April 1998 Minutes/Arizona Board of Regents

A meeting of the Arizona Board of Regents was held on April 2 and 3, 1998. President Campbell called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. on April 2 in the Rincon Room of the Student Union, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

PRESENT: Regent George H. Amos, III
Regent Rudy Campbell
Regent Judy Gignac
Regent Chris Herstam
Regent Jack Jewett
Regent John Munger
Regent John Platt
Regent Donald Ulrich

Also present were: President Peter Likins, Dr. Paul Sypherd, Mr. Tom Thompson, Mr. Joel Valdez, Dr. Saundra Taylor, Dr. Michael Gottfredson, Dr. Celestino Fernandez, Dr. Randy Groth, and Mr. Greg Fahey, University of Arizona; President Lattie Coor, Dr. Milton Glick (Thursday Only), Dr. Elaine Maimon, Dr. Charles Bantz, Dr. Christine Wilkinson, Dr. Mernoy Harrison, and Acting Board Counsel Paul Ward, Arizona State University; President Clara Lovett, Dr. Charles Connell, Dr. Jeanette Baker, and Dr. Norm Hintz, Northern Arizona University; Executive Director Frank Besnette, Secretary to the Board Judy Garza, Dr. Thomas Wickenden, Mr. Tony Seese-Bieda, and Ms. Norma Salas, Central Office; and Dr. Larry Gould, Chair of Arizona Faculties Council.

All lists, reports, summaries, background materials, and other documents referred to in these minutes can be found in the April 2 and 3, 1998, Documents File.

Progress Report on Developing a Plan for Strengthening the University Role in K-12 Improvement

Provost Milton Glick, Dr. Vianne McLean, Provost Paul Sypherd, Dean John Taylor, Executive Director Melvin Hall, Dean David Berliner, and Dr. Thomas Wickenden joined the meeting for this discussion.

Dr. Wickenden presented an overview of the revised Work Plan for developing the role of Arizona Higher Education in K-12 Improvement. He said the purpose is to broaden the Board's Action Plan to an Arizona Action Plan for the Education of Teachers. The larger plan might incorporate what is going on within each sector, but will also provide a forum to emphasize collaborative initiatives that are taken among all sectors of education--universities, both public and private, K-12, and the community colleges.

Regent Gignac asked if there were any questions concerning the Revised Work Plan. There were none, so she announced it would go forward.

Regent Campbell asked how broad the representation would be at the Education Summit and was told all the major stakeholders, such as the universities, K-12 superintendents, the Governor's's staff, Regents, and community colleges would be present.

Dean Berliner made a presentation on the new K-12 Academic Standards. The goal of the universities is to have every student who leaves their programs able to teach to the new standards. Also, each university is offering in-service education courses that will help practicing teachers implement the standards. All universities are working with the liberal arts and science faculty to insure teacher education is seen as a university-wide responsibility. The new content standards are considered by each university to be minimum standards; each discipline has developed its own additional standards as well. The universities have also developed more field-based programs. To insure students are meeting the needs of the field, each campus has extensive feedback mecha-nisms in place to obtain data on how their students succeed in placements throughout the state. The Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) and the teacher certification tests are not yet developed, so the universities do not know the objectives or test specifications; but the teachers currently being trained by the universities will be expected to pass the tests.

Regent Gignac asked if faculty played a role in the development of the new standards and was told university faculty had very little involvement. She asked if curriculum reform had occurred because of the standards and was told quite a bit. She asked if there is collaboration with the community colleges on this issue and was told there is. Dean Taylor described the UofA's work with Pima Community College and Provost Glick describe ASU's participation in the Urban Systemic Initiative with Maricopa Community Colleges and Phoenix Public Schools and the ASU and NAU participation in the Rural Systemic Initiative.

Regent Ulrich said he noticed there is very little being said about the business community in relation to this issue. He believes contacting some of the larger employers in the state and getting them involved at this stage would be helpful in the future. Regent Gignac said the round tables would include business people.

Dean Taylor provided the Board with an overview of the new teaching and administrative standards and assessment tests, the changes and implications for the universities, and university initiatives. He addressed professional teaching standards, regulations for provisional certificates, regulations for standards certificates, Arizona teacher proficiency assessment, professional administrative standards, and Arizona administrative proficiency assessment.

Regent Munger asked what is going to happen to increase subject matter knowledge since that is the question Regents are asked. Dean Taylor said the universities have talked about a university-wide responsibility for teacher education. Each is working to find ways to include more content knowledge. Regent Munger said he was hearing the content knowledge would be handled differently for different disciplines and was told yes. The content knowledge comes from the content colleges even though the degrees come from the College of Education. The universities are also working with the school districts to find ways to provide more experience for the students in the schools. However, at this time there is not a specific, short answer to the question.

Regent Munger expressed concern about teachers who will not be able to pass the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment (ATPA) test. Regent Gignac agreed there is a great need to insure teachers teaching math and science in the elementary level have sufficient content level knowledge in order to feel comfortable in their subject matter.

Regent Gignac suggested the two-year period during which new teachers are monitored until they get their standard certificate might be a good time for collaboration among the colleges of education, the provisionally certified teacher, and the school district; and the presidents might bring this forward at budget time. Dean Taylor said he believed it would be a great opportunity for collaboration.

