Coordinating Board for Higher Education Meeting Minutes 12-05
COORDINATING BOARD FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
MINUTES OF MEETING
December 8, 2005
The Coordinating Board for Higher Education met at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2005 at the Missouri Department of Higher Education in Jefferson City:
Members present were:
Lowell C. Kruse, Chair
Diana Bourisaw
Jeanne Patterson (via conference call)
Marie Carmichael (via conference call)
Duane E. Schreimann
Kathryn Swan
Gregory Upchurch
Opening Comments
CBHE Chair Lowell C. Kruse called the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) meeting to order. A list of guests attending the meeting is included as Attachment A.
The presence of a quorum was established with a roll call vote.
Chair Kruse welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked for active participation from the audience members if they have a comment to make regarding any of the board's agenda items.
Committee Reports
CBHE Audit Committee Chair Duane Schreimann provided a brief recap of the meeting of the audit committee that took place earlier in the day. Mr. Schreimann noted that each board member was sent a copy of the BKD audit report of the Missouri Student Loan Group. The audit committee met with MDHE staff and Ms. Deborah McCoy of BKD, LLP reviewing the results of the audit they recently completed of the FY 2003 and FY 2004 financial statements of the Missouri Student Loan Program.
Mr. Schreimann stated that the BKD audit is essentially a clean audit. It indicates the financial statements are accurately reporting the accounts. BKD provided the committee and MDHE staff with a management letter making a couple of recommendations relating to requiring staff vacation time to be used and safeguarding fixed assets. Steps have been taken by the department to address these minor concerns. Mr. Schreimann made a motion to accept the BKD audit for the accounts, reports, and financial statements June 30, 2003 and 2004. Ms. Kathryn Swan seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
This was no student loan/financial aid committee report.
Approval of Minutes
Dr. Diana Bourisaw moved that the minutes of the October 13, 2005 CBHE meeting be approved as printed. Ms. Swan seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Proposed 2007 CBHE Meeting Dates and Locations
Action on the proposed 2007 CBHE meeting dates and locations was tabled until the February 9, 2006 meeting.
Recommendations of State Student Aid Task Force
Mr. Dan Peterson, Director, Financial Assistance and Outreach Group provided a review of the basis for the establishment of the State Student Aid Program Task Force. He recognized members of the task force in attendance at today's meeting and expressed appreciation for the hard work and efforts of the task force. Mr. Peterson also recognized the MDHE staff that have provided administrative support to the task force and the staff that have provided data and analysis requested by the task force in order for the group to complete its work.
Established in March 2005, this is the first time this type of task force has had an opportunity to study and make recommendations on critical issues related to simplification, consolidation, and restructuring of the state aid programs administered by the Missouri Department of Higher Education. Also through this process the task force was able identify existing appropriated funds that may be reallocated to other programs. Mr. Peterson believes the task force has met their charge with the report and recommendations for improving the delivery of state aid programs.
A draft of the task force report was presented to the CBHE at the October 13 board meeting. The final meeting of the task force was on November 21, which resulted in the final report of the task force. There are nine recommendations, separated into three categories based on the mission statement of the task force: access, funding, and administrative efficiencies and opportunities.
Implementation of the recommendations will require amendments to existing statutes and administrative rules for the applicable state aid programs. Some recommendations are more complex than others and will require more time to implement. As a result, the task force is also recommending that the members continue their work to discuss other issues as progress is made with the implementation of the recommended actions.
Ms. Patterson asked for a clarification of recommendation 3, which would eliminate high school academic criteria and the extracurricular activity from the eligibility requirements of the need-based Missouri College Guarantee Program and recommendation 6, which addresses the inconsistencies in renewal eligibility criteria for state aid programs.
Concerning Recommendation 3, the task force discovered that some of the lowest income students are unable to fulfill this merit-based requirement and receive the need-based funding because of other responsibilities and commitments they must fulfill outside of school. The task force agreed that for the Missouri College Guarantee Program to be a truly need-based aid program they recommended the high school merit-based criteria be eliminated from eligibility requirements.
