Coordinating Board for Higher Education Meeting Minutes 04-06
COORDINATING BOARD FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
MINUTES OF MEETING
April 6, 2006
The Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) and Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC) met at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 6 at Westminster College in Fulton.
Members present were:
Diana Bourisaw, Vice Chair
Martha Boswell
Duane Schreimann
Kathryn Swan
Gregory Upchurch
Presidents or their representatives present were:
Aaron Podolefsky, Central Missouri State University
Henry Givens, Jr., Harris-Stowe State University
James Scanlon, Missouri Western State University
Charles McAdams for Dean Hubbard, Northwest Missouri State University
Ken Dobbins, Southeast Missouri State University
Frank Einhellig for Michael Nietzel, Missouri State University
Michael McManis for Barbara Dixon, Truman State University
John F. Carney III, University of Missouri-Rolla
Steven Gates, Crowder College
Jackie Snyder, Metropolitan Community Colleges
Norman Myers, Ozarks Technical Community College
Marsha Drennon, State Fair Community College
Larry Kimbrow for John Cooper, Three Rivers Community College
Vice Chair Diana Bourisaw called the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and Presidential Advisory Committee meeting to order. A list of guests is included as Attachment A.
The presence of a quorum was established with a roll call vote.
Vice Chair Bourisaw welcomed everyone to the meeting and expressed appreciation on behalf of the board to Westminster College and President Fletcher Lamkin for hosting the CBHE and PAC meetings.
President Lamkin welcomed the CBHE and the presidents and chancellors to the Westminster campus. He offered remarks highlighting the work of Westminster College and the important role of independent institutions within the Missouri higher education landscape. Vice Chair Bourisaw congratulated President Lamkin as Westminster has been recognized by The Princeton Review as the fourth best value in private colleges in the nation.
Committee Reports
Audit Committee
Mr. Duane Schreimann, Audit Committee Chair, reported that MDHE staff distributed to the committee the United States Department of Education (USDE), Guaranty Agency Review Report, dated February 17, 2006. Dr. Jim Matchefts, Assistant Commissioner and General Counsel sent an initial response to the USDE regarding the report, with a detailed response due to USDE later in April. There are several items in the audit report that the committee will discuss. The committee will provide a full report to the board during the June 2006 board meeting.
Student Loan/Financial Aid Committee
There was no report from the Student Loan/Financial Aid Committee.
Appointment of Nominating Committee for Selection of CBHE Officers
Vice Chair Bourisaw read a memo from Chair Lowell Kruse regarding the appointment of the CBHE nominating committee, included with the minutes as Attachment B. The nominating committee will recommend a slate of officer candidates to the full board at the June meeting; the committee will be composed of Diana Bourisaw, who will serve as chair of the committee, Marie Carmichael, and Gregory Upchurch. Vice Chair Bourisaw noted that elections will take place at the June meeting.
Vice Chair Bourisaw turned the meeting over to President James Scanlon, Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee.
Presidential Advisory Committee
FY 2007 Budget Update
Ms. Donna Imhoff, Assistant Commissioner for Fiscal Affairs and Operations provided an update on the status of the FY 2007 higher education budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee continued mark up of HB 1003 on Wednesday, April 5.
The recommendation for a two percent increase to the FY 2006 core budgets for the public two- and four-year institutions remains in place.
The Governor's recommendation for a four percent pay plan increase for state employees remains intact as well.
The House Budget committee eliminated funding, but not FTE, for proprietary school administration, with the intent that fees charged for certification could take the place of General Revenue funding. In order to accomplish this, however, additional legislation is necessary to change the calculation of the fees to ensure enough money is collected to continue operation of the program. Such legislation has not been introduced. The Senate Appropriations committee has restored funding to the proprietary program.
The Governor recommended a $200,000 FY 2006 supplemental increase to the Bright Flight scholarship program in order to fully fund scholarships for qualified students. The same increase has been recommended for FY 2007 and passed through the House.
The House Budget committee recommended an additional $2.3 million for the Charles Gallagher Scholarship Program; however, the Senate Appropriations committee moved the $2.3 million into the Missouri College Guarantee Program. These differences will be worked out in conference committee.
