EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES

Present: Bryant, Humes, Latta, Mayo

Absent: Aguilar, Bender, Ford, Miller, Prochaska Cue, Scheideler, Siekman, Whitt, Zorn

Date: June 9, 1999

Location: 201 Canfield Administration Bldg.

______________________________________________________________________________

1.0 Call to Order (Latta)

Latta called the meeting to order at 2:44 PM.

2.0 Announcements

2.1 Update on Office of Civil Rights Compliances

Latta reported that she has asked Linda Crump, Director of the Affirmative Action and Diversity Office, to provide a written report on the status of the efforts to comply with the recommendations made by the Office of Civil Rights.

3.0 Impact of Tuition Changes for Distance Education Courses

Vice Chancellor Omtvedt reported that the fees for distance education courses were still unsettled at this point. He stated that they had proposed that there would be a $23 per credit hour distance education fee added for in-state students and $50 for out-of-state students. He noted that Central Administration cautioned us against going to the Regents with these fees, especially for in-state students, so the plan was modified to a $65 per credit hour fee e in addition to the $5 technology fee. Latta asked why is this? VC Omtvedt responded that it was to give flexibility to out-of-state students and to permit a policy that is market driven. Latta asked if that is why our distance education fees are more economically attractive to out-of-state students? VC Omtvedt stated that this is correct and that many universities charge higher out-of-state tuition for distance education courses. He noted that the University of Nebraska policy statement is under review again, particularly in regards to the Offutt program and the assessing of differential fees. He stated that the Board of Regents are questioning the increase in fees and requested a breakdown on the figures. He pointed out that it is difficult to give a breakdown on what the actual costs are for a course. VC Omtvedt stated that the request for the fee increase is very reasonable when looking at the costs of providing these courses. He pointed out that the impact on tuition changes that we implemented, July 1, creates a net effect of zero on the budget. As a result, he stated that he has made a proposal to the Chancellor for pro forma funding which is funded by discretionary money such as the Pepsi Fund. He stated that he has been able to get a total of $200,000 for extended education. He noted that they reviewed 33 proposals and that 15 were funded. He stated that he would like to use pro forma money in the future on program development opportunities and professional opportunities. VC Omtvedt pointed out that we do not have incentives to facilitate faculty in developing courses and programs. He noted that unless we get these incentives, we will not move forward as rapidly in the area of distance education as we should. He stated that he hopes that we will be able to get funding for faculty development and special projects. Latta asked if he was able to work it out with Central Administration that the change in tuition rates would go back to the department? VC Omtvedt stated that this has been worked out with Central and that an increase in undergraduate enrollment will result in half of the tuition coming back to the campus and the full amount of tuition will be refunded to the department if there is an increase in graduate enrollment. He noted that we need flexible incentives for faculty who need special assistance in program development. He stated that there is a need on campus for a lab or facility that can assist in the development of courses or programs. Bryant asked if there is any release time for faculty trying to create new programs or courses? VC Omtvedt stated that the development projects could get release time although there is only $10,000 available. He stated that giving people release time will be necessary to move in the direction of increasing distance education courses. Bryant asked if departments are going to be receiving any money for teaching in-state students via distance education? VC Omtvedt stated that beginning this fall, it should be in the base budget which each college submitted. He stated that beyond this amount the departments will receive $65 per credit hour. He noted that the tuition will be handled like it is on campus. Bryant pointed out that departments will need to make sure they get their funding from their Dean. VC Omtvedt stated that this is correct. He noted that the campus will get 100% of graduate tuition fees if the enrollment increases. He pointed out that this will go to the Office of Academic Affairs and then to the college. Bryant stated that he does not understand why they are not charging fees for distance education services. He pointed out that it is giving a service away for free. Latta noted that the Board of Regents are committed to in-state students having ease in obtaining these courses. Bryant stated that the fees vary and that we need to price the product so that it makes sense to the consumer. He pointed out that there are some programs that are being delivered through distance education but require some courses to be taken on campus. VC Omtvedt stated that out of the degrees that are being offered by distance education now, the one in Teacher's College may be the only one that requires a course to be taken on campus. Mayo noted that the system currently is very frustrating for students. VC Omtvedt stated that student services needs to be centralized and that these services need to be considered for all students.

3.2 Southeast Lifelong Learning Center Coordinator Position

VC Omtevdt stated that David McBreen had recently been appointed coordinator for the Southeast Lifelong Learning Center. He noted that this position has been incorporated into the regular budget. Bryant asked what the responsibilities are of the coordinator? VC Omtvedt stated that the coordinator facilitates extended education and works with the community in assessing educational needs. Bryant asked if reallocated dollars went to support these positions and if so, are they working? VC Omtvedt responded that reallocated dollars were used and that they appear to be working well although it is still to early to determine how successful they will be. He pointed out that established programs, such as the one at Scottsbluff, have been very succesful. He noted that the developing programs in the extension centers look promising. He pointed out that the University will benefit through the non-credit certificate programs that are offered through extension education. SVCAA Edwards noted that while they have not seen much expansion yet in distance education in terms of credit hours, this may change according to the market that is out there. VC Omtvedt stated that it is too early yet to determine how successful it will be. SVCAA Edwards pointed out that distance education will generate revenue in the future. Bryant stated that some of the rules currently in place are creating problems for enrollment in these courses. He pointed out that you can not mix non credit hour students with credit hour students even though it is the same course for which they are applying. VC Omtvedt stated that there is a great deal of bureaucracy that needs to be resolved.

3.3 Issues on the Horizon

3.3.1 Dean's Search, College of Human Resources and Family Sciences

VC Omtvedt reported that the search committee did not come up with a candidate for the Dean's position. He noted that members of the committee were asked if they were interested in remaining on the search committee. He stated that the position has once again been advertised and that they hope to move rapidly on it. He pointed out that an interim dean will need to be named.

3.3.2 Dean's Search, Cooperative Extension

VC Omtvedt reported that the search is moving along well and that they currently have eight possible candidates. He stated that the committee will be meeting later in the month to produce a short list for interviewing.

4.0 Chancellor Moeser

4.1 Issues on the Horizon

Chancellor Moeser did not have any issues on the horizon at this time.

5.0 Senior Vice Chancellor Edwards

5.1 University of Nebraska Four Year Projected Budget Shortfall 1999-01 & 2001-03 Biennium

The committee went into executive session to discuss the projected budget shortfall.

6.0 Approval of 5/26/99 Minutes

Approval of the 5/26/99 minutes were postponed due to the lack of a quorum.

7.0 Unfinished Business

7.1 Executive Committee Retreat

Latta reported that the retreat has been scheduled for July 14^th. She noted that the meeting will be an all day function and that it will be held at the UNL Technology Park beginning at 9:00 AM.

7.2 Update on Bylaws 4.3 Revision

Latta reported that she and Sally Wise, Chair, Academic Rights and Responsibilities Committee are working on making the latest revisions to Bylaw 4.3. She noted that they will be working on language that will allow the college to have discretion in regards to the arbitration committee.

8.0 New Business

No new business was discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 pm. The next meeting will be on June 23, 1999, 201 Canfield Administration Building. Respectfully submitted, Miles Bryant.