Utah System of Higher Education

University of Utah

Friday, January 13, 2023

 

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Minutes

 

Board Members Present                                                      Board Members Absent

Lisa-Michele Church, Chair                                                                                    Sanchaita Datta

Jesselie Anderson, Vice Chair                                                                               Steve Starks

Grace Acosta

Stan Albrecht

Julie Beck

Stacey Bettridge

Rich Christiansen

Hope Eccles

Korianne Gibson

Patricia Jones

Arthur Newell

Shawn Newell

Scott Theurer

Xitlalli Villanueva

Rick Wheeler

 

Office of the Commissioner

Dave Woolstenhulme, Commissioner

Taylor Adams, Associate Commissioner for Strategic Initiatives

Alison Adams-Perlac, General Counsel

Samantha Aird, Talent Ready Utah, Program Specialist

Kris Coles, Assistant Commissioner for Student Affairs

Trisha Dugovic, Director of Communication

Malin Francis, Director of Facilities & Planning

Brynn Fronk, Executive Assistant to the Utah Board of Higher Education

Jared Haines, Senior Advisor for Technical Education

Julie Hartley, Associate Commissioner of Academic Education

Melanie Heath, Associate Commissioner for Student Affairs and Access

Vic Hockett, Associate Commissioner of Talent Ready Utah

Tori Hooper, The Point, Project Coordinator & Admin

Carrie Mayne, Chief Economist

Lais Martinez, Assistant Commissioner for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Katie Mazzie, Director of Student-Center Initiatives

Dave Pulsipher, Senior Assistant Commissioner

Peter Reed, Talent Ready Utah Program Manager of Higher Education Initiatives

Hilary Renshaw, Associate General Counsel

Jeremias Solari, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Research and Data Science

Nate Talley, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer

Juliette Tennert, Former Chief Financial Officer

Melissa Van Hien, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner

Scott Wyatt, Senior Executive Director of Statewide Online Education

Laura Zemp, Assistant Commissioner of Research

Kim Ziebarth, Associate Commissioner of Technical Education

Laura Zemp, Assistant Commissioner of Research

 

Institutional Presidents Present                                        

Darin Brush, Davis Technical College                                            Brad Mortensen, Weber State University

Chad Campbell, Bridgerland Technical College                       Taylor Randall, University of Utah

Clay Christensen, Mountainland Technical College               Jordan Rushton, Dixie Technical College

Noelle Cockett, Utah State University                                            Jim Taggart, Ogden-Weber Technical College

Paul Hacking, Tooele Technical College                                       Astrid Tuminez, Utah Valley University

Deneece Huftalin, Utah Valley University                                   Aaron Weight, Uintah Basin Technical College

Stacee McIff, Snow College                                                                   Brennan Wood, Southwest Technical College

 

University of Utah Board of Trustees

Christian Gardner, Chair

Katie Eccles, Vice Chair

Marcia Garciaz

Taylor VanderToolen

Steve Price

Other Guests

Brooke Adams, National Media Strategist, University of Utah

Morgan Aguilar, Communications and Marketing, University of Utah

Cathy Anderson, Chief Financial Officer, University of Utah

Jason Atuaia, Interim Associate Vice President for Budget & Finance, University of Utah

Mallory Bateman, Director of Demographic Research & State Data Center Coordinator, Kem C. Gardner     Policy Institute

Carolina Bloem, Associate Professor of French, Salt Lake Community College

Seth Bracken, Magazine Editor-in-Chief, University of Utah

Marvin Dodge, Vice President for Finance & Administration, Southern Utah University

Gary P. Duran, Government Relations Liaison, Weber State University

J Jo

Todd Hougaard, Student Leadership Commissioner, Utah PTA

Alexander L. Lancaster

Carson Howell, Vice President of Finance & Administrative Services, Snow College

Lori McDonald, Vice President of Student Affairs, University of Utah

Libby Mitchell, @theU Managing Editor, University of Utah

Mitzi Montoya, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Utah

Paul Morris, Vice President of Administrative Affairs, Utah Tech University

Chris Nelson, Chief University Relations Officer & Secretary to the University, University of Utah

Allison Nicholson, Manager, Policy Innovation, University of Utah

Rob Patton, Executive Communications Manager, University of Utah

Val Peterson, Vice President for Administration / Strategic Relations, Utah Valley University

Clifton Sanders, Provost for Academic Affairs & Chief Academic Officer, Salt Lake Community College

Laura Snow, Senior Advisor, University of Utah

Holly Todd, Crisis Response, MTSS/PBIS, School Counseling Program Specialist, Northeastern Utah            Educational Services (NUES)

Rebecca Walsh, Interim Director of Communications, University of Utah

Karen West, Liaison to the Board of Trustees, University of Utah

Shawn Wood, Communications Manager, University of Utah

Jacob Wright, Senior Budget & Policy Analyst, Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget

 

 

 

 

 

Chair Church called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.