Concerning Recommendation 6, currently the Missouri College Guarantee Program and the A+ Program require a student to maintain a 2.5 grade point average to be eligible as a renewal student while the other state aid programs only require the student to maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the postsecondary institution. As a result, some students may lose the need-based aid program award but maintain the merit-based award. Consistent renewal eligibility criteria is less confusing to students and families while providing an expectation that students maintain a 2.5 grade point average to be eligible as for renewal awards.
Ms. Patterson asked if the task force has any concerns that raising the renewal criteria to a 2.5 grade point average will create a higher dropout rate in the long term. Mr. Peterson said that the task force engaged in a lengthy discussion about this issue, but in the end felt it was important to bring up the expectation that students maintain a certain grade point average while in college in order to be eligible for renewal of the programs. Mr. Peterson noted that as the recommendations are implemented, student outcomes relating to the eligibility criteria will be monitored.
There were questions from the presidents and chancellors about the cost of attendance and award amounts for the Missouri College Guarantee Program for the 2006-07 academic year. Mr. Peterson said that as the CBHE State Aid Program Task Force continues its work and addresses the total state student financial aid picture, MDHE staff will propose to continue using the 2004-05 Missouri College Guarantee cost of attendance ($13,935) and the same maximum award ($6,200) for the 2006-07 academic year. This process allows the MDHE to maximize the use of the current program funding levels so that the maximum number of students with financial need receives College Guarantee awards. Based on the discussions of the State Aid Program Task Force that have occurred over the past several months this process has been positively received and has worked very well.
There was some concern expressed regarding the recommendation that would reduce student eligibility from 10 semesters to 8 semesters for all of the state student financial assistance programs. While there should be encouragement for students to complete their degrees in the most efficient manner possible, this recommendation could create a disincentive for students who want to switch their majors or are workings toward a double major. Mr. Peterson noted that the task force engaged in lengthy discussions weighing the benefits and drawbacks of this recommendation. The task force came to the conclusion that this recommended change provides an opportunity to identify existing appropriated funds and either reallocate those funds to need-based student aid or increase the maximum Bright Flight scholarship award.
Ms. Swan complimented the task force for their hard work and the strength of the resulting recommendations.
Dr. Bourisaw made a motion that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education adopt the report of the State Aid Program Task Force and commend the task force members for their work on this important issue.
It is also recommended that the board direct the Commissioner of Higher Education to draft the necessary amendments to the department's administrative rules to implement the applicable recommendations in the report.
It is further recommended that the board direct the commissioner, in consultation with public, independent, and proprietary institutions, to develop proposed legislation for the 2006 session of the General Assembly in order to implement the recommendations requiring statutory change.
Finally, it is recommended that the board extend the existence of the State Aid Program Task Force in order to permit the completion of the remaining tasks within their charge, including the model for distribution of need-based assistance and other issues that may arise as the result of these recommended actions. Mrs. Swan seconded the motion.
Following discussion on the original motion, Mr. Upchurch made a motion to amend the recommended action to include an annual report by the State Student Aid Program Task Force to be provided to the CBHE each year during the December board meeting. Mrs. Swan seconded the amendment to the motion. The board unanimously passed the amendment to the motion.
The motion, as amended, passed unanimously.
MOHELA Board Update
Dr. Jim Matchefts provided the CBHE with an update on the discussion that occurred during the October 13, 2005 CBHE meeting surrounding rumors that the Missouri Student Loan Program may be moved out of the Department of Higher Education, including possible legislation that would move the MSLP under the control of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA). At this time there has not been any pre-filed legislation that would introduce such action. Commissioner Fitch also noted that the MOHELA administration and Board of Directors have expressed their support for the MSLP as it currently exists.
Update on Transfer and Articulation
Dr. Robert Stein provided an update on the activities of the CBHE's standing advisory committee, the Committee on Tranfer and Articulation (COTA).