The recommendation for community college appropriations to be consolidated into General Revenue and Lottery proceed funds to appear as a single line item passed the House, however the Senate Appropriations committee split out the appropriations. This item will also go to conference. As noted previously, this is a technical issue and does not impact funding for the community colleges.
During the Senate Appropriations hearing on April 5, the committee added $200,000 for the University of Missouri-St. Louis for an Institute for Ethics; $750,000 anesthesiologist assistants program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; $2 million to the University of Missouri System; and a reduction to the UM System of $285,000 that was moved to the Missouri Rehabilitation Center.
Both the House Budget Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee added additional funding for the State Historical Society. The Alzheimer's Program will also become a conference item, because of differences between the House and the Senate committee versions for funding the program.
The Senate Appropriations committee has included slightly more then $200,000 in funding for MOREnet, which will also become a conference item because of the difference from the House version of the appropriations bill.
Summary of Proposed Legislation Related to Higher Education
Ms. Becky Brennecke, MDHE Legislative Liaison, provided an update on the status of the various higher education related bills currently pending before the General Assembly.
SB 580, sponsored by Senator Charlie Shields, seeks greater collaboration between the Departments of Economic Development, Elementary and Secondary education, and Higher Education. This bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting a hearing the House.
SB 590, Sponsored by Senator Gary Nodler, referred to as the Omnibus Higher Education Bill, would grant additional authority to the CBHE, as well as create several scholarship programs. This bill was heard by the House Higher Education Committee on Tuesday, April 4, but has not been voted out of committee.
SB 654, sponsored by Senator Gary Nodler and the companion bill in the House, HB 1754, sponsored by Rep. David Sater, would establish the Associate Degree Transfer Incentive Scholarship Program. These bills are not moving at this time.
SB 1256 is the Senate's plan for utilizing funds from the partial sale of MOHELA assets. The Senate's plan would appropriate funds to the Departments of Health and Senior Services, Social Services, and Elementary and Secondary Education for various health initiatives and to public four-year higher education institutions for capital funding projects. SB 1256 was heard this week in Senate Appropriations with several presidents testifying on behalf of the bill.
There are several pieces of legislation which relate to Veterans scholarship programs. Although the bills create the scholarship programs, none of the bills identify a funding source for the programs.
HB 1865, sponsored by Rep. Carl Bearden, the higher education student funding act, which creates the Access Missouri Scholarship program, also contains two recommendations from the State Student Aid Task Force relating to renewal criteria for scholarship recipients. This bill is currently awaiting full consideration by the House.
HB 2157, Sponsored by Rep. Allen Icet, requires itemized appropriations from four-year institutions for operations and maintenance and repair.
Chair Scanlon noted that the joint presidents group from the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and the Council on Public Higher Education (COPHE) determined on Wednesday that both associations would attempt to influence the legislation relating to the associate degree transfer incentive scholarship program in an effort to get the bills back on track and moving through the legislative process. Commissioner Fitch reiterated that the CBHE is supportive of this legislation and that he has spoken with a number of legislators regarding the board's support of this legislation.
Chair Scanlon also reported that the COPHE presidents have unanimously agreed and a letter has been sent to members of the General Assembly voicing opposition to substantial portions of HB 1865. Of primary concern are the long-term funding implications for higher education institutions, as well as the fee for services portion of the legislation.
Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative
Commissioner Fitch provided an update and overview of the various plans that would utilize funds that would result from the sale of a portion of MOHELA's assets. Though the plans differ somewhat, the key element to the plans remains funding for capital projects at higher education institutions.
On March 10 the MOHELA Board of Directors passed a resolution encouraging selection of a plan that would utilize all funds to support the students and the state system of higher education.
The MOHELA board anticipates that by the end of May a full analysis will be complete with respect to MOHELA's ability to sell a portion of its assets, while continuing to support the students whose loans MOHELA services.
CBHE Vice Chair Diana Bourisaw stated that the CBHE supports reinvesting these in higher education.
