[In these minutes: Information on student study space, Updates, Spring Semester agenda items]
STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (SCSA)
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2000
2:30 - 4:00
140 NOLTE CENTER
[These minutes reflect discussion and debate at a meeting of a committee of the University of Minnesota Senate or Twin Cities Campus Assembly; none of the comments, conclusions, or actions reported in these minutes represent the view of, nor are they binding on the Senate or Assembly, the Administration, or the Board of Regents.]
PRESENT: Percy Chaby (chair), Deb Cran, Bryan Donaldson, Edward Ehlinger, Tina Falkner, Robert Jones, Yasemin Kaygisiz, David Lenander, Ryan Nagle, Hoang Uyen Nguyen, Patrick Pederson, Gerald Rinehart, Cory Stingl, Jason Stingl.
REGRETS: Darwin Hendel, June Nobbe, Janet Schottel.
ABSENT: Terry Hietpas.
GUESTS: Maggie Towle.
1. INFORMATION ON STUDENT STUDY SPACE
Maggie Towle said that with Coffman closed there was a concern regarding ample student study space during fall semester exams. Her office made a list of public study space, which was then placed on the web and postered across campus. The web site also includes photos of the areas as well as amenities available. Permanent signs will also be placed in these areas so that they are recognizable to students.
Q: Will all these areas be available once Coffman is reopened?
A: Some will still be available, but not all. The list will be revised at that time to reflect these changes.
2. UPDATES
STUDENT SERVICE FEES TASK FORCE
Percy Chaby noted that the task force has been evaluating the fees processes
and defining viewpoint neutrality. The lawsuit against the University has also
been dismissed.
OFFICE FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Robert Jones reported that his office is working with Institutional Relations
to have a link from the main University page to campus life. The web site,
www.umn.edu/campuslife, is now a prototype and he asked members to test the
page and send any suggestions to Deb Cran at 6-9580 or cranx001@umn.edu.
OSD has also been working with Multicultural and Academic Affairs in terms of strategic planning and alignment of OSD's mission with that of the University's academic mission. A cross-functional team, with members from OSD, Multicultural Affairs, and Academic Affairs, will be participating in a retreat to review services so that they compliment each other without duplication and to determine what constitutes quality student services.
Q: Will changes from the strategic planning process be visible in any measurable way, such as by retention or attrition rates?
A: This process will involve programs from the entire University that affect the undergraduate experience so measurable rates will need to be included for changes to be seen as effective.
Q: Will only the undergraduate experience be looked at?
A: No, the graduate and professional student experience will also be included since many programs serve all student populations.
Q: Will OSD be developing a mission statement or goals?
A: OSD is looking at the current mission statement and changes will need to be made to reflect the units that have left OSD.
Q: How often are departments/units evaluated in terms of outside competition and the market?
A: Departments undergo reviews at least every five years with outside consultants and annually through internal reviews to remain competitive. The annual compact planning process also facilitates the review process.
Q: Will students be involved in the OSD strategic planning process?
A: Student responses were solicited to the three planning questions. When a committee is established, there will be student members appointed.
The Office for Academic Integrity is also being formed as part of Student Judicial Affairs. Betty Hackett has agreed to serve as the Academic Integrity Officer. The University will then hire an assistant director/investigator to facilitate the increased workload. New office space is also being looked at to accommodate the increased staff size and responsibilities.
The Program Against Sexual Violence (PASV) will have a site visit in January from the Department of Justice to review how its grant money is being spent. The program has recently trained 16 student advocates and will provide training for all athletic personnel.
COFFMAN UNION
Maggie Towle stated that a revised RFP to hire a general contractor was
submitted on November 22. The new RFP calls for design-build so that the
University can lock in on a budget early in the process. She is also working
with the Office of Budget and Finance to see if the student service fee for
Coffman can be held flat for one year because of the delay.
Q: What is the downside to the competitive bid model being removed?
A: There is no downside at this time since the competitive bid model brought the project in at $9 million over budget last time. This process also guarantees a maximum price early.
CAMPUS LIGHTING
Percy Chaby noted that the Safety Committee met last week to discuss what steps
are necessary to improve campus lighting. A campus walkthrough is planned for
early Spring Semester and will include the President, Regents, Eric Kruse, and
interested students. A two-year, renewable grant is also being sought for
replacing lights and adding more emergency call boxes. Lastly, the committee
would like to have safety infrastructure included as a line item on the
University's budget request.
BOYNTON
Ed Ehlinger noted that health issues can have an effect on student retention.
One area that this is especially important to is mental health. Last year
Boynton could not meet the needs of all of its patients, so changes were made
to only treat students and to limit services to short-term needs with chronic
conditions referred out to other providers. These changes have allowed an
increased number of patients to be seen within one to two weeks of calling for
an appointment. Some students have been disappointed with these changes, but
Boynton feels that it is better to help more students with short-term problems
than a few students with chronic conditions.
Q: Has the mental health need decreased this year?
A: Staff time has been freed up because chronic cases are no longer being seen, but then staff are able to see more short-term patients. Less students have been seen because of semester conversion issues.
Ed Ehlinger also commented on the following areas:
A: Surveys on this question have mixed results. It appears that credit card debt increases medical, alcohol, and smoking needs while lowering grades. Boynton's data is being looked at a national level and the hope is to get federal support.
Q: How is the credit counseling center being paid for?
A: The counselor will rent space so Boynton will not have any costs. The first student visit will also be free of charge. If a student's payments are reduced, then the creditor will be charged any fees for the service.
Q: Why are undergraduates versus graduate students targeted for community programs on chemical dependency?
A: Programming efforts are targeted towards the most effected group, which is why mental health services, used more by graduate students, are targeted towards them. Outreach efforts are also done towards populations if requested, as was the case recently with the Law School.
Q: Was follow-up done on students who were out-sourced for mental health needs?
A: Follow-up was to done to ensure that they gained access to another provider.
Q: Will the PASV site visit affect Boynton?
A: While PASV is housed at Boynton, it is a separate area and its site visit should not affect Boynton's operations.
3. SPRING SEMESTER AGENDA ITEMS
The committee discussed setting priorities for spring semester and having a mix of reports and action items on the agenda for each meeting. Issues to receive reports include:
Rebecca Hippert
University Senate