University Council MINUTES

August 12, 2020

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Via Webex

Printable Minutes

Members:

Waded Cruzado, Daniel Adams, Kenning Arlitsch, Sreekala Bajwa, Janelle Booth, Michael Brody, Matt Caires, Jason Carter, Leon Costello, Chris Dobbs, Ariel Donohue, Tracy Ellig, Chris Fastnow, Stephanie Gray, Jeannette Grey-Gilbert, Rolf Groseth, Brett Gunnink, Alison Harmon, Deborah Haynes, Robert Hawks, Whitney Hinshaw, Yves Idzerda, Chris Kearns, Greg Kegel, Chere LeClair, Ilse-Mari Lee, Terry Leist, Bob Mokwa, Chris Murray, Kim Obbink, Craig Ogilvie, Kellie Peterson, Mark Ranalli, Sarah Shannon, Royce Smith, Emily Stark, Dan Stevenson, Cody Stone, Michael Trotter, Michael Vasquez, Amber Vestal, Susan Wolff
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  1.  Call to Order
    President Waded Cruzado

            President Cruzado called meeting order at 8:30am.

        II.  Approval of Minutes for March 4, 2020

              Royce Smith moved to approve the minutes; Chris Fastnow seconded, and the minutes were approved                                unanimously.

        III.  University Wide Information/Announcements

             President Cruzado welcomed ASMSU President Michael Vasques, All Staff Council Chair Whitney Hinshaw, Dean               Yves Idzerda, Faculty Senate Chair Michael Brody and Interim MSU Billings Chancellor Rolf Groseth to their first                 University Council meeting.  President Cruzado thanked Move-In Week volunteers for their outstanding                               assistance and commitment. 

             Provost Mokwa shared update on transition to fall semester and implementation plans at MSU.

             President Cruzado shared a visual of the Clean ‘Cat Kits that have been distributed across campus. 

             Rolf Groseth welcomed his first grandchild two days ago.  MSU Billings’ NWCCU accreditation going along well,                 enrollment looks like it will be down 8-10% this fall.  

             Susan Wolff shared Great Falls College campus update.  They finished the 8-week advantage in the spring well.                 The summer semester went smoothly.  They were able to bring the dental clinic back for students to get their                   clinical hours in.

             Greg Kegel shared the MSU Northern campus update.  Faculty and staff have been hard at work preparing                         classes and labs for this fall.

            MSU is celebrating ten-year anniversary of University Council.  It was implemented to establish policies and                        procedures across MSU and our affiliate campuses.

         IV.  New Item

                A.  Procurement Policy Revision
                     Kellie Peterson, Legal Counsel

                     Leslie Taylor shared the policy is nearly the same.  It’s been updated for purposes of clarity and changing a                         few names and for consistency purposes.

                B.  Public Participation Policy Revision
                     Kellie Peterson, Legal Counsel

                     Leslie shared this policy was updated to change the names to coincide with current practices and make                               clarifications of minutes.

                     Matt Caires asked question on open public hearing process.

               C.  Open Meeting Policy Revision
                     Kellie Peterson, Legal Counsel

                     Leslie updated the legal requirements.  Public has access to minutes and what actions took place. 
                     Not every meeting is required to share this information.  This updated policy improved clarity of language                         in the policy. 

                     President Cruzado thanked Leslie for her continued hard work on policies and keeping everything up to                             date.
                 D.  Undergraduate Academic Standing Policy Revision
                      Tamela Eitle, Vice Provost, Office of Academic Affairs

                      Tami recognized Chris Kearns, Chris Fastnow, James Broscheit, Tony Campeau and Carina Beck on their                              efforts in the past year and a half.  This policy revised the suspension and probation policy to be in better                          alignment with the Board of Regents policy. 

           V.   Public Comment

                   Jason Carter acknowledged the Covid testing and all the researchers and individuals who are undertaking                           this  effort.  Their hard work and expertise have been an extraordinary effort.

                   Bob Hawks is hearing concerns from community and wondering if students have a proper guide so                                     community  knows the students are well informed and practices have been put in place at MSU.  Matt                                 Caires shared they developed a community concern website. 

                  Chris Fastnow shared the amazing alignment in the Strategic Plan and the research and collaboration being                      done with transformational learning. 

                  Brett Gunnink shared the efforts of the faculty over the summer who have went above and beyond to ensure                    the students have a positive experience this fall.

                  Chris Kearns acknowledged faculty and staff and shared the balance between individual rights and the public                    good.  Students are modeling wearing of masks and practicing social distancing.  This is a real educational                          opportunity.

NOTE:  The next University Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, 2020, from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM via WebEx.