December 7-8, 1988
12-07-1988
Pages 92-98
BOARD OF REGENTS
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA SYSTEM
December 7-9, 1988
The Board of Regents met on the above dates in the Waterford
Room, Carson Valley Inn, Minden, Nevada.
Members Present: Mrs. June F. Whitley, Chairman
Dr. James Eardley
Mrs. Dorothy S. Gallagher
Mrs. Joan Kenney
Mr. Daniel J. Klaich
Mrs. Jo Ann Sheerin
Mrs. Carolyn M. Sparks
Mrs. Jill Derby, Regent-Elect
Dr. Lonnie Hammargren, Regent-Elect
Members Absent: Mr. Joseph M. Foley
Mr. Chris Karamanos
Others Present: Chancellor Mark H. Dawson
President William Berg, NNCC
President Anthony Calabro, WNCC
President Joseph Crowley, UNR
President John Gwaltney, TMCC
President Robert Maxson, UNLV
President Paul Meacham, CCCC
Vice President Dale Schulke, DRI
Mr. Donald Klasic, General Counsel
Dr. Warren Fox, Vice Chancellor
Mr. Ron Sparks, Vice Chancellor
Mrs. Edna Brigham, Assistant to the Chancellor
Ms. Karen Steinberg, Director of Institutional
Research
Ms. Mary Lou Moser, Secretary
Mrs. Leslie Jacques, Assistant to the Secretary
Also present were Faculty Senate Chairmen Cheryl Bowles (UNLV),
Patricia Crookham (NNCC), Gilbert Cochran (DRI), Tom Kendall
(Unit), Robert Mead (UNR), Paul Nelson (WNCC), Dru Raney (CCCC)
and Dave Wilkins (TMCC).
A workshop for Regents, Presidents, Faculty Senate Chairmen, the
Chancellor and the Chancellor's staff was held. Chairman Whitley
called the meeting to order, declaring that all attendees were
invited to actively participate in discussion of agenda items.
1. Welcome and Workshop Preview
Chairman Whitley and Chancellor Dawson welcomed participants
to the Fall workshop and stated that they hoped for a very
educational workshop over the next few days and welcomed
open discussion on the agenda items. Chancellor Dawson gave
a preview of the agenda.
Chairman Whitley introduced newly elected Regents Jill Derby
and Lonnie Hammargren.
Thursday, December 8, 1988
2. Boardsmanship
Mr. Robert A. Cashell, Chairman of the Board of Cashell
Management Corporation, former Lt. Governor of the State
of Nevada and former Chairman of the Board of Regents, and
Mr. William Martin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Execu-
tive Officer of Nevada National Bank presided over the dis-
cussion on boardsmanship. The discussion included internal
workings of a board, such as setting and reaching goals;
representing a district, yet maintaining a Statewide per-
spective; effective decision making; and defining an "ex-
cellent" board. Also discussed were external relationships
such as serving UNS interests; supporting progress of each
institution; representing the System; and demonstrating
leadership to the State.
Mr. Martin stated that public and private boards differ
mainly by the selection process, but also by setting direc-
tions and reaching the goals slated for the organization.
The boards are similar in respect to future aspects and
competition for funding. The main objective for a board is
to set a common goal without losing site of the broader
picture.
Mr. Cashell referred to the common goal as a UNS "System-
wide" goal which should encompass what is best for the
System and the State of Nevada. He suggested that after a
member is elected to the Board, he should not remain demo-
cratic or republican, or in fact, should not remain a
"district" Regent, but rather a University of Nevada System
Regent. There must be compromises within the decision-
making process, and members should agree to disagree, then
support the final decision.
Mr. Cashell further suggested that in dealing with the Ne-
vada State Legislature, UNS should appear before the Legis-
lature with coordinated representation with at least two
representatives -- one to speak and one to listen.
Dr. Eardley stated that he felt the mission and goals of the
institutions were very general and may possibly duplicate
efforts of other institutions. Dr. Eardley's conception of
the Board of Regents' mission was to provide education for
students in Nevada.
Mrs. Gallagher stated that the Board has not set goals dur-
ing the last 2-3 years and felt it was time to set goals for
the Board of Regents. She stated that the primary concern
of the Board of Regents is the funding and growth of the
institutions. With the fast paced growth, she is concerned
about maintaining quality education.
Mr. Klaich stated his concerns and felt that the Board is
fearful of the future in regard to growth, funding, identity
and reapportionment.
