Official Minutes June 4-5, 2009 Fairbanks, Alaska

Official Minutes
Board of Regents
Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
Regents Present:
Cynthia Henry, Chair
Fuller Cowell, Secretary
Carl Marrs, Treasurer
Ashton Compton
Erik Drygas
Kenneth Fisher
Mary K. Hughes
Patricia Jacobson
Robert Martin
Kirk Wickersham
Mark R. Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer and President, University of Alaska
Regents Absent:
Timothy C. Brady, Vice Chair
Others Present:
John Pugh, Chancellor, University of Alaska Southeast
Fran Ulmer, Chancellor, University of Alaska Anchorage (via audioconference)
Michael Driscoll, Provost, University of Alaska Anchorage
Susan Henrichs, Provost, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Roger Brunner, General Counsel
Dan Julius, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Wendy Redman, Vice President for University Relations
Joe Trubacz, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Beth Behner, Chief Human Resources Officer
Mary Rutherford, Chief Development Officer
Kit Duke, Associate Vice President, Facilities
Michelle Rizk, Associate Vice President, Budget
Gwen White, Associate Vice President, Institutional Research and Planning
Kate Ripley, Director, Public Affairs
Jeannie D. Phillips, Executive Officer, Board of Regents
Brandi Berg, Assistant to the Executive Officer, Board of Regents
I.
Call to Order
Chair Henry called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2009.
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Official Minutes
Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
II.
Adoption of Agenda
Regent Martin moved, seconded by Regent Wickersham, and passed as
amended that:
PASSED AS AMENDED (amendments noted by *)
"The Board of Regents adopts the agenda as presented.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
*XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
Call to Order
Adoption of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Executive Session
President’s Report
Public Testimony
Presentation from the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Acceptance of the FY10 Operating Budget Appropriation and
Approval of the Distribution Plan
Acceptance of the FY10 Capital Budget Appropriation and
Approval of the Distribution Plan
Report on Performance
Update on Federal Stimulus Funding and Approval of Additional
Receipt Authority (action item added)
Presentation on UA Press
Annual Report on Risk Services
Consent Agenda
A.
Academic and Student Affairs Committee
1.
Approval
of
Bachelor
of
Arts
in
Geography/Environmental Studies and Bachelor of
Science in Geography/Environmental Resources at
the University of Alaska Southeast
*2.
Approval of Certificate in Ethnobotany at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks (removed from
agenda)
*3.
Approval of Bachelor of Arts in Film at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks (removed from
agenda)
4.
Approval of Fast Track Bachelor of Science and
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks
5.
Approval of Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in K-12
Special Education Licensure Program at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
6.
B.
C.
D.
Approval of Master of Education in Special
Education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
*7.
Approval of Certificate in Corrections at the
University of Alaska Anchorage (removed from
agenda)
*8.
Approval
of
Deletion
of
AAS
in
Telecommunications, Electronics, and Computer
Technology, and Approval of AAS in Computer
Technology and AAS in Electronic Technology at
the University of Alaska Anchorage (removed from
agenda)
*9.
Approval of Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the
University of Alaska Anchorage (removed from
agenda)
*10.
Approval of Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at the
University of Alaska Anchorage (removed from
agenda)
*11.
Approval of Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of
Science in Environment and Society at the
University of Alaska Anchorage (removed from
agenda)
12.
Approval of Revisions to Regents’ Policy 05.10.050 –
Nonresident Tuition Surcharge, related to Veterans
Audit Committee
1.
Approval of the UA Identify Theft Prevention
Program
2.
Acceptance of the FY10 University of Alaska
Foundation Budget
Facilities and Land Management Committee
1.
Formal Project Approval for the Toolik Field
Station Dining Facility at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks
*2.
Schematic Design Approval for the Science
Renovation at the University of Alaska Anchorage
(removed from agenda)
*3.
Total Project Cost Increase Approval for the Arctic
Health Revitalization Phase 2 at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks (removed from Consent Agenda
to New Business, Item XV.C.1)
Finance Committee
1.
Approval of FY10 Natural Resources Fund
Expenditure Plan
2.
Approval of Use of Reserves to Fund Investment
Losses
3.
Approval of FY10 Student Government Budgets
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Meeting of the Full Board
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Fairbanks, Alaska
E.
Human Resources Committee
1.
Approval to Reactivate Transition Grid Step
XV.
New Business and Committee Reports
A.
Academic and Student Affairs Committee
B.
Audit Committee
1.
Approval of the FY2010 Annual Audit Plan
2.
Committee Report
C.
Facilities and Land Management Committee
*1.
Total Project Cost Increase Approval for the Arctic
Health Revitalization Phase 2 at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks (moved from Consent Agenda)
2.
Formal Project Approval for the Kachemak Bay
Campus Classroom Building at the University of
Alaska Anchorage
3.
Limited Schematic Design Approval for the Seawolf
Sports Arena – Road Upgrade and Site Clearing at
the University of Alaska Anchorage
4.
Executive Session
5.
Committee Report
D.
Finance Committee
E.
Human Resources Committee
F.
Planning and Development Committee
G.
Ad Hoc Committee on Honorary Degrees
*H. Approval of Industrial Security Resolution (added)
XVI.
Approval of Revision to September 2009 and February 2010
Meeting Locations
XVII. Discussion regarding UA Lands Letter to Governor and Legislators
XVIII. Discussion regarding 2009 National Conference on Trusteeship
XIX.
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Report
XX.
UA Foundation Report
XXI.
UA Athletics Report
XXII. Future Agenda Items
XXIII. Board of Regents' Comments
XXIV. Adjourn
This motion is effective June 4, 2009."
III.
Approval of Minutes
Regent Cowell moved, seconded by Regent Martin, and passed as amended that:
PASSED AS AMENDED
"The Board of Regents approves the minutes of its regular meeting of April
8-9, 2009 as amended. This motion is effective June 4, 2009."
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Official Minutes
Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
IV.
Executive Session
Regent Hughes moved, seconded by Regent Martin, and passed as amended that:
PASSED AS AMENDED
"The Board of Regents goes into executive session at 8:05 a.m. Alaska Time
in accordance with the provisions of AS 44.62.310 to discuss matters the
immediate knowledge of which would have an adverse effect on the finances
of the university related to:
● Litigation
● Finances
● President’s Contract
● KUAC
● UAF Energy Building
● Arctic Region Supercomputing Center
The session will include members of the Board of Regents, President
Hamilton, General Counsel Brunner, and such other university staff
members as the president may designate and will last approximately 1 hour
and 45 minutes. Thus, the open session of the Board of Regents will resume
in this room at approximately 9:45 a.m. Alaska Time. This motion is
effective June 4, 2009."
