IFO Board of Directors Report
April 20-21, 2006
Roseville Radisson
Present: Cindy Phillips, Wayne Alexander, Cathy Summa, Gerald Toland, Jayantha Herath, Nancy Black, Dave Larkin, Rose Weaver, Derek Webb, Andy Larkin, Becky Omdahl, Ruth Zietlow, Mary Kesler, Judy Kilborn, Annette Schoenberger, Sonja Meiers, Stephen Bohnenblust, George Seldat, Gwen Griffin, Cindy Killion
Also Present: Cindy Finch (taking minutes), Debra Japp, Russ Stanton, Patrice Arseneault
Not Present: Georgia Holmes
Approval of March 23rd Board Minutes:
A motion was made and seconded to approve the March 23rd Board minutes. Carried
Approval of 06-07 IFO Meetings:
A motion was made and seconded to approve the 06-07 proposed schedule of IFO meetings. Carried
Competitive Compensation:
The Board members reviewed a “draft” memo dated April 12, 2006, from Linda Baer, subject Competitive Compensation that Promotes Excellence in Student Learning. Our office received this memo on April 18, but it had already been distributed to the deans on some campuses. This memo is about IPESL, a new program for competitive compensation for faculty to promote excellence in student learning. This issue was never brought to a meet and confer. Nancy said this is an HR issue because it deals with compensation not an academic issue as MnSCU claims. Linda Baer told Nancy it is only for faculty awards. This was an item we had in negotiations but we were unsuccessful because MnSCU would not bargain for it. We were offered two options at negotiations and declined the merit pay option.
Nancy gave the Board the background on the issue. Nancy instructed Baer to pull back the memo from the campuses. We are meeting with MnSCU with our labor attorney present as this is an example of not negotiating in good faith. This meeting will take place on Wednesday morning, April 26, with Greg Corwin our labor attorney. Nancy urged the Board members to talk to their negotiators about this issue to ensure MnSCU doesn’t impose this on us.
Competitive compensation funding is a legislative mandate and how MnSCU interprets this legislation is the issue. MnSCU doesn’t want to give this money back to the legislature. This is worth four million dollars of the $12 million total funding. Russ gave the legislative history of the language and interpretations of the statute. Ultimately we do not want to reject this initiative because it will mean $4 million less now and in future bienniums. There are some severe time constraints. The IFO feels this is an attempt at union busting.
It was moved and seconded the IFO Board of Directors go on record as expressing its outrage with the draft proposal initiative of April 12, 2006, from Linda Baer, Sr. Vice Chancellor, competitive compensation that promotes excellence in student learning which includes a clear violation of our contract particularly in paragraph 5 of the guidelines. A friendly amendment, the IFO BOD supports improving student learning but we are opposed to the described process of the competitive compensation proposal. Carried unanimously
Board of Trustees Update:
Nancy reviewed a few points in the BOT Work Plan. Nancy interviewed 35 potential trustees as part of the Trustee Advisee Council. We will have four new trustees.
Academic Affairs Report:
The IFO Academic Affairs Committee will meet on Friday, April 21st.
The Graduate Council met in Marshall, on March 31st. Discussion included: MnSCU’s Statement of Requirements and Expectations for Approval of New Applied Doctoral Programs; procedures for external review of doctoral programs; New Applied Doctoral Education Program Application; and, a time-line for those institutions that want to begin their doctoral program(s) fall 2007.
The NCAT/CTL Designed for Learning Pilot Program advisory committee met by conference call on Monday, April 10th, to evaluate applications. Award applicants were notified via e-mail on Thursday, April 13th, with a follow-up e-mail on Wednesday, April 19. In some cases follow-up information is being requested and applicants have until May 3rd to submit the information. Note: Debra has been temporarily replaced by on the advisory committee because she is a member on a team that has submitted an application.
The Transfer Steering Committee will meet on Friday, April 28th, to discuss the process for implementing the procedure for institutional review of MnTC courses. There has been some discussion of this procedure on local campuses (and via e-mail among steering committee members). Debra Japp emphasized that the intent of this proposed procedure is not to replace existing local procedures for systematically reviewing MnTC courses. If institutions have a process for reviewing course placement on the MnTC that accomplishes the procedure outlined below, they should continue that process. The proposed timeline for this institutional self-review would be 18 months (Fall, 2006-Spring, 2008).