COTA is actively exploring technology-based products that would enhance and streamline college search, placement, admissions, and transfer processes. Several nationwide vendors offer products that address these issues. COTA will be meeting with representatives of various vendors during its next meeting.
At COTA's request, MDHE staff is designing a web page, part of the MDHE website, that will provide resources relating to credit transfer, state policies, external resources, news stories and other resources relevant to transfer and articulation.
COTA sent a letter in September to all Missouri institutions encouraging fair and equitable treatment of all transfer students. The intent of the letter was to reinforce that institution-based transfer decisions are based on consistent and supportable rationale and that institutions should not deny transfer credit simply based on the educational sector of the sending institution. At its next meeting on December 13, COTA will consider encouraging proprietary institutions to develop articulation agreements across all sectors, as well as encouraging proprietary institutions to seek regional accreditation.
COTA is encouraging all institutions to become engaged in a statewide conversation about the development of an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree. Ideally, an articulated AAT degree involving community colleges and at least one four-year receiving institutions will be submitted to the MDHE for program review and approval. Prospective students would be required to pass C-BASE exams for completion of the AAT.
The Transfer-Friendly Subcommittee has distributed a survey to college and university staff to research institutional credit transfer processes. Subcommittee members are also reviewing self-assessment instruments promoted by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learners regarding adult-friendly institutions to determine applicability to a transfer-friendly initiative in Missouri. Recommendations will be forthcoming in 2006.
Each higher education sector has been invited to participate on a Transfer Articulation Conference Coordinating Committee to help COTA plan and design a statewide conference slated for February 2007.
The State Board of Education (SBE) has adopted revised minimum high school graduation requirements that will take effect in 2010. With the change, the CBHE admissions requirement to public four-year institutions that will be less than what the SBE has adopted as a high school graduation requirement. Based on the changes the SBE has made and based on the 16-unit high school core curriculum requirement which was adopted in 1992 it is time to explore updates that may need to be made to the policy.
Dr. Bourisaw made a motion that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education charge COTA to review the board's Core Curriculum Admissions Guidelines and to recommend changes, as appropriate, for CBHE review and approval. Mr. Schreimann seconded the motion.
Mr. Upchurch made a motion to amend the recommended action to provide recommended changes relating to the board's Core Curriculum Admissions Guidelines by the CBHE by the June 2006 CBHE meeting. Mr. Schreimann seconded the motion to amend the recommended action. The amendment to the motion passed unanimously.
The motion, as amended, passed unanimously.
Issues Relating to Three Rivers Community College (TRCC) and Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO)
Commissioner Fitch provided the CBHE with a brief review of the issues and activities that have taken place between TRCC and SEMO since February 2005. Commissioner Fitch cited continued concerns related to the delivery of education services to students in the Southeast Missouri area, particularly expressed by a number of legislators during the past months. Despite repeated approaches and attempts to intervene by the MDHE, as well as attempts by others within the higher education community, there appear to be irreconcilable differences between TRCC and SEMO. Both institutions continue to demonstrate a genuine effort to serve students; MDHE is hopeful that this may serve as a foundation for future partnership and collaborative opportunities.
MDHE staff has completed a comprehensive review of all documents and materials associated with the dispute between the two institutions. The intent of the recommendations is to ensure that students will not be adversely affected by disputes between institutions and that institutions serving the same region of the state avoid unnecessary duplication of effort. In addition, specific recommendations are presented to ensure that currently enrolled students continue to be served and that the needs of new students seeking services are met.
Dr. Ken Dobbins, President, Southeast Missouri State University thanked Commissioner Fitch for his efforts in attempting to resolve this dispute. Dr. Dobbins expressed hope that this situation sheds additional light on the need for a stronger Coordinating Board for Higher Education.
Following discussion regarding the recommended action, the board decided to divide the recommendation into two parts, taking action on each separately.
