November 9-10, 1989
11-09-1989
Pages 105-115
BOARD OF REGENTS
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA SYSTEM
November 9-10, 1989
The Board of Regents met on the above date in Kingsbury Room C,
Lakeside Inn, Stateline, Nevada.
Members present: Mrs. Dorothy S. Gallagher, Chairman
Dr. Jill Derby
Dr. James Eardley
Dr. Lonnie Hammargren
Mr. Daniel J. Klaich
Mrs. Carolyn M. Sparks
Mrs. June F. Whitley
Members absent: Mr. Joseph M. Foley
Mr. Sig Rogich
Others present: Chancellor Mark H. Dawson
President Anthony Calabro, WNCC
President John Gwaltney, TMCC
President Robert Maxson, UNLV
President Paul Meacham, CCCC
President Ronald Remington, NNCC
President James Taranik, DRI
Vice President Dennis Brown, UNR
Mr. Don Klasic, General Counsel
Dr. Warren Fox, Vice Chancellor
Mr. Ron Sparks, Vice Chancellor
Ms. Pamela Galloway, Public Information Officer
Ms. Mary Lou Moser, Secretary
Mrs. Leslie Jacques, Assistant to the Secretary
Also present were Faculty Senate Chairmen Deborah Ballard-Reisch
(UNR), Paula Funkhouser (TMCC), Steve Mizell (DRI), Mike Hardie
(WNCC), Tom Kendall (Unit), Nancy Master (UNLV) and Norma Suchy
(CCCC).
A workshop for Regents, Presidents, Faculty Senate Chairmen, the
Chancellor and the Chancellor's staff was held November 9-10,
1989 in Stateline, Nevada. Chairman Gallagher called the meet-
ing to order at 1:35 P.M., declaring that all attendees were in-
vited to actively participate in discussion of the agenda items.
Chairman Gallagher welcomed participants to the Fall workshop and
stated that they hoped for a very educational workshop over the
next 2 days and welcomed open discussion on the agenda items.
1. Discussion of Goals
Chairman Gallagher requested from the Regents, Presidents
and Faculty Senate Chairmen a list of goals from each group
for the upcoming year.
Chairman Gallagher divided the Regents, Presidents and Fac-
ulty Senate Chairmen into groups to meet and identify its
goals.
The meeting recessed after each group identified its list of
goals for the upcoming year and reconvened at 7:40 P.M. Thursday,
November 9, 1989, with all Regents present except Regents Foley
and Rogich.
Chairman Gallagher requested each group to report its list
of goals, as filed with the permanent minutes.
The meeting recessed at 8:15 P.M. and reconvened at 8:40 A.M.
Friday, November 10, 1989, with all Regents present except Re-
gents Foley and Rogich.
2. Discussion of Educational Programs Provided to Correctional
Institutions
President Remington reported that telecourses are held at
the correctional institutions in NNCC's region with exams
and personal contact between instructors and inmates. NNCC
is preparing new programs for the Ely correctional institu-
tion. He indicated that GED and developmental levels need
personal contact with the student.
President Calabro reported that WNCC delivers 41 classes to
176 inmates. 14 classes were cancelled due to lack of en-
rollment or prisoner shipments to the new facility in Ely.
40 classes have been scheduled for the Spring semester.
The inmates are eligible to receive aid from Pell Grants.
WNCC has processed 260 1989-90 financial aid applications.
Mr. Mike Hill is the coordinator of the prison programs at
WNCC and he will be working with the DOP to develop future
occupational programs at the correctional institutions
WNCC serves.
President Meacham reported that CCCC works closely with the
Clark County School District at 2 locations. Mr. Mike
Henderson is the coordinator of the programs. He indicated
that CCCC does hold graduation cermonies for these students.
Dr. Derby stated that she had attended a graduation ceremony
and found it to be exciting for the graduates and the insti-
tution.
3. Discussion of System Concerns
A. Articulation - Vice Chancellor Fox gave an overview of
the history of articulation within the System. There
are 3,000 courses listed in the Master Course File with
1,000 courses that are transferable to UNR and/or UNLV.
Other issues discussed regarding articulation were are
follows:
Core curriculum at UNR
Community College faculty relations survey concerns
Transfer guide
Evaluation of courses
Developmental and community service courses
Nursing articulation to be reported annually
Additional teaching faculty to serve on Articulation
Board
Additional "B" courses accepted as general electives
Accrediting association standards must be met
Perception and attitude between Universities and
Community Colleges
Misunderstandings
Advising and counseling problems
Involvement and interaction between Universities and
Community Colleges on major articulation changes
Strengthen guidelines and procedures of Academic
Affairs Council
Prep Tech curriculum of AACJC in future
B. Communications - Mrs. Whitley emphasized that one of the
roles as a member of the Board of Regents is to imple-
ment two-way communication throughout the System. Mr.
