Board of Regents
Meeting Summary

August 14-15, 2003

INTRODUCTIONS
Desert Research Institute President Stephen Wells introduced Dr. Alan Gertler, professor of atmospheric sciences, as DRI's new faculty senate chair.

Truckee Meadows Community College President Philip Ringle introduced TMCC's new director of finance and administration, Delores Sanford.

Great Basin College President Paul Killpatrick introduced GBC's new faculty senate chair, Dr. Frank Daniels, professor of mathematics.

CHAIR'S REPORT
Board Chair Stavros Anthony thanked Regent Douglas Seastrand for doing such a wonderful job as chair over the past year, and for serving as a role model for all future Board chairs. Regent Seastrand received a resolution in honor of his service at the June Board meeting.

Chair Anthony then thanked Regent Thalia Dondero, past vice chair, for her service over the past year, as well as for her continued service to the Board, the System and the entire community. Chair Anthony then presented Regent Dondero with a resolution in honor of her service, which reads as follows:

WHEREAS, Thalia Dondero has served with distinction as Regent for the Nevada Board of Regents since January of 1996; and

WHEREAS, Thalia Dondero served as Chair of the Nevada Board of Regents from July 2000 through June 2002; and

WHEREAS, Thalia Dondero served as Vice Chair of the Nevada Board of Regents from July 2002 through June 2003; and

WHEREAS, Thalia Dondero represented the Board with enthusiasm, dignity and professionalism at numerous functions throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, Thalia Dondero played a key role in the planning and development of a third tier of higher education, Nevada’s first state college; and

WHEREAS, Thalia Dondero served as a staunch advocate for increasing access to quality educational opportunities and worked tirelessly to advance the mission of Nevada higher education; and

WHEREAS, Thalia Dondero has been a role model for students throughout Nevada, encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunities higher education can provide; and

WHEREAS, Thalia Dondero has been a leading voice throughout her community, the University and Community College System of Nevada, and the entire state; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that on this day, August 14, 2003, the Board of Regents extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Thalia Dondero for her exemplary service as Regent, as Chair, and as Vice Chair with the Nevada Board of Regents.

Chair Anthony then thanked Vice Chair Marcia Bandera and the entire Board for their hard work and continued support of his role as chair. He also thanked the Board for placing trust in him, and assured them that he will do the best to make sure they lead Nevada higher education in the right direction.

Chair Anthony then thanked Dr. Rafik Beekun for his work with the Board at the workshop held in June of this year. He said the workshop enabled the Board to discuss positive issues and to identify the best way to progress in support of the Master Plan goals. Chair Anthony said Dr. Beekun provided considerable guidance and help, and he then presented him with a gift in honor of the outstanding help he provided.

Chair Anthony then discussed some of the highlights of the Board's workshop:

• The Board reaffirmed its desire to work together with the presidents and faculty senate chairs to make the best decisions regarding Nevada higher education.
• The Board understands the importance of strong leadership and of creating partnerships with those outside of the System.
• The Board aims to use innovation to develop new concepts and new ways to move forward and address the Master Plan goals.
• The Board will focus on the successes of the System to inform the public of what the Board and the System accomplishes.
• The Board believes stewardship is important to higher education in Nevada. The Board is entrusted with ensuring the System moves in the right direction, so it must ask critical questions.

Chair Anthony then said the Board planned to do the following in the coming year:

• Remain mission-oriented and focused on the Master Plan.
• Monitor the goals of the Master Plan and ensure agenda items address these goals.
• Create a UCCSN value statement.
• Publish semester reports on relevant System statistics.

Chair Anthony also noted some changes that will take place, including the possibility of creating an athletics committee and requiring agenda and reference materials be available two weeks in advance of the meetings so the Board has enough time to review the information.

Chair Anthony then noted that Vice Chair Bandera and Regent Steve Sisolak will serve on the evaluation committee of University of Nevada, Las Vegas President Carol Harter, with additional members announced at a later date. He also said that Regent Howard Rosenberg and Regent Douglas Seastrand will serve on the evaluation committee of Community College of Southern Nevada President Ron Remington, with additional members announced at a later date.

PRESIDENTS' REPORTS
Each UCCSN president presented a report to the Board on their individual campus' efforts to the Quality Education goal of the UCCSN Master Plan. During each meeting over the course of the year, the presidents will address a different goal of the Master Plan

• Nevada State College President Kerry Romesburg said NSC has addressed this goal by focusing on outcomes and assessment for students, and has adopted ability-based learned assessment models to achieve this. President Romesburg said they have based these models on those used by Alverno College, and have selected three outcomes to address--critical thinking, community, and citizenship, which have been incorporated into every course on campus. He said every course will have key performance monitors that students will be well aware of. He also said that the faculty has been reorganized to better address these outcomes since faculty is driving the project. President Romesburg also said that students will be required to develop a portfolio to track their progress in these areas.
  
• University of Nevada, Reno President John Lilley said UNR is also dealing with assessment. He said that UNR's strategic planning process is aimed at increasing the learning experiences available to its students, and that performance indicators have been identified to measure the degree of success in meeting these goals at the program and institutional levels. President Lilley said UNR is also developing a learning outcomes assessment plan designed to improve the quality of academic and students services and to address accountability needs such as regional and specialized accreditations. This assessment plan will require each academic program and student service program to design and implement a plan that measures their students' performance outcomes. The plan also calls for collecting information via alumni surveys, faculty surveys, and other measures to better understand the quality of education at the university and to develop ways to improve it.
  