 

President’s Report and Board of Trustees Report

 

President Randall provided an overview of the state of the University of Utah with the Board members and Board of Trustees. He reviewed his three-pronged approach with the Board members – inspire, innovate, and impact. He asked the Board to help by being cheerleaders. Chair Gardner shared insight into the University’s state and the trustees’ perspective. He iterated that the University of Utah is different from other institutions within the system because they have a research component and an extensive medical system. He reviewed the six commitments signed by the Board of Trustees. Taylor VanderToolen shared the student perspective of the institution with the Board members. Board members asked questions related to demographics, helping student systemwide move towards completion, and mental health. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

Board member Shawn Newell made a motion to go into closed session for the purposes of discussing the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual; Board member Arthur Newell seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

 

Closed Session

Board member Theurer made a motion to end closed session; Board member Wheeler seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

 

Committee of the Whole

 

Student Report

 

Derek Darcy from Tooele Technical College provided a student report. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

Amendments to Board Policies R208 and R209, Presidential Evaluation Process

 

Board member Albrecht made a motion to postpone the action item Amendments to Board Policies R208 and R209, Presidential Evaluation Process until the March 2023 Board meeting. Vice-Chair Anderson seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

 

State Online Proposal

 

President Mortensen reviewed the timeline of the State Online Proposal. He summarized the four-point plan. The presidents are dedicated to working with USHE institutions to establish some college no-degree targets by the end of June 2023. When it comes to expanding affordable online offerings, they want to have that reported by the March Board meeting. Board member Theurer requested more information on why the timeline is so elongated, with a response from Julie Hartley. Board member Jones made a motion to approve the State Online Proposal as presented by the presidents. Board member Theurer seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

 

Revision to and Renaming of Board Policy R506,

Guidance on Categorizing Budget Related and Self-Supporting Courses

 

Juliette Tennert reviewed the changes to Board policy R506, Guidance on Categorizing Budget Related and Self-Supporting Courses. Board member Acosta asked for clarity on the policy, which Alison Adams-Perlac provided. Board member Arthur Newell made a motion to approve the proposed revisions to Board Policy R506, Guidance on Categorizing Budget Related and Self-Supporting Courses. Vice-Chair Anderson seconded the motion. Board member Eccles asked about the approach to changing policies, to which Alison Adams-Perlac responded. Board members Beck and Acosta expressed discomfort around the policy. Alison Adams-Perlac commented that the Commissioner’s office is on track to have procedures developed by April to bring to the Board in May for clarifications. Board member Theurer supported the policy as long as it included a report back to the Board at the May meeting. Board member Arthur Newell modified the motion to approve it as provided with further clarifications to come to the Board in the May meeting as to the details to the policy. Board member Scott Theurer seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

 

FY23 Performance Goals

 

Commissioner Woolstenhulme and Juliette Tennert outlined the FY23 performance goals. Board member Jones asked about feedback from the Council of Presidents, with a response from the Commissioner. The presidents and the Commissioner weighed in on the concepts of performance funding. Board member Eccles asked for clarification on the funding. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

Utah Valley University – Architectural Programming Request

 

Board member Arthur Newell introduced Utah Valley University’s Architectural Programming Request. Val Peterson, Vice President for Administration/Strategic Relations at Utah Valley University, gave a presentation on the request. Board member Arthur Newell shared that the Finance and Facilities Committee recommended that the Board approve the request for UVU. Board member Wheeler commented that it is important that the Board not limit the institutions too much on programming. Board member Theurer made a motion that this is postponed for approval at least past the legislative session when we see how they act with SB102 funds this year and our prioritized projects. Board member Eccles seconded the motion. Board member Theurer explained his reasoning for postponing the project. Board member Arthur Newell shared feedback from the Finance and Facilities Committee and commented that he is comfortable moving forward with the understanding that we still need to define it. Board member Jones made a substitute motion that we go ahead and approve this given the information we received from the Finance and Facilities Committee and the process it has gone through. Vice Chair Anderson seconded the motion. Board member Theurer commented that the Board needs the policy first, then level the playing field for all institutions to ask for pre-programing money for their next capital facilities project. Board member Albrecht expressed support for the request. Board member Villanueva shared concern about opening new programs when the money can be invested in existing programs. Val Peterson explained it is a different pot of money. Board member Theurer amended the motion to include that the project will be built with dedicated funds. Board member Arthur Newell commented that it would be a mistake to include dedicated funds. Board member Jones made a substitute motion that we pass it with including dedicated funds. Board member Christiansen seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

 

University of Utah – Lease Renewal for One Sandy Center

 

Cathy Anderson presented the University of Utah’s Lease Renewal for One Sandy Center. Board member Eccles made a motion to authorize the University of Utah to renew the One Sandy Center lease for an additional ten years. Board member Shawn Newell seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