Minutes of the February 9, 2006 CBHE Meeting
Mr. Schreimann moved that the minutes of the February 9, 2006 CBHE meeting be approved as printed. Mr. Upchurch seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Resolution of Community College Programs Delivered Out-of-Taxing District
Dr. Robert Stein, Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs noted that at the February 9, 2006 CBHE meeting he reported that discrepancies had been discovered in the state's official acadmic program inventory. MDHE staff and community college leaders have been working together to resolve the discrepancies and a process will be put in place to assure that this type of situation does not occur in the future.
After extensive review of self-reported information, adjustments for clerical and administrative errors, and clarification about the exact location of several sites, all but fifteen programs were reconciled and recommended to the commissioner for integration into each institution's official program inventory. Three institutions initiated removing seven of the fifteen remaining programs. These institutions indicated that they would work through the formal CBHE approval process prior to implementing any of these programs at the affected sites.
Based upon clear community need and analysis by MDHE staff of historical data the eight remaining programs have been listed in the state's official academic program inventory.
Three Rivers Community College and State Fair Community College have requested that certain programs be placed on inactive status. For State Fair these include programs it discontinued in Jefferson City that are to be maintained on their official program inventory as inactive. For Three Rivers, programs include those listed for delivery on the Southeast Missouri State University campus in Cape Girardeau. State Fair and Three Rivers have agreed that to activate any of these programs CBHE approval would be required.
Dr. Stein noted that all official out-of-taxing district programs at Three Rivers Community College are also undergoing further review as part of the official site survey review for Three Rivers Community College and Southeast Missouri State University as directed by the CBHE. Resolution of program discrepancies for TRCC identified in this agenda item does not preclude further recommendations if warranted about sites and/or inventories for TRCC.
Mr. Upchurch asked what process will be utilized to prevent these discrepancies from happening in the future. Dr. Stein said that MDHE staff will work with institutions on an annual basis; chief academic officers will be asked to review the state program inventory, comparing it to institutional program listings to ensure that both lists are completely accurate. Dr. Stein said that MDHE staff will work with each educational sector to formally establish this annual process.
Mr. Schreimann moved that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education commend community college presidents and chancellors for working with MDHE staff in a timely manner to reconcile any and all discrepancies in the state's official program inventory concerning academic programs offered outside an institution's taxing district.
Further, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education instructs the MDHE staff to make the appropriate adjustments in the official program inventories for Mineral Area College, Ozarks Technical Community College, State Fair Community College and Three Rivers Community College based on the analysis and conclusions resulting from this reconciliation process.
Finally, the Coordinating Board directs the MDHE staff to work with public and independent institutions on a sector-by-sector basis to ensure that the listing for all other academic programs is accurate, and that a process be developed to ensure validation of the state's official program inventory. Mrs. Swan seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Consent Calendar
Items on the consent calendar are recurring issues or are a routine part of the CBHE's and the MDHE's operation. Any or all items may be withdrawn from the consent calendar by any member of the board, if further discussion is necessary.
Missouri High School Graduates Performance Report
The Coordinating Board for Higher Education has statutory responsibility to annually produce the "Missouri High School Graduates Performance Report." The report, which has been produced since 1996, is provided to the State Board of Education, providing information about the performance of public high school graduates during their first year of attendance at Missouri's public two- and four-year institutions. The report is intended as a resource to inform discussion about preparation, high school and collegiate curriculum, advising systems, academic planning, and collegiate success. As a result of increasing requests for the report from high school administrators, the format of this year's report and the way in which it is posted on the MDHE and DESE websites should increase the awareness and availability of the report. Statute requires that the department report on very specific elements and to disaggregate those variables by school building and disaggregate by gender and ethnicity; data elements are not disclosed in cells with three or fewer students.
CBHE members expressed concern regarding the increased need for remediation in math, English, and reading. Board members asked Commissioner Fitch and Dr. Stein to request time on the agenda of the next State Board of Education meeting to formally present the report, further increasing the report's visibility.
MDHE staff and presidents and chancellors agreed that the report would be further enhanced if independent institutions supplied data for the report. Participation by the independent institutions would provide a more complete picture of the performance of high schools graduates attending institutions in Missouri.
Presidents also agreed that across the country and in Missouri as well, there are courses at higher education institutions which are effectively remedial courses that are not overtly identified as such, suggesting that the remedial data contained in the high school graduates report is low.
