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Past Issues
Gov. Pawlenty released his proposed 2004–05 budget Feb. 18, which includes a $185 million cut to the U. Cut is approximately 15% of the U's biennial state appropriation and the highest reduction ever to the U's budget. "The governor's proposal is a real reduction that will have a real impact," said President Bruininks, who also said the U would oppose the reduction. U would need to further reduce costs and may have to eliminate some programs and activities to manage the cut; and it would seek to generate new sources of revenue. "Raising tuition will not be our first course of action; however, given a historic reduction of our base state funding, tuition increases are almost inevitable," Bruininks said.
Pawlenty's proposed budget requests that the U limit tuition increases to no more than 15% and impose a 2-year salary freeze. Bruininks expressed concern about these requests. "The University needs flexibility to make tough decisions and manage this budget with all the tools at our disposal," he said. For updates on U budget issues or to learn how you can advocate for the U at the capitol, see www.umn.edu/govrel.
At regents meeting Feb. 14, President Bruininks described the U's approach to state cuts of $25 million from its budget this fiscal year. Approach spreads the reduction across every administrative and collegiate unit and campus while protecting student financial aid and scholarships and existing debt, lease, and utility obligations. "Large adjustments in a short amount of time are difficult," he said. "We have to keep our calm and think strategically to ensure the long-term quality of the University." Bruininks said units were instructed to protect academic priorities and student services and support and urged to seek administrative reductions, if possible. Reductions for this fiscal year will be reported to the regents in March. Also in March, regents will begin more in-depth discussions on budget reductions for fiscal years 2004 and 2005.
Regents approved 3 new programs in public health focusing on matters of public preparedness. Academic credit certificates can be earned in food safety and biosecurity; preparedness, response, and recovery; and occupational health and safety. Programs are in response to a post-9/11 call by national organizations for public health preparedness in the face of urgent threats. Certificates are designed for health and human services workers who already hold baccalaureate degrees. For more information, call 612-626-5665.
U's separation from state health plan is now complete, according to Employee Health Care Benefits report at regents Faculty, Staff, and Student Affairs Committee meeting Feb. 13. In 2002, first year of UPlan (U's self-insured health care benefits program), performance was 6.4% better than anticipated; cost growth was 9.7% compared to double-digit growth in public and private sectors in Minnesota.
VP for U Services Kathleen O'Brien announced restructuring of U's planning and construction and facilities management functions Feb. 13. Reorganization moves construction project management out of facilities management, combines construction project planning with project delivery functions, results in fewer positions and creates two new ones. "Our objectives are to keep project costs on budget, to strengthen contract management and problem solving, to build a smart and courageous leadership team, and to continually improve," said O'Brien, whose review of facilities and construction management follows an internal audit in June 2002 of U's construction practices. For more information, see www.umn.edu/urelate/datebook.
U will work with Northwest Airlines to develop course work for technology management certification program thanks to a $332,000 grant from the Department of Trade and Economic Development. CCE's Continuing Professional Education received the grant for the 2-year project that includes training for 250 Northwest staff members in Eagan, MN. Other resource partners are North Hennepin Community College and IT Service Management Forum.
U's Founders Week will be Feb. 23–March 1, with free chili kickoff, Feb. 24, noon, Northrop plaza; public engagement and research initiatives student expo, Feb. 26, noon, Coffman Union; and U Symphony Band concert, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m., Ted Mann Concert Hall. For event list, including Feb. 28 inauguration details, see www.umn.edu/inauguration.
Nominations for President's Award for Outstanding Service are due Feb. 28. Send to Vickie Courtney at 427 Morrill Hall; for information, call 612-625-9369.
Joint U Senate, Faculty Senate, and TC Campus Assembly meeting will be Feb. 20, 2:30–5 p.m., Cowles Auditorium. Broadcast locations will be UMC, 305 Selvig Hall; UMD, 140 School of Business and Economics; and UMM, Student Center. For agenda, see www.umn.edu/usenate.