 

Alternative Financial Aid Form

 

David Pulsipher introduced the Alternative Financial Aid Form, an alternate form for students ineligible to fill out the FAFSA to apply for the Opportunity Scholarship. Vice Chair Anderson asked Dave to clarify the number of potential students this may impact, to which David answered 20 students. Board member Acosta applauded them for coming up with a solution to this issue. Board member Eccles asked why the students were ineligible, to which David and Board member Acosta responded it was due to citizenship status. Board member Beck asked if this would apply to students at all 16 institutions, to which David responded affirmatively. President Huftalin asked if this form would only apply meritoriously or for other state aid. David answered that the form would only be used for the Opportunity Scholarship, but they are actively looking for other approaches. The new FAFSA will ease some concerns because it will not require a social security number. Board member Shawn Newell moved to approve the Federal Student Aid Estimator as the approved alternative financial form for Opportunity Scholarship applicants who are ineligible to complete a FAFSA. Board member Beck seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

 

Snow College – FY 24 Land Bank Request Amendment

 

Carson Howell, Vice President of Finances and Administrative Services at Snow College, presented Snow College’s FY24 Land Bank Request Amendment. Vice Chair Anderson commented that the Finance and Facilities Committee felt this was a worthy substitution. Board member Theurer asked why they were not asking for preprogramming money. Carson responded that they were not at that point in the process. They will return to the Board in the next few years before constructing the facility. President McIff commented that the seller came up with the substitution idea. Commissioner Woolstenhulme shared that it would not have been his recommendation to approve if they asked for programming money for this site because it is not their priority. He asked Board member Arthur Newell and Nate Talley to capture that in policy as we move forward. Board member Christiansen made a motion to approve the land bank request for Snow College. Board member Wheeler seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

Consent Calendar

 

Marvin Dodge, Vice President for Finance and Administration at Southern Utah University, reviewed the SUU Architectural Programming Request on the Consent Calendar at the Commissioner’s and Chair Church’s request. Board member Eccles asked for clarification on how items get on the Consent Calendar, with a response from Alison Adams-Perlac. Board member Eccles noted that the November 18, 2022, minutes should indicate that President Tuminez’s presentation was focused on some college, no degree. Chair Church stated the minutes from the meeting would be updated to include that edit. Board member Eccles commented that some of the memos in the Consent Calendar need to be more robust, including fiscal notes and alignment. Kim Ziebarth addressed the program alignment item on the Consent Calendar. Board member Eccles moved to approve the Consent Calendar with the one change. Board member Arthur Newell seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

 

Committee Reports

 

Board members Stan Albrecht, Julie Beck, and Scott Theurer provided summaries of the December 2022 Board committee meetings. Board member Arthur Newell expressed gratitude for Juliette Tennert and excitement to have Nate Talley join as the new Deputy Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

Student Report

 

Emily Hernandez provided a student report from the University of Utah. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

Council of Presidents Report

 

President Randall presented a Council of Presidents Report from the degree-granting presidents. He expressed appreciation to the Board for taking up the presidential performance policy. Still, he requested they also take up the presidential support policy, meaning contracts and supports that would make them successful in their jobs. He noted the presidents could find ways to work with the governor’s tuition freeze as long as raises and other things are also funded. President Cockett commented on how the tuition freeze could impact salary compensation and budget cuts at Utah State University. The final item President Randall addressed is the ability of the presidents and Board to gather to articulate the value of higher education. They would like to honestly discuss what education should cost and what the institutions are doing. Chair Church commented that the Board plans to have an affordability discussion at the next meeting in March. She reassured President Randall that the presidential evaluation policy would be discussed in another meeting. There have always been three pieces to the evaluation – 1. The objective evaluation, 2. A liaison assigned to your school from the Board to maintain communication, 3. The professional development resources for the presidents and senior staff. Those are the three components going in, and they’ll still be in the final analysis.

 

President Christensen provided a report from the technical college presidents. He expressed their appreciation for the alignment and transfer of credit process. They appreciate the opportunity they’ve had to work with the degree-granting institutions and the support they’ve received from the Board, the Commissioner, and the legislature. Their recommendations included right-sizing the process for the presidential evaluation, the importance of the R&R process, continuing work on the articulation process, and the SB102 process. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

Custom Fit Report

 

Due to time restraints, this agenda item was not addressed.

