MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

May 13, 2005

The Regents of the University of New Mexico met on Friday, May 13, 2005, l: 00 p.m. in the Student Union Building Lobo Room. A copy of the public notice is on file in the Office of the President.

Regents present:

James H. Koch, President
Jack L. Fortner, Vice President
Sandra K. Begay-Campbell
Douglas M. Brown
John M. “Mel” Eaves
Raymond Sanchez
Rosalyn D. Nguyen, Student Regent
President Louis Caldera

Vice Presidents present

David Harris, EVP
Richard Holder, for Acting Provost Reed Dasenbrock
Eliseo Torres, Vice President for Student Affairs
Michael Carroll, Vice President for Advancement
Terry Yates, VP for Research and Economic Development

Regents' Advisors present:

Ed DeSantis, President, Faculty Senate
Steve Borbas, President, Staff Council
Kevin Stevenson, President, ASUNM
Brittany Jaeger, incoming President, ASUNM
Buckner Creel, President GPSA
Coleman Travelstead, President, Alumni Association
Robert Bovinette, UNM Foundation

Others in attendance:

Members of the administration, faculty, staff, students, the media, and others.

Regent James Koch presided and called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA, Regent Jamie Koch

Motion approved unanimously to adopt the agenda.

APPROVAL OF SUMMARIZED MINUTES OF THE APRIL 11 AND APRIL 12, 2005 MEETINGS OF THE UNM BOARD OF REGENTS

Motion approved unanimously to approve the April 11 and April 12, 2005 Minutes.

Public Comment:

The following comments were provided by Karen Sanchez-Griegos, Albuquerque Public School Teacher) Jacqueline DuBose (Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce) Jesus Munoz (UNM Student) Peter Estrada (UNM Student) Antoinette Murphy (UNM student) John Moya, (National Education Center) Erik Estrada (adjunct UNM faculty member) an Albuquerque High School Teacher, Mr. Dias, (4 th year medical student @ UNM), and the Albuquerque Partnership Director of Education.

• Diversity and numbers of students admitted will be affected.
• It is UNM's responsibility to address the preparation of students and graduation rates.
• UNM's graduation rate used to be 6 years.
• Graduation rate from 1984-89 is 16.9%, suggested a raise to 45-50%
• Allow students an opportunity to succeed.
• Consider and be thoughtful regarding the standards required.
• Is UNM doing its job?
• Students with deficiencies need the support of UNM, it is not their fault that

their educational experience in the APS is not up to the challenge.

• Raise the bar, do not lower standards, the future of young people depends upon a real education. Albuquerque grade and high schools need to prepare young people better.
• This is a racial issue; tests are not always the best indicator of a person's ability to succeed. We are on the offensive, and will work with ACLU, request increased support of programs.
• Redirecting students with deficiencies to community colleges is not always effective,
• UNM needs to support the students.
• ACT and SAT do not accurately reflect the ability to succeed for students in other parts of NM. These students cannot access UNM summer bridge programs.
• UNM is a state institution, and should be available to all students in the state.
• Compass tests do not accurately access students abilities, and do not account for language differences between English and Spanish. Standardized tests do not serve this community.
• TVI transfer rate to UNM is less than 5%.
• APS cannot do enough, our students are different with a unique richness, and are willing to work.
• A 4 th year medical student was told he was not a good student, always told “No, you can't”, but here I am. I recruited 500 students from my high school for UNM.

• Regent Sanchez noted that these stories helped him reflect his experience in law school when he was told he would never graduate due to a standardized test result. This board is not ready to address this issue; most of us did not know this was in process.

• The Regents invite all who spoke today to participate in a continuing dialogue on the topic of admissions. We do need higher standards, and we also need to challenge our systems to support those students who need help. Thank you for being here to talk to us.

• Regent Eaves supported the remarks of Regent Sanchez and expressed appreciation for the time taken to present comments. The Regents have listened and will reflect very carefully on all input. Admissions issues have been racially charged, minorities are affected. We cannot adopt a policy like this in New Mexico.

• Regent Begay Campbell noted that the admissions issue is emotionally charged. The Native American voice is missing. Native American education is in survival modes, it is a systemic problem. K-12 in Indian country is a serious challenge. UNM cannot take this issue on without partnership and community involvement. We will cut off UNM from the community. We will take all input into consideration and have continued dialogue. A Native American Tribal Summit being planned for Fall 2005 will address the issues in higher education for Native Americans.

• Regent Jamie Koch commented that the Regents did not know about this admissions proposal, so had no opportunity to provide comment until it was public via the newspaper. “As long as I am President, this is an open board to the public.” We did not look at this in depth, it is easy to make a statement, but regents have not considered this, I assure you. This issue will be reviewed by the Academic and Student Affairs Committee.

