LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES
November 16, 2011
1. Attendance
Board members present: Bob Ackerman, Pat Albright, Susie Johnston, Gary LeClair, and Tony McCown, Rosie Pryor, and Sharon Stiles. Also present were: President Mary Spilde; Executive Dean Andrea Newton; Lane Community College Education Association Interim President Stacey Kiser, Lane Community College Employees Federation President Bob Baldwin; and ASLCC Chief of Staff Miriam Weatherhead.
A. Chair Johnston called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
B. President's Report
I'd like to begin by giving my deepest thanks to Susie and the board for nominating me for the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Chief Executive Officer of the Year award, for those of you who were there with me to share the moment, and for tonight's reception. I also appreciate all the congratulations everyone has shared. I will just keep saying that things like this happen only because we have such a great team working together here at Lane. I am touched and humbled.
Next I would like to introduce Tamara Pinkas who is our liaison with the League for Innovation in the Community College. She will tell you a little bit about the League and about a special guest we have with us:
Pinkas stated that she enjoyed her work in the League and commented on the opportunities that League membership allows, including access to grants. She introduced Philos Molina, who works at Lane in Enrollment Services and won second place in the essay category of the 2011 League for Innovation National Student Literary Competition. His essay is titled, "Of Pupusas and Love."
It is my honor to present Philos with his award certificate and check for $200.00.
I also want to thank the Foundation for another wonderful Shining Star scholarship reception. Hearing students' stories in person is inspiring and affirming of the work we do.
Congratulations to the men's team for winning the NWAACC Cross Country Southern Region Championships, and to the women's team for placing two runners in the top-5, including capturing the women's individual title.
Thanks to Athletics for again hosting the annual OSAA State High School Cross Country Championships which attracted more than 4,000 spectators and athletes to campus.
Athletics also hosted the OSAA 3A and 2A state volleyball championships. Athletic Director Greg Sheley said that the OSAA organizers, coaches and participants from past years were totally impressed by the transformation that our gym and lobby has undergone since last year. All the dull grey concrete is now bright white and you can "Feel the Power" of Lane Titans everywhere!
At your places is an announcement of the upcoming "Taste of Lane" cookbook that will debut at next year's Harvest Dinner. Students, staff and the community are excited about our first cookbook. Marketing has long wanted this project and is working closely with Brian Kelly and his division to make it happen. As a matter of fact, I have been invited to contribute one of my favorite recipes.
Marketing is about half way through a significant project to update all the videos for our Career and Technical programs, funded by Carl Perkins and in partnership with the Career and Technical Deans. This involves faculty, staff and students from each of the programs and will be a key element on our new website. We look forward to showcasing a few of those programs later this year.
Marketing is working with Florence Dean Mary Jeanne Kuhar to brand Florence marketing materials to match the college brand. Everything from the class schedule to advertisement templates in the Suislaw News will be brought into alignment with our core branding, which will strengthen our identity across the district.
Lane has been designated a partner in a Next Generation Learning Challenges Grant from the Gates Foundation and Educause. We are the only west coast college in the project. Central Piedmont Community College is the lead college. As a partner, we will receive several online tools to help developmental students become more successful.
Fourth-week enrollment figures for fall term are now in. Our total reported FTE is up 2.3 percent. Credit-only FTE is up 3.0 percent and non-credit FTE is down 3.4 percent.
LTD is exploring a possible EmX route to campus along McVay Highway, using federal grant funds. That would be good news for students.
I'd like to commend Vice President Sonya Christian for coordinating two back-to-back statewide events on campus this month, the Win Win Conference, where I presented remarks along with Commissioner Cam Preus, and the DQP, or Degree Qualifications Profile Conference. Cliff Adelman was the keynote speaker. He is co-author of a Lumina report on degree qualifications and is a senior associate with the Institute for Higher Education Policy. A total of 347 people participated either in person or via webcast, from 14 Oregon community colleges, 7 Oregon University System institutions, and state agencies.
I attended the 21st Century Commission and American Association of Community College (AACC) meetings, in addition to the ACCT Annual Congress. I'd like to thank Pat, Rosie, Sharon, and Brett for joining me at the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) annual conference, where we discussed student success, completion, education system reform, and the upcoming legislative session.
The next state revenue forecast will be announced tomorrow morning in Salem. Budget leaders have indicated that they expect the forecast to be down, the question is whether the reduction in tax revenue exceeds the amount of the reserve fund created by the Legislature when they held back 3.5 percent from budgets earlier this year.
