2007-08 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

MARCH 6, 2008

STUDENT SENATE MINUTES: No. 3

The third meeting of the Student Senate for 2007-08 was convened in Studio C, Rarig Center, Minneapolis campus, on Thursday, March 6, 2008, at 11:35 a.m. Coordinate campuses were linked by telephone. Checking or signing the roll as present were 17 student members. Vice Chair Ronald Miller presided.

1. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSES TO SENATE ACTIONS
Information

Resolution on Fair Trade Coffee
Approved by the:
Student Senate November 29, 2007
Approved by the:
Administration February 25, 2008*
Approved by the:
Board of Regents – no response required

* The University of Minnesota supports offering fair trade coffee to campus customers where reasonable, including University residential, retail, and catering operations. In fact, since 2001, University Dining Service (UDS) has achieved a 48% increase in the availability of fair trade coffee to its campus customers, and offers at least one fair trade coffee choice at all locations, and in some venues offers it exclusively. The possibility of offering fair trade coffee exclusively is now automatically a part of the evaluation process when the University considers a new retail location on campus.

As part of their evaluation process, UDS balances social responsibility with customer demand. In response to customer satisfaction surveys, UDS has provided a broader range of coffee options to meet varied customer brand preferences and cost (for example, fair trade coffee can cost anywhere from 12-35% more than non-certified coffees, depending upon the roast and flavor profile). Also as a result of customer surveys, UDS has incorporated national brands like Starbucks, Dunn Bros, and Einstein's Bros - which all offer a fair trade coffee selection, but do not exclusively offer fair trade coffee - into campus offerings. UDS will continue to seek input from its campus customers on a regular basis to assess ongoing customer needs and demand for fair trade coffee.

Resolution on a Designated Suppliers Program
Approved by the:
Student Senate November 29, 2007
Approved by the:
Administration February 25, 2008*
Approved by the:
Board of Regents – no response required

* The University of Minnesota supports the underlying goals and principles of the Designated Suppliers Program (DSP) and has for many years been an advocate for safe, decent working conditions for those who manufacture University-licensed apparel. Through the Trademark Licensee Code of Conduct, the University expresses its commitment to conducting its business affairs in a socially responsible and ethical manner.

The Workers Right Consortium (WRC) submitted the DSP to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for an opinion regarding the legality f the DSP under the U.S. antitrust law. It is the University's understanding that the DOJ has informed the WRC that it has concerns about the legality of the DSP. It is also the University's understanding that there is considerable debate among a large constituency of WRC members regarding particular terms and provisions of the DSP. Consequently, the University has charged an internal working group (including students, faculty, administrators, and other members of the campus community) to:

- review and assess the proposed Designated Suppliers Program in light of the Department of Justice finding;
- identify and assess other options for addressing issues of policy enforcement with the WRC Code of Conduct;
- advise on the adoption of a broader University Vendor Code of Conduct that would apply to all vendors;
- review the University's existing Trademark Licensee Code of Conduct and recommend any necessary changes or updates; and
- recommend how the University should move forward in each of these areas.

The University anticipates, and looks forward to, receiving the working group recommendations in fall.

Resolution on System-wide Course Book Cost Reform
Approved by the:
Student Senate November 29, 2007
Approved by the:
Administration February 25, 2008*
Approved by the:
Board of Regents – no response required

* The University of Minnesota supports efforts to help reduce textbook costs for students. Consequently, the recommendations in this resolution are being referred to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and the Vice President for University Services or their delegates for consideration and possible implementation.

2. STUDENT SENATE CONSULTATIVE REPORT
Resolution on Light Rail for the University
Information for the Student Senate

FOR INFORMATION:

According to the charge to the Student Consultative Committee, it has the authority "[t]o act on behalf of the Student Senate when a decision is required prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Student Senate and when a decision is required when it would not be possible to convene a special meeting of the Student Senate in a timely fashion; such actions will be reported to the Student Senate at its next meeting and the Student Senate may then overrule the Student Senate Consultative Committee." The following amendment was approved by the Student Senate Consultative Committee on February 25, 2008.

Resolution on Light Rail through the University

As it has become necessary to trim the overall cost of the Central Corridor Light Rail budget, the tunnel under Washington Avenue for the Central Corridor has been deemed too expensive to include in the final proposal.

