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7:30 AM Meeting with Trustees
9:00 AM Committee of Whole
Projected times for the various meetings are estimates only. The Board Chair retains the right to take action at any time. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify ADA Coordinator, 60 South 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84180 (801-646-4784), at least three working days prior to the meeting. TDD # 801-321-7130.
Utah System of Higher Education
Salt Lake Community College
Friday, March 24, 2023
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Minutes
Board Members Present Board Members Absent
Lisa-Michele Church, Chair Steve Starks
Jesselie Anderson, Vice Chair
Grace Acosta
Stan Albrecht
Julie Beck
Stacey Bettridge
Rich Christiansen
Sanchaita Datta
Hope Eccles
Korianne Gibson
Patricia Jones
Arthur Newell
Shawn Newell
Scott Theurer
Xitlalli Villanueva
Rick Wheeler
Office of the Commissioner
Dave Woolstenhulme, Commissioner
Alison Adams-Perlac, General Counsel
Brett Campbell, Research Analyst
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
Russ Galt, Senior Assistant Commissioner for Technical Education Finance
Jared Haines, Senior Advisor for Technical Education
Julie Hartley, Associate Commissioner of Academic Education
Vic Hockett, Associate Commissioner of Talent Ready Utah
Carrie Mayne, Chief Economist
Lais Martinez, Assistant Commissioner for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Katie Mazzie, Director of Student-Center Initiatives
Will Pierce, Assistant Commissioner of Technical Education
Dave Pulsipher, Senior Assistant Commissioner
Melissa Van Hien, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner
Scott Wyatt, Senior Executive Director of Statewide Online Education
Kim Ziebarth, Associate Commissioner of Technical Education
Institutional Presidents Present
Darin Brush, Davis Technical College Brad Mortensen, Weber State University
Mindy Benson, Southern Utah University Jordan Rushton, Dixie Technical College
Chad Campbell, Bridgerland Technical College Jim Taggart, Ogden-Weber Technical College
Clay Christensen, Mountainland Technical College Astrid Tuminez, Utah Valley University
Noelle Cockett, Utah State University Aaron Weight, Uintah Basin Technical College
Deneece Huftalin, Utah Valley University Richard Williams, Utah Tech University
Stacee McIff, Snow College (interim) Brennan Wood, Southwest Technical College
Salt Lake Community College Board of Trustees
Brady Southwick, Chair
Nate Boyer
Lindsay Simons
Jim M. Wall
Kim R. Wilson
Tashelle Wright
Other Guests
Neil Abercrombie, Senior Advisor for Legislative Affairs and Policy for Governor Cox
Cathy Anderson, Chief Financial Officer, University of Utah
Jason Atuaia, Interim Associate Vice President for Budget & Finance, University of Utah
Wendy Carter, Executive Vice President & Provost, Bridgerland Technical College
Marvin Dodge, VP for Finance & Administration, Southern Utah University
Chase Hagood, Senior Associate VP for Academic Affairs & Dean of Undergraduate Studies, University of Utah
Rachel Divine Lewis, Assistant Provost for Curriculum & Academic Systems, Salt Lake Community College
Linda Makin, VP for Planning, Budget & Finance, Utah Valley University
Darren Marshall, Assistant VP of Budget Services & Financial Planning, Salt Lake Community College
Kirt Michaelis, VP for Administrative Services/CFO, Mountainland Technical College
Paul Morris, Utah Tech University
Mitzi Montoya, Senior VP for Academic Affairs, University of Utah
Val Peterson, VP for Administration/Strategic Relations, Utah Valley University
Kelly Simerick, Vice President of Student Services
Laura Snow, Senior Advisor, University of Utah
Keith Sprouse, VP of Administrative Services, Uintah Basin Technical College
Kent Thygerson, VP of Finance & Operations, Tooele Technical College
Jacob Wright, Senior Budget & Policy Analyst
Chair Church called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
President’s Report and Board of Trustees Report
President Huftalin reported on the state of Salt Lake Community College. Salt Lake Community College’s Board of Trustees Chair Brady Southwick provided his insight and perspective on the state of the college. Trustee Simmons gave a report to the Board on the state of the college from the perspective of the students.
