STATE BOARD OF REGENTS
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
MILLER CAMPUS, KAREN GAIL MILLER CONFERENCE CENTER
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MINUTES
Regents Present
Harris Simmons, Chair
Nina R. Barnes, Vice Chair
Daniel W. Campbell
Wilford W. Clyde
Sanchiata Datta
Marlin K. Jensen
Ron Jibson
Patricia Jones
JaKell Larson
Steve Lund
Robert W. Prince
Mark Stoddard
Teresa L. Theurer
Thomas E. Wright
Regents Absent
Jesselie B. Anderson
Robert S. Marquardt
Cristina Ortega
Office of the Commissioner
David L. Buhler, Commissioner of Higher Education
Kimberly L. Henrie, Associate Commissioner for Planning, Finance and Facilities
Institutional Presidents Present
Ruth Watkins, University of Utah
Noelle Cockett, Utah State University
Scott L Wyatt, Southern Utah University
Astrid S. Tuminez, Utah Valley University
Richard B. Williams, Dixie State University
Deneece G. Huftalin, Salt Lake Community College
Brad Mortensen, Weber State University
Gary Carlston, Snow College
Other Commissioner’s Office and institutional personnel were also present. The signed role is on file in the Commissioner’s Office.
Chair Simmons called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. He began by thanking those who attended the inauguration of President Tuminez. He turned the time to Commissioner Buhler. Commissioner Buhler provided an overview of the process over the next couple day. He noted one of the key responsibilities of the Regents is setting tuition, noting the policy for setting tuition was revised last November. New this year is a single proposed rate for each institution. Each intuition’s trustees have reviewed and approved the tuition requests, and truth in tuition hearings were held on each campus.
Associate Commissioner Kimberly Henrie provided a presentation on the tuition process. She reiterated the Regents’ commitment to affordable college, reviewing affordability considerations prior to approving tuition adjustments. She reviewed the 2020 Legislative funding as well as provided a historical overview. There was also a review of student financial aid awarded in FY2017-18 and student debt. She provided three scenarios to tuition rates: freeze tuition, minimum tuition increase to cover required legislative matches, and Regent Affordability Metric that would increase tuition to Board approved threshold of State’s median household income (presentation slides attached).
The Regents heard presentations on tuition requests from the presidents of each institution:
• Salt Lake Community College (attached)
• Snow College (attached)
• Dixie State University (attached)
• Southern Utah University
• Weber State University (attached)
• Utah Valley University (attached)
• University of Utah (attached)
• Utah State University (attached)
Regent Larson stated the Student Body Presidents of the USHE institutions meet each month and tuition and student fees has been a topic for months.
The Regents heard comments from the institutions’ Student Body Presidents. All comments were positive and in support of the tuition and student fee increases. Regent Larson followed up stating the three Student Body Presidents not present today from, Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, and University of Utah, all expressed their support and have sent letters of support to the regents.
Chair Simmons opened the meeting to the public for comment. There were no comments made. Regent Theurer made a motion to close the public comment portion of the meeting; the motion was seconded by Regent Barnes.
There was discussion about the current process of setting tuition and the timing of receiving and providing information in order to determine tuition needs.
Regent Campbell said with the turnout at the Truth and Tuition hearings, and here at this meeting, it appears that people are okay with the tuition increases. He asked, as we get ready to vote tomorrow, he wants to make sure he understand his role. He believes it is not just a matter of thinking “is tuition to high?” It is, “is the tuition being well invested for the benefit of our students and the future of the intuitions?”
Commissioner Buhler said it is both. The role of the Regents is to ensure all Utahn’s can affordably access a quality post-secondary education; it is access and quality.
Regent Clyde said he believes the process is a good process. While it may be short on time, we have to do the best we can. We have the opportunity for public input at the institutions, the students have an opportunity to review, the trustees have reviewed and approved. He feels the presenters today have justified their requests and feels very comfortable where we are, and it is where we should be.
Regent Theurer motioned to adjourn meeting; the motion was seconded by Regent Datta.
The meeting adjourned at 5:38 p.m.
STATE BOARD OF REGENTS
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
MILLER CAMPUS, KAREN GAIL MILLER CONFERENCE CENTER
THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MINUTES
Regents Present
Harris Simmons, Chair
Nina R. Barnes, Vice
Jesselie B. Anderson
Wilford W. Clyde
Sanchiata Datta
Marlin K. Jensen
Ron Jibson
Patricia Jones
JaKell Larson
Steve Lund
Robert S. Marquardt
Robert W. Prince
Mark Stoddard
Teresa L. Theurer
Thomas E. Wright
Regents Absent
Cristina Ortega
Chair Daniel W. Campbell
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 of Academic Affairs
Institutional Presidents Present
Ruth Watkins, University of Utah
Noelle Cockett, Utah State University
Scott L Wyatt, Southern Utah University
Astrid S. Tuminez, Utah Valley University
Richard B. Williams, Dixie State University
Deneece G. Huftalin, Salt Lake Community College
Brad Mortensen, Weber State University
Gary Carlston, Snow College
Other Commissioner’s Office and institutional personnel were also present. The signed role is on file in the Commissioner’s Office.
