October 8-9, 1976
10-08-1976
Pages 43-65
BOARD OF REGENTS
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA SYSTEM
October 8, 1976
The Board of Regents met on the above date in The Center for
Religion and Life, Reno.
Members present: Fred M. Anderson, M. D.
Mr. James L. Buchanan, II
Mr. John A. Buchanan
Mrs. Lilly Fong
Mrs. Molly Knudtsen
Louis E. Lombardi, M. D.
Miss Brenda Mason
Mr. John Tom Ross
Members absent: Miss Helen Thompson
Others present: Chancellor Neil D. Humphrey
President Donald H. Baepler, UNLV
President Charles R. Donnelly, CCD
President Max Milam, UNR
President Lloyd P. Smith, DRI
Mr. Larry Lessly, General Counsel
Mr. Richard Belaustegui, Unit Senate
Dr. Paul Burns, UNLV Senate
Mr. Dale Donathon, WNCC/North Senate
Mr. Robert Hill, WNCC/South Senate
Dr. James T. Richardson, UNR Senate
Dr. Joseph Warburton, DRI Senate
Mr. Dan Russell, CSUN
Mr. Jim Stone, ASUN
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Buchanan at 9:15 A.M.
1. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the regular session of September 3, 1976
were submitted for approval.
Mrs. Fong moved approval. Motion seconded by Dr. Anderson,
carried without dissent.
Upon motion by Mrs. Fong, seconded by Miss Mason, the supple-
mental action and information agendas were admitted.
2. Acceptance of Gifts
Acceptance of the gifts and grants as reported by the Divi-
sion Presidents was recommended (report identified as Ref.
2 and filed with permanent minutes).
Miss Mason moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs. Fong,
carried without dissent.
3. Addition to Student Union Building, UNR
Design development drawings for this project were submitted
by Mr. Ralph Casazza, project architect. A description of
the scope of work and method of funding was included with
the agenda (identified as Ref. 4 and filed with permanent
minutes). President Milam recommended approval of the
preliminary plans. Chancellor Humphrey concurred.
Mrs. Fong moved approval. Motion seconded by Miss Mason,
carried without dissent.
4. Report of Investment Advisory Committee
Dr. Lombardi presented a report of the Investment Advisors
Committee meeting of September 3, 1976, and requested con-
firmation of the actions of the Committee. (Report identi-
fied as Ref. 3 and filed with permanent minutes.)
Mrs. Knudtsen moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs. Fong,
carried without dissent.
5. Request for Right of Way, UNR
President Milam reported that the State Public Works Board
has requested the University to grant a right of way to the
State of Nevada Department of Human Resources for utilities
for the facility to be constructed near the UNR Anderson
Health Sciences building. President Milam recommended
approval. Chancellor Humphrey concurred, subject to review
and approval of the grant document by Counsel.
Dr. Lombardi moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs.
Knudtsen, carried without dissent.
6. Approval of Fund Transfers, UNR
President Milam requested approval of the following fund
transfers from the Contingency Reserve:
#61 $997 to Student Services ($697 to Operating and $300
to Wages) to compensate this area for time lost as a
result of a staff member teaching a Fall class in the
CAPS Department.
#63 $3,000 to the Bureau of Business and Economic Research
Operating to be used to carry out the expanded work of
the Bureau.
Chancellor Humphrey recommended approval.
Dr. Lombardi moved approval. Motion seconded by Miss Mason,
carried without dissent.
7. Procedural Problems Regarding Recruitment
In response to a request from Mrs. Fong, a report from Harry
Wolf, Affirmative Action Officer for UNR, was included with
the agenda (identified as Ref. 7A and filed with permanent
minutes).
Also in response to a request from Mrs. Fong, a report from
Counsel Larry Lessly was included with the agenda (identi-
fied as Ref. 7B and filed with permanent minutes). Mr.
Lessly's report contained advice concerning the legality of
the procedure followed in the recruiting for Academic Vice
President at UNR. Mr. Lessly reported that he had confirmed
with HEW that the procedure followed was not in violation of
any of the Federal guidelines. However, he suggested that
the section of the Board's Equal Opportunity Policy state-
ment which deals with "internal" and "external" searches is
ambiguous and deserves clarification.
Dr. Anderson moved that the Equal Opportunity Policy be re-
viewed by the Administrative Officers and Counsel and the
definitions of "internal" and "external" be clarified, with
recommended revision to be submitted to the November meet-
ing. Motion seconded by Mr. Ross, carried without dissent.
8. Request for Delegation of Authority to Purchase
President Smith reported that construction of the DRI facil-
ity in North Reno is proceeding ahead of schedule with the
contractor now estimating that he will be through around
January 1, 1977, instead of the anticipated completion date
of August 19, 1977. He spoke of the importance of the
Institute being able to proceed as rapidly as possible to
acquire movable furnishings and equipment. Dr. Smith re-
ported that bids for such purchases will be opened October
18, 1976, and he requested authorization to approve pur-
chases in excess of $8,000, and then to report such pur-
chases at the November meeting. Chancellor Humphrey rec-
ommended approval.
Dr. Lombardi moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs.
Knudtsen, carried without dissent.
9. Approval of Fund Transfers, DRI
President Smith requested approval of the following
transfer:
#77-006 $5,000 from the Contingency Reserve to the Water
Resources Center to provide funds for hourly
employees.
Chancellor Humphrey recommended approval.
Dr. Lombardi moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs.
Knudtsen, carried without dissent.
