University Executive Committee Meeting Notes

February 28, 2008

Rollin Richmond

Ken Ayoob

Steve Butler

Rob Gunsalus

Denice Helwig

Susan Higgins

Jim Howard

John Powell (for Mark Larson)

Bob Snyder

Carol Terry

Ray Wang

Patty Lindley, Staff Support

President’s Report

President Richmond reported:

  • that he recently met with Bob Snyder and Anna Kircher to discuss the options for improving HSU’s email services. Based on the research performed it was recommended that Zimbra (http://www.zimbra.com/) be selected. It was noted that this product will also replace Meeting Maker. The University Executive Committee approved this recommendation and the allocation of $20,000/year to the ITS base budget.
  • that he recently participated in a trip to New Zealand at the invitation of Eureka’s Sister City group. Some of the contacts made (with Nayland College, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, the New Zealand King Salmon Company, and the Cawthron Institute) included discussions regarding opportunities for HSU student and faculty exchanges, as well as student internships. President Richmond noted that he used personal funds for this trip, with no state monies being spent.
  • that he contacted Chancellor Tseng, University of Hawaii, Hilo, to discuss possible collaborations with HSU. A video conference to continue discussions will be arranged.
  • that he will be convening a meeting to discuss the possible delay of HSU’s CMS student module implementation.
  • that he will be in Washington, D.C. in early March to participate in CSU Hill Day, including meetings with legislators to discuss appropriation requests for the CSU Veterans Initiative, the Agricultural Research Initiative, the CSU Marine Equipment and Infrastructure Initiative, and the USGS Cooperative Research Units Program.
  • that he, Terra Rentz (President, Associated Students) and Vice President Butler recently discussed a campaign to get students involved in student government. They also discussed, along with Robin Meiggs (President of the CFA Humboldt Chapter) plans to conduct a meeting on campus which would address the Governor’s proposed budget cuts for the CSU.
  • President Richmond discussed the Governor’s February 19, 2008 executive order which outlines measures to achieve additional savings, in addressing the State’s fiscal crisis. He requested that international travel be routed through the President’s Office for approval.

Other Reports

Vice President Butler reported:

  • that nominations for the two outstanding student awards are being solicited, encouraging nominations. http://www.humboldt.edu/~studaff/Download/division/outstanding_student_awards.pdf The deadline is March 26, 2008. The award ceremony will take place on April 30, 2:00.
  • that two HSU students were recently harassed during a racially charged incident.
  • HSU’s Men’s and Women’s basketball teams continue to do well.

Professor John Powell reported:

  • the General Faculty Election is coming up in March, with nominations due by February 29.

Vice President Gunsalus reported:

  • the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards have been selected and they will be honored at a dinner on Friday, April 18. The recipients include, Richard Cuneo (class of 1962, Business Administration), Terry Grosz (class of 1964 & 1966, Wildlife Management), Robert Thomas (class of 1985, Geology), and Lyle Laverty (class of 1965, Forestry).
  • the HSU Advancement Foundation Board members are attending a planning retreat at Benbow on February 29 where outreach and philanthropic activities will be discussed.
  • CSU’s e-Advocacy system will send out it’s first message soon.
  • the CSU Board of Trustees has selected Michael Fielding and Cheryl Seidner, HSU’s two nominees, to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree to be presented at the May 17 commencement.

CSU Executive Council

Provost Snyder, who attended the CSU Executive Council meeting on February 19 and 20 in President Richmond’s absence, shared information about some of the topics discussed:

  • Labor Relations and changes in the Human Resources area in the handling of grievances, encouraging campuses to resolve issues at the campus level.
  • Troops to College and the development of an articulation agreement with the University of Maryland Extension.
  • Campuses are encouraged to have a campus-wide budget summit in March.
  • Revised student fee policy will be discussed at the May Board of Trustees’ meeting.

2007-08 Budget Update

Carol Terry distributed a budget summary, as of February 27, 2008. There appears to be a surplus of approximately $1 million in state university fee revenue which could be used to off-set budget shortages in 2008-09.


Over 60’s Program

Vice President Butler reported that a review of the Over 60’s Program revealed that the existing fee of $6 (a flat fee for both matriculated or non-matriculated students, regardless of the units taken) has not been adjusted for many years. Currently there are 277 students in this category, generating 66 FTE and $508,000 in general fund support. Vice President Butler will prepare a proposal for University Executive Committee consideration. Suggestions shared included:

  • limiting them to non-matriculated status, with maximum per semester credits of six, pending seat availability (if matriculated, normal student fees would apply)
  • regular HSU students must have priority
  • increase the fee to $60 (for six credits), compared to approximately $900 for matriculated students taking six credits
  • they would be ineligible for student services offered to matriculated students, although some services could be available for a fee (i.e. Jack Pass)
  • allow them to register for classes at the beginning of the semester on a stand-by basis until the add/drop period is over