Board member Villanueva asked what advances are being made so there are more resources for undocumented students. President Huftalin shared there is a collegewide effort to embed EDI thinking into all different departments.
At Chair Church’s request, President Huftalin spoke about the way enrollment is going. Community colleges are losing enrollment across the nation. Salt Lake Community College is the most affordable, open access, and designed to help students succeed. The communication isn’t quite clear. The national narrative needs to change.
Board member Jones asked President Huftalin what things the Board could do to help her succeed. The president responded that the Board should be brave about conversations around EDI, to pay attention to the general education recommendation and those at the community college and what they’re advocating for.
Board member Wheeler 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 Wheeler made a motion to end closed session; Board member Christiansen seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Committee of the Whole
Student Report
Shantanna Crank from Davis Technical College and Mone Langi from Salt Lake Community College each provided a student report. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Committee Reports
Board member Albrecht summarized the February 2023 Academic Affairs Committee meeting and highlighted the committee’s dashboard with the list of priorities and deliverables. Board member Eccles provided an update from the Institutional Roles and Missions Taskforce
Board members Shawn Newell, Scott Theurer, and Arthur Newell provided summaries from the February 2023 Technical Education and Student Affairs Committee meetings and the March 2023 Financial and Facilities Committee meeting. Chair Church recapped the deliverables for each committee. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
2023 Legislative Session Report
Commissioner Woolstenhulme provided a summary of the 2023 Legislative Session. He thanked the Board members, presidents, legislators, and Neil Abercrombie. Nate Talley provided a report of the funding results from the session. Geoff Landward walked the Board members through a few bills, highlighting a few that impacted higher education. Nate Talley reviewed the systemwide funding totals and the performance funding numbers. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
State Board Impacts
Neil Abercrombie, Senior Advisor for Legislative Affairs and Policy for Governor Cox, spoke with the Board about the impact of SB146 and the transition process. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
USHE Tuition Presentations, Public Comment, Board Action
Utah Tech University
Paul Morris reviewed three new graduate programs for differential tuition. There was a discussion about tuition for in-state versus out-of-state tuition for online classes, demand for the programs, and the timeline for reviewing program approvals. Board member Jones moved to approve Utah Tech University’s new graduate differential tuition schedules for Master of Sports Management, Master of Nursing Education Leadership, and Occupational Therapy Doctorate. Board member Wheeler seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Utah State University – Tech Ed
President Cockett presented the proposed changes in student tuition and fees. There was a discussion about Board members receiving tuition information in advance. Commissioner Woolstenhulme explained that the conversion of clock-hour to credit-hour had been previously approved by the board, is revenue neutral, and is an effort to integrate cost structures of technical colleges and degree-granting institutions at a system-level. Board member Arthur Newell moved to approve the tuition rate of $95 per credit hour for Utah State University – Eastern – Technical Education, along with student fees, and differential tuition rates as presented. Vice Chair Anderson seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Board member Christiansen wanted the minutes to reflect that he’s asking for materials beforehand for review.
