Board of Regents
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
Held in Memorial
Union
Main Lounge, 2nd Floor Central
UW-Madison
Thursday,
December 9, 2010
10:00 a.m.
UW MADISON PRESENTATION: “UW-MADISON IN CHINA”. 4
Purpose of the China Visits. 4
UW-Madison’s Relationships with China. 5
Goals and Results of the 2010 Visits. 5
Future Opportunities. 7
Student Perspective: The Value of Study-Abroad in China. 7
Historical Changes in China. 8
Benefits to UW System and the State. 9
Chinese Champions Program.. 11
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD.. 11
Wisconsin Technical College System Board Report. 11
Additional items that the President of the Board may report or present to the Board ..Transition to New Governor 12
Principles for Progress and Prosperity. 12
National Politics. 12
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UW SYSTEM... 13
Relationship between State and University
. 13Call for Civility. 14
UW-Madison Professor Teri Balser named U.S. Professor of the Year 14
UW-Madison Faculty Member Dr. William Cronon elected President of the American Historical Association. 14
UW-Madison Professor Bassam Shakhashiri voted President-elect of the American Chemical Society. 14
UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing Re-accredited. 15
National Study to Update Two-Year Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree. 15
UW-Milwaukee Physicist Awarded National Grants. 15
Wisconsin Public Television Honored. 15
UW-La Crosse and UW-Oshkosh Graduate Named Wisconsin’s New Poet Laureate. 16
UW-Stout Opens Jarvis Hall 16
UW-Platteville Recognized at Annual Conference for Women Engineers. 16
UW-Milwaukee Hosts Wisconsin Idea Forum.. 16
UW-Oshkosh Hosts New North Summit 16
“James Huff Stout Remembrance Day”. 17
UW-Whitewater Warhawks. 17
Wisconsin Badgers Invited to Rose Bowl 17
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM eCAMPUS. 17
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
Held in Memorial
Union
Main Lounge, 2nd Floor Central
UW-Madison
Thursday,
December 9, 2010
10:00 a.m.
– President Pruitt presiding –
PRESENT: Regents Jeffrey Bartell, Mark Bradley, Judith Crain, Danae Davis, Stan Davis, John Drew, Anthony Evers, Michael Falbo, Thomas Loftus, Edmund Manydeeds, Charles Pruitt, Jessica Schwalenberg, Brent Smith, Michael Spector, and David Walsh
UNABLE TO ATTEND: Regents José Vásquez, Aaron Wingad, and Betty Womack
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PRESIDENT’S GREETING
President Pruitt welcomed everyone to the meeting and commented that he thought it was slightly easier to get to Madison than it had been a year ago, when all were challenged by nearly 19 inches of snow.
President Pruitt noted that this month, the meeting was being hosted by UW-Madison, providing an opportunity to showcase this extraordinary university. President Pruitt thanked Chancellor Martin for her warm hospitality, and the UW System staff for their assistance.
President Pruitt noted that UW-Madison is one of only four public universities in the top 20 universities in America. That did not happen by accident or overnight. Staying at that exalted level takes dedication, commitment, and ongoing work. President Pruitt indicated that the Board would be hearing more about much of the work being done at UW-Madison.
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UW MADISON PRESENTATION: “UW-MADISON IN CHINA”
President Pruitt introduced UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin, who thanked and welcomed the Regents, chancellors, provosts and other campus staff and media to the meeting. Chancellor Martin also thanked Becci Menghini, who led the effort to organize the program, along with Tricia Dickinson, Amy Toburen, Heidi Zoerb, Eden Inoway-Ronnie, Peter Kleppin, and Scott Hildebrand, and Georgene Pomplun.
Chancellor Martin introduced a short slide show of her recent trips to China.
The chancellor stated that the purpose of her presentation was to tell the Regents and the community about the importance of having a presence in China, and why UW-Madison staff spend time there. Chancellor Martin indicated that UW-Madison staff have multiple aims for their work in China, such as improving the quality of education offered at UW-Madison by ensuring that undergraduate and graduate students have opportunities to learn more about this important part of the world, but also to study there and secure internships with businesses there.
Chancellor Martin indicated that during a recent visit, she met with six Wisconsin-based companies in Beijing to discuss their willingness to take interns from UW-Madison’s undergraduate student body. Saying that UW-Madison wants to attract investment from East Asia to Wisconsin, Chancellor Martin indicated that the university would like to help investors understand that discoveries worth investing in do not occur only on the east and west coasts of the United States. One of the best kept secrets when it comes to research and technology development is Madison, Wisconsin.
UW-Madison staff are also in China to elevate the brands, not only of the university, but of the state of Wisconsin, and to build different kinds of relationships. Some of these relationships are institution to institution, but also support collaborations on the ground that faculty and students are building themselves. Chancellor Martin noted that the following day there would be a delegation of seven from the University of Shanghai Jiao Tong, including the President of Jiao Tong, visiting UW-Madison to pursue collaborative opportunities. She also noted that this visit was just one of many such visits. Students benefit directly from UW-Madison’s presence in China by virtue of student exchange, internship possibilities, study abroad, and opportunities on campus to learn about China.
Chancellor Martin introduced several speakers: Gilles Bousquet, Dean of the Division of International Studies and also Vice Provost for Globalization; student Matt Payne, who would talk about his experiences in Tianjin, where UW-Madison has a summer program, and his future plans; and Political Science Professor Edward Friedman, who has been working in China for decades.
UW-Madison’s Relationships with China
Dean Bousquet provided highlights of the trips to China, led by the chancellor. He emphasized the strength of the China studies program at UW-Madison and the relevance of the trips, given the role that places like China, India and Brazil play in today’s economic and geopolitical stage. Dean Bousquet referred to the first slide of his presentation, which described the depth and breadth of UW-Madison’s relationships with China. UW-Madison has more than 300 China-related doctoral degrees, dating back to 1924; some distinguished centers, including the federally-funded Center for East Asian Studies and the East Asian Legal Studies Center, have trained dozens of legal professionals all over China. UW-Madison also has dozens of projects and exchange relationships. Currently, 30 faculty across campus teach courses about China in a range of disciplines, including law, religion, history, popular culture, and sociology.
Dean Bousquet stated that the connections between China and Wisconsin are very strong. UW-Madison has about 2,000 degree-seeking students from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. In a decade, UW-Madison went from approximately 100 scholars, including Ph.D. students, post-doctoral students, and researchers on campus, to 425 scholars. Every semester, more than 300 students study modern and classical Chinese, which is also very important for the relationship with our partners in China. A number of UW students study in China, as well. Dean Bousquet stated that he and the Chancellor want to make China the number one study abroad destination for UW-Madison students. About 1,700 UW-Madison alumni currently live in China, many of them in key positions, enabling them to broker meetings for the university. He noted that alumni have done very well, and have “a warm spot” for UW-Madison.
In 2007, UW-Madison established the Wisconsin China Initiative to coordinate efforts to: (1) focus the campus on deepening and expanding education and research about China; (2) provide a clear point of contact for the campus, the state, and the public; (3) disseminate knowledge more effectively to benefit Wisconsin citizens; and (4) partner business and government entities on issues related to China. UW-Madison brought together a group of faculty, led by Professor John Ohnesorge from the Law School, to form the Wisconsin China Initiative. An advisory board that consists of 20 business and government leaders from the United States and China provides feedback and advice on how to approach the Wisconsin-China relationship.
Goals and Results of the 2010 Visits
In 2010, the Chancellor made two trips to China, which was very important to the Chinese. A lot of chancellors and presidents make one trip, but UW-Madison and Chancellor Martin herself, have been on the ground in China more than once, which is very meaningful to UW-Madison’s Chinese partners. Dean Bousquet referred to a slide which summarized the two trips, including visits with partner universities, alumni and friends, media coverage and public events, economic development events, and high-level government, business or individual events. The chancellor’s two visits covered all of the major Chinese markets and included a range of events, from engagement with students to meetings with business and economic leaders, to high-level government events to enhance the profile of Wisconsin. The goals of the trips were to: (1) increase UW-Madison’s visibility in China and East Asia; (2) develop strategic relationships with top Chinese universities; (3) deepen alumni relations and meet top prospects; (4) assist in recruitment of the most talented Chinese students; and (5) assist the state in its economic development efforts. Dean Bousquet noted that all of the universities have assets to contribute to the state’s economic efforts, and UW institutions have key connections in areas where growth is occurring.
Dean Bousquet provided a summary of the outcomes of the trips, including visits to 13 universities; seven memoranda of understanding; five business and economic events; eight VIP events; and more than 450 alumni, parents, and students in attendance at events. Also, more than nine delegations from China have visited UW-Madison since April 2010.
Dean Bousquet indicated that the institutional outcomes have also been impressive. UW-Madison has been invited by Tsinghua University to develop a service learning exchange program, and the director of UW-Madison’s Morgridge Center is currently finalizing that agreement; UW-Madison signed a major agreement related to biomedical engineering with Zhejiang University; the Chinese Champions program is up and running, and will continue for the next three years; a pre-college program is in the pilot phase; and UW-Madison received a gift of 30 feature films for the film studies program at UW-Madison.
Dean Bousquet indicated that the media presence during the trips was outstanding. He referred to a slide which summarized the media contacts during the trips, which included several television interviews that were widely disseminated to newspapers, radio, and magazines. During those trips, through the use of social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, the chancellor was able to connect with UW-Madison to get feedback and reactions from students and faculty. Dean Bousquet referred to a slide which featured a China Daily photo of the chancellor presenting a Wisconsin sweatshirt to the vice president of Beijing Sports. The article accompanying the photo stated, “This is the first time in the history of new China that such a large group of elite athletes has been sent abroad to study.” Dean Bousquet indicated that this was significant because it was an official sanction by the Chinese news of this program. This article was also picked up by major media markets throughout China and by Asian-Americans in the United States. He estimated that more than 20 million people have seen the article and the accompanying photo.
Dean Bousquet said that the business contacts were also impressive, not only at a government level with the Chinese Investment Promotion Agency, which handles investment in China as well as foreign-directed investments, but also with the vice mayor of Tianjin (a city of 12 million), who is interested in technologies. UW-Madison also made contact with leaders from Inner Mongolia and Heilongjian provinces, who flew to Beijing to meet with the chancellor. These provinces have strong economies in dairy, agriculture, and the environment, and are very eager to partner with Wisconsin. Provincial leaders have been invited to come to Wisconsin to discuss how to broker relationships with businesses here. Meetings were also held with senior managers of Wisconsin companies, and meetings are continuing to secure internships for students.
Dean Bousquet continued, saying that delegations from universities and provinces have visited Wisconsin and have met with some of the other UW System chancellors and President Reilly. Representatives from the Shaanxi Province have visited because they are interested in technologies and partnerships. Zhejian University, East China Normal University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University and others have visited, creating opportunities to deepen relationships at strategic and institutional levels.
