Board of Regents
November 2007 Board of Regents Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
UW-Madison
Held in 1820 Van Hise Hall
November 8, 2007
11:30 a.m.
- President Bradley presiding -
PRESENT: Regents Bartell, Bradley, Connolly-Keesler, Crain, Cuene, Davis, Falbo, Loftus, Pruitt, Rosenzweig, Shields, Smith, Spector, Thomas, and Walsh
UNABLE TO ATTEND: Regents Burmaster and McPike
- - -
UW SYSTEM PARTICIPATION IN THE COLLEGE PORTRAIT: A VOLUNTARY SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTABILITY PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Noting that President Reilly has enthusiastically fulfilled his promise that the UW System will be a leader in accountability, Regent President Bradley called on Senior Vice President Rebecca Martin to describe an exciting new initiative.
Dr. Martin began by noting that the Voluntary System of Accountability (VSA) is an initiative sponsored by the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and the Lumina Foundation.
The UW System, she said, has been involved from the beginning in this effort to make readily available transparent, consistent information in a format that is easy for students, parents and other stakeholders to find and compare.
The initiative arose from calls by the Spellings Commission and others for greater accountability and more uniform information. At this time, more than 70 institutions are involved, including all UW institutions. While the current template for the College Portrait website is aimed at four-year institutions, she noted that means need to be found for involvement by the UW Colleges as well.
The template will appear on the website of each participating institution in a location that is easy to find and will offer standard, comparable information in the following categories:
- Student and family information, including student demographics and a cost calculator.
- Student experiences and perceptions, as reported by a national survey that currently is included in the annual Achieving Excellence report.
- Student learning outcomes, for which measurement tools are being developed, with support from a $2.4 million grant.
As related UW System efforts, Dr. Martin cited:
- Achieving Excellence, the UW System’s annual accountability report, published since 1993, that continues to demonstrate UW System leadership in the area of accountability.
- The Know How 2 Go Campaign, which also is focused in getting information to students.
- The Liberal Education and America’s Promise campaign, which is involved in taking learning assessment to the next stage.
In conclusion, Dr. Martin identified the following next steps:
- The National VSA project will be formally launched in December.
- Work will continue on the template to refine reporting and assessment tools.
- Campuses have begun to gather information for the College Portrait.
- The portraits are expected to be posted on campus websites next spring.
In discussion following the presentation, Regent Loftus asked if the VSA portraits could be used to compare campuses, and Dr. Martin replied in the affirmative, adding that ways are being sought to incorporate the same information into next year’s Achieving Excellence report.
President Reilly pointed out that the value-added information provided by assessment of learning outcomes will provide a new means of framing institutions’ reputations in terms of how successful they are in educating the student population that they serve.
Noting that the value-added component would not be up and running for several years, Chancellor Wells indicated a need to proceed with caution because of the limitations inherent in assessment tools. For example, it will be necessary to separate the impact of the institution’s educational efforts from the impacts of natural student maturation and previous experiences, and the grant funding will be helpful in refining these tools. In addition, campuses will be able to provide other information through links on the website.
President Reilly remarked that, because of its early participation in the VSA, the UW System will be in a position to help shape the process going forward.
In response to a question by Regent Spector, President Reilly indicated that the National Association of System Heads is sponsoring an initiative to assess progress of students of color. With the Equity Scorecard, he said, the UW System is in a leadership position in that regard and will also stay current with the national project.
Concluding the discussion, Regent President Bradley emphasized the importance of seeing the VSA as another in a series of initiatives through which the UW System is demonstrating leadership in accountability. He thanked the chancellors for signing on as early participants in the VSA.
-
2007-09 BIENNIAL BUDGET UPDATE
In opening remarks, President Reilly noted that, on October 26th, Governor Doyle, Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch and other legislative leaders came to UW-Madison to sign the 2007-09 state budget and held a second ceremony at UW-Milwaukee. The venues, he remarked, sent a clear message on the centrality of the UW System to the future of Wisconsin. It had been his pleasure to introduce the Governor at both of those events.
After a lengthy process, he said, the state made a “prudent and strategic re-investment in the UW System and its capacity to fuel economic growth across Wisconsin and improve the quality of life for the people of the state.”
This success had been possible by a number of factors:
- The Growth Agenda was focused on the state’s needs, not the university’s desires.
- People made their voices heard in Madison and students from every UW institution signed a joint letter to the Legislature. In that regard, President Reilly recalled, students were more effectively engaged than ever before in his experience.
- Legislators went on record supporting a solid, prudent investment in the UW System, which was urged by constituents, including many business and community leaders.
- 30,000 UW-Madison alumni wrote to their legislators, asking them to fund the UW at levels that would preserve quality and protect the institution’s reputation for academic excellence.
As a result of broad support for the Growth Agenda for Wisconsin:
- Governor Doyle incorporated the Growth Agenda in his executive budget.
- The Joint Committee on Finance showed bipartisan support for the Growth Agenda and new academic facilities needed to carry it out.
- Fair-minded legislative leaders from both houses and both parties passed a budget that eliminated targeted cuts, fully funded the Growth Agenda, and funded the university’s recruitment and retention fund.
Noting that there is more to be done, President Reilly emphasized that a competitive pay plan is crucial to advancing the Growth Agenda. To achieve that end, the Board of Regents requested a 5.23% per year increase, fully funded from general purpose revenues, with no tuition component. That would have closed in four years the gap between UW salaries and those of peer universities. If that were not attainable, a 4% pay plan in each year, along with use of the recruitment and retention fund, would narrow the gap from 8.5% to 2.5% in four years. It is important to narrow the gap, he pointed out, in order to hire and keep the strong teachers and researchers needed to help move the state forward.
