Coordinating Board for Higher Education Meeting Minutes 06-06
COORDINATING BOARD FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
MINUTES OF MEETING
June 14, 2006
The Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) and Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC) met at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14 at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis.
Members present were:
Lowell C. Kruse, Chair
Martha Boswell
Diana Bourisaw
Jeanne Patterson
Duane Schreimann
Kathryn Swan
Gregory Upchurch
Earl Wilson, Jr.
Presidents or their representatives present were:
Ann Pearce for Aaron Podolefsky, Central Missouri State University
Henry Givens, Jr., Harris-Stowe State University
Carolyn Mahoney, Lincoln University
James Scanlon, Missouri Western State University
Dean Hubbard, Northwest Missouri State University
Ken Dobbins, Southeast Missouri State University
Michael Nietzel, Missouri State University
Barbara Dixon, Truman State University
Stephen Lehmkuhle for Elson Floyd, University of Missouri System
John F. Carney III, University of Missouri-Rolla
Thomas George, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Don Doucette for Jackie Snyder, Metropolitan Community Colleges
Terry Barnes, Mineral Area College
Norman Myers, Ozarks Technical Community College
John McGuire, St. Charles Community College
Henry Shannon, St. Louis Community College
John Cooper, Three Rivers Community College
Don Claycomb, Linn State Technical College
Edgar Rasch for Brian Nedwek, Maryville University
Chair Lowell C. Kruse called the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and Presidential Advisory Committee meeting to order. A list of guests is included as an attachment.
The presence of a quorum was established with a roll call vote.
Introduction and Greetings
Chair Kruse welcomed everyone to the meeting and expressed appreciation on behalf of the board to Harris-Stowe State University for hosting the CBHE and PAC meetings.
Dr. Henry Givens, Jr., President, Harris-Stowe State University warmly greeted CBHE members, presidents and chancellors, and guests and welcomed everyone to the Harris-Stowe State University campus. Dr. Givens highlighted the progress and accomplishments of HSSU since the last visit by the CBHE, which was in 1993.
Chair Kruse thanked Dr. Givens for the warm welcome the board has received while on the HSSU campus. Chair Kruse also remarked at the enthusiasm and spirit that radiates from Dr. Givens, the Board of Regents, and the entire HSSU community.
Board Service Recognition
CBHE members recognized Dr. Diana Bourisaw and Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. for their service as CBHE members. Chair Kruse commented on their commitment to improving the state system of higher education and their dedication to improving access and opportunity for Missouri students.
Committee Reports
Audit Committee
Mr. Duane Schreimann, CBHE Audit Committee Chair, reported that as he stated in April, the committee received the Guaranty Agency Review Report from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), dated February 17, 2006. MDHE staff sent a response on April 5, 2006 addressing the issues raised in the audit. The audit committee was scheduled to have a conference call to discuss the department's response to the audit, but prior to the committee meeting, MDHE received a letter from the USDE indicating that the department response was satisfactory and that the audit was closed.
Yesterday, Dr. Jim Matchefts distributed to audit committee members the State Auditor's report of security controls and policies and procedures used by the MDHE and the Office of Administration's Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) in managing student records maintained in the MDHE Financial Assistance for Undergraduate Students (FAMOUS) System. Mr. Schreimann said that the report will be reviewed by the audit committee and reported to the full board.
Student Loan/Financial Aid Committee
There was no report from the Student Loan/Financial Aid Committee.
Presidential Advisory Committee
Higher Education Funding Model
Ms. Donna Imhoff, Assistant Commissioner for Fiscal Affairs and Operations, briefly reviewed the higher education funding model approved in October 2005 for FY 2007 by the CBHE, with the endorsement of presidents and chancellors and the Office of Administration Budget and Planning staff. The funding model will be utilized again in FY 2008 and beyond. When budget instructions are distributed to institutions later in June, they will include slightly revised budget forms and instructions relating to the categories contained in the model. These revisions are based, in part, on feedback MDHE staff received from institutions' business officers. An upcoming conference call with the business officers and MDHE staff will provide an opportunity for the business officers to ask questions or express any concerns related to the funding model.
