Dr. John Packham, Health Care Planning and Research Coordinator for the UCCSN, will prepare the report.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.

Last year, the Board committed $4 million in Estate Tax revenue to fund expanded research initiatives at the System's three research campuses during the 1997-1999 biennium. Known as the Applied Research Initiative, this program encouraged faculty to enhance their research capability by seeking new partners who would then match, dollar for dollar, applied research funds.

Within the initiative's first year, these combined funds have successfully been used to work on private industry, federal and state projects that have expanded the capability of Nevada's three research institutions.

"This report shows that a small investment in higher education can reap fantastic returns for Nevada," said Regent Dorothy Gallagher, chair of the Academic, Research & Student Affairs Committee. "Not only do our faculty and students have the opportunity to contribute to top-caliber science on a national level, they also have a positive impact on the prestige and financial health of their institution."

An allocation of $2 million was available to the three campuses for 1997-1998 as follows: Desert Research Institute, $650,000; University of Nevada, Las Vegas, $675,000; University of Nevada, Reno, $675,000. The remaining $2 million will be expended in 1998-1999.

Fifty-three projects are currently funded under the initiative and 25 are still pending. Seventy-eight companies and agencies will support 80 UCCSN faculty and researchers in collaborative efforts to conduct applied research.

Research projects underway include: research on an alternative fuel consisting of mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas; studying customer loyalty; use of meal replacements in obesity treatment; testing and monitoring a device to destroy waste organic chemicals; and an investigation of low pH topical treatment for skin cancer.

For a complete list of the ongoing projects, please contact the UCCSN's External Relations office in Las Vegas at (702) 889-8426.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.

"There has been a growing need in Clark County to produce more and more highly skilled teachers for the school district," said Dr. Jill Derby, board chair. "As part of our renewed Strategic Directions, the Board of Regents has placed a high priority on working with the local school districts, as well as Governor Miller and the Nevada Legislature, to enhance the opportunities for teacher education."

During today's Finance and Planning Committee meeting, the Board approved revisions to the Biennial Operating Priorities which included requesting an additional $3 million for teacher education programs in Southern Nevada: $2 million for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and $1 million to the Community College of Southern Nevada.

"This initiative would allow UNLV and CCSN the flexibility to try some new approaches as well as explore new partnerships with each other, the school district and local businesses," added Regent Derby. "Overall, it's a win-win for Nevada."

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.

At the request of Regent Shelley Berkley, the Academic, Research & Student Affairs Committee directed UCCSN staff to develop an anti-hazing policy for all seven UCCSN institutions.

"As a mother of two college-bound children, I have a concern about reports of numerous cases of hazing on college campuses throughout the country, "said Regent Shelley Berkley. "Since 1970 there have been at least one death per year directly attributed to hazing activities."

"This is not just an issue for fraternities and sororities. Hazing can apply to any campus group or organization that meets on campus. I believe there should be zero tolerance for hazing activities within our System. It is my hope that by addressing this issue and creating a strong Regents' policy strictly prohibiting hazing, that it will serve as a strong deterrent to future activity of this kind, " she added.

Both President Joe Crowley of UNR and President Carol Harter of UNLV voiced their strong support for the development of a Systemwide anti-hazing policy. Currently, 40 states have anti-hazing policies.

The committee will report their policy recommendations to the Board at the September meeting.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.

Currently executive director of DRI's Atmospheric Sciences Center, Dr. Barber's appointment will be for a period of one year or until the successful completion of the Board's ongoing search to find a permanent successor to President James V. Taranik. Taranik is returning June 30 to the classroom as the Arthur Brant Chair of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Nevada, Reno, after leading the Institute for the past 12 years.

"After consultation with the leadership of the faculty, administrative, and technical staff at DRI, I was delighted to recommend Dr. Peter Barber to the Board," said Dr. Jill Derby, Board chair.

"Dr. Barber has the experience of administration at DRI and the confidence of the institution and the Board to help lead DRI through this period of transition," she added.

Prior to joining DRI in 1993, Dr. Barber was a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Clarkson University and was a visiting associate professor in the Department of Engineering and Applied Science at Yale University. He also held various faculty positions at the University of Utah and UCLA.