• President Killpatrick said GBC's educational assessment occurs through assessing research and planning, and incorporating these plans into its classes and programs. He said GBC has conducted focus groups to solicit student feedback and distributed alumni surveys to assess quality of education. He said the overall goal is to use multiple methods to measure achievement, which plays an integral role in providing access to quality education. President Killpatrick also said the college will address workforce needs and efficient campus planning and accountability.
  
• President Remington said CCSN's immense growth has placed a huge burden on CCSN's facilities and that CCSN is in desperate need of new facilities to accommodate growth and students. He said he wanted to work with the Board and the System to develop innovative ways to provide facilities. President Remington said this growth has allowed the college to develop out of balance and without the support staff that would allow the quality they want to provide. Some items he noted that would improve quality included bolstering safety and security; developing core library facilities; and expanding student services offerings. President Remington then addressed current practices at CCSN that support the goal of quality education, which he said is the keystone of the CCSN Office of Student Retention and the entire CCSN campus. Some notable activities include peer assistance; early warning systems to identify students having difficulties in class; and outreach services. He also said the college has developed a number of assessment activities that measure outcomes related to quality, service, and student success.
  
• President Ringle said quality education is at the heart of what TMCC does, and they recognize the need to keep student learning at the core of its mission. He said that TMCC does this in a variety of ways, including developing strong program outcomes and program review processes; offering the first-year experience program QUEST that boasts a persistence rate of 83 percent; awarding faculty grants to provide classroom support; enhancing the role of the department chairs; improving the full-time to part-time faculty ratio; developing performance indicators to evaluate goals; and strengthening developmental education programs.
  
• President Harter said UNLV is focused on insuring students' educational experiences are of the highest quality. One way to achieve this, she said, is to make UNLV student-centered. She said UNLV has created a new student orientation process, more flexible class schedules, and advising centers in many colleges, and has increased the use of technology to enhance student learning and retention. She also said UNLV aims to become a premier metropolitan research university while continuing to meet the needs of 26,000 students with high-quality programs that reflect its commitment to teaching and research as the primary means of gaining and imparting knowledge. President Harter said they are attempting to do this by developing new programs that serve state needs; enhancing honors education; implementing professional programs and community service requirements; establishing a university college that addresses the needs of students interested in an interdisciplinary focus; streamlining its core curriculum; and enhancing the graduate experience and research presence.
  
• President Wells said DRI is addressing the goal of quality education through advising, teaching, and student involvement in research. For example, DRI faculty teach all classes in UNR's top-ten ranked graduate program of hydrologic sciences and the UNR atmospheric sciences program. He said DRI's annual investment in graduate and undergraduate education has grown to $1.1 million, a 70 percent increase over the past three years. President Wells also said students participate in unique DRI research, coauthor papers, and make presentations at professional meetings.
  
• Western Nevada Community College President Carol Lucey said WNCC's strategic goals all support the UCCSN Master Plan. President Lucey said WNCC's specific goals to increase the number of full-time degree-seeking students by 300 percent by 2006, improve student access, and improve Northwest Regional Commission recommendations all support the Master Goal of quality education. She added that many of the activities related to WNCC's strategic plan have already been implemented,

ACTION

BOARD MEETING SITES 2004
The Board approved the following sites for its 2004 meetings.

• January 29-30 CCSN (Las Vegas)
• March 18-19 DRI (Las Vegas)
• May 6-7 Mesquite (Special Board meeting*)
• June 3-4 GBC (Elko)
• August 19-20 TMCC (Reno)
• October 14-15 UNR (Reno)
• December 2-3 UNLV (Las Vegas)

*The first day of the special Board meeting will focus on presidential evaluations, with the second day for a Board workshop (05/07). The estimated cost of the workshop is $1,950.

RESOLUTION, UNR INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
The Board approved a resolution in honor of the UNR's Integrated Marketing Communications Team, who won the 2003 National Student Advertising Competition. Chair Anthony presented President Lilley with the resolution, which reads as follows:

WHEREAS, the University of Nevada, Reno Integrated Marketing Communications Team, comprised of students from the Reynolds School of Journalism and the College of Business Administration, was awarded first place in the National Student Advertising Competition on June 6, 2003 in Los Angeles, California; and

WHEREAS, the UNR Team took an interdisciplinary approach to create a strategic advertising, marketing, and media campaign for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. that was selected over more than 15 college and university teams from throughout the country, and

WHEREAS, the UNR Team represented its university with enthusiasm and professionalism; and

WHEREAS, the UNR Team brought national recognition to their university for their talent, hard work, dedication, and commitment to academics; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that on this day, August 14, 2003, the Board of Regents extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the University of Nevada, Reno Integrated Marketing Communications Team for their exemplary performance and sincere interest in their chosen field of study.

RESOLUTION, TMCC SKILLS USA-VICA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The Board also approved a resolution in honor of TMCC's two-person team, Lauren Reeser and John McIntosh, for winning a gold medal in the 3-D Visualization and Animation category of the SkillsUSA-VICA National Championship. Chair Anthony presented President Ringle with the resolution, which reads as follows:

WHEREAS, the Truckee Meadows Community College SkillsUSA-VICA Team of John McIntosh and Lauren Reeser was awarded the gold medal in the 3-D visualization and animation category at the SkillsUSA-VICA National Championship on Friday, June 27, 2003, in Kansas City, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, the TMCC Team was tested on their technical knowledge, production skills, and creative and artistic abilities; and

WHEREAS, the TMCC Team represented its college with enthusiasm and professionalism; and

WHEREAS, the TMCC Team has brought national recognition to their college for their talent, hard work, dedication, and commitment to academics; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that on this day, August 14, 2003, the Board of Regents extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Truckee Meadows Community College SkillsUSA-VICA Team of John McIntosh and Lauren Reeser for their exemplary performance and sincere interest in their chosen field of study.

