University Executive Committee Meeting Notes

May 15, 2008

Rollin Richmond

Ken Ayoob

Mike Reilly (for Steve Butler)

Carl Coffey

Rob Gunsalus

Denice Helwig

Anna Kircher

Bob Snyder

Carol Terry

Ray Wang

Mark Larson (for Sue MacConnie)

Patty Lindley, Staff Support

President’s Report

President Richmond distributed a list of the cultural graduation ceremonies encouraging attendance.

President Richmond requested input on the University Center reorganization proposal.

He shared that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has approved the issuance of a Request for Applications for a “Bridging to Stem Cell Research” training program totaling at least $18M over three years. This application process is open to all CSU and CCC campuses which are interesting in applying for stem cell research training.

A membership with Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) was discussed. It’s been a number of years since HSU was a member. Following discussion, it was decided that HSU will not join at this time.

The Bay Area Bernard Osher Foundation has pledged $16M to the CSU, with a $1M endowment coming to HSU. This will result in approximately $50,000 annually for scholarships for community college transfer students.

President Richmond commended those who were instrumental in handling the recent bomb threat on campus. It was suggested that the emergency preparedness committee solicit input and conduct a critique to learn from the experience.

President Richmond discussed some of the items discussed at the May 12-13 CSU Board of Trustees meeting:

Access to Excellence
Campus efforts to assist foster youth
Budget and impact on union contracts
Student Fee Increase ($276/year)
Adoption of CSU Campus-Based Fee Policy (President Richmond will convene a group to discuss fees for University Executive Committee discussion)
New President at CSU San Jose, Jon Whitmore
New Chair of the CSU Board of Trustees, Jeffrey Bleich, replaces Roberta Achtenberg.

President Richmond, as an external review committee member, attended a meeting of the Institute for Integrated Research in Materials, Environments and Societies (IIRMES) http://www.csulb.edu/programs/iirmes/ on May 14 in Long Beach following the Board of Trustees’ meeting. He noted that IIRMES resources are available to all CSU faculty and are a great opportunity for all faculty and students (including access to some equipment via the internet). He encouraged the sharing of this information with others.

Other Reports

Mark Larson reported:

that suggested agenda items for Senate consideration during 2008-09 are welcomed -- this will be discussed further at the May 22 University Executive Committee meeting.
that including the University Executive Committee notes in the Academic Senate packets would provide improved communication. (The notes from the University Executive Committee meetings are posted on the President’s web site, http://www.humboldt.edu/~hsupres/uecmn.html)

Vice President Gunsalus reported:

that “Humboldt Now” will not be issued during the summer break period.
that a number of staffing changes, including new positions, are planned in the University Advancement area and provided a summary.

Denice Helwig reported:

that $700,000 in additional funds have been generated for the CCRP initiative (California Center for Rural Policy).
that a CCRP Research Symposium is taking place on May 16.

Anna Kircher reported:

that a failure of primary and secondary power in the Van Matre Hall Data Center occurred on May 14, followed by a second power failure affecting all services. Information Technology Services is working on identifying the root cause(s) of the failures and improving systems and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Lottery Budget Review

Carol Terry distributed a lottery report for review. It was noted that Provost Snyder has initiated a review of how these funds are allocated and spent.

Solicitation and Communication Guidelines

Vice President Gunsalus reviewed proposed “HSU Alumni and Friend Communication and Solicitation Guidelines” noting this is a mechanism for coordinating university communications.

Enrollment Update

Mike Reilly distributed and reviewed updated enrollment information. He also distributed 2000-2006 First-Time Full-Time Freshmen retention and graduation rates for both HSU and the CSU System.