Chair Simmons called the meeting to order at 9:37 a.m.
Discussion – Tuition
Associate Commissioner Henrie began by reviewing information about tuition and fees, providing a comparison and nationally rankings, dollar impact to students, and annual impact of increase. She also provided numbers on the total impact to students including both tuition and fees. There was discussion about the types of numbers regents would like to see from institutions. President Huftalin asked about having a template of what numbers and information would be helpful to the regents.
Regent Wright said he would like to have more time to review the information and spread out the process so there is more transparency. This would allow presidents and trustees to do things in a more methodical way. He is concerned Regents have not been presented with the budgets from the institutions and said it is hard to look at revenue as an overall budget when you don’t see how the revenue fits into the budget. He said he believes the Commissioner’s office was presented with the budget, but the Regents did not receive that information in the packet. If Regents had more access and time with the staff to go through the budget, he could be more comfortable with how the revenue component plays into the overall budget for the institutions.
Regent Theurer agreed the timing is difficult but believes the needs of the intuitions should not be determined solely on funding from the legislature. The schools have shown they have tremendous need.
Henrie noted institutions have not fully developed their FY2020 budgets. In the Finance and Facilities committee they will go over the FY2018 Financial Statements. She provided details on the process and timing of developing budgets.
Regent Marquardt said budgets are incredibly complicated and to try to cover all budgets in one meeting is difficult. He said probably the most important step is the Budget Deep Dive meetings taking place at each institution. This is where you look in detail at the budget, ask questions and understand where the money is being spent. All Regents on the Finance and Facility committee were invited to these meetings.
President Cockett noted that while the Legislature may have funded money to each institution, most of that money is benchmarked for specific allocations and cannot be used elsewhere.
Regent Wright asked if this is something we could improve. Should we be asking to have this money spent elsewhere? He acknowledged the complexity of the budgets but added the most important thing is to understand where the money goes. He said we should be making sure this money goes to our core mission.
Chair Simmons directed the Commissioner’s Staff and Presidents to look at how we can make the process better. He reiterated Regent Marquardt’s comments saying, the best opportunity to understand the budget is the Budget Deep Dive meetings on campus. Regent Theurer asked if all Regents could be invited to these discussions in the future.
Chair Simmons asked if anyone had proposed changes or amendments to the tuition increases requested.
Regent Datta stated she is proud of our institutions, but is struggling with the requests from the institutions. While we may be one of the lowest costs nationally, we need to look at the entire amount of money being
spent. She said she struggles with asking students to contribute more at a time when we are doing well financially. She wants to ask institutions to look at their budgets again and see what they can alleviate; would like to see a smaller tuition increase or no increase if possible.
Regent Clyde said the process is not perfect, but we have had hearings for the public and students to express their opinions, the institutions have had Truth in Tuition hearings, the trustees have had discussions, and after listening to the discussions yesterday, believes the requests are reasonable.
Regent Marquardt agreed with Regent Clyde. The USHE is the most efficient in terms of dollars spent on degrees produced. We will continue to look at ways to improve, but a lot has been done to work on the Regents’ initiatives. We have made major steps to make education accessible and affordable to everyone in the state.
Regent Barnes agrees with Clyde and Marquardt, but also appreciates the counter argument and believes this improves the conversation. She champions what is being done and is excited about the opportunity to improve.
Regent Wright stated that given the fact, they have not had a chance to look at budgets, he would like to see a couple of things take place. (1)Take the time to do a deeper dive into the budgets to understand where money went last year, see if we can hold the student harmless, and keep debt down; (2) allow the opportunity to meet with the Presidents and talk to the Legislature. We are not obligated to statutorily deal with tuition right now.
Regent Larson said she understands what Regent Wright is saying, but while we can have more conversations and be more transparent, we need this increase to continue the quality of education.
Henrie said there is a review of the 2017 and 2018 budgets in the packet; this should provide a general sense of how the money is being spent. It does now show 2019 because we are still three months away from the end of the year.
Presidents Cockett, Williams, Watkins, Tuminez, and Mortensen all said they have had the time they need and this work has been going on for several months; they feel prepared and confident with their requests.
Regent Datta made a motion to have additional time to review budgets, receive additional information, and request revisions. The motion was seconded by Regent Wright. Regent Lund said it is too late to change the trajectory now, but we will be doing this again next year. In the Truth and Lending hearings there was a stunning silence from students; there was no pushback on these increases. He will not be supporting this motion. Regent Prince said President Cockett shared with him her detailed budget and has complete confidence in the process the Presidents have gone through, and the fact they are trying to do more with less. He cannot support this motion today. Chair Simmons asked for those in favor; Regent Datta and Regent Wright voted yes, all other Regents opposed. The motion failed.