Increases in mandatory expenditures for items in the five identified areas (health care benefits, retirement, utilities, IT, and supplies and services), will result in a request for new money in the FY 2008 budget request. The department will ask each institution to supply the increases realized in those categories from FY 2005 to FY 2006.
Finally, the performance measure section of the funding model remains in a developmental stage. The plan calls for two institutional measures, which will be negotiated with the institutions and three statewide measures which MDHE will develop in collaboration with the institutions. Ideally, the performance measures should be finalized by the time the budget is produced. If no new funding is available for performance measures in the future, the intent is to have the measures in place so trend line data can be established.
Dr. Stephen Lehmkuhle, University of Missouri System, raised a concern regarding the shock factor of a budget request that includes actual increases in mandatory expenditures.
Chair Kruse stated that when the model was developed last year the CBHE made a policy decision to state the actual costs in order to create an awareness of the financial gaps that exist within the system of higher education. The model is also intended to establish a target for future funding efforts. The board agrees that not only is it important for higher education institutions to be as transparent as possible with their budget requests, it is important for the Governor and General Assembly and the public to be aware of the increases institutions continue to sustain related to mandatory expenditure increases. Throughout the 2005 legislative session there appeared to be support for that approach and the CBHE intends to move forward this year with the refined model.
New Federal Grant Programs: Academic Competitiveness Grants and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART)
Dr. Kenneth Dobbins, President, Southeast Missouri State University provided an overview of the new federal grant program opportunities for current college students and high school seniors applying for the new Academic Competitiveness Grants and National SMART Grants. Funding of $750 million for these programs will be available for the 2006-2007 academic year. Pell Grant-eligible students who complete rigorous coursework in high school or who are pursuing degrees in math, science, and critical foreign languages are also eligible for a portion of $790 million in new federal funding for higher education.
Dr. Dobbins stated that during a recent national conference Sally Stroup, Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education, USDE spoke about the Academic Competitiveness grants and the SMART grant program. In order to ensure students are eligible for the grants, states need to submit documentation relating to rigorous programs of study to USDE for their approval. Following a recent conference call with MDHE staff and staff from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), along with Dr. Dobbins and Dr. Terry Barnes, president, Mineral Area College, DESE submitted the current high school core curriculum, which was approved by the CBHE several years ago, as the rigorous course of study utilized in the state. DESE hopes to receive approval from USDE very soon.
Dr. Dobbins noted that because community colleges are open enrollment institutions, they do not necessarily track the students entering their institutions that have completed the core curriculum as do the four-year institutions. Overall however, utilizing the established core curriculum is the simplest method to ensure Missouri students have an opportunity to utilize these grants. The question was raised whether or not community college students would be at a disadvantage to receive these grants. While it is unlikely that community colleges will be at a disadvantage, the institutions will have to back into the data in order to determine student eligibility by first identifying students who are Pell Grant eligible and then reviewing high school transcripts for core curriculum completion.
CBHE members requested a follow up report on these grants as the details become better defined.
Minutes for the April 6, 2006 CBHE Meeting
Mr. Gregory Upchurch moved that the minutes of the April 6, 2006 CBHE meeting be approved as printed. Ms. Jeanne Patterson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
CBHE Strategic Planning Committee
Dr. Robert Stein, Associate Commissioner, highlighted previous systemic strategic planning efforts undertaken by the CBHE and department. As noted in this agenda item, the board has statutory responsibility to design a coordinated plan for the state system of higher education. In fulfilling this responsibility there have been and will continue to be strategic plans on file at the MDHE and with the Governor's office.
The establishment of a standing committee of board members, however, is intended to make strategic planning more continuous from one year to the next, more of an organizational norm ? imbedded and internalized within CBHE/MDHE and institutional culture, so the process of engaging in strategic planning becomes integrated into everyday thinking and work, so the spotlight is ever present on both the process and the product.