RESOLUTION, DAN MILES
The Board approved a resolution in honor of Dan Miles, former vice chancellor for finance and administration who retired at the end of July. Chair Anthony presented Mr. Miles with the resolution, which reads as follows:

WHEREAS, Dan Miles served with distinction as Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration for the University and Community College System of Nevada since January of 2001; and

WHEREAS, Dan Miles served as Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration from July 2000 through December 2000; and

WHEREAS, Dan Miles worked with the Board of Regents, Chancellor Jane Nichols, and the Nevada State Legislature to create an atmosphere of trust and respect during two difficult and challenging legislative sessions; and

WHEREAS, Dan Miles used his more than 30 years of experience in Nevada state government and his proven credibility with government officials in the planning and development of the budget needed to support the University and Community College System of Nevada; and

WHEREAS, Dan Miles helped the Board and the entire System understand the complex financial needs of the UCCSN, and worked to develop appropriate policies that will ensure the continued growth and success of Nevada higher education; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that on this day, August 14, 2003, the Board of Regents extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dan Miles for his exemplary service and sincere dedication as Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration for the University and Community College System of Nevada.

LIQUIDATION OF UNRESTRICTED QUASI-ENDOWMENT ACCT. #2675-319-9681, UNLV
President Harter received Board approval to liquidate an unrestricted endowment to fund a portion of the Science, Engineering and Technology Building that was approved recently by the legislature. UNLV must fund a portion of the building in order for the additional funding to be received. According to Title 4, Chapter 10, Section 4 of the Handbook, no withdrawals from the Endowment Fund other than to fund the spending amount are permitted without the Board's approval.

The funds generated by this endowment provided student scholarships, and President Harter said the source of funds for these scholarships has been replaced by alternate institutional resources. Regent Hill expressed concern over converting scholarship money into a capital improvement project. President Harter said the Board previously approved the endowment to support future programs at UNLV, not just scholarships, and that at this time, they want to change the focus of how these funds are used.

PARKING STRUCTURE PLANNING GUIDELINES
In response to the Board’s request at the May meeting, John Amend, director of Facilities Planning, presented recommended planning guidelines for future campus parking structures. The recommendations are as follows:

• Proposed parking structure(s) must be in the campus physical master plan at that date.
• A campus transportation and parking master plan must be in place that includes:
  1. An up-to-date parking inventory
  2. Projected number of parking spaces that need to be added and/or replaced in the next five to ten years.
  3. Projected size and cost of parking facilities, surface, and structures needed for the next five to ten years.
  4. A Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program that addresses how the campus will attempt to minimize vehicle travel to campus by increasing the number of people in a vehicle, influencing the time of travel, or reducing the need to travel. The program should encourage alternate modes of transportation from the automobile, such as increasing the use of public transportation (e.g. UNR’s current TDM has a goal to reduce parking space demand by 5% by 2005).
• UCCSN campuses should engage the services of a consultant experienced in planning and developing parking solutions that include parking structures, financial plans, and operational plans.
• Campus capital planning and parking committees should be represented on the parking structure project planning committee.
• The campus chief financial officer should be a key representative on any parking structure project to assess the ability of the campus to support the debt service on the project and review sensitivity or cost-benefit analysis of alternatives.
• Parking structure projects brought to the Board should include:
  1. A justification for the project based on the above referenced plans and procedures.
  2. A listing of the design parameters including any restrictions placed on the project by location, code, budget, size limitations, etc.
  3. A financial analysis that details the institution’s ability to finance the project from the identified revenue sources.
  4. Sensitivity or cost-benefit analysis.

The Board approved the recommendations as presented.

ACTION/PERSONNEL

AGB DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD IN TRUSTEESHIP
Chair Anthony received Board approval to submit Regent Jill Derby for the 2004 Association of Governing Boards Distinguished Service Award in Trusteeship for recognition of her service to higher education and her contributions to this Board’s effectiveness.

APPOINTMENT, INTERIM VICE CHANCELLOR FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Chancellor Nichols received Board approval to appoint Larry Eardley interim vice chancellor for Finance and Administration at a salary of $125,040. Mr. Eardley, who has served as the UCCSN's director of budgets since 1987, will serve in this capacity until a permanent appointment is made.

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS APPOINTMENT, UNLV
President Harter received Board approval to appoint Mike Hamrick as UNLV's director of athletics. Mr. Hamrick's three-year contract runs through June 30, 2006 and he will earn $190,000 the first year, $200,000 the second year, and $210,000 the third year. He is also eligible for bonuses for academic progress, which are based on criteria developed by the NCAA for Division 1 athletics. He will also receive two cars; 12 tickets for all sporting events; a county club membership for donor cultivation; and travel for his spouse to certain events and with prior presidential approval. President Harter said the contract was reviewed thoroughly by Assistant General Counsel Walt Ayers, and that much of the contract details involve NCAA compliance issues.

Mr. Hamrick most recently served as director of intercollegiate athletics at East Carolina University since 1995. He has also served as athletic director at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock from 1990 to 1995 and in several assistant athletic director positions throughout his career. He began his career in athletics administration working as an intern at UNLV in sports promotions and marketing. Mr. Hamrick addressed the Board and said that under his leadership East Carolina University has had no major NCAA violations, has doubled its athletics budget, doubled season football ticket sales (to 17,000), and increased single-game attendance significantly.