Referring to a $25 million lapse required in the budget, President Reilly said that, while it strains resources, the lapse will be met in such a way that there will be minimal impact on students.
He was continuing to work with Chancellor Gow and others to ensure that UW-La Crosse could make its contribution to the Growth Agenda. Discussions were proceeding well and it was anticipated that a recommendation would be brought to the Board in December.
In conclusion, he stated that the budget’s reinvestment in the UW System will allow the university to take the first steps toward a bright future for Wisconsin.
He then called on Associate Vice President Freda Harris to provide more detail about the biennial budget provisions affecting the university.
Ms. Harris began by pointing out that this is the first time since the 2001-03 biennium that the UW System has received an increase in funding for new initiatives that was larger than the base reductions or lapses required.
The board requested $198 million in GPR/fees and received $240 million. Of the total request, $146 million was for cost to continue items, while the final budget provided $196 million, adding debt service and inflationary increases for utilities that are included for every state agency.
Of the board’s request of $36 million over two years for the Growth Agenda, excluding UW-La Crosse, the budget provided $29 million, which almost fully funds the Growth Agenda beginning in 2008-09. No positions were added in the budget for the Growth Agenda.
The board requested $4.4 million in tuition authority for the UW-La Crosse initiative over two years, while the final budget provided $901,400, using a GPR/fee split to fund the initiative for the first year only. The budget did not provide the requested increase of $2.6 million in the second year.
The board requested and received $10 million biennially for recruitment and retention of high-demand faculty and research academic staff.
The board’s requests for additional staff to support veterans and to staff the Wisconsin Covenant were not included in the final budget. However, the budget created an Office of the Wisconsin Covenant in the Department of Administration and provided funding for veterans’ remissions through the Higher Educational Aids Board.
Initiatives funded that were not part of the board’s request included Islet Transplantation, an initiative to expand medical practice in rural areas, and one-time funds to match gifts and grants for lung cancer research. In addition, program revenue funding of $400,000 each was provided for the State Lab of Hygiene and the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. All of the university’s program revenue initiatives were funded as requested. The board also received funding from other sources to support the aquaculture facility and the Discovery Farms.
Turning to the Capital Budget, Ms. Harris reported that, of the $218.3 million requested by the board for general fund supported borrowing and major projects, $208.6 million was received. The board requested $119 million in gifts and grants for major projects and was authorized to use $107.5 million. $314.4 million in program revenue supported borrowing was authorized, as was $28.5 million in other funds.
Enumerated as major projects in the budget were new academic facilities at UW-La Crosse, UW-Madison, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, and UW-Superior. Also included were academic building remodeling and renovation projects at UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Stout.
Major projects to be funded by program revenues included union projects for UW-Eau Claire and UW-Madison, although the Memorial Union project for UW-Madison was advance enumerated for 2009-11, rather than included for the current biennium. Residence hall projects at UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, and UW-Whitewater also were included. The UW-Madison Lakeshore dormitory was the only program revenue project recommended by the Building Commission that was not included in the budget.
For all-agency fund needs, the board requested $125 million; and, while the budget provided that amount, the funding must cover all state agencies. This amount was reduced from the State Building Commission’s recommendation of $165 million.
Funding for the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant in the Higher Educational Aids Board budget was provided at the level proposed by the Governor, with a significant increase to $50 million in 2007-08 and $55 million in 2008-09. Grants have been released to those students whose funding was on hold until the budget was completed.
Funding for veterans’ remissions, through the Higher Educational Aids Board, was provided at the level proposed by the Governor -- $5 million in 2007-08, increasing to $6.6 million in 2008-09. The total is less than the projected amount required for 2007-08.
Undergraduate application fees will increase by $9 and graduate application fees will increase by $11, generating an additional $1.1 million annually to support online programming and admission office functions.
Statutory language changes will require:
- Allocation of $200,000 for establishment of a School of Public Health at UW-Milwaukee, if the board approves the school;
- Allocation of $25,000 for a short course to introduce Chinese citizens to the Wisconsin Idea;
- Provision of various reports on IT projects to the Board of Regents and the Joint Committee on Information Policy and Technology;
- Provision of information on segregated fees for each institution on its website, including detailed information on organizations and activities for which allocable segregated fees are expended; and
- Submission of an annual report on the number of employees with limited, concurrent, and back-up appointments.
The budget includes the Governor’s recommendation to reduce the waiting period for new employees to receive health insurance from six months to two months. His recommendations for tuition remission for certain undocumented persons and domestic partner insurance for state employees were not part of the final budget.
Tuition caps were not included in the budget; and targeted base cuts were removed, including reductions to Wisconsin Public Radio and Television and to the Law School, among others.
In conclusion, Ms. Harris remarked that, while the budget process was long and arduous, the final budget will provide a strong foundation upon which to grow the UW and the state’s economy.
In discussion following the presentation, Regent Spector inquired as to whether the money for the School of Public Health at UW-Milwaukee is for planning or whether the school must be approved before the money is made available. In reply, Ms. Harris explained that the board first must decide on whether or not to go forward with the school, after which the money would be re-allocated. It is not additional money and will have to come from other areas.
Regent Bartell inquired about removal of the UW-Madison Lakeshore Dormitory project from the budget. Indicating that it was removed after much discussion, Ms. Harris said that legislators seemed open to future recommendations and other options for making additional beds available. Currently, she added, there is not enough residence hall space for the freshman class.
With regard to the UW-La Crosse initiative, Regent Loftus asked if it would be fair to say that the Legislature would not raise tuition for use as financial aid.