President’s Report
President Huftalin began by saying this last fall the college celebrated it’s 70th birthday. In addition to SLCC’s birthday, they have other reasons to celebrate including the opening of the first location in Herriman City. We are meeting today at the Miller Campus which houses credit based programs, continuing education, and the Miller Business Resource Center. She mentioned while many programs are declining, the criminal justice program continues to grow. They have significantly increased their outreach to high school students. New this year they began offering certificates and associates degrees in hospitality management. The program is supported with funding received from Salt Lake County. This allows students in the certificate program to go 100% free tuition, and 50% of tuition is covered for students in the associate degree program. Also housed at the Miller Campus is the continuing education program. These are for short-term programs or students that don’t need a full degree, but are making a transition. The largest programs on the Miller Campus are dedicated to the small business entrepreneur. The Miller dream was to support the entrepreneurial spirit and the courage and vitality apparent in the small business owner. Miller Campus is also home of the Refugee Leadership Program; this year they had 27 youth and 23 adults complete the program. In one year they have served 12,000 graduates that are not in any of the USHE metrics. It is outside what the Board and Legislature pays attention to, but it is a vital part of Salt Lake County. She concluded by sharing some items critical to SLCC having affordable access and timely completion. SLCC is strengthening affordable access in a variety of ways, including: keeping tuition low, investing in open education resources, and making scholarships more accessible by purchasing new software that allows students to more easily access and apply. They have just as many efforts to completion as affordable access, including: expanding campus jobs and internships, investing in mental health and child care, being intentional in the recruitment of faculty of color, designing transfer maps with their academic partners, and increasing SLCC’s pathways. Their 2023 completion goal is 40%, which is higher than both the national average and where SLCC is currently.
Consent Calendar (TAB T)
On a motion by Regent Marquardt and seconded by Regent Jibson the following items were approved on the Regents’ General Consent Calendar
A. Minutes – Minutes of the Board meeting January 11, 2019, Snow College, Ephraim, Utah; January 25, 2019, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah.
B. Grant Proposals
C. Awards
D. Academic and Student Affairs Items
E. Pursuant to Regent Policy R830 and R854, the Board of Regents grants the position of Regents Professor to Commissioner David L. Buhler, effective January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2023.
F. Revision of Policy R602, Bylaws of the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority Board of Directors.
G. Revision to Policy R928, Leaves of Absence (Health-Related)
USHE – Proposed Tuition Adjustments for 2019-2020 (TAB U)
Chair Simmons made note of the extensive discussion on tuition increase and asked for additional comments; no comments were made. Chair Simmons said this item includes a 3-part motion: (1) Approve
the institutions’ proposed resident undergraduate tuition rate adjustments for the 2019-20 year to used for the purposed outlined in TAB U of the agenda, as follows:
University of Utah 3.2%
Utah State University 3.25% with the exception of USU Eastern and Blanding at 4.2%
Weber State University 2.0%
Southern Utah University 0%
Dixie State University 5.0%
Utah Valley University 1.7%
Salt Lake Community College 2.0%
Snow College 2.5%
(2) Approve the institutions’ proposed nonresident undergraduate, graduate resident and non-resident tuition schedules as submitted to the Commissioner’s office and outlined in TAB U; (3) Approve the University of Utah new online only tuition and fee schedule. A motion was made by Regent Jones to approve as outlined; the motion was seconded by Regent Jones; Regent Wright and Regent Datta opposed and the motion carried.
USHE Proposed Student Fee Adjustments for 2019-2020 (TAB V)
Associate Commissioner Henrie noted there was a last minute change for the Utah State University; this item was inadvertently left off the list. This an athletics fee in the amount of $2.50, bringing the proposed student fee to $28.28. This was approved by the student body leadership. Regent Larson made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB V; the motion was seconded by Regent Jibson; Regent Wright opposed and the motion carried.
USHE – Finalization of USHE Metrics and Goals (TAB W)
Commissioner Buhler noted this is to approve the finalization of the USHE metrics and goals. Regent Prince made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB W; the motion was seconded by Regent Anderson and the motion carried.
USHE – 2019 Legislative Session Report Including Budget & Capital Updates (TAB X)
Commissioner Buhler provided a budget summary. Associate Commissioner Jenkins provided an overview of legislative bills. This is an information item only; no action was taken.
Update on Implementation of SafeUT App
Representative Steve Eliason provided a report on the SafeUT app. He noted the app was created in 2015 and in 2018 was expanded to higher education. Over 800 schools are now on board, all voluntary. Some of the services provided are: ability to provide tips, start at chat, or place a call. This program continues to grow; last month there were about 2300 crisis conversations.