ACTION/PROPERTY

NAMING OF LIFE TRANSITION CENTER, CCSN
President Remington received Board approval to name the Life Transition Center, located on the Charleston campus, The Loux Center in recognition of Donny Loux, one of Nevada's staunchest advocates for citizens with disabilities. The Center will serve multiple disability groups and provide a training opportunity for Nevada's future patient care clinicians.

ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY, UNR
President Lilley received Board approval to purchase property located at 895 N. Center Street, Reno, Nevada at a cost of $225,000. The property is comprised of one house located on one 6,300-square foot parcel currently zoned commercial.

PROPERTY ACQUISITION, BISHOP MANOGUE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, UNR
President Lilley received Board approval to negotiate the acquisition of Bishop Manogue Catholic High School (land and improvements) to support Title IX, gender equity in intercollegiate athletics. If the acquisition is eventually approved, UNR will acquire the property for $5 million with State General Obligation Bond proceeds as authorized in Senate Bill 507.

ACTION/HANDBOOK REVISIONS

HANDBOOK REVISION, CREATION OF AD HOC BOARD COMMITTEES
Board Chair Anthony received Board approval to establish three ad hoc special committees for 2003-2004:

• Health Education Committee, which will review matters related to health education programs in the UCCSN. Vice Chair Bandera will chair this committee.
• Faculty Workload Committee, which will review various matters related to faculty workload and make appropriate recommendations. Regent Jill Derby will chair this committee.
• Board Development Committee, which will review matters related to providing assistance to Regents in carrying out their duties. Regent Dondero will chair this committee.

HANDBOOK REVISION, STUDENT UNION AND RECREATION CENTER FEE, UNLV
President Harter and Dr. Rebecca Mills, vice president for student life, requested Board action to approve assessing fees to support the renovation and expansion of the Moyer Student Union and construction of a new student recreation center.

At the March meeting, President Harter requested approval of fees to support the renovation and expansion of the Moyer Student Union and construction of a new student recreation center. She stated that the students want to enhance the quality of campus life and have become more interested in how they can help provide facilities to improve the student community. She added that the state does not build student unions, parking garages, or recreational centers. Those funds have to come from student fees and donations.

Although the Board supported the concept of the buildings they did not approve the method in which the facilities would be funded. President Harter indicated that she understood and appreciated the Regents' concern, and asked the Board to approve her request with the following amendments:

• Approve the proposal in concept.
• Wait until the May or June Board meeting to determine the financial situation and potential tuition issues.
• Bring back a series of options relative to part-time and full-time students.

The Board approved this request.

At this meeting, Regent Mark Alden requested that this item be split into two discussions--one regarding the construction of the Moyer Student Union, and one regarding the recreation center. Regent Alden said the latter of the two needed more discussion, and would be better served if that discussion was held in Las Vegas when students, parents, and other interested parties would be present. He then made a motion to move forward on renovation of the student union building, and to delay discussion of the recreation center until the next meeting.

Molly Scott, a member of the Rebel Renovation Committee, said the committee has gone throughout the campus to talk to students to gauge their opinion of the increase in fees to fund these items. She said they had received no complaints, but rather only positive comments from groups throughout campus, including the undergraduate and graduate student associations. Ms. Scott also said students are anxiously awaiting the result of the Board's vote, and are wondering why there has been such a delay. Ms. Scott also said students are awaiting a bright and promising future, and that these buildings are essential to the growth of UNLV.

Monica Moradkhan, president of UNLV's undergraduate student association, said both projects were student initiated and supported because of the desire to create a community-based environment on campus. She said several focus groups and surveys were administered to a variety of groups throughout campus, and said that she has not received one complaint about an increase in fees. She said the UNLV student body has a vision to make university life better and wants to invest in its future. She said the fees are needed to meet the needs of a rapidly growing student body, and in order to make UNLV more competitive throughout the nation. Ms. Moradkhan also said that she did not want to separate these two items, and would like the Board to take make a decision at the meeting.

Regent Douglas Hill said that while he agreed the fees would be a burden to some of the students, he hoped that the Regents would consider the benefits that these buildings will provide to the campus. He added that the college experience is more than just getting an education, and that the entire experience should be considered when making this decision.

Regent Linda Howard said that from her research, she did not believe these projects were a high priority among many of the students she spoke with. She said that many students are more concerned with getting the classes they need and graduation with the correct amount of credits. Regent Howard also said that she was concerned as to how these new fees would affect students who need financial aid to attend school.

Regent Seastrand asked what the actual demand for a recreation center on the UNLV campus is, or what the actual demand at UNR is. He also wanted to know if it was feasible to make a smaller building that would require less fees, and therefore lessen the impact on students.

Dr. Shannon Ellis, vice president for student services at UNR, said that approximately 2000 students out of 15000 use the center at a cost of $50 per year. She also said faculty and staff can use the facility for $175 per year.

Regent Jack Lund Schofield spoke against separating the two items, and encouraged the Board to pass both motions.

The Board voted on Regent Alden's motion to separate, and that motion failed. The Board then voted to table the discussion of this topic until the October meeting, which will be held in Las Vegas and would allow more interested parties to address the Board, which passed.

Later in the meeting, Regent Tom Kirkpatrick made a motion to reconsider the decision to table discussion. He said that he had learned that tabling the discussion would delay the project for up to a year. He added that interest rates on bonds were at an all-time low, which may not be the case if this is delayed. The motion to reconsider passed.

Regent Hill then moved that the Board approve the project in full, under the following fee schedule:

The Board approved this motion.