10. Proposed Administrative Reorganization of CCCC
President Donnelly requested approval of an administrative
reorganization at CCCC (chart identified as Ref. 12A and
filed with permanent minutes). Dr. Donnelly noted that
this reorganization reduces the number of people with admin-
istrative responsibilities from 48 to 26 and sets the maxi-
mum number of line administrators at 5, compared with 11 in
the present organizational plan. The present organization
chart was also included with the agenda (identified as Ref.
12B and filed with permanent minutes).
President Donnelly reported that this proposed change had
been reviewed and approved by the CCCC Faculty Senate.
Chancellor Humphrey recommended approval.
Mrs. Fong moved approval. Motion seconded by Mr. John
Buchanan, carried without dissent.
11. UNR Scholarship Report, 1975-76
Dr. Robert Mc Queen, Director of Scholarships, UNR, present-
ed the 1975-76 Scholarship Report. (Report is on file in
Chancellor's Office.) Dr. Mc Queen emphasized the growth
in the scholarship program, noting that scholarship dollars
increased from $247,892 in 1974-75 to $345,285 in 1975-76.
A scholarship report from UNLV will be submitted to a
subsequent meeting.
12. Phase I, Medical School
President Milam noted inclusion with the supplemental agenda
of a proposal by UNR's School of Medical Sciences to offer
the 3rd and 4th year leading to the M. D. degree. (Proposal
is on file in the Chancellor's Office.)
Dean George T. Smith commented on the proposal for conver-
sion of the School to a degree-granting institution with
residency programs in primary care, and cited the following
three developments contributing to the urgency of the
request:
A. Federal conversion funds of $50,000 per student have
been incorporated into recent health manpower legisla-
tion, but must be applied for no later than September,
1977.
B. Transfer of UNR students into degree-granting medical
schools is becoming more difficult. The University of
Alabama, which accepted 19 of UNR's 48 students into its
1976-77 class, has advised that no out-of-state trans-
fer students will be accepted after 1977-78.
C. WICHE has increased the support fee of transferred med-
ical students from $6,000 to $12,000 per year and an
increase in the number of students covered has been
requested by the Nevada WICHE Commissioners. This will
result in a considerable increase in the amount of
Nevada financial support to out-of-state medical
schools.
Mr. H. Edward Manville, Chairman of the Medical School
Advisory Board, Dr. Ted Jacobs, a practicing physician in
Las Vegas and a member of the Medical School Advisory Board
and Dr. Thomas Scully of the Medical School spoke in support
of the proposal, requesting authorization to proceed to
Phase II. (Transcript of presentation and discussion on
file in Chancellor's Office.)
Dr. Richardson, UNR Senate Chairman, reported that the
Senate had reviewed the proposal by the Medical School and
supports the request to proceed to Phase II. Mr. Stone,
ASUN President, reported approval by ASUN.
President Milam recommended approval. Chancellor Humphrey
concurred, noting that the Board is not being asked to
approve a 3rd and 4th year at this time, but rather was
being asked to authorize the Medical School to do the de-
tailed planning which will identify all of the costs and
other factors which must be considered by the Board at such
time as the Board will be requested to make a decision on
approving a degree-granting school.
Mrs. Fong moved approval. Motion seconded by Dr. Lombardi,
carried without dissent.
13. Phase I, Ph. D. in Sociology, UNR
Dr. Milam introduced Dr. Rebecca Stafford who presented a
Phase I proposal for a Ph. D. in Sociology. (Proposal on
file in Chancellor's Office.) Dr. Stafford stated that all
but two of the courses required for the degree are now being
taught and no additional funding will be required to support
the program. (Transcript of presentation and discussion is
on file in the Chancellor's Office.) President Milam rec-
ommended approval.
Dr. Lombardi moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs.
Knudtsen.
Chancellor Humphrey stated that although he considered
Sociology to be a very strong Department, he believed the
proposed program lacked the same sense of urgency present
in the Medical School proposal and he did not recommend
approval. He pointed out that several programs which have
previously been approved are still waiting funding. He
requested that action not be taken on the Phase I proposal
until a subsequent meeting to allow time to verify the cost
factors.
In response to Dr. Stafford's repeated assertion that the
program would not require additional monies, Chancellor
Humphrey stated that if there are no additional costs and
if UNR will stand behind those representations and place the
program ahead of other waiting programs, he would see no
reason not to proceed with the implementation of the pro-
gram. However, he stated, he was not in a position to rec-
ommend such approval as he did not have the information.
Motion to approve carried without dissent.
14. Proposed Lease by Rebel Athletic Foundation
President Baepler gave a brief report on the status of plans
for an apartment complex to be constructed on UNLV land
which the Board had been requested to lease to the Rebel
Athletic Foundation. He introduced Mr. Joe Mc Donald, who
responded to questions from the Board. The Board also re-
viewed information from Counsel Larry Lessly concerning
the legal status of the Rebel Foundation (report identified
as Ref. 13 and filed with permanent minutes). Further dis-
cussion on this item will be scheduled for the November
meeting.
15. Transfer of Funds, UNLV
President Baepler requested approval of the following trans-
fers from the Contingency Reserve:
#77-021 $1,500 to Theatre Arts, Operating to provide funds
for a guest Director for a Fall performance.
#77-024 $9,600 to Reading Center and Clinic to provide for
three graduate students.
#77-025 $3,000 to Educational Foundations and Counseling to
provide funds for an additional graduate assistant.
#77-026 $6,200 to Physical Education to provide funds for
two additional graduate assistants.
#77-027 $3,000 to Special Education to provide funds for
one additional graduate assistant.