Dean Bousquet referred to several opportunities in the future, including strategic academic relations and innovative programs, such as internships, the service learning exchange, and graduate cooperation. He indicated that UW-Madison can play a role in economic development by training students how to negotiate the complexities of the Chinese environment and speak Chinese. He indicated there is a hunger from global companies to be connected to the talent of UW students, and alumni are very dedicated to Wisconsin. There was a strong attraction in China for the Wisconsin Idea; the idea that a university can harness the power of research and education through innovation resonated with the Chinese. The Chinese are aware of the magnitude of challenges that China faces with the environment, in education, in economics, and in health. The university is approaching this relationship in a humble way, acknowledging that the United States has had some of these same problems. The Chinese want to partner with the university because they recognize the university does work on campus but also reaches out to partners.
Student Perspective: The Value of Study-Abroad in China
Dean Bousquet introduced Matt Payne, a junior majoring in Economics and Chinese. Mr. Payne participated in an intensive summer program in Tianjin, China. Mr. Payne started his presentation by saying hello in Chinese. He remarked that he started studying Chinese because he realized that if he could communicate with one-fifth of the world, it would increase the opportunities available to him. He acknowledged that his competition isn’t limited to those sitting next to him in his Economics 301 lecture, but instead is sitting in lecture halls in Beijing and Shanghai. China has been growing by leaps and bounds during his lifetime, and will continue to grow well into the 21st century.
Mr. Payne studied abroad in Tianjin through the university’s study abroad program, after completing two years of Chinese at UW-Madison. Mr. Payne stated that while in Tianjin, he studied at Nankai University, the fourth best university in China. He indicated that the study abroad program was rigorous and that his language skills improved dramatically during his stay in China. Part of his program included a 10-day trip in Inner Mongolia with a small group. Mr. Payne remarked that everywhere he visited during his stay in China, the Chinese loved Americans.
After graduation, Mr. Payne hopes to move to China to work or start his own business, but is also considering Navel intelligence or working for a government organization. Mr. Payne said that he is starting a new student organization on campus called Global China Connection, which will host speakers, connect with Chinese universities, and provide networking opportunities for students interested in China.
Mr. Payne said that the value of his degree comes largely from what he put into it, but also from the opportunities and resources provided by the university. He indicated that he would not have had the experiences in China if UW-Madison had not offered a program that allowed him to study Chinese in such an extraordinary way. As China’s impact in the world grows, so will its impact on campus. He stated that 50 percent of incoming international freshmen this year were from China, and ensuring a strong relationship with that part of the world holds unlimited potential for the University of Wisconsin in the future. According to Mr. Payne, China and the state of Wisconsin share similar economic characteristics, such as the importance of agriculture and industry. Allowing students to take advantage of the opportunities in those fields and in others will strengthen the value of a degree from UW-Madison, and allow graduates to attain even higher levels of success. Mr. Payne stated that he hoped the university would continue to maintain a presence in China, and expand on its great work; the investments the university makes now will benefit the university and the state of Wisconsin for years to come.
Chancellor Martin then reintroduced Professor Edward Friedman and asked him to comment on how China has changed and the challenges and opportunities going forward. Professor Friedman indicated that he was part of the first academic group that was allowed to do research in China in May 1978. At the time, there were no private cars in Beijing and only 2 percent of the government offices in Beijing had landline phones. Today, China is another universe and will soon be the largest economy in the world. The Chinese government has just committed over one trillion renminbi a year to lead technologies. China is already a leader in wind power and electric cars.
Chancellor Martin asked Professor Friedman to provide a more visual sense of China now, compared to before. Chancellor Martin also asked that he address the issue of human rights. Professor Friedman referred to the upcoming Nobel Prize for Peace that would be awarded on December10 in Oslo, Norway to Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese supporter of democratization who is in prison. He indicated that China is a major human rights violator; there is no reason to expect any change, and this greatly complicates relations.
Professor Friedman also stated that when one talks about China, there are often contradictions in what is said. If asked, most Chinese will say that China now allows an enormous amount of personal space, and they view themselves as free people. They can travel here and take any classes they want to take. Most Chinese say that China has never had it so good. There is a religious revival all over China, yet China represses religion. He remarked that China is a very complicated place, but the correct way to approach it is the way in which the chancellor is approaching it. The seven largest economies in the world will soon be the E7, or the emerging markets economies -- China, Indonesia, India, Brazil Turkey and two others -- and the weight of their economies in the world will soon be larger than the G7 economies. UW-Madison’s program involves rethinking the globalized nature of the university and the world, and China is a significant part of that. It is complex and contradictory, but it is the right place to be.
According to Professor Friedman, the university has been involved with China for a long time, starting with the first ambassador to the new republic of China, who was a faculty member from UW-Madison. In addition, UW-Madison had the first Buddhist Studies program that awarded Ph.D.s According to Professor Friedman, there is no part of the faculty that has not, on its own, become deeply involved with China, because the university is an extraordinarily energetic, robust, and dynamic place. Professor Friedman stated that while the university hasn’t had a brand, the chancellor’s efforts are creating a brand called “Wisconsin.” After one year and two visits, the presence and awareness of Wisconsin has increased. Students, alumni, the state, and businesses will all benefit from this effort, the professor said.
Benefits to UW System and the State
Chancellor Martin noted that Interim Chancellor Lovell was recently in China, and other chancellors may have been there, as well. She remarked that there seem to be great opportunities to leverage more students at UW-Madison and other campuses. Professor Friedman agreed, saying that he had dinner the night before with other faculty who teach Chinese politics at campuses throughout the state. UW-Madison sees itself as part of the entire state of Wisconsin, and the hope is that this initiative reaches out to the world, and back again, to the entire citizenry of the state of Wisconsin.
Regent Loftus commented that he had the opportunity to go to China in 1981 with Governor Dreyfus, when Regent Loftus was the Democratic Majority Leader of the Assembly. He indicated that Governor Dreyfus relished in introducing him to the Chinese as the leader of the opposite political party. He indicated that the idea of two major political parties seemed unique to those in a one-party state. Regent Loftus said they met a graduate of the class of 1927. Many people asked in very private moments if there was a way to get their children to Madison. Regent Loftus stated that he also went to China in 2007 with Governor Doyle, and he noted the amazing amount of change that had taken place.
Regent Loftus indicated that Professor Friedman’s description of the two realities of China was correct. He added that he was supportive of engaging and nurturing relationships, welcoming students and sending students, being a main presence in intellectual life, but acknowledged that there is another reality and that there will be an empty chair in Oslo when the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded.
Professor Friedman, in response to Regent Loftus’s comments, indicated that he agreed with everything Regent Loftus said. He also stated that students still want to come to this country from China. Higher education in China is not very good, and parents make great sacrifices to send their children to the United States. Professor Friedman stated that he is a member of Amnesty International and cares very much about human rights, and he has fears about China’s direction on human rights. However, it is also true that the Chinese government experiences itself in the world, not as an economic power that is becoming a military power, but as a moral poll; and China cares about its reputation in the world. The Chinese government wants to be seen as a good actor in the world, doing good things for the world. For example, the Chinese government would say China has been holding up the world economy and has prevented the economic crash from being worse. They would also say that their investments in Africa may be the first to create great inroads in Africa, and if they can do something that turns around the poorest parts of the world, that is a significant achievement. To understand China, it is important to understand how the Chinese view themselves as part of the world.
Regent Bartell remarked that he has had the privilege of participating in the UW-Madison Law School’s legal exchange program with judges in Shanghai. Several years ago he traveled with a group of American judges, including his wife, to Shanghai to teach. He was responsible for teaching corporate law to the judges there. While there, they had the opportunity to meet the Chinese people and get to know them, and have since hosted Chinese visitors here. He indicated that the Chinese judges were less concerned with their legal system than with the one-child rule in China; they were jealous of Americans’ ability to have more than one child. Regent Bartell asked about the massive growth that has taken place in China during the last 30 years, how population control will affect China in the years ahead, and how population control will change economic advancement.
Professor Friedman said that despite the belief in the United States that a one-child policy exists in China, China has never had a one-child policy. He provided historical information on what led to the massive population growth during the early years of the Peoples Republic of China, and indicated that a program was implemented to limit population growth. It was not an unpopular program, but how it was carried out was unpopular. In his research in the poorest parts of China, Professor Friedman said that he has never seen a one-child family. Contrary to the image that the Chinese do not care about their daughters, the basic view of the Chinese is that a good family includes a boy and a girl. The real problem is in the cities. He remarked that he thought the “policy” would eventually be abandoned, and is already slowly being abandoned, because China is the first country to face the problem of growing old before growing rich. In China, they refer to it as the 4-2-1 problem -- four grandparents, two parents, and one child working to support all of them; it is unsustainable. In addition, with the current demographics, the Chinese economy will eventually slow in growth.
Regent Walsh commented that other major universities must also be forging relationships with China. Regent Walsh asked, at a time when it is important to dialog with the Legislature about the future of the state and the UW System and about the university’s ability to help in the pursuit of 250,000 jobs, what the university can do to enhance the relationship with China. Professor Friedman agreed that major universities were involved with China long before UW-Madison was, and the UW is playing a game of catch-up. Chancellor Martin stated that the university has an opportunity to not only catch up, but to go its own way. The resonance for the Wisconsin Idea is startling, and is related to the Ministry of Education in China trying to decide if it wants universities in the model of Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Cornell, or prestigious universities that are great but that also serve communities.
Chancellor Martin indicated in addition that the university will need funding to do more. However, higher education officials in China have indicated that if UW-Madison does something different from all of the other universities, by continuing to talk about and pursue efforts that are not strictly academic, but are business related and draw on the state’s resources as well as the university’s, the Chinese officials would help to support UW-Madison’s presence there. Chancellor Martin stated that UW-Madison is very well positioned to take advantage of the generosity of the high-level Chinese officials and to do something that is not exclusively academic, but something more integrated. She indicated that UW-Madison needs to move relatively quickly and needs the state to be interested. The moment is opportune because of some of the connections the university has been able to make through alumni and some liaisons in Beijing.
Chancellor Martin stated that one of the greatest success stories in the university’s efforts to build relationships with China is the Chinese Champions program. The Chinese Champions, Olympic-level athletes and coach, have been at the university since the summer of 2010 and have been working hard, studying English, kinesiology, management, and training, things that put them in a position to be international leaders in sports. The Chinese student-athletes have been at UW-Madison for a thrilling football season, a visit from President Obama, and Halloween on State Street. The athletes and coaches received a warm welcome at Eagle Heights, where they became part of the international community.
Chancellor Martin stated that the aim of the program is to provide the student athletes with a great experience, but also to provide our own students with the opportunity to get to know such remarkable young people from China. The university recently reached an agreement with Beijing Sport University to extend the program for three years. She remarked that the Chinese athletes and coaches have been very generous with their time. She thanked them for their generosity.
Chancellor Martin introduced Li Li Ji, Professor of kinesiology at UW-Madison, and leader of the Chinese Champions program and asked him to introduce the athletes and coaches. Professor Ji indicated that the Chinese Champions had been in Madison for four and one-half months, had received a warm welcome, and had become local Madison boys and girls. Professor Ji introduced the coaches and student- athletes and presented them with certificates. The students presented Chancellor Martin with a gift, as well, and a brief video summary of the Champions program was shown. President Pruitt thanked the chancellor and her colleagues for the wonderful presentation.