The MnSCU Academic and Student Policy Council met on Monday, April 10th. The following policies/procedures were discussed:
§ Proposed amendment to Policy 2.9 (Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress)
§ Proposed amendment to Policy 3.4 (Admissions)
§ Proposed amendment to Policy 3.15 (Advanced Placement Credit); proposed Procedure 3.15.1. Changes to Policies 3.15, 3.16 and 3.33 are in response to legislation enacted during the 2005 session.
§ Proposed Policy 3.33 (College-Level Examination Program CLEP), and proposed Procedure 3.33.1.
§ Proposed amendment to 3.16 (International Baccalaureate Credit) and proposed Procedure 3.16.1.
§ Proposed amendment to Policy 3.3 (Assessment for College Readiness); proposed Procedure 3.3.1 (Course Placement) (involves repeal of Policy 4.9 Presentation of ACT Scores).
§ Proposed Policy 3.34 (Academic Semester Start Dates); proposed Procedure 3.34.1.
§ Proposed amendment to Procedure 3.32 College Faculty Credentialing.
§ Early initial review of student policies for action in fall 2007 included: Policy 2.10 (Residence Hall), Policy 2.2 (State Residency Requirements) and Policy 2.3 (Student Involvement in Decision-Making) with Procedure 2.3.1.
The Task Force on Associate Degrees met on March 23rd and April 11th. One reason stand-alone TCs are seeking status to offer AA degrees is that federal financial aid is not available to “undecided” students at TCs, as is available to students at CCs and SUs. One proposed solution was a general education certificate; however, it was determined that a general education certificate does not meet federal requirements for financial aid. The task force discussed proposed language changes for Policy 3.25 (Degree Granting Authority) and Procedure 3.25.1 and Policy 3.17 (Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates) and Procedure 3.17.1 relevant to Associate Degrees. Issues discussed included: (1) TCs that want to offer AA degrees would have to gain HLC approval for a status change (Part 3 of Policy 3.25); (2) a procedure for seeking that status change (Procedure 3.25.1); (3) certificates in the TCs and CCs (for completing 6 goal areas of the MnTC or completing an occupational outcome, or completing a specific number of hours in a focused area of study); (4) inclusion of both broad field and specific field AS degrees; (5) requiring that 2 year institutions seek an articulation agreements to at least one SU before going outside the system (similar to the AFA); (6) the AS can be designated for employment as well as transfer; (7) “named” AA degrees (which the AAC does not support).
A draft of the final report will be circulated to committee members for comment then submitted to the appropriate channels for review.
Common Start Date Update:
MnSCU pulled this initiative back from presentation to the MnSCU BOT; they may introduce this later.
Treasurer’s Report:
Annette Schoenberger gave a Treasurer’s Report. The Board reviewed the March financials. Annette reported back that the IFO pays Merrill Lynch $300 per year to manage our funds.
Anderson & Forse and Larsen Allen gave us proposals for our year-end audit. The Board reviewed a chronological order of the IRS issue we had with Anderson & Forse. Anderson was not following auditing standards for non-profit organizations. It was moved and seconded we contract with Larsen Allen to do our taxes and year-end audit. Carried
Summer Compensation for FA Presidents:
The Board reviewed Operating Procedure Chapter XVIII.D. Last year the Board authorized $2,500 for each FA president who was able to fulfill FA duties. A motion was made and seconded to approve $2,500 for each FA President who is able to fulfill FA duties over the 2006 summer months. Carried
Membership Operating Procedures:
A motion was made and seconded to amend the operating procedures (CH IV.D and CH XIX) to allow for 16 dues/fee payments per academic year instead of 15 payments. Carried
Larsen Allen Audit:
David Little was present from the Larsen Allen firm to answer questions on accounting procedures. The Board reviewed the audit report, and standard letter on policies SAS 61 and a management letter SAS 60. John Tauer, Principal of Larsen Allen, had discussed the audit with the Executive Committee in March. The audit included several suggestions pertaining to policy and procedures for the local level and the central office as well as segmenting tasks for internal controls. This has already been instituted by an outside CPA and a temporary bookkeeper. Legally the local campuses are indistinguishable from the central office. Annette reminded the Board to include receipts with their expense reimbursement forms. A Board member had a question as to why the auditors were making comments on our investments as being “too conservative.” This statement came from Roger Severns not the auditor. Roger had attended the March meeting and summarized his remarks for the Executive Committee. Larsen Allen’s main concern was that our checking account had low interest. The Executive Committee will come forward with recommendations to the Board in the fall. If members of the Board have recommendations after reading the report, they should contact the Executive Committee.