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CROOKSTON—Students enrolled in equine industries management program will sponsor Equine Extravaganza—"A Night at the Circus," Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m., UTOC arena. Repeat performances will take place Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m., and Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
UMC will host Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association Final 5 Championship Tournament Feb. 21–23. All games will be at Crookston Civic Arena.
Academic Affairs will host "Celebrating the Scholarship of Writing" reception Feb. 24, 4–5 p.m., 124 Kiehle Building. Event will honor those who have published work and research during the past year.
DULUTH—School of Fine Arts will hold gala fund-raiser "Mardi Gras at Glensheen" Feb. 28, 6–10 p.m., Glensheen Historic Estate. Event will include foods of New Orleans, music, art, and a silent auction. Tickets are $75. For information, call 218-726-8921.
Alworth Institute International Brown Bag Series will present "Mountain Biking in the Mountains of Guatemala" Feb. 27, noon, Kirby Student Center ballroom. UMD medical students Joel Harris and Paul Wenner biked more than 500 miles through diverse geography, experienced indigenous cultures, and climbed the highest peak in Central America.
"Writing Systems of the World" exhibit from Ramseyer Northern Bible Society Museum is at UMD library through February. Display features more than 30 scripts into which the Bible has been translated.
Music Department presents "Time Flies: A Jazz Cabaret" by vocal jazz ensembles Lake Effect and Chill Factor Feb. 20–22, 7:30 p.m., Weber Music Hall.
MORRIS—Live broadcast of Founders Week events includes Great Conversations series with Desmond Tutu and VP Robert Jones, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., Science auditorium; and panel discussion, "The Future of the American Public Research University," Feb. 27, 2–4 p.m., 7 HFA.
Former Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe is scheduled to visit American politics and education classes Feb. 19. International Relations Club will host Moe at 7 p.m. in 123 Social Science auditorium.
Women's Week events continue with exhibit through March 8 in HFA Gallery. Exhibit features more than 40 graphic works by Phyllis Joos, Hancock, MN, and 26 oil paintings by Australian-American artist Melissa McDougall. Gallery hours are M–Th, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; F, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; and S, 1–5 p.m.
TWIN CITIES—In the event of an emergency on campus, U community will be informed about nature of the emergency and given directions for responding, said George Aylward, interim assistant VP for Public Safety, in memo to faculty, staff, and students Feb. 15. Emergency communications would come through many channels including the Web, e-mail, phone trees, and the media. U has received no specific threats following orange alert issued nationwide by federal law enforcement officials last week. To report suspicious activity, call U Police at 911 from any campus phone.
Education and Human Resources initiative at Materials Research Science and Engineering Center received a 4-year $538,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Award follows center's $14.8 million renewal grant from NSF. Together, awards will be used for research and outreach programs.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week is Feb. 23–March 2. U's Eating Disorders Research Program and Neuroscience Research Group offers free treatment to individuals with eating disorders; call 612-627-1991.
Printing Services Copy Center in Johnston Hall is closed; center will reopen Feb. 24 at G14 Coffman Union. Questions, call Jim Harpole at 612-625-1092.
Events: Cancer Center will host "Cancer and the Human Body" exhibit Feb. 22, noon–4 p.m., Science Museum. Free with museum admission.
o "In the Spirit of Martin: The Living Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," featuring 115 artworks will run through April 6 at Weisman Art Museum.
Lectures: "Dr. King's Legacy in Politics, Civil and Human Rights, Education, Social Justice, and More" will be Feb. 21, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. reception), McNamara Alumni Center. Free; call 612-625-9494.
o "Building Peak Bone Mass" will be Feb. 24, 4 p.m., 15 FScN.
o Center for the Study of Healthcare Management will host "25 Years of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Health Care: What have We Learned?" Feb. 27, 3:30–
5 p.m., 2-206 Carlson School. Call 626-8795.
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