Klaich hoped that more open discussions on UNS issues
would take place in the future. Chairman Gallagher re-
minded those in attendance that the Regents' workshop
is held once a year, and requested suggestions in con-
tinuing open communications throughout the System.
Discussion regarding suggestions for open communication
throughout the System was held and contained the follow-
ing points:
Faculty Senates prepare written communications for
faculty describing issues and actions taken by
the Board of Regents
Board of Regents to receive background information
on controversial items
Information reports made by Faculty Senate Chairmen
and Student Body Presidents to the Board of
Regents
Build trust
Communications from Systemwide committees
Faculty input into the preparation of the agendas
Regents and President to be invited to Faculty
Senate meetings
C. Collegiality - President Maxson stated that the Regents'
workshop is a perfect example of collegiality. He noted
that decisions are made throughout the System by differ-
ent organizations, such as faculty, Presidents, Regents.
There needs to be an understanding between these organi-
zations on who is to make the appropriate decisions.
Further discussion contained the following:
Regents to support administrative decisions
Regents to be informed of administrative decisions
Shared governance means input from all facets, but
someone still must make the final decision and
take the responsibility for that decision
Anticipation of media response
Students are the reason we are here
Two-way communication
Board of Regents to set tone of collegiality
System is not a traditional business model; fragile
business; more liberal than community it serves
D. Budget Concerns
Full-Time/Part-Time Faculty and Salaries: Dr. Eardley
questioned the Presidents as to why their institutions
have a large number of part-time faculty. President
Meacham stated that part-time faculty is a necessity.
They provide Community Colleges with the ability to
change curriculum quickly. Since part-time faculty are
in the work force they are able to bring a touch of
reality to the classroom. At this time the ratio for
full-time faculty to part-time faculty is 60/40. This
can cause a point of diminishing returns. The ratio
affects all the institutions differently. CCCC has
approximately 500 part-time faculty who teach one class
per semester and each semester CCCC has to hire 450-500
well-qualified teachers. President Meacham suggested
that the full-time/part-time ratio be removed and re-
placed with the formula of 100% funding as the Univer-
sities are now funded.
President Gwaltney concurred with President Meacham's
remarks and added that if the 70/30 ratio is implemented
the salary for part-time faculty will continue to be an
issue. Part-time faculty need supervision, along with
space, equipment, support services and training.
Upon questioning why the 70/30 ratio affects the smaller
institutions differently President Remington stated that
in utilizing any proportion there is a given that there
will be a certain number of students registered in every
class. At the smaller institutions many of the classes
have a small number of students registered for the sec-
tions. The smaller institutions need flexibility and
funding to address this problem. The ratio formula
drives funding down at the Community Colleges.
President Calabro added that geographic location is also
a factor for the smaller institutions. Quality control
is difficult to maintain. We need to look at the origi-
nal reason for hiring part-time faculty, not just use
them as a means to an end.
Some options were discussed regarding full-time/part-
time ratio and salaries:
70/30 ratio for CCCC and TMCC, and a lump sum for
NNCC and WNCC
Leave at 60/40, but allocate $20,000 per position
rather than $11,000
100% full funding
Flexibility for FT pool
Raise student/faculty ratio, discontinue full-time/
part-time and use 100% funding
Dr. Eardley requested a response from the Community Col-
lege Presidents as to how the part-time funds are being
allocated. President Meacham stated CCCC spends more
dollars on part-time faculty than is allocated by the
State Legislature. CCCC uses non-state funds, salary
savings and support services funds. Also, these funds
are used for supervision personnel for part-time faculty
such as Associate Deans.
President Gwaltney stated that TMCC also spent addition-
al funds on part-time faculty from salary savings. Some
of the expenditures were for supervisors for off-campus
sites.
WNCC also exceeded its allocation for part-time faculty
and utilized funds from the excess funds generated by
increased enrollments. WNCC also expended funds for
supervisors for off-campus sites.
President Remington stated that NNCC utilized funds by
lowering the part-time rate to take care of additional
sections of classes. The savings were spent on over-
loads and support services.
Dr. Eardley emphasized the need for the Board of Regents
to develop another method of securing additional funding
to support part-time faculty. He also pointed out that
the part-time faculty at UNR received $500 per credit,
whereas the part-time faculty at TMCC received $300 per
credit. President Gwaltney responded by stating that if
TMCC would raise its salary to $350 per credit, the to-
tal amount to be requested would be $90,000.