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REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Wisconsin Technical College System Board Report
A written report was provided. There were no questions or comments.
Additional items that the President of the Board may report or present to the Board
President Pruitt noted that he and President Reilly typically share their presidents’ reports on Friday morning, but because of a special guest on Friday, Terry Hartle of the American Council on Education, the reports would be presented on Thursday. Before proceeding with his report, President Pruitt recognized Regent Vice President Spector, who expressed his pleasure at being back with the Board, having missed the November meeting due to health concerns. He thanked all for their phone calls, cards, flowers, and support.
President Pruitt began his report, noting that at the November meeting, the Board was privileged to welcome Governor-elect Scott Walker to the meeting of the Board, just two days after the election. All are becoming familiar with the new faces and new ideas in the Capitol.
President Reilly and his staff have been reaching out to the Governor-elect’s transition team, helping to establish open lines of communication on a number of fronts, including briefings about the December Board agenda. Similar conversations are occurring with legislators in both houses. Many of the conversations focus on specific issues, such as the work of Legislative Council Study Committees that are examining such issues as workforce development and financial aid, where the UW System has a strong interest and a central role.
Principles for Progress and Prosperity
Other meetings that have occurred are related to the university’s call for a new compact between the UW System and the State of Wisconsin, as laid out in the “Principles for Progress and Prosperity” document. President Pruitt said that he and former Regent President Jay Smith were in the process of updating the “Principles” paper to include the latest figures, and to turn the conversation from one related to the elections to one directly relevant to the 2011-13 state budget and the overall future of a new compact between the State of Wisconsin and its public university. One change to this document is the addition of excerpts from editorials from around the state. One editorial, in the November 27th Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reiterated that it is time for a broader discussion of what it means to be a state university, and asked whether this means “state supported” or simply “state located.” This is a fair question to be asked and answered, President Pruitt said.
President Pruitt said that he had recently had the opportunity to speak with the Rotary Club in Appleton, where many members of the Fox Valley community expressed their support for the compact. President Pruitt thanked Dean Jim Perry from UW-Fox Valley for his help in setting up his visit and joining him for lunch with the Appleton Rotarians. In addition, President Pruitt said that he was invited to be a guest on the “UPFRONT” television news program with Mike Gousha to discuss the new landscape in Madison and the UW’s efforts to gain stable funding and increased flexibility from the state.
On the national front, President Pruitt congratulated those who have been elected or re-elected to represent Wisconsin in the U.S. Congress, including re-elected U.S. Representatives Ryan, Baldwin, Kind, Moore, Sensenbrenner, and Petri and newly-elected U.S. Senator Johnson, and Representatives Duffy and Ribble. The new Congress will have serious responsibilities, including finding ways to spur economic growth and create jobs. The 112th Congress will have some important and unfinished business in continuing to support a world class education system so that people of all generations and all income levels will have the chance to succeed. There will be important debates and decisions to be made about support for Pell Grants, so that students will have the chance to remain in college during difficult economic times, and the DREAM Act, so that 55,000 young people who currently cannot attend college will have the chance to live the American dream.
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REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UW SYSTEM
Relationship between State and University
President Pruitt called upon President Reilly to present his report. President Reilly began his remarks by describing efforts to invite people to re-visit, and perhaps re-think, the relationship between Wisconsin and its public university. He visited the Madison Downtown Rotary Club on December 1, to speak to them on this topic, and Wisconsin Eye was there to capture the presentation on video. Two weeks before, Chancellor Biddy Martin spoke to the Rotary Club and other service groups with her message about the “New Badger Partnership,” and how the Madison campus could benefit from efforts to provide the UW System with greater administrative flexibility.
Earlier in the month, President Reilly reported, the UW System announced that UW campuses reported 181,782 students – an increase of 2,873 over last year’s final enrollments, and an all-time record for the System. Over the past decade, UW System enrollment has grown by about 11 percent – representing a gain of more than 18,000 students. The System’s success in this area is particularly noteworthy during a time of tight resources. President Reilly expressed pride in the System’s productivity gains and efficiency; at the same time, maintaining educational quality and achieving the Growth Agenda goal of 80,000 additional graduates by 2025 will require state reinvestment and new flexibility to employ more efficient business practices.
President Reilly said that he had recently welcomed about 60 people to the concluding session of the Wisconsin Economic Summits, the culmination of a shared effort to help develop a bold strategy for Wisconsin’s economic revitalization. As one of the “conveners” of the summits, the university had the opportunity to brief Governor-elect Walker and members of his transition team about the university’s vision for job creation and economic development. The final “Be Bold” Prosperity Strategy that resulted from the summits included many recommendations that align nicely with the Growth Agenda, the university’s call for new flexibility, and the need for higher education to play a central role in boosting the state’s economy. UW chancellors, provosts, faculty, and staff participated in every planning meeting and every summit, demonstrating the seriousness with which the UW System takes its role in economic development.
Chancellors and other UW leaders have been working hard on campus and community behavior issues this fall. Some horrendous incidents occurred on a number of campuses this year. President Reilly said that “this is something we cannot and will not accept.” On behalf of the UW System, President Reilly and all chancellors issued an open letter calling for civility. Campus communities all across the state are actively engaged in addressing such issues, whether through existing programs or new initiatives from the grassroots, such as a rally at UW-Platteville, an upcoming event at UW-Stout, and a systemwide conference on “Civility and Everyday Life,” to be held Feb. 22-24 at UW-Oshkosh. Quoting from the letter, President Reilly said that “nobody has a right to engage in abusive behavior, and we each have an obligation to challenge that kind of conduct whenever it occurs on our campus or in our communities.”
UW-Madison Professor Teri Balser named U.S. Professor of the Year
Turning to positive news from around the system, President Reilly announced that UW-Madison associate professor of soil science Teri Balser was honored in November as the U.S. Professor of the Year. Four professors are selected nationally each year, one each from doctoral, masters, and baccalaureate degree-granting institutions and community colleges. The U.S. Professors of the Year program is sponsored by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Winners are selected for their impact on and involvement with undergraduates; a scholarly approach to teaching and learning; contributions to undergraduate education in the school, community, and profession; and support from colleagues and current and former students. President Reilly expressed congratulations to Dr. Balser.
President Reilly reported that historian William Cronon of UW-Madison was elected president of the American Historical Association, a position considered one of the highest honors in the profession. Dr. Cronon is a national leader in studying past human interaction with the natural world, and is the first environmental historian ever elected to lead the association. President Reilly congratulated Dr. Cronon.
UW-Madison Professor Bassam Shakhashiri voted President-elect of the American Chemical Society
UW-Madison chemistry professor Bassam Shakhashiri was voted President-elect of the American Chemical Society. Dr. Shakhashiri, the first holder of the William T. Evjue Distinguished Chair for the Wisconsin Idea, will serve on the ACS board of directors for a three-year term, beginning in January. The American Chemical Society is the largest scientific organization in the world, with more than 160,000 members from academia, government, and industry. Dr. Shakhashiri has been a member of ACS for 49 years and will become the third ACS president from UW-Madison. President Reilly congratulated Dr. Shakhashiri.
UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing Re-accredited
The College of Nursing at UW-Oshkosh recently marked its 40th anniversary. The College also learned that its undergraduate and graduate programs have received the maximum 10-year re-accreditation, the highest honor given by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. UW-Oshkosh’s College of Nursing has seen tremendous growth in recent years, through innovative program options, such as the Accelerated Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, which allows individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree to earn a BSN in 12 months. President Reilly congratulated Dean Rosemary Smith, Chancellor Wells, and their UW-Oshkosh colleagues.
National Study to Update Two-Year Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree
A team of five scholars from UW Colleges has been chosen to participate in a national study to determine how to update the two-year Associate of Arts and Sciences degree to keep it valuable to students in a rapidly changing world. UW Colleges is one of 32 institutions chosen out of 140 applicants to serve on the national group sponsored by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. The study will look at how teaching and learning are changing because of technology and demographic shifts, and what students will need to know tomorrow to be effective citizens. President Reilly congratulated Interim Chancellor Marv Van Kekerix and his UW Colleges colleagues.
UW-Milwaukee Physicist Awarded National Grants
Physicist Xavier Siemens was awarded two prestigious grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), both related to his work in the international effort to detect gravitational waves, ripples in space-time produced when massive objects in space move violently. The direct detection of these gravitational waves will provide a new means to study the universe. In addition to receiving a $500,000 Early Career Development Award, the NSF’s most prestigious award for young researchers, Siemens also is a senior investigator on a $6.5-million grant from NSF’s Partnerships for International Research and Education. President Reilly expressed his congratulations.
Wisconsin Public Television Honored
Wisconsin Public Television (WPT), a service of the Educational Communications Board and UW-Extension, was honored with three Emmy Awards in November from the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. WPT was honored for two programs related to Vietnam Veterans and also for news reporting on allegedly-fraudulent childcare providers in Wisconsin. President Reilly said that the honors were well-deserved and congratulated James Steinbach, Director of Television, and the many others involved in these productions.
UW-La Crosse and UW-Oshkosh Graduate Named Wisconsin’s New Poet Laureate
President Reilly reported that Governor Jim Doyle recently named Bruce Dethlefsen of Westfield as Wisconsin’s new poet laureate. Mr. Dethlefsen is a graduate of UW-La Crosse and earned his master’s degree from UW-Oshkosh. His most recent collection of poems is "Breather" (Fireweed Press, 2009).
UW-Stout recently celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Jarvis Hall. The $43.2 million building is home to UW Stout’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The building has nearly 160,000 square feet of new and renovated space, with state-of-the-art labs and classrooms. Focus on Energy has presented UW-Stout with more than $78,000 in incentive grants to recognize the energy-saving measures instituted as part of the project. President Reilly congratulated Chancellor Sorenson and the UW-Stout campus community.
UW-Platteville Recognized at Annual Conference for Women Engineers
At the recent annual Conference for Women Engineers, UW-Platteville received recognition for the highest retention rate of women in engineering in the nation, at 77.8 percent. Starting in the fall of 2009, the university’s Society of Women Engineers started hosting a welcome for new members. Mentoring relationships and a personal community experience are key to this success. President Reilly congratulated Chancellor Dennis Shields and his colleagues at UW-Platteville.
UW-Milwaukee Hosts Wisconsin Idea Forum
The fourth Wisconsin Idea Forum took place in November, hosted by UW-Milwaukee. The Wisconsin Idea Forum is the Wisconsin Idea in action, tapping into the UW’s longstanding tradition of leveraging its resources to benefit the citizens of Wisconsin. Topics addressed in previous forums have included alcohol abuse, financial aid policy issues, and building sustainable communities. In Milwaukee, the subject was water issues, with discussions ranging from groundwater issues, to aging infrastructure, to climate change. President Reilly congratulated Interim Chancellor Mike Lovell; Mark Harris, Acting Dean of the School of Freshwater Sciences; and others at UW-Milwaukee.
UW-Oshkosh Hosts New North Summit
UW-Oshkosh hosted the seventh annual New North Summit last, where about 700 leaders from throughout northeastern Wisconsin met to foster collaboration, share success stories, and map out a game plan for the continued prosperity of the region. Featured speakers included Governor-elect Scott Walker and Mark Murphy, President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers. President Reilly complimented Chancellor Wells and the UW-Oshkosh community for a productive summit.