Regent Platt asked if the ability to grant degrees would be jeopardized by a less than 75% pass rate and was told there would be a warning after the first year. What would happen after the second year is not clear. He also asked the universities to take stronger ownership of the two years monitoring of new teachers required under the new standards. Regent Platt also agreed with Regent Munger's concern about teachers receiving knowledge-based education. Regent Munger said he believed there should be an ongoing assessment from the business community of the graduates they are hiring. Regent Gignac said she hoped this entire process would produce a plan for improvement which will be implemented with a means for funding and measurements of the outcome.

Executive Director Melvin Hall presented an overview of the Teacher Preparation Program approval process and how the university programs intersect with the new standards, with the needs and expectations of school districts who hire teaching graduates, and with the students themselves. Under the new system, programs may be offered by entities other than the universities and this leads to questions concerning who will supervise student teachers. The biennial reviews will create need for additional data collection and the monitoring causes the programs to become essentially six-year programs.

Regent Campbell asked how today's teachers would be kept current in their field and was told the universities are working with the schools for teacher in-service training. Also, teachers will be required to show a number of hours in professional development in order to receive renewal of their certificates every six years.

Regent Ulrich asked how the new standards will change the methods currently being used in the classroom and how the education courses will be altered to make the teachers more proficient in assessing how well individual students, especially those who have disabilities, are being prepared to pass the new tests. Dr. Hall explained teachers would now be reviewed on their contact hours with students, their professional development, and their performance. The Colleges of Education will need to produce teachers who can meet and exceed the required standards.

Regent Amos agreed the colleges need to produce teachers who can exceed the standards. He asked when the ambiguities would be clarified as to who would be teaching content areas such as Workplace, Comprehensive Health, Arts, and Foreign Languages in the elementary schools. Dr. Berliner said that is still being discussed with the State Department of Education and public school administrators.

Regent Amos said he believed the universities will remain competitive if their programs produce excellent teachers, but believes problems may arise if the universities are not flexible in the hours courses are offered. He does not believe the universities should provide the support for students who are not prepared to perform well on tests suggested in 2.7 of the summary material, rather those costs should be born by the students as they are in graduate programs.

Regent Jewett asked how the new standards would impact the recruitment of talented people who are in the 55 to 65 age range and might consider teaching as a second career. Dr. Berliner said the new content requirements would make the college programs longer for those types of students.

Regent Platt asked if education teachers take sabbaticals to teach in the classroom and was told no. However, Dr. Hall said much of NAU's program is field-based where the entire program occurs in a school building.

Regent Gignac thanked everyone for their participation and encouraged the Regents to attend the Educational Summit scheduled for April 23.

PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

Regent Amos chaired the Programs Committee.

Request to Designate "Regents' Professors (UofA)

President Likins requested Dr. George Davis, Department of Geosciences, Dr. Joan Dayan, Department of English, and Dr. John Enemark, Department of Chemistry, be given the designation of Regents' Professor. Upon motion of Regent Amos, seconded by Regent Ulrich, the Board authorized the University of Arizona to appoint three additional Regents' Professors (Dr. George Davis, Dr. Joan Dayan, Dr. John Enemark), to take effect July 1, 1998, and to carry salary increases of $5,000 each.

President Campbell reported Board Counsel Joel Sideman was absent from the meeting due to health problems. ASU Legal Counsel Paul Ward will act as Board Counsel while Mr. Sideman is recuperating. The meeting recessed at 11:50 a.m. and reconvened at 1:55 p.m.

President Campbell introduced the new Student Regent Designee, Jennifer Reichelt.

CALL TO THE AUDIENCE

Adam Talenfeld, a member of ASUA Special President's Task Force on the Student Union Fee Referendum (Task Force) last fall who was assigned to investigate opportunities for privatizing. He wanted the Board to know UofA students are still interested in a new or renovated union. He supported the proposal on today's agenda for the Student Union.

Summer Katzenbach, also a member of the Task Force last fall, asked the university administration to keep students involved in the process of deciding what to do with the Student Union.

Justin Clifton, also member of the Task Force, presented the Board with a copy of the ASUA Presidential Task Force Funding Report on the Student Union. The Task Force Report is seven pages and is followed by the research reports done by individual students on various funding possibilities, such as privatization. He said the students would be paying for the union, whether by academic bonding or by a fee, so they would like to be involved in the process of deciding what will happen with the Student Union.

Paul Robinson, Associate Professor in the College of Education at the University of Arizona, expressed concern about the Department of Education's decision to decouple the certification process from college majors or minors. He does not believe a person with no training in a subject area should be allowed to teach that area just because they passed a test.

Marissa Saenz, a student in the College of Education at the University of Arizona, said the College of Education should have majors in cultural areas such as Native American, African American, etc. that are majors or minors in other areas in the university. This would help produce teachers who understand the various cultures they will meet in their classrooms.

REPORT FROM THE HOST PRESIDENT, DR. PETER LIKINS

President Likins reported on the accomplishments of University of Arizona faculty. He said the university has a responsibility in every public forum to make the connection between research and the undergraduate teaching mission. He gave one example by asking Dr. Elena Plante, National Center for Nuerogenic Communication Disorders, and her student, Decemna Chow, to let the Regents know how they work together. Dr. Plante told the Regents over fifty undergraduate students had participated in her research program in the past five years. Dr. Plante explained her program. Ms. Chow described her work in the program.