Snow College – Tech Ed
President McIff presented the tuition-neutral model for technical education. Board member Christiansen moved to approve the tuition rate of $85 per credit hour for Snow College – Technical Education, along with student fees as presented. Board member Albrecht seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Salt Lake Community College
President Huftalin shared Salt Lake Community College’s tuition presentation. Board member Datta moved to approve the tuition rate of $90 per credit hour for Salt Lake Community College – Technical Education, along with student fees, and differential tuition rates as presented. Board member Shawn Newell seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Bridgerland Technical College
President Campbell presented Bridgerland Tech’s tuition alignment proposal. Board member Jones moved to approve the tuition rate of $95 per credit hour for Bridgerland Technical College. Vice Chair Anderson seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Davis Technical College
President Brush reviewed the tuition alignment and differential tuition proposal for Davis Technical College. Board member Acosta moved to approve the tuition rate of $95 per credit hour for Davis Technical College, along with differential tuition rates as presented. Board member Christiansen seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Dixie Technical College
President Rushton shared the tuition presentation for Dixie Technical College. Board member Jones moved to approve the tuition rate of $105 per credit hour for Dixie Technical College, along with differential tuition rates as presented. Board member Eccles seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Mountainland Technical College
President Christensen and Kirt Michaelis presented the tuition and credit alignment for Mountainland Technical College. Board member Shawn Newell moved to approve the tuition rate of $120 per credit hour for Mountainland Technical College. Board member Arthur Newell seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Ogden-Weber Technical College
President Taggart shared Ogden-Weber Technical College’s tuition presentation. Board member Arthur Newell moved to approve the tuition rate of $95 per credit hour for Ogden-Weber Technical College. Vice Chair Anderson seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Tooele Technical College
Kent Thygersen presented the proposed credit tuition amount and differential tuition. Board member Theurer moved to approve the tuition rate of $85 per credit hour for Tooele Technical College, along with differential tuition rates as presented. Board member Albrecht seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Uintah Basic Technical College
President Weight reviewed Uintah Basin Technical College’s tuition presentation. Board member Acosta moved to approve tuition rate of $100 per credit hour for Uintah Basin Technical College, along with differential tuition rates as presented. Board member Jones seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Annual Tuition Review
Due to time restraints, this agenda item was not addressed.
FY 2025 Performance Funding Model
Nate Talley explained how the new performance funding model works with the Board members. There was discussion regarding the institutions’ five-year goals and the policy by which the Board will set those goals. Nate reviewed the one-year goal proposals, including access, timely completion, and high-yield awards with the Board. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Adoption of Policy R522, Annual Performance Goal Setting & Funding Determination
Board member Christiansen moved to adopt Policy R522, Annual Performance Goal Setting and Funding Determination. Board member Villanueva seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Data Dashboard
Carrie Mayne reviewed the Data Dashboard website with the Board members. The Board requested to review the Data Dashboard with Carrie during each Board meeting to have the data to make informed decisions. There was a discussion on the dashboard’s design and unifying it with the institutions’ dashboards. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Approval of Institution FY 2025 One-Year Performance Goals
Carrie Mayne reviewed the one-year goal proposals for access, timely completion, and high-yield award.
Board member Datta moved to adopt FY 2025 systemwide and institutional annual performance goals consistent with proposed Board policy R522. Board member Shawn Newell seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Consent Calendar
Board member Arthur Newell moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Vice Chair Anderson seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Promise Partnership Discussion
Crystal Maggelet presented the Utah Promise Scholarship to the Board members. Commissioner Woolstenhulme noted a lot of good would come from the scholarship, and they want to work hand-in-hand with the institutions on this. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Council of Presidents Report
President Huftalin provided a report from the degree-granting presidents. President Brush shared perspectives from the technical college presidents. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Simplified Admissions: Single Admissions Application Update
Kris Coles reviewed the simplified admissions concepts that the Simplified Admissions Taskforce discussed. He highlighted the concerns of the institutions. Kris shared that Huron was selected as the vendor, and he then reviewed the cost details. Board member Datta moved to approve the expenditure of funds not to exceed $300,000 for consultation on the scoping and development of a USHE-shared single admission application. Board member Eccles seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Affordability Discussion
How Affordable are USHE Institutions?
Nate Talley presented analysis on how USHE institutions are currently meeting Board-defined affordability measures to the Board members. There was a discussion amongst the Board about the affordability of the USHE institutions This was an information item only; no action was taken.
What are the Key Affordability Strategies and Tactics?
Nate Talley presented key affordability strategies and tactics, including improving fiscal transparency and understanding, coordinating and optimizing financial aid, increasing completion of the FAFSA, ensuring institutions maintain strong fiscal health and operational efficiency. Nate and the Board discussed the Board levers on affordability. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
How Do We Define Affordability? For Whom and for What Purpose?