“James Huff Stout Remembrance Day”
On December 8 Governor Jim Doyle declared it to be “James Huff Stout Remembrance Day,” in honor of the 100th anniversary of the death of the founder of UW-Stout. James Huff Stout, an executive in his father’s lumber company, had an early vision for higher education that introduced manual training and domestic science. This eventually led to the founding, in 1891, of the institution that would become known as UW-Stout. More than a century later, as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, UW-Stout continues to prepare its graduates for successful careers and fulfilling lives. James Stout served as a member of the UW Board of Regents. President Reilly expressed congratulations to Chancellor Sorenson and the UW-Stout community.
President Reilly acknowledged defending Division III national champion, the UW-Whitewater Warhawks, who were undefeated and due to meet the Wesley College Wolverines on December 11 in the semifinal game in Dover, Delaware. President Reilly wished all the best to Head Coach Lance Leipold, Chancellor Telfer, and the Warhawks.
Wisconsin Badgers Invited to Rose Bowl
President Reilly also congratulated Coach Bielema, the UW-Madison football team, and Chancellor Martin for the invitation they received to the 2011 Rose Bowl. This will be the Badgers’ sixth appearance in the Rose Bowl, their first since 2000.
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM eCAMPUS
President Pruitt called upon President Reilly to introduce the next agenda item. President Reilly said that November marked the official launch of the University of Wisconsin System eCampus, which places the UW System at the forefront of online education. Online learning is booming because it offers a convenience that is very attractive, especially to adults who may be interested in pursuing new fields of study or returning to college to finish a degree.
The returning-adult market is one the university is keenly interested in, as part of the More Graduates for Wisconsin initiative, and the drive to grow the number of well-prepared college graduates in the state. To achieve that goal, it is essential to provide more opportunities for non-traditional students to access college courses and degree programs, while still attending to their work, family, and life obligations.
The University of Wisconsin System eCampus is a central portal that provides access to more than 70 diverse online degree and certificate programs offered through 26 campuses of the UW System. The eCampus portal simplifies the student search process; students can now find all online opportunities available across the System in one place.
President Reilly introduced Interim Chancellor Marv Van Kekerix to further describe eCampus. Chancellor Van Kekerix begin his remarks by saying that the University of Wisconsin System eCampus is an important and exciting initiative that will benefit thousands of students across Wisconsin and thousands more across the nation. Technology has become a vital part of learning; therefore, UW-Extension and UW Colleges have collaborated with the four-year UW institutions to expand on-line learning, with a particular focus on making opportunities available to adult learners. The University of Wisconsin System eCampus is a comprehensive approach to the on-line opportunities that the System provides; it serves as a gateway to a UW education. Interim Chancellor Van Kekerix recognized the leadership, dedication, and effort of Provost Christine Quinn, Vice Chancellor and Provost for UW-Extension; Greg Lampe, UW Colleges Provost; and David Schejbal, the Dean of Continuing Outreach and E-Learning.
The UW System eCampus is the result of collaborative work between UW-Extension and UW Colleges that took place over many months. UW Colleges and UW-Extension were part of a UW System distance learning workgroup; this was truly a systemwide effort. Interim Chancellor Van Kekerix thanked President Reilly and all who worked together to make eCampus possible.
Next, Rovy Branon, Interim Associate Dean of Online Learning, said that distance education is up for degree seekers by about 16 percent nationwide annually; the UW Colleges online associate degree has grown by 10 percent in the past year; one of these, the totally-online B.S. degree in sustainable management has grown by 66 percent in the past year. UW System eCampus allows students to find more than 70 programs online, including bachelors, masters, a couple of doctoral programs, the associate degree, and certificates.
Online offers the flexibility and convenience of anytime, anywhere learning for such people as working parents or returning veterans. People from varying backgrounds may come together in a virtual classroom through online learning. The eCampus initiative represents the power and quality of a University of Wisconsin degree. In designing the website, the development team worked extensively with potential students. Interim Dean Branon then provided a demonstration of the website, highlighting some of the user-friendly features. The site helps to drive more traffic to campus websites.
Interim Associate Dean Branon reported the following results so far, after only three weeks: extensive media coverage; 6,000 unique visitors to the website; and 100 students who have gotten in direct contact with eCampus. The site is located at ecampus.wisconsin.edu.
Interim Chancellor Van Kekerix then introduced Laura Pedrick, Special Assistant to the Provost at UW-Milwaukee and co-chair of UW-Milwaukee’s online program council. She was a member of the UW System distance learning workgroup. On behalf of the other UW-institution participants on the council, Ms. Pedrick expressed excitement about the launch of eCampus, because it will increase awareness of and access to institutions’ programs. Guiding principles of the workgroup included: expand educational opportunities to develop new markets; be user friendly; and maximize the impact of the shared “University of Wisconsin” brand. The site reflects those principles. At UW-Milwaukee online courses fill first, and demand has increased significantly. Students know and trust UW institutions; recent online focus groups of online learners reinforced the benefits of online programs. UW System eCampus will help get the word out about programs, and the site sends a message to users that there is an array of online programs and that the UW understands the needs and motivations of online learners.
Regent Spector asked about the cost of UW online programs. Interim Chancellor Van Kekerix said that the programs are well below the cost of for-profit institutions’ online courses.
Regent Crain said that she thinks the new initiative is very important and asked that there be reports to the Board periodically on results. Regent Evers asked about the quality of online education. Interim Chancellor Van Kekerix responded that quality control lies with the faculty involved in putting together online programs. Ms. Pedrick provided a UW-Milwaukee example, saying that UW-Milwaukee has a robust faculty-development process, which has been used as a national model. A peer evaluation program also reinforces the importance of quality. Online learning involves a high degree of interactivity and must be handled differently from classroom structure; everyone participates online. There is a growing cadre of experienced faculty teaching online courses. Interim Chancellor Van Kekerix added that online student services and advising also contribute to a quality educational experience.
President Pruitt thanked Interim Chancellor Van Kekerix for the presentation.
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The meeting was adjourned at 12:14 p.m.
Submitted by:
/s/ Jane S. Radue
Jane S. Radue, Secretary of the Board
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
Held in Memorial
Union
Main Lounge, 2nd Floor Central
UW-Madison
Friday, December
10, 2010
9:00 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 7 AND 8, 2010 AND NOVEMBER 4, 2010 MEETINGS. 3
Introduction.. 3
Future of Higher Education.. 4November Election Results. 4
Public Perception of Government and Higher Education. 4
Recent Federal Policy and Higher Education. 5
Future Federal Policy and Higher Education. 5Nationwide and UW Young Alumni Satisfaction-Survey Results. 7
Messages from Survey Results. 8
REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. 9
Education Committee Business. 9
Student Success Programs for Populations of Opportunity through High-Impact Practices. 9
Annual Program Planning and Review Report 10
Reports from the Office of Operations Review and Audit 10
Report of the Senior Vice President 11Amendments to Faculty Personnel Rules University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. 11
REPORT OF THE BUSINESS, FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE. 12
UW-Madison Presentation on the “New Badger Partnership” Proposal 12
Business, Finance & Audit Committee Business. 12
Competitive University Workforce: 2011-13 Unclassified Pay Plan Recommendations and Distribution Plan and Guidelines 12
Operations Review and Audit Quarterly Status Update. 14
Trust Funds: Acceptance of New Bequests over $50,000. 14
Trust Funds: Investment Policy Statement Review/Affirmation. 14
Status Update on the Human Resource System.. 14
Report on Quarterly Gifts, Grants, and Contracts (1st Quarter) 14
Tax Sheltered Annuity Program -- Annual Program Participant Fee. 15
Authorization to Recruit a Limited Appointee at UW-Madison at a Salary above 75% of the UW System President’s Salary 152011-13 Unclassified Pay Plan Recommendations and Distribution Plan and Guidelines. 15
UW System Trust Funds Acceptance of New Bequests. 17
UW System Trust Funds Investment Policy Statement 18
UW System Tax Sheltered Annuity Program Annual Program Participant Fee. 18
Authorization to Recruit a Limited Appointee at UW-Madison at a Salary above 75% of the UW System President’s Salary 18
REPORT OF THE CAPITAL PLANNING & BUDGET COMMITTEE. 18
UW-Madison Sustainability Initiative: Integrating Teaching, Research, and Operations. 19
Capital Planning and Budget Committee Business. 19
Authority to Lease Space for UW-Extension. 19
Real Property Exchange Agreement 19
West Campus Cogeneration Facility. 19
UW-Milwaukee Lease for School of Public Health. 20
UW-Platteville Waiver Request 20
Enumeration Projects. 20
All Agency Maintenance and Repair Projects. 21Authority to Lease Space for the Division of Continuing Education, UW-Extension. 21
Authority to Accept Land Parcels Pursuant to the Real Property Exchange Agreement between Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and the Board of Regents, UW-Madison. 22
Authority to Plan the West Campus Cogeneration Facility Addition and Chiller Installations Project, UW-Madison. 22
Authority to Lease Space for the School of Public Health, UW-Milwaukee. 23
Authority to Seek a Waiver of Wis. Stat. §16.855 to Allow Selection of a Design-Build Entity to Design and Construct a Storage Facility Project, UW-Platteville. 23
Authority to Seek Enumeration of Seven Additional Major Projects as Part of the 2011-13 Capital Budget, UW System 23
Authority to Construct All Agency Maintenance and Repair Projects, UW System.. 24
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR UW-MADISON.. 24
UNFINISHED OR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS. 26
Authorization to Appoint: Chancellor, University of Wisconsin Colleges and University of Wisconsin-Extension. 27
Student Request for Review of a UW-Milwaukee Decision. 27
Student Request for Review of a UW-Milwaukee Decision. 27
Student Request for Review of a UW- Madison Decision. 27
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM
Madison, Wisconsin
Held in Memorial
Union
Main Lounge, 2nd Floor Central
UW-Madison
Friday, December
10, 2010
9:00 a.m.
– President Pruitt presiding –
PRESENT: Regents Jeffrey Bartell, Mark Bradley, Judith Crain, Danae Davis, Stan Davis, John Drew, Anthony Evers, Michael Falbo, Thomas Loftus, Edmund Manydeeds, Charles Pruitt, Jessica Schwalenberg, Brent Smith, Michael Spector, David Walsh and Aaron Wingad
UNABLE TO ATTEND: Regents José Vásquez and Betty Womack
- - -
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 7 AND 8, 2010 AND NOVEMBER 4, 2010 MEETINGS.
The minutes of the October 7 and 8, 2010 and November 4, 2010 meetings stood approved as distributed.
- - -
NATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: “THE FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE CHANGED POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT” AND “SURVEY OF YOUNG ALUMNI, UW AND NATIONWIDE”
Introduction
President Pruitt called upon President Reilly to introduce the morning’s guest speaker, Terry Hartle, American Council on Education (ACE) Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs. President Reilly described the two topics that Dr. Hartle’s presentation would cover: (1) a unique project that Dr. Hartle’s office undertook to understand how younger alumni feel about their education and their alma maters; and (2) the future of higher education in the changed political environment.