Staff Request:
Russ Stanton made a request to attend the Employee Benefits Institute of America conference on June 6-9. It was moved and seconded we support Russ attending the conference. Carried
MN Online Council:
MnSCU requested that we appoint three representatives to serve on the MN Online Council. At the April 7th meet and confer we requested that MnSCU expand those numbers. We haven’t heard back from MnSCU yet. We have the majority of students on our campuses vs. the CC/TCs. We should have more volunteers on this important committee. Each campus has a different perspective of online. Do our appointees understand the responsibility they have when they are appointed by the IFO? They should be representing the position of the Board and AAC, not their individual campus. The July 20 meeting is cancelled. What is the IFO’s position on MN Online - that is what we should be telling our representatives. Maybe we should have a questionnaire to give our faculty who are interested in serving on MnSCU committees. Omdahl suggested the IFO create an IP taskforce to make recommendations.
IFO Investment Committee:
Michael Sher, member of the IFO Investment Committee, was present at the request of the Board to answer questions and explain the investment proposal. Social responsibility investments for the IFO were in a Delegate Assembly resolution – this should be reviewed. Sher said he would give a recommendation on the social responsibility accounts but that it would be more costly when you pick and choose funds and they have higher fees. Sher mentioned that it isn’t necessarily wise to buy into social choice because they are more based on individual decisions on what you want to support. It would be a good idea to have a side by side comparison of our old policy vs. the newly proposed policy. First we need to figure out how much cash we need to have on hand each month to pay our bills. Sher stated that our current investments in Preferred stocks are for large corporations not for non-profit organizations. Black thanked Michael Sher for the work he and Rajiv Kalra had done.
It was moved we table/defer the Investment Policy discussion until the fall (the next Board meeting) until we can have a more organized discussion based on complete information. Seconded. Carried
Alexander volunteered to do the analysis. Phillips recommended that the CPA also be involved. Wayne will work with Annette Schoenberger and Cathy Vold. Larkin stated that the Treasurer within the guidelines of the Investment Policy can move funds around. Black asked that other interested volunteers contact the IFO office.
It was moved the chair be authorized to prepare materials for the presentation at the next board meeting. Seconded. Carried
9:30 p.m., Thursday, April 20 recess
8:30 a.m., Friday, April 21 reconvened
Executive Committee Update:
The Executive Committee will meet on May 10-11 to conduct staff evaluations. The Executive Committee will meet for two days in June (14, 15 or 16) to discuss the audit recommendations and operating procedures. Cindy Finch will send out another reminder.
MN Online Committee Appointments:
FA Presidents spoke on behalf of each of their representatives and Board members reviewed any bios that were submitted by the candidates.
It was moved and seconded we appoint 3 IFO members to the MN Online Committee. Carried with opposition
A ballot vote was taken on the six names that came forward and the results were reported out: Rhonda Ficek (Moorhead), Mary Hadley (Mankato), Linda Seppanen (Winona). Nancy will send MnSCU a letter asking for seven representatives.
CTL Steering Committee:
FA Presidents spoke on behalf of each of their representatives and Board members reviewed any bios that were submitted by the candidates. Three names came forward and the Board was asked to vote on two names. Results: Kathryn Kelley (Metropolitan) and Frankie Condon (St. Cloud).
Staff Structure Taskforce Update:
Nancy reported that we placed the ad/job description for the Confidential Assistant that the Board approved on Monster.com. We have received 60 responses. A motion was moved and seconded that the search committee be authorized to use its discretion with regard to the educational requirements. motion failed
It was moved and seconded we re-advertise the position without a minimal educational requirement. motion failed
The search committee will meet on Tuesday, April 25 to review applicants.
