STATE BOARD OF REGENTS
DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY, ST. GEORGE, UTAH
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MINUTES
Regents Present
Daniel W. Campbell, Chair
France A. Davis, Vice Chair
Ty Aller
Nina R. Barnes
Jesselie B. Anderson
Wilford W. Cldye
Marlin K. Jensen
Patricia Jones
Steve Lund
Robert S. Marquardt
Steve Moore
Robert W. Prince
Harris H. Simmons
Mark R. Stoddard
Teresa L. Theurer
Joyce P. Valdez
Regents Absent
Laura L. Belnap
Spencer F. Stokes
John H. Zenger
Office of the Commissioner
David L. Buhler, Commissioner of Higher Education
Kimberly L. Henrie, Associate Commissioner for Planning, Finance and Facilities
Elizabeth Hitch, Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs
Institutional Presidents Present
David W. Pershing, University of Utah
Noelle Cockett, Utah State University
Scott L Wyatt, Southern Utah University
Gary L. Carlston, Snow College
Matthew S. Holland, Utah Valley University
Richard B. Williams, Dixie State University
Deneece G. Huftalin, Salt Lake Community College
Charles Wight, Weber State University
Other Commissioner’s Office and institutional personnel were also present. The signed role is on file in the Commissioner’s Office.
Vice Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. Vice Chair Davis welcomed the Board, others in attendance, and then turned the time to President Williams for the State of the University.
Discussion – High Impact Practices that Enhance Learning, Retention, and Completion
Rebecca Martin, Executive Director of the National Association of the System Heads presented an overview of High Impact Practices to guide the board’s consideration of practices and metrics. Presentations were also given by: Ann Darling, Assistance Vice President of Undergraduate Studies & Associate Professor of Communications, University of Utah – Selected experiences such as: Honors College, Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, LEAP (first-year learning community), Learning Abroad, My Utah Signature Experience (MUSE), Service Learning; Fred White, Associate Vice President, Utah Valley University – Five Pillars of Engagement, Engaged Learning; and Sandy Peterson, Associate Provost for Academic Quality and Success, Dixie State University – Highlights of High Impact Practices Emerging from the AASCU Reexamining the First year Experience Project.
State of the University
President Williams began by saying about three years ago Dixie State University (DSU) underwent a significant effort to update the strategic plan to identify who DSU is as a university and who they want to be. They are now in the second year of implementation of this new strategic plan; they are very proud of who they are and what they are doing as a university. One of the first challenges they had in the implementation of the strategic plan was to define their identity as a university. They identified the need to change the school mascot and President Williams shared a video that explains how they came to be the Trailblazers. President Williams said this was a huge hit with students and the community and new traditions are being started. One new tradition is Art in the City; this includes nine bison that have been painted and placed throughout the community. They have a new Marketing and Communications department that is an award winning group and have won several awards over the last 18 months. This group has worked with the faculty to create a new learning model defined as Active Learning, Active Life. This model includes work in the classroom and in the community. They have worked on their academic vision, which is to focus on less breadth, more depth. DSU is focusing on polytechnic as depth and a regional campus as breadth. They will propose this year seven new programs, focusing on programs that address workforce shortages. President Williams also gave an update on their partnership with Utah State University, saying things are moving very well and this has been a seamless partnership. He noted the success of the Digital Film Program that was approved last year, as well as the Institute of Politics. He additionally noted the Osmond family would like to partner with the academic programs to create a Center for Arts Production. They are also making great progress with Dixie Online, which will be located in the Innovation Plaza. The newest program is Dixie Innovation Guidance and Solution Program, which was spearheaded by an opportunity they had to work with Dr. Wayne Provost, who is a patent specialist. Dr. Provost approached DSU because he wanted to be involved with the students. President Williams stated a lot of focus over the last three years has been on growth and last year they completed the first new housing in 50 years, renovated their clothing store into a health and counseling center, and the Multi-cultural Center is up and running. They are currently working on raising funds to expand dinning on campus. Of course this is also a home of athletics and DSU will be changing conferences from Pac West to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
On a motion by Regent Theurer, and seconded by Regent Clyde, the following items were approved on the Regents’ General Consent Calendar:
- Minutes – Minutes of the Board meeting January 20, 2017, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Grant Proposals
- Awards
- Academic Items Received and Approved
- Approval of a leave of absence for President Matthew S. Holland, from May 5,2017 through July 31, 2017, to accept an opportunity to serve as a Senior Associate at Oxford University, pursuant to Regent Policy R210.
- Approval of revision to R911, Employment of Relatives
Commissioner Buhler shared highlights of the recently concluded legislative session. He noted the session began with legislators looking at a 2% reduction, and then there was a very serious proposal to change the compensation match from 25/75 to 50/50. Fortunately the session ended with operating increases of 2% salary, 8% insurance and enrollment growth funded at 90% of our request. This is first time new enrollment has been funded in over a decade. 6.5 million was approved to continue performance funding, and the Regents’ Scholarship received an increase to cope with growth of the program. We received funding for three capital facility projects, the Regents’ top three projects. The USHE team monitored over 100 pieces of legislation, most significant issues included: concurrent resolution on student mental health, statutory changes involving revenue bonds for capital facilities, performance funding revisions, modifications to the Regents’ scholarship, and Senate Bill 238.