ACE represents presidents and chancellors of all types of accredited higher educational institutions throughout the U.S. Dr. Hartle is responsible for ACE’s work with federal policy makers on a broad range of issues, including student aid, academic research, and government regulation. Prior to joining ACE in 1993, Dr. Hartle served as education staff director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources. He holds a doctorate in public policy from George Washington University.
Future of Higher Education
Dr. Hartle began his remarks by saying that the federal government has quickly become very important in higher education. The federal government this year will make $150 billion available for student aid and scientific research, to be spent at college and university campuses. In comparison, total state spending on higher education will be about $75 billion. Higher education would look nothing like it does without the support it receives from the federal government.
November’s election will result in significant changes in Congress. Dr. Hartle showed a slide showing that the Republicans gained, and the Democrats lost, five seats in the Senate; two Independents caucus with the Democrats, giving Democrats 53 seats, while Republicans have 47. The Republicans gained 63 seats in the House of Representatives, and the Democrats lost 62 seats, giving the Republicans 242 seats, and the Democrats 193.
Offering some election observations, Dr. Hartle noted: (1) 49 percent of voters with family income of less than $100,000 per year voted for Democrats, compared to 48 percent for Republicans, while 58 percent voters with family income of greater than $100,000 voted for Republicans, compared to 40 percent for Democrats; (2) Democrats won the votes of those who did not complete high school and who did complete graduate school, and this segment of the electorate totals 24 percent of the electorate; and (3) in 2006, Democrats got 57 percent of Independents’ votes, and Republicans 39 percent, and in 2010, Democrats got 38 percent of Independents’ votes, and Republicans 56 percent. Therefore, as the Independents went, so went the election.
Public Perception of Government and Higher Education
A trend going back to the Carter administration is the public’s growing dissatisfaction with the political process. This period has been characterized by increasing distrust of elected officials, increasing skepticism about the effectiveness of government activities and a perception that elites are running “the show” for themselves and not for the average voter. Presidents Reagan and Clinton were the only two presidents to cope successfully with this trend. Much of the public has reason to be unhappy, given decreases in family incomes and an increase in the number of Americans living in poverty. The last decade was essentially a lost decade for many Americans, Dr. Hartle indicated. The public is afraid of large institutions with too much authority and too little responsibility for what they do. The public was very angry about Wall Street, BP, and the federal budget deficit, as these exemplify institutional recklessness that can make lasting negative changes in our society. Elites are suspect. This includes post-secondary educational institutions. Many educational institutions see themselves as a gateway to opportunity, and educational institutions are respected and admired; however, these same institutions also establish and validate privilege. It is important to appreciate the level of discontent and fear among many Americans.
Recent Federal Policy and Higher Education
The last two years of federal policy were very good for higher education, Dr. Hartle said. The Obama administration increased investment, providing more student aid money for individuals. This administration believes intuitively in the value of higher education. This administration also believes that they can micromanage higher education from Washington, D.C., creating many regulations that may look good in theory, but not at the campus level.
Dr. Hartle mentioned four major federal policy changes: (1) Pell grant increases in the past couple of years will increase maximum grants by about $800, will serve more students, and will more than double the total cost to taxpayers; (2) the American Opportunity Tax Credit replaced and is more generous than the Hope Tax Credit, and it will continue for another two years; (3) the federal government moved from a bank-based student loan program to a U.S. Department of Education-based program, and this has so far worked smoothly; and (4) funding for the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation, much of it to be spent on higher education, will increase substantially. Therefore, this administration has made investment in student aid and scientific research a priority. At the same time, the administration thinks it should have more say in the spending of the money on college campuses.
Future Federal Policy and Higher Education
Dr. Hartle discussed three key concepts for the future: (1) partisanship is likely to continue; (2) the deficit is $1.4 trillion, and there may be greater attention paid to the size of the deficit; and (3) the 2012 presidential election cycle will start quite early. The conventional wisdom is that President Obama is in a difficult situation, based on the results of the 2010 elections. The key will be how much work is done in the first six to nine months of 2011.
Dr. Hartle then posed three key questions: (1) whether Republicans can govern, given the lack of a clear agenda and division within the party; (2) whether the President can regain his edge after the past year, during which liberal democrats have expressed concern about his movement away from the principles of his base; (3) whether the Republicans and Democrats can work together, as the problems facing the country become more acute and serious, and the far ends of both parties sometimes drive party decisions.
In response to a question from Regent Danae Davis about the new regulations of the Obama administration, Dr. Hartle said that the U.S. Department of Education recently federalized the definition of “credit hour,” for example, which is a very ominous step. The federal government has historically stayed away from academics. As another example, he cited new federal regulations on incentive compensation, which try to prevent for-profit schools from paying admissions/sales staff on a commission basis. Unfortunately, the regulations appear to require all traditional colleges and universities to review their compensation plans. These same regulations include a provision giving state governments more control over private colleges and universities. Christian colleges and universities are particularly concerned because of their distinctive missions. In addition, upcoming gainful-employment regulations will affect 53,000 individual programs at colleges and universities.
Regent Bartell, referring to the distrust among the public that Dr. Hartle had mentioned, asked if there is evidence of public distrust of public higher education institutions in particular. Dr. Hartle said that the evidence suggests that, in general, the public’s enthusiasm for large social institutions, such as the military, organized religion, and colleges and universities, is declining; the public skepticism is not unique to higher education institutions.
In response to a question from Regent Walsh, Dr. Hartle said it is necessary to continue to talk about the effect of higher education on communities and states. The average age of college students is about 27 years old, which is very different from a generation ago. The debate has changed in the past couple of years, with the president’s goal of being first in the world in college attainment by 2020. This will take a great deal of work and is unlikely to be achieved, even though nobody disputes that this is a worthy goal. For a generation, the emphasis in Washington has been on access to higher education; graduation and completion rates have become more strongly emphasized in the past two years.
In response to a question from Regent Bradley about the increases in funding for the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation, Dr. Hartle expressed admiration for Wisconsin Congressman Obey’s efforts over the years. With the departure from Congress of Representative Obey and Senator Specter, it is possible that funding for the National Institutes of Health will be less available in the future.
Regent Loftus commented on a speech by President Obama and a subsequent meeting in Washington, D.C. on the need to improve completion rates for community and two-year colleges, and asked what happened after this. Dr. Hartle said that the administration wanted to direct a substantial amount of funding to community and two-year colleges. The funding did not come through in the economic stimulus package due to a parliamentary problem, but a couple of billion dollars were provided through another program, for very specific purposes related to these colleges; also, a White House summit was planned. Dr. Hartle opined that the administration would like to provide stronger support for community and two-year colleges. At the same time, community colleges do not necessarily exist to award degrees; many students have a successful community-colleges experience, transfer to another institution, and then are counted as drop-outs from the community college. Community colleges are critical for meeting President Obama’s goals of producing more graduates. Regarding the summit, a community college summit was held, chaired by Jill Biden, the Vice President’s wife; the summit was deemed successful, but as with any White House summit, it highlighted the issues, but is unlikely to result in long-term solutions.
Survey of Young Alumni
Moving on to the other topic of the morning, and saying that he had good news to share with the Board, Dr. Hartle explained that the American Council on Education (ACE) conducted a survey of young college and university alumni on a nationwide scale; thereafter, 22 institutions represented on the ACE board paid for surveys of their institutions. The “young alumni” survey participants received their bachelor’s degrees between five and fifteen years before. In Wisconsin, 11 of the 13 four-year institutions agreed to participate in the survey; two-year institutions did not maintain their alumni data in a way that would make it easily accessible.
To provide a context for the survey results, Dr. Hartle described Gallup public-confidence poll results from July 2010: 76 percent expressed a great deal or some confidence in the military, 66 percent expressed a great deal or some confidence in small business, 59 percent in police, 48 percent in church/organized religion, 40 medical system, 25 percent in newspapers, 23 percent in banks, 22 in TV news, and 11 percent in Congress.
Nationwide and UW Young Alumni Satisfaction-Survey Results
Dr. Hartle then presented the ACE young-alumni data, showing a series of slides, with the UW institutions represented as UW-A through UW-K; the agreement with the participating institutions was that it would be up to them to decide to release their own data. In the ACE survey, 88 percent of young alumni nationally have a favorable impression of their alma mater; at the UW institutions, the numbers ranged from 93 to 99 percent, stunningly high results. Asked if colleges are prepared to meet the challenges of the future, national results were 61 percent responding in the affirmative; in Wisconsin, the numbers ranged from 72 to 78 percent, depending on the institution. (Individual institutions were not identified for purposes of Dr. Hartle’s presentation.) Asked if colleges are preparing students for the modern workforce, national results for young alumni were 62 percent; in Wisconsin, the numbers ranged from 67 to 72 percent. Asked how well their college experience prepared them for their current job, national data showed that 85 percent of young alumni said that college exceptionally or more than adequately or adequately prepared them for their current job; at the participating Wisconsin institutions, responses ranged from 81 percent to 96 percent.
Asked if they would attend the same school, nationwide 79 percent said that they would; in Wisconsin between 68 and 92 percent said that they would attend the same school, with responses from UW institutions in the 80-to-90-percent range. According to pollsters, everything over 85 is essentially unanimous; it does not get any better than these results. Asked if their college charged a fair price, 76 percent nationwide said that it did; in Wisconsin, 86 to 96 percent said that it did. In the nationwide survey, respondents were asked if all colleges charge a fair price, and 34 percent said yes, suggesting that the more people know about an institution, the greater the value it has to them.
Asked if their college education was worth it, given the time and money, nationwide 89 percent of young alumni said yes; in Wisconsin between 89 and 97 percent said yes. This is clear, unambiguous good news.
Dr. Hartle said that several messages can be taken from the survey results: (1) young alumni reported an exceptional level of satisfaction; (2) the results show very strong favorable reactions; (3) young alumni are saying that an employment focus is critical (based on results not reported during Dr. Hartle’s presentation); and (4) there may be some price/affordability vulnerability, as shown by the results that young alumni think their school charges a fair price, but they do not think that others do. Dr. Hartle’s message to the UW System is to keep doing what the System is doing, because those who spend a lot of time and money on their education at the UW are very happy. He offered kudos to the leadership and faculty of the UW institutions, as the survey results are a testament to their efforts.
President Reilly commented that it is important to find ways to use the young-alumni data. It is important for the Governor-elect and legislators to be aware of this data, showing how positively their constituents view the UW.
Regent Bartell said that he assumed that the percentage responding was statistically significant, which Dr. Hartle confirmed. Regent Bartell asked how this compared to the national response rate. Dr. Hartle said that he did not have this number with him. He commented that phone numbers no longer work well for surveys, and as a result, it was necessary to draw a very large sample for the survey, to get enough respondents.
