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UNL ACADEMIC SENATE MEETING MINUTES

City Campus Union, Auditorium

March 6, 2001

Presidents Sheila Scheideler and Miles Bryant Presiding

1.0 Call to Order

President Scheideler called the meeting to order at 2:32 p.m.

2.0 Announcements

2.1 New Grading System

President Scheideler reported that the new grading system would be implemented in the fall of 2001. She stated that a written statement regarding the grading system would be sent to students and published in the Scarlet and Daily Nebraskan. President Scheideler reported that she and Professor Ford would be meeting with the Graduate Council to discuss the new grading system.

2.2 Intellectual Property Policy Update

President Scheideler announced that the most recent version of the Intellectual Property Policy is available on the Senate web page for review. She encouraged Senators to look at the policy in preparation for further discussion.

3.0 President Smith

President Smith reported that he and others from the University have been traveling throughout the state to discuss initiatives relating to the University. He noted that at the Higher Education Forum held last fall - participants discussed the University of Nebraska's mission and funding. He noted that over 46,000 students are educated annually at the University, 8500 are graduated each year, and 80% of these graduates are Nebraskans. He pointed out that 124,500 University of Nebraska graduates live in the state.

President Smith stated that the University's economic impact on the state's non-farm economy is $3.5 billion. He pointed out that the University is the state's second largest employer with approximately 13,000 employees. He noted that the University's activities annually generate over $130 million in sales, income, and property taxes. He stated that the Technology Park has resulted in the creation of 37 new companies that employ over 1900 people and generates another $348 million in sales. President Smith reported that in spite of the contributions the University makes to the state already, the University is continually asked to do more.

President Smith reported that the University's annual academic program budget constitutes less than 50% of the total expenditures for the University. He pointed out that $390 million of the budget comes from general tax revenue and $103 million comes from tuition and fees. He stated that the total increase in state appropriations typically amounts to approximately 3% annually. He pointed out that while there has been a slow and steady increase in state appropriations, this increase has not kept up with the rate of inflation. President Smith noted that on a competitive basis, the appropriations the University receives from the state is quite good.

President Smith stated that Nebraska ranks 7^th in the nation in terms of spending for post secondary education per capita. He noted that UNL ranks 3^rd amongst 11 peers in the amount of appropriations it receives from state government, UNO ranks 6^th, and UNK ranks 8^th.

President Smith noted that, in spite of the state appropriations, the University is still underfunded by $50 million. He pointed out that this deficit is a result of relatively low income from tuition and fees, especially when compared to our peers.

President Smith stated that there are several tactics that the University is taking to try to alleviate its revenue shortfall: administrative re-engineering suggested by the Burns report, identifying academic priorities, and internal reallocation. He pointed out, however, that these steps would not raise significant income. He noted that the Capital Campaign fund has raised $750 million, increasing the foundation's assets to over $1 billion. He noted, however, that most of these funds are designated for specific items and are not given to run the operations of the University.

President Smith stated that we can not significantly reallocate additional internal funds to alleviate the shortfall. He pointed out that we already spend less on educational costs than our peer institutions. He noted that we spend approximately double on research and public service as our peers because we have a set of responsibilities and mandates set forth by the Governor, the legislature, and the people of the state.

President Smith stated that three approaches can be taken to increase revenue: 1) recruit more students, 2) raise tuition rates, and/or 3) change the mix of in-state and out-state students. He noted that enrollment over the last seven years has decreased by 10%. He stated that tuition rates need to be reviewed. He noted that a recommendation will be made to the Board of Regents in April to increase the tuition rate. He stated that even if we receive a 6.2% budget increase, we will still have a shortfall of approximately $10 million.

President Smith pointed out that out-of-state students pay more in tuition than in-state students. He noted that at UNL, the undergraduate student population is composed of 87% in-state students and 13% out-of-state students; at peer institutions, 77% are in-state and 23% are out-of-state students. He stated that the University's plan is to enhance out-of-state recruitment as well as improve recruitment of in-state students. He stated that Nebraska will only see an increase of 1% in the number of high school students while some of the surrounding states would have a much larger increase. He noted, however, that Iowa will likely continue to recruit Nebrasksa students as their high school population will decrease 5% and that North Dakota and Wyoming's student populations will decrease 18 and 19%, respectively.

