with the organization began in 1999, when she was a student at UW-Superior, she expressed pride in being part of a UC team that worked to develop strong relationships with regents, UW System administration, and the Legislature; and she stated her appreciation for the Board’s willingness to listen to student voices.

She then identified several unresolved issues and matters that concerned her. First, she expressed the view that the Student Ambassadors Program undermines shared governance by allowing campus administrators pick students to serve in that capacity, rather than having them chosen by student governments. Second, she cited the ongoing issue of campus climate and making sure all students feel safe on campus.

Third, she stated her opposition to differential tuition on the basis that it serves as another means of having students pay for services and materials that were once provided by the state. Finally, she expressed the view that, in discussions of quality or access, United Council has continually been the voice for access and that the regents have only recently focused attention on the need for financial aid. Stating that the solution must also include investment of state support, she remarked that many students who do not qualify for need-based aid have parents who cannot afford to pay for their college education. She concluded that: “There is no magic tuition policy – only a true investment from the state will keep this university system open to all of Wisconsin’s families.”

Regent President Marcovich thanked Ms. Hilton and extended best wishes to her, noting that she has been an articulate student leader and an excellent resource for the regents and others.

National Award for Academic Advising

President Reilly congratulated Susan Harrison, UW-Eau Claire Associate Professor of Computer Science, who was one of 10 faculty advisors in the nation to receive the National Academic Advising Association’s 2005 Outstanding Advising Award. In addition to her teaching and advising responsibilities, Dr. Harrison has served for eight years as chair of the University Senate at UW-Eau Claire.

Public Service Award

President Reilly congratulated Hazel Symonette, UW-Madison senior policy and planning analyst, who was recently honored with a Public Service award from the Black Caucus of the American Association of Higher Education for her work as a trend setter in higher education. The award particularly noted contributions made during her time with the UW System Office of Multicultural Affairs, now called Academic Diversity and Development. Ms. Symonette also was the first-ever honoree to receive last fall the Outstanding Achievement Award from Multiethnic Issues in Evaluation, an interest group of the American Evaluation Association. Her expertise in this area, President Reilly noted, is a valuable asset in the continuing work on Plan 2008.

UW/WTCS Collaboration Initiative

President Reilly reported an exciting development in the Fox Valley that shows how the UW and WTC systems continue to collaborate to meet their commitments to student access and efficiency.

To further expand the reach of higher education in the area, UW-Fox Valley and Fox Valley Technical College are partnering to offer general education courses for students in the Chilton and Clintonville regions. Beginning in fall 2005, students will be able to take courses from both institutions at the technical college’s Chilton and Clintonville regional centers, via the Internet, or over interactive television networks. The courses will apply toward a UW Colleges Associate of Arts and Science Degree or a WTC Associate of Applied Science Degree. This partnership makes it possible for people living in the Chilton and Clintonville areas to access the UW Colleges’ courses, financial aid, and student support services without having to leave their home communities – a particular advantage for working adults and place-bound students.

This collaboration, the President noted, boosts the effort to increase the percentage of Wisconsin residents who have baccalaureate degrees, which will help to raise per-capita income and build the state’s tax base. He commended Fox Valley Technical College President David Buettner and UW-Fox Valley Dean Jim Perry for their efforts in creating this new partnership, which responds to what Wisconsin residents and employers expect from higher education.

As other proof of the UW’s responsiveness to meeting those needs and moving the economy forward, he cited the following as some of the many efforts that have been made:

The efforts of UW-Platteville, UW-Fox Valley, and UW-Rock County, which have worked together to create and deliver mechanical engineering programs that serve local students and, ultimately, employers;
The UWM College Connection which allows students at many UW College campuses to complete a UW-Milwaukee bachelor’s degree without leaving their home communities;
The 70 baccalaureate degrees currently offered on the 13 two-year campuses;
The work of the Committee on Baccalaureate Expansion, through which the UW System and the Wisconsin Technical College System worked together to propose ideas that will improve Wisconsin’s economy;
The work of UW-Stout, UW-River Falls, and UW-Eau Claire in an initiative, called Synergy, to build public-private partnerships to strengthen economic and workforce development efforts in western Wisconsin.

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REPORT OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Regent Connolly-Keesler, Vice Chair, presented the committee’s report.

