The Fall 2000 University Council meeting was convened at 4:35 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2000 in the Memorial Union Ballroom. President Charles Kupchella presided.

President Kupchella welcomed all Council members and reported that the strategic planning process is going well. A draft of the UND strategic plan is on the website, and the final plan will be published in the 2001 President's Report. The Planning and Budgeting Committee continues to meet and assigned taskforce groups are submitting their work. President Kupchella invited the campus community to give feedback on the plan as we move through the spring semester.

The President addressed the budgeting process and how it should support the strategic plan. The budget is being prepared for the upcoming legislative session in accordance with allowances of the State budgeting process and with the identified institutional priorities of compensation, research and economic development, technology, and program development. President Kupchella reviewed the UND budget and the allocations of surplus funds which have accrued due to enrollment increases. The President encouraged suggestions about how to wisely use any budget surpluses to advance the University's strategic plan.

President Kupchella stated that he hears continuing criticism of the Roundtable Report in regard to a lack of faculty participation. The President said the Roundtable recommends greater flexibility for the campuses, and it will give us room to operate. He suggested that our strategic plan will allow us to use that freedom, and that faculty should use this to decide how to address our challenges. He challenged the campus to be creative and to build UND while also building on the base of what we do so well.

President Kupchella has asked the University Senate to review the UND Constitution to first correct typographical errors and to address changes in policies, and second, to address issues of governance. The President also said that he would like to see staff representation on the Senate examined. He expects a report from the committee appointed to review the Constitution this spring.

The consideration of the nickname and its process at the moment was reviewed. The Nickname Commission is in place and continues to meet. The President reiterated that the charge of the Commission is not to make a recommendation but to review the consequences of changing or not changing the nickname and to address the management of either decision, as well as the appropriate time for an announcement of any decision. He will meet with the Commission again on November 20 to take its report. The President accepted a petition from the faculty of Teaching and Learning in regard to the nickname and answered questions about the ownership of the new logo.

The Council heard a review of the various construction projects on campus including steam pipe and storm sewer projects, medical facilities, electrical distribution, Johnstone Hall renovations, and the Bronson Properties projects. In response to a question, President Kupchella confirmed that the tennis courts will be relocated on campus.

The Council adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Krogh, Council Secretary