Asking about price and affordability, Regent Loftus referred to the new U.K. government’s argument that students should pay more tuition. Dr. Hartle said that ten years ago, there was no tuition in the U.K., and now the discussion is about full-price cost, a huge difference. This is a problem all higher-education systems in the industrialized world have faced. In the U.S. this is coupled with increasing state expenditures for Medicaid, K-12 education, and corrections. In a number of states, flagship universities receive 7 or 8 percent of their support from state government. The rapidly-rising price of higher education in the public sector is a concern with respect to the ability to meet President Obama’s goal. Ironically, despite a decade of tuition increases, enrollments at the UW institutions have never been higher. However, as costs continue to go up for higher education, the public will be increasingly unhappy and concerned.
President Reilly thanked Dr. Hartle for taking the time to speak to the Board, for the very informative presentation, and for sharing his expertise on the federal scene and higher education. President Pruitt added his thanks and remarked that Wisconsinites are traditionally modest, but the Board owes the chancellors, provosts, and the more than 40,000 employees of the UW System a round of applause for their hard work.
Before turning to the committee chairs for their reports, President Pruitt introduced Jason Culotta, from Governor-elect Walker’s transition team, who was attending the meeting. President Pruitt said that he and the Board look forward to working with the new administration.
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REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
President Pruitt called upon Regent Crain to present the report of the Education Committee. Regent Crain said that the Education Committee held an interesting meeting; most items did not require action, but a useful discussion occurred.
UW-Madison Presentation on Madison Initiative
Regent Crain reported that the Education Committee heard an excellent presentation on the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates (MIU) from UW-Madison Provost Paul DeLuca; Aaron Brower, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning; and students Adam Sheka and Tom Templeton. Two years into the initiative, UW-Madison reported that the Initiative is going very well and meeting all of its expectations. Provost DeLuca explained that half of the MIU funds are distributed to need-based financial aid for undergraduates. The other half go to fund campus projects that are developed through a rigorous and competitive call for proposals. Funding is being directed toward hiring new faculty in high-demand areas, as well as to academic and career advising, academic and student support, and high-impact practices and innovation. The third round of proposal review is just getting underway.
The two students were very articulate in describing the significant student involvement in the decision-making process. Also impressive is the increased accountability involved in tracking the success of the funded projects; the projects are being monitored to ensure that they are meeting their goals and expected outcomes.
Education Committee Business
Student Success Programs for Populations of Opportunity through High-Impact Practices
The committee’s next topic was “Student Success Programs for Populations of Opportunity through High-Impact Practices.” High-Impact Practices (HIPs) are those educational practices that have proven effective at deepening student learning and retention. HIPs are especially effective in improving the learning of historically under-represented students or, in the context of the More Graduates Initiative, populations of opportunity.
The committee heard from Provost Fernando Delgado from UW-River Falls, Provost Pat Kleine from UW-Eau Claire, and Vice Provost Aaron Brower from UW-Madison. Each described campus projects focused on increasing participation of under-represented students in specific high-impact practices. The results thus far have been impressive, particularly in regard to how HIPs confront the achievement gap and succeed in closing it. The committee agreed that this is exciting work. All UW campuses are working on expanding their offering of HIPs, and working to retain more of their under-served students.
Regent Crain said that it was implicit throughout the discussion that this work crystallizes the integration of some of the System’s most important initiatives: LEAP, Inclusive Excellence, and More Graduates for Wisconsin, which all involve engaging, retaining, and graduating more students for successful life and livelihood in the 21st-century.
Annual Program Planning and Review Report
Regent Crain reported that Associate Vice President Kolison presented key findings from the 2009-10 Annual Program Planning and Review Report, reviewing the program activity in the last year and providing summary data and trends from the past five years. There was a slight up-tick in the number of programs in the last couple of years but the discussion, with input from the provosts, indicated that the System is unlikely to go back to its peak of 1,200 programs from the early 1980s. Associate Vice President Kolison reminded committee members of the program realignment initiative undertaken last year, resulting in guidelines for addressing low-degree producing programs.
One of the key discussion points was the extent to which most new academic programs being proposed and implemented by the institutions are funded through differential tuition or a cost-recovery model. This is an indication of the changes that have emerged in the last decade in state funding; the current economic climate is unlikely to change this.
Reports from the Office of Operations Review and Audit
The committee heard two reports from the UW System Office of Operations Review and Audit, presented by Director Julie Gordon and Assistant Director Josh Smith. The first report covered Student Evaluation of Instruction. Regent policy gives discretion to institutions in the implementation of this kind of evaluation. It was clear from the report that Student Evaluation of Instruction is a complicated endeavor, with several issues at stake: timing and frequency of conducting student evaluation of instruction, the work involved in doing so, and the variety of ways that these evaluations are used as a part of faculty review for tenure and promotion and for the improvement of instruction.
The second report, on Prior Learning Assessment, reviewed how the UW System awards credit for prior learning. Prior Learning Assessment evaluates for college credit the knowledge and skills gained from life experiences outside the university (e.g., from employment, military service, etc.). The report covered the objectives and potential benefits for students and institutions of prior learning assessment, and also detailed the variation of assessment methods used by UW campuses, some of which currently award credit for prior learning more than others. There are a number of administrative and programmatic challenges in doing this, including transfer and transcript issues.
Regent Crain said that, as is standard practice for the Office of Operations Review and Audit, both of the reports contained a number of recommendations for UW System and the institutions. The committee would like to follow the model of the Business, Finance, and Audit Committee in asking that a management response be prepared for the report on Student Evaluation of Instruction, indicating a response to some of the report’s recommendations. This is less necessary for the Credit for Prior Learning Report, given the update the committee also received from Associate Vice President Larry Rubin, on a $800,000 grant the UW System received from the Lumina Foundation. The grant funding is going directly to further the development of Prior Learning Assessment programming at the institutions, thereby addressing many of the report’s recommendations
Report of the Senior Vice President
In Senior Vice President Rebecca Martin’s absence, the Education Committee heard an abbreviated report from Associate Vice President Kolison that covered two aspects of the UW System’s Sabbaticals Program: (1) all Regents were sent the assignments for those faculty who will take sabbatical leave in 2011-12, and this report does not require action; (2) every two years, the Education Committee reviews Guidelines for the System’s Sabbatical Program, as required by Regent policy. The Guidelines recommend areas of emphasis or priority for use in institutional sabbatical decisions. The guidelines are not meant to be prescriptive; the authority for making sabbatical decisions rests unequivocally with the faculty and institutions. The committee decided to maintain the existing Guidelines for the next two years and to add a reference to Inclusive Excellence as one of the System’s priority areas.
Consent Agenda
Regent Crain moved that the Board adopt as a consent agenda item Resolution 9843, which was approved by the committee. The motion was seconded by Regent Danae Davis and approved unanimously by the Board on a voice vote.
Amendments to Faculty Personnel Rules University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Resolution 9843:
That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents approves the amendments to the UW-Oshkosh Faculty Personnel Rules.
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REPORT OF THE BUSINESS, FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE
President Pruitt called upon Regent Smith to present the report of the Business, Finance and Audit Committee.
UW-Madison Presentation on the “New Badger Partnership” Proposal
Regent Smith reported that UW-Madison Vice Chancellor Darrell Bazzell presented information and background on the institution’s “New Badger Partnership” proposal for increased autonomy and flexibility from the state. Vice Chancellor Bazzell noted the importance of protecting the state’s investment and maintaining the university’s competitive position as a world-class research university. He indicated that additional flexibility would come with appropriate oversight. The committee had several questions about the details of the proposal, and was told that additional details will be developed as more is learned about possible legislative and gubernatorial interest.
Business, Finance & Audit Committee Business
Given the importance of the 2011-13 unclassified pay plan recommendations, Regent Smith said that President Reilly and Associate Vice President Al Crist would present this item to the full Board, as they had to the committee on Thursday. President Reilly began his remarks by reminding Regents that in August 2010, they had been asked to approve a budget request for the 2011-13 biennium. That request was later submitted to the state Department of Administration.
In August, he said that the proposed budget was focused on things that the university can do to help the state emerge from the economic slump stronger than before. This would require new investment from the state, as well as increased management flexibility, to make better use of existing resources.
President Reilly said that just as the Board recommends a biennial operating budget and a two-year capital budget, the Board must submit a recommendation to the Director of the Office of State Employment Relations (OSER) for adjusting compensation and employee benefits for faculty and academic staff. A pay plan request is required by state statutes. Following approval by the Board, President Reilly said that the pay plan request would be forwarded to OSER, which will present a biennial compensation plan for approval by the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Employment Relations, which will then recommend it to the full Legislature.
The Competitive University Workforce Commission, comprised of business leaders from around the state, faculty and academic staff representatives, academic leaders, and Regents Spector and Falbo, offered advice on this subject. In addition to receiving that Commission’s thorough review, presented to the Board in June, President Reilly said that he also consulted with the President’s Compensation Advisory Committee, comprised of faculty and academic staff members from each UW institution. The university’s goals remain to produce more well-prepared college graduates and help create more better-paying jobs across the state; a competitive UW workforce is needed to reach those goals. Unlike most governmental entities, the UW System competes in national and international markets for its employees.
President Reilly said that he is recommending a pay plan request for 2 percent increases in each year of the 2011-13 biennium, to address merit and solid performance at a level estimated to be equal to increases given to faculty and staff at the UW’s peer universities. As the Competitive University Workforce Commission noted, UW salaries are already lagging those earned by faculty and staff at peer universities, by significant margins in many cases. This pay plan request will not close that gap, but he said it is hoped that 2 percent will keep the gap from widening.
Along with other recommendations from the Board, including the elimination of mandatory unpaid furloughs and restoration of previously approved pay plans, the 2 percent pay plan would begin to address some of the university’s strategic compensation needs. President Reilly said that the UW is also asking the state to help with lagging pay in other ways. Specifically, the UW is restating its need for flexibilities that were part of the biennial budget the Board approved in August, changes that would provide UW institutions and chancellors with greater latitude in the use of a variety of resources to address compensation challenges. For instance, it would make good sense for the university to be able to generate or reallocate some of its own resources to get to a genuinely competitive pay plan.
The UW has to take a lead in working on the state’s broader economic and social well-being, such as through bold plans to increase annual degree production by 30 percent, granting 80,000 more degrees between now and 2025. The university is also working to leverage UW research more effectively, in ways that spin off new companies and new jobs in the private sector, and help ensure that our staple industries are competitive in the 21st century.
The quality and access of the University System cannot be maintained, nor the bold goals pursued, without a strong, high-performing workforce. President Reilly expressed pride in UW employees, who produced the kinds of results Dr. Hartle described earlier. He said that he wants to give chancellors the tools they need to retain that talent, recruit new talent, and preserve the investment that Wisconsin taxpayers have made in the UW System.
UW faculty and staff are deeply committed to the success of UW students and the UW’s mission as a public university. Their commitment has not diminished in any way. However, President Reilly said he is worried about their morale. He posed the question of how employees can best be supported in their vital work, saying that the pay plan is one part of the answer.
Following President Reilly’s remarks, Associate Vice President Al Crist provided some detail on the resolution before the Regents. He added that the pay plan was influenced and guided by the recommendations of the Competitive University Workforce Commission, as incorporated in the pay plan resolution and in the Board’s earlier budget request. Pay plan dollars would only be awarded to individuals based on solid performance. In the current year, many peers received 1.5 to 3 percent increases, while UW faculty and staff received no increases and had their pay cut through furloughs; the UW is losing ground. Associate Vice President Crist responded to questions from Regents Loftus and Schwalenberg regarding the resolution under consideration, the Board’s earlier budget request, and collective bargaining; those faculty who have voted to unionize would not be affected by the pay plan resolution.