Wisconsin Partnership Fund for a Healthy Future

The Business and Finance Committee met in joint session with the Education Committee to discuss the 2004 Annual Report of the Wisconsin Partnership Fund for a Healthy Future, which was developed collaboratively by the UW Medical School and the Oversight and Advisory Committee. Phillip Farrell, Dean of the Medical School, commented on the excellent proposals received to support community health and the significant impact on public health that this will have for the future of Wisconsin.

Student-Centered Business Services

UW-Stout staff members Lucy Nicolai, Associate Director of University Centers; Joe Krier, Director of Technical Resources, Budget and Operations; and Jane Griffiths, Bursar, gave a presentation to the committee on how the institution’s innovative use of technology has reduced administrative costs and provided higher levels of service to students.

Mr. Krier reported on the Stout One Card, which allows students to use one card for six functions, including a student ID and debit card. Eight thousand students and staff members use the card on campus. Ms. Griffiths discussed e-business, noting that students can pay tuition on line, access their tuition accounts on line, and process Perkins loans with e-signatures. Ms. Nicolai focused on e-communication, noting that residence hall students can report electrical, plumbing or custodial problems on line.

Remarking that all these technologies have increased efficiencies, response times, and overall customer service, Regent Connolly-Keesler indicated that the presentation showed that UW-Stout is a leader in this area and a model for other universities.

Trust Funds

Investment Strategies Report: Global Tactical Asset Allocation

Forrest Berkely, Head of Global Product Management, Grantham, Mayo, Van Ottorloo and Co. LLC (GMO) led an in-depth discussion of GMO’s approach to global tactical asset allocation.

Strategic Asset Allocation and Spending Plan Review

Assistant Trust officer Doug Hoerr reviewed the asset allocation and spending plan for the UW System Trust Funds’ Long Term Fund. By the June meeting, there might be requests to approve new asset classes, revise the strategic asset allocation, and revise the spending rate from its current 4.5%.

Review of Tuition Options

Assistant Vice President Lynn Paulson led the committee in a review of six tuition options that were looked at in recent strategic planning studies. Pros and cons of the following tuition pricing alternatives were discussed:

Per credit tuition
Cohort tuition
Progressive tuition, progressive aid
Self-supporting tuition for professional programs
Tuition based on ability to pay
Single tuition rate

The committee planned to continue its review of tuition and financial aid policies through the coming fall.

Midwest Higher Education Compact: Student Exchange Program

Mr. Paulson explained that the Midwest Student Exchange Program is an interstate initiative established by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. He discussed the potential for the UW System to participate in this flexible student exchange program currently in existence at more than 130 institutions, enrolling more than 2,600 students in six Midwestern states. The participating institutions have identified a limited number of programs in which students may enroll.

Regent Randall asked for further information about the program and expressed concern about Wisconsin resident students of color attending schools in other states.

Quarterly Audit Update

Ron Yates, Director of the Office of Operations Review and Audit, commented on the recently released Legislative Audit Bureau fleet audit. He also updated the committee on the major projects of the office, including two recently completed reviews on special course fees, and occupational health and safety training for UW employees.

Updating the committee on follow-up activities, Mr. Yates reviewed implementation of policies and procedures intended to protect the health and safety of UW students studying abroad, pursuant to a review conducted in 2001. The office also followed up on student credit card debt and policies on credit card solicitation on UW property.

Quarterly Gift, Grant and Contract Report

Vice President Durcan reported to the committee that total gifts, grants and contracts for the nine-month period ending March 31, 2005 were $873 million, a decrease of $12.9 million from the comparable period of the previous fiscal year. Federal awards increased $10.3 million and nonfederal awards decreased $23.2 million.

Biennial Budget Update

Vice President Durcan reported that President Reilly sent a letter to the Joint Committee on Finance, responding to questions that the committee asked UW representatives at the university’s budget hearing.

Report of the Vice President

Vice President Durcan commented on the work that the chief business officers and provosts have been doing to increase UW System efficiencies. Two working groups have been formed: The Academic Planning Group will work to improve the program review process, system-wide grants, and faculty and staff development. The System Administration Consolidation and Regional Consolidation of Administrative Functions Group will analyze possible efficiencies for functions including operations review and audit, procurement, federal relations, risk management, administration of international programs, hiring process and procedures, and payroll and related functions.

