[In these minutes: Discussion with President Bruininks, Duluth and Crookston travel dates, Alcohol Task Force Report, Business and Rules Committee member, Senate Reorganization update]

STUDENT SENATE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (SSCC) MINUTES

JANUARY 22, 2004

[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: Dan Weiske (chair), Sean Bell, Derek Brunsberg, Joshua Colburn, James Kanten, Levi Kary, Charles Stech, Jeremy Steil, Adam VanWagner.

REGRETS: Scott LeBlanc.

GUESTS: President Bruininks, Jerry Rinehart, Kate Stuckert.

1. DISCUSSION WITH PRESIDENT BRUININKS

President Bruininks and Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs Jerry Rinehart joined the meeting to talk to members about several topics.

CAPITAL BONDING
President Bruininks said that in even years the University submits a capital bonding request for renewal and construction of buildings. The University requested $155 million in this year’s request, while the Governor only recommended $76 million of that amount. The University was deeply disappointed with the Governor’s recommendation and felt that it submitted a reasonable request after the cut it received last year. He said that the University is just trying to take care of buildings that it already has; 65 percent are over 30 years old and 30 percent are over 70 years old.

A large portion of the request was for HEAPR funds, which pay for health and safety improvements on campus. If the University does not receive these funds, the state of buildings will soon be at the same point as the late 1980’s. Also requested and not received was $15 million to improve classrooms in the Academic Health Center.

He stated that the legislative network is working on lobbying the legislature, but students also need to be heavily involved. He asked students to work closely with Jerry Rinehart and Government Relations to get the key message across to the public that the University is a priceless asset to the state. He noted that the University returns $16-20 to the state for each $1 of investment.

TUITION
President Bruininks said that tuition rates will continue to increase next year, with a 14 percent increase projected for Twin Cities undergraduates. Duluth’s increase will be slightly higher, and Crookston and Morris will be one percent lower. The Graduate School increase will also be close to 14 percent, while professional programs will increase according to the market rates. Because of these continued increases, the University is putting money funds into scholarships and fellowships, and is trying to raise more matching funds for these investments. The University will work hard next year to try and increase state support.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS
President Bruininks noted that recreational sports is a key part of the resident experience at the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses, but that more amenities are needed closer to where students live. To meet this need, the University needs to do a better job of expanding facilities, while finding creative ways to marginalize costs.

STADIUM
President Bruininks noted that this is the worst time to be talking about a stadium, but the University needs to advocate for what it needs or it will be told what it needs. He commented that it was a mistake for the University to leave Memorial Stadium to enter an arena better suited for concerts and conventions. An on-campus stadium can support more than football, including intramural sports, but student input is needed.

To build a stadium, private and state funding will be needed, and the venture will not be pursued if it risks the athletics’ budget or academic priorities. The University is not requesting any bonding funds this year or in two years, but would only seek state funding through a special request with the other professional teams seeking stadiums.

ALCOHOL
President Bruininks commented that work is taking place on alcohol policy issues, and students are working with neighborhood groups on this topic.

In closing, President Bruininks mentioned that a few positions in central administration are being reorganized to better serve the University, however the changes will not affect student life.

Associate Vice Provost Rinehart then stated that student affairs is meant to add value to the student experience. To improve the experience, his office needs to engage colleges and departments and offer more collaboration. The definition of learning also needs to be examined since much happens to students outside of the classroom, and students should be able to apply their class experience outside. Students also need to be prepared for the next step in their career. If the student experience is engaging, he hopes that it will lead to better retention and faster graduation.

Q: What are the implications of the Bush higher education policies and caps being proposed?

A: It is disingenuous for politicians to cut University budgets and increases. Higher education is still affordable, but more money is needed for direct student subsidies. The proposal, at this time, would only help community colleges.

2. FINALIZE TRAVEL DATES TO DULUTH AND CROOKSTON

Dan Weiske stated that Duluth meets every Monday at 5 pm and Crookston meets every other Monday at 6 pm. He proposed February 9 as a possible date to visit Duluth. For the Crookston trip, it was proposed that maybe the SSCC could meet with the CSA leadership outside of a CSA meeting since it would not be possible to travel there and back on a Monday. Jim Kanten said that he would proposed this option to his assembly.

3. REPORT OF THE ALCOHOL POLICY TASK FORCE

Charles Stech reported that the task force met earlier today, with members from Duluth, Morris, and Twin Cities. The task force reviewed the Regents Policies on Alcohol and Health and Safety, and discussed the different policies between campuses, licensing for campus pubs, and the definition of possession. The task force will meet again next week and will look to bring in speakers from ATOD.

Q: Did the task force discuss a private business operating a pub?

A: No. It discussed a campus unit operating a pub.

4. MEMBER FOR BUSINESS AND RULES

Jim Kanten agreed to be the new Business and Rules Committee member.

5. SENATE REORGANIZATION UPDATE

A meeting was held yesterday to hear coordinate campus concerns with the reorganization proposal. One coordinate campus member argued that by eliminating the Twin Cities Campus Assembly, it signals that the University Senate would be the same as a Twin Cities-only body. The meeting also discussed coordinate campus discussion of Twin Cities-only issues. The full working group will meet on February 2 and the Faculty Senate will meet on February 12 to discuss the proposal.

Q: Will the reorganization come to the Senate for a vote this year?

A: It is hopeful since there are still three meetings remaining.

A member said that there are still some students concerned with CAPA and Civil Service having a voice in the University Senate.

6. OTHER BUSINESS

With no further business, Dan Weiske thanked all members for attending and adjourned the meeting.

Becky Hippert
University Senate