Coordinating Board for Higher Education Meeting Minutes 10-07
COORDINATING BOARD FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
MINUTES OF MEETING
October 11, 2007
The Coordinating Board for Higher Education met at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at North Central Missouri College in Trenton.
Chair Kathryn Swan called the Coordinating Board for Higher Education meeting to order. A list of guests is included as an attachment.
The presence of a quorum was established with the following roll call vote:
|
Present |
Absent |
Martha Boswell |
|
X |
David Cole |
X |
|
Lowell C. Kruse |
X |
|
Jeanne Patterson |
X |
|
Duane Schreimann |
X |
|
Kathryn Swan |
X |
|
Gregory Upchurch (by phone) |
X |
|
Dr. Neil Nuttall welcomed the CBHE, MDHE staff, and visitors to North Central Missouri College. Chair Swan thanked President Nuttall, his staff, and the North Central Board of Trustees for their hospitality to the presidents and chancellors, members of the Coordinating Board, and MDHE staff.
Audit Committee Report
Mr. Duane Schreimann reported that the MDHE responded to three audits regarding FAMOUS, tuition levels, and non-resident tuition. Two new audits are beginning: a BKD audit of the student loan program, and the state auditor’s review of the department for FY 2007. Both audits should be complete by the December 2007 meeting.
Regarding the non-resident tuition audit, Ms. Zora AuBuchon advised that a policy that acknowledges a variety of factors including some noted in the audit may be developed to provide guidance to institutions on setting non-resident tuition rates. However, lack of staff to develop and monitor compliance precludes such policy-making at the present time.
Student Loan / Financial Aid Committee
Mr. Leroy Wade stated that the Committee had no new business to report.
Strategic Planning Committee
Ms. Jeanne Lillig-Patterson stated that the draft coordinated plan would be discussed by the CBHE and the Presidential Advisory Committee.
Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC)
Coordinated Plan
Chair Swan advised that the coordinated plan item, Tab R – Coordinated Plan Update, would be moved to the first item of the PAC agenda.
Mr. Paul Wagner presented an overview of the draft framework for a coordinated plan for higher education in Missouri. The plan is structured around six strategic issues: Accessibility, Transparency, Educational Innovation, Workforce Development, Regionalism, and Technology. It was emphasized that this plan is a framework and not a completed document; feedback is being sought from the higher education community.
Presidents and chancellors discussed the implications of the plan and its inherent connections to a funding formula for higher education. PAC members also discussed the importance of incorporating adequacy of funding as a goal itself or as a component to achieving the goals and priorities within the plan. Mr. Wagner stated that the lack of a coordinated plan could be considered a liability in higher education’s attempts to secure additional funding. A coordinated plan is a valuable communication tool to rationalize requests to the legislature, especially as higher education implements elements of the omnibus bill.
Commissioner Robert Stein stressed that the plan is a dynamic document subject to change based on the work of the Strategic Planning Committee, presidents and chancellors, the MDHE, and the CBHE.
Ms. Patterson moved that the Coordinating Board adopt the draft coordinated plan for Missouri higher education as a framework for further work in establishing a fully developed coordinated plan.
It is further recommended that the Coordinating Board direct the Commissioner of Higher Education to work with the CBHE Strategic Planning Committee and with the presidents and chancellors of Missouri’s public colleges and universities in the development of draft operational measures, baseline data, target goals, timelines, and assigned responsibilities for review and action by the board. In doing this work, consideration should be given to including action strategies to ensure adequate funding to support the board’s coordinated plan.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Lowell Kruse and passed unanimously.
New Higher Education Funding Policies Update
Mr. Wagner provided an update on the work of the Higher Education Funding (HEF) Task Force. HEF is developing a case statement and supporting data. Revisions were offered by the Council on Public Higher Education (COPHE), which will be reviewed by HEF at the next task force meeting. The statement must strike a balance between political sensitivity and the need to enlist external constituencies in the development of a funding policy. The Task Force continues to work with consultant Brenda Albright on the overall funding framework. At this point, a mathematical formula is not being recommended for Missouri’s institutions; instead, a business plan model is being considered that incorporates strategic initiatives, performance funding, and adequacy funding.
In response to Mr. Kruse’s question regarding the timeframe for both the HEF and coordinated plan recommendations, Mr. Wagner stated that HEF expects to have draft recommendations to the CBHE by the April 2008 meeting and a concrete proposal for the board’s consideration at the June 2008 meeting. The coordinated plan will be on a similar timeline.