While strategic planning models vary, most strategic plans tend to focus attention on:
- Mission/vision statements
- Environmental scans (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats)
- Analyses of gaps between aspirations and reality
- Benchmarking (comparison with best practices and performance of peers)
- Establish goals (specific, measurable, agreed-upon, realistic, and time/cost bound)
- Prioritization
- Flexibility
- Review, Evaluation and Revision
The board's establishment of a standing committee on strategic planning that actively works with educational leaders and policymakers throughout Missouri will help to ensure visibility, sustainability, relevance, and effectiveness of the board's coordinated plan for the state's system of higher education.
The appointment of a strategic planning standing committee is timely as Commissioner Fitch received a June 2, 2006 correspondence from Tom Deuschle, Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Blunt indicating that the department's strategic plan has been accepted and should be posted to the MDHE website. The plan will include introductory comments indicating that the plan is intended as a dynamic document, subject to periodic revisions as it sets a foundation for prioritizing statewide agendas and tracking system effectiveness. The department has also been provided a list of the Governor's most recent priorities along with a request to indicate higher education's contributions to each priority.
Mr. Upchurch moved that the CBHE chair appoint a standing strategic planning committee. The committee should be composed of two CBHE members and the CBHE chair, who will serve as an ex officio member of the committee.
It is further recommended that the CBHE chair direct the strategic planning committee to utilize the current draft strategic plan to provide direction and a starting point for development of a system wide strategic plan framework and should engage leaders of each higher education sector (two- and four-year public, independent, and proprietary institutions) in the creation and establishment of a strategic plan. In addition, the committee should solicit feedback from leaders of each higher education sector prior to submission of any formal strategic planning document or proposal for action by the full board. Mr. Schreimann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
2006-2007 Committee Assignments
Chair Kruse stated that since the next agenda item is the election of new board officers, as well as the expected appointment of three new board members, the new CBHE chair will appoint new committee members and chairs of those committees.
Report of the CBHE Nominating Committee and Election of Officers
Dr. Diana Bourisaw, Chair of the CBHE Nominating Committee, proposed and moved for the adoption of the following slate of officers to serve in said capacity beginning at the close of today's meeting for a term of one year:
Ms. Kathryn Swan, Chair
Mr. Gregory Upchurch, Vice Chair
Mr. Duane Schreimann, Secretary
Ms. Jeanne Patterson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Chair-elect Kathryn Swan presented Chair Kruse with a plaque honoring his leadership and dedication to the CBHE and the state system of higher education during his tenure as board chair.
Southeast Missouri State University/Three Rivers Community College Site Surveys
Dr. Stein provided an update to the board on the Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and Three Rivers Community College (TRCC) site surveys. Both MDHE staff and personnel from TRCC and SEMO have been working diligently to meet the board's directive that an annual data collection and reporting system be implemented for all out-of-district and off-campus sites operated by these two institutions until the board determines to sunset this requirement.
This first survey is being used to establish baseline data for several indicators associated with educational delivery systems to communities served by both institutions?communities for TRCC that are outside its taxing district and communities for SEMO that are outside its home county but in the TRCC voluntary service region.
As noted in the agenda item, some of the indicators require further work to ensure their meaningful interpretation and comparability. It is important to note that both institutions have worked cooperatively with MDHE staff throughout this process and that the need for further clarification is the result of staff analysis and interpretation of the data submitted.
Despite some initial challenges which will be addressed later this summer, it is clear from the baseline data submitted for Malden, Kennett and Sikeston for FY 2005, that there is a demonstrated demand for the certificate and degree programs offered. Since these institutions operated out of the same facilities in these three communities until May 2005, it is only after submission of FY 2006 data that it will be possible to analyze the impact that the breakdown in cooperative ventures has had on these communities. In addition, MDHE staff should be able to analyze whether it makes sense for the state to be supportive of two separate operations and the extent to which unnecessary duplication may be identified.