CONSENT AGENDA

The items on the Consent Agenda, which are marked in these minutes with an *, were considered as consent matters and were adopted unanimously upon motion of Regent Amos, seconded by Regent Gignac. There was no individual discussion of these items.

*Minutes

The Board approved the January 8 and 9, 1998, Executive Session, and the February 27, 1998, Regular Meeting minutes.

Resources Committee Consent

*Approval of Academic Calendars Through Spring Semester 2002

The Board approved the following academic calendars for 2000 through 2002:

University	Fall 2000		Spring 2001		Fall 2001		Spring 2002
	First Day	Last Day	First Day	Last Day	First Day	Last Day	First Day	Last Day
UofA	8/21	12/15	1/10	5/11	8/20	12/14	1/09	5/10
ASU	8/21	12/15	1/16	5/11	8/20	12/14	1/14	5/10
NAU	8/28	12/15	1/15	5/11	8/27	12/14	1/14	5/10

*Emeritus Professors 1997-98 (NAU)

As requested by NAU, the Board conferred Emeritus status upon two NAU faculty members, Philip R. Rulon, Professor of History, and Stanley W. Swarts, Professor of Geography and Public Planning.

*Internal Audits of ASU Special Class Fees and Plant Fund

The Board accepted the internal audit report for ASU Special Class Fees with two findings reportable to the Board. Personal services and the 6.32% administrative service charge were defined inappropriately as Special Class Fee expenses. The university concurred with the auditor's conclusion on personal services. It disagreed current policy prohibits the Administrative Service Charge, but agreed to discontinue the practice.

The Board accepted the internal audit report for ASU Plant Fund with no findings reportable to the Board and one internal recommendation submitted to university administration.

*Departure From Board Policy to Permit Sale of Alcoholic Beverages at Two Specified Events (NAU)

The Board granted approval to Northern Arizona University to depart from Board policy to permit sale of alcohol in the du Bois Center ballroom on May 1, 1998, in connection with the International ATHENA Conference, and in the Ardrey Auditorium lobby from May 28, 1998, through June 13, 1998, in connection with Arizona Opera's performance of Wagner's Ring Cycle.

The ATHENA Foundation will be the licensee, will purchase liquor liability insurance in the amount of $1M, and will indemnify the State of Arizona, the Board of Regents, and NAU. They will be responsible, in conjunction with Sodexho Marriott Services, for the sale of alcohol and control of patrons for the May event. The Flagstaff Master Chorale will do the same, and will be responsible, in conjunction with Sodexho Marriott Services, for the sale of alcohol and control of patrons for the May/June event.

RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Regent Munger chaired the Resources Committee agenda.

Setting of 1998-99 Tuition and Financial Aid

Regent Munger reminded the Board the legislature has not yet acted on the budget request; therefore, the Board must address the question of whether to set tuition and financial aid today or to wait until after the budget is adopted. He reported on the tuition and financial aid hearing held the previous week. The Regents received information on issues relevant to tuition, such as cost of attendance and Arizona's position relative to other states, and listened to approximately 40 students.

Student Body Presidents Troy Corder, ASU West, Andy Ortiz, ASU, Gilbert Davis, UofA, and Jennifer Reichelt, NAU, joined the meeting for this discussion. Ms. Reichelt shared three points with the Regents on behalf of the Arizona Students' Association (ASA). ASA is advocating a tuition increase of between 0 to 2.3%, full support and funding for the Arizona Financial Aid Trust Fund (AFAT), and asking for tuition to be set before the first of May.

President Likins said he had learned from the tuition hearings there should be a link between any tuition increase and financial aid. He recommended a tuition increase of 2.5%, although 2.3% would not be unsatisfactory to him, to deal with the general challenges of meeting responsibilities to students. To that he added 1% to invest in technology to better serve the needs of students in changing times and 1 ½% to increase financial aid.

President Lovett said NAU will be going into the next budget year with unmet needs. Some result from the chronic under-funding of the university over the years and some are new, such as technology and financial aid needs. She recommended a tuition increase of 4%, half to go to Consumer Price Index related needs and half to technology needs and financial aid. She recommended the Board not vote on tuition at this meeting; but hold a televised meeting for this purpose sometime in early May or as soon as the legislature has put together a budget.

President Coor recommended a 4% tuition increase. The funds at Main would be spent mostly for program continuations, financial aid, and technology. This increase, however, would not take care of all the critical needs of ASU East and ASU West. However, this should all be connected to the responsibility of the state; so he would like to see the vote on tuition wait until the legislature has set tuition.

Regent Amos said he believed the lobbying efforts of the students should move towards the legislature as that body should be the one who provides the dollars to meet the constitutional mandate for tuition to be as nearly free as possible. He reminded the Board it had agreed last year to establish priorities, then address the issue of cost and number of years of funding. This would determine the increase in tuition needed to pay for priorities. He also said the Board had agreed last year to wait to set tuition until the legislature decided the amount of funding it would contribute to the university budgets.