The Board of Regents concluded an executive session at 10:00 a.m. Alaska Time in
accordance with AS 44.62.310 discussing matters the immediate knowledge of which
would have an adverse effect on the finances of the university. The session included
members of the Board of Regents, President Hamilton, General Counsel Brunner, and
other university staff members designated by the president and lasted approximately two
hours.
V.
President's Report
President Hamilton presented the annual “Make Students Counts” awards to:
-----
Kolene James, coordinator and academic advisor with Native and Rural
Services at UAS
Annie Route, student life and leadership director at UAA
Gabrielle Russell, academic advisor with Native and Rural Services at
UAF
Mike Earnest, student services manager at the System Office
The four were selected by their peers for providing outstanding service to
students.
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Official Minutes
Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
VI.
Public Testimony
Rose Meier, coordinator for Ethnobotany, spoke in support of the certificate in
Ethnobotany program.
Jessica Angelette, UAF student, urged the board to approve the addition of
“sexual orientation” in nondiscrimination policy statements.
Heather Swanson, chair of the Staff Alliance, gave her last report for her year as
chair, and reported on current activities including legislative advocacy, childcare
issues, staff compensation, joint health care committee on benefits rates and
wellness program, and closed with thanking the staff of the university and to Pat
Ivey for her support.
Jill Dumesnil, chair of the Faculty Alliance, gave her last report and thanked the
administration for their support and introduced John Dehn, incoming chair of the
Faculty Alliance. Dr. Dehn thanked Dr. Dumesnil for her service as outgoing
chair.
Patricia Heiser, faculty of Geography program, spoke in support of the system
Geography programs and the cooperation between the University of Alaska
Fairbanks and University of Alaska Southeast.
Representative David Guttenberg, expressed his frustration that the University of
Alaska is not better supported by the state and urged that advocacy is focused on
the mission of the university.
Todd Marshall-Closson, spokesperson for the Coalition of Student Leaders, gave
his last presentation, spoke of his being a “praise-a-holic” and his wonderful
experience as spokesperson. He introduced Chelsea Dorman, new president of
the Kenai Peninsula College student government.
Chris Lozano, UAF student, spoke in support of the bachelor’s degree in Film at
the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Daniel Murphy, UAF student, spoke in support of the degree in Film at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Maya Salganak, UAF faculty member in Film, spoke in support of the BA in
Film.
Kate Sunwood, director of Women’s Center at UAF, thanked the board for their
work, spoke of her encouragement in hearing students support the sexual
orientation clause in nondiscrimination statements; spoke in support of the BA in
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Fairbanks, Alaska
Film; and urged the board to look at step increases for staff members and the
overuse of nonretention.
Paul Adasiak, spoke in favor of adding the phrase “sexual orientation” to
University of Alaska nondiscrimination statements.
Randy Pitney, representative from the UAF Alumni Association, updated the
board on Alumni Association activities including legislative advocacy,
relationships with the university, fundraising efforts, chapter work, and
scholarship awards.
RAHI representatives Concepcion Melovidov, Whitney Walker, Denise Wartes,
Sue Hills, and Greg Owens, shared their experiences and scientific projects
undertaken by RAHI students.
Michaela Hernandez, USUAA president, spoke in opposition to the proposed
tuition increase.
Todd Vorisek, ASUAF vice president, spoke in support for student employee
salary rate increases.
Jeff Warner, School of Agriculture and FFA representative, reported on FFA
activities.
The following FFA students thanked the board for supporting FFA and reviewed
the mission and activities of FFA:
Corinne Ogle, State FFA President, hometown Homer
Ben Blue, State Vice FFA President, hometown Homer
Emily Henkelman, State FFA Secretary, hometown Homer
Irene Fry, State FFA Treasurer, hometown Palmer
Isaac Courson, State Reporter, hometown Palmer
Zac Chaves, State FFA Sentinel, hometown Fairbanks
Stephanie Ashley, USUAS president, thanked the board for supporting the
Anderson Building remodel; and urged the board to keep tuition as low as
possible, especially for upper division credits.
Ryan Bucholdt, USUAA student representative, spoke on the proposed tuition
increase and his hopes that it will not be raised to that degree and that the upper
division credit fee be lowered.
Andrew Adlesperger, UAF student, spoke in support of the BA in Film at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks.
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
Karl Wing, former USUAA student body president, thanked the board for the
opportunities offered to him at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He also
expressed his concerns regarding the proposed tuition increases.
VII.
Presentation from University of Alaska Fairbanks
Representatives from Summer Sessions and Summer Programs, the Alaska
Volcano Observatory, and undergraduate research award winners from the
University of Alaska Fairbanks made the presentations. Presenters included:
Steve McNutt, Alaska Volcano Observatory
Kristen Shake: Carbon Biogeochemistry in the Northern Gulf of Alaska:
Perspectives on the Marine Ecosystem
Celia Miller, Genetic Variability in a Widespread Epiphytic Lichen and Forest
Distribution in the Pliestocene
Sam Herried, Surging Glaciers in the Central Alaska Range: Muldrow, Yanert and
McGinnis
Michelle Bartlett, Summer Programs
VIII. Acceptance of the FY10 Operating Budget Appropriation and Approval of
the Distribution Plan
(Reference Bound Separately)
Regent Wickersham moved, seconded by Regent Martin, and passed with Regents
Compton, Cowell, Drygas, Fisher, Hughes, Jacobson, Marrs, Martin,
Wickersham, and Henry voting in favor that:
PASSED
“The Board of Regents accepts the FY10 Operating Budget Appropriation as
presented. This motion is effective June 5, 2009.”
PASSED
“The Board of Regents approves the FY10 Operating Budget Distribution
Plan as presented. This motion is effective June 5, 2009.”
POLICY CITATION
Regents' Policy 05.01.04 – Acceptance of State Appropriations states, "The board
must accept state appropriations to the university before any expenditure may be
made against the appropriation."