#77-029 $17,555 to Extended Day Supplement to provide funds
for part-time and overload appointments for the
Fall semester.
#77-031 $19,000 to College of Education, Dean's Office,
Operating to provide funds for payment of practice
teaching supervisors. Funds for this purpose were
previously budgeted in wages account.
Chancellor Humphrey recommended approval.
Mr. Ross moved approval. Motion seconded by Mr. John
Buchanan, carried without dissent.
16. Optional Retirement Plan for Faculty
Background information included with the agenda recalled
that in September the Board received a request from the UNLV
Senate "...that the Board of Regents review the procedure
which occurred during the transfer of retirement to TIAA-
CREF in 1969; that they determine whether or not the infor-
mation given those who had a choice to make was clear in
that the State's contribution would not be transferred with
the employee's contribution; and that the option to remain
with or transfer retirement plans again be made available."
It was further recalled that legal counsel representing the
National Society of Professors made a presentation at the
September meeting and the Board asked that the other Senates
review the request by the UNLV Senate and develop recom-
mendations for consideration at the October meeting.
Dr. Al Stoess cited four problem areas concerning the re-
tirement programs:
A. Ten month academic year contracts;
B. Cooperative Extension employees;
C. Information given employees when TIAA-CREF option
was provided; and
D. What position should the University take on PERS
proposal to discontinue the option as to retirement
plans.
Dr. Stoess reported that two meetings have been arranged and
Mr. George Harrison and Mr. Ward O'Neill, TIAA-CREF, New
York City, and Mr. Vernon Bennett, Executive Officer, Public
Employees Retirement System, have been invited to speak to
interested faculty. Those meetings are scheduled for 1:30
P.M., Wednesday, October 13 in Reno and 1:30 P.M., Thursday,
October 14 in Las Vegas.
Mr. Vernon Bennett, Executive Officer for PERS, spoke con-
cerning their legislative proposals for 1977 and how it
affects the retirement programs available to UNS faculty.
(Transcription of Mr. Bennett's presentation on file in
the Chancellor's Office.)
Dr. Joseph Warburton, DRI Senate Chairman, commented on the
position taken by that Senate, as reflected in the report
included with the agenda (identified as Ref. 17 and filed
with permanent minutes).
Additional reports and recommendations will be presented at
the November meeting.
17. Request for Expenditure from PE Complex Bond Proceeds, UNLV
President Baepler requested approval of the expenditure of
up to $60,000 from revenue earned from investment of the PE
Complex revenue bond proceeds to purchase pulmonary test
equipment to be used in classroom teaching and research by
the Physical Education Department.
An expenditure of $40,000 was approved in January, 1975 to
landscape the area. That, plus this expenditure, if approv-
ed, will leave an unencumbered balance of $313,269 which Dr.
Baepler recommended be used to amortize outstanding bonds,
thereby saving capital improvement fee funds for other pur-
poses. A fund of $221,800 is reserved in conformity with
bond covenants. Chancellor Humphrey recommended approval.
Mrs. Knudtsen moved approval. Motion seconded by Dr.
Lombardi, carried without dissent.
18. Continuing Education Unit
President Baepler presented a proposal for the use by UNLV
of the Continuing Education Unit (CEU). A CEU is defined
as ten contact hours of participation in an organized con-
tinuing education experience under responsible sponsorship,
capable direction, and qualified instruction. The CEU is a
basis of measuring, recording, transferring and recognizing
non-credit education participation. It is not transferable
or translatable to undergraduate or graduate academic cred-
it. Additional information, including criteria for award
of CEUs, was included with the agenda (identified as Ref. 16
and filed with permanent minutes).
President Milam requested that UNR also be granted authority
to use the Continuing Education Unit. Chancellor Humphrey
recommended approval of the use of the Continuing Education
Unit at both UNR and UNLV.
Dr. Lombardi moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs. Fong,
carried without dissent.
19. 1977-81 Capital Improvement Program Request
Mr. Harry Wood, UNS Architect, reported that the State
Public Works Board has adopted its 1977 Capital Improvement
Program for presentation to the Governor and the 1977 Leg-
islature. He noted the inclusion with the agenda of a
chart showing the State Public Work Board's proposed order
of priority, estimated cost, suggested method of funding,
and a comparison with the University's request. The chart
also identified those University projects not recommended
by the State Public Works Board for authorization at this
time (chart identified as Ref. 18 and filed with permanent
minutes). Mr. Wood noted that the SPWB's statewide Capi-
tal Improvement Program totals $47,701,825. It includes ten
University projects for the four-year period of 1977-81, at
an estimated cost of $35,834,200 to be financed entirely
with resources already dedicated to UNS capital improvements
(i. e., no General Fund money is recommended).
Mr. Wood reported that an analysis is being prepared of the
impact of revised enrollment projections on financing of
University projects. The State Public Works Board is sched-
uled to meet again November 5, and will consider further
action concerning deferred projects not presently recommend-
ed for the 1977 Program.
Chancellor Humphrey noted that additional information will
be prepared for the November meeting along with a recom-
dation for action by the Board of Regents.
20. Faculty Working on Advanced Degrees
Chancellor Humphrey recalled that in May the Board received
a recommendation from the UNLV Senate and President Baepler
that Title 4, Chapter 4, Section 4, of the Board of Regents
Handbook, be amended as follows:
No faculty member holding the rank of Assistant Profes-
sor, Associate Professor, or Professor, or an equiva-
lent, shall be permitted to become a candidate for an
advanced degree at the University, except that (1) stu-
dents who enter a graduate program and who by virtue of
their advanced standing are qualified for temporary
appointment on the faculty shall be permitted to com-
plete their training while retaining such position, or
(2) a faculty member may be permitted to become a candi-
date for an advanced degree outside of his/her own De-
partment if the request to do so is approved by the UNLV
Graduate Standards Committee.