Commissioner Stein established December 2007 for major progress on both the HEF policy and the Coordinated Plan. These efforts are necessary so that legislators in the upcoming session will have a better idea of the focus and direction of higher education in the state. In addition, such progress would provide a foundation for institutional governing boards’ budget recommendations, which are typically developed in the spring.
Mr. Wagner stated that HEF has made no firm decisions yet regarding elements that will be included in a funding framework; however, the task force was charged to include some measure of FTE sensitivity in the model, which has been lacking in past years. While state support for higher education is inadequate, the legislature should not be asked for an unrealistic increase. A target could be established and the legislature encouraged to provide yearly incremental increases toward adequate funding.
Ms. Patterson emphasized the current opportunities for partnership between higher education, the state’s P-20 Council, and the Department of Economic Development. Higher education has a great deal of visibility with this administration and has many advocates in the legislature.
Omnibus Bill Implementation Update
Ms. AuBuchon provided an update on the progress made in implementing elements of the omnibus bill since the June 2007 meeting. The implementation matrix on the MDHE website is being updated monthly.
- The Access Missouri Program was successfully initiated. Credit should be given to Mr. Wade and his staff as well as the Information Technology staff in ensuring the program was rolled out on time.
- MOHELA has completed its first payment into the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative (LCDI) fund. The department is working with institutions and the Office of Budget & Planning to process reimbursement requests from the fund.
Commissioner Stein thanked Dr. Marsha Drennon and State Fair Community College for their efforts during the recent Capital for a Day event in Sedalia. This event provided an opportunity for the Governor to tour a building funded partially through LCDI funds. As other capital projects reach important milestones, please keep the department posted as other promotional opportunities may arise.
- Draft policies on arbitration, fining authority, and tuition waivers will be presented at the December 2007 meeting.
- Draft regulations on consumer information will be presented at this meeting.
Action Items
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Kruse made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 14th meeting, the September 5th – 6th retreat, and the September 6th joint meeting with the State Board of Education. David Cole seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Legislative Initiative: Revisions to Proprietary School Certification Statutes
Mr. Wade provided background information regarding proprietary school legislation in Missouri and across the nation. Gaps in Missouri’s statutes offer some loopholes for diploma mill suspect institutions. The proposed revisions to the proprietary statutes would provide the department with greater authority regarding program approval, would link approval to operate with recognized accreditation, and would prohibit the use of a diploma mill degree for employment or professional purposes.
The Missouri Association of Private Career Colleges and Schools (MAPCCS) and the Proprietary School Advisory Committee (PSAC) are supportive of the revisions. At this time, however, a legislative sponsor has not been identified to sponsor the proposed bill.
The board discussed seeking to criminalize the use of a substandard diploma, the penalties involved, and how such violations would be enforced. The board asked Mr. Wade to provide information on penalties in other states for review at the December 2007 meeting.
Mr. Schreimann moved that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education establish the strengthening of the statute regulating proprietary schools as a legislative priority for the 2008 legislative session. It is further recommended that the Coordinating Board direct the Commissioner of Higher Education to work with the Missouri Association of Private Career Colleges and Schools and other interested constituencies to secure the introduction and passage of legislation to fulfill this priority.
Chair Swan suggested including a clause in the bill language that would address penalties for use of a false of misleading degree. After discussion, the motion was seconded by Ms. Patterson without addition of the clause. The motion carried unanimously.
Final Rules for Access Missouri
Mr. Wade distributed updated versions of the proposed rules on the Access Missouri program. As emergency rules expire after 180 days, permanent rules must be filed and processed prior to such expiration.
Ms. Patterson moved that the Coordinating Board direct the Commissioner of Higher Education to take all actions necessary to ensure the attached Proposed Rulemakings become effective as administrative rules as soon as possible.
Mr. Schreimann seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Rules on Consumer Information
Ms. AuBuchon distributed updated versions of the proposed rules on Consumer Regulations and explained some of the constructive suggestions received from staff, institutions, faculty, and students, many of which have been incorporated in this latest draft.
Several categories of information are required to be posted for access by the general public: faculty names and credentials, the full class schedule that includes links to those names and credentials, and student evaluations of instructors.
The definition of faculty is defined broadly so as to include graduate teaching assistants; publication of credentials will require only the highest postsecondary degree or certificate obtained; and posting of schedule information must be posted in time for students to use the information as they enroll for courses. These items must be posted in advance of the fall 2008 academic term.