Academic and Student Affairs
USHE – Revision of Policy R805, Women and Minorities in Faculty and Administrative Positions (TAB A)
Regent Theurer noted after discussion, this policy needs some additional work. No action was taken.
Weber State University – Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner and Leadership Emphases (TAB B)
Regent Theurer noted this request is due to a different degree being needed. Regent Theurer made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB B; the motion was seconded by Regent Marquardt and the motion carried.
USHE – Plan for Moving Forward on the Mental Health Recommendations: Formation of the Regents’ Mental Health Advisory Committee (TAB C)
Regent Theurer made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB C; the motion was seconded by Regent Jones and the motion carried.
New Century and Regents’ Scholarship Award Amounts for 2019-2020 College Academic Year (TAB D)
Regent Theurer noted this item is to approve the award amounts for the 2019-2020 year. Regent Theurer made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB D; the motion was seconded by Regent Larson and the motion carried.
Utah Futures Partnership Update (TAB E)
This is an information item only; no action was taken.
Continued Discussion and Input on Goals and Membership of Proposed Regent Transfer Council (TAB F)
This was a discussion item only; no action was taken.
Finance and Facilities
USHE – Impact of Senate Bill 102 and Proposed Metrics (TABG)
Regent Stoddard noted Senate Bill 102 substantially alters funding for USHE capital facilities by providing $73,000,000 ongoing funds for the Regents to distribute by formula beginning with half of the funds for FY21 and the full amount in FY22. This was a discussion item only; no action was taken.
Salt Lake Community College – Campus Master Plan (TAB H)
Regent Stoddard this is a bi-annual update to the SLCC Master Plan. Regent Stoddard made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB H; the motion was seconded and the motion carried.
Snow College – Campus Master Plan (TAB I)
Regent Stoddard noted this change to the master plan is to include a recent development for a community center. Regent Stoddard made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB I; the motion was seconded by Regent Clyde and the motion carried.
University of Utah – Research Lab Remodel Non-State Funded Project (TAB J)
Regent Stoddard noted this is for a remodel of approximately 14,132 square feet on the first floor of the Biomedical Polymers Research Building to improve and economize medical research space. The project is estimated to cost $6,732,366 funded from University Health Sciences funds. Regent Stoddard made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB J; the motion was seconded by Regent Anderson and the motion carried.
USHE – 2019-2020 Performance Based Funding Model Modifications (TAB K)
Regent Stoddard noted the Finance and Facilities committee reviewed the proposed change in order to realign the market demand metric with the new Workforce metric adopted by the Board in January. The current metric as defined has a negative impact on the ability of Community College and colleges that offer two-year associates degrees to earn full funding in this category. Regent Stoddard made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB K; the motion was seconded by Regent Jones and the motion carried.
USHE – Adoption of Policy R840, Institution Business Communications (TAB L)
Regent Stoddard noted this policy establishes uniform controls over email business communications throughout the system by directing institutional employees to use only the institution’s enterprise email service for institutional business email communication. Regent Stoddard made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB L; the motion was seconded by Regent Jibson and the motion carried.
USHE – Proposed Differential Tuition Rates for 2019-2020 (TAB M)
Regent Stoddard noted policy R510 requires the Board to approve all differential tuition schedules for new and existing academic programs. Differential tuition are additional per credit hour amounts beyond normal tuition assessment and institutions should demonstrate program benefits, market demand, effects of student access and retention, graduate earnings, price comparability, and student support. Regent Stoddard made a motion to approve as outlined in TAB M; the motion was seconded by Regent Prince and the motion carried.
USHE – Regent Audit Committee Report (TAB N)
Regent Stoddard noted the Regent Subcommittee met with trustee chairs, institution audit committee chairs, internal audit directors, and institution management from all eight institutions on March 8, 2019 to discuss the affairs of internal auditing. Discussion topics with institution representatives included risk assessment procedures, audits completed in 2018 and planned for 2019, fraud prevention and detection efforts, and the overall impact of institution internal auditors. This is an information item only; no action was taken.
USHE – Review of 2018 Financial Statements (TAB O)
This is an information item only; no action was taken.
USHE – Debt Ratio Analysis (TAB P)
This is an information item only; no action was taken.
USHE – Annual Money Management Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2018 (TAB Q)
This is an information item only; no action was taken.
USHE – Fall 2018 End-of-Term & Spring 2019 Third Week Enrollment Reports (TAB R)
This is an information item only; no action was taken.
University of Utah – Trustee Property Disposal (TAB S)
This is an information item only; no action was taken.
Regent Larson made a motion to move to executive session for the sole purpose of discussing the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of individuals.
The meeting adjourned at 2:21 p.m.