Mr. Mike Hardie, WNCC Faculty Senate Chairman, suggested
that the FTEF ratio be lowered to 12:1 rather than 15:1.
Chairman Gallagher emphasized the need to educate the
Legislators on the part-time faculty concerns and is-
sues.
Vice Chancellor Sparks indicated that the Legislators
recognize the need for part-time faculty at Community
Colleges and do not want to do away with them. He of-
fered a suggestion to include an automatic increment
in the budget to encompass the cost-of-living increases.
Chairman Gallagher requested a discussion on budgeting
for part-time faculty be scheduled for the January or
February Board of Regents meeting.
Employment Conditions: Chairman Gallagher requested a
response from those in attendance on the employment con-
siderations at their respective insitutions.
UNR Faculty Senate Chairman Deborah Ballard-Reisch in-
dicated the following concerns:
Remodel existing facilities
Refurbish classroom equipment
Install air conditioning in older buildings
Replace drapery
Library funding
CCCC Faculty Senate Chairman Norma Suchy indicated that
there is a need for clerical support for faculty. Dur-
ing the upcoming Spring an accreditation team will be
visiting CCCC and she is concerned about the library
and support services.
UNLV Faculty Senate Chairman Nancy Master indicated that
the library should be brought up to high technology
standards to keep up with the demands from the students
and faculty.
On a positive note, Vice President Brown indicated that
the Administration at UNR sends acknowledgements to fac-
ulty on their accomplishments. Chairman Gallagher re-
minded the Faculty Senate Chairman that she had request-
ed at the last Board of Regents meeting a list of facul-
ty who deserve recognition for their accomplishments.
Mr. Hardie stated that WNCC's faculty are interested in
receiving acknowledgements from the Board of Regents and
he will be coming forth with a list at the next meeting.
4. Discussion on the Community College Five-Fold Missions
The Community College five-fold mission incorporates occupa-
tional education, transfer education, developmental educa-
tion, community service and counseling and guidance. Mr.
Hardie indicated that WNCC is working towards implementing
recommendations made by the AACJC in regard to Prep Tech.
This will aid in building a stronger occupational transfer
program. President Calabro suggested that the term "tech-
nical education" be used instead of "vocational education".
President Gwaltney described technical education to include
science and math courses so than an understanding of high
tech could be incorporated in the curriculum,. This would
cause a merging of normal academic science and math courses
to be applied to technology. He believes that all under-
graduate education will eventually incorporate this philoso-
phy.
3. Discussion of System Concern: Employment Conditions
(continued)
Dr. Hammargren related that an item concerning proposed
changes to Title 4, Chapter 4 of the Board of Regents Hand-
book had been withdrawn from the agenda at the Board of Re-
gents meeting in October, 1989. At that time, a number of
people had been anxious to have a copy of the proposed
changes. He urged that these changes be released immediate-
ly, and, further, that the Chancellor's Office be directed
to draft language to appear on the December, 1989 meeting
agenda which would extend the implementation date for a
separate bargaining unit for Community Colleges to the
January 11-12, 1990 Board meeting. Dr. Hammargren stated
that by releasing the proposed changes now, it would allow
sufficient time for study by all concerned parties.
Mrs. Gallagher stated that it was the feeling of a number of
Board members, that in good faith, any changes to be made in
the current collective bargaining policies would require
action at the December meeting since the motion adopted at
the April, 1989 meting had specified that the establishment
of a separate unit for Community Colleges was to be in ef-
fect "not sooner than January 1, 1990".
Mr. Klasic confirmed the effective date of January 1, 1990
for the establishment of the separate units, and informed
the group that a draft of new collective bargaining language
had been prepared under the assumption that the rules would
have to be changed before collective bargaining becomes a
fact within the System. He stated that in order to prevent
charges being made that the Regents were changing the "goal
posts in the middle of the game", changes to the collective
bargaining regulations should take place before the new unit
was established on January 1, 1990.
Mr. Klaich stated that his recollection of the discussion at
the April Board meeting held in Carson City revolved around
what the Board was not hearing, not doing, not interacting
with Community Colleges, and he did not consider that a dis-
cussion on collective bargaining. As a result of the dis-
cussion, the ad hoc Committee on Community College Faculty
Relations was appointed to look into the matter. He noted
that the Summer "stole 3 1/2 months" of their working time.
Further, he felt the Board should fully discuss any changes
with faculty representatives and with NFA members who raised
the issue of collective bargaining in the first place, but
also he felt the discussions should only take place follow-
ing the completion of the work of the ad hoc Committee. He
stated he had no objections to releasing the proposed
changes at this time.