Regarding student evaluations of instructors, the rules will permit institutions to post only those portions of evaluations that the institution deems public. Students evaluate a wide range of issues used for purposes of promotion and tenure files and for evaluating which classroom approaches have been successful and which have not. Not all of this information would be valuable to a student in deciding on a course or program.
Institutions will have the discretion to post ratings on faculty for each class or aggregate data for all classes taught whether by semester or historical so long as the data is collected at least annually and includes the most recent evaluations. The purpose is to create a dynamic number and not merely represent the high water mark of a faculty member’s career.
Also included in the revised rules is that the MDHE retains the right to require institutions to work with the department to revise the type/extent of information an institution is posting to ensure good faith efforts.
One issue raised by faculty is that it would be advantageous to implement the posting faculty evaluations beginning in fall 2009. This delay would give institutions the opportunity to redesign evaluation tools and to collect historical ratings rather than limited ratings that may misrepresent the instructor or the course.
Mr. Schreimann moved to amend Paragraph 3, Subparagraph (e) of the Revised Draft of Consumer Information Regulations such that faculty member ratings must be posted by August 1, 2009. David Cole seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Dr. Michael Nietzel asked if an additional Subparagraph could be added to Paragraph 1 of the Revised Draft of Consumer Information Regulations that would more fully address the term “course.” Institutions would have the option to include or exclude specific educational activities related to thesis, dissertation supervision, and other individually based credit bearing experiences.
Mr. Schreimann moved to add the following Subsection to Subparagraph (a) to Paragraph 1 of the Revised Draft of Consumer Information Regulations:
- But need not include thesis or dissertation supervision, independent study, directed study or reading courses, internship supervision, individual lessons mentoring or supervised experience, or any other similar activity with such a low number of enrolled students as to allow respondents to be personally identified.
Mr. Kruse seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. AuBuchon stated a concern that as drafted it is unclear that high school seniors would have access to faculty ratings as much of the ratings information may be limited to enrolled students. Paragraph 2 of the draft makes clear that faculty and course information must be available to the general public. While faculty rating information would be available on the institution’s website, some data may be restricted to currently enrolled students.
After further discussion, Mr. Schreimann moved to recommend that the CBHE direct the Commissioner of Higher Education to file the Proposed Rulemaking on Consumer Regulations as amended, with the provision that the General Counsel must work with representatives from two- and four-year institutions to make it clear that students currently enrolled and those getting ready to enroll must have the ability to view this information, as soon as possible after this meeting and to seek the earliest possible effective date for those regulations.
Mr. Kruse seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Curriculum Alignment Initiative
Ms. AuBuchon and Ms. Hillary Fuhrman provided the Board with an overview and update on the Curriculum Alignment Initiative (CAI). CAI was established based on language in the omnibus bill regarding competencies for collegiate-level general education courses. Faculty workgroups with representatives from secondary and postsecondary disciplines are meeting to identify those entry- and exit-level competencies; a Curriculum Alignment Steering Committee (CAS) is coordinating the work of the faculty workgroups.
To ensure all constituencies have the opportunity to review and comment on this work, a section of the MDHE website has been dedicated to CAI. Stakeholders will be able to view a list of workgroup and CAS members, minutes of past meetings, the timeline for completion of the initiative, and links to a feedback forum on competencies in each discipline. Institutions are asked to review the site to help the department understand if the site addresses some of the misconceptions about the initiative.
Commissioner Stein stated that this initiative is very labor-intensive and expressed his appreciation to staff, especially Ms. Fuhrman, for what has been accomplished in a short time period.
Commissioner Stein acknowledged that there has been some pushback from the K-12 sector due to rumors and misperceptions. Higher education will not abdicate its authority on this issue; higher education will set the entry-level competencies, but K-12 representatives are welcomed at the table and are encouraged to contribute throughout the process. Once the work of the CAI is completed, the Board will pursue a joint meeting with the State Board of Education to discuss the competencies and the requirement to align secondary assessments.
FY 2009 Budget Overview
Mr. Wagner briefed the Board on the budget requests and recommendations for FY 2009. The main issues for the internal budget are FTE and financial assistance. Without additional staff, the agenda that the department has undertaken is not sustainable; some duties will have to be cut back or eliminated. A proposal submitted to the Office of the Governor would transfer 5.5 FTE from the expired GEAR UP grant to the department, which would provide staff without exceeding the Governor’s stated payroll limit. The $25 million from FY 2007 supplemental funds, appropriated for the Access Missouri grant, does not automatically carry over into the core appropriation. Therefore, the same amount is being recommended as an increase to the FY 2009 core budget in order to allow the program to remain fully funded at $72 million. Finally, the FY 2009 core request for the Public Service Officer’s Survivor Grant program is recommended for an increase of $23,000 in order to meet the anticipated demand.
