The fall 2002 University Council meeting was convened at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 in the Memorial Union Ballroom. President Charles Kupchella presided.

President Kupchella welcomed all council members and introduced several guests. He then introduced Chancellor Larry Isaak who addressed the Council.

Mr. Isaak stated that this year has been one of transition in the way we do business and provide services. He discussed the work of the legislative roundtable and the effect it has on the university system. The Chancellor stated that there will continue to be challenges including reenactment of the legislation of the roundtable report, holding state funding of the university system to at least stable levels, maintaining enrollment in a declining population, and increasing faculty and staff salaries. Mr. Isaak stated that the implementation of the new administrative system and collaboration between and among campuses will be important to the system. He concluded his remarks by quoting the vision statement saying "The North Dakota University System is the vital link to a brighter future."

Mr. Kupchella presented his address titled "The State of the University: Progress & Potential." The President discussed the progress of meeting the goals of the strategic plan in several areas including: institutional planning, salary increases for faculty and staff, enrollment increases, the accomplishment of academic programs, successful reaccreditation of several programs, the addition of new programs, the successful summer programs and the plans for a summer program called "Collegeville," the research accomplishments at UND, the scholarship of teaching and the efforts to improve learning and learning environments, the facilities projects currently underway, the wellness initiative, and athletics. Mr. Kupchella acknowledged many people who are involved in these efforts and recognized their hard work with these programs at UND.

The President outlined the new possibilities for the University in the next few years. He stated that two factors will determine the success of UND: the efforts of people and the funding available. Mr. Kupchella outlined several challenges to securing stable funding for the University. He presented charts that showed the comparisons of the University to nine other benchmark institutions in areas of funding per student from tuition and state appropriations, tuition levels, and instructional expenditures. We are at the bottom of the ranking of the ten institutions in tuition and state appropriations, and rank eighth in tuition levels; yet, we are third in instructional expenditures per student. Mr. Kupchella stated that we need a better model for support of higher education and that this model may include increases in tuition, differential tuition for programs, and state support as an investment in higher education. The President concluded by stating that we need to develop a long-term needs plan to maintain access to quality programs in higher education in North Dakota.

The President asked for questions or comments. There being none, Mr. Kupchella adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Krogh, Council Secretary