Chancellor Humphrey noted that this matter was referred to
other Senates with a request that recommendations come back
to the Board at the October meeting. He reported that the
Unit Senate has unanimously approved the proposed change in
policy. The DRI Senate has voted to express no opinion.
No response has been received from UNR and CCD Senates.
Chancellor Humphrey recommended that this matter be de-
ferred until November in order that all Senates might
report.
Mrs. Knudtsen moved that the matter be tabled until Novem-
ber. Motion seconded by Mr. John Buchanan, carried without
dissent.
21. Proposed Code Revision
Chancellor Humphrey recalled that in June the Board author-
ized the retention of a consulting firm to complete a posi-
tion evaluation study and make a recommendation for a com-
pensation plan for all nonteaching, nonreasearch profession-
als. At the same time, the following proposed revision to
the Code was referred to the Senates for consideration, with
action by the Board scheduled for October:
Section 4.6.4 Nothing in this section shall be construed as
prohibiting the implementation of a non-rank-
related compensation plan for nonteaching,
nonresearch professionals.
Chancellor Humphrey reported the following actions by the
Senates:
A. The Unit Senate has taken action opposing the Code
amendment "...until the results of the compensation
study are known." The Unit Senate further "encourages
that consideration be given to an economic security plan
as part of the compensation study."
B. The UNR Senate has voted that "...no change be made in
the UNS Code (proposed Section 4.6.4) until such time as
"a. The study by the private consulting firm is com-
pleted and the results are available for consider-
ation. Hopefully, the study will be conducted
cooperatively with the UNS Divisional faculty
representatives.
"b. The UNS Divisional faculties have reviewed and
approved the recommendations proposed by the pri-
vate consulting firm.
"c. A satisfactory implementation of maintenance plan
is adopted.
"d. Adequate safeguards are provided for those faculty
members who are directly affected."
C. The UNLV Senate voted to table this matter until the re-
sults of the compensation study are available and need
is more clearly shown.
D. There has been no response from DRI and CCD Senates.
Chancellor Humphrey reported that a consulting firm has not
been employed, noting that after review of the problems with
prospective consultants, it was concluded that the following
additional steps would need to be taken:
1) Adopt the Code amendment in order to clearly establish
the approach to be taken.
2) Rather than completing a position evaluation study on
all nonteaching, nonresearch positions and then deter-
mining which will continue to be paid by virtue of their
rank, first determine the excluded positions and evalu-
ate only those.
3) By use of the judicial confirmation procedure, go to
court to establish whether or not the change is legal.
Chancellor Humphrey stated that in view of the foregoing,
the Officers recommend that no action be taken by the Board
and that salaries continue to be set as they are at present.
Mr. Ross expressed opposition to abandoning the project and
moved that the matter be deferred to six months during which
time the Presidents should identify those positions which
would be included in a position evaluation study should the
Board determine at the expiration of the deferment that the
study should proceed. Motion seconded by Dr. Anderson,
carried with Mrs. Knudtsen opposing.
22. Student Financial Aids
Chancellor Humphrey introduced Mr. John Fenwick, a repre-
sentative of the Office of Education's State Student
Incentive Grant Program.
Dr. Humphrey reviewed the material contained in the agenda
dealing with financial assistance to UNS students, noting
that it has increased 50% in the past two years -- from $4.6
million in 1973-74 to $6.9 million in 1975-76. During the
same period the number of full-time equated students in-
creased 28%. UNS students receive financial assistance
through loans, grants-in-aids for registration fees or
tuition, scholarships, or Campus employment. Monies for
these come from the Federal or State governments, from
University endowments or gifts, or from a bank loan guar-
anteed by the United Student Aid Fund. A 3-year compar-
ison of monies used, by source, is as follows:
Year Federal % State % Scholarships %
1973-74 $1,520,664 33 $1,939,533 42 $510,368 11
1974-75 1,888,237 35 2,090,122 38 591,903 11
1975-76 2,864,090 41 2,427,086 35 614,392 9
Year Bank % Total
1973-74 $ 673,280 14 $4,643,845
1974-75 914,264 16 5,484,526
1975-76 1,051,630 15 6,957,198
Material showing detail by Campus and by category of assist-
ance was included with the agenda (identified as Ref. 28 and
filed with permanent minutes).
Chancellor Humphrey pointed out that all assistance programs
are based on financial need, except that employment which
is not Federal work-study subsidized. The cost of living
has increased for students, just as it has for the general
population, and there will be an increase in registration
fees in 1977 (4% at CCD, 7.6% at UNR and 10.5% at UNLV per
undergraduate FTE). This requires more aid per student and
there are more students needing assistance. The average
loan is 16% greater than two years ago; there are 32% more
student borrowers and 35% more first-time borrowers.
Dr. Humphrey noted that since 1975 an additional source of
money has been available to students in other states through
the State Student Incentive Grant Program (SSIG). This pro-
gram provides for awards of up to $1,500 per year based on
need. SSIG is funded 50% by Federal money and 50% by the
State. In 1976 the Board of Regents, with the endorsement
of the Governor, requested funding and the necessary legis-
lation; however, it was not passed by the Legislature.