RATIONALE/RECOMMENDATION
President Hamilton and Associate Vice President Rizk discussed the legislative
appropriations and proposed an operating budget distribution plan for Board
approval. Governor Palin signed the state’s operating, capital, and mental health
budget bills into law by June 1, 2009. No vetoes of University of Alaska programs
or projects occurred. Below are a system budget summary and distribution plan
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Fairbanks, Alaska
considerations. The operating and capital distribution reference documents
accompanying this agenda are a stand-alone publication titled “Proposed FY10
Operating and Capital Budget Distribution Plans.”
Multiple Appropriation Structure Impact
The Governor’s FY10 proposed budget supported a single appropriation for UA,
however as in FY09, the legislature adopted seven separate appropriations for UA.
Prior to FY09, UA had operated under a single appropriation for more than 15
years. The multiple appropriation structure will continue to be administratively
time consuming and difficult, and impedes the ability of the Board of Regents to
be responsive to new program opportunities when legislative funding is not
sufficient. In several of the last five years, internal reallocation was the only
mechanism available to enable priority program growth, specifically in health
programs. Under the multiple appropriation structure, reallocations from multiple
campuses to address one or two key program priorities will be difficult, if not
impossible, to accommodate.
FY10 Operating Funding Summary
UA’s final operating budget state appropriation is expected to be increased by
$12.9 million (4.1%). Approximately 63.3% of UA’s fixed cost increases were
covered ($11.0 million of $17.5 million). One fixed cost item not covered was the
$1.7 million utility cost increase. A portion of the utility cost increase is expected
to be covered through a fuel price trigger mechanism, but a FY10 supplemental
may be required to meet full utilities cost increases, a chart can be found on page
30.
The legislature reduced the state appropriation for compensation by $400
thousand and included intent language “…that the University consider forgoing
Executive position pay raises in light of the current fiscal situation.” After careful
consideration and numerous administrative discussions, it was decided that there
will be no across the board salary increases for executives in FY10 (in some
special and limited cases, market adjustments may be necessary).
From the $12.9 million increase, $1.9 million is directed to the Board’s priority
program requests in Energy and Cooperative Extension Service ($950.0) and
Health Academic Programs ($922.0). Below are the highlights of the program
investments. A complete listing of programs receiving state funds and program
narratives begins on page 12.
Energy and Cooperative Extension Service
The cost of energy in Alaska is a hardship to Alaskans, limits the development of
Alaska’s resources, and constrains economic growth. While Alaska has abundant
fossil fuel and renewable resources, the applied research available to determine
how these resources can and should be developed and managed to support
residents and grow the economy is limited. State funding will sustain and build
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Fairbanks, Alaska
upon the initial investment of the Institute of Northern Engineering in the Alaska
Center for Energy and Power (ACEP). The ACEP Director and support staff is
necessary to ensure continuation of the energy program and to set the course for
future energy research at both ACEP and across the university system.
Funding will also support faculty positions to provide outreach programs that will
promote community development and positive youth development, and provide
information on conventional and alternative energy sources and energy
conservation. Note: This is only one-time funding and as part of the FY11 Budget
will be a high priority base general fund request.
Health Academic Programs
The State of Alaska is in great need of well-prepared graduates in the health care
workforce and the state funding will position UA to continue to help meet the
demand. Funding will expand UAA’s Physician Assistant program from the
current 10 students to 20-24 students admitted per year. State funding will also
replace some of the temporary funding sources for the UAA programs in Clinical
Rotations/Health Pipeline, Distance Social Work, and the Human Services
Practicum. Partial state funding is included for baseline operations and planned
growth for the UAF/UAA Psychology Clinic Services program.
State funding is also included to move the Career/Health Coordinator position at
UAS from temporary funding to base funding and to expand the Sitka-based
Biological Science Lab Technician position from a half time position to a full
time position.
Some of these programs only received a portion of the general funds requested
and one-time funding sources may be used in FY10 to augment the programs. The
remaining general funds necessary for the programs may be part of the FY11
budget request.
Although the approved program funding addresses key programs, the increase is
$10 million below the Board of Regents’ full FY10 budget request. Programs not
funded include: K-12 outreach, engineering, climate change, biomedical capacity,
workforce programs, indigenous studies and student achievement.
To the extent possible, funding sources such as initiative/bridge, workforce
development funds (TVEP), and MAU performance funding will be directed on a
temporary basis to accommodate critical programs that were not state funded.
During the operating budget presentation, a brief update on programs being
considered for temporary funding will be provided.
UA’s state appropriations, including general fund, workforce development funds,
and mental health trust general funds, total $328.2 million, up from $313.1
million in FY09. This amount includes a transfer from the Department of Military
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Fairbanks, Alaska
and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) of $328.5 thousand for the Alaska National
Guard/University of Alaska Tuition Scholarship Program (TSP). Also included is
$2.2 million pass-through funding to Providence Alaska Medical Center for the
Graduate Medical Education Family Practice Residency Program. After truing up
prior year excess receipt authority to remove unrealizable budget authority and
better align budget authority with anticipated revenues and adding FY10 expected
revenue from tuition, federal and university receipts, UA’s total budget for FY10
is $823.2 million compared to $838.1 million in FY09, a decrease of 1.8%.
IX.
Acceptance of the FY10 Capital Budget Appropriation and Approval of the
Distribution Plan
(Reference Bound Separately)
Regent Martin moved, seconded by Regent Cowell, and passed with Regents
Compton, Cowell, Drygas, Fisher, Hughes, Jacobson, Marrs, Martin,
Wickersham, and Henry voting in favor that:
PASSED
“The Board of Regents accepts the FY10 Capital Budget Appropriation as
presented. This motion is effective June 4, 2009.”
PASSED
“The Board of Regents approves the FY10 Capital Budget Distribution Plan
as presented. This motion is effective June 4, 2009.”
POLICY CITATION
Regents' Policy 05.01.04 – Acceptance of State Appropriations states, "The board
must accept state appropriations to the university before any expenditure may be
made against the appropriation."
RATIONALE/RECOMMENDATION
Associate Vice Presidents Rizk and Duke presented a summary of the FY10
capital budget appropriation and discuss capital funding distribution implications.
The university’s FY10 capital budget request totaled $733.2 million with $541.8
million requested from state funding and $191.4 million for receipt authority. UA
received state funding of $3.2 million and $147.0 million in receipt authority
($30.0 million in federal receipt authority and $117.0 million in federal economic
stimulus authority). A comparison of UA’s capital budget request and the UA
capital appropriation passed by the legislature can be found on page 1 of the
Capital section.