HANDBOOK REVISION, FEE WAIVER FOR NEVADA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS
The Board approved a request from Chancellor Nichols to amend Title IV, Chapter 17, Section 5 of the Board Handbook in order to waive fees for members of the Nevada National Guard.

Major General Giles Vanderhoof, adjunct general for Nevada National Guard, expressed his gratitude to the Board on behalf of the entire National Guard for supporting this initiative. He said that many national guard members serve throughout the nation, and this program would be helpful to them and is a sign of support to them for serving their country.

Starting this fall, any member of the active Nevada National Guard, including a recruit, will be permitted to register for credit without a registration fee at any institution of the University and Community College System of Nevada. The fee waiver will be available starting fall semester 2003 and will sunset on July 1, 2005.

During the 2003 Special Session, the Nevada Legislature approved Assembly Bill 9 which authorized the Board to waive registration and other fees for certain members of the Nevada National Guard. This amendment modifies the Handbook in order to implement this fee waiver policy.

The waiver is applicable only during fall and spring terms. Independent and correspondence courses are not eligible for waiver under this policy. In addition, registration fees associated with William S. Boyd School of Law, the University of Nevada School of Medicine and the UNLV School of Dental Medicine are not eligible for the waiver.

The cost to the UCCSN to cover the fee waivers is estimated to be $150,000 per year over the next two years.

In order to maintain eligibility for the fee waiver, the Guard member or recruit must achieve at least a minimum 2.00 semester grade point average.

HANDBOOK REVISION, ICA TRADE-OUT POLICY, UNR ACTION
President Lilley received Board approval to change Title IV, Chapter 10, Section 21 of the Handbook regarding UNR's trade-out policy. A trade-out is defined as an agreement by and between the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) and an individual, business, or corporation for goods and/or services in return for something of value from ICA. According to the revisions, trade-out agreements must be approved when the value received by ICA is of equal or greater value to what is being offered.

HANDBOOK REVISION, ICA POLICY CHANGE COMP TICKETS, UNR ACTION
President Lilley received Board approval to change Title IV, Chapter 10, Section 22 of the Handbook regarding UNR's complimentary ticket policy. According to the revisions, ICA employees may request two complimentary season tickets, which must be, according to the Internal Revenue Code, reported as taxable income.

HANDBOOK REVISION, MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP: POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The Board approved revisions to Title IV, Chapter 18, Section 18 of the Handbook regarding Millennium Scholarship policies and procedures. The revisions were necessary in order to comply with the provisions of Senate Bill 503 (Chapter 471, Statutes of Nevada 2003) enacted during the 2003 session of the Nevada Legislature. SB 503 revises the minimum qualifications for receipt of a Millennium Scholarship in order to extend the life of the program and make it more competitive among students. At the current rate, funding for the program will be exhausted by 2006 - 2007.

These exact changes are shown below:

• Current high school freshman or sophomores must achieve a 3.1 GPA rather than the current 3.0.
• Students who will be college or university freshman in fall of 2003 will need to graduate from high school with a 3.25 GPA .
• Student must have a college GPA of 2.6 to continue in the program, as opposed to the 2.0 currently in place.
• The eligibility term will be reduced from eight years to six years in order to keep the program in place until 2011 or 2012.

Laura Miganovich, from the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, addressed the Board and requested that the System study the impact of raising the GPA requirement has on minority students and their ability to secure the scholarship. She said this was needed so they can review the data collected and then address it if necessary at the next legislative session. Dr. Richard Curry, vice chancellor for academic, research, and student affairs, noted that the stury was to be undertaken.

INFORMATION/HANDBOOK REVISIONS

HANDBOOK REVISION, BOARD BYLAWS, BOARD STANDING COMMITTEES
Chair Anthony presented a first reading of an update to Title I, Article VI, Section 3 of the Handbook. Handbook changes require two hearings, so final action will be taken at the October meeting.

According to the proposed changes, the charges of the Audit Committee will be altered to reflect the work of the committee more accurately. More specifically, the charges would now list monitoring institutional bank reconciliations, and reviewing and evaluating internal audit and follow-up reports.

The changes would also change the title and charge of the Finance & Planning Committee to the Budget and Finance Committee in order to better define the committee's role in developing the biennial operating budget and capital budget requests.

INFORMATION

REPORT ON 2003 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Chancellor Nichols presented a report on actions taken by the 2003 Nevada Legislature, including the final budget and legislative bills of interest to the UCCSN. She also outlined future directions for the UCCSN in preparation for the 2005 legislative session.

Chancellor Nichols first highlighted some bills that affect the UCCSN. These include:

• AB 9: Fee waivers for Nevada National Guard.
• AB7: Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs.
• AB 8: Allocation of $45,000 for Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology Center and $250,000 for SOM Residency Program .
• AB11: AHEC/SOM bill to enhance service to rural Nevadans .
• AB 313: Committee on Health Care Subcommittee – need UCCSN representative.
• AB 353: Student Privacy Notice – currently being implemented.
• AB 441: Board must ensure two defibrillators at event centers by July 1, 2004 – currently being implemented.
• AB 555: Pay Bill, which gives two percent COLA on July 1, 2004 and allows increase in grades of university police officer classification based upon salary review.
• SB 309: Board must make report on strategies for teaching participatory democracy.

