Other highlights of the meeting include:

Thursday, Nov. 12

8:45 - 10:15 a.m., Audit Committee, East Committee Room
The committee will hear from the Office of Institutional Compliance and discuss changes to the university's conflict of interest policies.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Work Session, Boardroom
President Robert Bruininks will present the first in a series of reports that outline the university's performance through select indicators and measurements.

1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Finance and Operations Committee, East Committee Room
Committee members will review and act upon a variety of issuance of debt matters including the first allotment of funding for the Biomedical Sciences Research Facilities, a $292 million research hub which seeks to find the cures for some of the world's most prolific diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Faculty, Staff and Student Affairs Committee, West Committee Room
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Robert McMaster will present a report on university transfer students and what the school is doing to engage them. Additionally, the committee will discuss a presentation on trends in retirement and how late-career workers might reinvent the next phase of their lives.

3:45 - 4:45 p.m., Work Session, Boardroom
A discussion will be held about the role of private giving in the university's financial future after a report by University of Minnesota Foundation president Steven Goldstein and Minnesota Medical Foundation president Becky Malkerson.

Friday, Nov. 13

9 - 11:30 a.m., Board of Regents Meeting, Boardroom
Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics professor Graham Candler will first be recognized as a McKnight Presidential Professor.

Goldstein and Malkerson will report that the university has had a successful year of giving, including two of the largest gifts in the history of private support.

President Bruininks, chief financial officer Richard Pfutzenreuter and vice president of University Services Kathleen O'Brien will outline the six-year capital improvement plan which includes the 2010 Twin Cities East Bank Recreation Center expansion. The Twin Cities campus has not added recreation space since 1993 despite student enrollment growing by 38 percent. This project begins to address shortages of recreation, fitness and wellness space for the student body, as well as faculty and staff who use the facility.

Finally, the Board will act on the appointments of the dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Jean Quam, and the Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Education, Henning Schroeder.

More information on the Board of Regents meeting can be found at www.umn.edu/regents. The Friday meeting will be webcast on that site.

• Approved schematic plans for phase 4 of the St. Paul Chilled Water Facility, additional wind generation capacity on the Morris campus, a capital budget amendment for the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (funded primarily by an outside grant) as well as a real estate transaction; and
• Accepted the annual University Plan, Performance and Accountability Report. 

More information on the Board of Regents can be found at www.umn.edu/regents

The Board also heard that the undergraduate campuses saw improvements in the academic profile of the 2009 freshman class. Total enrollment at the Crookston, Duluth, Morris and Twin Cities campuses increased by 1.6 percent, from 66,312 in Fall 2008 to 67,364 in Fall 2009. Included in the 2009 count is the first class of the new Rochester campus.

"We are extremely proud to see yet another outstanding group of students to all of our campuses," said Provost Thomas Sullivan. "As always has been our commitment, we are dedicated to ensuring those students receive an excellent education, continue to challenge themselves inside and outside the classroom and graduate in a timely manner. I am pleased with the continuing progress we have made over the past several years."

TWIN CITIES: Applications for the incoming Twin Cities freshman class increased by 4,745 over Fall 2008 to 33,910. For the class, the average ACT composite score continued a seven-year trend of improvement, reaching a new high of 26.6, which is up from 26.2 last year. Overall enrollment grew by 1 percent, from 50,140 in 2008 to 51,659 in 2009. 112 National Merit Scholars enrolled this fall compared to 79 in Fall 2008. And, the percentage of freshman students of color was 19.1 percent.

DULUTH: The Duluth campus saw a total enrollment increase of 2.6 percent, from 11,366 in 2008 to 11,664 in 2009. Undergraduate enrollment increased 1.1 percent. The average ACT composite store for freshman remained the same at 23.6.

CROOKSTON: Crookston campus total enrollment saw an increase of 3.6 percent, from 2,199 last year to 2,279 this year. Undergraduate degree-seeking enrollment is up 8.5 percent over last year. For the freshman class, average ACT composite scores increased from 21.5 last year to 21.8 this year. Students of color increased to 13.3 percent, up from 7.6 percent in 2008.

