EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN

2. DISCUSSION WITH PRESIDENT YUDOF REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY

President Yudof joined the committee and discussed his recent article on the future of universities. He noted that he is happy with a high subsidy, low tuition model for the University, but there has been a significant drop in state support for higher education across the country in the past decade. What will be needed is an honest discussion of possible alternatives and tough solutions since the problem is not going to disappear on its own.

Historically, Minnesota was home the concept of a land-grant university. But during the 1990’s the University experienced less state subsidy, which in term forces increases in tuition. The University has been asked to make cuts, but there is not much left before expectations will not be able to be met. Costs for services that are not self-supporting, such as medical insurance and extension services, have also increased in cost during this period.

The University wants to continue to preserve its land-grant mission of outreach and extension, but this becomes increasingly harder. Students understand tuition increases that support initiatives closer to their educational goals, but it is hard to convince students that their tuition should be used to provide resources state-wide.

Included in the budget crisis is the rise in athletic costs. The University will need to look at all possibilities and explore some ideas more fully to find a solution. The problem is that faculty and students do not want any state funds used for athletics, but there is only so much commercialization that can be done before another solution is needed. Student input into this problem is especially needed so that a creative solution might be reached.

Overall, President Yudof stated that he was upbeat about the future of the University. Graduation statistics and college rankings are increasing, programs are succeeding, and more students are living on campus. He is not as certain about the other 54 major public research institutions across the country. He feels that some will need to change within the next 10 years to be able to continue. As for Minnesota, there are no other institutions similar to the University in the state.

A committee member noted that there is momentum within in the students to provide a solution to funding athletics and the arts and hopes that this input will be welcomed.

President Yudof said that student money should be student directed and he would look forward to any proposals be received. He would, however, recommend keeping any fee separate from the fees committee structure and keeping revenue sports separate. He suggested that students work with Tonya Brown on details of any proposed plan. Coordinate campuses should also be making their own decisions regarding sports and cultural events since a Twin Cities solution might not work on each campus.

Q: Has community service in the extension system as a graduation requirement been considered as an alternative to decreased funding?

A: It has been considered but it can be considered involuntary servitude without any class credit for the time spent instead of engagement, as the requirement would be meant to be. Any program would also need to make sure that students are not put into a dangerous situation while performing community engagement. Any plan would need to be thoroughly considered, especially in light of the program increases being proposed by President Bush.

A committee member then noted that students feel that there are safety gaps on campus.

President Yudof said that he was centralizing public safety functions, security cameras, card access, and the police, under one unit to diminish safety gaps. An interim head will soon be named to the department, at which time any concerns should be given to them.

Q: Is there a reason behind the increase in graduation rates?

A: Graduation rates have increased over a long period of time, 8% in the 1980’s to 33% I the 1990’s. This has been accomplished through increased admittance standards, better financial aid, and increased class availability. One item hampering student has been the lack of study space. Walter Library is now open and all students should take advantage of the improvements. Over the next year, more buildings will also open, mainly Coffman Union, which will continue to increase study space on campus.

Q: Is there a proposal to eliminate out-of-state tuition?

A: Tuition is affected by supply and demand. Colleges and campuses that have excess capacity might find it more profitable to offer in-state tuition to all students rather than have extra space in classes. Crookston has already eliminate out-of-state tuition and Morris has a recommendation to do the same. For the Twin Cities, it depends on the college. The trend is that out-of-state tuition will disappear nation-wide so that institutions can be more specialized and attract students from across the country and around the world. Elimination would be especially helpful in graduate and professional programs since the University wants to attract the very best in each field.

Q: What obstacles exist to out-of-state tuition elimination?

A: Obstacles include demand, lost revenue, excess capacity, and providing a fait chance to Minnesota residents at their state institution.

Q: The legislature has proposed tracking foreign students. How far-reaching will a tracking effort be?

A: The state has made several proposals, but this topic is ultimately covered by federal legislation. The University would be willing to track major delinquencies, such as a foreign student who never shows up for classes in September, but it does not want to become a KGB, tracking every foreign student 24 hours a day throughout their time at the University. If the committee wants for information on any proposed plans, Dean Maziar would be willing to speak to the committee.

With no further questions, the committee thanked President Yudof for his time.

3. COORDINATE CAMPUS TRIPS TO MORRIS

While Ryan Brux was not at the meeting, it was noted the MCSA meetings are Monday nights. Mondays would work for most members. February 11 or the 18 were picked to be forwarded to MCSA for consideration.

4. SPRING SOCIAL FOR SENATORS

Khaled Dajani noted that there was money in the Student Senate budget for each campus to get together separately and talk about Student Senate issues and items of business. He encouraged each of the coordinate campuses to make use of this time to work on Student Senate business. For the Twin Cities campus, it was decided that input would be solicited from the senators to see what they wanted to do as a group activity.

5. CREATION OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Chris Frazier said that she and Shawn Lavelle had created charges for four student committees to solicit student input on select topics. Each committee would have a representative campus/student body and final reports, due by March 15, would be forwarded to the administration. The motion was then approved.

6. FEBRUARY 21 STUDENT SENATE AGENDA

Chris Frazier noted two changes to the agenda: her report would only be 10 minutes and Student Regent Lakeesha Ransom would be the guest speaker. Members suggested that senators be asked in advance if they have any questions that they would like Regent Ransom to address. The agenda was then approved as amended.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

With no further business, Khaled Dajani thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the meeting.

Becky Hippert
University Senate