It was noted by President Reilly that the new proposal being developed by UW-La Crosse would not use tuition for that purpose. All tuition options, however, were still under consideration as part of the Advantage Wisconsin strategic framework.
In response to a question by Regent Loftus regarding the IT provisions in the budget, President Reilly said that the reporting requirements are a means of focusing attention on these large and sometimes difficult projects. Regent Loftus asked if the board must approve individual campus plans, and Ms. Harris replied in the affirmative, adding that the IT requirements do not apply only to the university, but to state government agencies as well.
Noting that the shortfall for veterans’ tuition remissions would be greater than originally anticipated, Regent Loftus asked if the amount would be made up from other tuition dollars. Ms. Harris replied that the Legislature made no directive in that regard, but that the shortfall affects the university’s budget as a whole.
President Reilly remarked that, because veterans protect all people through their service, the state as a whole should pay for their remissions. While it was hoped that all remissions would be covered, it was encouraging that some funding had been provided.
Regent Pruitt commended President Reilly and the chancellors for their strong and successful leadership in promoting the Growth Agenda for Wisconsin.
President Reilly thanked the UW System Administration external relations team for their excellent work.
Regent Walsh noted that veterans’ tuition remissions increased dramatically in 2007 and asked if there were estimates available for the future. Replying that estimates would be provided in time for a legislative hearing the following week, Ms. Harris added that remissions more than doubled in the last year, due to the increase from 50% to 100% in the amount of the remission. Numbers were expected to climb further as more veterans return from the war.
Regent Spector observed that the complex and lengthy process for approving capital projects is inefficient; and President Reilly agreed, adding that work to streamline the process will continue.
Chancellor Wells thanked the regents, faculty, staff and students for their advocacy on behalf of the Growth Agenda. The resulting budget, he said, has improved morale on campus greatly.
Chancellor Wilson expressed appreciation to the deans of the UW Colleges and UW-Extension for their advocacy in speaking with legislators and organizing students and constituents across the state to connect with the Legislature in support of the Growth Agenda.
Regent Davis thanked friends in the Legislature who supported the Growth Agenda, and Regent President Bradley expressed special appreciation to Governor Doyle for his strong support.
Upon motion by Regent Davis, seconded by Regent Shields, the meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
Submitted by:
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 1820 Van Hise Hall
Friday, November 9, 2007
9:00 a.m.
- President Bradley presiding -
Approval of the Minutes of the October 4 and 5, 2007 Meetings of the Board.. 3
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD.. 3
Recognition of Regent Emeritus Jesus Salas. 4
The Growth Agenda, Accountability, and Advantage Wisconsin.. 4
Senate Confirmation of Regent Colleene Thomas. 5
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEM... 5
Endowment for Wisconsin Covenant.. 5
Northeast Wisconsin Learning Center.. 6
Outreach Scholarship Conference.. 7
Great Northwoods Service-Learning Conference.. 7
Prestigious Invitation for UW-Superior Mock Trial Team... 7
Outstanding Achievement Award Won by UW-Platteville Provost Carol Sue Butts 8
UW-Eau Claire Recognized as Top Producer of Fulbright Fellows. 8
Grant Received by UW-Parkside Center for Community Partnerships. 8
UW-Madison Faculty Win Presidential Early Career Awards. 8
Committee to Review Allocable Segregated Fee Policies Status Report.. 9
Advantage Wisconsin Strategic Framework Update.. 9
REPORT OF THE BUSINESS, FINANCE, AND AUDIT COMMITTEE.. 11
Acceptance of Bequests over $50,000. 11
UW Strategic Framework: Discussion on Resources and Operational Excellence 11
Quarterly Gifts, Grants, and Contracts Report 12
Quarterly Expenditures – Budget to Actual 12
Report of the Vice President.. 12
Update on Tuition and Financial Aid Working Group. 12
Review of Biennial Pay Plan Process. 13
Preliminary Fall 2007 Enrollments. 13
UW System Trust Funds Acceptance of Bequests. 13
REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND FUNDING COMMITTEE.. 14
Report of the Assistant Vice President.. 14
Building Commission Actions. 14
REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE.. 18
Report of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. 20
Discussion of Education Committee Priorities and Routine Business. 20
Annual Program Planning and Review Report 20
Update on UW Colleges Task Force. 20
UW-Whitewater: Authorization to Recruit: Chancellor 21
Request for Review of UW-Milwaukee Personnel Decision. 22
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
UW-Madison
Held in 1820 Van Hise Hall
November 9, 2007
9:00 a.m.
- President Bradley presiding -
PRESENT: Regents Bartell, Bradley, Connolly-Keesler, Crain, Cuene, Davis, Loftus, Pruitt, Rosenzweig, Shields, Smith, Thomas, and Walsh
UNABLE TO ATTEND: Regents Burmaster, Falbo, McPike, and Spector
- - -
Approval of the Minutes of the October 4 and 5, 2007 Meetings of the Board
Upon motion by Regent Davis, seconded by Regent Bartell, the minutes of the October 4 and 5, 2007 meetings of the Board of Regents were approved as distributed.
- - -
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Regent President Bradley welcomed members of the UW-Extension and UW Colleges Leadership Academy and its coordinator Sue Buck, who were attending the meeting to learn about UW System governance and the Board of Regents.
-
Recognition of Regent Emeritus Jesus Salas
Regent President Bradley recognized the contributions of Regent Emeritus Jesus Salas who had recently resigned from the board. Noting that he is a man of strong convictions, Regent Bradley remarked that, while many felt that Mr. Salas could have done more to address Latino concerns had he remained on the board, his decision to step down is deserving of respect.