MORRIS: At the Morris campus, total enrollment increased to 1,705, up 6.1 percent from 1,607 last year. Undergraduate degree-seeking enrollment grew by 5.9 percent. The percentage graduating in the top ten percent of their freshman class grew from 27.8 percent in 2008 to 29.6 percent in 2009. The average ACT composite score held steady at 25. And, the percentage of students of color increased by 1 percent.

ROCHESTER: An inaugural class of 57 freshmen was welcomed at the Rochester campus. Of the 50 incoming recent high school graduates, 18.5 percent and 70.4 percent graduated in the top 10 and 25 percents of their classes respectively. The average ACT composite score was 23.8.

"This action is being taken because we are simply not far enough along in reaching a solution to the very real challenges this light rail line poses for the University of Minnesota's core research mission," said President Robert Bruininks. "The Board of Regents and I have a solemn responsibility to protect the university's core research mission, decades of public investment in research infrastructure and hundreds of millions of dollars in research grants brought into this state each year by faculty research in facilities that are at risk."

Bruininks added that the university has long been a supporter of the CCLRT project and is eager to reach agreement with the Metropolitan Council on scientifically effective mitigations so that the project can move forward. "But the consequences of not protecting our land grant university's research infrastructure along the Washington Avenue corridor from the adverse effects that could result if this public works project is not done right are just too great to risk."

University researchers along the corridor are working to develop treatments and cures for life-threatening illnesses like cancer and diabetes, and the state's medical device and high-tech industries depend upon research happening in these labs. There are 80 laboratory facilities in
17 buildings along or in close proximity to the proposed CCLRT Washington Avenue route.

"We have said on a number of occasions that our fundamental objective is to identify effective solutions, based on sound science, that will move this transit project forward while protecting our public research mission and resources from potentially serious degradation. It remains the university's goal to find these solutions. This lawsuit does not preclude us from continuing to sit down with our project partners and work through the remaining issues to find scientifically effective solutions that will protect our research mission." said Bruininks.

The suit's timing was largely dictated by Minnesota law that requires filing of environmental claims within 30 days of the Metropolitan Council's final decision on the adequacy of its environmental review of the project in August. The suit alleges that the final environmental impact statement and related decisions about the project fail to adequately address serious adverse effects the rail line will cause, according to university General Counsel Mark Rotenberg, who filed the claim today.

“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on nonsustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The work of innovative building projects such as TCF Bank Stadium is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement.”

By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

"There's no better experience than seeing 50,000 Gopher fans coming back to campus to celebrate Minnesota football, and to be able to do that in a stadium that's respectful of the environment was paramount for us from day one," said Scott Radecic, senior principal of Populous. 

“Mortenson is honored to work with an outstanding team to build the first football stadium, collegiate or professional, to become LEED certified,” said Ken Sorensen, vice president and general manager of Mortenson’s Minneapolis office.  “This is a meaningful testament to the university’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility within our community.”

The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.  35,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED system, comprising over 5.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries.

• Four collective bargaining agreements were approved with several labor unions: AFSCME Local 3800 and 3801, AFSCME Local 3260, AFSCME Local 3937 and 3801 and IBEW Local 292;
• A board committee heard from university public health and emergency management officials on its plans and response to the H1N1 pandemic influenza.  (Complete information on the university's H1N1 activities can be found at www.umn.edu/h1n1)
• The board approved a capital budget amendment to TCF Bank Stadium to add a brick wall to the inside of the field, thanks to a $500,000 gift;
• Provost Tom Sullivan led a review of the annual University Plan, Performance and Accountability Report;
• A work session was held to discuss the quality, tuition and financial aid of graduate education;
• A work session was also held to discuss the university's relationship with the University of Minnesota Physicians and Fairview Health Services; and
• University officials outlined how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has been positively impacting the university

More information on the Board of Regents meeting can be found at www.umn.edu/regents.

Made possible as part of a $12.5 million gift from the SMSC, Minnesota Tribal Nations Plaza encompasses the largest and most central west entrance of TCF Bank Stadium.  The architecturally-innovative design includes a water feature and 11 18-foot-tall sky markers. Each sky marker incorporates information about one of the eleven Minnesota tribal nations. Tribal flags, images, and important facts are also displayed on the soaring glass structures.
 