This is an information item only; no action is required.
Commissioner Buhler noted there is two pieces to this item; first is the first-tier tuition which is uniform across the system, and second is an optional second-tier tuition which may be proposed by presidents. The second-tier tuition must be approved by institutions’ Board of Trustees and have held a truth in tuition hearing on campus. The proposal for first-tier tuition is 2.5% and second-tier is proposed at four of the intuitions, providing an average of a 3.4% increase, which is the second lowest since 1999.
Vice-chair Davis called on the Presidents of the four institutions requesting a second-tier increase.
President Pershing noted the increase for the U is to deal with the High Impact Practice area and student success initiatives.
President Cockett noted the increase for USU is to cover promotion and tenure, scholarships, mental health and wellness, information technology, and the Alex Prep Math Preparation Program.
President Wight said this is the first time in his five years as President of WSU they are requesting a second-tier increase. This increase will help with student recruitment, retention, persistence and graduation success.
President Williams noted the increase for DSU will help handle growth and seven new degree programs.
Vice-chair Davis asked for comments from the Presidents of the institutions requesting differential tuition increases.
President Pershing noted the increase is for Architecture and Business, Master of Software Development, and the Law School.
President Carlston noted the increase is to align the Computer Engineering degree with the four year music degree at Snow College.
President Holland noted the increase is for graduate programs at UVU.
Vice-chair Davis asked for questions and comments from Regents, Presidents and others in attendance; no comments were made.
Chair Campbell stated it may be good to know from Presidents next year in advance of tuition increases what issues are driving costs up. This will allow them to discuss the issues and be better prepared going into the legislative session and allow for more discussion with legislators. President Cockett agreed and noted this would allow for greater communication. Regent Valdez asked if something specific contributed to the low tuition increase. Commissioner Buhler noted the compensation match from the state was a major contributor, as well as presidents working to keep tuition low and only going to students when absolutely needed. Vice-Chair Davis asked the record to show that everyone involved is committed to keeping tuition rates as low as possible and that it is out of necessity that we have to deal with increases. Regent Jones asked to comment about compensation benchmarks. Commissioner Buhler noted it is a very competitive workforce and each president works hard to maintain compensation at the national medium. He also noted we are grateful compensation increases were not less than state employees, but it was not as much as requested. Regent Jones asked Presidents if compensation is an issue in maintaining staff and faculty. President Pershing said yes and the U is losing one of their “hot shot” technical faculty members to the University of Alabama for double the salary. He said this is a real problem and we are losing our best faculty, so we are doing what we can to retain the best for the benefit of the students. President Cockett said she was appalled at some of the low salaries they pay and the compensation match from the state is critical. She also noted the 2% salary increase for some of the lower paid employees will not even cover the increased insurance premiums. President Carlston said they just completed a compensation study and part of their strategic plan is to bring their staff’s compensation to the national medium. Currently, 66% of employees at Snow College are below the national medium. President Huftalin said SLCC has over the last five years been looking at salary equity and is trying to bring salaries to 90% of the national medium. They are also doing a gender pay equity study. President Williams noted part of their strategic plan is to have everyone at 100% of medium by 2020. He also said that he coming from outside of the Utah system can say, USHE is not going to be able to compete nationally. His concern is people are more transient and are willing to relocate for more money.
Regent Stoddard motion to approve as outlined in TAB Z; the motion was seconded by Regent Jones and the motion carried.
Reports of Board Committees
Academic and Student Affairs Committee
Institutional Completion Update – Dixie State University (TAB A)
Regent Prince noted this report was very well done. This is an information item only; no action was taken.
Statewide Completion Initiative (TAB B)
Regent Prince noted this report was very well done. This is an information item only; no action was taken.
Revision of R315, Service Area Designations and Coordination of Off-Campus Courses and Programs (TAB C)
Regent Prince noted this clarifies a memorandum of understanding.
Revision of R470, General Education Common Course Numbering, Lower-Division, Pre-Major Requirements, Transfer of Credit, and Credit by Examination (TAB D)
Regent Prince noted this clarifies the articulation of upper and lower division courses and includes more detailed guidance. Regent Prince motioned to approve as outlined in TAB C and TAB D; the motion was seconded by Regent Valdez and the motion carried.
New Century and Regents’ Scholarship Award Amounts (TAB E)
Regent Prince noted this was approved unanimously in committee. Regent Prince motioned to approve as outlined in TAB E; the motion was seconded by Regent Jones and the motion carried.
Dixie State University – Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics (TAB F)
Regent Prince noted this merges data utilization from many of the STEM fields.
Dixie State University – Bachelor of Arts/Science in Applied Sociology (TAB G)
Regent Prince noted both TAB F and TAB G were unanimously approved in committee.
Regent Prince motioned to approve as outlined in TAB F and TAB G; the motioned was seconded by Regent Theurer and the motion carried.