The Officers recommended that the Board approve seeking the
necessary legislation and an appropriation of $310,000 nec-
essary to implement this program in the 1977-79 biennium.
Dr. Humphrey noted that this would not be an appropriation
to UNS, nor is it exclusively for the benefit of UNS stu-
dents since qualified students in Nevada proprietary schools
could also participate.
Mrs. Fong move approval. Motion seconded by Miss Mason,
carried without dissent.
23. Categories of Employment
Chancellor Humphrey noted that State Law (NRS 284) provides
that the "classified service" of the State shall consist of
all positions not in the "unclassified service". The clas-
sified service is administered by the Personnel Division of
the State Department of Administration. The unclassified
service, as defined in NRS 284.140(6), includes:
Officers and members of the teaching staff and the Agri-
cultural Extension Department and Experiment Station
staffs of the University of Nevada System, or any other
State institution of learning, and student employees of
such institutions; but custodial, clerical or mainten-
ance employees of such institutions shall be in the
classified service. The Board of Regents shall assist
the chief in carrying out the provisions of this chapter
applicable to the University System.
Chancellor Humphrey stated that UNS has adhered to the let-
er of this law. All custodial, clerical or maintance posi-
tions are in the State classified service, excepting only
part-time, hourly wage employees, most of whom are students.
Some positions not custodial, clerical or maintenance have
also been placed in the classified service for the Univer-
sity; e. g., purchasing agents, some accounting positions,
and various technical positions supporting instructional
personnel. UNS maintains personnel offices in each Divi-
sion to assist in the administration of the classified serv-
ice and, in addition, pays an annual fee to the State (cur-
rently .009 of all classified salaries, or approximately
$81,000). Over the years this arrangement has worked fairly
well, although not without problems. There have been dis-
putes over position classifications (pay grades) assigned,
over recruitment and testing methods, and concerning cause
for dismissal. An additional problem has been the fact
that salaries for classified positions are set by the
Personnel Divisions and salary adjustments have not always
been accompanied by appropriated money even for "general
fund positions and is, of course, never provided for non-
general fund positions. Therefore, for a large number of
University employees, the Board of Regents has much more
limited control over salaries and conditions of employment
than it does for employees in the professional service.
Chancellor Humphrey pointed out, however, that the cooper-
ation received from the Personnel Division of the Department
of Administration has always been excellent.
Dr. Humphrey continued by noting that the "1977 Legislative
Program for the State of Nevada Employees Association"
(SNEA) includes two proposals which merit attention and
which, if adopted by the Legislature, would have substantial
impact upon the University. SNEA is again requesting col-
lective bargaining for classified personnel. Dr. Humphrey
stated that it is in his understanding that the proposed
legislation is similar to that advocated in 1975 by SNEA.
This would provide that the Governor would be responsible
for Management negotiations and that ratification of the
contract would be the responsibility of the Legislature,
which would also be able to modify a proposed contract.
The Board of Regents would not be a party to the negotia-
tions involving pay and conditions of employment for a
sizable group of University employees.
Dr. Humphrey reported that the second proposal of SNEA of
particular importance to UNS is a proposal to separate the
State Personnel Divisions from the Department of Administra-
tion and consolidate all personnel functions by eliminating
agency personnel offices. The result of this legislation
would be to deprive the UNS Divisions of the authority and
staff now used to work on classified personnel problems.
Chancellor Humphrey suggested that in view of these SNEA
recommendations, and the possibility of their success, the
UNS should reassess its involvement in the State Personnel
System and consider whether or not the institution and the
State would be better served if UNS nonacademic employees
were independent from State employees for purposes of re-
cruitment, salary administration, collective bargaining,
and all other regular personnel administration activities.
Whether or not this change should be sought and, if affirm-
ative, how it should be sought, needs to be explored. Dr.
Humphrey reported that he was organizing a group to advise
on the matter and had requested each of the Division
Presidents to select two members (one of whom should be a
classified employee); the UNR, UNLV, DRI and Unit Senates
each select one member; and the three CCD Campus Senates
jointly select one member. A classified employee would also
be selected from the Special and Service Units. Dr. Alfred
Stoess would Chair the group and it would be requested to
complete its initial review in time for consideration at the
November meeting of the Board of Regents.
In view of the fact that classified employee members of this
group may be members of SNEA, and since that group has al-
ready adopted a legislative program, Dr. Humphrey suggested
that the submission of a majority and a minority report
should be anticipated.
Mr. Robert Gagnier, Executive Director of the State of
Nevada Employees Association, spoke in opposition to the
proposed study group, and also suggested that if the study
is to proceed, the composition of the group be changed to
include equal representation by classified employees.
No action was taken by the Board except to indicate general
agreement with the Chancellor's proposal and to request that
any report filed by the study group be considered informa-
tional only.
24. Training Policy for Classified Employees
Dr. Al Stoess commented on the State Board of Examiners
training policy which was established in 1974 (reflected in
Section 8400 of the State Administrative Manual), and which
permits State agencies to expend funds within certain lim-
itations for State employees to enroll in credit courses
from an accredited educational institution. Before the 1974
State policy was established, there were no State provisions
which allowed for the funding of such courses. Dr. Stoess
noted that Board of Regents policy has, however, provided
grants-in-aid for job-related courses since 1962, based on
an Attorney General's opinion permitting establishment of
grants-in-aid for classified employees of the University.
Dr. Stoess reported that a proposed revised State training
policy contains a section on College credit training which
is more restrictive than the current University of Nevada
System grant-in-aid policy. The State Personnal Administra-
tor has tentatively agreed to the inclusion of a statement
which would exempt the University from this provision of the
State training policy and allow the Board of Regents to es-
tablish its own regulations on enrollment in College credit
courses by University classified employees.