While MDHE staff originally imagined a more aggressive timeframe for issuing its first annual report on the external delivery systems of each institution, adjustments have been made to ensure accurate, meaningful, and comparable data. While labor intensive, this project places an important spotlight on the southeast region of the state and serves as a reminder to both institutions that meeting the educational needs of the region, avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort and ensuring smooth transition from one educational level to another are all essential. It is important to bear in mind that the state system of higher education seeks to increase the educational attainment of Missouri citizens and improve the economic stability and growth of our state.
The work being done with SEMO and TRCC will serve as precedent for any additional monitoring of external delivery systems that the CBHE determines is necessary.
Dr. Bourisaw moved that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education commend the leadership and staff of Southeast Missouri State University and Three Rivers Community College for their cooperation in the timely and thorough provision of FY 2005 site survey data.
Further the Coordinating Board for Higher Education directs MDHE staff to work with institutional leadership of SEMO and TRCC to clarify FY 2005 data, reporting parameters, and/or definitions to ensure thorough and comparable baseline survey data.
Additionally, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education directs MDHE staff to collect FY 2006 data following these discussions, and to report to the board at its December 2006 meeting. The report should include a comprehensive analysis of the educational needs of the southeast portion of Missouri, the responsiveness of local institutions to those needs, the efficiency and effectiveness of current delivery systems in meeting those needs, and the alignment of institutional operations with Missouri statutes and higher education public policy. Mr. Upchurch seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Establishment of the State Aid Program Task Force as a Standing CBHE Committee
Mr. Leroy Wade, MDHE staff member and member of the State Aid Program Task Force provided the board with an update of the Task Force's activities since the December 2005 CBHE meeting when the CBHE adopted the recommendations set forth by the Task Force. The task force has continued to meet regularly to continue development of a model for a consolidated need-based grant program. The task force having narrowed its focus on a range of previously considered options has tentatively agreed that additional recommendations will be brought forward to the board for consideration at the October 2006 CBHE meeting. Mr. Wade noted that Mr. Dan Peterson, Director of Financial Assistance and Outreach, has recently retired from the MDHE. Mr. Wade agreed to serve as the MDHE staff liaison with the task force and to provide the leadership necessary to continue progress toward bringing the remaining issues to closure.
Mr. Wade said that this group constitutes both in membership and structure, an excellent committee containing a good balance of perspectives in student financial aid and in the legislative and administrative process. It has been through their hard work and effort that tangible progress has been made toward simplifying and improving the financial aid delivery process. Given the issues that continue to need attention within the financial aid delivery system relating both to development and implementation as well as the operation of the grant and scholarship programs, MDHE staff believe it is imperative to maintain regular and ongoing access to experts in the field for this critical area. This has led to a staff recommendation to make the State Aid Program Task Force a standing committee of the board with regular reports from the committee at each December CBHE meeting.
Dr. Bourisaw moved to change the name of the existing State Aid Program Task Force to the State Student Financial Aid Committee to better reflect its ongoing role. Further, the CBHE will designate the State Student Financial Aid Committee as a standing committee of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education. Ms. Boswell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Board members discussed the need to establish a reporting sequence for this newly formed standing committee. The CBHE recently created two committees of board members, one of which is the Student Loan/Financial Aid Committee. As that committee is reconstituted in the coming weeks, the issue of whether or not recommendations of the State Student Financial Aid Committee should first flow through that committee, to be subsequently presented to the full board, needs to be resolved.
Committee on Transfer and Articulation Update
Dr. Stein provided an update on the activities of the Committee on Transfer and Articulation. COTA, under the leadership of President Evelyn Jorgenson, continues to move forward on several initiatives intended to improve Missouri's transfer and articulation system. Dr. Stein briefly reviewed four items with the board: Transfer/Articulation Conference, Teacher Education Articulation, Study of Advanced Credit Practices, and a recommendation for change to the CBHE policy on the high school core curriculum requirement.