Regent Ulrich moved that tuition and financial aid not be set until after the state operating budget is adopted. The motion was seconded by Regent Amos. Executive Director Besnette said he had considered the possible timing of such a meeting in case the Board wanted to delay this decision. The week of April 20^th would be the latest the decision could be made before students begin the finals process.

Regent Herstam stated his opposition to the motion as he did not believe any failure on the part of the universities and the Regents to convince state lawmakers to appropriate enough funds for the university system should be placed on the backs of students. He would like the Board to establish what it believes is a fair tuition amount and not determine the amount by budget shortfall.

Regent Gignac said she did not believe the universities would receive any more from the legislature than they did last year; perhaps less due to other large funding issues facing the legislature this year. Therefore, she believes a 5% tuition increase will be necessary. She agreed with Regent Amos the "nearly free as possible" issue should be brought to the legislature's attention. She believed setting tuition today would agree with the policy that speaks to setting tuition in April.

Regent Platt agreed any shortfall from the budget approved by the legislature should not be placed on the backs of students. He also agreed priorities should be adopted and funding should be extended over a certain period of years. He would agree with the motion if it could be amended to say the tuition would be set no later than the week of April 20. He also could support the setting of tuition at this meeting if it was set with no taint of fear of what might happen in the legislature when it adopts the budget. He believes a 5% increase is too high.

Regent Ulrich said he did not understand why the decision would be made at this meeting when all the facts are not yet determined. President Campbell said he is not sure it will make much difference to the legislature whether tuition is set today or later; so he would like to set tuition today. There was considerable discussion as to whether it would be better to set tuition today or later and whether the Board was following its own process concerning priorities and timing of setting tuition.

Regent Jewett asked for a ruling on whether voting against Regent Ulrich's motion was a vote against Board policy. He would like to see a better relationship between the universities and the legislature, but did not believe linking the setting of tuition today or later would make any difference. He thought the Board had a duty to set tuition at this meeting. Executive Director Besnette said the Board has discussed for years the process it wishes to follow in the setting of tuition. As a result of the Amos Study Committee, the Board agreed to revisions to the process of setting tuition. He does not believe there is anything written in Board policy.

Regent Munger said he would be forced to vote for no tuition increase if he had to vote today as he did not have a rationale to raise tuition. Regent Ulrich amended his motion to say tuition should be set by the week of April 20. Regent Amos, the seconder of the motion, agreed to the amendment. The motion failed with Regents Ulrich, Amos, Munger, and Platt voting yes and Regents Herstam, Gignac, Jewett, and Campbell voting no.

President Coor recommended a 4% tuition increase and referred to the priorities presented in ASU's material for the three campuses as the basis for his request. He said this increase, however, would not take care of all the pressing needs at ASU East and ASU West.

Regent Gignac said the list of unmet needs totaled approximately $75M and the Regents could look at these issues and establish priorities. However, the current problems concerning unmet needs with the community colleges will not come close to being solved with even a 5% increase. President Lovett said the universities had listed their priorities, and she believed the Regents could separate ones that are priorities for the system. President Likins said what is fair to students is not necessarily the cheapest tuition, as the universities need to provide students with whatever is necessary for them to graduate with the competencies they will need to succeed.

Regent Munger said, given he did not yet know what money the universities would get from the legislature, he would move for a 5% tuition increase. Regent Gignac seconded the motion. President Campbell said he believed a 5% increase would be sending the wrong signal to the legislature. However, given how low Arizona tuition is compared to all the other states, the requests by students for smaller classes, raises for teachers, etc., and the amount of money needed by the universities, he would recommend a 3% to 4% increase.

Regent Platt said that would be too high an increase. He fully supports the Arizona Financial Aid Trust (AFAT); however, he does not believe tuition should be raised to provide more financial aid. This means many students are taking on more debt to give financial aid to other students. ASA will heavily lobby the legislature to fully fund AFAT.

Regent Jewett asked the students for comments on the proposed increase. President Davis said ASA believes 5% is too high. The issues coming to the fore in the tuition hearings, the legislature, and the priorities submitted by the universities are technology, the library initiatives, and financial aid. He realized the ASA recommendation of 0% to 2.3% probably would not happen; so he would like to see the increase be as close to 3% to 4% as possible. President Corder said his campus, ASU West, would be affected more than the others as 60% of the students work full-time. He would like the increase to be around 3% if it has to be higher than 2.3%.

Regent Jewett moved a substitute motion that tuition be increased 4%. The motion was seconded by Regent Herstam. Regent Platt said he believed a 4% increase would be too high. Regent Ulrich moved a substitute motion for a 2 ½% increase. It was determined the first substitute motion should be voted on before another substitute motion could be made. The substitute motion to amend the original motion to 4% passed with Regents Jewett, Herstam, Gignac, and Platt voting yes and Regents Munger, Amos, and Ulrich voting no.

Regent Ulrich moved a substitute motion to amend the original motion to 2 ½%. The motion was seconded by Regent Platt. The motion failed with Regents Platt, Munger, and Ulrich voting yes and Regents Amos, Gignac, Herstam, and Jewett voting no. The main motion, to set a 4% tuition increase, failed with Regents Herstam, Jewett, Gignac, and Campbell voting yes and Regents Munger, Amos, Ulrich, and Platt voting no.