President Calabro stated that Nevada is in a positive posi-
tion in comparison to other western states and that we
shouldn't be so hard on ourselves.
Mrs. Sparks agreed with President Calabro and felt that the
credibility of education in the State of Nevada is return-
ing. She felt that the System was giving quality education,
but was in need of additional classroom space.
In reference to institutional goals, Chairman Whitley stated
that long-range goals will direct the Board and institutions
to develop common goals.
President Crowley stated that the institutions were not
capable of strategic planning for the System. The institu-
tions are very diverse. The Council of Presidents are ad-
dressing this issue, but suggested we should not develop
one strategic plan. In regard to this issue, President
Berg stated that he felt that institutions should not be
required to follow other institutions' policies, because
of the diversity.
Faculty Senate Chairman Dru Raney stated that there should
be a commitment to shared governance within the System.
Mr. Cashell stated that the Board may be creating its own
problems. There is a strong need to communicate, compromise
and be realistic. Communication is the major problem for
private and public boards. Regents should be able to com-
municate among themselves. He suggested that the Board
honestly critique itself. The Board should set goals for
itself and direct these goals to helping the institutions.
He advised listening to and working with Presidents. The
Board should not get involved in Campus politics. The Board
should utilize its people on Campuses and work as a team.
The question was asked, "What makes a good Board member?".
President Crowley felt a board member should hire, fire and
nurture administration; not get involved in Campus politics;
advance ideas, then stop when appropriate; and get along
with each other by understanding strengths and weaknesses
of fellow members.
Faculty Senate Chairman Patricia Crookham felt that the
Board should listen to Faculty Senate Chairmen. The Faculty
Senate Chairmen represent thousands of people and their con-
cerns.
Mrs. Gallagher stated that, in her opinion, a Regent should
listen to faculty, gather information from faculty, and the
faculty should have access to a Regent. A Regent must lis-
ten, but can't make promises. A Regent should always notify
the President if they will be on the Campus.
Mrs. Sheerin suggested that the Board become educated on
national education issues and be able to discuss these is-
sues and attain goals set forth. She further suggested that
the Board be evaluated once a year, as the Presidents are.
In closing, Mr. Cashell suggested that the Presidents become
more creative at meetings; there should be no name calling
or spreading of rumors; the buck stops at the Chairman; the
Chairman must be vocal and be able to confront the issues.
Thursday afternoon, December 8, 1988
3. Agenda for the Future
Vice Chancellor Warren Fox opened the discussion by stating
that Nevada's growth has increased 56% over the past 10
years and is predicted to continue to increase. Growth af-
fects research, developmental education, buildings, faculty,
staff and recruitment of students.
The following are issues facing the University of Nevada
System:
A. "Access" concerns the ability of potential students to
enroll in higher education. The facts are 1) many more
students plan to enroll in postsecondary education in
Nevada; 2) State population is growing; and 3) Regents
endorsed a policy to encourage increased access for
those who have not traditionally participated in higher
education. Questions to ask ourselves are 1) do we have
the current capacity to maintain access?; 2) can we en-
roll all who apply?; and 3) do we need enrollment caps?
President Maxson stated that he felt UNS has a good
ratio between institutions and State population. If
the System should adopt capping, there would be no
alternatives to fall back on. The Universities do not
have critical mass of full-time students, especially
in certain programs such as foreign languages, to sup-
port capping.
B. "Quality" concerns our ability to offer high quality
instruction to students who enroll, and quality re-
search and public service. Facts are 1) quality is a
very difficult attribute to measure; 2) more programs
are accredited or seeking specialized accreditation;
3) impressions of UNS institutions seem to be more posi-
tive by Nevadans; and 4) UNS is raising admission
standards at the Universities. Questions to ask our-
selves are 1) can we assure quality and accommodate
growth?; 2) how do we measure quality?; and 3) how do
we convey quality to students?
Mrs. Sheerin pointed out that quality is the driving
force behind support for higher education. President
Calabro stated that he felt quality and access main-
tained an equal position on the scale of higher educa-
tion. President Maxson stated that growth is increas-
ing quality.