Condo Update:
The tenant called a week and a half ago and said there was no power in the condo for two days. The transformers had a fire. The tenant will vacate the condo by April 30. There are 172 condos on the downtown St. Paul market and the average time to sell is 163 days. The Building Corporation may need to meet to reconsider the asking price.
Credentialing of College Faculty for PSEO:
There has been concern with this policy, in particular high school teachers who
are teaching high school students who receive college credits. This topic was
addressed at the last meet and confer. Debra Japp mentioned the exceptions
report in her Academic Affairs report. The BOT passed the credentialing that
required HS teachers to have a master’s degree and 16 credits in the subject
area. A letter went out to superintendents and caused legislative action
against the policy. A bill was signed by 32 legislators, stating that nothing
should interfere with high school teachers teaching college credits. A letter
withdrawing the MnSCU policy to Rep. Seifert from the Chancellor was reviewed.
MnSCU is making a taskforce to deal with this issue. We have received an
informal request for this taskforce.
It was moved and seconded that we appoint 2 members of the Board to serve on this taskforce who is meeting over the summer. Carried
Steve Bohnenblust, Gerald Toland and Cathy Summa volunteered to serve on this taskforce.
It was moved and seconded that the IFO position be that the individual universities determine the qualifications of the high school faculty and curriculum for PSEO. A motion to amend that individual university faculty have oversight over the curriculum and the faculty. Carried
At a recent M&C we asked Linda Baer for data; that may be an important factor in determining our position.
It was moved and seconded that we appoint the three Board members who volunteered and when one person can’t show up to a meeting the other will be an alternate. Carried
April 11 Election Results:
|
Votes for IFO President |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nancy Black |
Others |
Blank/Spoiled |
|
|
Bemidji |
87 |
3 |
0 |
|
|
Mankato |
121 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
Metropolitan |
88 |
1 |
12 |
|
|
Moorhead |
111 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
St. Cloud |
186 |
8 |
5 |
|
|
Southwest |
34 |
1 |
3 |
|
|
Winona |
125 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
Totals |
752 |
21 |
22 |
795 |
|
|
94.59% |
2.64% |
2.77% |
|
Meet and Confer Update:
One of our goals next year is to not give out so much paper at the IFO Board meetings. The meet and confer notes are posted on the IFO website for your review.
Delegate Assembly Minutes:
A motion was made and seconded that the IFO Board approves the 2006 DA minutes. Carried
The new resolutions will now be incorporated into the continuing resolutions. This will be sent to the negotiators.
Benefits Equity Committee:
The DA moved (MS.2006.3) to establish the Benefits Equity Committee as and IFO standing committee. Carried
Schoenberger said the money for this committee is in the 06-07 budget for up to two meetings.
Equity Advocate Report:
Patrice Arseneault gave a report. The Benefits Equity Taskforce new 06 Delegate Assembly resolution MS.2006.3 that the IFO Board establishes a Benefits Equity Committee was carried. The BET resolution provided that the BEC shall consist of a representative from the FIC, MIC, GLBTA and IFO Board, and two members at large, and shall be provided with a budget adequate to allow up to 2 meetings per academic year.
The Feminist Issues Committee met on March 24, 2006 at the Delegate Assembly. The FIC discussed the draft Systemwide Strategic Diversity Plan for 2006-2010 as presented by Director of Diversity and Multiculturalism, Whitney Harris. A copy of the Systemwide Strategic Diversity Plan was provided in the Board packet.
The FIC is concerned about the potential for a lack of funding for the actions described in the plan. The FIC adopted the following feedback regarding the draft: There are serious concerns about the funds available on campuses to offer the needed services to under prepared students. If MnSCU moves forward with the system wide Diversity Plan, which the FIC recommends they do, it is crucial that campuses receive adequate resources to ensure the success of underserved and underrepresented students.
The Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Allies Issues Committee (GLBTA) met on March 24, 2006 at the Delegate Assembly. It was noted that campaign for placing the anti marriage amendment on the November ballot is aggressive, and we should continue to send emails in support of (and giving thanks to) legislators who are opposing the amendment. The committee discussed the status of the GLTBA web page that is being created by students at Metropolitan State for the IFO. The GLBTA Committee discussed Web site title and decided to call it “Queer on Campus.”