Regent Amos moved the Board wait to set tuition until the legislature adopts a budget, or no later than the week of April 20. The motion was seconded by Regent Ulrich and passed with Regents Jewett, Herstam, and Gignac voting no and Regents Platt, Munger, Ulrich, and Amos voting yes.

The meeting recessed at 4:15 p.m. and reconvened at 4:25 p.m.

Setting of 1998-99 Tuition for College of Medicine (UofA)

Regent Munger moved to set the resident tuition fees for the College of Medicine for FY 1998-99 in the amount of $8,430 (inclusive of the existing $70 mandatory fee) -- a 6.4% increase. The motion was seconded by Regent Amos. Regent Herstam asked how this tuition could be set, given the previous motion to wait until the legislature adopts a budget. Regents Munger and Amos withdrew the motion. Regent Gignac asked it would be a problem for the College of Medicine if the Regents did not set this tuition today and was told, since this is set by formula, there would be no problem as long as the tuition was set by the week of April 20. Upon motion of Regent Gignac, seconded by Regent Campbell, the Board moved to postpone the setting of the College of Medicine tuition until the 1998-99 tuition and financial aid is set.

Setting of 1998-99 Residence Hall Rates for the Three Universities

Regent Platt said he would like to see the residence hall rates set today as the legislative budget will not impact these rates. He would like to see the increases limited to 2 ½% to 3%. Regent Amos asked why the University of Arizona was the only university requesting programmatic funds and how these funds would be used, and why the Residence Hall Association fee is mandatory. Regent Platt said the programs support things like recycling, soap dispensers in the bathrooms, and the addition of three faculty fellows in the residence halls. He said he was suggesting the lower increase because he believed the Residence Hall Association fee should cover things like the recycling.

Regent Gignac said it was her understanding the residence hall students are willing to accept these recommendations and until she hears something different from the students, she will support the recommendations. President Campbell agreed.

Upon motion of Regent Gignac, seconded by Regent Ulrich, the Board approved the 1998-99 residence hall and family housing apartment rates as requested by each university.

President Campbell reminded everyone the Board would meet at the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park in Building 40 tomorrow morning. The meeting was scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m, but he would like to start as close to 8:30 a.m. as possible. The meeting recessed at 4:34 p.m.

The meeting reconvened on Friday, April 3, at the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park, 9000 South Rita Road, Tucson, in Building 40 in the Arizona International College Library. President Campbell called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m.

Regent Munger resumed Chair of the Resources Committee. He recognized former Regent Donald Pitt, who was present for the UofA Science and Technology Park item later on the agenda.

1997-98 All Funds Budget: Spring Update

Regent Munger announced the universities and the central office submitted the last update to the Board in November 1997. In this spring update, the university system reports revenues of nearly $2B and expenditures of $1.8B. Each university report reflects the allocation of the Teaching Incentive Program of TIP funding as approved by the Board in January. Also reported are the distributions of funds for midyear salary adjustments, as approved by the legislature. Other budget reallocations were listed in the Board materials.

Regent Gignac moved to approve the Spring Update of the 1997-98 All Funds Budget. The motion was seconded by Regent Amos. Regent Gignac suggested the title be changed to the All Funds State Operating Budget. She asked the University of Arizona to explain why there was no improvement in the deficit in Printing and Publishing Support Services. Mr. Dick Roberts said there has been a reorganization proposed and in the next two weeks a decision will be made to reorganize or privatize. This should bring the deficit under control. The motion passed by voice vote.

Rio Salado Project: Lease of Certain Land, Exchange of Land, and Transfer of Land (ASU)

President Coor explained the request by Arizona State University. Upon motion of Regent Herstam, seconded by Regent Amos, the Board authorized Arizona State University to do the following, according to the terms and conditions set forth in the Executive Summary, with such modifications of the terms and conditions of the CDL lease as the President of ASU determines to be necessary or appropriate and desirable: 1) Leases the ASU East Parcel and the Karsten Parking Lot Parcel to Ciudad del Lago, L.L. C.; 2) Exchange with the City of Tempe the New Rio Salado Parkway Alignment Land for the Old Rio Salado Parkway Alignment Land; and 3) Transfer to the City of Tempe for $1.00 the Riverbed and Levee Land. The Board further resolved the variances from ABOR Policy described in the Executive Summary were approved.

PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

Regent Amos resumed chair of the Programs Committee.

Instructional Activities and Other Faculty Work: Status Report

Dr. Charles Bantz, Provost Charles Connell, Dr. Jerry Hogle, Dr. Elizabeth Ervin, Provost Paul Sypherd, and Dr. Darwyn Linder joined the meeting for this discussion. The presentation today will include a discussion of which year should be used as the baseline for measuring progress on the proposed measures. Data are not yet available for some measures; only systemwide data have been provided. Regent Amos recommended the Board discuss the material presented today, but direct that the final measures and goals be brought back at the June meeting at the same time as the Hurwitz measures.