The full amount of $3.2 million in general funds was put toward the $50.0 million
requested for the Board of Regents’ number one priority, “Maintaining Existing
Facilities R&R Annual Requirement”.
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Meeting of the Full Board
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Fairbanks, Alaska
Of the $30.0 million received for federal receipt authority, $15.0 million was
granted for blanket federal receipt authority, $5.0 million was put toward UA
energy projects, and $10.0 million was put toward UA climate projects. Of the
$117.0 million in federal economic stimulus receipt authority, $116.0 million was
put toward the UAF Alaska Region Research Vessel, and $1.0 million is blanket
federal economic stimulus receipt authority.
The appropriation received in FY08 for the University of Alaska, Kachemak Bay
Campus expansion – city hall purchase for $2.5 million was reappropriated to the
University of Alaska for property acquisition and property improvements to the
Kachemak Bay Campus of the Kenai Peninsula College. This project is an action
item on the Facilities and Land Management Committee agenda for this meeting.
The board was asked to accept the capital appropriation and approve the
distribution as presented. The Board of Regents’ number one priority,
“Maintaining Existing Facilities R&R Annual Requirement” distribution amounts
are based on a formulaic approach using the adjusted value of the facility
multiplied by the weighted average age of the facility. The distribution is on page
6 of the capital section. The budget amounts by project are the MAU’s estimated
funding distribution to address the most critical portions of the priority R&R
projects are provided on pages 2-5 of the capital section. As exact project scope
and costs are known, project approval will be obtained from the appropriate
authority in accordance with Board of Regents' policy. If a subsequent transfer of
funding between projects or to a new project is requested, the Chief Finance
Officer shall determine the level of approval required based on the size and nature
of the transfer.
X.
Report on Performance
Associate Vice President Gwen White presented preliminary estimates for UA’s
FY09 performance on key measures, the anticipated impact of the FY10 budget
distribution recommendations, and a draft long-term fiscal and performance plan.
UA’s performance evaluation process informs the budget distribution
recommendations relative to resource alignment and progress toward meeting
Board of Regents’ strategic goals.
The full operating distribution plan reference document contains the following
sections:
Section 1: The FY10 Proposed Distribution Plan including the impact on priority
programs, MAU, and campus budgets.
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Meeting of the Full Board
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Fairbanks, Alaska
XI.
Update on Federal Stimulus Funding and Approval of Additional Receipt
Authority
Regent Jacobson moved, seconded by Regent Drygas, and passed with Regents
Compton, Cowell, Drygas, Fisher, Hughes, Jacobson, Marrs, Martin,
Wickersham, and Henry that:
PASSED
“The Board of Regents approves the federal stimulus receipt authority
request as presented. This motion is effective June 4, 2009.”
Regent Marrs moved, seconded by Regent Hughes, and passed with Regents
Compton, Cowell, Drygas, Fisher, Hughes, Jacobson, Marrs, Martin,
Wickersham, and Henry that:
PASSED
“The Board of Regents authorizes receipt by the administration of American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 stimulus funding projects,
notwithstanding Regents’ Policy 05.01.01.A. This motion is effective June 4,
2009.”
POLICY CITATION
Regents' Policy 05.01.01.A. – Budget Policy, states, "The budget of the University
of Alaska represents an annual operating plan stated in fiscal terms. All budgetary
requests shall be adopted by the board prior to submittal to the Office of the
Governor or the legislature."
RATIONALE/RECOMMENDATION
The requested federal stimulus receipt authority will allow the University of
Alaska Fairbanks to accept a National Science Foundation (NSF) award for a
project entitled: “Construction and operation of the Alaska Region Research
Vessel: Phase III - Shipyard Construction Costs.” The total amount of the award is
$148,070,000. This request adds an additional $32,070,000 to the University’s
existing FY09 federal stimulus authority of $116,000,000 for the UAF Alaska
Region Research Vessel.
The university is also requesting federal stimulus receipt authority to allow the
University of Alaska Fairbanks to accept a National Science Foundation award for
a project entitled: “AON: Thermal State of Permafrost (TSP) in North America
and Northern Eurasia: The US Contribution to the International network of
Permafrost Observations (INPO).” The total amount of the award is $1,859,861.
This request adds an additional $859,861 to the University’s existing FY09
federal stimulus authority of $1,000,000 for competitive, discretionary, and
incentive grants.
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June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
XII.
Presentation on UA Press
Joan Braddock, executive director of the UA Press, gave a presentation on the UA
Press and recent publications.
Friday, June 5, 2009
XIII. Annual Report on Risk Services
Over the last few years, the Statewide Office of Risk Management has been in the
process of evaluating systemwide needs in the broad category of risks facing our
institution in today’s world. Notable issues include increased regulatory scrutiny,
9-11, Hurricane Katrina, Virginia Tech, high-profile business scandals and
failures, and regularly occurring natural disasters. In FY08, we changed our
department name to Risk Services in recognition of the broader range of expertise
now offered through professionals hired over the last two years to drive
environmental, health and safety and emergency preparedness initiatives. In this
report to the Board, we are providing information on our most recent strategic
development in three areas: Environmental, Health and Safety, Emergency
Management, and Risk Management.
Current Initiative:
Risk Management has long been associated with the world of insurance and
claims. Both of those programs have been in place at UA for over 30 years and
are operationally mature and stable. UA, like many other universities across the
country, is evolving the discipline of risk management into a more robust and
comprehensive program of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). ERM, as
defined by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) is:
“… a process, effected by an entity’s board of directors, management and other
personnel, applied in strategy setting and across the enterprise, designed to
identify potential events that may affect the entity, and manage risks to be within
its risk appetite, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of
entity objectives.”
To be most effective, risk management should become part of the university’s
culture rather than being viewed as an activity for which only a select few
individuals are responsible. It should be embedded into the philosophy, practices,
and processes of all university managers. The primary benefits of an ERM
program include the following:


Help align risk appetite and strategy
Enhance risk response decisions (select among alternatives such as risk
avoidance, reduction, sharing and acceptance)
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Fairbanks, Alaska








Reduce operational surprises and losses
Identify and manage multiple and cross-enterprise risks (inter-related
impacts and integrated responses)
Seize opportunities
Improve deployment of capital
To have a formal, documented method to demonstrate that risks are
known, ranked, any mitigating controls are considered, and the high-risk
areas are dealt with or that management accepts the risk
To be able to present the consolidated risk assessment (or risk register) to
the Board of Regents for their knowledge
To have the risk assessment results available for use during strategic
planning sessions and operating reviews
To facilitate the development of the annual audit plan based on risks
identified by the campuses; present the audit plan to the Board of Regents
Audit Committee demonstrating the linkage to the high-risk areas.