The dedication ceremony will include remarks from dignitaries, including Stanley Crooks, Chairman of SMSC, University of Minnesota Board of Regents Chair Clyde Allen and President Robert Bruininks, a presentation by the Mazukute Drum Group and the formal blessing of the 11 tribal nation’s sky markers. 
 

The $12.5 million gift to the U includes $2.5 million that went to a matching fund to create a $5 million endowment for scholarships, with a preference given to American Indian students.  Recipients of the student scholarships will also be acknowledged during the ceremony. 
 

Chairman Crooks and President Bruininks will be available for media following the event.
 

 Bruce Blazar (University of Minnesota Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Program)

Blazar is considered to be one of the foremost translational physician-scientists in the world.  He is the chief of the University of Minnesota Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) Program, director of the U’s Center for Translational Medicine and assistant vice president, Clinical and Translational Science Programs.  Blazar also holds the Andersen Chair in Transplantation Immunology.  His career at the University spans more than 30 years, where he has held a variety of leadership roles and mentored 47 trainees and junior faculty in his labs. He has a long track record as both a prolific and highly cited research scientist, having published more than 400 articles, with more than 1800 citations in 2009 alone.    Blazar was also instrumental in garnering the $40 million gift from the Schulze Family Foundation to establish the Schulze Diabetes Institute.
 

Thomas Johnson (Geological Sciences, University of Minnesota Duluth)

Johnson is a professor of geological sciences and founding director of the Large Lake Observatory, University of Minnesota Duluth.  He is considered to be the world’s leading scientist studying the evolution of large lakes today.  In 1981, he left the Twin Cities campus to accept the position of associate professor of geology and director of limnology at the University of Minnesota Duluth.  During this time, he co-founded the International Decade of East African Lakes (IDEAL), a project with results that brought great benefit to the field of paleolimnology, including significant advances in drilling/coring technology, education and training of U.S. and African scientists and students, as well as a better understanding of the physical dynamics, biogeochemistry and paleoclimate history of East African lakes. He is credited with over 100 publications, many of which are found in some of the highest standard journals in his field. In addition to the many students and postdoctoral researchers that he has educated, and the junior faculty he has mentored, he has also directly supervised or advised at least five students from Kenya who obtained their doctoral degrees through IDEAL initiatives and numerous other students who went on to obtain their masters degree.   

Lawrence Que, Jr (Institute of Technology)

Que, Jr. is a 3M/Alumni Distinguished Professor of Chemistry in the Institute of Technology. He is considered to be an internationally acclaimed scholar who has made a tremendous impact inthe field of bioinorganic chemistry.  Que has played a pioneering role in understanding the function that nonheme iron centers play in dioxygen activation in biology.  Under his guidance, 33 students received their doctoral degrees and 10 students received their master’s degree.  In addition, he has served as a research advisor to 66 postdoctoral students.  Twenty-two former members of this group hold positions at industrial institutions as research scientists and 50 have tenure-track or tenured positions in colleges or universities.  He is credited with establishing the University of Minnesota as a world-renowned center of excellence in bioinorganic chemistry and also led the effort to establish the U’s Center for Metals in Biocatalysis, which comprises faculty and students from multiple departments who share interests in exploring the roles of metals in biology.  He is the author of over 400 publications, presented 290 invited lectures, including 22 plenary, keynotes or endowed lectureships.  

The Regents Professor position was established in 1965 by the Board of Regents to recognize the national and international prominence of faculty members. It serves as the highest recognition for faculty who have made unique contributions to the quality of the University of Minnesota through exceptional accomplishments in teaching, research and scholarship or creative work, and contributions to the public good.
 

"Although these were challenging budget decisions to make considering the significant state budget cuts with which we're faced, I'm confident this is a responsible, creative and focused approach to addressing them," said board Chair Patricia Simmons.  "In particular, I'm pleased we've been able to hold down tuition for Minnesota undergraduates in these tough times.  No one enjoys spending cuts, but this budget approaches them in a prudent, human manner."

The budget will result in a maximum tuition increase for resident undergraduates of $300 for next school year -- or 3.125 percent -- thanks to federal stimulus dollars and spending reductions.  In addition, the creation of a new middle-income scholarship program will result in 60 percent of resident undergraduates actually seeing a tuition reduction. Tuition for graduate, first professional and non-resident undergraduates will increase approximately 7.5 percent under the budget.