President Coor endorsed that approach, but asked for assurance the Board is comfortable with an outcomes orientated approach with a description of faculty effort in ways that are then tied into the Hurwitz Measures, the Report Card, and Post Tenure Review. President Likins also asked for Regents' assurance they are comfortable with number 35 for the hours per week faculty engage in instructional activity. President Lovett agreed, but she worried that a product pleasing to the Board might still be too complex and arcane for the legislature and the general public. Dr. Gould said the faculty has involved legislative staff, legislators, students, and parents, as well as Regents, in this process; therefore, they believe the product will be well received.

Dr. Linder presented information regarding faculty contributions to the overall teaching at the Arizona universities in terms of FTE students by faculty category. Regent Gignac asked for the definition of ranked faculty and was told, in general, ranked faculty are the three tenured and tenure-eligible ranks (assistant professors, associate professors, and professors) and lecturers and instructors. He also presented some detail about what faculty members do and what it takes to accomplish those instructional tasks.

Regent Munger noted the 35 hour figure did not include all the time faculty spend in research and community service; it is orientated toward instructional work. Therefore, it is not inconsistent with the 56 - 57 hours per week measurement of faculty time requirement developed several years ago. Regent Ulrich asked if students know the difference between the various teaching categories or rankings, and was told students do not understand the ranking system. A young looking assistant professor is sometimes misidentified as a teaching assistant and this leads to students complaints they are not being taught by ranked faculty. Regent Amos said there is still a gap between the number of undergraduate student credit hours taught by professors and teaching assistants.

Dr. Gould presented information on the outcome measure "Quality of the Student Learning Experience." The satisfaction measures are new, but class size measures, class availability and

student involvement in research have been seen before. Dr. Hogle presented information on the Measures of Institutional Performance. Regent Jewett complimented the faculty for including all the stakeholders in this process and suggested this work could be used to talk about salary structure. As a former legislator, Regent Jewett said he believed this information will be helpful to inform legislators. Regent Herstam said he does believe the information on teaching hours and ranked faculty will be valuable, as those seem to be the most prominent issues at the legislature.

Regents agreed this information should be disseminated to the public and the legislators. Provost Sypherd expressed his belief Arizona has exceptional faculty that educate students at a cost that is much lower than other institutions.

RESOURCES COMMITTEE (Continued)

Regent Munger resumed chair of the Resources Committee.

University of Arizona Science and Technology Park: Annual Report

President Likins asked Mr. Bruce Wright, Associate Vice President for Economic Development, Mr. Donald Pitt, and Mr. Marshall Worden, University of Arizona Science and Technology Park (UASTP) project office, to join the meeting for this discussion and the discussion of the Master Land-Use Plan. Dr. Likins asked the Regents to focus on the UASTP's four guiding principles: 1) Strengthen and enhance the educational, research and outreach missions of the University of Arizona; 2) Contribute to the discovery and development of new technologies; 3) Assist in the development and growth of high technology companies; and 4) Contribute to the economic development of the community and state.

Former Regent Pitt highlighted the strengths of the UASTP. Mr. Wright presented more details on how the park is organized and managed. Mr. Worden presented financial information. Mr. Wright shared with the Board some of the key initiatives presently under development such as working on a closer relationship between the park tenants and the UofA.

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

Master Land-Use Plan for University of Arizona Science and Technology Park (First Reading)

Mr. Martin Regae, Project Manager for NBBJ, the planning firm that worked on this project, joined the meeting for this discussion. Mr. Wright described the process that led to the development of this plan. Mr. Regae described the study conducted by NBBJ and the analysis done to develop the Master Land-Use Plan. He also described the constraints placed upon the Park by the area, the Park's strengths, and the opportunities available. Mr. Pitt summarized the ways the Park has been and will be an exceptional addition to the University of Arizona and the community.

The Board recessed at 11:00 a.m. and reconvened at 11:10 a.m.

PROGRAMS COMMITTEE (Continued)

Regent Amos resumed the Chair of the Programs Committee. Dr. Tom Wickenden joined the meeting for the remainder of the Programs Committee.

Academic Programs Recommended for Elimination or Consolidation: Status Report

Regent Amos summarized the report. In April 1997, the Board approved a plan to divide low productive and duplicative programs into three categories: (1) 26 programs recommended for elimination or consolidation, with an additional 19 programs having already been slated for elimination or consolidation based on a previous internal review at the UofA, for a total of 45 programs recommended for elimination or consolidation; 2) 18 programs recommended for retention on grounds of projected enrollment; and 3) 14 programs recommended for retention on grounds other than projected enrollment.

Of the 45 programs in the first category, 40 have now been eliminated or consolidated. From the 3^rd category, one program has been added to the first category and three programs that had experienced an increase in enrollment were added to category 2, bringing the total in this category to 21. The remaining 10 programs will be retained.

Proposal to Establish The Center for Data Insight (NAU)

Provost Connell described the request. The Center is a partnership between KPMG Consulting, NAU's Colleges of Engineering and Business Administration, and leading vendors of network servers and workstations, data cleansing, data warehousing, and data mining products. It is the first academic facility designed to help companies test and develop leading data mining technologies. It provides low-risk environments where companies, using their own data, can work through the knowledge discovery process to solve a variety of real-world business problems. Provost Connell described the many chances for student involvement in this Center.

Upon motion of Regent Gignac, seconded by Regent Ulrich, the Board authorized Northern Arizona University to co-direct and maintain the Center for Data Insight at NAU with a sunset review date of 2002-3.