Vice President Durcan commented on Department of Administration state-wide procurement initiatives. While the UW believes that it may be able to achieve the objective for savings in some areas, others are of greater concern, such as food and IT services, because of the need to provide the students, as paying customers, with a certain level of quality and service.

Regent Randall expressed concern that consolidated state-wide contracts could hurt local businesses with which the UW contracts, and especially affect businesses owned by women and people of color.

The committee adopted a resolution directing the Vice President of Finance to draft a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Administration on behalf of the committee to express this concern.

Vice President Durcan commented on the DOA travel contract, reporting that the state recently awarded four travel agency contracts for state-wide travel services. In this area, too, the committee expressed concern about the impact on local businesses.

Consent Agenda

Adoption of the following resolution as a consent agenda item was moved by Regent Connolly-Keesler, seconded by Regent Pruitt and carried unanimously.

University of Wisconsin Medical School - The Wisconsin Partner Fund for a Healthy Future

Resolution 9010: That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System and the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Board of Regents approves the 2004 Annual Report of The Wisconsin Partnership Fund for a Healthy Future, which was collaboratively developed by the UW Medical School and the Oversight and Advisory Committee, in accordance with the Order of the Insurance Commissioner and the Agreement.

Legislative Audit Bureau Fleet Audit

Referring to recent publicity about the vehicle allowance for chancellors, Regent President Marcovich noted that the Board of Regents approves salaries for chancellors but that other portions of the employment contract have been negotiated and managed by the UW System President.

Emphasizing the importance of offering competitive contracts, he pointed out that UW salaries are below market levels and that most peers around the country offer contracts that provide access to a vehicle because of the large amount of business travel chancellors must undertake in performance of their duties.

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REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The committee’s report was presented by Regent Burmaster, Vice Chair.

Acceptance of the Proffer from the Trustees of the William F. Vilas Trust Estate

Noting that, at the April meeting, the Board approved the 2005-06 request to the Vilas Trust for support of fellowships, scholarships, named professorships, and music programs at UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee, Regent Burmaster reported that the Trust generously agreed to fund the request in its entirety, for a total of $5,977,637.

The committee expressed its deep gratitude for the exceptional generosity by the Vilas Estate. In response to a request from Regent Axtell, Senior Vice President Marrett promised a presentation the following year on the history and impact of the Vilas bequest.

Approval of Revisions to Regent Policy 78-9: Basic Health Module

The committee was advised that the Basic Health Module, which delineates the health care services that the four-year UW institutions provide to their students, was out of date and required updating to reflect current needs of students and current practices on campus.

The revisions were crafted through a careful process involving health services directors and chief student affairs officers from around the UW System. The revised policy would not require additional services by institutions and would not change existing funding options.

Deferral of action on UW-La Crosse College of Education, Exercise Science, and Health and Recreation

Elimination of the college was recommended by Chancellor Hastad in response to administrative budget cuts required for the 2005-07 biennium. The action would eliminate the dean and associate dean positions, which are vacant. The four academic departments within the college would remain intact and no academic programs would be cut.

After discussion, the committee decided to defer the resolution in response to several concerns. United Council felt that student governance at UW-La Crosse was not consulted appropriately; The UW-La Crosse chapter of the Association of UW Professionals asked that the decision be deferred; and the Faculty Senate opposed the elimination. In addition, Regent Burmaster, as State Superintendent of Public Instruction, expressed concern about how teacher education would be structured and overseen if the college were eliminated. She wanted to be certain that teacher education and licensure would remain properly aligned with PI 34, the administrative rule governing how teachers are educated in Wisconsin.

Chancellor Hastad offered assurance that Regent Burmaster’s questions could be answered quickly. With regard to the governance concerns that were raised, he indicated that, although he had a very limited timeframe for making the required budget cuts, he consulted with the campus community widely, including faculty and students, via public forums, meetings, and e-mail exchanges.

Regent President Marcovich pointed out that Chancellor Hastad was entirely within his authority as chancellor to make this decision and that it is his responsibility to make difficult budget decisions in a very constrained fiscal environment. Because it involved elimination of a college, it also required Board approval.

Regent Gracz proposed that the resolution be placed on file at the call of the Education Committee chair, and the committee passed a resolution to that effect. It was expected that the item would be returned to the agenda at the June meeting.