The $2.98 billion budget takes into account a $81.8 million reduction in state appropriation to the U of M for the fiscal year and makes more than $90 million in budget reductions and reallocations.  Bruininks said it will result in a reduced workforce at the U, with 1,240 fewer jobs, most eliminated through attrition and an early retirement incentive.  About 370 are layoffs, most of which have already occurred.

On a separate issue, the board also approved, on a 10-2 vote, Bruininks' recommendation to make TCF Bank Stadium, Williams and Mariucci Arenas all alcohol-free on game days.  Legislation passed this year and signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty required the university to either sell alcohol nowhere in those facilities or everywhere, including general seating areas, where students make up 20 percent of the fans.

"This is not a decision we should have had to make and this legislation was truly unfortunate," said Simmons.  "But we were not willing to be the only on-campus football stadium in the Big Ten to sell alcohol throughout the stadium.  We're confident our fans will stand with us and will do everything in our power to ensure that TCF Bank Stadium is the best fan experience possible."

The president's proposed FY2010 operating budget takes into account the 7.4 percent biennial reduction in state funding as well as the potential for additional unallotment. It uses federal stimulus money to cap the in-state undergraduate tuition increase at $300, or 3.125 percent. Between federal stimulus dollars and a new middle-income scholarship, 60 percent of Minnesota students will actually see their tuition decrease under the proposed budget.

"Despite a significant cut in state appropriation, we've shaped a budget that minimizes this year's tuition increase for Minnesota residents," said Bruininks. "In fact, most Minnesota students can expect to pay substantially less to attend the University next year. This is not to say there are not major budget challenges ahead of us, but this is a responsible budget that is mindful of the economic times in which we live."

The schedule for the meeting is as follows:

Thursday, June 11, 2009

8:30 - 10:30 a.m., Facilities committee, West Committee Room. The agenda includes review and action on a resolution regarding the scoping decision document related to the environmental impact statement for sand and gravel mining at the university's UMore Park property in Dakota County as well as review and action on a property acquisition of 1.39 acres of land for an expansion of the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. The committee will also review a recommendation to deconstruct and demolish the Music Education Building on the Twin Cities campus.

8:30 - 10:30 a.m., Finance and Operations committee, East Committee Room. The committee will take action on an anticipated resolution authorizing the issuance of debt as part of the TCF Bank Stadium project.

10:45 - 11:45 a.m., Board work session, Boardroom. Bruininks, Provost Tom Sullivan and Vice Provost and dean of undergraduate education Robert McMaster will present on the quality of undergraduate education and how it relates to tuition as well as university financial aid initiatives.

2:45 - 4:45 p.m., Educational Planning and Policy Committee, West Committee Room. Provost Sullivan will present on the Imagine Fund for the Arts and Humanities. The committee will also hear from the deans of the three colleges created as a result of academic restructuring several years ago - the College of Design, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Education and Human Development - on their progress.

2:45 - 4:15 p.m., Faculty, Staff and Student Affairs Committee, East Committee Room. The committee receives its annual presentation on the UPlan, employee health care plan. In addition, Athletics Director Joel Maturi presents his annual report in Intercollegiate Athletics. The committee will also act on the appointment of Frank Cerra as Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and dean of the Medical School.

Friday, June 12, 2009

9 a.m. - 12 noon, Board of Regents meeting, boardroom. The board conducts its annual meeting first, electing a new chair and vice chair and establishing meeting dates for 2009-10. After the annual meeting adjourns, the monthly meeting is convened. Bruininks and CFO Richard Pfutzenreuter present the president's recommended FY2010 operating budget, a preliminary 2010 state capital request and act on the president's recommended FY2010 annual capital improvement budget. Professor Emily Hoover, chair of the Faculty Consultative Committee, will also give her annual report and be recognized for her service.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

11:30 a.m., Public forum on the president's recommended operating budget for FY2010, boardroom.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

10 a.m., Special meeting to act on the president's recommended operating budget for FY2010, boardoom.

More information on the Board of Regents and live streaming of the board meetings can be found at www.umn.edu/regents.