Strategic Direction:
Working together, pooling resources and contacts, Chief Risk Officer Julie
Baecker, and Director for Internal Audit Nichole Pittman, will develop an
appropriate ERM framework for the University of Alaska.
Tentative
implementation plans have been identified as follows:
FY10 Implementation plans for ERM
1.
Present to the President’s Cabinet
2.
Present to the full Board of Regents
3.
Present to the Board of Regents Audit Committee
4.
Face-to-face meetings with chancellors to discuss ERM and plans
5.
Prepare an informational handout document
6.
Conduct training via workshops (possibly E-live or videoconferencing)
7.
Facilitate high-level risk assessments with MAUs
a.
Educate on the processes and encourage department heads to
conduct risk assessments of their own areas
b.
Enforce the idea that this should become an integral part of the
management culture (the risk register concept), strategic planning,
and operating reviews
FY11 Implementation plans for ERM
1.
Update the full Board of Regents
2.
Present risk assessment results to the Board of Regents’ Audit Committee
and demonstrate how the FY11 audit plan links to the high risk areas
identified by the risk assessment
3.
Schedule meetings with chancellors to discuss ERM progress and plans
4.
Conduct more training workshops
5.
Consider facilitating the second year of risk assessments with the MAUs
Page 15 of 31
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
Future Plans for ERM
1.
Clarification of Board of Regents policy/regulation of management
responsibility for risk management of departments and activities
2.
Specify required base line risk management activities
3.
Audit for compliance with Board of Regents policy and regulation
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH, & SAFETY
The University of Alaska is required by federal, state and local governmental
agencies to comply with numerous guidelines, regulations, rules, and standards.
UA’s EHS departments are primarily responsible for understanding and
disseminating federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and performing
compliance functions related to EHS. Institutional programs addressing (EHS)
are complex and require a multifaceted approach for effective management. The
EHS role must be integrated into the daily operations of the entire campus
community; faculty, staff, students, visitors as well as the community surrounding
its campuses. Traditionally, EHS departments are regular working partners in
campus advisory groups such as the Chemical Safety Committee, the Radiation
Safety Committee, the Animal Use and Care Committee, the Biological Safety
Committee, Campus Development and numerous other administrative and
research committees. Regulatory intent must be factored into the myriad of local
realities to produce guidance which is fully supportive of campus operations.
In May 2007, the Board of Regents approved a new regulation (R05.09.040)
providing for the establishment of a system wide Compliance Assistance and
Assurance Program (CAAP).
The System Office of Risk Services, in
collaboration with UAA, UAF and UAS, continues to build on that management
process which provides an avenue to improve environmental, health and safety
initiatives throughout the University of Alaska system. The primary objective is
to ensure that a management structure is in place to accomplish the following:





Train employees, students, and other potentially affected individuals to
recognize potential hazards and address them accordingly
Review and evaluate work sites, classrooms, labs, project areas, and
premises periodically for hazards and adherence to applicable federal,
state, and university requirements as well as generally accepted safe work
practices
Ensure employees are properly matched to the requirements of the project
or work
Provide, train and require the use of appropriate personal protective
equipment for employees and students
Confirm the proper licenses, permits, and other permissions required by
law and/or internal procedures are secured well in advance of the
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska


commencement of a project (This not only includes requirements in
research areas, but capital improvement and facility renovations)
Routinely perform proactive loss prevention and mitigation
Maintain required records and documents in a systematic and accountable
manner
Current Initiatives:
Environment, Health and Safety Training Program Pilot initiated in February
2009:
UA is responsible, through environment, health and safety mandates, regulations,
and public trust, to assess employee and student training needs. UA must assess
the training requirements then establish and maintain the training programs to
include the appropriate written record. This pilot program has begun by focusing
on two areas; facilities departments and career and technical education
departments. Baseline information gathered for the two focus areas will be used
to establish benchmark criteria and milestones to drive the improvement of the
EHS training program across the UA system. The end goal is to maintain a
quality training program and be able to predict the financial and logistic resources
needed each year to keep training programs current. This model will also assist
better prediction of the costs associated with grants and contracts.
Gap Analysis:
The Gap Analysis process was developed as an assessment tool to enable UA to
identify program strengths and weaknesses as related to occupational and
environmental safety performance. Through the Gap analysis, a baseline of a
department or operational area’s EHS risks will be systemically identified and
prioritized. The first Gap Analysis took place at UAA in February 2009 and the
second at UAF in April 2009. UAS will be scheduled in the near future.
Environmental & Safety Management System:
UA is subscribed to Intelex, a web-based environmental, health & safety
performance management system. In addition to providing UA with a single,
organization-wide system for all environmental, health & safety performance
information and initiatives, Intelex provides UA an opportunity to see the real
value of its EHS compliance programs through readily accessible performance
data. The Intelex integrated management program enables the university to reduce
duplication of effort, increase efficiencies, and lower the overall cost of
program/system management. Real time reporting ensures timely access to
university progress and fluid knowledge transfer. Each MAU has EHS staff
trained in system management areas tracking EHS data.
Recent Regulatory Issues:
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards:
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the Interim Final
Rule for chemical facilities, effective June 8, 2007. The rule imposed
comprehensive federal security regulations on chemical facilities identified as
high-risk. The rule also established risk-based performance standards for chemical
facilities. Although universities are not normally classified as chemical facilities,
DHS found that they did contain quantities of chemicals of interest and are
therefore required to adhere to the standard. UA still awaits a determination
regarding status as a high-risk facility.
GASB Statement 49, Accounting and Financial Reporting for Pollution
Remediation Obligations:
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board issued a final standard on
accounting for pollution remediation obligations. The new standard requires state
and local governments to provide the public with more comparable and
transparent information about the financial impacts of environmental cleanup
efforts. The GASB Statement 49 outlines the circumstances under which the
governmental agency would be required to report a liability related to pollution
remediation. Two UA properties were identified for reporting during the last
reporting cycle.