Presentation on “The New Pedagogy: How Learning Occurs at UW-Stout”

Provost Sedlak described the great change that is occurring at UW-Stout in how faculty teach and how students learn, spurred by technology and Stout’s status as a “laptop” university.

Three faculty members – Dr. Holly Teuber, Dr. Marty Ondrus, and Dr. Laura McCullough – described significant gains in student learning and the new ways they could assess that learning through technology.

Senior Vice President Marrett further recognized Professor Teuber as having just received one of the UW System’s Outstanding Women of Color awards. Dr. Teuber spoke about the unconventional path she took to become a faculty member and observed that, while the awards honor individuals, each of them is supported by many other people and communities, at their institutions and beyond.

Presentation by Sue Harrison, Outgoing Faculty Representative from UW-Eau Claire

Dr. Sue Harrison, who was completing eight years as the faculty representative from UW-Eau Claire, provided reflections gleaned from her service over that period and encouraged the regents to use the faculty representatives as resources.

She introduced other faculty representatives who attended the meeting, including Professsors Sudevan, from UW-Stevens Point; Lee McCann, from UW-Oshkosh; Steve Schlough, from UW-Stout; Ed Erdmann, from UW-Whitewater; and Nick Sloboda, from UW-Superior.

Submission Process for the Annual Minority and Disadvantaged Student Report and the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Report

In approving these reports at the April meeting, the committee requested that transmittal letters accompanying the reports include an expression of Regent concern that Wisconsin’s current budget environment is having an adverse impact on the work and activities documented in the two statutorily required reports. The committee asked that the expanded cover letters be shared at the May meeting.

One of these letters was in draft form and had not yet been sent. The other was submitted with the Minority and Disadvantaged Student Report by the April 15^th deadline. The committee felt it would be remiss in its stewardship responsibilities to simply approve the reports without commenting on the impact of the budget on, and emphasizing the need for, continued state funding of these programs. It was hoped that these letters would convey more effectively the message that diminished state support for UW institutions has a very real impact on students.

In discussion at the Board meeting, Regent Salas expressed support for the transmittal letters, noting that $42 million comes from campus budget each year to fund programs for students of color. He encouraged maintaining that commitment and adding more budget money if possible.

Allied Health Accreditation

At the April meeting, the Board had resolved to have UW System officials find ways to most effectively keep costs and credits-to-degree down for students in allied health programs. Senior Vice President Marrett reported that she has found an avenue for dialogue about this matter through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is the accrediting arm of the North Central Accreditation Agency.

The HLC is taking up the issue of the “Professional Doctorate” in allied health fields such as pharmacy, audiology, and physical therapy. To address concern about what is driving the increased entry-level degree requirements, the HLC is creating a task force that will include members from a variety of institutions. Dr. Marrett will work with the commission to find someone from the UW System to take part in this effort.

Consent Agenda

Regent Burmaster presented the following resolutions as consent agenda items and moved their adoption by the Board of Regents. The motion was seconded by Regent Richlen and carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Acceptance of the Proffer from the Trustees of the William F. Vilas Trust Estate

Resolution 9011: That, upon recommendation of the Chancellors of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents accepts the proffer made by the Trustees of the William F. Vilas Trust Estate for fiscal year July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006, as provided by the terms of the William F. Vilas Trust, for Support of Scholarships, Fellowships, Professorships, and Special Programs in Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences and Music.

Approval of Revisions to Regent Policy Document 78-9: The Basic Health Module

Resolution 9012: That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents approves the revisions to Regent Policy Document 78-9, the Basic Health Module.

UW-La Crosse: Eliminating the College of Education, Exercise Science, Health & Recreation

Resolution 9013: That, upon recommendation of the Board of Regents Education Committee, the resolution to eliminate the College of Education, Exercise Science, and Health & Recreation at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse be placed on file at the call of the Education Committee Chair.

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REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND FUNDING COMMITTEE

Regent Salas, Chair, presented the committee’s report.

UW-Stout Presentation: Technological Change Through Time – “The Fantastic Voyage”

In this presentation, it was noted that UW-Stout is situated in the technology valley portion of the corridor that is growing from the Twin Cities to Milwaukee. The campus has a culture of technology that meets the needs of business, industry, and the economy. Programs at Stout respond to technology trends, such as nanotechnology, material engineering, bioinformatics, computer and electrical engineering, and polymer engineering. To continue leadership in technology, UW-Stout needs flexible and specialized facilities. In that regard, the campus looked forward to construction of the Jarvis Science wing renovation and addition project that will provide flexible, state-of-the-art facility space to meet the needs of the new sciences.