Regent President Bradley thanked Regent Bartell for taking over as chair of the Physical Planning and Funding Committee to succeed Mr. Salas.
-
The Growth Agenda, Accountability, and Advantage Wisconsin
Regent President Bradley noted that the Growth Agenda took root and grew because of the efforts of concerned and engaged citizens across the state. The result was a budget that, for the first time in a number of years, not only funds ongoing programs, but also provides an opportunity to expand educational access and job-producing research.
The Growth Agenda for Wisconsin, he remarked, encouraged business leaders, elected officials, students and others to embrace a bold vision for the future – a vision focused on higher-paying jobs, faster-growing businesses, and a richer quality of life.
Noting that those high aspirations carry equally high expectations, he stated: “My message to our stakeholders is that we are going to respond to those expectations with action, now that we have been adequately funded, and also with accountability.”
In that regard, he indicated that the UW System is nationally known for the Achieving Excellence annual accountability report, which, along with other public reports and communications, has placed the UW System in a leadership position in the area of accountability. These efforts will now be further enhanced by UW participation in the new national Voluntary System of Accountability.
This framework will give customers and investors an objective look at measurable performance on UW campuses. UW students and parents, he noted, deserve to know which institutions are delivering the best educational results; and elected officials, taxpayers, and private donors deserve to know whether the university is producing the expected return on their investment.
The Advantage Wisconsin Strategic Framework, Regent President Bradley continued, is the next step toward a prosperous future for the state. Indicating that this involves addressing big issues with bold ideas, he said that, for those bold ideas to work, they have to be developed and implemented collaboratively, with everyone involved understanding and valuing their stake in their public university system.
To that end, he met recently with Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, and he and President Reilly met with Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch. Both of them committed to meeting at least three times over the next few months so that they could be kept apprised of Advantage Wisconsin progress and have the opportunity to provide their reactions and advice.
He also met with Senator Mark Miller, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance; Senator Jim Sullivan, co-chair of the Joint Audit Committee; and with Senator Julie Lassa, a member of the Joint Committee on Finance. In addition, he met with representatives of Senator Jauch, Senator Vinehout, Senator Kapanke, and Representative Rhoades, as well as with Representatives Shilling, Vruwink, and Seidel.
In the near future, he planned to meet with Representative Richards, Representative Stone, and Representative Hixon.
Reporting that Regents Pruitt, Spector, and Walsh also were meeting with legislators, Regent President Bradley indicated that there would be regent representation at an upcoming hearing on the Veterans’ Tuition Remission program, with Regents Loftus, Walsh and Falbo providing legislative liaison on those issues.
-
Senate Confirmation of Regent Colleene Thomas
Regent President Bradley congratulated Regent Thomas on her unanimous confirmation by the State Senate.
- - -
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEM
Endowment for Wisconsin Covenant
President Reilly reported that the preceding week he had joined Governor Doyle for the important announcement that the Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation would donate $40 million to endow the Covenant Foundation.
Introducing Richard George, President and CEO of Great Lakes, he indicated that Mr. George was formerly a partner in the Foley and Lardner law firm and also served as an Air Force officer. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation since 1984 and was elected chairman, president and chief executive officer in 1989.
Mr. George began his remarks by indicating that the Great Lakes companies are among the largest student loan service providers, with 950 employees across the country. The companies provide guarantees on behalf of the federal government and services for lenders.
In accordance with a congressional mandate, Great Lakes’ net income is dedicated as a charity to promote postsecondary educational access. In that regard, the Wisconsin Covenant is integral to the goal of sending the message to students that postsecondary education is something to which they should aspire and that the resources will be available to ensure that they are able to achieve their dreams.
It is Great Lakes’ intention both to increase the visibility of that message, especially to low-income students, and to provide economic substance in order to allow students to reach their goals, regardless of financial circumstances.
Stating that initiatives like the Wisconsin Covenant are critical to the future success of Wisconsin’s economy, he thanked the employees of Great Lakes for making the endowment possible, as well as all the schools that work with Great Lakes in providing financial aid to students.
President Reilly thanked Mr. George for his comments, noting that the university looks forward to a long and productive partnership.
-
President Reilly remarked that the KnowHow2Go campaign complements the Covenant’s key themes – that college is possible and preparation is essential. The initiative will be launched on November 16th, with an announcement that the KnowHow2Go Wisconsin website is up and running.
The Wisconsin portion of this national campaign was being coordinated by Executive Senior Vice President Mash, with a steering group composed of staff from the UW System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the PK-12 sector and the office of the Wisconsin Covenant. Jill Hassenfelt, director of the Covenant office, was introduced by President Reilly.
The national KnowHow2Go campaign is aimed at middle school students, especially low income students and those who would be the first generation in their families to attend college. This group, President Reilly noted, is “precisely that wider and deeper cut of the population that we’ve been talking about attracting into the university more effectively.” The campaign is sponsored by the American Council on Education, the Lumina Foundation and the National Ad Council.
It was hoped that the November 16th launch would bring publicity to help people learn about the campaign as way to start planning for college.
-
Northeast Wisconsin Learning Center
President Reilly commended UW-Oshkosh and UW-Green Bay on their partnership in the Northeast Wisconsin Learning Center, which offers classes and advising services for working adults in the Fox Cities area through the new Bachelor of Applied Studies programs at those two campuses. These BAS programs are the first of their kind in the UW System and part of the multi-pronged strategy to increase the number of people with bachelor’s degrees around the state.
-
Outreach Scholarship Conference
It was reported by President Reilly that more than 400 people, representing 82 institutions of higher learning, attended the annual Outreach Scholarship Conference, held in Madison the preceding month. Hosted and co-sponsored by UW-Extension and the UW Colleges, the national conference brings together experts from a wide variety of academic disciplines who share an interest in university/community engagement, public service, action research, and educational outreach.
