[In these minutes: Reports and Updates]

STUDENT SENATE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (SSCC)

MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2000
1:30 - 3:00
300 MORRILL HALL

[These minutes reflect discussion and debate at 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 views of, nor are they binding on, the Senate or Assembly, the Administration, or the Board of Regents.]

PRESENT: Jason Reed (chair), Sabeen Altaf, Amber Benning, Percy Chaby, Khaled Dajani, Tim Dunn, Meggan Ellingboe, Paul Enever, YeeLeng Hang, Adam Lyche, Chris Shulstad.

1. INTRODUCTIONS

Committee members introduced themselves.

2. REPORTS

CHAIR
Jason Reed thanked all members for serving on this important committee. He noted that the committee would have a new focus this year in that it would function more as a consultative body by passing issues on to other, more appropriate committees and advising the President of the student stance on issues. He reminded committee members that the President would be attending the October 5 meeting.

STUDENT SENATE CHAIR
Percy Chaby had no report as the Student Senate Chair but did note that the Student Affairs Committee, which he also chairs, would be discussing security, lighting, tuition, and the student fees process.

GAPSA
Paul Enever noted that GAPSA has revised its grant policy and has a meeting scheduled for next Monday.

Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and MSA had no reports

3. STUDENT SENATE ORIENTATION

Jason Reed noted that the Student Senate orientation will be held on Saturday, September 23 from 3:00 - 5:00 in the McNamara Alumni Center with dinner following at Sally's.

4. APPOINTMENT OF THE ABTS DIRECTOR

ABTS stands for the Association of Big Ten Schools. The conferences gather students leaders from the Big Ten to discuss common issues and share solutions. The ABTS director coordinates this relationship and the plans for the three conferences each year. Jason Reed announced that Meggan Ellingboe had been appointed to this position after SSCC asked Matt Clark, MSA President, to collect information and interview all prospective candidates.

5. MINNESOTA STUDENT ASSOCIATION (TC) REPRESENTATIVE TO REGENTS PROCESS

Jason Reed informed members that the first MSA alternate had resigned in late spring. The second alternate was moved up but this left the second alternate position vacant. The MSA Executive Committee decided to leave the seat open and fill it on an as-needed basis. SSCC discussed the decision this summer and felt that is was better to have someone identified in advance. This sentiment was relayed to the MSA Executive Committee who then decided to appoint Matt Clark to the second alternate position.

6. UNIVERSITY SENATE RULES AMENDMENT

Jason Reed distributed a University Senate Rules amendment. Last spring the ex officio membership for the SSCC was changed to include the Student Affairs Committee (SCSA) chair. Following the approval of this change, it was noted that a faculty member could serve as the SCSA chair, and therefore be an ex officio member of the SSCC.

The proposed rules change would stipulate that a student members of SCSA serve as an ex officio member of the committee. The change also adds a student member each from the Educational Policy and Finance and Planning Committees to SSCC for improved communication between these important committees.

With no questions a vote was taken and the amendment was approved.

7. RESTRUCTURING OF THE OFFICE FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Jason Reed reminded members that Robert Jones had been named the Interim Vice President for Student Development in June. These duties are in addition to his duties as a Vice Provost and Professor.

He said that at a recent meeting, Robert Jones noted that OSD will be going through some reorganization and cross-functional teams are being developed to work on partnerships with other departments across campus.

Percy Chaby noted that SCSA was told by Jane Canney that hiring for a permanent vice president would be delayed until the reorganization is finished, but that student input would be needed in the process.

Jason Reed noted that there is a Senate policy regarding committee involvement in central administration searches.

8. BIENNIAL REQUEST

The University's 2002-03 Biennial Budget proposal was distributed. It was noted that the request includes funding for teaching, increased health insurance costs, and a 3% across-the-board salary increase with an additional 4% for faculty. The administration has stated that they only want a 3% tuition increase but the Governor has announced that he will only fund 3% for all salary increases.

9. ARAMARK ISSUES

Jason Reed noted that Aramark handles the Twin Cities' food services. This summer the contract was reviewed and many complaints were noted. The President told Aramark that things needed to improve so now the University will need to wait and see. Additionally the residence halls are hoping to partner with Coffman Union, once it opens, to use meal plan allowances in Coffman.

10. UPDATES

HEALTH PLAN TASK FORCE (HPTF)
The HPTF will be reporting separately to the Faculty and Student Senates in October with a decision in November to decide if the University should stay with the state or split and offer their own health insurance. The HPTF has been working for over two years on this problem. The committee decided to invite Dick McGehee, HPTF Chair, to speak at the October 5 meeting.

SEARCH FOR THE MEN'S ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
Meggan Ellingboe reported that a ranked finalist list will be ready by the end of the month. She did note that the male student athlete has not been at the last few meetings and it is very important to have these views represented.

SEARCH FOR THE GRIEVANCE OFFICER
Paul Enever said that four final candidates were interviewed and then the committee's recommendation was forwarded to the President for the final decision. Of the four candidates, one was internal, one was an adjunct faculty member, and two were from outside the University. All had the expertise needed but one was superior to the rest. The new grievance officer should be announced shortly.

11. APPOINTMENT OF BUSINESS AND RULES COMMITTEE AND BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBER

Jason Reed noted that another SSCC member is needed to serve, along with himself, on the Business and Rules Committee and the Budget Subcommittee. The Business and Rules Committee meets on docket deadline day and reviews the University, Faculty, and Twin Cities Campus Assembly agendas. The Budget Subcommittee reviews the Senate Office's annual budget proposal. He asked for any volunteers. Sabeen Altaf agreed to fill this position.

12. DISCUSSION OF THE ELECTION OF A 2000-01 STUDENT SENATE/SSCC VICE CHAIR

Jason Reed stated that a Senate/SSCC Vice Chair is needed. This person must be from a coordinate campus. The election for this position will take place at the October 19 Student Senate meeting.

13. 2000-01 ISSUES

Jason Reed distributed a list of possible agenda items that he presented at the Committee Chairs' Orientation. He asked members to add to this list and then the committee would decide if they would handle the item themselves or refer it to another committee. Committee members discussed the Diversity Committee, recruitment of faculty of color, contracts, and student credit loads.

14. CLOSED SESSION

SSCC held a closed session to discuss the Class Notes Policy and the Student Service Fees Task Force.

15. OTHER BUSINESS

With no further business, Jason Reed thanked all members for attending and adjourned the meeting.

Becky Hippert
University Senate