The Officers recommended that the following statement be
approved and forwarded to the State Personnel Division for
inclusion in its proposed revised training policy:
The University of Nevada System, after consultation with
the State Personnel Division, may establish policies and
procedures for the administration of a grant-in-aid pro-
gram for the taking of College credit courses by Univer-
sity of Nevada System classified employees.
Approval of these grants-in-aid will be based on job
related criteria and may include courses that will pro-
vide upward mobility and promotional opportunities for
all employees.
Dr. Humphrey noted that inclusion of his statement in the
State training policy will not change the University's
grant-in-aid policy, but will enable the University to con-
tinue to have a different training policy for its classi-
fied employees.
Mr. Ross moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs. Fong,
carried without dissent.
25. Revision of 1977-79 Budget Request
Chancellor Humphrey requested permission to proceed with a
revision of the UNS 1977-79 Biennial Budget Request. Ra-
tionale for such a revision was included with the agenda
(identified as Ref. 23A and filed with permanent minutes).
Dr. Humphrey noted that the enrollment projections for
1976-77 upon which the budget is based, were higher than
the actual Fall 1976 enrollments. This requires a downward
revision of the 1977-79 projections. In addition, Dr.
Humphrey noted that monies budgeted for faculty compensation
increases are less than needed to meet the goal approved by
the Board of Regents.
Dr. Douglas Mathewson spoke concerning the enrollment data
now available for use in revising the budget request (ident-
ified as Ref. 23D and filed with permanent minutes).
Dr. Alfred Stoess submitted and discussed data concerning
the movement of the UNS all-ranks average compensation and
the national data (identified as Ref. 23C and filed with
permanent minutes), and material identifying the fringe
benefits which are currently recognized by the American
Association of University Professors in its annual compen-
sation survey and a recommendation by the Chancellor for a
redefinition of faculty fringe benefits (identified as Ref.
23B and filed with permanent minutes).
Mr. Ross moved that the budget be revised downward to re-
flect revised enrollment projections and that no adjustment
be made for faculty compensation. Motion seconded by Mrs.
Fong.
Dr. Paul Burns, Dr. Joseph Warburton, and Dr. James
Richardson spoke in support of the Chancellor's recom-
mendation, urging the Board not to deviate from the already
adopted compensation goal.
Chancellor Humphrey spoke in opposition to the motion that
no adjustment be made for faculty compensation, noting that
the professional compensation goal for UNR and UNLV for the
1977-79 biennium is to achieve an average compensation equal
to the average of the 50 principal State Universities, or to
increase the UNS average by an amount equal to the annual
increase in the Federal Consumer Price Index, plus an amount
equal to one step per FTE faculty member on the salary
schedule to be used for recognition of meritorious service,
whichever is greater. Based on data available when the
budget was prepared, it was assumed that a 10% increase
would be required in 1977-78 and an additional 10% increase
would be required in 1978-79. More current data suggests
that in order to achieve the compensation goal, a 12.7% in-
crease will be required in 1977-78 and a 9% increase requir-
ed in 1978-79.
Mr. Ross's motion carried with the following roll call vote:
Yes - Dr. Anderson, Mr. John Buchanan, Mrs. Fong, Mr.
Ross, Mr. James Buchanan
No - Mrs. Knudtsen, Dr. Lombardi, Miss Mason
Dr. Richardson asked that the motion not be interpreted to
include proposed changes in definition of fringe benefits.
No exception was taken.
26. Medical Malpractice Insurance
Chancellor Humphrey recalled that at the September meeting
it was reported that UNS could not secure liability insur-
ance to cover the UNR School of Medical Sciences and the UNR
and UNLV Health Services. The assumption was that if UNS
self-insured for the first $500,000 of risk, the umbrella
policy would be effective to $5 million. The Board agreed
to a funded self-insurance plan and loaned the fund $50,000
from the Board of Regents Special Projects Fund, and assess-
ed UNR's insurance budget $100,000 for 1976-77. The balance
of $350,000 was to be provided later.
Chancellor Humphrey reported that the Nevada Independent
Insurance Agents group which handles the University has now
advised that Glacier General Assurance Co. has agreed to
issue a $500,000 policy for an annual premium of $60,148.
The University has also been informed that the umbrella
coverage would not apply with the self-insurance.
The Officers recommended, in view of this new information,
that the plan to self-insure be abandoned, that the Glacier
General Assurance Co. malpractice policy be purchased, and
that the $50,000 loan from the Board of Regents Special
Projects Fund be returned.
Mrs. Fong moved approval. Motion seconded by Dr. Lombardi,
carried without dissent.
27. Board of Regents' Meetings
Chancellor Humphrey reported that the next meeting is
scheduled for Friday, November 19, and will be held at UNLV.
He noted that the revised 1977-79 budget request cannot be
completed by November 19; however, it should be considered
and approved by the Board before the scheduled budget hear-
ing with the Governor on December 9. He requested that
there be a special meeting of the Board on Wednesday, Dec-
ember 8, in Reno, for this purpose. The revised budget
document could be distributed on December 3.
Mrs. Knudtsen moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs. Fong,
carried without dissent.