A highlight of the conference was presentation for the first time of five regional W.K. Kellogg Foundation Awards for Excellence in Outreach and Engagement. Noting that he was pleased to have been one of the five judges, President Reilly said that one of the awards, the Peter McGrath Engagement Award, would be announced at the upcoming meeting of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges.
UW-Extension was one of the founding partners of the Outreach Scholarship Conference. Other sponsors include The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Georgia, North Carolina State University, the University of Alabama, and Michigan State University.
President Reilly congratulated Chancellor Wilson and his colleagues on another successful conference.
-
Great Northwoods Service-Learning Conference
President Reilly reported that the UW-Extension office in Marathon County and the UW-Marathon County campus recently co-hosted the first Great Northwoods Service-Learning Conference. This collaboration between the UW Colleges and UW-Extension brought together 60 faculty and staff from both institutions to pool their experiences with service-learning programs and other community-based learning projects.
-
Prestigious Invitation for UW-Superior Mock Trial Team
It was reported by President Reilly that the UW-Superior Mock Trial team had been invited to the prestigious Crimson Classic Mock Trial Invitational Tournament at Harvard University. In a competition with the 32 best mock trial teams from around the country, UW-Superior will compete against teams from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, California-Berkeley and others. He congratulated the UW-Superior team on this impressive accomplishment.
-
Outstanding Achievement Award Won by UW-Platteville Provost Carol Sue Butts
President Reilly congratulated Provost Butts on winning the 2007 Outstanding Achievement Award presented by the Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership at its state conference in October.
-
UW-Eau Claire Recognized as Top Producer of Fulbright Fellows
UW-Eau Claire was commended by President Reilly for receiving national acclaim as one of the top producers of Fulbright Fellows in the nation. The Fulbright program funds outstanding students to volunteer and do research abroad, equipping them to become leaders in a globally integrated environment.
Noting that the Fulbright process is extremely competitive, he remarked that the fact that three UW-Eau Claire students were awarded these venerable fellowships this year is a testament to the quality faculty and staff working with the applicants, as well as to the students’ own accomplishments.
He congratulated Chancellor Levin-Stankevich and the students, faculty and staff for this impressive achievement.
-
Grant Received by UW-Parkside Center for Community Partnerships
President Reilly reported that UW-Parkside’s Center for Community Partnerships received a three-year $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to aid local organizations in improving their ability to provide social services. The grant funds the Kenosha-Racine Compassion Capital Fund Project, through which the university will help non-profit organizations operating on a limited budget to implement long-term directional changes that will better serve their clients.
He congratulated Chancellor Keating and his colleagues on winning this grant.
-
UW-Madison Faculty Win Presidential Early Career Awards
President Reilly congratulated two promising young UW-Madison faculty members for winning Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. Presented at a White House ceremony in Washington, the prestigious awards recognize junior researchers who have demonstrated exceptional potential and leadership.
Ahna Skop, assistant professor of genetics and medical genetics, was nominated by the National Science Foundation for innovative research into the molecular mechanisms in cell division. Dr. Skop also works as a mentor and advocate for the advancement of Native Americans in science.
Sterling Johnson, associate professor of medicine at the School of Medicine and Public Health and the William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, was nominated by the Department of Veterans Affairs in recognition of his work on neural disorders related to aging and brain damage.
-
Committee to Review Allocable Segregated Fee Policies Status Report
President Reilly noted that this committee was formed by Regent President Bradley in August 2007 with a charge to look at three main issues:
- Criteria for recognition of student organizations;
- Issues regarding allocation of on-campus space for recognized organizations; and
- Whether allocable segregated fees should be used to support the salaries of student organization employees.
He called on UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Linda Bunnell to provide a update on the committee’s activities.
Chancellor Bunnell reported that the committee had met three times and produced a draft that was being circulated for campus comments. The committee will meet again to consider the comments received and make a report to President Reilly in December.
She thanked the committee members, Lori Berquam, Pat Brady, Anthony Dewees, Ray French, Alex Gallagher, Justin Glodowski, Regent Tom Shields, Andrew Soll, and Michael Viney for their hard work and also thanked Larry Rubin, Doug Hendrix and Tom Stafford for their efforts in providing support to the committee.
-
Advantage Wisconsin Strategic Framework Update
In opening remarks, President Reilly reported that the UW System website now includes a direct link to the Advantage Wisconsin site, highlighting the importance of this project and of the intent to use the web as a means of informing and engaging the public in a two-way dialogue about this vision for the future. A survey also was being sent to three statewide business groups, and UW-Extension will be hosting listening sessions across the state to gather grassroots public input.
He then called on Executive Senior Vice President Don Mash for an update on the strategic framework process.
Noting that Advantage Wisconsin continues the momentum generated by the Growth Agenda, Dr. Mash said that the attempt is to create a system-level framework to maximize the impact of UW campus strategic plans.
In that regard, he remarked that the strategic framework activity is a strong vehicle for focusing on what the university hopes to do to impact the state’s future. The purpose of the seven think tanks is to enrich each core strategy of the framework:
- Prepare Students
- More Graduates
- High-Paying Jobs
- Stronger Communities
- Resources
- Operational Excellence
- Collaborations
These strategies, he recalled, resulted from a number of conversations, including a chancellors’ retreat the preceding spring, along with a presentation to the board by Dennis Jones, president, National Center for Higher Education Management Systems.