Chancellor Nichols said several items of note came out of the session:

• K-12 and higher education worked together, had the support of Gov. Kenny Guinn, and gained despite a difficult fiscal climate.
• Nevada higher education increased its funding while many other states lost funding, with Nevada being the only state to witness double-digit increases.
• Nevada's enrollments continue to increase from year to year. Many other states raised tuition by higher amounts and had enrollments that remained steady or declined.
• Nevada's budget will increase 24 percent from 2001-2003 to 2003-2005, with a budgeted enrollment growth of about seven percent each year, or 14.4 percent overall. Historically, actual enrollments have outpaced budgeted enrollment. Additionally, formula funding has been raised from 81 percent to 84.5 percent in the first year of the biennium, and 84.1 percent in the second year.
• Expenditures from the estate tax fund ($89 million) have been moved to state general fund.
• The System is now able to spend in-state fees in excess of budgeted amounts without permission of the Interim Finance Committee.
• The legislature showed significant support for capital projects, even though the System only received two new buildings: UNLV's Science, Engineering and Technology Building (35 million) and CCSN's Health Sciences Building (19.7 million) for a grand total of 88 million.
• Nevada State College had its budget cut significantly, and will fall under budgeted formula in 2005.

The Chancellor also gave the Board an update on Assembly Joint Resolution 11, which proposes amending the Nevada Constitution to provide for the election of certain members of the Board and the gubernatorial appointment of others. It also states that the Board would consist of nine members, with one elected from each congressional district, and the remaining members appointed by the Governor. Expiration of the four-year terms will be staggered every two years for elected and appointed members. This resolution will return for consideration during the 2005 Session of the Nevada Legislature. If the measure is adopted in identical form during the 2005 Session, it will be placed on the ballot for consideration by the people of Nevada, after which the resolution will become effective on January 1, 2008, for the purposes of nominating and electing members from each congressional district, and on January 5, 2009, for all other purposes.

The Chancellor also said that the System made several promises to the Legislature, including doubling nursing enrollment; funding athletic fee waivers to address gender equity at UNLV, UNR, and CCSN; and continuing to implement the Master Plan with emphasis on accountability and sharpening of institutional missions, and considering offering selected baccalaureate programs at CCSN.

She also noted the legislative scrutiny the UCCSN is undergoing and the questions being asked of the System. These include:

• Committee to Evaluate Higher Education Programs
  • Do programs meet educational needs of NV?
  • Do our programs ensure economic progress and development in NV?
  • Are new programs needed and, if so, can funds be reallocated to support these new programs?
  • Are student fees and state appropriations efficiently distributed internally?
  • Recommend to the Board of Regents and the legislature such action as may be needed for the efficient and effective operation of UCCSN.
• Legislative performance audit of:
  • Cost of athletic programs
  • Cost of administration
  • Capital construction projects
  • Host accounts
  • Validity and reliability of enrollment data
  • Policies and procedures for the generation and distribution of investment income
  • Contracting and bidding procedures, including construction, retrofit and repair projects and the use of “shared savings” programs for utility costs
  • Statewide programs

Chancellor Nichols also outlined several tasks the System will be completing before the next session. These include:

• Drafting a letter of intent regarding a cost-neutral, revised taxonomy for formula funding.
• Conducting an operational study of business centers north and south to improve efficiency and eliminate redundancy.
• Completing a faculty workload study.
• Considering potential bills, such as fee reimbursement for state prisoners, Public Works Board relationship, and health insurance for employees
• Prioritizing needs and establish budget requests for 2005 legislature.
• Setting tuition and fees for fall ’05 and fall ’06.
• Participation in the ACT Pilot Project and Remedial Task Force.
• Showing progress on part-time faculty salaries.
• Implementing Technology Task Force recommendations.

The Chancellor also provided some insight into the 2005 legislative session and the challenges that it will provide:

• Political climate uncertain.
• Revenue from new taxes uncertain.
• Need to provide evidence of benefits from money invested in higher education:
  • Doubling nursing enrollment
  • Educating/graduating more students
  • Providing support for economic growth
• Need to build constituency to support higher education.
• Estate Tax income disappears, creating state general fund deficit of about $90 million.
• Growth in higher education expected to continue with Millennium Scholarships and increases in high school graduation rate, college-going rate, adult participation rate, and overall population.
• Nevada is number one in rate of population growth with 183,000 new Nevadans from 2000 to 2002.
• Nevada is number one in rate of increase in high school graduates, projected to be 71 percent by 2012 . The closest state is Arizona at 38.9 percent.
• UCCSN projected to grow by 60 percent from 2002 to 2010, making Nevada number one in growth.
• Pressures on our institutions to provide workforce training and applied research continues.
• Master Plan will provide accountability and vision, which will continue to drive higher enrollment.
• Are there other steps we can take to ensure efficiency and effectiveness?
  • Credits to degree
  • National Forum on College-Level Learning
  • American Diploma Project
  • Clear institutional missions
  • Collaborations between institutions

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ADMISSIONS POLICIES
General Counsel Thomas Ray provided an overview of recent United States Supreme Court opinions, Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger, and how they affect current UCCSN admissions policies. Both cases involve constitutional challenges to the consideration of race in the University of Michigan's law school and undergraduate admissions programs. General Counsel Ray said the Supreme Court held that there is a compelling interest in attaining a diverse student body, and therefore race may be considered as a factor in admissions decisions. With this ruling, he said, the Supreme Court upheld the law school's admissions program but struck the undergraduate admissions program and found it was not sufficiently narrowly tailored to meet federal legal requirements. General Counsel Ray said the UCCSN's current admissions policy conforms with federal law and these recent decisions, and therefore he did not recommend any changes at this time.

MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP RESIDENCY POLICIES
General Counsel Ray also reviewed the current policies and practices related to residency requirements for Millennium Scholarship eligibility.