Overview of Current Definition and Opportunities for Improvement
Nate Talley shared the current Board-adopted definition of affordability with the Board members. He highlighted definitional shortcomings, including capturing variance in institution and student characteristics, opportunity cost, time and return on investment. . This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Applied Examples of Definitional Shortcomings
Katie Mazzie presented three case studies of possible student financial scenarios. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Disparities in Educational Attainment and Earnings by Demographic Status Data and Implications for Affordability
Lais Martinez presented the definition of affordability as defined by USHE and contrasted it to that of some USHE students. Carrie Mayne reviewed public use data on Utah earning differentials by educational attainment, race and ethnicity with the Board members. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Student Experiences with Affordability
Student Board members Korianne Gibson and Xitlalli Villanueva spoke about the student experience with affordability. They provided recommendations to the Board members on increasing affordability for students, including being creative in sharing information, rethinking the payment system, and scholarships that apply to other things besides tuition. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
What are Board Levers to Increase ROI?
Industry Partnerships & Talent Ready Utah
Due to time restrains, this agenda item was not addressed.
Potential Gains in Affordability from Reaching 5-Year Performance Goals
Nate Talley reviewed USHE’s five-year performance goals and shared how achieving the goals could impact affordability in terms of student increased earnings and cost avoidance. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
What are the Board Levers for Cost Avoidance?
Update on Shared Services Initiative
Arthur Newell provided an update on the Shared Services Initiative. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Potential Revisions to Board Policies on Capital Facilities
Nate Talley highlighted recent Board and Council of Presidents discussions on Board policies related to capital facilities, architectural programming, acquisition of property, and use of capital project funds. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Board Prioritization of All Institution Requests for Appropriations
Commissioner Woolstenhulme shared that all RFAs presented by institutions and legislators must go through the Board pursuant to Senate Bill 146 of the 2023 General Legislative Session. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
What are Board Levers Affecting Students’ Ability to Pay
Board Approval Criteria for Tuition and Fees Increases
Commissioner Woolstenhulme shared the findings from the audit regarding tuition and fee increases. He expressed that having the Board delegate the responsibility to the boards of trustees is the proper practice and encouraged the Board to continue to delegate it to the trustees. There was a discussion amongst the Board about this process. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Increase FAFSA Completion
Board member Theurer shared the work being done to increase FAFSA completion. There is a cultural challenge in the state, where many do not know about FAFSA. They will continue to do what they’re doing with training the trainers and access advisers. The simplified FAFSA will be marketed as soon as it’s ready. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
USHE Institution Waiver Use
Dave Pulsipher discussed the USHE institution tuition waiver use with Board members. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Forthcoming Study on Merit-Based Scholarships and Student Completion
Due to time restraints, this agenda item was not addressed.
Board Scholarship Allocation
Chair Church explained that the Board receives a certain amount of money appropriated for scholarships every year from the legislature. Nate Talley detailed these scholarships: the Opportunity Scholarship, the Promise Scholarship, and the New Century Scholarship. The New Century Scholarship has been phased out. Nate explained a few financial scenarios the Board could use to reallocate funding from the New Century Scholarship to the Promise Scholarship. There was a discussion amongst the Board about these three scenarios. The Board moved this to the May Board meeting to allow time to investigate the scenarios. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
University of Utah – 2023A Revenue Bond Results
Due to time restraints, this agenda item was not addressed.
Annual Space Utilization Report
Due to time restraints, this agenda item was not addressed.
Financial Ratio Report & Annual Money Management Report – FY 2022
Nate Talley reviewed the Financial Ratio and Annual Money Management reports with the Board. Board member Christiansen raised concerns about some ratios and asked for more discussion. Board Member Newell shared that the Finance and Facilities Committee asked Nate to engage relevant institutions and more deeply evaluate the financial health metrics of those institutions. This was an information item only; no action was taken.
Motion to Adjourn
Vice Chair Anderson moved to adjourn; Board member Arthur Newell seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
_____________________
Geoffrey Landward, Secretary
Date Approved: May 18, 2023
Utah System of Higher Education
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