Minutes of the University Council Meeting
Wendelin Hume, Vice Chair of University Senate, called the
meeting of the University Council to order at
Ms. Hume indicated that this University Council meeting was being webcast for the first time. She also indicated that she was filling in for Mr. Jackson, Chair of University Senate, since he was not able to attend.
Ms. Hume introduced President Kelly for his remarks regarding the state of the University of North Dakota. The following is a synopsis of President Kelly’s remarks as reported by Jan Orvik from University Relations.
●
● Kelley remarked on how impressed he
was with students during the flood fight around the state. “All we had to do was say ‘yes’ and provide
some resources, and the students organized, communicated, and helped fight the
flood,” he said, thanking them.
● Regarding the Legislative session,
Kelley said UND is watching the higher education funding bill, which is now in
conference committee. The System’s top
priority, he said, is to reinstate equity dollars for new academic
programs. He hopes to cap tuition at a 4
percent increase, and that the affordability portion of the bill will supplement
that goal. He said he is cautiously
optimistic that the
● Kelley said they’re also watching
UPMIFA, (Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act), which
regulates the use of endowments and other funds. He said that if passed, it could allow the
University to use a portion of its endowment principal to support students.
● Since his
State of the University address last fall, Kelley said he has focused on five
main issues: (1) the economic downturn;
(2) enrollment, recruitment, and retention of students, including international
students; (3) leadership; (4) academic priorities and synergies; and (5)
athletics.
● Kelley said he’s also examining how to
position UND. “The North Dakota
University System supports 11 institutions,” he said. “Two of them are nearly identical in size,
mission, and resources.” He’s examining
ways to differentiate UND in ways that matter.
He said he would like to emphasize two or three areas in which the
University could distinguish itself in the region and nation, but that UND’s
core mission would remain the liberal arts:
teaching, learning, research, and scholarship. He said that UND has developed tremendous
expertise in interdisciplinary applied sciences and advanced technology, and
that this distinguishes the University.
● Kelley said UND could develop even
more distinctive missions in energy and environmental studies to benefit
agriculture and the environment, and that a second mission could be in biology,
chemistry, physics, and medicine. He
cited Avianix and Laserlith, companies which have moved to
● Two new initiatives may be built into sustainable centers, Kelley said, citing one project that focuses on digital and new media (involving the departments of computer science, art, English, history, music and the Chester Fritz Library), and another initiative that will look at the needs of active-duty and veteran military personnel and their families (involving counseling psychology and community services, educational foundations and research, enrollment management, social work and the University Counseling Center).
● In his State
of the University Address in November, Kelley had called for identifying
"existing multidisciplinary groups that have potential, with added
resources, to attain national prominence" and had charged John La Duke,
associate dean of Arts and Sciences and Associate Vice President for Research,
with managing the process. The White Paper initiative, as it was called,
resulted in nearly 40 submissions seeking a total of more than $8 million.
● There is a
small problem with UND, Kelley said: we
have become too “siloed,” too vertical in our thinking. “We need to think more horizontally across
the university, to engage students and bridge the moats around the silos,” he
said. Silos may be acceptable for
businesses, he said, but not for education.
● About UND leadership, Kelley said that
searches are taking place: vice
president for finance and operations, vice president for research and economic
development, and for dean of nursing. He
said that the search for a medical dean will begin this summer, and joked that
the provost search to fill the position now held by Paul LeBel may wait until
2017 or 2018.
● Kelley said he’s examining resource
allocations and wants to empower deans and department heads, as well as
operations and facilities, to plan and implement projects. He also said that the University System is
looking hard at IT and possible efficiencies, and that he is looking for better
ways to manage IT on campus. He said
that a new building would help address some of those efficiency issues.
● The University has signed a Campus
Climate Commitment, Kelley said, and all new buildings will meet “Silver
Standards” in construction and sustainability.
“When you scratch the campus, it should bleed green,” he said.
● Kelley said he likes meeting with
faculty and staff, but sometimes those visiting him are seeking funding. He asked that people instead work through
directors, chairs, deans, vice presidents, and the governance structure,
including the three senate bodies on campus.
● Athletics has been in the news, especially regarding the nickname, and Kelley said the University will continue to support the State Board of Higher Education process in resolving the issue. He expects resolution by November 2010 or earlier.
He then took questions from the audience, the answers to which are summarized below.
● Kelley said he’s been impressed with
the dedication of the Legislature, especially members dealing with flooding in
their home districts while continuing to deal with legislative issues.
● Teaching and research complement each
other, Kelley said, and it is important for faculty to seek grants as a way to pursue
their research interests. The University
survives on multiple funding sources, including Legislative appropriations,
tuition and fees, grants and contracts, auxiliary businesses, and the UND
Foundation. He said that he hopes
royalties and patents will eventually bring in more dollars. “If you get the idea that your president
worries all the time about money, you’re right.”
● He thanked an audience member for
bringing attention to
● Kelley concluded his talk by thanking
the University community for their support for Marcia and himself, and said
he’s pleased to be here. “We will work
together to move from great to exceptional.”
Ms. Hume reported on the 2008- 2009 year for the University Senate. Ms. Hume indicated that she would summarize the year and for further information members should go to the University Senate web page for agenda and minutes. She encouraged all University Council members to get involved in governance.
The University Senate is comprised of members from the faculty, administration and Student and Staff Senates. The accomplishments this year improved the University and moved the campus forward. There were discussions on parking. Committees worked on a wide variety of issues. Graduates were approved for summer, fall and soon for spring. Honorary degrees were approved. The essential elements document provided for departmental guidelines for evaluation of faculty for promotion and tenure. A resolution recommended that procedures for emergency notification be reviewed. Student issues addressed included the Higher One card and how student senators are selected to serve on University Senate. There were policy discussions and approvals for honors and grade change limits. It was a busy year with spirited discussions. Ms. Hume thanked all for their involvement in a productive year.
Ms. Hume asked if there were any questions or other matters
arising. Hearing none, the meeting was adjourned
at
Respectfully submitted,
Suzanne Anderson, Council Secretary