The remaining options include 1) at-grade light rail on Washington Avenue sharing the roadway with vehicular and pedestrian traffic, 2) at-grade light rail on Washington Avenue with the roadway being recreated as a pedestrian plaza, or 3) a Northern alignment utilizing the current railroad infrastructure.

The Student Senate Consultative Committee has discussed the three possible options with the following outcome:
Therefore, the Student Senate Consultative Committee on behalf of the Twin Cities Student Delegation feels that if a tunnel cannot be built, then the next best option is the Northern alignment.

RONALD MILLER, CHAIR
STUDENT SENATE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

3. COUNCIL OF ACADEMIC PROFESSIONALS AND ADMINISTRATORS UPDATE

Pamela Stenhjem, Chair of the Council of Academic Professionals and Administrators (CAPA), said that they are at the time of year when they look for new members for the committee, although she can report that the Executive Committee has agreed to run again for positions.

One issue CAPA is dealing with is the administrative procedures for the Regents copyright policy which include an addendum on ownership and use. The addendum, however, will not cover the work of academic professional employees, but will provide faculty with more leeway for their scholarly work and copyright. The Faculty Consultative Committee has a subcommittee to advise the administration on the procedures and CAPA has asked to have academic professionals members on this subcommittee to work for equal rights within the procedures.

Another issue is that there is no systematic recognition for contributions from academic professional employees, either in terms of awards or a system to showcase work or years of service. CAPA will work on a proposal for a system of recognition.

Other plans for CAPA are a central pool for funding professional development leaves, retiree title and handbook, increased vacation, and tuition payment for dependents.

In closing she encourages students to attend CAPA meetings on the third Friday of each month from 9:00 am-12:00 pm in 101 Walter Library.

4. CIVIL SERVICE COMMITTEE UPDATE

Cathy Marquardt, Chair of the Civil Service Committee (CSC), said that CSC approved the annual pay plan for this classification in January, which includes a 3.25 percent increase. Three units will also be moving to a merit pay plan.

At the last CSC meeting, the committee approved a Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP), which is a tax-free benefit for employees that is already in use by the Teamsters union. Employees can deposit and withdraw funds for health care without paying any taxes, and the fund earns interest tax-free. CSC has determined that for civil service employees who leave the University with at least ten years of service and at least 200 hours of vacation, their vacation payout would be deposited into a HCSP. The funds will be managed by the Minnesota State Retirement System.

Other issues for the CSC are advocacy work, discussing the burden from a new financial system that goes live July 1 and requires employee training, searching for six new members for the CSC, and elections for the vice chair and treasurer positions in April.

Lastly, she invited students to CSC meetings which are the fourth Thursday of each month from 9:00 am-12:00 pm.

5. STUDENT SENATE/ STUDENT SENATE
CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORT

Ronald Miller, Student Senate/Student Senate Consultative Committee (SSCC) Chair, said that most items that SSCC has discussed will be discussed later on today's agenda. He stated that the Student Advisory Council has been discussing the textbook issue as well.

There are a few internal matters. One is the change to the Student Senate election process that is being worked on and will be presented later this spring. Currently, it is the responsibility of each college board to elect senators. Either through lack of publicity or interest, there are not enough students applying for Student Senate seats each spring. Therefore SSCC is discussing continuing with college board elections spring semester, but after August 15 turning responsibility over to the Student Senate and SSCC to fill its own seats. SSCC would ask students to apply for positions, and then present candidates to the Student Senate for final approval.

A second is that Twin Cities undergraduate students are reminded that the All-Campus Election Commission filing deadline for Student Senate is tomorrow at 4 pm and the application is available on the web.

6. ASSEMBLY/ASSOCIATION UPDATES

Crookston – Neal Brown stated that a convocation was held for 4.0 and chancellor's list students as well as student-athletes from spring sports. A smoking policy forum was also held yesterday. There were 30-40 students in attendance, and some good points were made. CSA continues to work on recycling bins in all classrooms.

Duluth – Jeni Kiewatt said that UMDSA is had its accreditation visits on campus this week and elections are being scheduled.