Dr. Barber earned a B.S.E.E. from Washington State University; a M.S. and a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. He was awarded the John R. Park Teachers Fellowship from the University of Utah; the Outstanding Advisor Award from Clarkson University; and a Fulbright Fellowship to Finland.

Dr. Barber's annual salary will be $148,000.

"It was one of my great pleasures to have hired Dr. Barber to direct the Atmospheric Sciences Center and he has done a superior job in reorganizing and leading the center's strategic planning," said Taranik. "His selection to serve as interim president is a testimony to his excellent management skills and effectiveness in working with DRI's faculty. I'm confident he will serve the Regents and System well in this interim assignment."

A nonprofit, statewide division of the University and Community College System of Nevada, DRI pursues a full-time program of basic and applied environmental research on local, national and international scale. DRI's 400 scientists, technicians and support staff conduct some 140 research projects annually.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.

Starting her second term as chair, Dr. Derby has served on the Board of Regents since 1989. A native of Lovelock, she has served as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee as well as the UNLV Presidential Search Committee.

She has also served for many years as Chair of the Status of Women and Campus Environment Committees. Dr. Derby is a cultural anthropologist with an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of California, Davis and a B.A. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has worked as a lecturer, consultant and faculty member of three colleges: Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada and Western Nevada Community College.

Elected to the Board in 1996, Tom Wiesner has been active in the Audit, Finance & Planning, Investment and ad hoc TMCC Search Committees. Regent Wiesner is the owner- operator of the Big Dog's Hospitality Group in Las Vegas as well as the owner of the Wiesner Investment Company. He is currently the Republican National Committeeman for Nevada. He earned a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison where he played fullback from 1958-1960. He was later drafted by the Baltimore Colts.

The terms for chair and vice chair are one year.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.

Costs at Nevada's universities and community colleges rank 14th out of 16 Western states in 1997-1998. This new plan calls for an increase of slightly less than four percent for in-state resident registration fees for university and community college students.

Since they are expected to pay the full cost of instruction, out-of-state student tuition will increase by 10 percent for university students and four percent for community college students.

"Although no one likes to raise the costs of higher education, we must keep pace with our state's incredible growth," said UCCSN Chancellor Richard Jarvis. "We are working hard to ensure a quality education for our students while managing ever increasing enrollments."

"These modest annual increases are fair deals for our students. They're predictable. They increase quality. And, they keep Nevada's universities and community colleges among the most affordable in the West," he added.

According to the new plan, the university registration fee for in-state students will rise from $69 to $71.50 per credit for the 1999-2000 academic year, and then to $74 per credit for the 2000-2001 academic year.

Community college registration fees for in-state students will rise from $39.50 per credit to $41 per credit for the 1999-2000 academic year, and then to $42.50 per credit for the 2000-2001 academic year.

For more information on tuition and fee increases for non-resident, part-time non-resident and Good Neighbor students, please contact the UCCSN External Relations office in Las Vegas at 702-889-8426.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.

The Nevada Institute for Children, the brain-child of First Lady Sandy Miller, will further the causes of all Nevada children by studying related public policy problems and issues.

To be located at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Institute will examine policy issues from an interdisciplinary perspective and will focus on five primary goals: study issues that affect Nevada's children; develop legislative proposals, supporting materials and programmatic improvements; coordinate the UCCSN's programs that address children's issues; assist government agencies, non-profits and the private sector in involving the community in children's issues; and identify issues of concern to Nevada's children.

"The Nevada Institute for Children will provide an incredible opportunity for our state's children, our teachers in training and our faculty," said Richard Jarvis, chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada.

"Over the past 10 years, Mrs. Miller has been an extraordinary champion for our state's children," he added. "The UCCSN is proud to help the First Lady launch this unique organization that will benefit Nevada's children throughout the entire educational spectrum."

In her presentation to the Board, Mrs. Miller also commended the Regents for setting the national example by tackling literacy issues early in a student's educational experience. She lauded the Board's Regents Award Program which helped tutor approximately 831 elementary school children through the America Reads Program. This program strives to increase third grade literacy utilizing university and community college student tutors to work one-on-one with children on improving their reading skills.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.

In his report to the Board, Dr. Tom Anderes, vice chancellor for finance and administration for the University and Community College System of Nevada, presented a plan that would call for the funding of 15 capital improvement projects in tier one and 20 projects in tier two.