28. Allocation from Board of Regents Special Projects Fund
A. The Interview and Recruiting Expense Funds have the
following balances:
System Administration $2,850
UNR 1,197
UNLV 2,051
DRI 5,782
CCD 346
Chancellor Humphrey recommended that $14,000 be allocat-
ed from the Board of Regents Special Fund to these ac-
counts, as follows:
UNR $4,000
UNLV 4,000
CCD 6,000
B. Chancellor Humphrey also noted that the UNS Faculty
Moving Expense Fund has a balance of $901, and recom-
mended that $3,000 be allocated to this fund from the
Board of Regents Special Projects Fund.
Dr. Lombardi moved approval. Motion seconded by Miss Mason,
carried without dissent.
29. Service Center, CCCC
President Donnelly recalled that the master plan for Clark
County Community College calls for a Service Center to be
located at the northeast corner of the 80 acres site. With
the completion of the first three phases of construction
comprising nearly 150,000 square feet, the need for this
support facility becomes increasingly critical. Included
among its uses are storage facilities for ground maintenance
equipment, State vehicles and a fueling station. The facil-
ity will comprise shelters for vehicles and equipment, fenc-
ing for security, fuel tanks and pumps, and a small storage
building.
Dr. Donnelly also noted that the outdoor play area of the
Child Care Center lacks adequate shelter to provide shade
for certain outdoor activities included in the program for
this facility. Apparent lack of funds prevented the in-
clusion of these facilities in the original scope of work
for Phases II and III. However, subsequent to contract
awards, as well as all additions to these contracts, the
project has an unobligated balance of $378,154 as of August,
1976.
President Donnelly requested and Chancellor Humphrey con-
curred that the State Public Works Board be requested to
approve use of unobligated project funds for the construc-
tion of a Service Center (corporation yard) and improvement
of the Child Care Center outdoor play area. Tentative esti-
mates of these additions are as follows:
Service Center
Fencing $ 5,750
Vehicle Shelter 21,600
Building (1,000 sf) 35,000
Fuel Pump & Tanks 20,000
Sub-Total $ 82,350
Child Care Center
Shade Structure $ 16,000
Development Costs $ 17,000
Project Total $115,350
Chancellor Humphrey noted that concurrence of the Legisla-
tive Interim Finance Board is also required.
Dr. Anderson moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs.
Knudtsen, carried without dissent.
30. CETA Grant to CCCC
President Donnelly reported that CCCC had received a grant
of $179,619 for institutional training and developmental
education under the Comprehensive Employment and Training
Act (CETA) which requires action by the Board of Regents
accepting the grant and authorizing expenditure of the
funds. Chancellor Humphrey recommended approval.
Mr. Ross moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs. Fong,
carried without dissent.
31. Revision of UNLV Traffic Code
President Baepler requested approval of a revised Traffic
Code for UNLV (identified as Ref. 31 and filed with perma-
nent minutes). Chancellor Humphrey concurred.
Mrs. Knudtsen moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs. Fong,
carried without dissent.
32. 1976-77 Work Program Reduction, UNLV
President Baepler recalled that the total of appropriated
funds and authorized nonappropriated monies made available
to UNLV for 1976-77 by the 1975 Legislature was $14,105,553.
The work program adopted for 1976-77 is $14,645,157, or
$539,604 more. This excess was to come from registration
fees, tuition, miscellaneous student fees and other receipts
and required concurrence of the Governor in order to spend
the excess. Governor O'Callaghan has declined to approve
such an augmentation. Accordingly, President Baepler rec-
ommended the work program for 1976-77 be reduced by $539,604
with the reduction occurring in the following areas:
ACCOUNT FTE FUND AMOUNT
Audio-Visual Operating $ 47,500
Information & Publications 1 Classified Comp. 8,359
Counseling & Evaluation 1 Professional Comp. 13,495
Arts & Letters, Dean's Office 1 Classified Comp. 8,359
Extended Day Supplement 1 Professional Comp. 30,000
Research 45,020
Library Books 100,000
Operations & Maintenance 1 Classified Comp. 12,353
Operations & Maintenance Operating 110,000
Reserve for Contingency 164,518
$539,604
Chancellor Humphrey recommended approval.
Mr. Ross moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs. Fong,
carried without dissent.
33. Loan from DRI Contingency Reserve
President Smith reported a current balance of $174,045.66
in DRI Contingency Reserve. He requested the following
loans from that account to permit research to continue until
the renewal documents are received:
$30,000 to the Office of Water Research and Technology
Annual Allotment Program.
$25,000 to the Office of Water Research and Technology
Matching Grant Agreements.
Chancellor Humphrey recommended approval.
Mrs. Knudtsen moved approval. Motion seconded by Dr.
Lombardi, carried without dissent.
34. Proposed Mining Lease Agreement, UNR
President Milam recalled that in September, the Board in-
structed that the proposed lease purchase of 628 acres in
the Valmy Mining District, Humboldt County, be advertised
and all bids be brought back to a subsequent meeting.
Accordingly, bids were invited and one bid was received
October 5, 1976 from Mr. Donald Decker for lease at $1 per
acre per year with an option to purchase at $200 per acre
(or $125,600) prior to December 1, 1986.
President Milam recommended approval of the proposed lease.
Chancellor Humphrey concurred, noting that such action re-
quires concurrence of the Governor.
Mrs. Knudtsen moved that the lease not be approved and the
land be retained by the University. Motion seconded by Mr.
Ross, carried without dissent.