OSHA:
The Obama administration has promised increased regulatory (OSHA)
enforcement. It has substantiated this claim by requesting $564 million dollars for
FY 10, which is a 10 percent increase from FY 09. According to The Secretary of
Labor, the increase will be used to hire 160 new compliance staff. There is a
potential impact to the University as a target for this increased regulatory activity
which can result in workload increases and financial impact from fines or
mandated remediation activities.
Strategic Direction:
The CAAP will continue into FY10 and beyond. The efforts of the MAU
departments will be recorded in the Intelex database thus implementing an
oversight and management system that will ensure integration, coordination, and
continuity of compliance requirements across the University.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Emergency Management (EM), is responsible for the overall planning,
coordination, execution, and sustainment of; an all-hazards EM and Campus
Security program. Continuously reviewing and enhancing public safety and
campus-based EM plans is critical to ensuring a high-level of preparedness and
readiness in case a crisis does occur. Strong EM plans are not developed in
isolation. Likewise, UA Campuses do not exist in isolation from their surrounding
communities. Developing protocols to prepare for multiple hazards should be
completed in close coordination with partners from the state/local community,
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
government, public safety, and public health entities. EM plans should clearly
delineate specific roles and responsibilities based upon the Incident Command
System (ICS) and ensure National Incident Management System (NIMS)
compatibility, while shared with all relevant stakeholders before a crisis occurs.
Current Initiatives:
As the university strives to meet or exceed compliance mandates for public safety,
EM has adapted the newly revised NFPA-1600 National Standard on
Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs (National
Fire Protection Association-1600, 2007). This tool has provided a uniform
methodology for conducting program performance assessments. The NFPA-1600
is a collaboratively developed standard, universally endorsed by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI), the International Association of Emergency
Managers (IAEM), 9-11 Commission, US Congress, and the federal Department
of Homeland Security. The scoring framework utilized to determine the various
“levels of compliance” is based upon a sliding scale adapted from the “The Joint
Commission” health care accreditation process. This scoring process is currently
utilized by other institutions within higher education nationwide, and is an
excellent tool to provide UA leadership a preparedness report card for all campus
locations.
Highlights:

o
o
o

o
o
o

Planning
EM has given guidance and support for EOPs—f ocus on allhazards and reflect campus/communities capabilities
EOPs have been reviewed and written
Evaluation of Continuity of Operations Plans
Training
Conducted ten 1-2 day EM seminars for UA executive leadership,
department heads, and local partners (UAF, UAS, UAA, PWSCC,
and KPC)
Facilitated five C-CERT courses--trained over 60 UA personnel
and provided them with an emergency equipment “go bag” to
enhance response capability
Hosted or projected training courses
 Michigan State University’s Homeland Security Law
Enforcement Intel Program at Fairbanks—attended by over
15 different agencies
 Michigan State University’s Homeland Security Campus
Community Emergency Response Team-Train-the-trainer
course—projected for Aug09
 TEEX courses
Exercise
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
 FEMA Certified Master Exercise Practitioners (MEP)—UA with 2
of 5 MEPs in the state
 Designed, facilitated, and conducted six discussion based table top
exercises
 UAA performed first-ever full scale operational based exercise
 Conducted three alert notification systems tests

Other
 DHS/EM Partnership
 DHSS Partnership
 Provided representation at the International Association of
Emergency Mangers annual conference and served on the
subcommittee supporting university and campus initiatives.
 Actively represented in local communities as members of the Local
Emergency Preparedness Committees (LEPC).
Strategic Direction:
Four priority focus areas for FY10
 Continue THVA (Threat Hazard Vulnerability Assessment) Risk
Assessment
 Planning, Communications and Warning
o Alerting populations at risk
 Training
o Pandemic Flu Seminars
o Community Preparedness Seminars for Community
Campuses
 Exercises-Evaluations-Corrective Actions
o Maximum participation in Alaska Shield 2010
o Develop lessons learned and map out improvement plans
XIV. Consent Agenda
Regent Wickersham moved, seconded by Regent Cowell, and passed with
Regents Compton, Cowell, Drygas, Fisher, Hughes, Jacobson, Marrs, Martin,
Wickersham, and Henry voting in favor that:
PASSED AS AMENDED
“The Board of Regents approves the consent agenda as amended.
motion is effective June 5, 2009.”
Page 20 of 31
This
Official Minutes
Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
A.
Academic and Student Affairs Committee
1.
Approval of Bachelor of Arts in Geography/Environmental Studies
and Bachelor of Science in Geography/Environmental Resources at
the University of Alaska Southeast
Reference 1
MOTION
"The Board of Regents approves the Bachelor of Arts in
Geography/Environmental Studies and Bachelor of Science in
Geography/Environmental Resources at the University of Alaska
Southeast as presented. This motion is effective June 5, 2009."
2.
Approval of Certificate in Ethnobotany at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks
Reference 2
Removed from agenda.
3.
Approval of Bachelor of Arts in Film at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks
Reference 3
Removed from agenda.
4.
Approval of Fast Track Bachelor of Science and Master of Science
in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Reference 4
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the Fast Track Bachelor of
Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks as presented. This motion is
effective June 5, 2009."
5.
Approval of Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in K-12 Special
Education Licensure Program at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks
Reference 5
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
in K-12 Special Education Licensure Program at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks as presented. This motion is effective June 5,
2009."
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
6.
Approval of Master of Education in Special Education at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Reference 6
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the Master of Education in
Special Education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks as
presented. This motion is effective June 5, 2009."
7.
Approval of Certificate in Corrections at the University of Alaska
Anchorage
Reference 7
Removed from agenda.
8.
Approval of Deletion of AAS in Telecommunications, Electronics,
and Computer Technology, and Approval of AAS in Computer and
Networking Technology and AAS in Electronic Technology at the
University of Alaska Anchorage
Reference 8
Removed from agenda.
9.
Approval of Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the University of
Alaska Anchorage
Reference 9
Removed from agenda.
10.
Approval of Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at the University of
Alaska Anchorage
Reference 10
Removed from agenda.
11.
Approval of Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in
Environment and Society at the University of Alaska Anchorage
Reference 11
Removed from agenda.
12.
Approval of Revisions to Regents’ Policy 05.10.050 – Nonresident
Tuition Surcharge, related to Veterans
Reference 12
PASSED
“The Board of Regents approves revisions to Regents’ Policy
05.10.050 – Nonresident Tuition Surcharge, related to Veterans, as
presented. This motion is effective June 5, 2009.”