Mr. Schreimann moved that items found behind Tabs E, F, G, H, I, and J on the consent calendar be approved as printed. Ms. Boswell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Continued Conversations about Accountability Models
Dr. Stein highlighted the ongoing national conversation about accountability in higher education. The question has become how we choose to address accountability in Missouri. The intent of this item is to acknowledge 20 years of work, recognizing the positive effects of Missouri's approach to accountability, as well as increased comfort in data sharing, but it is also intended as an opportunity to foster meaningful conversations about accountability and begin planning for a more advanced accountability program for the Missouri system of higher education.
Dr. Stein suggested that the state system of higher education is at a crucial juncture; where do we go from here, can we agree on an approach, set an agenda, and move forward. Board members discussed various approaches that would foster collaboration among key stakeholders in building a strong accountability system. It will be critical for each sector, two- and four-year institutions, public and independent institutions to make the issue of system wide strategic planning and a strong accountability system a priority in their discussions, as well as in conversations between and among board members and the presidents and chancellors.
Mr. Upchurch suggested establishing a strategic planning committee of the board, suggesting that a wide group of constituencies needs to take ownership of this initiative in order for it to be successful.
Math/Science Summit Update
Dr. Stein highlighted the invitational math/science summit taking place in Jefferson City on April 25. The math/science summit will place a spotlight on the need for all citizens to become more mathematically, technologically, and scientifically savvy. The test of time will determine if the ideas shared at the Summit will result in system reform and sustainable improvements. Missouri's higher education community will have a role to play in post-summit activities.
Report of the Commissioner
Commissioner Fitch said that since early January, MDHE staff has been working to develop a more structured framework for the analysis and prioritization for recommending capital improvement project funding. During the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) work session on April 5, the board discussed the draft criteria.
The MDHE and CBHE see the development of this process as a collaborative effort among the board and department and the presidents and chancellors to finalize the framework. Criteria likely to be included in the analysis are a justification element with a complete needs analysis, as well as consideration of several peripheral factors (demolition costs, environmental impact statements, and economic development considerations).
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, Ms. Swan moved for adjournment, Mr. Schreimann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The Coordinating Board for Higher Education meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Miner
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner
Attachment A
Roster of Guests
Coordinating Board for Higher Education
April 6, 2006
Name - Affiliation
Constance Bowman - Harris-Stowe State University
Becky Brennecke - Missouri Department of Higher Education
John F. Carney, III - University of Missouri-Rolla
Jeanie Crain - Missouri Western State University
Ken Dobbins - Southeast Missouri State University
Marsha Drennon - State Fair Community College
Frank Einhellig - Missouri State University
John Ganio - St. Louis Community College
Steven Gates - Crowder College
Henry Givens, Jr. - Harris-Stowe State University
Charles T. Goodwin - Harris-Stowe State University
Donna Imhoff - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Jim Kellerman - Missouri Community College Association
Leroy King - Harris-Stowe State University
Larry Kimbrow - Three Rivers Community College
Fletcher Lamkin - Westminster College
Brian Long - Council on Public Higher Education
Jim Matchefts - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Charles McAdams - Northwest Missouri State University
Michael McManis - Truman State University
Brenda Miner - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Norman K. Myers - Ozarks Technical Community College
Ann Pearce - Central Missouri State University
Dan Peterson - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Aaron Podolefsky - Central Missouri State University
Greg Sandbothe - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Jackie Snyder - Metropolitan Community Colleges
Robert Stein - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Rochelle Tilghman - Harris-Stowe State University
Attachment B
TO: The Coordinating Board for Higher Education
FROM: Lowell C. Kruse, Chair
DATE: March 23, 2006
SUBJECT: Appointment of CBHE Nominating Committee
In preparation for the election of officers, which will take place at the June 14 CBHE meeting, I am appointing Diana Bourisaw, Marie Carmichael, and Greg Upchurch to serve as the CBHE nominating committee. Dr. Bourisaw will serve as chair of the nominating committee.
As a result of board discussion in October and December 2005, a list was developed outlining factors to be considered by the nominating committee as they develop a slate of officer candidates for the board's consideration. The list is attached to this memo for your reference.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the officer nomination process, please contact Diana Bourisaw, chair of the nominating committee.
Attachment