Transfer/Articulation Conference
Planning for a February 2007 statewide transfer/articulation conference is underway. A draft proposal for the 2007 conference is included in the board book. Highlights include:
- A data source book
- A one-day work session for practitioners
- A half-day session on February 7, 2007 for presidents/chancellors and CBHE members
With this structure in place, a foundation will be set for making annual reports at each February CBHE meeting on Missouri's success in improving its transfer and articulation system.
Teacher Education Articulation
Both two- and four-year institutions are actively engaged in discussions surrounding the development of an Associate of Arts (AAT) degree that would build on past work, and ensure alignment with the state's 42-hour general education guidelines and four-year institutional entry-level standards. It is anticipated that a degree will be submitted for MDHE review and approval during the fall 2006 semester.
Study of Advanced Credit Practices
The term "advanced credit" applies to postsecondary credit opportunities provided to high school students. Traditional programs in Missouri involve collegiate-level courses offered through dual credit or Advanced Placement (AP). A few Missouri high schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Data on the scope, magnitude and administration of Missouri's advanced credit experiences offered to high school students is outdated. COTA is in the process of developing surveys on advanced credit ? one for high schools and one for postsecondary institutions, to fill this data void. It is anticipated that these surveys will be distributed by fall 2006 in ample time to be included in the transfer/articulation data source book that will be prepared for the 2007 conference.
High School Core Curriculum
COTA was charged in December 2005 to review the CBHE recommended high school core curriculum guidelines and make recommendations, as appropriate, to the CBHE for review and approval at its June 2006 meeting.
The current CBHE Recommended High School Core Curriculum Policy Guidelines were passed in 1992 with full implementation in 1996. As a result of changes made by the State Board of Education (SBE), the CBHE policy is no longer appropriate as it falls short of graduation requirements that will be expected of all high school students beginning in 2010.
Based on advice from the Subcommittee for the Review of Admissions Standards (SRAS), and after extensive discussion, COTA approved forwarding its recommendation for a new set of policy guidelines to replace the current ones.
The major changes are outlined in the board item and include:
- Increasing science units from 2 to 3,
- Increasing total recommended units from 16 to 24, and
- Identifying fall 2010 enrollment for full implementation
These changes are consistent with the new high school graduation requirements adopted by the State Board of Education.
In addition, the new policy guidelines also:
- Acknowledge common interests of K-12 and higher education,
- Reference the relationship between demonstration of competencies and institutional placement policies,
- Expand the importance of core curriculum success with admissions processes and access to collegiate-level work at all postsecondary sectors,
- Reference the role of individual governing boards,
- Strongly recommend completion of two units of a single foreign language, which carries over from the old policy, and
- Provide descriptions of acceptable and unacceptable course content in each major discipline category.
Dr. Bourisaw moved that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education adopt the proposed replacement for the CBHE High School Core Curriculum Policy Guidelines for full implementation beginning with the graduating class of spring 2010.
Further, the CBHE High School Core Curriculum Policy Guidelines should be sent to each institutional governing board encouraging their integration into institutional admissions and placement processes.
Finally, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education commends the Committee on Transfer and Articulation and the Subcommittee for Review of Admissions Standards for their work in developing a replacement policy that is in alignment with State Board of Education policy and that promotes consistent expectations for student preparation and for access to collegiate-level work. Ms. 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.
Proprietary School Certification Actions and Reviews
Dr. Stein noted that as printed in the board item, John Thomas College of Naturopathic Medicine was listed as an institution with impending certificate of approval status. A certificate of approval to operate for the 2006-2007 certification year was issued on June 12, 2006. The certificate stipulates that enrollment is fixed at 16 students enrolled at 2 clinical sites. John Thomas College would need to seek and receive approval from the MDHE in order to increase its enrollment above this level. Each proprietary institution must undergo an annual certification renewal process.