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
B.
C.
Audit Committee
1.
Approval of the UA Identify Theft Prevention Program
Reference 21
PASSED
“The Board of Regents approves the UA Identity Theft Prevention
Program as presented and authorizes the president or his designee
to amend the program as necessary. This motion is effective June
5, 2009.”
2.
Acceptance of the FY10 University of Alaska Foundation Budget
Reference 22
PASSED
“The Board of Regents accepts the University of Alaska
Foundation Budget for FY10 as presented, contingent upon
approval by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. This motion is
effective June 5, 2009.”
Facilities and Land Management Committee
1.
Formal Project Approval of the Toolik Field Station Dining
Facility at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Reference 13
PASSED
“The Board of Regents approves the combined Formal Project
Approval and Schematic Design Approval requests for the
University of Alaska Fairbanks Toolik Field Station Dining
Facility as presented, and authorizes the university administration
to permit NSF to proceed through project completion at no project
cost to the university. This motion is effective June 5, 2009.”
2.
Schematic Design Approval for the Science Renovation at the
University of Alaska Anchorage
Reference 14
Removed from Agenda.
3.
Total Project Cost Increase Approval for the Arctic Health
Revitalization Phase 2 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Removed from Consent Agenda to New Business, Item XV.C.1.
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
D.
Finance Committee
1.
Approval of the FY10 Natural Resources Fund Expenditure Plan
PASSED
“The Board of Regents approves the proposed FY10 Natural
Resources Fund Budget as presented below. This motion is
effective June 5, 2009.”
2.
Approval of Use of Reserves to Fund Investment Losses
Reference 27
PASSED
“The Board of Regents approves the expenditure of up to $1.2
million from the Natural Resources Fund and up to $2.8 million
from the Land Grant Trust Inflation Proofing Fund for the purpose
of funding university operating fund investment losses incurred in
Fiscal Year 2009. This motion is effective June 5, 2009.”
3.
Approval of FY10 Student Government Budgets
Reference 28
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the student government fees and
budgets as presented, and authorizes the vice president for finance
and administration to review, modify, and approve fees and
budgets and approve requests for increased expenditure authority
for all student government organizations as deliberated by student
governance and determined by the vice president for finance and
administration to be appropriate. This motion is effective June 5,
2009."
E.
Human Resources Committee
1.
Approval to Reactivate Transition Grid Step
Reference 29
PASSED
“The Board of Regents approves the modified Base and
Geographic Differential Schedules for Regular Exempt and
Nonexempt Staff as presented, to become effective July 5, 2009.
This motion is effective June 5, 2009.”
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
XV.
New Business and Committee Reports
A.
Academic and Student Affairs Committee
Regent Jacobson reported that in addition to action items, the committee
also heard reports on student service issues and on distance education.
B.
Audit Committee
1.
Approval of the FY2010 Annual Audit Plan
Reference 23
PASSED
“The Board of Regents’ Audit Committee approves the annual
audit plan for fiscal year 2010 as presented. This motion is
effective June 5, 2009.”
2.
Committee Report
Regent Henry reported that the committee reviewed the audit status
report, heard a report on the Education Trust of Alaska, and heard
reports on final audit reports issued and on the quality Assessment
Review.
C.
Facilities and Land Management Committee
1.
Total Project Cost Increase Approval for the Arctic Health
Revitalization Phase 2 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Reference 15
Regent Marrs moved, seconded by Regent Hughes, and passed
with Regents Compton, Cowell, Drygas, Fisher, Hughes, Jacobson,
Marrs, Martin, Wickersham, and Henry voting in favor that:
PASSED AS AMENDED
“The Board of Regents approves the Total Project Cost
Increase request for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Arctic
Health Lab Revitalization Phase 2 as presented, and authorizes
the university administration to proceed through Construction
Document completion and construction not to exceed a Total
Project Cost of $11,235,000. This motion is effective June 5,
2009.”
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
2.
Formal Project Approval for the Kachemak Bay Campus
Classroom Building at the University of Alaska Anchorage
Reference 16
PASSED
“The Facilities and Land Management Committee approves
the Formal Project Approval request for the University of
Alaska Anchorage Kachemak Bay Campus Classroom
Building as presented, and authorizes the university
administration to proceed through schematic design (SD) not
to exceed a Total Project Cost of $2,700,000. This motion is
effective June 4, 2009.”
3.
Limited Schematic Design Approval for the Seawolf Sports Arena
– Road Upgrade and Site Clearing at the University of Alaska
Anchorage
Reference 17
Regent Marrs moved, seconded by Regent Martin, and passed with
Regents Compton, Cowell, Drygas, Fisher, Hughes, Jacobson,
Marrs, Martin, Wickersham, and Henry voting in favor that:
PASSED AS AMENDED
“The Board of Regents directs the administration to procure
detailed design, engineering, and architecture plans for the
‘Seawolf Sports Arena’ not to exceed $8,000,000. This motion
is effective June 5, 2009.”
4.
Executive Session
PASSED AS AMENDED
"The Facilities and Land Management Committee of the
Board of Regents goes into executive session at 8:05 a.m.
Alaska Time in accordance with the provisions of AS 44.62.310
to discuss matters the immediate knowledge of which would
have an adverse effect on the finances of the university. The
session will include members of the Board of Regents,
President Hamilton, General Counsel Brunner, and such other
university staff members as the president may designate and
will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Thus, the open
session of the Board of Regents will resume in this room at
approximately 9:45 a.m. Alaska Time. This motion is effective
June 5, 2009."
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Official Minutes
Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
5.
Committee Report
In addition to action items, Regent Marrs reported that the
committee heard reports on the UAF utilities development plan,
the UAA Campus Master Plan, and a status report on construction
in progress.
D.
Finance Committee
No report.
E.
Human Resources Committee
Regent Martin reported that in addition to the action item, the committee
heard reports on child care from all three campuses and discussed possible
solutions.
F.
Planning and Development Committee
Regent Hughes reported that the committee heard a report on development
efforts throughout the University of Alaska system, tax credit promotion,
and the collaboration of ANCSA leaders and the university.
G.
Ad-Hoc Committee on Honorary Degrees
Regent Cowell reported on the May 2009 meeting and announced that the
committee hopes to meet again in July.
H.