Recommendations for Public Institutions’ Base Operating Appropriations
Mr. Wagner briefed the Board on the operating budget recommendations for public institutions. The base appropriations reflect the second year of the Governor’s three-year plan to increase funding for higher education. Additional initiatives were acknowledged and would be supported by the department should additional funding become available.
Ms. Patterson moved to recommend that the Coordinating Board approve the FY 2009 base budget appropriation request, totaling $958,110,342, which includes a $33,240,204 increase for universities, a $6,111,329 increase for community colleges, and a $292,132 increase for Linn State Technical College, for submission to the Governor and General Assembly.
It is further recommended that the board direct the Commissioner of Higher Education to acknowledge the other budget requests submitted by institutions in the cover transmittal with the budget to ensure the Governor and the General Assembly are aware of other worthy projects should additional funding become available.
Mr. Cole seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Recommendations for MDHE Operating Appropriations
Mr. Wagner briefed the Board on the internal budget for the department. It was noted that the dues for the Midwestern Higher Education Compact have increased by $5,000, and the department is requesting $700,000 for GEAR UP scholarships for those students who have completed the GEAR UP program and will attend a postsecondary institution.
Mr. Kruse moved to recommend that the Board approve the CBHE FY 2009 internal appropriation request, as presented, for submission to the Governor and General Assembly.
Ms. Patterson seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Schreimann asked for the presidents’ and chancellors’ support of this budget, particularly regarding the FTE. Chair Swan expressed the Board’s appreciation to the staff for what they continue to accomplish.
Recommendations for State Student Financial Assistance Programs
The Board was briefed on the budget request for the state financial assistance programs. Mr. Wagner noted that, along with the Access Missouri funding discussed previously, the appropriations for the Charles Gallagher and the College Guarantee programs are reduced to zero as those programs have been eliminated.
Ms. Patterson moved to recommend that the board approve the CBHE FY 2009 Student Financial Assistance appropriation request, as presented, for submission to the Governor and General Assembly.
Mr. Schreimann advised that the Board had been informed that consideration was being given to a funding increase to the Access Missouri program. After discussion, the motion was amended to further recommend that based on oversubscription to the Access Missouri Financial Assistance program that when resources become available, additional funding should be appropriated to this program but not in lieu of the Board’s recommendation for increases to institutional operating budgets.
Mr. Kruse seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Recommendations for FY 2008 Supplemental and FY 2009 Capital Improvement Budgets
The department and the Board acknowledge the ongoing capital needs of institutions, and are forwarding both a large and small capital project list to the Office of the Governor.
Mr. Wagner noted that the capital funds requested by the University of Central Missouri on the Small Projects list are planning monies for the building rather than funds for construction, and that the supplemental request does not represent the total project cost for the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center; additional funds would need to be located from other resources.
Mr. Cole moved to recommend that the board approve the FY 2008 supplemental and FY 2009 capital improvement recommendations for the public four-year institutions, community colleges, and Linn State Technical College for submission to the Governor and General Assembly.
Mr. Kruse seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Recommendations for “Preparing to Care” Appropriation Request
Mr. Wagner briefed the Board on the Preparing to Care initiative, which is intended to meet projected workforce needs by increasing the number of graduates in health care fields.
Chair Swan thanked the presidents and chancellors for their efforts in developing this initiative and advised that legislators may wish to be briefed in detail on how funds would be spent at their respective institutions.
Mr. Kruse stated that the Missouri Hospital Association is supportive and enthusiastic of this effort and recommended that the department work with the MHA leadership to explore common interests.
Chair Swan stated that Dr. Nietzel had made a presentation to the Missouri Chamber of Commerce regarding Preparing to Care, and the initiative was very well received.
Ms. Patterson moved to recommend the Coordinating Board approve the FY 2009 “Preparing to Care” appropriation request, as presented, for submission to the Governor and General Assembly.
Mr. Kruse seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Consent Calendar
Commissioner Stein advised that the Missouri Western State University new program, MAA Integrated Media, should have two options reading Convergent Media and Applied Integrated Media.