Ms. Patterson moved that items found behind Tabs E-K on the consent calendar be approved as printed. Mr. Schreimann seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Chair Kruse acknowledged the hard work of MDHE staff on this issue. He expressed the board's appreciation to MDHE staff for working with John Thomas College officials to arrive at a solution that is in the best interest of the institution as well as the students.
Annual Report of the MDHE Proprietary School Program
Dr. Robert Stein provided introductory comments regarding the proprietary school certification staff and the certification program. Dr. Stein noted that Mr. Wade, Director of the Proprietary School Certification Program, along with Ms. Dory Hamburg, research associate and Ms. Rita French, administrative assistant are the team that ensures this program run smoothly. The MDHE and the CBHE are indebted to their commitment and service to the department, the proprietary school program, and the students of Missouri.
The objective of this board item is to increase the understanding of the MDHE proprietary school certification program and to spark interest in its operations, its challenges, its opportunities. With such heavy focus on public and independent institutions, the complexity and significance of this sector are often forgotten. Proprietary schools are an important part of the postsecondary system in Missouri.
Certified schools range in enrollments in the single digits to large schools with enrollments in the thousands. There were 192 certificates (including branch campuses, and recruit only institutions) granted in Missouri in 2005.
The proprietary school sector makes a significant contribution to the Missouri economy ? employing over 3,400 instructional and administrative personnel and expending over $245 million into the economy in 2004.
In addition, proprietary schools made a significant contribution to the training of Missouri's workforce with over 60,000 students enrolled and over 22,900 completions in 2005. This sector continues to grow each year.
For traditionalists, proprietary schools are often pushed aside as primarily for profit business operations that do not have equivalent academic quality. With greater exposure to proprietary schools, however, many have realized that fostering such stereotypes is not based on exposure or experience, but simply a reaction to something that appears different. Current debates, both nationally and throughout the states are forcing everyone to be more mindful of the important value added by this sector.
Mr. Wade recognized Ms. Melissa Uding from Sanford-Brown Business College. Ms. Uding is a member of the Proprietary School Advisory Committee, which works very closely with the proprietary school certification staff.
Mr. Wade organized his comments around the certification process, program objectives, contributions proprietary institutions make to Missouri, growth of the sector, and the challenges the sector faces.
Over the years, MDHE has worked hard to provide accurate and useful consumer information for students with questions about particular proprietary schools, as well as those who may be interested in starting a school in Missouri.
The proprietary school certification program is set in Missouri statute. The statutory structure divides educational providers into two categories?either certified or exempt from certification requirements. Certification is defined as the authorization by the department through the CBHE to offer postsecondary instruction "in, from, or through" the state (all levels, all types).
The initial certification process includes the submission of a comprehensive application, a detailed review by MDHE staff; depending on the type of the institution and programs to be delivered, MDHE may utilize external consultants considered experts in a particular aspect of higher education or a particular subject area that serve to supplement and support MDHE staff.
Approximately 50 percent of initial applicants become certified to operate, with all certified schools undergoing annual recertification to ensure consistency with state standards.
The proprietary school certification program utilizes a standards-based approach. The program's objectives are to put in place meaningful standards for:
Governance and control
Instructional programs
Personnel
Finances
Consumer information
Student services
Assuming schools meet these standards they are certified to operate. Emphasized in that process are the operational characteristics of the school, encouraging quality performance and effectiveness of the institution, promoting fair and equitable treatment of students, truth in advertising, and alignment of policy and practice.
In addition to the annual certification process, MDHE proprietary school certification staff conducts site visits throughout the year often coordinated with visits from accrediting commission teams.
As mentioned previously, the proprietary school sector continues to grow. From FY 1999 to FY 2005, certificates for approval to operate have increased by 28 percent, enrollment has increased 25 percent, completion has increased by 24 percent, and programs by 98 percent. The proprietary sector has a reputation for changing and adapting to the needs of business and industry as evidenced by the 320 percent increase in program changes and additions.