In addition to the think tanks, activities include input by many groups, including students, faculty, staff, business and community leaders, and political leaders. Working groups on tuition and financial aid and the role of the UW Colleges also are under way. Resource staff to the think tanks are meeting to coordinate and blend what the various teams are doing. In December and January, there would be two leadership retreats, with President Reilly, chancellors and the president’s cabinet to review think tank ideas, along with other input, and bring the best ideas for an enriched strategic framework to the board in February.
The Advantage Wisconsin website states the sense of urgency to make changes needed for the sake of Wisconsin’s future and provides a link to each of the core strategies and a link for providing feedback and input. Also included are links to reference materials and to information about listening sessions.
In discussion following the presentation, Regent Bartell inquired about participation by external members of the think tanks, and Dr. Mash replied that they have been active participants and have provided valuable perspectives.
President Reilly reported that, on November 27th, UW-Extension would facilitate conversations in all 72 counties about Advantage Wisconsin.
Regent Rosenzweig commented that presentations on core strategies at regent committee meetings are helpful and suggested that they be continued as a means of informing the board and providing a route for regent input.
In response to a question by Regent Walsh, President Reilly said that legislative leaders with whom he met seemed interested in Advantage Wisconsin and agreed to future meetings.
Regent President Bradley added that legislators are being made aware of what the UW is doing in Advantage Wisconsin and seemed interested in reacting to proposals that are developed, rather than sitting at the table with the think tank teams.
Regent Davis asked if the three meetings with legislative leaders would take place before the February board meeting, and President Reilly replied in the affirmative.
In response to a question by Regent Davis about marketing the Advantage Wisconsin website, Dr. Mash indicated that the site is being used by all the think tank teams and the campuses. External groups also are being made aware of it. Those who provide comment in the feedback area will be tracked by category.
Noting that there is considerable literature on the subjects included in the core strategies, Regent Loftus asked if surveys of the literature are being conducted.
Dr. Mash replied that resource staff have put together material that captures the main points of the literature, and President Reilly added that members of the think tanks also have expertise in the subject areas and are familiar with the literature.
Regent Loftus asked how trends, such as competition for students and the importance of research dollars, would be recognized in the process. Dr. Mash replied that the think tank teams on resources and high-paying jobs are addressing possible connections in these areas.
President Reilly remarked that one related issue with which the think tank teams are grappling is how more revenue from non-state sources shapes the university and how it should be directed.
- - -
REPORT OF THE BUSINESS, FINANCE, AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
Regent Smith, chair, presented the committee’s report
-
Acceptance of Bequests over $50,000
The committee approved, for inclusion in the consent agenda, a resolution accepting eight bequests for a total of almost $4.5 million.
-
UW Strategic Framework: Discussion on Resources and Operational Excellence
UW-Madison Vice Chancellor Darrell Bazzell, presented the committee with information on the first meeting of the think tank on operational excellence; and Associate Vice President Freda Harris summarized the first meeting of the think tank on resources.
-
Quarterly Gifts, Grants, and Contracts Report
Vice President Durcan reported total awards of $355.4 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2007 – a decrease of $44.2 million from the preceding year. Federal awards were down $48.6 million, while non-federal awards increased by $4.4 million. Decreases of $19.8 million in research and $19.8 million in student aid were major contributors to the overall decline in federal dollars. The decrease in research awards resulted primarily from two large National Science Foundation grants received by UW-Madison last year but not this year. The decrease in financial aid is considered a timing issue that should resolve in the next quarter.
Quarterly Expenditures – Budget to Actual
Vice President Durcan presented a schedule of UW System expenditures through the first quarter of the current fiscal year, as well as current and prior year expenditures by institution for GPR/fee funds. Figures for both years were shown against the 2007 budget since final budget allocations by institution were not yet available for fiscal year 2008.
-
Update on Tuition and Financial Aid Working Group
An update on the work of the Tuition and Financial Aid Working Group was provided by Vice President Durcan, who reported that the group focused on the board’s current statutory authority to set tuition and the belief that its authority needs to be expanded beyond differential tuition.
The group concluded that, while the doctoral and comprehensive institutions are much less costly than their peers, the UW Colleges are more expensive than theirs and not competitively priced. The members also discussed how the university might go about earmarking some increased tuition for financial aid and advised that a change in tuition and financial aid policy should be tied to the broad goals of the board and system. The working group’s final meeting was scheduled for December 4th.
In discussion at the board meeting, Regent Loftus asked if there is a peer group of the UW Colleges for tuition purposes; and Vice President Durcan replied that they were compared to the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) college parallel programs and to community colleges in other states. Regent Loftus asked if those were also considered peers for pay-plan purposes, and Ms. Durcan replied in the negative.
President Reilly remarked that those are the closest peers available for tuition comparisons, and Regent Crain added that the committee’s report will make that point as well.
Regent Cuene pointed out that setting of tuition for WTCS college transfer programs is guided by statute and cannot be changed.
Review of Biennial Pay Plan Process
Associate Vice President Al Crist provided a review of the 2007-09 biennial pay plan process for faculty, academic staff, limited appointees and classified staff.
Preliminary Fall 2007 Enrollments
Interim Associate Vice President Sharon Wilhelm presented preliminary enrollment information for fall 2007, which showed a growth of 1,800 resident enrollments and 1,200 non-resident enrollments. Enrollment reports by campus will be provided at the December meeting.
-
Vice President Durcan recognized UW-Milwaukee for receiving a best practices award from the Central Association of College and University Business Officers for its program titled “Throwing out the Paper and keeping the Data”. This new award program is designed to further the sharing of best practices among colleges and universities.
It was reported by Vice President Durcan that new limits on indirect cost reimbursement on Department of Defense grants were included in the final Pentagon spending bill.