Authority to Re-name the Social Science Building at UW-Madison the William H. Sewell Social Science Building

The proposed naming would honor William Sewell, former UW-Madison Chancellor and former Chair of the Department of Sociology.

Throughout his career, Professor Sewell made unparalleled contributions to building the social sciences program at UW-Madison and put Wisconsin on the map for quantitative social sciences. Among his many scientific accomplishments, a crowning achievement was to found and sustain the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) of Wisconsin’s high school “Class of ’57”. The study, which he directed from 1962 to 1980, paved the way for national long-term population surveys and research on the long-term consequences of cognitive skills and aspirations in adolescence and their relationship to success in adult life.

It was observed that Professor Sewell’s legacy could be summed up in these words: decency, excellence and diversity. He was a staunch supporter of women and minority faculty members, as well as graduate students at the university.

Acquisition of Two Properties in the City of Platteville

This resolution, requested by UW-Platteville, would approve purchase of six acres of property with a hotel and banquet facility, which would be used as a university residence hall. Any environmental abatement costs related to the purchase would be funded from program revenue housing funds. The campus boundary would be extended to include this non-contiguous parcel.

The acquisitions would be contingent upon: 1) acceptable appraisals; 2) a minimal risk environmental assessment; 3) enumeration by the Legislature, signed by the Governor; 4) State Building Commission approval; and 5) evidence of clear title provided by the seller.

In discussion of the contingencies related to this request, Chancellor Markee assured the committee that he would work with UW System and Department of Administration staff to proceed only when the contingencies were met. Assistant Vice President David Miller was directed to report back to the committee chair with the results of the environmental assessment.

Building Commission Actions

Assistant Vice President Miller reported that the Building Commission approved about $25 million for projects at its April meeting. Of that amount, $1.5 million was general fund supported borrowing, $23 million was program revenue, and $.5 million was gifts and grants.

Minority Business Enterprise Report

The committee heard a report by Mr. Miller on participation of minority business enterprise firms in UW building projects. The report included 13 UW projects with construction budgets greater than $1 million that were closed in the past six months. Of that group, 10.3% of the total amount budgeted for project design was paid to MBE firms, surpassing the 5% state target. However, only 3.4% of the total budgeted for construction was paid to MBE firms. The Division of State Facilities continued to seek greater MBE firm involvement in all aspects of the building and construction process.

The committee was concerned about not meeting the 5% goal for construction and directed Mr. Miller to request DOA staff to join the committee at a future meeting to discuss the state’s efforts in this program.

In discussion at the Board meeting, Regent Randall observed that it would be necessary to examine the process if the goal is to be met. In that regard, he indicated that the larger the contract, the less likely that it would go to and MBE company because businesses owned by women and people of color often are smaller than their competitors.

He urged that the letter to be sent on procurement strongly urge that such efforts be accommodated and protected.

Regent Walsh cautioned that data and specifics would need to be presented, noting that the entire state has a fiscal problem and that efforts to promote minority business and preserve local relationships must be balanced with efforts to save money for all the state’s citizens.

Consent Agenda

Adoption of the following resolutions as consent agenda items was moved by Regent Salas, seconded by Regent McPike, and carried on a unanimous voice vote.

UW-Madison: Authority to Rename the Social Science Building the “William H. Sewell Social Science Building”

Resolution 9014: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to rename the Social Science Building the “William H. Sewell Social Science Building.”

UW-Platteville: Acquisition of Two Properties in the City of Platteville

Resolution 9015: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Platteville Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to: (1) purchase approximately six acres of property in the city of Platteville, Wisconsin, including improvements consisting of a hotel and banquet facility and an adjacent retail building, at a cost of $2,510,000 Program Revenue Supported Borrowing; (2) pay for any necessary environmental abatement with program revenue funds-housing; and (3) extend the campus boundary to include this non-contiguous parcel (map attached). Closing and related costs are unknown, but will be paid from program revenue funds-housing.