While the proprietary sector has enjoyed growth, challenges and opportunities exist with in the sector, as well as the certification program administered by the MDHE. The regulatory framework by nature involves significant constraints in the manner in which business can be conducted, but these same constraints also offer the opportunity to ensure the program is effective. Although the sector can be constrained by this compliance oriented model, quality improvement opportunities exist by examining best practices in other states, which are working toward performance- and outcome-based models. While relationships with other higher education sectors at times can be challenging, progress has been made relating to credit transfer and other significant issues that can sometimes be a barrier to students from the proprietary sector.
Following board discussion, Ms. Swan commented to Mr. Wade that the board was receptive to the review and consideration of needed changes in Missouri's proprietary school certification structure as suggested by models from other states. If statutory change is needed to move the program to a more performance-based model or if the existing fee structure needs revision in order to operate within revenue generation framework, it would be helpful to look at those scenarios in advance of the next legislative session.
FY 2007 Budget Update
Ms. Donna Imhoff, Assistant Commissioner for Fiscal Affairs and Operations provided a brief overview of the Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed version of HB 1003 for FY 2007. The FY 2007 appropriation to higher education realized several positive outcomes for higher education institutions, students, and the department including an approximately two percent increase to the core budgets of the institutions, increases to the Charles Gallagher and Missouri College Guarantee scholarship programs, and a four percent pay plan increase for department employees.
Final Summary of Legislation 93 rd General Assembly, 2 nd Regular Session
Ms. Becky Brennecke, Legislative Liaison provided a summary of legislative activities related to higher education that took place during the legislative session that closed on May 12.
Senate Bill 580 which creates P-20 Council with membership from elementary and secondary education, higher education, and economic development was signed during a public ceremony by Governor Blunt on Monday, June 12. MDHE staff and Ms. Swan attended the signing and Ms. Swan had the opportunity to provide positive signing comments during the ceremony.
Ms. Brennecke noted that although several higher education related bills did not pass, it is significant that higher education policy was a major topic of discussion during this legislative session, which is movement in a very favorable direction. These pieces of legislation were new to many and it is not always an easy path for new concepts to gain immediate legislative approval. Largely due Commissioner Fitch's efforts and involvement, there is reason to look toward the next session optimism for garnering additional support for higher education related initiatives, hopefully ultimately gaining legislative approval for some.
Dr. Barbara Dixon, President, Truman State University and President of the Council on Public Higher Education (COPHE) echoed Ms. Brennecke's comments regarding the positive momentum that higher education experienced during the legislative session.
Dr. Dixon highlighted COPHE's support of several pieces of higher education related legislation. The COPHE presidents have been working hard to demonstrate their cooperative abilities and concentrate on those things which are most important for keeping public higher education in the forefront. Dr. Dixon stated that COPHE intends to use the momentum and continue to move forward during the coming legislative session.
Report of the Commissioner
Dr. Jim Matchefts and Dr. Stein provided the board with an update of several education related issues. Dr. Stein stated that he and Commissioner Fitch made a presentation to the State Board of Education on May 25, 2006 on the "High School Graduates' Performance Report.? The SBE expressed concern as has the CBHE did during the April board meeting with the trends in remedial coursework. The SBE is receptive to more engaged involvement and conversation about remediation issues. Commissioner King wrote a letter as a follow-up to the presentation indicating DESE/SBE interest in more focused discussions between higher education and K-12 related to the expectations for successful collegiate experiences.
Dr. Stein also reported that MDHE staff and a CBHE representative will participate along with other state department, legislative, and governor's office representatives as part of state teams in two national meetings this summer, one relating to youth policy and the other relating to K-16 issues.
Dr. Matchefts provided the board with a brief update relative to the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) and the status of the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative. During the interim executive director's report at the most recent MOHELA board meeting on June 9, it was reported that given the legal uncertainties of the initiative and given some concerns that the board has, MOHELA has postponed the financial analysis of the Authority.
Dr. Matchefts expressed, on behalf of MDHE senior staff members, that it has been a privilege and honor to work with Commissioner Fitch during the last 18 months.