Approval of Advanced Studies Curriculum for Arizona International College (AIC) (UofA)

President Likins said the courses have been approved by the University of Arizona Undergraduate Council, but the Council has not evaluated the curriculum in its totality. The Advanced Studies Curriculum builds on that of the first and second years, and is consistent with the academic plan presented to ABOR on August 25, 1995.

Regent Amos asked that they not lose sight of the international focus. He commented there are three credit units for learning about the educational experience at AIC and he believes that is a little high. Regent Ulrich asked if the cost of this education can be calculated and was told there will be a very careful accounting of costs, both direct and indirect, as AIC moves to the UofA campus. Regent Gignac asked what the terminology "sample course" meant and was told they were sample courses within a category.

Upon motion of Regent Amos, seconded by Regent Jewett, the Board authorized the University of Arizona to offer the Advanced Studies curriculum for the Arizona International College, as proposed.

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE (Continued)

Regent Gignac chaired and Dr. Art Ashton joined the meeting for the remainder of the Strategic Planning Committee.

Authorization to Change the Designation of Four Instructional Sites to Off-Campus Centers (NAU)

President Lovett said courses are offered at a site, but it is not possible for a student to complete a full degree program there. At an off-campus center, students can earn a baccalaureate degree. It is also possible in many centers to earn a master degree in education. For each of these sites, there is a partnership with a community college and course delivery is not limited necessarily to a single location. These sites meet Board policy requirements for centers.

Regent Ulrich said the Board should make sure the legislators understand the cost of these expansions, including AIC, as the expansion of places for people to earn baccalaureates is essentially being done at their directive. He believes they should become separate budget items because none of the universities have the finances to support this expansion. The funds have always been the limiting factor in this type of expansion. President Lovett said these areas had been highlighted in the NAU budget. Regent Ulrich said he would like to see these items separated from the rest of the budget. Regent Platt agreed. He thought it should be emphasized at the legislature that the universities are limited only by funding needs when it comes to establishing these programs.

Regent Gignac asked if NAU was only providing masters degrees in education at Apache Junction and was told that is true at the moment. Regent Gignac said she understood the Apache Junction Center would be treated as part of the greater Phoenix area. She asked if that meant NAU would have to have a dialogue with ASU before adding anything additional. President Lovett said there is no plan at this time to offer any additional programs, except possibly some programs that are unique to NAU. In the future, it will depend on what programs ASU East is able to deliver as it grows.

President Coor said the metropolitan area is primarily the service area of ASU and this little slice of Pinal County, due to its location, is considered part of the metropolitan area. NAU has historically offered graduate degrees in education in this area. In addition, NAU also offers some courses that it exclusively teaches, such as physical therapy, in this area. ASU considers this to be a sensible way to continue the relationship. He said electronic teaching, however, would be harder to regulate as it goes everywhere.

Upon motion of Regent Gignac, seconded by Regent Jewett, the Board approved the designation of off-campus centers for NAU's instructional sites at Yavapai College, Mohave Community College, Eastern Arizona College, and Central Arizona College.

Agribusiness Center Renovation: Project Initiation (ASU East)

Dr. Charles Backus explained Arizona State University East's request for Project Initiation to renovate the former Base Exchange Facility at the ASU East Campus to provide permanent office and classroom/laboratory space for the School of Agribusiness and Resource Management to create an ASU East Agribusiness Center.

Regent Amos asked when ASU would request funds from the state to fund this project and was told a year from now. He asked if there was a backup plan to finance the project and was told no. Regent Gignac asked about the square footage for the Dean's office and was told the square footage actually reflects office space for the Dean and all the other administrative and support staff required.

Regent Platt asked how much money would be lost on this project if funding was not received from the legislature and was told in-house people will perform the work until funding is approved. Upon motion of Regent Gignac, seconded by Regent Munger, the Board granted Project Initiation Approval for the Renovation of the Agribusiness Center on the ASU East Campus to support and facilitate the growth of the School of Agribusiness and Resource Management.

ABOR 1997-98 Action Plan: Spring Progress Report

The Board received a report on the Board's 1997-98 Action Plan.

RESOURCE COMMITTEE (Continued)

Regent Munger resumed Chair of the Resources Committee.

Update on the Recommendations of the External Reviews on University Capital Resources

Dr. Brian Gregory said this report summarizes the reports by the four external review committees, eliminates duplication, and helps the Regents, the universities, and the central office focus on the significant substances of the reports. Regent Amos raised the issue of more use of facilities in off hours and asked if the universities should be charging non-students to use the library. He was told the library charge came about as the result of a recommendation by the DeMichael Committee. The University of Phoenix competes with ASU; but since they have no library, their students use the ASU library. The Committee did not believe that is fair. Regent Ulrich asked if there were plans to keep the skeletal part of the DeMichael Committee alive so they could be kept updated as things occur and was told the second committee is still meeting.

Student Union: Request for Design/Build Proposals and Exceptions to Board Policy (UofA)

Mr. Joel Valdez and Mr. Bob Smith joined the meeting for this discussion. Mr. Valdez explained the university's request. He emphasized this will not be a sole-source project. This type of approach was recommended by the DeMichael Committee. Regents complimented Mr. Valdez and his staff on this innovative approach. Regent Amos suggested this might also be an opportunity to privatize the food in the union. Regent Gignac noted this is a pilot project; the university is following a precedent set by the state.