Mrs. Gallagher stated that the Board had talked with a labor
attorney/consultant concerning the Board's role in inter-
acting with the collective bargaining unit.
Mr. Klaich stated that he felt the feeling that Mr. Klasic
is not a "pro-faculty" attorney is unwarranted, and remind-
ed the group to study the report from the ad hoc Committee
in order to confirm the need for the changes as contained in
the proposed revision to Chapter 4. He related that Mr.
Klasic has prepared a document for all to use as a tool to
raise issues.
Mr. Hardy stated he had re-read the April agenda item and
the minutes of the meeting and stressed the Board's action
provided that the new bargaining unit could not be estab-
lished any sooner than January 1, 1990 and this did not
prevent the Board from delaying the implementation of its
action until sometime after January 1, 1990. Mrs. Gallagher
replied that the Board was aware of this, but in all good
faith felt that the January 1, 1990 date should be adhered
to.
Mr. Klaich stated he felt it was critical that any proposed
language changes should be discussed by a committee consist-
ing of Regents, Administrators, faculty and staff, and sug-
gested it be appointed at the December meeting with direc-
tion to report back on the first day of the January meeting
and that the Board should not take action until the second
day of that meeting.
TMCC Faculty Senate Chairman Paul Funkhouser requested clar-
ification of the process, and further stated that she felt
most of the faculty does not have the knowledge or back-
ground information concerning the pros and cons of collec-
tive bargaining. Mrs. Gallagher stated that the Regents
feel strongly that the decision to belong to a separate
unit and to change to collective bargaining is a Campus
prerogative and the proposed changes speak to this issue.
Mrs. Funkhouser questioned whether the Board would bring in
an "authority" to speak to the faculty. Mrs. Gallagher
noted that the Board had consulted Mr. Caesar Naples who had
stressed that with collective bargaining there is a loss of
collegiality and the role becomes very adversarial. Dr.
Eardley stated he was deeply concerned with this question
and he noted that Mr. Naples would not be the person for a
faculty discussion since he is a negotiator for the admin-
istrative side. Mrs. Funkhouser stated she felt they would
seek a person who knows collective bargaining but who would
have "nothing at stake" within UNS, and who could be un-
biased.
President Gwaltney related that his Faculty Senate had made
a request to bring in a fair/neutral person to talk with
all the faculty concerning the issue; that he was opposed to
bringing someone from within the State to his Campus (be-
cause of the believability factor); and that he would en-
courage the Regents to provide funds for such a forum.
Mrs. Funkhouser stated she felt the ad hoc Committee has
worked diligently toward discovering faculty concerns and
now is working toward solutions. Further, she stated she
appreciated the Board's concern for "good faith action"
prior to January 1, 1990, but that a change in that date,
she felt, would not be unacceptable to the faculty and
further urged that the ad hoc Committee be allowed to fin-
ish its work and that the System be given time to take ac-
tion on solutions. Mr. Hardie asked whether the 4 Community
Colleges Faculty Senate Chairmen might ask for an agenda
item (December meeting) to consider a date beyond January 1?
Mrs. Gallagher stated she felt the Board should continue to
address the Community College concerns and to arrive at
solutions. Also, she stated she felt the Handbook should
contain a collective bargaining chapter and the present one
did need to be changed to include the provisions of the
motion made at the April meeting. She then asked for sug-
gestions on what a "good faith" date might be. Mr. Klaich
stated he felt that any further discussion on collective
bargaining should not be held at this time, that the matter
at hand was on releasing the information of the proposed
changes.
Mrs. Sparks asked for a reiteration of the April motion.
Mr. Klasic replied that the motion was to authorize a 2nd
bargaining unit for Community Colleges and provided that
each Community College would be allowed to choose whether
or not to belong to the separate unit. Mr. Klaich stated
that in the proposed changes, Mr. Klasic had provided for
the technicalities of that action. Also, he stated he felt
some kind of action must be taken by the Board before Janu-
ary 1. Mr. Klasic stated input from the NFA should certain-
ly be received on any action the Board might take, but
cautioned that the NFA must be held "at arms length" during
the process inasmuch as there might be other unions inter-
ested in this matter who could charge an unfair labor prac-
tice against the Board if it showed favoritism to a particu-
lar union.
At this point, the proposed changes to the Handbook, Title
4, Chapter 4, were distributed to all present.
Mrs. Sparks stated that the System should be proud that it can
discuss these sensitive issues in a one-on-one situation. She
was pleased with the discussion on articulation. She noted that
the institutions are quieter than when she began serving as a
Regent. There is always room for improvement, but we should be
proud of our product.
The workshop adjourned at 2:40 P.M.
Mary Lou Moser
Secretary of the Board
11-09-1989