Minutes of the University Council Meeting

May 9, 2007

 

The spring 2007 University Council meeting was convened at 4:10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 in the Memorial Union Ballroom. President Charles Kupchella and Douglas Munski presided.

 

President Kupchella opened the meeting with an update on the state of the University and a look forward to the year ahead.  He explained that the following information has been delivered in a message to state legislators during the 2007 session. 

  • The strategic goal for UND is to be in the top 100 doctoral research universities in the United States; ultimately, we strive to be in the top 50.
  • Academics at UND are the be-all and end-all. The President indicated that he was proud of the University Senate for adopting the General Education Task Force proposal.  He wishes before the end of his presidency to establish a Virtual College of Earth Systems; the faculty would be from all the colleges and the programs would include undergraduate through doctoral. George Seielstad and Provost Weisenstein are leading the effort.
  • Research and sponsored programs continue to grow.
  • UND received three Centers of Excellence awards totaling $7 million.  There will be new dollars for the next two years.
  • There is a growth in intellectual property through increased patenting and inventions.
  • The President is pleased that the legislature approved the 5/5% salary increase.  That increase will help UND again gain on its peers after a few years where we actually lost ground. 
  • The legislature funded deferred maintenance at about $6 million for repairs and maintenance, as well as funds to renovate O’Kelly Hall.
  • The capital campaign in the last few months has realized more than $35 million for the University endowment. There are currently plans for a major campaign that will last about seven years.  Although it has not been announced and there are no established dates, the goal is to have the University endowment increased to $500 million. Work is under way on a case statement for the University, as well as each college, to present to donors.
  • The move to Division I was discussed. President Kupchella reported that there will be fund raising for the move.  He expressed thanks to the Division I Commission. The President expects to have their status report and recommendations soon, with decisions to follow.  Next year will be a Division II year and there will be four years where we transition to Division I.
  • Alice Brekke reported on the legislative appropriation for UND. She indicated an increase in salary, and an increase for health insurance premiums. She indicated that after analysis, the institution will increase tuition to the allowed five percent.
  • There are organizational changes that have occurred and are under consideration at the Cabinet level. These changes will either be made or recommended to the new administration. The impetus for these changes is to free up the President for more involvement in fund raising. Other changes will involve the CIO now reporting to the Provost; moving the reporting line of the Conflict Resolution Center to the Provost; changing the Senior Associate to the President position to a vice presidency, with Athletics and Affirmative Action reporting to the new vice president. The President is currently seeking input from the units before a final decision is made.
  • There was an update on the many campus construction projects: the Hopper- Danley Spiritual Center, which was dedicated on May 9, 2007; construction is in varying stages on the Behavioral Research Center, EERC Hydrogen Technology Center, parking structure, new residence hall, the Squires renovation, the REAC (Research Enterprise and Commercialization) facility, and the Bronson Property construction.
  • The President stated that UND is working to settle the NCAA lawsuit.
  • Douglas Munski, Chair of the University Senate, gave an update on University Senate action for the year, which was quiet but productive as it conducted the business of the institution.
  • Mr. Munski acknowledged the Office of the Registrar staff, Suzanne Anderson and Lori Hofland, for their contributions to the Senate.
  • He reported on two items of note:  the endorsement of the Tobacco-Free University Task Force and the General Education Task Force recommendations for the UND general education requirements. Mr. Munski indicated that the general education proposal might need to be adjusted slightly after the transition phase occurs and encouraged careful listening to the concerns expressed by the Senators in 2007-08.
  • Under matters arising, Mr. Munski indicated that:

·        There is a need for representatives from Medicine, Law, Engineering and Aviation on the “Dead Week” committee.

·        Participants are being sought to help in the project to clean up the English Coulee that is being sponsored by one of the leadership development classes under the aegis of the Office of Volunteer and Service Programs.

·        The Parking and Traffic Committee is accepting names for the lottery on parking spaces in the new parking ramp.

·        The floor was opened for questions; hearing none, the Spring 2007 University Council meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Suzanne Anderson, Council Secretary