The Oregon Education Investment Team continues to meet pending confirmation by the Senate, which should have happened today in the hearing. We are working on a job description for the chief education officer. The team's primary goal in the February legislative session is making progress on achievement compacts. The Oregon Community College Association and the Oregon President's Council have active groups working on shaping what these compacts should look like.
In Washington, the budget and the federal deficit continue to dominate the discussion. This Friday, the current stop-gap funding measure that keeps the government running is set to expire. In order to keep the government funded beyond November 18th, the House and Senate plan to take up another short-term funding continuing resolution that will run through mid-December.
There will be a legislative town hall on campus next Monday, November 21 from noon until 1:30 PM. Local state representatives and senators will be on campus to discuss issues important to the Lane Community College community. The event will occur in the Boardroom and is open to the public. Staff, faculty and students are encouraged to attend. Contact Brett Rowlett for details.
Coming up on November 22 and 23, we will host six college administrators from China who will learn about our campus and best practices. This is part of AACC's goal to help Chinese institutions understand the community college system. AACC chose Lane as a host institution.
I'd like to conclude by wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
1) Personnel
The college's current personnel appointments were presented.
C. Board Agenda Review/Changes
No changes were made to the agenda.
D. Statements from Audience
Justin Blakely, former student, expressed dissatisfaction with services received through Disability Resources.
Dennis Gilbert, Science instructor, expressed concern about the long range financial plan and asked that the Finance Council be reinstated.
2A. Consent Agenda
McCown moved, and seconded by Stiles, to approve the revised Consent Agenda consisting of:
•Approval of the October 5, 2011, Minutes
•Printer Management Services
•Provision of Multi Function Machines
Motion passed unanimously.
3. Policy Review
A. Second Reading
1. Purchasing Procedure, C.050
McCown moved, seconded by Albright, to approve the second reading of board policy C.050, Purchasing Procedure.
POLICY NUMBER: C.050
POLICY TYPE: BOARD-PRESIDENT LINKAGE
POLICY TITLE: PURCHASING PROCEDURE
All procurement on behalf of the college shall be executed in accordance with the requirements of Oregon Revised Statute Chapters 279A, 279B and 279C, the Oregon Community College Rules of Procurement (“CCRP”), and Oregon Administrative Rules 125 (OAR 125) and Lane Community College on-line Policies and Procedures.
Where federal procurement regulations apply and are more restrictive than the state regulations, the federal regulations shall prevail.
Pursuant to ORS 279A.065(5), the Oregon Attorney General's Model Rules (OAR 137) do not apply to Lane Community College except those portions of the Oregon Attorney General's Model Rules that have been expressly identified in Section 300, Appendix A, of the CCRP.
The CCRP shall prevail over the provisions in OAR 125 and where topics are not addressed in the CCRP, the rules of OAR 125 shall remain in force.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVISED: June 9, 2004
REVISED: April 13, 2005
REVIEWED: November 9, 2005
REVIEWED: December 3, 2008
REVIEWED: November 16, 2011
Motion passed unanimously.
B. First Reading
1. Monitoring President's Performance, C.060
The following changes shown below were recommended to this policy. A second reading will be held in December.
POLICY NUMBER: C.060
POLICY TYPE: BOARD-PRESIDENT LINKAGE
POLICY TITLE: MONITORING PRESIDENT'S PERFORMANCE
Any evaluation of the president's performance, formal or informal, may be derived only from the criteria established within board Ends and Executive Directions.
Accordingly,
1.The purpose of monitoring is to determine the degree to which board policies are being fulfilled. Information which does not do this will not be considered to be monitoring.
2.The board will acquire monitoring data by one or more of three methods: (a) by internal report, in which the president discloses compliance information to the board, (b) by external report, in which an external, disinterested third party selected by the board assesses compliance with board policies, and (c) by direct board inspection, in which a designated member or members of the board assess compliance with the appropriate policy criteria.
3.The standard for compliance shall be any reasonable presidential interpretation of the board policy being monitored.