Mr. Cole moved to approve the items on the Consent Calendar. Ms. Patterson seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
Items for Discussion, Consideration, and Possible Vote
Campus Security Task Force
Commissioner Stein advised that he had served as co-chair of the Governor’s Campus Security Task Force, which provided the Governor with its report on August 21, 2007. The emphasis is on an all-hazards approach and focuses on collaboration with local community responders. The report outlined several recommendations to improve safety standards and security on Missouri’s campuses.
One recommendation was for the Governor to name a representative from higher education to Missouri’s Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), and Commissioner Stein has been appointed to that position. There is general support for the HSAC to appoint a subcommittee on higher education, and institutions are urged to identify representatives interested in serving on such a committee.
The Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) has put into affect the Missouri Alert Network for K-12 schools. The MSBA believes there is potential to adapt the system to higher education, and this issue will be under consideration by the HSAC higher education subcommittee.
The board requested that campus security become an agenda item at least twice each year.
Cape Girardeau Needs Analysis
Mr. Wagner briefed the Board on the request from Three Rivers Community College to submit a request to develop a residence center in Cape Girardeau County. As part of the process for submitting such a request, a comprehensive educational needs analysis of the area is required. The analysis would include cost and student data, education and training needs of employers, and other support available for the proposal. In addition, demographic information and information on what instructional services are currently available is required.
Commissioner Stein stated that the department has advised institutions in the Cape Girardeau County area of the residence center proposal and has suggested that interested parties pool resources in a joint needs analysis. Three Rivers, Southeast Missouri State University, and Mineral Area College have all expressed interest in a joint needs analysis. Area businesses have also expressed interest, and the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center has already pledged $4,000 towards the project.
There is agreement that the needs should be better understood then steps should be taken to determine the best collaborative delivery system to meet those needs.
P-20 Council Update
Chair Swan advised that the Governor held a press conference with members of the METS Coalition, the State Board of Education, and the P-20 Council. During the conference, the Governor announced the appointment of Rod Nunn as the Director of Education and Workforce Innovation, the Executive Director of the P-20 Council, and the liaison with the METS Coalition. The Governor also announced that seven regional workgroups would be formed and summits would be held over the next several months to focus on opportunities for partnerships between business and education stakeholders.
Ms. Mary Beth Luna stated that the administration was excited about the summits and the potential in the regional workgroups. There are already initiatives underway in many of the regions, and it is understood that solutions will not come in a one-size-fits-all approach. Smaller planning committees can help to identify workforce needs. The P-20 Council is putting together data books for each region that will provide information to guide discussion between public and private entities.
Commissioner Stein advised that the P-20 Council selected the regions based on DED geographic information. Higher education institutions may have interests in more than one region, and you are encouraged to be actively involved in as many regions as you see yourself having value to bring to the table. The P-20 Council is committed to working to provide data to fit with the needs of the institutions and the local P-20 Councils.
Mr. Kruse stated that PreK should remain an important part of any agenda. The Coordinating Board for Early Childhood should be represented on the P-20 Council and should be emphasized in each region as well.
Report of the Commissioner
Commissioner Stein acknowledged Mr. Greg Sandbothe, Office Services Assistant, who has been with the department for nearly six years. Mr. Sandbothe is leaving for another position so this is his last meeting. Commissioner Stein also acknowledged MDHE staff present and expressed his appreciation for all staff and the work they do.
Commissioner Stein advised that the MDHE will be conducting a pandemic flu exercise and encouraged institutions to contact the MDHE to assist staff in testing the department’s ability to continue operations in the event of a pandemic event or other emergency.
Commissioner Stein also thanked the institutions for their assistance in the development of draft rules and policies. The collaborative efforts and quick, constructive responses are extremely helpful. These drafts, while not perfect, serve as catalysts for discussion of these controversial issues.
Mr. Cole moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Schreimann seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Roster of Guests
Coordinating Board for Higher Education
October 11, 2007
Name - Affiliation
Zora AuBuchon - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Wendy Baker - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Glen Cope - University of Missouri – St. Louis
Annette Digby - Lincoln University
Don Doucette - Metropolitan Community Colleges
John Ganio - St. Louis Community Colleges
Constance Gulley - Harris-Stowe State University
Angela Hake - Missouri Department of Higher Education
James Kellerman - MCCA
Michael McManis - Truman State University
Greg Sandbothe - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Laura Vedenhaupt - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Leroy Wade - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Paul Wagner - Missouri Department of Higher Education
Rose Windmiller - Washington University
Kichoon Yang - Northwest Missouri State University