The first tier, which is a primary goal, includes projects that make up $102.7 million of the request. These projects will include: renovating the University of Nevada, Las Vegas law school; building an approximately 75,000-square foot multi-use facility for University of Nevada, Reno Redfield campus; building the 80,000-square-foot Charleston Campus Science Building for the Community College of Southern Nevada; building a 32,000-square-foot High Technology Center for Great Basin College; construction and renovation of a Student Development Center at Truckee Meadows Community College; and expanding the Student Center/Library at Western Nevada Community College.

Other projects in tier one include:

• UNLV Lied Library furnishings
• UNLV Student Services Addition
• UNLV Wright Hall, Phase 1
• UNR Chemistry Building
• CCSN High Technology Center, Pahrump
• CCSN High Technology Center, Las Vegas
• UNR School of Medicine Learning Center, Reno
• UNR Getchell Design
• TMCC High Technology Center, Washoe

"Our support for this budget today demonstrates the Board's commitment to enhance the quality of education we offer our students," said Board Chair Dr. Jill Derby. "Nevada has seen, and will continue to see, phenomenal growth in enrollments. We must work with the Governor and the Legislature to ensure that we are able to meet the needs of our high growth campuses."

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.

In her report to the Board, Dr. Jane Nichols, vice chancellor for academic affairs for the University and Community College System of Nevada, stated that much progress has been made in improving the System's transfer policies, "but we still have work to do to ensure that all students who attend our community colleges can easily transfer to either university to complete a baccalaureate."

Today's action by the Board establishes a "seamless" educational system that guarantees students equal access to the baccalaureate degree whether they start in a community college or at a university.

The Board approved policy that requires all academic majors at the universities to have updated major-to-major agreements with UCCSN community colleges by this fall. These agreements will provide clearer information for community college students by their field of study.

Additionally, the Board took steps to ensure that no student who follows advisement provided and follows the approved curriculum will have to take unnecessary courses. Neither will a student have to repeat a course they have already successfully completed.

"Today, I've heard great news for Nevada's students," said Regent Dorothy Gallagher, chair of the Academic, Research & Student Affairs Committee. "Students who start their college education at a community college now will have the ability to complete their baccalaureate degrees in the same number of credits as those who start at a university in every field and every major."

A written progress report will come to the Board of Regents in November 1998 from each campus as well as the Interinstitutional Articulation Committee.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.

These awards represent the highest awards given by the Board for significant achievements to the cultural, economic, scientific and social advancement of Nevada and will be presented formally during commencement exercises in May.

1998 Distinguished Nevadans - Southern Nevada

• Ruby Duncan
• Wing & Lilly Fong
• Sandy Miller
• Rafael "Ray" Vega
• Melvin B. Wolzinger

1998 Distinguished Nevadans Northern Nevada

In his presentation to the Board, UCCSN Chancellor Richard S. Jarvis stated that System institutions have added an additional 10,000 students to their classrooms over the past two years.

"Nevada's growth is nothing short of phenomenal," said Jarvis. "Our two universities and four community colleges are doing an excellent job of attracting and educating our students. Now with additional incentives like the Hope Scholarship tax credit, we will be faced with even a greater challenge as more students will have access to a college education."

The report revealed the following increases for each UCCSN institution:

Headcount is used to measure the demand for and impact of each institution's programs. Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is used to measure each institution's workload performance or the amount of instruction delivered. FTE is calculated by dividing the total number of enrolled credit hours divided by 15.

Jarvis added that based on these enrollment figures, the increased institutional workload appears to be on track to exceed the growth in budgeted enrollments funded for 1997-98.

The report also revealed that the majority of Nevada's students are "non-traditional" by age and full-time/part-time status. The largest student age group in the System is adults 30+ who make up 36.5 percent of the student population.

"Despite the fact that we are the fastest growing System in the West, with the fastest increases in diversity, we still have the lowest proportion of baccalaureates in the country," said Jarvis. "The probability that a Nevada 9th grader is going to go to college within four years is the lowest in the nation."

"We must continue our efforts to increase access, improve the campus environment and change the college-going culture through such unique partnerships as the K-16 Collaborative and our Workforce Development programs," he added.

Detailed information on the enrollment report can be obtained by calling the UCCSN Office of External Relations in Las Vegas at 889-8426.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 76,000 students.