4.All policies that instruct the president will be monitored at a frequency and by a method chosen by the board. The board can monitor any policy at any time by any method, but will ordinarily depend on a routine schedule.
| Policy | Method | Frequency |
| Treatment of Learners, A.020 | Internal | Annually |
| Treatment of Staff, A.030 | Internal/External | Annually |
| Financial Planning and Budgeting, A.040 | Internal | Semi-annual |
| Financial Condition and Activities, A.050 | Internal | Quarterly |
| External | Annually | |
| Emergency President Succession, A.060 | Internal | Annually |
| Asset Protection, A.070 | Internal | Annually |
| Compensation and Benefits, A.080 | Internal | Annually |
| Communication and Support to the Board, A.09 | Internal/Direct Insp. | Annually |
| Community Outreach, A.110 | Internal | Annually |
| Governance Process Policies, B.010-B.200 | Direct Insp. | Annually |
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVISED: May 12, 1999
REVIEWED: May 12, 2004
REVIEWED: November 9, 2005
REVIEWED: January 14, 2009
B. First Reading
2. Personnel Services, D.020
No changes were recommended to this policy. A second reading will be held in December.
POLICY NUMBER: D.010
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: PERSONNEL SERVICES
The president or designees shall be authorized to commit the college on such items as personnel transactions, voluntary and non-voluntary payroll deductions, and in those personnel matters requiring immediate resolution.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVIEWED: May 12, 2004
REVIEWED: December 14, 2005
REVIEWED: December 3, 2008
4. Discussion/Action Items
A. Downtown Campus
Spilde updated the board on the Downtown Campus. Recruitment of students for the housing needs to begin in March to be ready by fall term. She informed the board about the housing options for the Downtown Campus. In the first option, Lane manages the housing. The benefit is that Lane has total control of the operation, but the disadvantage is that we do not have the expertise at this time in leasing and property management. In the second option, management would be hired out to a third party. The benefit is that there would be people who have expertise to manage the building. This would involve outsourcing. The third option is a hybrid of the first two options. There is not much financial difference between the options.
The board discussed the intention to create a sense of community in the building, with resident advisors and community assistance. There will be a need for public safety officers and crisis response. The building is not a dormitory, but rather independent living. Spilde asked the board to consider the options and will bring a recommendation at the December meeting.
B. Wellness Presentation
Wendy Simmons, Wellness Coordinator, presented information on Lane's employee wellness program, LIFE – Lasting Improvements for Employees. Options for employees include health screenings, ergonomic assessments, an annual health and wellness fair, personal training, special wellness events, support groups, campus walking maps, vending machines with healthy food choices, and seminars. Long term programs include pedometers, wellness team building, and "Undress the Stress" activities and workshops.
Lane's Wellness Program recently received an OEA Choice Trust Wellness Grant and has purchased wellness equipment which can be taken out to departments and made available in break rooms and offices.
The Wellness Program was instrumental in guiding policy change on campus to make Lane Community College tobacco free. As of fall term 2010, smoking is now allowed only in four perimeter areas in the parking lots on the main campus.
Merrill Watrous, Cooperative Education faculty, gave a testimonial about the wellness program and the change it has had on her life and her teaching.
C. Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST) AAS
Lynn Songer, GIS instructor, presented information on the new Associate of Applied Science program, Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST). This is one of the fastest growing professional technical areas, and there is a real need for a workforce. To meet industry growth requirements, employers need to examine alternatives to the traditional pipeline, recruiting young workers through apprenticeship and high school/college dual-enrollment-dual-credit agreements and tapping nontraditional labor pools to diversify the workforce. Only two other colleges in Oregon offer a two year degree in this emerging and developing industry. All courses in the program except one will transfer directly to a university. There are some technical courses, but universities now accept up to twelve technical credits.
McCown moved to approve the curriculum for the Geospatial Information Science and Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree, to be offered at Lane beginning Fall 2012. Pryor seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
D. Inflation Index Options
Greg Morgan noted that Board Policy D.110, adopted in November 2002, calls for the board each December to adjust the tuition rate for inflation using "an appropriate index for two-year public colleges." After comparing indices, the college recommended using the Higher Education Price Index as the benchmark for inflation adjustments.
McCown moved that the board approve the HEPI as the appropriate inflation index. Stiles seconded.
Ackerman felt that the Consumer Price Index is more relevant to the student experience than one that looks at all higher education, including universities.
Motion passed 6 – 1. Ackerman dissented.
E. Long Range Financial Plan
Spilde explained that the version of the Long Range Financial Plan is not complete, but it is a draft. It was presented to the board to give members an opportunity to see the financial plan and to receive feedback regarding the document. The plan will be discussed at College Council on December 8, and the college will ask for direction from the board in December.