Upon motion of Regent Gignac, seconded by Regent Amos, the Board granted to the University of Arizona a waiver of ABOR Policies 3-803, 3-804, 3-806, 7-102, 7-104, 7-105, and 7-106 to utilize an RFQ/RFP Design/Build Competition process in selecting a Design/Build Team to provide a turnkey Student Union/Bookstore Renovation project. The university is required to return to the Board for approval prior to awarding the Design/Build Contract. Regent Ulrich reminded the Board this process came about because of a recommendation of the DeMichael Committee and he believes the business community will support the project.

Main Library Improvements: Conceptual Approval (UofA)

Mr. Joel Valdez and Mr. Bob Smith were present for this discussion. Mr. Smith said this project is a combination of new construction and renovation. The project has three components, Special Collections, Information Commons, and Technical Services. Mr. Smith summarized the project.

Upon motion of Regent Gignac, seconded by Regent Munger, the Board granted Conceptual Approval to the University of Arizona for the Main Library Improvements Project. Regent Platt voted no because of the connection to the Integrated Instructional Facility.

PUBLIC AWARENESS COMMITTEE

Regent Ulrich chaired the Public Awareness Committee. Mr. Tony Seese-Bieda and Mr. Greg Fahey joined the meeting for the Public Awareness Committee items.

Status of the Higher Education Study Committee on Unmet Needs

Regent Gignac reported on the meeting of the Higher Education Study Committee on Unmet Needs. Mr. T. O. Beach, State Board of Directors for Community Colleges, and Regent Gignac co-chair this Committee. There are two work groups that will report to the Committee in May.

Status of Legislative Study Committee on Faculty Roles and Rewards

Regent Ulrich reported the legislature has written a footnote for the budget bill that would create a university performance program. Since it is likely this will become law, the universities have begun developing a work plan for implementation. Regent Gignac asked if any state funds would be involved in this and was told there are no appropriated state funds involved. The universities will reallocate $1M annually. Regent Gignac stated her criticism of a law where the universities are to submit a plan to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for approval when there are no appropriated funds in the program. Regent Amos said this is an unfunded mandate. Mr. Fahey said this legislation was originally structured to take the money from the expected tuition increase and the universities asked for flexibility in deciding how to fund the mandate.

Review of Legislation with Potential for Impact on the Arizona University System

Regent Ulrich informed the Board the list of bills on which the Regents took a position at the last meeting has been reduced to thirteen as the other bills have failed or are unlikely to be acted upon this session.

Formation of a Committee for External Review of University Privatization and Outsourcing Activities

Regent Ulrich said the presidents had shared with him suggestions regarding private sector individuals who might be enlisted to serve on a privatization and outsourcing committee. In addition to these suggestions, there will be representatives from the Auditor General's office, the Governor's budget office, the legislative budget office, and the universities. Mr. Warren Rustand, Chairman of Rural Metro and a member of the Greater Phoenix Leadership, has been asked to chair this initiative. Regent Ulrich plans to bring back a formal recommendation on the makeup of the committee and a work plan to the next meeting.

Regent Amos suggested a student serve on the committee. Regent Campbell asked that care be taken to avoid people who might have a conflict of interest. Regent Gignac suggested someone from the classified staff also be on the committee.

There was a consensus of the Board that Regent Ulrich should move ahead, continuing to consult with members of the Council of Presidents and other Regents who have expressed an interest. Regent Gignac asked that the deadline for this not be so short it will cause a crunch with resources. Regent Jewett asked who would select the names and Regent Ulrich said along with the members of the Council of Presidents and the Board President, he will bring names back to the Board. Executive Director Besnette suggested the representatives from the Auditor General's Office be invited to sit in and participate, but not be members of the committee in the same manner as was done on the DeMichael Committee. OSPB and JLBC could be asked whether they want to be a member of the committee or wish to just participate. Regent Gignac suggested there might be both a graduate and undergraduate student on the committee. President Campbell said there is a need to keep the committee to a manageable number of people.

REPORT FROM THE ARIZONA FACULTIES COUNCIL

Dr. Larry Gould said, as reported during the discussion of faculty workload, there are three things required of faculty--scholarship, service, and teaching. Once the faculty workload study is complete, the Arizona Faculties Council is proposing to investigate how scholarship impacts the State of Arizona. This would be a descriptive study, not one with goals and measures.

REPORT FROM THE BOARD'S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES OF ARIZONA

Regent Gignac said Mr. Don-Paul Benjamin and Dr. Art Ashton from the central office attended the last meeting of the State Board of Directors for Community Colleges and listened to the discussion regarding the Arizona Learning Systems.

INQUIRIES, REQUESTS, REPORTS, AND COMMENTS FORM REGENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS

President Campbell thanked Mr. Paul Ward for sitting in as legal counsel. He reminded Board members there will be a call to set tuition the week of April 20. President Lovett announced Dr. Norm Hintz, Vice President for Business Affairs, will be retiring effective June 30, 1998.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

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