Professor Wolf, English, asked for an explanation of why there has been little leadership in bringing benefits for domestic partners. President Smith stated that this issue has been taken several times to members of the Board of Regents but that there has been little support for it. He stated that the tuition remission benefit currently being presented to the Board is a result of the contract bargained for at UNO and UNK which covers extension of tuition remission. He has recommended that the Board of Regents change the Bylaws to include this benefit for both UNL and UNMC.

Professor Dillon, Electrical Engineering, noted that 10 years ago a person residing in the state for 6 months could receive in-state tuition. He asked if this policy has changed. President Smith reported that the Board of Regents changed the policy approximately 5 years ago. A person must now live continuously in Nebraska for 12 months in order to qualify for in-state tuition rates.

Professor Wunder, History, stated that he will be presenting a motion on behalf of the Women's Caucus regarding coverage for prescription contraceptive drugs. He noted that the University has not authorized this coverage yet the EEOC has stated that this is a civil right. President Smith stated that this has been taken to the President's Council and that the University-wide Benefits Committee is reviewing it. He stated that this committee should respond back shortly at which time they will take the committee's recommendation to the Board of Regents. Professor Wunder noted that while this is good news, there are problems with the University-wide Benefits Committee that need to be addressed. President Smith stated that he would check in to how people become members of this committee.

President Scheideler noted that an increase in enrollment would create a need for more instruction. She asked if there would be an increase in instructional funding. President Smith noted that this has been discussed. He stated that we have spare physical space available and that bringing in additional faculty, relatively speaking, would not be costly.

Professor Reece, Panhandle Research & Extension Center, asked what could be achieved, that could not have been done before, if the University was to receive additional funding. President Smith stated that the University's quality could be improved and that funding could be put into outstanding programs.

Professor Lindgren, West Central Research & Extension Center, asked if the student enrollment figures included distance education students. President Smith indicated that enrollment figures are actually not "head-count" numbers, but are normalized on a credit-hours basis; distance education students, because they typically take only a few credit hours per semester, do not yet significantly impact the overall enrollment figures. President Smith stated that the state budget request includes nearly $2 million for distance education. He noted that if the entire budget is funded, there would be approximately $4 million for distance education.

Professor Winter, Classics, asked if international students living here for over 12 months would qualify for in-state tuition. President Smith noted that their visa status prohibits them from receiving in-state tuition.

Professor Wolf asked how the statements quoted by Regent Drew Miller in the Daily Nebraskan would affect recruiting students. President Smith stated that he felt Regent Miller's statements were inappropriate and that he disagrees with them. He noted that Regent Miller's views do not reflect the position of the Board of Regents. He pointed out that three other Regents spoke out against Regent Miller's statements. He stated that a strategic plan has been adopted that includes diversity as one of the major goals. He noted that the University is dedicated to diversity and is moving forward in that direction.

4.0 Interim Chancellor Perlman

4.1 Issues on the Horizon

Prioritization Process

Interim Chancellor Perlman reported that he received many helpful comments on the prioritization list and process and that they have been taken into account. He stated that an email would be forthcoming addressing concerns and giving an update on the current status of the process.

Distance Education Report

Interim Chancellor Perlman stated that the has been given an opportunity to modify Central Administration's report on Distance Education in order to achieve a degree of consensus. He noted that there is a campus plan that would be going forward in association with Central's plan.

Recruiting Plan

Interim Chancellor Perlman reported that a presentation was made to the Board of Regents on UNL's recruitment plan. He noted that figures were given on projected enrollment figures, the plan's implementation costs, and projected revenue increases.

Intellectual Property Policy

President Scheideler asked how faculty could provide input on the Intellectual Property Policy. Interim Chancellor Perlman stated that he invites comments on the policy and suggested that they come through the Senate Executive committee or directly to him. He noted that this is a complex issue that is being looked at all universities and that must be addressed, particularly in regards to distance education.