 

Legislative Session Updates

 

Commissioner Woolstenhulme provided an update on the Legislative Session. He will email a newsletter to the Board members each week with legislative updates. Board member Acosta asked if the system pays for lobbyists, to which Chair Church responded. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

Shared Services Update

 

Board member Arthur Newell provided an update from the Utah Higher Education Shared Services Initiative Taskforce (UHESSI). It is chaired by Board member Steve Starks and will come through the Finance and Facilities Committee. The task force is on hold for a month or two to wait to see what the legislative session produces. They’ve invited business community members to join the task force, including Harris Simmons and Karine Clark. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

Access Discussion

 

Review of USHE Vision Statement

 

Chair Church reviewed the USHE vision statement with the Board members. Board member Shawn Newell commended the Board and institutions for their access and diversity efforts. He encouraged the group not to be afraid to ask for greater clarity when talking about the history and to be conscious that there is a lot of room to move forward. Chair Church challenged the group to consider other resources that can impact equity. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

What Does Access Mean to USHE Students? Video

 

Board member Villanueva introduced the video, What Does Access Mean to USHE Students? The video was then played for the group. Board member Villanueva pleaded with the presidents to choose students the way students choose institutions. She shared her journey to higher education and the sacrifices it cost her and her family. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

 

Discussion

 

Mallory Bateman reviewed the demographics in the state of Utah. Lais Martinez shared that she began her career in higher education as an admissions counselor and worked directly with students encountering barriers. How students interface with our institutions tremendously impacts their college trajectory. The Board members discussed access in higher education, including access to technology, Board policy review, and inclusion. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

Access Data

 

Carrie Mayne shared the access data with the Board members. Board member Jones asked about the impact of Covid on the data, to which Carrie responded. President Tuminez commented on the four million fewer enrolled students in the USA between 2012 and 2022. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

Simplified Admissions Overview

 

Melanie Heath introduced guests from the Utah PTA and Northeastern Utah Education Services. Todd Hougaard and Holly Todd spoke to the Board in support of the simplified admissions process. Carrie Mayne highlighted the Envision Utah Survey of Utah high school students. Melanie Health and Board member Theurer gave a presentation on Simplified Admissions. Board member Christiansen strongly supported the Simplified Admissions efforts. Board member Eccles asked about application fees with a response from President Tuminez. She then cautioned about the additional cost to the institutions, so the Board should be prepared to handle that. Chair Church noted that we’re not there yet on this process. Melanie Heath discussed the task force and provided a summary of the concepts they considered and concerns they’ve heard from the institutions. Board member Theurer asked the Board members if they would like to move forward with Simplified Admissions. Board member Wheeler asked about the timeline, with a response from Chair Church and the Commissioner. Board member Theurer addressed concerns that the presidents shared. Chair Church noted there is a gap, and suggested a consultant could help identify where to close the gap. Board member Villanueva liked the Simplified Admissions idea, but she thinks more minor things can be done now. Board member Gibson commented that she believes it is important but unsure how to incorporate the technical colleges. Board member Christiansen made a motion that the Commissioner use his discretionary funds to fund a consultant to begin framing out and mapping what this app might look like so that we can present the more clarified objective to the legislative body. Board member Theurer added to the motion that we would continue the work of the taskforce. Board member Arthur Newell seconded the amended motion and the motion passed. Commissioner Woolstenhulme shared that an RFP will have to be done and brought back to the Board before implementation. Board member Christiansen commented that it needn’t get too complicated. Board member Eccles expressed hope that the consultants will be open-minded enough. President Tuminez requested the presidents have a chance to meet with the consultant.

 

Utah College Advising Corps

 

Carrie Mayne reviewed the Envision Utah Survey with the Board and presidents. Melanie Heath explained the role of the Utah College Advising Corps (UCAC) advisors and reviewed the phases of the UCAC program expansion. She also highlighted other access programs run through OCHE, including Utah College Application Week and FAFSA Completion Nights, Statewide College Access Training, and Regional College Access Partners. Board member Gibson endorsed the UCAC program. Board member Jones noted the UCAC advisors are paid peers and lift the burden of career guidance counselors in the high schools. Board member Eccles applauded the efforts and reminded them to include technical education in the definition of concurrent going forward. She also noted that some scholarship programs might be available to forgive debt. Melanie talked about what funding is available for the UCAC program when it sunsets and what the Board can do going forward. Chair Church stated they have to get investments from others. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

College in High School

 

Carrie Mayne reviewed the data that supports college in high school opportunities. These opportunities include concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), college-level examinations, bridge programs, and technical college programming. The USHE research team staff is completing a study about early college for Utah students. Taylor Adams discussed Pathways with the Board. She walked them through the Pathways timeline phases which are 1. Build foundation and gather information, 2. Collaborate and coordinate, and 3. Develop plan. Chair Church noted that if students could see the path forward starting in high school, the schools would also appreciate that. Commissioner Woolstenhulme thanked the Utah State Board of Education for their efforts. President Huftalin asked Taylor to talk through the pathway piece with RCAP. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

 

Motion to Adjourn

 

Board member Acosta made a motion to adjourn; Board member Eccles seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

 

The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

_____________________

Geoffrey Landward, Secretary

 

Date Approved: March 24, 2023