General Counsel Ray first noted that funds for this scholarship stem from tobacco litigation, and that the Governor determined a portion of these funds would be used for the scholarship. He said the question is to determine what role the state treasurer and the Board of Regents have in determining who is eligible for the scholarship.

General Counsel Ray indicated that the basic requirements for the scholarship is students must be Nevada residents for at least two years, have graduated from a Nevada high school, and have a grade point average of 3.0. (Current changes to this policy are noted above.) He added that the Nevada statutes define legal residents as those physically present with the intent to reside here indefinitely. He said this is difficult to reconcile with federal law since residency has nothing to do with citizenship, and that the federal government gives states the ability to decide the requirements for residency.

General Counsel Ray said that given this information, citizenship is not required for the scholarship, and he recommended that the current practice remain in effect. He also added that the legislature should address any changes to the scholarship eligibility, not the Board.

UCCSN VALUES STATEMENT & GOALS
The Board discussed two items from its June 20 workshop--revising the goals of the Master Plan and developing a value statement and/or set of values for the UCCSN.

Chancellor Nichols addressed the first part of the discussion. She said the changes suggested by the Board would affirm and further clarify the Master Plan goals. The revised goals are as follows:

1. Quality Education
2. Student Friendly System
3. Opportunity and Accessible Education for All
4. A Prosperous Economy
5. National Reputation
6. Building Quality of Life
7. P-16 Education

Chancellor Nichols said she will distribute these changes to the UCCSN's campuses for their feedback, and will then bring them back to the Board for its final approval.

Board Chair Anthony then reiterated the importance of developing a clear value statement and/or set of core values to which the entire System can adhere. He suggested that the Board members, presidents, faculty senate chairs, and student representatives contribute key words that could be incorporated into this statement. These included: integrity, equality, responsive, inclusive/open, visionary, quality, excellence, positive, accountability, accessibility, responsibility, respect for all people, seek national recognition for what Nevada does, ethical decision making, encourage analytical thinking, responsible citizenship, honesty, student success, creative, adaptable, innovation, critical thinking, personal development, solvent, professional development, courtesy, proactive, self-empowering, civility, sensitivity, conscientious, continually improving, technically advanced, collaboration, team player, recognition and appreciation, caring, and informative.

Both Board Chair Anthony and Chancellor Nichols indicated that many of these items overlapped and need to be consolidated. Chancellor Nichols said the System staff will do this and will then bring them back for discussion at the next meeting. Both she and Board Chair Anthony indicated these values will center on the environment the System wants to create as opposed to creating additional goals.

CONSENT AGENDA

MINUTES

1. MINUTES

The Board approved the minutes from the meeting held June 18-19, 2003 and the Board workshop held June 19-20, 2003.

ACTION/PERSONNEL

2. UPDATE P-16 COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

Board Chair Anthony received Board approval to appoint Vice Chair Bandera to replace Regent Seastrand as a voting member of the P-16 Council. Regent Alden will continue as an alternate member of the Council.

3. TENURE UPON HIRE, UNLV

President Harter received Board approval to grant tenure upon hire to the following faculty members:

• Dr. Nader Ghafoori, full professor and chair of the department of civil engineering, effective July 1, 2003. The department faculty voted unanimously to recommend tenure upon hire.
• Dr. Charles D. O'Connor, full professor and chair in the department of art in the College of Fine Arts, effective July 1, 2003. The department faculty voted unanimously to recommend tenure upon hire.

4. TENURE UPON HIRE, UNR

President Lilley received Board approval to grant tenure upon hire to the following faculty member:

• Dr. Thomas Cowan, department of physics and director of the Nevada Terawatt Facility in the College of Arts and Science. Dr. Cowan is a respected scientist and internationally recognized leader in the field of high-energy density plasmas. He also has a distinguished publication and research record as shown on his curriculum vitae. This appointment is supported by the faculty, the chair of the department, and dean of the College of Arts and Science.

ACTION/HANDBOOK REVISIONS

5. HANDBOOK REVISION, UPDATE OF TRANSFER POLICY

The Board amended Title IV, Chapter 14, Sections 12 and 14 of the Handbook to enhance student transfers among UCCSN institutions. These policies were approved by the Board in 1998 but were not added to the Handbook at that time.

6. HANDBOOK REVISION, SCHOOL OF LAW TUITION AND FEES, UNLV

The Board approved a request from President Harter to amend Title IV, Chapter 10, Section 15 of the Handbook to increase tuition and registration fees for the 2003-2005 biennium for the William S. Boyd School of Law. The Board approved the increase at its May 2003 meeting, but it was not added to the Handbook at that time.

ACTION/ PROPERTY

7. UTILITY EASEMENT, TMCC

The Board approved a request from President Ringle for a grant of easement for utility facilities in order to complete the V. James Eardley Student Center. The easement will also allow for future utility service needs.

8. PAVING PROJECT, CCSN

President Remington received Board approval of a paving project that will complete the access to the new science building on the Charleston campus. This is a capital improvement item that will cost $45,000 to complete. This project is needed in order to meet Fire Code and ADA Code requirements. The building will open at the beginning of fall semester 2003.

9. GRANT OF EASEMENT FOR UTILITY FACILITIES, EW WEST STADIUM PARKING COMPLEX, UNR

President Lilley received Board approval for an easement that will provide utility service for the new west stadium parking complex located at 1660 N. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada.

10. ACQUISITION OF CHURCH LANE, UNR

President Lilley received Board approval to accept the street abandonment of Church Lane from the City of Reno.

ACTION

11. 2003-2004 & 2004-2005 CLOUD SEEDING PROGRAM, DRI

President Wells received Board approval to approach the Interim Finance Committee for funding of the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 Cloud Seeding program as authorized by the 2003 Legislature. The range of the funding request for each year of the biennium will be between $465,000 and $485,000.