5. Accountability/Reports
A. Benchmarks
Craig Taylor, Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning director, responded to questions and comments on the following Benchmarks:
•CCSSE Benchmark – Active and Collaborative Learning
•CCSSE Benchmark – Student Effort
•CCSSE Benchmark – Academic Challenge
•CCSSE Benchmark – Student-Faculty Interaction
•CCSSE Benchmark – Support for Learners
•Overview of Student Engagement Benchmarks
B. Facilities Update
An update on the status of bond and facility projects was presented.
C. Financial Conditions and Activities Quarterly Report, A.050
Greg Morgan answered questions and responded to comments regarding the Financial Conditions and Activities Quarterly Report.
6. Reports
ASLCC Chief of Staff Miriam Weatherhead reported that nearly 11,000 students across the state have completed the Oregon Education Association student survey. Hundreds of postcards have been collected and will be sent to Washington, D.C. that show how many students will be affected if financial aid programs are cut. The Oregon Students of Color Conference was held here at Lane last week. Over 60 workshops were offered, and keynote speakers included Kendall Claussen and Lane's own Jim Garcia.
LCCEF President Bob Baldwin reported that, in regards to Dennis Gilbert's comments, it is true that the classified union would prefer to have the Finance Council reinstated, but it is also true that College Council and the Budget Subcommittee can accomplish the same work. Baldwin will pay close attention to a possible discussion of outsourcing at the new Downtown Campus. Baldwin thanked the board chair for calling out behavior which was seen as inappropriate at a prior meeting, and he agreed that he should have brought the matter to the board in a way that was not disrespectful.
LCCEA Interim President Stacey Kiser supported Baldwin's clarification on the Finance Council issue, stating that it would be acceptable if the Budget Subcommittee can do the work that's going to increase trust and ensure smooth negotiations in the future with both of the unions. Kiser noted an editorial in a recent Register Guard that discussed the University of Oregon's financial problems. This can be used as an opportunity to educate people on the Governor's 40/40/20 plan. The Association is eagerly awaiting the announcement of the faculty vacancies that can be filled this year.
Executive Dean Andrea Newton Newton reported that the Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic program is undergoing a rigorous accreditation process. There are some recommendations that will need attention, but that is to be expected in a first accreditation process.
Board Reports
McCown reported that he attended the women's soccer game on Susan B. Komen night. The soccer field is an amazing facility at night, and hundreds of supporters attended. He also attended the Lane County focus group on its vision, mission and goals and was proud and pleased with our mission and vision planning process and the culture to allow it to permeate throughout the college. He congratulated the students on hosting the Oregon Students of Color Conference.
Pryor reported that she toured the Small Business Development Center and recommended the tour to other board members. She attended Piano Mania, which was a great show. She went to the Oregon Community College Association Conference and attended one breakout session on crises and emergencies.
LeClair reported that he is on the Eugene Ballet and the Eugene Symphony Boards of Directors, and he would like to find some way to let students know about discount tickets.
Albright reported that he attended the Barry Lopez Reading Together event at Lane and was impressed by the speaker and by the number of people who attended. He also attended the Association of Community College Trustees Annual Congress. The final speaker was a mathematician who stated that sixty percent of our students need some form of remedial education and that colleges need a redesign of remedial math classes, which at present are shaped by history and not workforce needs. At the ACCT conference in Toronto there was a discussion on student completion and success, and this was a focus again at the OCCA conference. Albright attended the Shining Star reception and was impressed with the student comments, especially the one that said that every teacher at Lane is a quality teacher.
Ackerman reported that he also attended the Shining Star reception, and recollected the first time he attended that inspirational gathering.
Johnston reported that she also attended the Shining Star reception, and the videos produced by the Foundation were very professional and moving. She noted that the speaker at the ACCT conference that Albright mentioned was outstanding, and she wondered if there was a way we could bring him to Lane. She attended the Harvest Dinner, which was a wonderful event. She also attended the OCCA Annual Conference and the Oregon University System Symposium in Corvallis and was pleased to see Lane represented so well.
7. Date, Place, and Proposed Agenda Items for the Next Regular Meeting
Wednesday, January 11, 2011, Boardroom, Building 3, Lane Community College.
8. The board meeting unanimously adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
| _____________________________ | _____________________________ | |
| Mary Spilde, President/District Clerk | Susie Johnston, Board Chair |