The spring 2002 University Council meeting was convened at 3:35 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2002 in the Memorial Union ballroom. President Charles Kupchella presided.

President Kupchella welcomed all council members and reminded all graduate faculty of the April 30 meeting regarding revision of the Graduate Faculty Constitution, stressing that a quorum is needed.

President Kupchella began by reporting on the University's strategic plan, which is in place and progressing well. A series of progress reports will be distributed in the fall.

President Kupchella discussed the long-term financing plan and explained the criteria used in the selection of peer institutions to be used as benchmark institutions for the resource base. The two sources of revenue being considered to bring UND to the median levels of the peer institutions are tuition and state appropriations. The ideal long-term financing plan would incorporate a 60/40 split between the general fund and tuition.

The President addressed the priority of raising salaries in the face of the governor's call for a flat budget.

The President reported that the Council on Campus Climate has been formed and that its inaugural meeting is scheduled for May 3. This council will serve as an oversight group that will monitor the priority action areas identified in the strategic plan in order to promote a positive campus climate.

President Kupchella announced that the process for implementing the new student information system (ERP) has been put into motion by signing a contract with PeopleSoft. This system will, in part, be paid for by assessing students $3.50 per credit hour. He asked for university-wide understanding of the additional workload many university employees will take on during the implementation of the system.

President Kupchella announced that changes in the UND Constitution are under consideration. A group was formed two years ago to consider changes to update the language and to adjust outdated policies that are not employed. The President said he asked the group to consider two things: 1) do we need a university council when the Senate has acted as the principal governance body, and 2) should the University Senate become more inclusive by adding representation from other campus stakeholder groups while maintaining academic plurality. President Kupchella stated the matter is currently under consideration by the Senate and he wanted to bring it to the Council's attention.

The President reported on the status of the search for a vice president for research. The initial search was unsuccessful and the search committee is currently reviewing its second pool of applicants. A short list will be announced on May 17.

President Kupchella stated that the University Research Council is working on the criteria for the Centers of Excellence. He also presented information from the Office of Research and Program Development on numbers of proposals submitted and dollars awarded. All the figures presented have grown in the last three years.

President Kupchella announced that the North Central Accreditation site visit team will be on campus October 20-22, 2003.

The President discussed the campus master plan regarding space utilization and needs assessment. The plan includes the Memorial Union renovation starting this fall, efforts to raise funds to renovate the Carnegie building for the purpose of a welcome center and student services, the O'Kelly Hall restoration, the EERC expansion, the medical school addition of a neuroscience center, and the creation of a health and wellness center to be partially funded by a $50 student fee per semester.

President Kupchella reported that a number of new programs have been approved for 2001-02 and there are many under development.

The President called for questions and comments.

Mr. Sheridan, biology, commented in favor of keeping the University Council in order to afford young faculty members, who are usually not members of the University Senate, a voice in University governance. He also suggested that the University Senate should meet more often than once a month. The President responded that including all faculty members was important and if the Council was not convened, some type of gathering is important.

Professor Wambsganss, college of business and public administration, asked if off-campus students will be assessed the $50 per semester student fee for the health and wellness center, and if so, did they have an opportunity to register their vote on the fee. President Kupchella replied that it was still under consideration, and there is ongoing discussion about the fees off-campus students will pay. He also stated that the fee was a referendum voted on and approved by the Student Senate.

Regarding Mr. Sheridan's concern about younger faculty members not having a voice in University governance if the University Council no longer existed, Mr. Murphy, school of medicine, commented that issues can be brought to the floor of the Senate via any at-large member or college representative of the University Senate.

The President adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m. by thanking everyone for the excellent work that goes on at this campus every day, and stating that UND's record enrollment this past fall and expected near record enrollment this fall is a direct result of this hard work.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Krogh, Council Secretary