Dr. Bourisaw made a motion that the board direct the commissioner and MDHE staff to actively monitor higher education off-campus/out-of-district residence centers throughout the state using the following framework. Should the department become aware of any of the following conditions, the department should take steps to ensure the institutions are operating the facilities and are pursuing collaborative efforts within the parameters of state statutes and regulations.
- An institution requests MDHE to assist in the mediation of a dispute between one or more institutions;
- Tensions in an area reach a critical mass resulting in potentially detrimental effects on the delivery of student services;
- There is evidence of excessive duplication of services when multiple off-campus/out-of-district higher education sites exist within the same community; or
- Institutions engage in excessive competition with each other resulting in less than efficient use of state funds.
Mrs. Swan seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The dispute between Southeast Missouri State University and Three Rivers Community College meets one or more of the above conditions. Mr. Upchurch made a motion that the board acknowledge the conflict resolution efforts of both institutions relating to the operation of the southeast Missouri higher education centers. Both institutions are strongly encouraged to continue to provide coordinated oversight with respect to ongoing joint programs and to continue to seek future collaborative opportunities.
It is further recommended that the board direct the commissioner to design a standard annual report on the operation and support of all higher education centers operated by TRCC and SEMO. This annual report should be submitted to the CBHE/MDHE by July 1 of each year, until such time the board determines to sunset this requirement. The standard report should minimally include the following data elements:
- Analysis of need
- Budget and expenditures
- Tuition and fee funds
- Enrollments
- Program/course offerings
- Percent of students meeting admissions requirements
- Student progress (semester to semester/year to year) for both underpreared and prepared students
- Services (counseling, financial aid, advisement) rendered to both underprepared and prepared students
Dr. Bourisaw seconded the motion and it passed with the following vote:
Diana Bourisaw-aye
Marie Carmichael-aye
Lowell C. Kruse-aye
Jeanne Patterson-aye
Duane E. Schreimann-aye
Kathryn Sawn-abstain
Gregory Upchurch-aye
State-Level Assessment Policy
Dr. Stein provided the board with a historical perspective of conversations that have taken place in Missouri relating to assessment of student learning. Throughout the years, Missouri institutions have worked both individually and collectively to develop assessment programs that are responsive to both external and internal constituencies. In addition, since 1991 public institutions have participated in a grass-roots assessment consortium, the Missouri Assessment Consortium (MAC), since 1991 to promote good practice and share exemplary models. Most recently, 33 Missouri institutions formed the Measuring Value-Added Student Learning Consortium in order to forge state-level discussions about and experimentation with common assessment approaches.
Currently there are no state-level public policy assessment guidelines. Questions surrounding the development of a state-level public policy include: is there a need for such a policy on assessment, what are some of the essential elements that should be included in such a framework, what is the role of state policymakers in the development of institutional assessment program, and should the CBHE define a process for guiding the development of a state-level assessment policy.
Presidents and chancellors expressed concern surrounding the challenging prospect of developing a state-level policy on assessment. In addition to the complex nature of assessment, evaluation of institutions' assessment plans are a significant part of the accreditation process through the North Central Association.
Others suggested that any conversation at the state-level should be with an eye toward quality improvement and implementing a sound process rather than mandating actual assessment tools.
Dr. Stein reinforced that development of a statewide policy should not be focused on compliance issues.
The board came to a consensus that the state system of higher education has an obligation to at least engage in a meaningful conversation about developing a state-level policy on assessment. The current group, including Chief Academic Officers involved in the Measuring Value-Added Student Learning Consortium will be encouraged to move this conversation forward and provide the CBHE with guidance as to the need for a statewide assessment policy. The board requested regular updates on the discussion.
FY 2005 Annual Report
Commissioner Fitch briefly summarized the contents of the FY 2005 Annual Report. The full report is available on the MDHE website. The report has been distributed in hard copy to the Governor and members of the General Assembly.