The committee discussed its continued opposition to the draft MnSCU Nepotism Procedure for inclusion of “members of household” and the concern over requirements to disclose relationships. A copy of the draft Nepotism Procedure was provided in the Board packet. The GLBTA committee has asked to voice their concerns in a meeting with Linda Skallman, Associate Vice Chancellor for Personnel. The meeting is scheduled on April 21.
The GLBTA is concerned that not all committee members attend the statewide meetings. The committee would like the campus representatives to be encouraged to attend and participate and to find an alternate from their campus to serve as a representative when unable to attend a committee meeting.
The Multicultural Issues Committee met on March 23, 2006. The committee discussed MnSCU’s draft Systemwide Strategic Diversity Plan for 2006-2010 and Whitney Harris’ presentation of the plan at the MnSCU Board of Trustees meeting of the Diversity and Multiculturalism Committee on March 21. A copy of the Systemwide Strategic Diversity Plan was provided in the Board packet. It is our understanding that Dr. Harris will present the Plan to the BOT’s Committee on Diversity and Multiculturalism on April 18. As the Diversity Plan is not a “policy,” two readings are not required for adoption, and the BOT may likely adopt the Plan at its meeting on April 18-19.
The committee continued discussion on the need to develop strategies for recruitment and retention for faculty of color, including the possibility for seeking to co- sponsor a conference with MnSCU on these issues. The MIC new Delegate Assembly resolution for seeking joint sponsorship of such a conference was carried.
The IFO Salary Equity Committee met at Delegate Assembly on March 25, 2006, to begin discussions on the next salary study. The SEC will meet again on April 28.
The joint MnSCU IFO Salary Review Committee has completed the FY05 Annual Review of faculty hired in academic year 2004-2005 and faculty awarded a terminal degree between October 1, 2003, and October 1, 2004. Faculty members who were hired in 2004-2005 were sent a letter containing the data used by the SRC in the annual review. A list of faculty who were reviewed was provided in the Board packet, and is posted on the IFO website.
The SRC has made recommendations for salary adjustments based on the FY05 review. A list of faculty tentatively scheduled to receive step increases was provided in the Board packet. Step increases are expected to be implemented with the May 12, 2006 paycheck.
The SRC will also meet on April 28 to discuss the next salary study, and to review faculty whose data has been corrected.
The MnSCU 1B.1 Review Committee has completed its draft revisions of the MnSCU Board Policy 1B.1, copy of the draft was provided in the Board packet. MnSCU is in the process of presenting the draft Policy at M&Cs, and plans to send it to the BOT for a first reading in May, and a second reading in June.
Pat reviewed the grievance logs for FY04, FY05 and FY06. No personal information was disclosed.
Legislative Report:
Russ Stanton gave a legislative report. The standing committees of the legislature have shut down, except for Ways and Means, Taxes and Finance and Bonding (and a special task force on the stadium issues). All of the major omnibus bills are out of committee and on the House and Senate floors awaiting action (a few have passed on the floor already). Russ gave an update on the progress of our legislative goals for contract ratification, the Bonding Bill, tobacco tax, higher education funding formula, constitutional amendment defining marriage, The Dream Act, domestic partner benefits,
Alternative Teacher Licensure Bill, speaking clear English, teacher preparation program “Report Card”, Minneapolis Teacher Fund/TRA Merger—5% Cap on Annual Post-Retirement Adjustments and the abandoned IRAP/SRP Funds
Budget Committee Report:
Dave Bouchard was present to give the Budget Committee report. Two issues are before the Board. IFO Proposed Budget Request for MnSCU 08-09. The IFO Budget Committee attempted to have this request kept simple. A Board member requested that this request be more detailed for clarity. Why isn’t Science and Math included? This request will guide the faculty representatives who serve on the committee that establishes MnSCU’s budget - Biennial Budget Committee. They are meeting May-August. This request came from Laura King. Nancy reviewed portions of the 2006-2010 MnSCU Action Plan. Russ, Dave Bouchard, and Nancy will attend these meetings. We’ll need 3 more faculty representatives to attend.