Southern Utah University – Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (TAB H)
Regent Prince noted this will span several disciplines and give much desired flexibility to students.
Southern Utah University – Master of Athletic Training (TAB I)
Regent Prince noted this addresses the now required graduate degree to work in this field.
Southern Utah University – Associate of Art/Science in Legal Student (online) (TAB J)
Regent Prince noted this will facilitate graduates to enter work in a legal field prior to receiving their four year degree.
Regent Prince motioned to approve as outlined in TAB H, TAB I and TAB J; the motioned was seconded by Regent Simmons and the motion carried.
Weber State University – Associate of Science in Business and Economics (TAB K)
Regent Prince noted this degree will provide a pathway towards a bachelorette degree in business and economics. Regent Prince motioned to approve as outlined in TAB K; the motion was seconded by Regent Barnes and the motion carried.
Utah State University – Master of Public Health (TAB L)
Regent Prince noted this comes with several specializations, including veterinarian public health.
Utah State University – Bachelor of Science in Nursing (TAB M)
Regent Prince noted this will help with the shortage of nurses.
Regent Prince motioned to approve as outlined in TAB L and TAB M; the motioned was seconded by Regent Theurer and the motion carried.
University of Utah – Master of Arts in Teaching in Fine Arts (TAB N)
Regent Prince noted this is a unique degree in Utah as well as nationally. Regent Prince motioned to approve as outlined in TAB N; the motioned was seconded by Regent Lund and the motion carried.
Finance and Facilities
USHE – Review of Financial Statements (TAB O)
Regent Marquardt noted this was a discussion and summarizes the financial position of each of the institutions and recommends the regents take a close look at it.
Dixie State University – Campus Master Plan (TAB P)
Regent Marquardt reviewed briefly the campus map. Regent Marquardt motioned to approve as outlined in TAB P; the motion was seconded by Regent Barnes and the motion carried.
University of Utah – Long-term Lease (TAB Q)
Regent Marquardt noted this will relocate several departments and save 8% percent from the current lease cost.
University of Utah – Burbridge Athletic Academic Center Non-State Funded Project (TAB R)
Regent Marquardt noted this is for the expansion of the athletic academic center.
Regent Marquardt motioned to approve as outlined in TAB Q and TAB R; the motion was seconded by Regent Clyde and the motion carried.
Weber State University – Stewart Stadium Addition (Non-State Funded) (TAB S)
Regent Marquardt noted this is the addition of a new building and will include 23,000 additional feet. No state funds will be used for construction or O&M.Regent Marquardt motioned to approve as outlined in TAB S; the motioned was seconded by Regent Barnes and the motion carried.
USHE – Proposed Fee Increase (TAB T)
Regent Marquardt noted the institutions with fee increases are: Weber State University with a 3% increase, Snow College with a 5.1% increase, and Dixie State University with a 4.9% increase. Regent Marquardt motioned to approve as outlined in TAB T; the motion was seconded by Regent Jones and the motion carried.
USHE – Revision of Internal Audit Policies R212, R541, R548, R550, R553, R557, R565, R567 (TAB U)
Regent Marquardt noted the audit committee discussed and reviewed in depth at the Audit Committee meeting in January. He stated this makes things simpler for the internal auditors and will align policies with the state and eliminates some redundant reports. Regent Marquardt motioned to approve as outlined in TAB U; the motion was seconded by Regent Barnes and the motion carried.
Weber State University – Series 2017 Student Facilities Revenue Bond Refunding Results (TAB V)
Regent Marquardt noted this is information only; no action was taken.
Southern Utah University – Aircraft Lease-Purchase for the Aviation Program(TAB W)
Regent Marquardt noted since SUU has taken over the program there has been some difficulty finding enough aircraft for the program. This is an acquisition of between 16-20 aircraft, for up to 11.5 million. This is information only; no action was taken.
Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority – Series 2017-1 Student Loan Backed Notes (TAB X)
Regent Marquardt noted this has worked out better than anyone thought it would. This is information only; no action was taken.
2017 Legislative Report Including Budget & Capital Facilities update (TAB Y)
Regent Marquardt noted Commissioner Buhler just reviewed this item. This is information only; no action was taken.
USHE – Proposed Tuition Adjustments 2017-2018 (TAB Z)
Regent Marquardt noted this item was discussed in committee and already voted on in Committee of the Whole.
USHE – Annual Money Management Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2016(TAB AA)
Regent Marquardt noted there was nothing noteworthy to report. This is information only; no action was taken.
USHE – Debt Ratio Analysis (TAB BB)
Regent Marquardt noted this report is a good way to look at the institutions’ financial health. This is information only; no action was taken.
USHE – Fall 2016 & Spring 2017 Enrollment Report (TAB CC)
Regent Marquardt noted this report shows a slight increase for the system. This is information only; no action was taken.
It was moved by Regent Stoddard and seconded by Regent Barnes to meet in Executive Session for the sole purpose of discussing the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of individuals, and ongoing investigations.
The Committee of the Whole adjourned at 2:37 p.m.