Approval of Industrial Security Resolution
Regent Marrs moved, seconded by Regent Hughes, with Regents
Compton, Cowell, Drygas, Fisher, Hughes, Jacobson, Marrs, Martin,
Wickersham, and Henry voting in favor that:
PASSED
"The Board of Regents approves the Industrial Security Resolution as
revised to reflect changes in board members and chancellors, and
authorizes the Chair and Secretary of the Board to sign the resolution.
This motion is effective June 5, 2009."
RATIONALE/RECOMMENDATION
The President and selected members of the university administration are
routinely designated by the Board of Regents to handle any duties and
responsibilities relating to classified information in connection with
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
contracts with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
These individuals are given an extensive security screening and are the
only members of the administration, including the Board of Regents, to
have access to classified information.
The university has received similar security clearances since the mid1950s. Execution of the resolution allows regents and other members of
the administration to be exempted from security clearance procedures.
The resolution is identical to resolutions previously passed except for
revisions to members of the Board of Regents.
XVI. Approval of Revisions to September 2009 and February 2010 Meeting
Locations
Regent Hughes moved, seconded by Regent Fisher, with Regents Compton,
Cowell, Drygas, Fisher, Hughes, Jacobson, Marrs, Martin, Wickersham, and
Henry voting in favor that:
PASSED AS AMENDED
“The Board of Regents approves the revision of the September 2009 meeting
location from Anchorage to Juneau and the date to September 24-25, 2009.
This motion is effective June 5, 2009.”
XVII. Discussion regarding UA Lands Letter to Governor and Legislators
Regent Martin moved, seconded by Regent Fisher, with Regents Compton,
Cowell, Drygas, Fisher, Hughes, Jacobson, Marrs, Martin, Wickersham, and
Henry voting in favor that:
PASSED
“The Board of Regents approves sending a letter to the Alaska Legislature
and Governor regarding University Lands as presented. This motion is
effective June 5, 2009.”
Regent Fisher had requested that the Board of Regents send the following letter to
Governor Palin and members of the Alaska Legislature. Board members will
discuss the letter and then direct university administration on how to proceed.
Dear Governor Palin and State of Alaska Legislators,
The united leadership of the University of Alaska system seeks
your assistance to remedy the financial injury caused to the State of
Alaska’s University system by the recent Alaska Supreme Court March 13,
2009, decision, Southeast Alaska Conservation Council v State of Alaska
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June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
and University of Alaska. In this decision, the Alaska Supreme Court
voided the Alaska Legislature’s action in passing the 2005 University
Land Grant Bill. The court held unconstitutional the restriction that any
proceeds of the land must be placed into the University Endowment Trust
Fund, and surmised that the legislature would not have intended to grant
the land without that restriction. The court, therefore, invalidated the
whole act except for the part establishing a research forest.
A great state needs a great university system. A great university
system must have adequate resources sufficient to meet its responsibilities.
A more woeful history of a land-grant college could hardly be found. The
University of Alaska is a land-grant college without the land.
The State of Alaska’s University system has been waiting almost 100 years
with no appreciable land. For an interesting and concise account of this
baneful history we would direct you to “A Land Grant College Without the
Land: A History of the University of Alaska’s Federal Land Grant”; a brief
20 page report by Terrence M. Cole, which we can provide to you upon
request.
The united leadership of the University of Alaska system is
requesting that in your capacity as the governing leadership of the State of
Alaska, as Governor and Legislators, that you correct the court’s
conjecture that the legislature would not want the University to have the
land that the legislature granted to it. We respectfully request your support
for advancing higher education in the State of Alaska by reconveying these
lands to the University of Alaska at the earliest possible opportunity
without the dedicated funds clause that the Alaska Supreme Court found to
be offensive to our State Constitution.
We the undersigned, the leadership of the University of Alaska system,
thank you for your support of higher education in the State of Alaska.
Regents
President
Chancellors
XVIII. Discussion regarding 2009 National Conference on Trusteeship
Board members who attended the 2009 National Conference on Trusteeship
shared their experiences regarding the conference.
XIX. Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Report
Regent Henry reported that the Commission held a May 6 emergency
teleconference to address legislative actions regarding student loans. The next
meeting will be held on July 13.
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
XX.
UA Foundation Report
Regent Hughes reported that the next meeting will be held on June 17.
XXI. UA Athletics Report
No report.
XXII. Future Agenda Items
Regent Fisher announced that he would like more discussion on the public/private
partnerships that may be viable for building student dormitories.
XXIII. Board of Regents' Comments
Regent Drygas reported on commencements at UAF and Tok. He commented
that this had been an interesting meeting with a lot of business to be taken care of;
and welcomed Regent Compton to the board.
Regent Fisher reported on the commencements in Juneau, Sitka and Fairbanks.
Regent Compton expressed her appreciation to the board and stated how much she
is looking forward to working on the board.
Regent Marrs stated that a lot had been accomplished at this meeting and
reminded the board that a major responsibility of the board is to set policy and
make decisions regarding facilities. He expressed his enthusiasm for the
cooperation with the ANCSA CEOs.
Regent Wickersham talked about students being not only consumers but also
participants and his hopes that improvements can be made on that aspect of
student life. He reported on the commencements in Dillingham and Bethel and
concerns on the low numbers of males graduating. He spoke about the two factors
of life in Alaska: declining resources and the delayed reaction regarding the
permanent fund dividend.
Regent Martin complimented Regent Compton for weathering her first meeting.
Regent Jacobson welcomed Regent Compton, congratulated the “Make Students
Count” awardees, thanks to UAF for hosting the meeting and the presentations
and gifts; commencements attended were Kodiak, Valdez, Kotzebue and the
University of Alaska Anchorage, and thanked the staff for planning and staffing
the meeting.
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Meeting of the Full Board
June 4-5, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
Regent Hughes welcomed Regent Compton and commented that she is proud of
how board members tackle difficult decisions.
Regent Cowell welcomed Regent Compton and wished happy birthday to Regent
Jacobson; and thanked the Ag Farm folks for the wonderful lunch, and thanked
UAF for their hospitality.
Regent Henry thanked UAF for hosting the meeting, making the presentations,
hosting the reception and providing part of the excellent meals. She thanked the
board for tackling such a challenging meeting.
She reported on the
commencements at Kenai, Homer and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
President Hamilton announced his retirement.
XXIV. Adjourn
Chair Henry adjourned the meeting at 2:58 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2009.
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