A motion was made and seconded for a motion in support of the IFO proposed budget request for MnSCU 08-09 as presented by our Budget committee. Carried
This request will be used as the guideline for our position at the IFO. Bouchard stated he would add explanations to make it clearer. Dave stated he would add language that would keep us flexible and nimble in the changing marketplace.
The funding formula is heading in several directions. There is the likelihood that the formula statute language will be repealed although its fate is uncertain. With that, we need to have alternate proposals. At the last Board meeting, the guiding principles were approved.
The Winona Faculty Senate gave feedback on the funding proposal. How will this affect other institutions? Reciprocity rules will need to be modified and they didn’t feel we should specifically support services for the U of M, but rather all higher education institutions. Summa suggested the third to the last bullet removing the U of M be replaced with “other public higher education” and was accepted as a friendly amendment by the Board and Bouchard. The word instruction will be changed to academics on the Efficiency bullet of the goals.
It was moved the efficiency bullet be changed to academics from instruction. Seconded. Carried
The issue of reciprocity is an agreement between two states. If we raise our tuition with the Opportunity Grant, this issue may hinder us. Russ and Dave said they needed to look more into this issue. Moorhead was concerned that 1/3 of their students are from out of state and even the suggestion will affect their enrollment and could in turn affect faculty entrenchment. Dave reminded the Board that each campus is represented on the Budget committee. The next step; we could ask for a general approval with the idea that this will be updated and will be brought back. The IFO Board supports the basic concepts as proposed by the Budget Committee. It was moved to conceptually approve the proposal of positions as presented by the Budget Committee. Seconded. Carried with opposition
Dave Bouchard said he would still keep working on the language and will get back to the Board.
Break for lunch 12:00 p.m.
Academic Affairs Committee:
The Academic Affairs Committee met the morning of Friday, April 21. They presented the Board with a suggestion for the competitive compensation ($4 million). The passed DA resolution CG19.2006.1 says: CG19.2006.1 negotiate a substantial increase in professional improvement funds under Article 19 Section A of the IFO-MNSCU Master Agreement. The minimum amount allocated has remained static at four hundred thousand dollars since the 1997-1999 agreement. Inflation has increased the cost of professional activities as well as decreased the value of these funds. Therefore we propose that the minimum amount allocated under Article 19 be increased to at least six hundred thousand dollars. Everyone uses the professional improvement funds. They are controlled by faculty.
It was moved that we support this AAC proposal to put this money into professional improvement funds. Seconded.
A friendly amendment was offered for a faculty committee recommendation. Black suggested that this be sent to the negotiators for consideration and Kilborn suggested that the Negotiations Team use these suggestions for improvement and development.
A motion to substitute to encourage the negotiating team to consider use IPESL funds to supplement 19A and 19B funds. Seconded. Carried
Membership Report:
Board members were given a comparison of FY05 and FY06. Nancy is seeking feedback from faculty on how we can organize the faculty for action. We want to be better organized.
Nominating Committee for Vice President and Secretary:
Per Operating Procedures Chapter IX.E.3.a. It was moved that the EC will form the Ad Hoc committee. Seconded. Carried
Teacher Center:
This agenda item came from the SCSU College of Education. The concern presented is that the center has a website that includes information on being a consultant but it is not clear how they are paid and recruited. This should be a meet and confer topic. This is something that we should look into further from folks in Colleges of Education. We have been discussing the Teacher Center at recent meet and confers. Bohnenblust stated that one of the Mankato DA resolutions addressed this issue directly (non-credit bearing workload). This is happening in different areas as well. MnSCU has a website (www.teachercenter.mnscu.edu) that shows that they are offering credit workshops and classes. Cathy Summa volunteered to be on an ad hoc committee for this issue. Judy will ask Steve Hornstein on her campus if he is willing to serve. It was moved they will report back to the Board their findings and a recommendation in September. Seconded. Carried
Award Ceremony:
Nancy thanked everyone for their work with certificates to Board members and plaques for the FA Presidents.
Executive Session:
A motion was made to enter into Executive Session. Seconded. Carried 1:22
The Board moved out of Executive Session at 1:41 p.m.
Adjourned at 1:42 p.m.