Acquisition is contingent upon: (1) receipt of two acceptable appraisals indicating the estimated purchase value of $2,510,000 is equal to or less than the average of the two appraised values; (2) an environmental assessment indicating a minimal level of environmental risk; (3) enumeration by the legislature, signed by the governor; (4) approval by the state Building Commission; and (5) evidence of clear title provided by the owner through a Commitment for Title Insurance.

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REGENT MEETING IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE

Regent Connolly-Keesler, Chair, presented the report.

The committee intended to have a survey created that would elicit views of regents, chancellors and system staff in three general areas:

Time: Including number of meetings, number of days of each meeting, and time allotted to presentations.
Content: Subject areas addressed at meetings.
Efficiencies: Ways to make meetings proceed as efficiently as possible.

The committee also discussed the desirability of holding a Regent retreat, which might include the following topics:

Status of Charting a New Course for the UW System recommendations
Status of Committee on Baccalaureate Degree Expansion recommendations
Status of key Accountability Report indicators
Results of the survey on ways to improve meetings
Themes for the coming year

Time also could be set aside to talk with the System President about his first year in office.

The expected timeframe would to have the survey circulated in June and analyzed by the committee in July, with results back to the Regents in August.

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ADDITIONAL RESOLUTIONS

Resolution of appreciation to UW-Stout

The following resolution was presented by Regent Salas and adopted by acclamation, with a standing ovation in appreciation to UW-Stout for hosting the May meetings.

Resolution of appreciation to UW-Stout

Resolution 9016: WHEREAS, the members of the Board of Regents are pleased to have accepted the invitation to hold the board’s May 2005 meetings at the University of Wisconsin-Stout for the first time in nine years; and

WHEREAS, the Board is much better acquainted with the challenges and opportunities of campus-community partnerships in northwestern Wisconsin following the “UW-Stout and Area Business Partnerships Showcase”; and

WHEREAS, the Board congratulates UW-Stout students, faculty and staff for supporting the Journal of Student Research, which serves to recognize and publicize the important student research contributions to the Wisconsin Idea; and

WHEREAS, Regents learned a great deal about teaching and learning on Friday at UW-Stout during the “Math TLC: An Innovative Instructional Approach,” presentation; and

WHEREAS, the board is grateful for the generous hospitality extended by Chancellor Charles Sorensen and all his staff, and a special thanks to the culinary experts for their delightful and exquisite “Food and Wine Gala”; and

WHEREAS, UW-Stout is a nationally recognized leader in promoting innovations in education, collaborative leadership, quality enhancement and inclusive strategic planning;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Board of Regents hereby thanks the University of Wisconsin-Stout for “lighting the fire” of our curiosity, and providing an informative and enlightening experience.

Amendment of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents

Adoption of the following resolution was moved by Regent Randall, seconded by Regent McPike, and carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Amendment of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents

Resolution 9017: That Chapter III, Section 2, of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents be amended as indicated on the attached page.

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CLOSED SESSION

The meeting was recessed at 11:25 a.m. and reconvened at 11:45 a.m., at which time the following resolution was moved by Regent Walsh, seconded by Regent Connolly-Keesler, and carried on a roll-call vote, with Regents Axtell, Bradley, Connolly-Keesler, Marcovich, McPike, Pruitt, Randall, Richlen, Salas, and Walsh voting in the affirmative (10). There were no dissenting votes and no abstentions.

Resolution 9018: That the Board of Regents recess into closed session to consider annual personnel evaluations, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats.; to consider personal histories, and for competitive and bargaining reasons, related to naming of facilities at UW-Madison, as permitted by s. 19.85(1)(e) and (f), Wis. Stats.; to confer with legal counsel regarding pending or potential litigation, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(g), Wis. Stats.; and to consider setting a salary at UW-Milwaukee, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats.

The following resolutions were adopted in the closed session:

UW-Madison: Authority to Rename the Elvehjem Museum of Art the “Chazen Museum of Art”:

Resolution 9019: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to rename the Elvehjem Museum of Art the “Chazen Museum of Art.”

UW-Milwaukee: Approval of Salary: Men’s Basketball Head Coach

Resolution 9020: That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System and the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the base salary for Rob Jeter as Men’s Basketball Head Coach, be set at an annual salary of $300,000, effective April 11, 2005.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 p.m.

Submitted by:

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Judith A. Temby, Secretary