Regent Walsh asked about the composition of the Competitive University Workforce Commission and whether there was any dissent; Associate Vice President Crist listed some of the members; Regent Falbo, who was among the members, commented that business people on the Commission were surprised by the lack of flexibility to award people for performance and said that the members were all in agreement with the recommendations. Regent Spector, one of the co-chairs of the Commission affirmed that the final version of the Commission’s report was unanimous.
Operations Review and Audit Quarterly Status Update
Regent Smith continued his report, saying that Director Julie Gordon presented a quarterly status update on eight projects currently underway in the UW System, two of which were discussed during the Education Committee’s meeting.
Trust Funds: Acceptance of New Bequests over $50,000
In accordance with Regent Resolution 8559, the committee formally accepted five bequests and/or gifts, with a total value of $2,972,000.
Trust Funds: Investment Policy Statement Review/Affirmation
The committee approved a resolution reaffirming the existing Investment Policy Statement (IPS). Trust Funds Director Doug Hoerr indicated that no substantive revisions to the IPS were recommended. He explained that the only revisions made to the document are updates to the current market values of the funds. An in-depth asset allocation analysis and review is anticipated during the first half of 2011.
Status Update on the Human Resource System
Regent Smith reported that Senior Vice President Morgan reported that testing is running slightly behind due to additional system testing in order to ensure readiness for going live in spring 2011, which the project remains on schedule to do.
Report on Quarterly Gifts, Grants, and Contracts (1st Quarter)
Regent Smith reported that Vice President Durcan reported that gifts, grants, and contracts for the first quarter were $672 million, an increase of $87.6 million over the same period in the prior year. She also noted that federal awards increased $69.6 million, and non-federal awards increased by $18 million. The major driver of the federal awards increase this quarter is due to the shift of all institutions to the federal direct lending program.
Tax Sheltered Annuity Program -- Annual Program Participant Fee
The committee approved a resolution granting the President of the UW System authority to approve changes to the UW System Tax Sheltered Annuity Program’s annual program participant fee. Sue Chamberlain, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, reported that changes initially come through recommendations from the Tax Sheltered Annuity Review Committee, an advisory committee created by the Board of Regents to oversee the program. Assistant Vice President Chamberlain explained that the fee is charged only to UW System employees who participate in the 403(b) program, and only covers the cost of administering the program.
The committee approved a resolution granting UW-Madison authority to recruit a Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School at a salary that may exceed 75% of the UW System President’s salary.
Consent Agenda
On behalf of the Business, Finance, and Audit Committee, Regent Smith then moved adoption of Resolutions 9844, 9845, 9486, 9847 and 9848. The motion was seconded by Regent Falbo and approved unanimously by the Board on a voice vote.
REVISED
2011-13 Unclassified Pay Plan Recommendations and Distribution Plan and Guidelines
Resolution 9844:
Whereas, pursuant to s. 230.12(3)(e) Wis. Stats., the Board of Regents is charged with the responsibility to recommend to the Director of the Office of State Employment Relations (OSER) a proposal for adjusting compensation and employee benefits for faculty, academic staff, and academic and administrative leaders (limited appointees) for the 2011-13 biennium, and,
Whereas, the UW System Board of Regents adopts the Competitive University Workforce Commission’s recommendation for a UW System total compensation philosophy that the average salaries of faculty, academic staff, and academic and administrative leaders (limited appointees) should reach their respective peer median salary levels, while retaining/attaining competitive benefits, by no later than the end of the 2015-17 biennium, and
Whereas, since salaries represent approximately 73% of total compensation, peer salary analyses will be the principal determinant in setting the target compensation levels for faculty, academic staff, and academic and administrative leaders (limited appointees) in the System, and
Whereas, the Board of Regents requested in the 2011-13 budget: (1) the restoration of the rescinded pay plan which was to have been paid to unclassified staff in June of 2009, (2) additional recruitment and retention base funding, and (3) the base funding which was removed from the 2009-11 budget that resulted in mandatory furloughs for all staff, and
Whereas, in addition, the Board of Regents requested flexibilities in the 2011-13 budget that would provide additional funding and greater latitude in the use of base funds by Chancellors to further the goal of closing the gaps between peer median salaries and our average salaries by no later than the end of the 2015-17 biennium, and
Whereas, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) is projected to increase on average by 1.8% each year of the biennium, and
Whereas, salary increases at peer institutions are estimated to increase on average by 2.0% each year of the biennium;
Now, therefore be it resolved;
That the Board of Regents supports the pay plan recommendation of the UW System President providing for a 2% increase each year of the 2011-13 biennium so that average salaries will not fall farther behind peer salaries for faculty, academic staff, and academic and administrative leaders (limited appointees). Whether or not there will be a compensation adjustment for faculty at UW-Eau Claire and UW-Superior, who have elected to be union represented and any other unclassified bargaining unit electing to be union represented before a pay plan is approved by the Joint Committee on Employment Relations (JCOER), will be determined as the result of collective bargaining; and
Further, pursuant to 230.12(3)(e) Wis. Stats., the Board directs the UW System President to transmit to the Director of the Office of State Employment Relations currently available information on unclassified salaries for UW System peer institutions and related economic indices, and the Board’s request that the Director recommend to the JCOER a salary increase for each year of the biennium of 2.0% and the necessary related increase for unclassified salary ranges and salary minima; and
Further, to reiterate the Board of Regents 2011-13 budget requests for authorization to increase and redistribute resources to address competitive compensation gaps at each institution in the UW System. These include: (1) the authority to approve compensation levels and salary ranges for employees serving as Vice Presidents or comprehensive institution Provosts; (2) the ability to determine pay plan increases for faculty, academic staff, and academic and administrative leaders (limited appointees), while taking into consideration state funding and the availability of resources; (3) the ability to make base adjustments for salary increases associated with performance; and (4) to consider compensation needs within the UW System as part of the tuition authority provided under Section 36.27, Wis. Stats.; and
Further, the Board of Regents adopts the attached pay plan distribution guidelines for 2011-13.
UW System Trust Funds Acceptance of New Bequests
Resolution 9845:
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 System.
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.
UW System Trust Funds Investment Policy Statement
Resolution 9846:
That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents approves the recommended revisions to, and otherwise reaffirms its adoption of, the Investment Policy Statement for the University of Wisconsin System Trust Funds.
UW System Tax Sheltered Annuity Program Annual Program Participant Fee
Resolution 9847:
That, upon recommendation of the Tax-Sheltered Annuity Review Committee and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents authorizes the President of the University of Wisconsin System to assess an annual fee to each employee participating in the UW System Tax Sheltered Annuity Program to cover the costs of administering the program. This resolution supersedes 1994 Regent Resolution 6774.
Resolution 9848:
That, upon recommendation of the Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents authorizes UW-Madison to recruit for a Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School at a salary that may exceed 75% of the UW System President’s current salary.
Further, the Board of Regents authorizes the President of the University of Wisconsin System to approve the appointment and the salary for this position.
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REPORT OF THE CAPITAL PLANNING & BUDGET COMMITTEE
President Pruitt called upon Regent Bartell to present the report of the Capital Planning and Budget Committee.
UW-Madison Sustainability Initiative: Integrating Teaching, Research, and Operations
Regent Bartell first reported that Dr. Greg Mitman, Director of the Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies at UW-Madison, told the Capital Planning and Budget Committee about the UW-Madison Sustainability Initiative, which grew out of Chancellor Martin’s strategic priorities. A task force of faculty, staff, students and community members got together to study issues related to the stewardship of resources at UW-Madison and to make recommendations for how UW-Madison can become a model for sustainability. The task force issued a comprehensive and thoughtful report, which was distributed to the Capital Planning and Budget Committee. The final report has two basic recommendations: the creation of an office of sustainability to coordinate efforts taking place across campus, and a system for connecting office operations, education, and research to meet identified sustainability goals.
Capital Planning and Budget Committee Business
Authority to Lease Space for UW-Extension
Regent Bartell reported that Resolution 9849, brought by UW-Extension, requests authority to lease space located at 5602 Research Park Boulevard, Madison, for the Division of Continuing Education. This-ten year lease will replace an existing lease at University Research Park and will consolidate space for the UW-Extension Division of Continuing Education, Outreach, and E-Learning (CEOEL), as well as UW Colleges Online and the Academic Distributed (ADL) Co-Lab. This co-location will allow all three of these groups which develop online courses an opportunity to work together in a single building.
Real Property Exchange Agreement
Regent Bartell reported that Resolution 9850, brought by UW-Madison, requests authority to accept seven land parcels, pursuant to the Real Property Exchange Agreement between Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) and the Board of Regents. All of the properties are within the campus boundary, and six of them were identified in the 2005 Campus Master Plan as sites for future academic, research, or support buildings. The seventh parcel, which is located at 1221 West Johnson Street, is within the campus boundary, but was originally designated for private development by the 2005 Campus Master Plan. With the construction of the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery/Morgridge Institute for Research (WID/MIR), this block will now be available for development by UW-Madison. The total value of the properties being exchanged is slightly more than $6 million.
West Campus Cogeneration Facility
Regent Bartell said that Resolution 9851 seeks authority to begin planning the West Campus Cogeneration Facility Addition and Chiller Installations project. The entire project will cost about $67 million; the current action seeks to release about $1.6 million for preliminary planning.
UW-Milwaukee Lease for School of Public Health
Resolution 9852, brought by UW-Milwaukee, seeks authority to lease space for the School of Public Health. This lease will create the initial spaces to support the new School of Public Health that will be located in downtown Milwaukee as part of the redevelopment of the historic Pabst Brewery. The project will renovate the existing five-story Building 7 in the Brewery, as well as construct a five-story addition. The resulting facility will provide space to support the initial research, core facilities, collaboration, administration, teaching/instruction, and external partners’ needs of the School of Public Health.
This project is financially assisted by a generous $10 million gift from Joseph J. Zilber’s Brewery Project, LLC, which Mr. Zilber’s estate is fulfilling by honoring his pledge to UW-Milwaukee. The lease includes an option to purchase the project upon completion or in subsequent years. It is intended that authority to purchase will be sought at the time of occupancy using the Zilber gift to cover the majority of the $12.3 million cost.
Regent Bartell reported that Resolution 9853, brought by UW-Platteville, seeks authority to request a waiver to allow a request for proposals for a design-build entity to design and construct a $1.7 million storage facility project.
Regent Bartell next described Resolution 9854, through which UW System is seeking the enumeration of seven additional projects in the previously-submitted 2011-13 Capital Budget, five of which will be totally funded by program revenues and/or gift/grant funds:
- The UW-Stout Harvey Hall Renovation - Phase II is a $29-million project and is the second of two that renovate and remodel deteriorated space in Harvey Hall. The project will upgrade the building infrastructure and remodel space to renew the service life of the building, provide improved functionality, and restore the building’s architectural character. Improvements include building envelope repairs and upgrades of all plumbing, mechanical, building automation, electrical, telecommunications, card access, and life safety systems.