ACADEMIC, RESEARCH & STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Committee Chair Jill Derby presented a report on the Academic, Research & Student Affairs Committee meeting held August 14, 2003.

Regent Derby said Dr. Lois Becker, associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of arts and sciences
at Nevada State College, presented the committee with a proposal to offer upper-division courses at NSC that will lead to baccalaureate degrees at TMCC and WNCC. The degrees under consideration are law enforcement, integrated studies, and visual media and computing. Dr. Becker also said that NSC is considering working with CCSN to offer education students at CCSN's Charleston campus upper division courses that will lead to baccalaureate degrees in elementary education and in elementary education with a concentration in special education.

Regent Derby requested Board approval of the following committee recommendations:

• Approve the following new unit proposals:
  • Institute for Security Studies, UNLV
  • Center for Cybermedia Research, UNLV
  • Oral History Resource Center, UNLV
  • Center for Research Design & Statistical Methods, UNR
• Approve the following new program proposals:
  • Ph.D., Sports Education and Leadership, UNLV
  • BA, Speech Pathology, NSC
  • AAS, Electronics Engineering Technology, WNCC
  • AAS, Electrical Engineering Technology, WNCC
  • AAS, Computer Engineering Technology, WNCC

The Board approved the recommendations as presented.

AUDIT COMMITTEE
Committee Chair Douglas Roman Hill presented a report on the Audit Committee meeting held August 15, 2003.

Regent Hill said the committee discussed the status of the Fire Science Academy, the Legislative Counsel Bureau audit, and the audit exception report for the six-months ending June 30, 2003.

Regent Hill requested Board approval of the following Committee recommendations:

• Accept the following internal audit reports:
  • RACF Security Settings, UCCSN
  • Presidential Exit Audit, NSC
  • Intercollegiate Athletics, UNR
  • Intercollegiate Athletics, UNLV
  • Sexual Harassment Procedures Review, UNLV

The Board approved the recommendations as presented.

FINANCE & PLANNING COMMITTEE
Committee Chair Mark Alden presented a report on the Finance & Planning Committee meeting held August 14, 2003.

Regent Alden thanked the committee members for their input at the meeting. Regent Alden also said that Chancellor Nichols will hold a workshop on formula funding for all Board members. He said he felt it was extremely important that the committee and the entire Board understand this process. He also said that a workshop on the System's budget and how the System operates is also under development.

Regent Alden requested Board action on the following committee recommendation:

• Approve the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 UCCSN State Supported Operating Budget.

The Board approved the recommendation as presented.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Committee Chair Bret Whipple presented a report on the Investment Committee meeting held June 24, 2003.

Regent Whipple said the committee heard presentations from six new small cap managers.

Regent Whipple requested Board approval of the following committee recommendations:

• Terminate Navallier & Associates, Inc. as the small cap manager for the UCCSN.
• Hire Hoover Investment Management Company, a U.S. small cap opportunistic company.

The Board approved the recommendations as presented.

AD HOC EXECUTIVE EVALUATION & COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Committee Chair Steve Sisolak presented a report on the ad hoc Executive Evaluation & Compensation Committee meetings held July 2, and August 1, 2003.

Regent Sisolak requested Board approval of the following committee recommendations from the July 2 meeting:

• Change the annual and periodic review process for presidents.
• Change the review process for the Chancellor.
• Establish procedures for the annual review of the chief administrative officer and the general counsel.
• Change the procedures for reviewing and approving annual salary increases for executive employees.

The Board approved the recommendations as presented. Regent Sisolak said additional recommendations from the August 1 meeting will be brought to the Board at its October meeting.

Regent Sisolak said the committee has the following specific recommendations for the Board:

• Allow the Chancellor to conduct the annual evaluations of presidents without holding a closed session of the Board.
• Allow the Chancellor to conduct the annual evaluation of General Counsel Tom Ray.
• Allow the Board to continue to conduct evaluation of Chief Administrative Officer Suzanne Ernst, with written procedures for evaluation to be established.
• Allow the Chancellor to approve salary increases of presidents with follow-up report to Board.

Regent Sisolak added that should the Board approve these recommendations, changes to the Handbook language will be presented at a future meeting.

The Board held a lengthy discussion of these recommendations. Several Regents were concerned about the source of compensation for presidents, and whether these funds could come from foundations sources. General Counsel Ray said foundation funds could be used to compensate presidents. He said the first step would be to earmark unrestricted gifts for this specific purpose, which the Board would have to approve. He added that these funding sources must be given to the foundation, then to the Board, and then to the presidents to comply with state law.

Regents were also concerned with allowing the Chancellor to review the presidents. They said these reviews provide the Board with an opportunity to sit down with the presidents and review the previous year, and that taking this responsibility away from the Board will eliminate a very educational experience for the Board. They were also concerned that any closed sessions that are called for will be perceived as punitive. Other concerns were expressed over merit pay for presidents, and establishing criteria for awarding merit pay. They also wanted to discuss further the idea of using foundation funds for merit pay.

Chancellor Nichols also addressed concerns from Regents over ensuring the presidents are compensated fairly as compared to their peers throughout the country. She said the national averages do not take into account years of experience an individual brings to the table, a complexity the committee had to grapple with.

Regent Sisolak said the recommendations brought forth to the full Board came about after considerable discussion and research by the committee. Board Chair Anthony suggested that these items be discussed in greater detail at subsequent meetings.

The motion to approve the recommendations passed.