Morris – There was no report.

Graduate and Professional Student Assembly – James Faghmous stated that GAPSA has hired an at-large director and will be publicizing its elections. GAPSA is planning to send some representatives to Washington D.C. to lobby and make connections with federal representatives. In fall 2008, GAPSA will be hosting the National Graduate and Professional Student conference.

Minnesota Student Association - Mark Lewandowski noted that MSA participated in the Support the U day at the capitol. Other initiatives are the Lend a Hand, Hear the Band concert on April 10 and a student concern forum.

7. STUDENT TUITION
Discussion with Peter Zetterberg

Peter Zetterberg, from the Office of the Provost, stated that he does the tuition modeling and planning for the University. He is at the meeting to discuss next year's tuition rate at 7.5 percent which was proposed by the President last June. This amount includes increases to tuition and the University fee. The increase is the same for Crookston, Duluth, and Morris. Non-resident rates will increase the same rate. There was also a provision in last year's appropriation bill that buys the increase down to 5 percent next year for Minnesota residents from families with an adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less. Students do need to file a FAFSA to receive this rate.

In odd years the state focuses on the capital budget and the University takes its budget proposal for the next fiscal year, including tuition rates, to the Regents in April for review and action in May. However, the increase in state funds to the University was already scheduled to be small for next year. This year's amount was $621 million and next year's expected amount was $637 million. Given the state budget deficit, the University's state funding might actually be less than it is this year. Even so, the University is still proposing a 7.5 percent tuition increase. The Governor will soon release a plan to deal with the state budget deficit, which could impact the tuition increase. This is not expected, but it is possible.

He highlighted other tuition changes, including the tuition reciprocity change with Wisconsin that was negotiated last year and takes effect fall 2008 for incoming freshmen and transfer students. By fall 2009, all Wisconsin reciprocity students will pay the same rate as Minnesota students. This is the same agreement that the University has with North Dakota, South Dakota, and Manitoba. The University is also lowering its non-resident tuition rates for students at the Duluth and Twin Cities campuses; there is no non-resident rate at Crookston or Morris. For the Twin Cities, this rate will be the Minnesota rate plus $4,000; for Duluth, this rate will the Minnesota rate plus $2,000. The increase in Wisconsin reciprocity rates more than offsets the non-resident rate decrease.

Within the Big Ten, the University ranks fifth behind Penn State, Illinois, Michigan, and Michigan in terms of tuition. When tuition and fees are combined, the University is still in the middle at a cost of $9560/year, while Penn State costs the most at $12,850 and Iowa costs the least at $6300.

Q: What is the capital enhancement fee?

A: This fee will start at $25 per year for new students and double the next year.

Q: What will be the total of student fees next year?

A: This is not known since student service fees are set by each campus, and this process is not complete at this time. Technology fee proposals have not been finalized for next year; the Twin Cities fees should likely not increase by more than three percent.

Q: How much is the University fee and what is its intent versus tuition?

A: The University fee is now $1000 per year and will increase to $1100 per year. The total increase for tuition and fees will be just 7.5 percent. University fee revenue and tuition revenue are both used for the same items, such as utilities and salary increases.

Q: What will be the professional and graduate school tuition increases for next year?

A: The assumption is that these schools will have the same increase as the undergraduates, but they are given the ability to propose a different increase amount. The Law School has already determined that it will increase 9.5 percent and the Graduate School will be 7.5 percent. Some graduate programs, Architecture and the MBA, also have unique tuition rates, and he has not seen their rates.

Q: Why does the Medical School have the highest tuition of any public medical school?

A: This issue is complicated since tuition is reported in different ways. Tuition exchanges that are done nationally are only for the academic year and yet most medical schools are year-around. Therefore, comparing the rates for just the two semesters does not take into effect summer session.

Q: What are students receiving for the increase in tuition and fees?

A: Most of the increase simply covers inflation, as well as investments in some new areas, such as the Honors program.

Q: Is there a strategic plan in place to have a better way to request funds from the legislature?