- A $1 million storage facility project at UW-La Crosse would design and construct a new pre-engineered metal storage building that will be located on the north campus, adjacent to other service buildings, to alleviate the university’s lack of storage space for materials and grounds/maintenance equipment.
- A $1.5 million UW-Madison Materials Distribution Services (MDS) General Library System Storage addition will construct an addition to the existing MDS warehouse in Verona to provide climate-controlled storage space for approximately one million volumes of library materials for the UW-Madison General Library System.
- A $2.5 million gift-funded project, funded by two donors, at the UW-Madison University Ridge All Seasons Golf Practice Facility will construct an all-seasons practice facility at University Ridge Golf Course that will be the home for the men’s and women’s golf teams.
- The UW-Whitewater Drumlin Hall $4.6 million remodeling project will upgrade the 45-year-old Drumlin Dining Hall HVAC systems and replace the building’s inefficient single-glazed windows. The project will remodel the kitchen and seating area and include improvements that will provide better accessibility.
- The UW-Whitewater Young Auditorium Dance Studio Addition will construct a $900,000 cash addition to the Young Auditorium that will provide a sprung-wood-floor dance studio and create classroom and rehearsal space for the university’s growing dance program that meets the standards of the National Association of the Schools of Dance.
- The final project is a 2013-15 advance enumeration request to construct a new Health and Human Performance/Recreation Building for Health and Human Performance Programs (HHP), athletics, and student recreation as an addition to the existing Hunt/Knowles complex at UW-River Falls. The building will include classrooms, a human performance laboratory, a large gymnasium, dance studio, auxiliary gym, offices, locker rooms, training rooms, and other supporting spaces. The badly-needed $63 million project will also remodel existing program-related space in the adjoining Hunt/Knowles complex and consolidate the HHP program into one primary location.
All Agency Maintenance and Repair Projects
Resolution 9855 requests authority to construct 15 all-agency maintenance and repair projects at nine UW System institutions, totaling $15.7 million, including $5 million of program revenue. These projects include UW-Madison and UW-Platteville storm water improvements and utility repairs on eight campuses.
Consent Agenda
Stating that these seven resolutions were passed unanimously by the committee, Regent Bartell moved that the Board adopt as consent agenda items Resolutions 9849, 9850, 9851, 9852, 9853, 9854, and 9855. Regent Drew seconded the motion, and the resolutions were adopted on a unanimous voice vote:
Authority to Lease Space for the Division of Continuing Education, UW-Extension
Resolution 9849:
That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Extension Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted for the Department of Administration to enter into a new lease agreement for 26,704 square feet to replace three existing leases totaling 24,684 square feet on behalf of the UW-Extension.
Resolution 9850:
That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, approval be granted to accept seven parcels of land listed below from WARF Properties, LLC pursuant to the terms of the Real Property Exchange Agreement between Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) and the Board of Regents, contingent upon the receipt of acceptable environmental audits.
Parcel Value
924 West Dayton Street
Madison, Wisconsin $374,000
914 West Dayton Street
Madison, Wisconsin $403,500
1221 West Johnson Street
Madison, Wisconsin $437,000
201 North Charter Street
Madison, Wisconsin $450,000
210 Bernard Court
Madison, Wisconsin $527,500
26 North Charter Street
Madison, Wisconsin $1,000,000
305 North Charter Street
Madison, Wisconsin $2,900,163
Resolution 9851:
That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Madison Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to request the release of $1,417,800 Building Trust Funds–Planning and the use of $140,200 Program Revenue-Cash to prepare preliminary plans, a design report, and construction documents for the West Campus Cogeneration Facility Addition and Chiller Installations project for an estimated total project cost of $67,553,000 ($61,473,200 General Fund Supported Borrowing and $6,079,800 Program Revenue Supported Borrowing).
Authority to Lease Space for the School of Public Health, UW-Milwaukee
Resolution 9852:
That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Milwaukee Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, approval be granted for the Department of Administration to enter into a new lease of 57,460 square feet on behalf of the UW-Milwaukee for the School of Public Health.
Resolution 9853:
That, upon the recommendation of the UW-Platteville Chancellor and the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to seek a waiver of Wis. Stat. § 16.855 under provisions of Wis. Stat. § 13.48 (19) to allow a design-build entity, selected through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process, to design and construct a Storage Facility project at a total project cost of $1,700,000 Program Revenue-Cash.
Resolution 9854:
That, upon the recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to seek enumeration of the following seven additional major projects as part of the 2011-13 Capital Budget:
- UW-Stout: Harvey Hall Renovation – Phase II
- UW-La Crosse: Storage Facility
- UW-Madison: Materials Distribution Services GLS Storage Addition
- UW-Madison: University Ridge All Seasons Golf Practice Facility
- UW-Whitewater: Drumlin Hall Remodeling
- UW-Whitewater: Young Auditorium Dance Studio Addition
- UW-River Falls: Health and Human Performance/Recreation Building-Planning (2013-15 Advance Enumeration Request)
Authority to Construct All Agency Maintenance and Repair Projects, UW System
Resolution 9855:
That, upon the recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, authority be granted to construct various maintenance and repair projects at an estimated total cost of $18,363,500 ($11,609,500 General Fund Supported Borrowing; $4,546,200 Program Revenue Supported Borrowing; $1,992,800 Program Revenue-Cash; and $215,000 Gifts and Grants Funding).
Report of the Associate Vice President
Regent Bartell continued his report, noting that Associate Vice President David Miller distributed the UW System 2011-17 Physical Development Plan. Senior Architect Jeff Kosloske described the six-year plan, which is submitted to the Department of Administration on behalf of all 15 System institutions. The plan balances state investment with university accountability and allows UW institutions and the Board of Regents to better understand and manage educational facility needs. The plan identifies the need for critical facility improvements, including the renovation of existing facilities and the construction of new buildings.
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RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR UW-MADISON
Regent Pruitt called upon Regent Walsh to present the resolution of appreciation to UW-Madison for hosting the December meeting. Regent Walsh first stated that UW-Madison is a special place for him. He grew up in the shadows of Camp Randall, and his father was a coach at UW-Madison. Regent Walsh was involved three years ago in raising $1.2 million related to photo-receptor research. The University of Wisconsin was cutting-edge in this research and shared the research with other universities. A Harvard professor commented that UW-Madison is unique and different from Harvard in that the doors are open at UW-Madison, where world-class researchers share their research. Regent Walsh said that UW-Madison, like the Wisconsin Idea, is world class in this field. As the university fights for funds, it is important to remember what this great university, and this great System is about: it is about working together for the people of Wisconsin. Regent Walsh then read the resolution, which was adopted by acclamation.
Resolution of Appreciation for UW-Madison
Resolution 9856:
WHEREAS, the members of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System are proud of the global impact and international reach of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in research, teaching and outreach; and
WHEREAS, Chancellor Biddy Martin’s administration is identifying innovative new ways to make the campus even more efficient and effective and provide enhanced quality for the entire state through the New Badger Partnership and the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates; and
WHEREAS, by aligning research and education on sustainability with campus operations, UW-Madison is aiming to become a living model for sustainability, exemplifying values and actions that demonstrate a deep commitment to stewardship of resources; and
WHEREAS, the university conducts more than $1-billion worth of research each year in the sciences, arts and humanities and provides Wisconsin with a powerful economic engine that has the potential to lead the state out of the economic challenges it faces; and
WHEREAS, UW-Madison continues to prepare students to compete successfully in a global economy by developing their critical thinking skills and encouraging them to apply their knowledge in and out of the classroom; and
WHEREAS, UW-Madison has reached out to promote exciting new partnerships and initiatives with universities in East Asia and has brought a group of some of China’s most talented athletes to campus to gain leadership skills for the future as part of the Chinese Champions Program; and
WHEREAS, the university’s faculty has demonstrated continued excellence in the classroom, most recently with the naming of soil scientist Teri Balser as U.S. Professor of the Year by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education; and
WHEREAS, UW-Madison has just opened impressive new facilities, such as the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery and the revamped Education Building, and is looking ahead with projects like the Wisconsin Energy Institute, the Charter Street Heating Plant renovation and the new Union South;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents hereby thanks Chancellor Biddy Martin and all of her colleagues for making the campus a valued Wisconsin asset that benefits the world—educationally, economically, culturally and socially—and for sharing their campus’s hospitality and engaging presentations as they hosted this December 2010 Board meeting.
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UNFINISHED OR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Regent Pruitt recognized Regent Crain, who, following up on the reports made by President Pruitt and President Reilly, said that she heartily applauds the efforts System Administration and the chancellors have made regarding civility. Reading of some of the incidents of incivility has been very disturbing. “Civility” is perhaps an inadequate word; the issue is respect and appreciation for other people. The Board of Regents cares about these issues. Regent Drew, adding to Regent Crain’s comments, commended the students who have stood up and participated in activities in opposition to race- and sexual-orientation-based vandalism on campuses.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:17 a.m. and reconvened at 11:30 a.m.
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CLOSED SESSION
The following resolution was moved by Regent Manydeeds. seconded by Regent Spector, and adopted on a roll-call vote, with Regents Bartell, Bradley, Crain, Danae Davis, Stan Davis, Drew, Evers, Falbo, Loftus, Manydeeds, Pruitt, Schwalenberg, Smith, Spector, Walsh and Wingad voting in the affirmative. There were no dissenting votes and no abstentions.
Resolution 9857:
That the Board of Regents move into closed session to consider UW-Milwaukee honorary degree nominations, as permitted by s. 19.85(1)(f), Wis. Stats.; to consider appointment of a UW Colleges and UW-Extension chancellor, as permitted by s. 19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats.; to discuss the report of the Committee on Faculty and Academic Staff Collective Bargaining, as permitted by s. 19.85(1)(e), Wis. Stats.; to consider two student requests for review of UW-Milwaukee decisions and a student request for review of a UW-Madison decision, as permitted by s. 19.85(1)(f), Wis. Stats.; and to confer with legal counsel regarding pending or potential litigation, as permitted by 19.85(1)(g), Wis. Stats.
The following resolutions were approved during closed session:
Resolution 9858:
That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, Raymond W. Cross be appointed Chancellor of University of Wisconsin Colleges and University of Wisconsin-Extension, effective on or about February 15, 2011, at a salary of $225,000.
Student Request for Review of a UW-Milwaukee Decision
Resolution 9859:
That the Board of Regents adopts the attached Proposed Decision and Order as the Board’s final Decision and Order in the matter of a student request for review of a UW-Milwaukee decision.
Student Request for Review of a UW-Milwaukee Decision
Resolution 9860:
That the Board of Regents adopts the attached Proposed Decision and Order as the Board’s final Decision and Order in the matter of a student request for review of a UW-Milwaukee decision.
Student Request for Review of a UW- Madison Decision
Resolution 9861:
That the Board of Regents adopts the attached Proposed Decision and Order as the Board’s final Decision and Order in the matter of a student request for review of a UW-Madison decision.
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The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Submitted by:
/s/ Jane S. Radue
Jane S. Radue, Secretary of the Board