C. "Cost of Education" concerns both what the Campus must
spend to offer programs of study, and the students'
ability to pay a fair share of education. The facts
are 1) cost of education is rising; 2) students' per-
ceptions of the cost of education are greater than the
actual costs; 3) cost of education to the student in
Nevada is low in comparison with other states. Ques-
tions to ask ourselves are 1) what is the appropriate
share of the cost of education for the student to bear?;
2) what is an appropriate tuition policy for the UNS?;
and 3) what can/should the UNS do to assist the parents
with the cost of education their children (financial
aid, tuition assistance programs)?
D. "State Resources" must be increased to provide access
and quality. The facts are 1) enrollment growth alone
will require increased resources; 2) to make significant
improvement in quality, even more resources are requir-
ed; and 3) the UNS share of State allocations is not
increasing. Questions to ask ourselves are 1) does the
State have the resources required to meet the growth in
enrollments?; 2) does the State have the resources re-
quired to meet the growth in enrollment and implement
quality programs?; 3) what is the appropriate role for
the UNS in educating Nevada's citizens to the cost of
quality higher education?; and 4) what is the role of
the Board in obtaining resources?
E. "Campuses/Facilities" must provide adequate space and
facilities to provide instruction to increasing numbers
of students. The facts are 1) our Campuses are cur-
rently close to or exceeding capacity; 2) construction
and equipment costs are rising; and 3) UNS has signifi-
cant unmet capital construction needs. Questions to
ask ourselves are 1) are our current Campuses adequate
to meet current and future demands?; 2) do we meet
demands best by increasing the size of Campuses or
building new Campuses?; and 3) how do we decide where
to build?
F. In preparing the agenda for the future, questions to ask
ourselves are 1) what is the role of the Board of Re-
gents in preparing the agenda? and 2) what directions
for the future of the University of Nevada System should
we pursue?
Vice Chancellor Fox requested that each participant answer a
questionnaire, which he and Mrs. Karen Steinberg tallied,
analyzed and presented to the participants, which is filed
in the Regents Office.
Friday, December 9, 1988
4. Financing Higher Education
The cost of education is rising, and coupled with Nevada's
growth, the UNS faces tough, complex questions on financing
education into the 21st century. Discussions were centered
on the State of Nevada's recently released revenue study
prepared by The Urban Institute and Price Waterhouse, and
its impact on UNS; the UNS 1989-91 Budget Request and pri-
orities; and Estate Fund procedures.
Vice Chancellor Ron Sparks reviewed the budget, priorities
and formulas. He stressed that the funding for the Base
Budget was ultimate priority of the UNS, with faculty sal-
aries as next in line. The Faculty Senate Chairmen unani-
mously supporting funding for the Base Budget with the hopes
that faculty salaries would be then increased. The Chairmen
stated they will deliver the message to their faculties.
Vice Chancellor Sparks commended Mrs. Karen Steinberg and
Dr. Jim Rimpau for their deciphering of the letter from
Price Waterhouse in regard to the future of Nevada planning.
The study indicated that under current conditions UNS could
operate with a $7 million increase. Mr. Sparks indicated
that UNS needs $15-16 million in State General Fund money
next fiscal year just to take care of the enrollment in-
crease. The study also indicated that the estate tax and
slot tax should not be dedicated for education. The Chan-
cellor's staff submitted information on enrollment figures,
projections, etc. to The Urban Institute and Price Water-
house, but the information was not used in the final study.
Therefore, the study is very alarming to UNS.
Mr. Klaich stated that a citizens advisory group will be
meeting on December 12 to address the needs of the State of
Nevada and present them to the Legislature.
Dr. Hammargren suggested that the Chancellor's staff submit
a report on the student to The Urban Institute and Price
Waterhouse, before the final report is printed.
Chancellor Dawson suggested a special teleconference meeting
of the Board of Regents be slated to approve a Handbook
change to the Policies and Procedures of the UNS Estate Fund
and to send the proposals back to the Estate Fund Committee
for reconsideration.
Vice Chancellor Fox stated that he felt the Board should
reaffirm to the public that it is not the intent of the
Board to let these funds go into the General Fund. He
emphasized the need to obtain the funds for the submitted
proposals.
Chancellor Dawson thanked the participants of the workshop for
their openness and felt that the workshop was indeed a success.
Chairman Whitley expressed her thanks to Chancellor Dawson and
Secretary Moser for preparing the workshop agenda and arranging
for the facilities.
The workshop adjourned at 11:20 A.M. on Friday, December 9, 1988.
Mary Lou Moser
Secretary of the Board
12-07-1988