University Executive Committee Meeting Notes
August 13, 2009

Rollin Richmond
Ken Ayoob
Steve Butler
Rob Gunsalus
Denice Helwig
Jim Howard
Nancy Hurlbut
Anna Kircher
Saeed Mortazavi
Burt Nordstrom
Bob Snyder
Carol Terry
Patty Lindley, Staff Support

Guest:
Scott Hagg

President’s Report

President Richmond reported on his recent attendance at the Alexander von Humboldt conference held at the Freie Universität in Berlin.

He noted that a campus budget reduction plan was recently prepared and forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office and we are awaiting approval from them. It is anticipated that the campus plan will be updated throughout the year, as the campus continues to manage the budget crisis.

He reported that he, along with Dean Hurlbut (College of Professional Studies) and Kristin Johnson (Regional Director, Small Business Development Center), met recently in Los Angeles to discuss the possible reorganization of Small Business Development Centers in California. The Lead Center directed by Kristin at HSU is one of the strongest in the state and it’s possible that they may be asked to provide additional oversight responsibilities.

President Richmond, along with other HSU representatives, met with President Marsee and others from College of the Redwoods to discuss areas of possible collaboration. Ongoing meetings will be scheduled.

A request was received from the Chancellor’s Office asking campuses to provide recommendations for the 2010 Trustees’ Legislative Program (due October 1). Suggestions should be sent to President Richmond or Frank Whitlatch, Associate Vice President, Marking and Communication.

President Richmond proposed that the new Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, John Lyon, be invited to join the University Executive Committee meetings on a regular basis. No objections were expressed and President Richmond will contact Dean Lyon.

President Richmond noted that he had previously requested information from the deans and provost regarding college-based course fees. It was decided that the deans would present a proposal to the University Executive Committee no later than November that would include an analysis of both college and university-based fees, as well as data from the Budget Office outlining how the fee revenue is being used. It was agreed that it would be important to obtain an initial indication from the Chancellor’s Office as to the potential success for approval, prior to proceeding through the many steps required of the process.

Enrollment Update

Scott Hagg, Director of Admissions reported that a record enrollment is anticipated. Steps are being taken to manage enrollment, including analyzing the impact of enrollment restrictions and reviewing trends for the different grade levels. He has requested authorization from the Chancellor’s Office to make exceptions in considering applications (areas such as College of the Redwoods upper division students, veterans, students returning to complete a degree, etc.).

It was reported that students who are registering during the last HOP session will be limited to 13 units. This cap will be “raised” for this group first during the add/drop period. The importance of notifying advisors of this unit limit was stressed, as well as the issue of timing so that under-enrolled courses can be identified and cancelled within the faculty contract parameters.

Other Reports

Vice President Butler reported:

  • Student academic support programs are being moved to the Learning Commons located in the Library basement.
    The campus is preparing to handle issues that may result from an influenza flu (H1N1) outbreak.

Vice President Nordstrom reported:

  • He recently attended a CSU meeting in Long Beach where the budget situation was discussed. Unit 6 (State Employees Trades Council) is expected to vote on the furlough issue soon. Capital Projects were discussed, with campuses asked to reconsider their plans and reduce the scope of their projects. Funds for capital projects are not expected to be available for the next few years. A class action lawsuit has been filed related to the recent student fee increase, which could result in fee revenue being in jeopardy further exacerbating the financial situation on campus.
  • LK Wood is undergoing paving, which should be complete by August 21. Information will be shared with campus regarding road closures impacting traffic.
  • The College Creek housing project is ahead of schedule.

Vice President Gunsalus reported:

  • He attended a CSU meeting recently, where it was announced that grant programs which assisted the Advancement division are being eliminated (approximately a $70,000 reduction for HSU).
  • Several gifts to HSU have been received recently, including a $180,000 gift which will benefit scholarships in the music program.
  • Planning is taking place regarding events related to Professor Sillett’s coverage by National Geographic, including activities in San Francisco and Washington, DC with the Save the Redwoods League and National Geographic. Professor Sillett is being featured on the cover of the National Geographic September issue, with a documentary to follow on the National Geographic TV channel in September or October.

Provost Snyder reported:

  • Steps are being taken to manage courses as part of the budget reduction strategy.

Senate Chair Mortazavi reported:

  • The Academic Senate is conducting their retreat on August 18.

Dean Howard reported:

  • He attended a meeting where the future of the Natural History Museum was discussed.
  • HSU’s Coral Sea marine vessel has been successful in generating revenue (through major contracts) which covers all operations/maintenance expenses, as well as the salaries of the permanent staff members associated with it.