President Scheideler stated that there was good discussion on the recruitment plan presented to the Board of Regents. She pointed out that there is little incentive for faculty to be involved in recruiting students and that the plan should be more proactive in defining this role for faculty. Professor Bauer, West Central Research & Extension Center, asked if there was any discussion on the average student that makes up the bulk of the student population. President Scheideler stated that there was little discussion and that it seems to be taken for granted that people will send their children to the University. Professor Bauer pointed out that if tuition goes up 10% that might drive the average student to go elsewhere. President Scheideler stated that it is important to raise this point with President Smith and the Board of Regents. She pointed out that this issue might be addressed by needs-based scholarships. It was suggested that Vice Chancellor Griesen speak to the Senate regarding student scholarships.

5.0 Approval of 2/6/01 minutes

Professor Bender, News & Editorial, moved and Professor Reece, Panhandle Research & Extension Center, seconded approval of the minutes as amended. Motion approved.

6.0 Committee Reports

6.1 Intercollegiate Athletics Committee (Professor Diffendal)

Professor Diffendal, Chair of IAC, asked if any senators had any questions on the report. He pointed out that any faculty member who feels intimidated by an athlete should contact their department chair/head and report the incident. The chair/head should then contact either Dennis Leblanc, Associate Athletic Direction of Academic & Student Services, and Josephine Potuto, Institutional Representative to the Big XXII, to determine what actions should be taken. Professor Wunder pointed out that the baseball schedule, which requires athletes to be gone for 10 days at a time, needs to be reviewed as it interferes with student's ability to perform well in classes. Professor Diffendal stated that he would bring this matter to the attention of the IAC.

5.2 Honorary Degrees Committee (Professor Swanson)

Professor Swanson, Chair of the Honorary Degrees Committee, asked if there were any questions on the report distributed to Senators. Herb Howe, Associate to the Chancellor, noted that Professor Jim Ford should be listed as the Senate liaison to the committee

5.3 Employee Benefits Committee (Professor Riordan)

Professor Riordan, Chair of the Employee Benefits Committee, asked for questions. Professor Nielsen, Animal Science, asked for clarification regarding the health care costs for state versus University employees. Professor Riordan stated that the University has a better managed, more efficient, and less costly plan. There was discussion on the state retirement cap rate of 8%, efforts to increase the University's retirement rate, the proposed tuition remission plan, and membership to the University-wide Benefits Committee.

7.0 Unfinished Business

7.1 Motion to Approve the Election Ballot for APC, ARRC, and ARRP

Motion approved.

8.0 New Business

8.1 Revised UNL Bylaws

President Scheideler reported that a subcommittee was formed nearly two years ago to review the UNL Bylaws. She stated that the subcommittee, as well as the Executive Committee, found inconsistencies in the Bylaws that have since been corrected. She stated that the Executive Committee is bringing the revised Bylaws to the Senate this month for discussion and for a vote next month. She pointed out that the intent of the revisions is to bring the document up to date, not to offer policy. Professor Diffendal and Professor Wunder both suggested changes, or asked for clarification on certain language.

8.2 Motion to Support Coverage of Prescription Contraceptive Drugs and Domestic Partner Benefits

Professor Wunder presented a motion on behalf of the Faculty Women's Caucus, supporting coverage of prescription contraceptive drugs and domestic partner benefits. He noted that the EEOC has ruled that failure to provide this coverage violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. President Scheideler seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Professor Whitt moved that the motion be considered as an emergency motion. Professor Wunder seconded this motion. The motion to consider the item as an emergency motion was approved. Discussion followed regarding whether the resolution was one or two separate motions and whether the university is in violation of the federal law. Professor Wolf called the question. Motion approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:22 p.m. The next Senate meeting will be Tuesday, April 3, 2001 in the East Campus Union, Great Plains Room. Respectfully submitted, David S. Jackson, Secretary.