A: The situation in Minnesota is almost the same in all states, in which there is gradual erosion in state support for higher education. In Minnesota, support peaked in the 1970s and has therefore forced institutions to place a growing reliance on tuition. This situation is not likely to change, since state funding goes to higher priorities, such as K-12 education. Higher education financing is always vulnerable because there is an obvious alternative. At some time market forces will take over and prospective students will say that higher education is no longer affordable. The University is aware of the issue, but most planning is out of its hands. The University can only strongly advocate for its position.

Q: Can the University ask the state to refocus its priorities on higher education?

A: The University already does this every other year when it presents its budget request to the state. The legislature is concerned about tuition levels, but the final decision is not always what students want to see. If the University does not increase tuition enough, over time services would have to disappear to keep that low tuition rate.

Q: Are there plans for increase donations?

A: The University's scholarship campaign will continue.

8. STUDENT RELEASE QUESTIONS
Action

Student Release Questions (Revised February 21, 2008 by SSCC)
1. Approximately how many hours per week do you spend working on homework, readings, and projects for this course
0-2 hours per week
3-5 hours per week
6-9 hours per week
10-14 hours per week
15 or more hours per week

2. Compared to other courses at this level, the amount I have learned in this course is
less.
about the same.
more.
I have not taken other courses at this level.

3. Compared to other courses at this level, the difficulty of this course is
less.
about the same.
more.
I have not taken other courses at this level.

4. I would recommend this course to other students.
Yes
No

5. I would recommend this instructor to other students.
Yes
No

6. Please rate your instructor in terms of the following characteristics.
 
Agree - Somewhat Agree - Somewhat Disagree - Disagree - Not applicable

A. Is approachable
B. Provides timely and constructive feedback
C. Is prepared for class
D. Makes effective use of course readings
E. Creates worthwhile assignments
F. Requires critical thinking
G. Has a grading system that is reasonable


DISCUSSION:

Ronald Miller, Student Senate/Student Senate Consultative Committee (SSCC) Chair, said that the Student Senate discussed this process in November and reaffirmed the 2006 questions. There is a desire to consolidate the form, so he met with Professor Gary Balas, Chair of the Faculty Consultative Committee (FCC). He expressed student frustration with the process and asked what could be done to reach a consensus.

At SSCC on February 21 a discussion was held which led to a revised set of questions. The first five questions remained the same, but there was considerable change in the bottom half.

A senator noted that the revised questions should move forward so that students do not keep waiting for new questions.

Due to a lack of quorum, the motion was withdrawn. Ronald Miller noted that senators are welcome to email him with any questions or comments.

WITHDRAWN

9. STUDENT SENATE STIPENDS
Action

FOR INFORMATION:

The Student Consultative Committee, less its stipend-receiving members, shall review the performance of duties of all stipend-receiving members and vote on the approval, reduction, or withholding of the portion of their stipends allocated for spring semester. A two-thirds affirmative vote by the Student Consultative Committee is required for modification of stipend disbursement.

The Student Consultative Committee recommendation shall be presented to the Student Senate for approval at or before the Student Senate's last regular meeting of spring semester. Stipend receiving persons have a right to answer questions about or speak regarding the Student Consultative Committee's findings at this meeting if they so chose. A two-thirds vote of the Student Senate is required to modify the Student Consultative Committee recommendation.

MOTION:

The Student Senate Stipend Review Committee has reviewed the performance of the following stipend-receiving students: Ronald Miller, SSCC/Student Senate Chair; and, Kris Schwebler, SSCC/Student Senate Vice Chair. The recommendation from the committee is that:

COMMENT:


The Review Committee felt that both students fulfilled the duties associated with their positions and therefore should receive the full spring semester portion of their respective stipends.

ALICIA SMITH, CHAIR
STUDENT SENATE STIPEND REVIEW COMMITTEE

DISCUSSION:

Due to a lack of quorum, the motion was tabled.

TABLED

10. OLD BUSINESS

NONE

11. NEW BUSINESS

Q: How come Senate committee business does not come to the Student Senate?

A: Most committees report to the University Senate or the Faculty Senate, so reports are made to those bodies.

A senator suggested that more committee reports are made to the Student Senate.

Ronald Miller then reminded senators that the University Senate meets at 2:30 pm today in Mayo Auditorium and includes the President's State of the University Address.

12. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 12:42 pm.

Rebecca Hippert
Abstractor