Executive Session
Dr. Diana Bourisaw moved that the board proceed to executive session for the following purpose:
Section 610.021 (3), RSMo relating to "hiring firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public government body when personal information about the employee is discussed or recorded." Mrs. Swan seconded the motion and it passed unanimously with the following vote:
Lowell C. Kruse-aye
Diana Bourisaw-aye
Marie Carmichael-aye
Jeanne Patterson-aye
Duane E. Schreimann-aye
Kathryn Swan-aye
Gregory Upchurch-aye
The CBHE retired to the small annex conference room of the MDHE offices for the executive session.
Coordinating Board for Higher Education
Executive Session
December 8, 2005
Small Annex Conference Room
Department of Higher Education
Meeting Summary
Board members attending were:
Lowell C. Kruse, Chair
Diana Bourisaw
Marie Carmichael (via conference call)
Jeanne Patterson (via conference call)
Duane Schreimann
Kathryn Swan
Gregory Upchurch
Board members not present:
Martha Boswell
Earl Wilson, Jr.
Others attending were:
Gregory G. Fitch, Commissioner
The Coordinating Board for Higher Education met in executive session for the purpose of completing the annual performance review of Gregory G. Fitch, Commissioner of Higher Education.
Following completion of the performance review, Mr. Duane Schreimann made a motion to adjourn the executive session; Mr. Gregory Upchurch seconded the motion. The motion to adjourn the executive session was unanimously passed with the following vote:
Diana Bourisaw - aye
Marie Carmichael - aye
Lowell C. Kruse - aye
Jeanne Patterson - aye
Duane Schreimann - aye
Kathryn Swan - aye
Gregory Upchurch - aye
There being no further business to come before the board Mr. Schreimann made a motion to adjourn the CBHE meeting; Mr. Upchurch seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathryn Swan, Secretary
Coordinating Board for Higher Education
Roster of Attendees
Coordinating Board for Higher Education
December 8, 2005
Name -- Affiliation
James Baker -- Missouri State University
Terry L. Barnes -- Mineral Area College
Constance Bowman -- Harris Stowe State University
J. Burke -- Harris Stowe State University
Joe Camille -- University of Missouri-Columbia
Donald Claycomb -- Linn State Technical College
Kenneth Dean -- University of Missouri-Columbia
Barbara Dixon -- Truman State University
Ken Dobbins -- Southeast Missouri State University
Don Doucette -- Metropolitan Community Colleges
Charles Gooden -- Harris Stowe State University
Henry Givens, Jr. -- Harris Stowe State University
Donna Imhoff -- Missouri Department of Higher Education
James Kellerman -- Missouri Community College Association
Jillian Lair -- Southeast Missouri State University
Stephen Lehmkuhle -- University of Missouri-Kansas City
David Lieb -- Associated Press
Brian Long -- Council on Public Higher Education
Carolyn Mahoney -- Lincoln University
Jim Matchefts -- Missouri Department of Higher Education
John McGuire -- St. Charles Community College
Michael McManis -- Truman State University
Marianne Mills -- Office of Administration
Brenda Miner -- Missouri Department of Higher Education
Marty Oetting -- University of Missouri-Columbia
Ann Pearce -- Central Missouri State University
Dan Peterson -- Missouri Department of Higher Education
Aaron M. Podolefsky -- Central Missouri State University
David R. Russell -- University of Missouri System
Greg Sandbothe -- Missouri Department of Higher Education
William E. Shoehigh -- University of Phoenix
Joe Simmons -- Lincoln University
Robert Stein -- Missouri Department of Higher Education
Jackie Snyder -- Metropolitan Community Colleges
Rochelle Tilghman -- Harris Stowe State University
Sarah A. Topp -- Gamble and Schleimeier
Leroy Wade -- Missouri Department of Higher Education
Paul Wagner -- Senate Research
Beth Wheeler -- Missouri Western State University
John Wittstruck -- Missouri Department of Higher Education
Phil Wright -- Central Missouri State University
