Minutes of the University Council Meeting

October 18, 2005

 

 

The fall, 2005 University Council meeting was convened at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2005 in the Memorial Union Ballroom.  President Charles Kupchella and Sue Jeno presided.

 

Sue Jeno, chair of the 2005-06 University Senate, called the meeting to order and welcomed the Council members and all others in attendance.  She briefly explained the organization and duties of the Council. Ms. Jeno then gave a University Senate status report, reviewing major policy changes adopted by the Senate during the 2004-05 year, including: revisions to the Intellectual Property and Copyright policies; a new Provisional Admission Policy and a Non-Degree Admission Policy; the Harassment and Discrimination Policy; and the Faculty Sick Leave Policy. She reported that work continues on the Faculty Grievance Policy regarding Employment Controversies with the University. Ms. Jeno stated that senators have been and continue to be involved in Senate committee work, helping to develop the Strategic Plan, and reviewing other University policies.  Ms. Jeno thanked everyone who volunteers their time and talents to serve on the University Senate and its committees.  She then turned the meeting over to President Kupchella.

 

President Kupchella welcomed Senator Ray Holmberg and, on UND’s behalf, thanked the Chancellor, the State Board of Higher Education, the state legislators and the Congressional delegation for their support.  In his state of the university address titled, “Our Foundation, Our Trajectory, Our Future, Our Choice,” he reviewed highlights from the past year and challenges for the coming year.  He reported that, as expected, enrollment is slightly down due to the new admission standards. The President stated that UND’s goal is to reach $100 million a year in research funding and to be in the top 100 doctoral research universities and, ultimately, in the top 50. Stating that research and creative activity are interrelated, President Kupchella emphasized the need for increased economic development. He also noted many Facilities projects in the past year, including: the Ina Mae Rude Entrepreneur Center; the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center; the Neuroscience Research Facility; the Memorial Union remodel; the A. Kirk Lanterman Investment Center; the town home complex; the Suite 49 restaurant; new signage; and the Wellness Center.

 

President Kupchella announced that the 2005 strategic plan, “Building on Excellence,” will be sent to all faculty and staff.  He thanked everyone for their input and hard work on the new plan and asked the University community for their support of the goals contained in the plan.

 

The President called for questions from the floor.  Topics included the NCAA action regarding the Fighting Sioux logo, the faculty seed money grant program, and future tuition increases.  He then turned the meeting back over to Ms. Jeno. 

 

Ms. Jeno asked for other matters arising and, hearing none, thanked the Council members for their attendance. The fall, 2005 meeting of the University Council was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Carmen Williams, Council Secretary