UTAH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
SYSTEM OFFICE, TWO GATEWAY, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
VIRTUAL MEETING, ZOOM

Friday, January 15, 2021

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Minutes

Board Members Present   

• Harris H. Simmons, Chair
• Aaron Osmond, Vice Chair
• Nina R. Barnes, Vice Chair
• Wilford W. Clyde
• Jesselie B. Anderson
• Jera L. Bailey
• Stacey K. Bettridge
• Arthur E. Newell
• Patricia Jones
• Lisa Michele Church
• Scott Theurer
• Crystal Maggelet
• Shawn Newell
• Candyce Paige
• Glen Rivera
• Alan E. Hall
• Sanchaita Datta

Board Members Absent

• Mike Angus

Office of the Commissioner

• Dave R. Woolstenhulme, Commissioner of Higher Education
• Rich Amon, Chief Financial Officer
• Geoffrey Landward, Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel
• Julie Hartley, Associate Commissioner of Academic Education
• Jessica Gilmore, Associate Commissioner of Workforce Development
• Spencer Jenkins, Chief Student Affairs Officer
• Malissa Jones, Office Manager

Institutional Presidents Present 

Committee of the Whole

Chair Simmons called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. 

Closed Session

Board member Bettridge motioned to move into closed session for the purposes of discussing the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual and to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation. The motion was seconded by Board member Datta and the motion carried.

Student Update

Student updates were provided by Joshua Gardner from Ogden-Weber Technical College, Marcela Rodriquez from Weber State University and Kamryn Price from Davis Technical College. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Resolution (TAB A)

Chair Simmons read a resolution of appreciation to the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. On a motion by Board member Shawn Newell and seconded by Board member Damron resolution was adopted by the Board.

Prior Learning Assessment Policy (TAB B)

Julie Hartley discussed the updates to the Prior Learning Assessment Policy, R472. Board member Arthur Newell made a motion for the Board to approve the proposed updates to Policy R472, Credit for Prior Learning in Tab B; Board member Jones seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Legislative Summary

A short update on the upcoming legislative session was provided by Spencer Jenkins. Rich Amon provided information on the financial information. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

General Consent Calendar (TAB D)

Board member Clyde made a motion to approve the consent calendar with one modification – that Policy R705, Leased Space in the Capital and Property Policy Revisions item be excluded. The motion was seconded by Board member Bettridge and the motion passed.

• Minutes – Minutes of the Board meeting August 21, 2020
• Finance and Facilities Items
• Academic Education Items
• Grant Proposals
• Awards

System Strategic Plan (TAB E)

Due to time limits during the meeting, the strategic plan discussion item was moved to the March meeting agenda. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

Search Firm Authorization

Rich Amon provided a summary of the tuition and fee setting process to the board. Board member Arthur Newell made a motion to approve the processes described in Tab C for institutional Board of Trustee involvement in setting tuition and general student fees; Board member Osmond seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Innovation Task Force (TAB F)

Jessica Gilmore gave a brief updated for Board members on the progress of the Innovation Task Force. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

COVID-19 Update

Spencer Jenkins provided an update on the testing on campus and the COVID-19 relieve package.  This was an information item only; no action was taken.   

Motion from Closed Session

Chair Harris introduced the Board member Clyde made a motion that the Board adopt the following statement:

We understand the seriousness of the concerns raised by USU student athletes, and we are grateful for the thorough joint investigation conducted by Stoel Rives and Ray Quinney & Nebeker. After reviewing this report, we also understand that both President Cockett and the student athletes started the meeting on December 8, 2020, intent on discussing two different topics. As the report states, “Because the athletes were focused on expressing their support for Coach Maile, we conclude that it is likely they understandably interpreted Pres. Cockett’s comments as a criticism of or commentary on Coach Maile, which triggered a number of athletes to defend Coach Maile as being inclusive and supportive of athletes regardless of their religious background.” Whereas, President Cockett wanted to discuss the “athletes’ well-being. Top of mind…was her genuine concern that USU meet its goal of being an inclusive environment for all.”

Though some remarks made were interpreted as potential religious or cultural bias, they were not intended as such. President Cockett has long demonstrated her commitment to make USU a welcoming, nurturing environment for people from all backgrounds. Following the findings in this report, the Utah Board of Higher Education, the president’s resource and review team, and the Board of Trustees will continue to work with President Noelle Cockett to foster an inclusive, safe campus community with open pathways of communication and support. Based on this report and the input of the Utah State University Board of Trustees, the Board expresses its unanimous support for President Cockett.

Board member Osmond amended the motion to include providing the report to the public. Board member Arthur Newell seconded the amendment and the amendment passed.

Board member Maggelet seconded the motions and the motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.