-
No speakers appeared at the annual Trust Fund Forum.
-
Adoption of the following resolution as a consent agenda item was moved by Regent Smith, seconded by Regent Rosenzweig, and carried on a unanimous voice vote.
UW System Trust Funds Acceptance of Bequests
Resolution 9401: That, upon the recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System and the Chancellors of the benefiting University of Wisconsin institutions, the bequests detailed on the attached list be accepted for the purposes designated by the donors, or where unrestricted by the donors, by the benefiting institution, and that the Trust Officer or Assistant Trust Officers be authorized to sign receipts and do all things necessary to effect the transfers for the benefit of the University of Wisconsin.
Let it be herewith further resolved, that the President and Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, the Chancellors of the benefiting University of Wisconsin institutions, and the Deans and Chairs of the benefiting Colleges and Departments, express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the donors and their families for their generosity and their devotion to the values and ideals represented by the University of Wisconsin System. These gifts will be used to sustain and further the quality and scholarship of the University and its students.
- - -
REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND FUNDING COMMITTEE
Regent Bartell, chair, presented the committee’s report.
-
Report of the Assistant Vice President
Assistant Vice President David Miller reported that the Building Commission approved about $10 million for projects at its October meeting, consisting of $1.5 million in general fund supported borrowing, $6 million in program revenue, and $2.5 million in gift and grant funds.
-
UW-Madison: Approval of Design Report and Authority to Construct Lot 36 Parking Ramp Expansion Project
The committee was advised that this project would replace parking lost to campus redevelopment projects, with no net gain in total parking spaces. The project would construct 117 parking stalls on two additional floors of the ramp at a cost of $2.1 million in program revenue from parking fees.
The committee passed a resolution approving the design report and granting the requested authority for inclusion in the consent agenda.
-
The committee was advised that the project included construction of a research tower and renovation or reconstruction in order to preserve three historic buildings on Henry Mall: The Agriculture Journalism building, constructed in 1906; the original Biochemistry building, including a John Steuart Curry mural, constructed in 1912; and the first Biochemistry addition, constructed in 1937. The character of Henry Mall will be preserved, and one of the last grand elm trees will be saved. The cost of the project is $116.4 million in general fund supported borrowing, building trust funds, and gift funds.
The committee passed a resolution approving the design report and granting the requested authority for inclusion in the consent agenda.
In discussion at the board meeting, Regent Loftus asked if the Human Ecology Building was included in the Henry Mall project; and Assistant Vice President Miller replied in the negative.
-
The committee approved a resolution granting the requested authority for inclusion in the consent agenda.
-
The committee approved a resolution granting the requested authority for inclusion in the consent agenda.
-
The committee was informed that the $7.8 million cost of the project includes more than $3 million in gift funds, the first time a library building project has been funded with gifts.
A resolution approving the design report and granting the requested authority was passed by the committee for inclusion in the consent agenda.
-
UW-Superior: Authority to Adjust the Project Scope and Budget of the Rothwell Student Center Project
It was noted that the project will be certified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and that the fee portion of the project was approved by a student referendum.
The committee approved a resolution granting the requested authority for inclusion in the consent agenda.
-
Adoption of the following resolutions as consent agenda items was moved by Regent Bartell, seconded by Regent Walsh and carried on a unanimous voice vote:
UW-Madison: Approval of the Design Report and Authority to Construct the Lot 36 Parking Ramp Expansion Project
Resolution 9402: 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 the Lot 36 Parking Ramp Expansion project, at an estimated total cost of $2,150,388 Program Revenue Cash-Parking.
Resolution 9403: That, upon the recommendation of the of the UW-Madison Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Design Report be approved and authority be granted to: (a) increase the project budget by $6,450,000 ($950,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing-BioStar, $2,500,000 Building Trust Funds and $3,000,000 Gift Funds) and (b) construct the Biochemistry II project at a total cost of $116,450,000, ($43,450,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing-BioStar, $15,000,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing (Sterling Hall), $2,500,000 Building Trust Funds, and $55,500,000 Gift Funds).
Resolution 9404: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Stevens Point Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to: (a) expand the campus boundary in five locations as shown on the attached map, and (b) purchase a 0.152-acre parcel of land and improvements located at 1940-1942 Briggs Street in the city of Stevens Point at an acquisition cost of $98,450 using Program Revenue-Cash.
Resolution 9405: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Stevens Point Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to accept a donation of two separate adjoining parcels of land approximately 6.63 acres in size to become a part of the university’s Schmeeckle Reserve Nature Conservancy.
Resolution 9406: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Superior Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Design Report be approved and authority be granted to: (a) increase the project scope and budget by $1,531,400 ($406,400 General Fund Supported Borrowing – UW Infrastructure and $1,125,000 Gift Funds) and (b) construct the Jim Dan Hill Library Renovation project for a estimated total project cost of $7,823,400 ($4,292,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing, $406,400 General Fund Supported Borrowing – UW Infrastructure, and $3,125,000 Gift Funds).
UW-Superior: Authority to Adjust the Project Scope and Budget of the Rothwell Student Center Project
Resolution 9407: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Superior Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to increase the project scope and budget of the Rothwell Student Center project by $2,704,500 ($2,592,500 Program Revenue-Cash and $112,000 Agency Funds) for an estimated total project cost of $24,766,500 ($208,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing–Jim Dan Hill Library, $969,000 General Fund Supported Borrowing–New Academic Building, $16,885,000 Program Revenue Supported Borrowing, $2,704,500 Program Revenue-Cash, $112,000 Agency Funds–Non GPR, and $4,000,000 Gift and Grant Funds).