35. Cooperative Extension Employees' Retirement
Chancellor Humphrey noted that on August 26, 1976 the Public
Employees Retirement Board determined as of July 1, 1976,
no person participating in the Federal retirement system
would be allowed to continue participating in the Public
Employees Retirement System, and each such person shall
have 30 days from September 15, 1976 in which to exercise
the option of (1) requesting a total refund of all contri-
butions to his credit to date in the Public Employees
Retirement System, or (2) retaining his service credit in
PERS through inactive membership. This determination was
made in order to comply with an opinion of the Attorney
General, dated August 25, 1976, that NRS 286.310, as amended
by SB 81 (Chapter 182, Statutes of Nevada, 1967), does not
permit dual membership in PERS and any other retirement
system.
Chancellor Humphrey stated that it is the belief of the
University that it was the intent of the legislation to pro-
hibit dual membership after July 1, 1967, except for those
employees participating in both systems who wished to con-
tinue in both and who filed a written statement within 30
days after July 1, 1967 with the Retirement Board. Prior
to the Attorney General's advice of August 25, 1976 the
Retirement Board and staff had interpreted and applied SB 81
to allow Cooperative Extension employees to either withdraw
their contributions and leave the State retirement system,
or remain and participate in the system while also actively
participating in the Federal retirement system.
Chancellor Humphrey requested authorization to seek legis-
lation which would make it explicit that employees of the
Cooperative Extension Service who were employed as of
July 1, 1967 would be permitted to continue in both the
State and Federal retirement systems. He recommended that
the legislation be applied retroactively to insure that both
past and present faculty who were members of PERS and the
Federal retirement system will not be penalized by termi-
nation of benefits, recomputation of benefits, refund of
contributions or requests for repayment of benefits and
allowances previously paid by PERS.
Mrs. Knudtsen moved approval. Motion seconded by Dr.
Lombardi, carried without dissent.
36. Gund Ranch
President Milam reported that Dean Bohmont has requested
Senator Laxalt to seek Federal legislation transferring
8,040 acres of public domain land adjacent to the Gund Ranch
to the University. A letter from Dean Bohmont to Senator
Laxalt and a letter from Dean Bohmont to President Milam
were included with the agenda (letters identified as Ref.
36A and 36B are filed with permanent minutes).
President Milam and Chancellor Humphrey recommended that the
Board approve this request, with the understanding that Dean
Bohmont's representations are correct, that the Bureau of
Land Management agrees that these lands should be trans-
ferred and that there is no opposition from ranchers or
others in Nevada.
Mrs. Knudtsen moved approval. Motion seconded by Mr. Ross,
carried without dissent.
37. Permission to Apply for Federal Capital Improvement Monies
Chancellor Humphrey reported that on October 2 Congress en-
acted the Public Works Capital Development and Investment
Act of 1976. In order for the University to receive funds
under this Act, completed applications must be forwarded to
the Economic Development Administration through the State
Public Works Board. Chancellor Humphrey recommended that
the Board authorize the Administration to review such appli-
cations as are received in the Chancellor's Office by
October 20 and to forward those projects which are deemed
most needed and most likely to be funded.
Mr. Ross moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs. Fong,
carried without dissent.
38. Morrill Hall Resolution
Chancellor Humphrey noted that in order to permit waivers
and variances of certain building code requirements, it is
necessary that the Board designate Morrill Hall as having
special historical or architectural significance. He rec-
ommended adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 76-5
WHEREAS, Morrill Hall was the first permanent structure on
the Campus of the University of Nevada; and
WHEREAS, Morrill Hall has been utilized for significant
University functions throughout the life of the building;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Regents of
the University of Nevada System does hereby find that
Morrill Hall has special historical and architectural
significance to the University and the people of Nevada.
Dr. Lombardi moved approval. Motion seconded by Mrs. Fong,
carried without dissent.
39. New Business
(1) Mr. John Buchanan spoke of the recent publicity in the
Las Vegas newspapers to the effect that students in
Clark County School District are academically behind.
He suggested there be a review by the College of Educa-
tion of the curriculum in both the Bachelor's and Mas-
ter's in Education at UNLV. Mr. Buchanan commented
this particular finding may not include UNLV directly;
however, since UNLV turns out a large share of those
teaching in Clark County School District, the College
has some indirect involvement. He noted that some
criticisms of the College of Education have been made
in reference to the quality of educators being produced
and he urged that the review be a strong one. The
strongest criticism, he noted, seems to center around
the premise that the educator emphasizes the supervi-
sion of students, sacrificing knowledge of the aca-
demic subject, and the ultimate question then becomes
how can students become interested when the teacher
has a limited knowledge of the subject he is teaching.
Dr. Gentile endorsed Mr. Buchanan's concern but pointed
out that the College of Education has little influence
over what goes on in the Clark County School District.
For example, he noted, it is up to the District to re-
quire that a teacher of mathematics be trained in that
discipline, not the College.
Mr. Buchanan agreed but suggested such a review by the
College might influence both the School District and
the State Board of Education to review their own re-
quirements. Dr. Baepler agreed that the review would
be done.
(2) Mr. James Buchanan requested that President Baepler
invite Dr. Joseph Raney to attend a future meeting in
Las Vegas to inform the Board concerning his voting
assistance project.
The Action Agenda was completed and the Information Agenda sub-
mitted. The Information Agenda is on file in the Chancellor's
Office and included the following items:
(1) Report of Foreign Travel
(2) Report of Fund Transfers
(3) Report of Purchases in Excess of $8,000
(4) Voting Assistance Program
(5) Board of Regents Special Projects Account
(6) Abstracts of Press Releases
(7) Progress of University Projects
(8) UNR Senate Report Re. Tenure for Part-Time Faculty
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 P.M.
Mrs. Bonnie M. Smotony
Secretary to the Board