Chair Kruse stated that Commissioner Fitch's departure is in fact a deep loss for the board, the department and the agency, but looking to the future it will be the quality of the staff that will sustain the board and department during the interim period and will ultimately lead to the successful transition to the next commissioner.
Other Items
Chair Kruse reported that during their work session on Wednesday, June 13, the board established plans to move forward with the search for a commissioner. In the coming weeks, MDHE senior staff will provide departmental leadership and work with Chair-elect Swan to address operational issues that may arise.
The board will undertake a brief search to identify and hire an interim commissioner of higher education. The search will begin immediately and will be led by a board committee composed of Duane Schreimann, who will chair the committee, Martha Boswell, Lowell Kruse, and Kathryn Swan. A call for nominations and applications will be announced after the committee meets to discuss process issues. The board agreed that nominations and applications will be held by Brenda Miner in the commissioner's office until such time as the committee is ready to review the materials. The CBHE committee will make a hiring recommendation to the full board, board members not on the committee would have an opportunity to interview candidates for the position, if they would like to. The board intends to have an interim commissioner in place by mid-July.
A separate search for a permanent commissioner of higher education will also be led by a CBHE committee made up of: Gregory Upchurch, who will chair the committee, Lowell Kruse, Jeanne Patterson, and Kathryn Swan. The committee will begin by reviewing the commissioner profile that was developed during the 2004 commissioner search. The profile will be updated based on statewide input that the board intends to seek. The intent is to finalize the profile by the August 10 CBHE retreat, with a search process that begins in earnest by the end of August. Because the board intends to recruit the most highly qualified candidate possible for the position, no firm timeline was established for completing the search, although board members agreed that having a commissioner in place no later than May 2007 would be a reasonable timeframe.
The board will engage in a bid process for consultant services to assist with the process of searching for a permanent commissioner.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, Dr. Bourisaw moved for adjournment, Ms. Swan seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The Coordinating Board for Higher Education meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Miner
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner
Roster of Guests
Coordinating Board for Higher Education
June 14, 2006
Name -- Affiliation
Jessica Ash-Schulte -- Department of Higher Education
Terry Barnes -- Mineral Area College
Constance Bowman -- Harris-Stowe State University
Becky Brennecke -- Department of Higher Education
Don Claycomb -- Linn State Technical College
John F. Cooper -- Three Rivers Community College
Jeanie C. Crain -- Missouri Western State University
Curtis E. Creagh -- Lincoln University
Barbara Dixon -- Truman State University
Don Doucette -- Metropolitan Community Colleges
John Ganio -- St. Louis Community College
Thomas George -- University of Missouri-St. Louis
Charles Gooden -- Harris-Stowe State University
Rodney Gray -- Truman State University
Dean Hubbard -- Northwest Missouri State University
George Hyram -- Harris-Stowe State University
Kyna Iman -- Missouri Southern State University
Donna Imhoff -- Department of Higher Education
James Kellerman -- Missouri Community College Association
Leroy Kemp -- Harris-Stowe State University
Steven Kurtz -- Mineral Area College
Stephen Lehmkuhle -- University of Missouri System
Brian Long -- Council on Public Higher Education
Jim Matchefts -- Department of Higher Education
John McGuire -- St. Charles Community College
Brenda Miner -- Department of Higher Education
Norman K. Myers -- Ozarks Technical Community College
Greg Myles -- Department of Higher Education
Michael T. Nietzel -- Missouri State University
Marty Oetting -- University of Missouri System
Ron Olinger -- Missouri Western State University
Ann Pearce -- Central Missouri State University
Edgar Rasch -- Maryville University
Greg Sandbothe -- Department of Higher Education
Henry Shannon -- St. Charles Community College
Robert Stein -- Department of Higher Education
Rochelle Tilghman -- Harris-Stowe State University
Leroy Wade -- Department of Higher Education
Beth Wheeler -- Missouri Western State University
George Wilson -- Central Missouri State University
Paula Wolken Department of Higher Education