In response to a question by Regent Loftus, Associate Vice President Harris indicated that, under provisions of the recently adopted state budget, all segregated fees would be posted on university websites by the spring semester.
Regent Loftus asked if segregated fee amounts would on the websites for the Voluntary System of Accountability, and Vice President Martin replied that, while not part of the template, they could be provided as additional information. The template provides a cost calculator, which would include segregated fees and room and board costs, as well as tuition.
Regent President Bradley reported that he had attended the dedication ceremony for the Daniel Trainer College of Natural Resources Building at UW-Stevens Point, noting that Dr. Trainer, who served as dean of the college for many years, is internationally known and respected in the field of natural resources.
- - -
REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Regent Davis, chair, presented the committee’s report.
-
UW System Strategic Framework: Discussion with Representatives of the “Prepare Students” Think Tank
The committee was joined for this discussion by Don Christian, dean of Arts and Sciences at UW-Eau Claire and chair of the think tank, as well as UW System Administration resource staff: Lisa Kornetsky, director of the Office of Professional and Instructional Development, and Rebecca Karoff, academic planner and Education Committee secretary.
Reporting that there was an excellent conversation among think tank personnel, regents, chancellors, and provosts, Regent Davis remarked that the committee was pleased to hear of the significant collaborations that are taking place and to learn that the think tank’s work is aligned with Education Committee priorities.
The committee will have a discussion with representatives of the think tank on collaborations in December.
-
Reporting on the presentation made to the committee on UW-Platteville’s reaccreditation process, Regent Davis congratulated the entire UW-Platteville community for an outstanding accreditation review. The university was granted an unconditional, ten-year accreditation.
The review process identified a number of important institutional strengths, including:
- The university’s student-centered approach;
- The commitment and enthusiasm of its faculty and staff;
- Its efforts to put continuous assessment and improvement into practice;
- The stability of its administrative leadership;
- Its strong system of shared governance;
- Its community partnerships, outreach activities and close connections to its region;
- Its international efforts; and
- Its plans for financial growth.
Also noted were UW-Platteville’s compressive collaborative engineering programs in the Fox Valley and in Rock County.
In response to the review, the university is moving forward with a comprehensive review of its general education program.
-
Report of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Discussion of Education Committee Priorities and Routine Business
The committee reached consensus on a set of priorities for 2007-08 and on a plan to conduct routine business more efficiently.
In addition to charter schools and academic program planning, which had already been covered, priorities for this year include: Transfer issues in the UW System; alternative program delivery methods; the student experience; teacher education; graduate education; and strategic directions for diversity.
Routine business will be placed on a committee consent agenda.
Annual Program Planning and Review Report
Associate Vice President Ron Singer presented the 2007 report, including several recommended changes to the program approval process, most notably the recommendation that institutions come forward every five years with a campus academic plan. This plan would include specific information on planned academic program additions, modifications, consolidations and eliminations.
Such a plan could replace the need for each new academic program to be brought before the committee for approval and would allow the regents to redirect their attention to a more comprehensive view of each institution’s academic program planning and array, as well as the alignment of that array to the institution’s distinct mission and identity.
The committee concluded that, while members would still want to hear some individual program presentations, others could be incorporated into the more comprehensive campus plan. The plans would be nimble and dynamic, changing over time in response to student demand and state needs.
It was pointed out that the new process would allow earlier input by regents into program planning.
Senior Vice President Martin was asked to return in December with a list of campus academic programs in the pipeline, including what was approved over the past year and what is coming forward. This list is expected to help the committee evaluate which kinds of programs it might want to examine more closely and which ones could be brought forward as part a larger campus plan.
Update on UW Colleges Task Force
Senior Vice President Martin provided an update on the UW Colleges Task Force appointed by President Reilly
-
Regent Davis moved adoption of the following resolution as a consent agenda item. The motion was seconded by Regent Crain and carried on a unanimous voice vote.
UW-Whitewater: Authorization to Recruit: Chancellor
Resolution 9408: That, the President of the University of Wisconsin System be authorized to recruit for a Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, at a salary within the Board of Regents salary range for university senior executive salary group three.
Regent President Bradley announced the appointment a Regent Committee for the UW-Whitewater Chancellor Search, consisting of Regent Davis, chair, Regent Rosenzweig, Regent Spector, and Regent Thomas.
He thanked Regent Davis for her leadership in this important search.
- - -
The meeting was recessed at 10:50 a.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m., at which time the following resolution, moved by Regent Pruitt and seconded by Regent Smith, was adopted on a unanimous roll-call vote, with Regents Bartell, Bradley, Connolly-Keesler, Crain, Cuene, Davis, Loftus, Pruitt, Rosenzweig, Shields, Smith, Thomas, and Walsh (13) voting in the affirmative. There were no dissenting votes and no abstentions.
Resolution 9409: That the Board of Regents move into closed session to consider a request for review of a UW-Milwaukee personnel decision, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(c), 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 personal histories related to naming a facility at UW-Madison, as permitted by s.19.85(1)(f), Wis. Stats.
The following resolutions were adopted in closed session:
UW-Madison: Authority to Name the Synchrotron Radiation Center Housing Facility the “Bob Green Guest House”
Resolution 9410: That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison Chancellor and President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to name the Synchrotron Radiation Center (SRC) housing facility, which is located at 2014 Greene Road, Stoughton, Wisconsin, the “Bob Green Guest House.”
Request for Review of UW-Milwaukee Personnel Decision
Resolution 9411: That the Board of Regents adopts the attached Decision and Order in the matter of a request for review of a personnel decision at UW-Milwaukee
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
Submitted by:
Judith A. Temby, Secretary