• The President has been asked to address the philosophy of admissions for UNM. The Regents will not adopt any action until we have had an opportunity to listen, review and discuss, including public comment. Thank you and you are all welcome to attend Regent meetings to provide comments. You can always talk to us.

• Regent Rosalyn Nguyen. As a first generation female born in the U.S., I did not speak English, but with a strong family, and support, I have accomplished my education, and support the advancement of this diverse population here in NM.

Regent Koch requested Dr. Ed DeSantis to bring the admissions issue to the Academic and Student Affairs Committee.

Dr. Ed DeSantis requested that the admissions issue not be tabled for too long. The faculty can inform the audience regarding testing products and processes.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT, President Louis Caldera

• Graduation Saturday May 14, 2005, will highlight 2625 degree recipients and two honorary doctorates.
• National Cancer Site Visit May 11, 2005 included strong support by UNM Regents and a great job by Dr. Cheryl Willman.
• Faculty Highlights included Professor James Brown being elected the National Academy of Sciences; James Thorsen and Connie Capers received Fulbright Fellowships for 05-06.
• STC Birthday highlighted inventors and researchers in this important economic development driver key to the UNM mission.
• Michael Kingdon joins Advancement as new Associate VP for Development.
• Wynn Goering will assume the role of Associate Provost for Academic Affairs July 1, 2005. Public thanks to Dr. Goering for his excellent work in the President's Office.
• Breda Bova, Associate Dean, COE Administration will succeed Dr. Goering as Special Advisor to the President for a two year period.
• Admission proposal is important, including reasons to change to best serve NM Students.

COMMENTS FROM REGENTS ‘ADVISORS

Dr. Ed DeSantis, President, Faculty Senate

• Faculty Senate is addressing efficiencies. He agreed to shorten report to respect time requirements for meeting today.

Steve Borbas, President, Staff Council

• Staff Appreciation Week will begin June 6, 2005, including the Jim Davis award for staff,

Faculty art show, books, and eyeglasses.

• Work-Life Committee is serving as a valuable resource.
• Executive Committee for Staff Council will be selected 5/05.
• Thank you to the Regents and Administration for their support for staff as evidenced by the 70/30 health insurance payment ratio, and increasing the minimum wage from $7 to $8 per hour.

Buckner Creel, President, GPSA

• There are no action items noting the end of the term and finals.
• Congratulations to the graduating students and graduate students.
• GPSA President remains the same for the next year, noting positive election results.
• GPSA echoes the positive comments made by Staff Council President, but also requesting attention to Graduate student housing and child care. GPSA is working with Cheo Torres and Carlos Romero in directing internal and state dollars to use for child care.

Kevin Stevenson, President, ASUNM

• Introduction of Brittany Jaeger, incoming ASUNM President.
• The unified student section at the stadium is positive and appreciated by ASUNM.
• ASUNM is working with Provost Dasenbrock and Dean White to develop a Washington D.C. internship program.
• Admissions comments; It is important to raise the bar, but not to set students up to fail.

Key is to create programs to help prepare students to succeed.

The bottom line is student success.

• This is my last meeting as a student and president of ASUNM; I will begin a staff position working for the President, EVP, and Legislative Affairs.

Thank you to the Regents and President, and UNM Administration for this valuable experience.

Regent Koch noted that Kevin did a good job, and will continue to do good work for UNM.

Coleman Travelstead, President, UNM Alumni Association

Note Alumni Report is included in BOR Book.

• Star Scholar event for 2005 was attended by 600 students and parents.
• Golden Graduates will be honored at the 5/14/05 Commencement.
• Alumni Association Board will meet 6/3/05; a week long Open House will be held for graduating seniors, and also a reception will be co-hosted with President and Mrs. Caldera for graduates and their families following commencement.
• A new award, “Higher Education Distinguished Legislator Award” will be given for the first time to Senator Cisco McSorley and Senator Cynthia Nava.
• Regent Koch and President Caldera set a positive tone for the year by including the
• Alumni Association in the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, which has not been done in the past.
• A strong relationship is developing with VP for Advancement, Michael Carroll.
• Carlos Romero assisted in mobilizing the 60,000 alumni in New Mexico for the legislative agenda.
• Strategic plan will be presented at the 6/14/05 BOR meeting.
• Admiration to the Regents for their time and hard work.

Robert Goodman, President, UNM Foundation

• Introduction for Robert Bovinette, incoming Foundation President, who has strong corporate and UNM leadership background to bring to this position.

Bob Bovinette reported:

• This is an exciting time as we seek to strengthen volunteer support structure and to raise private dollars. The foundation has raised 63% of their 43 million dollar goal, as compared to 49% the year before. Foundation has elected Don Chalmers as vice chair and David Harris as treasurer.
• Gratitude extended for the strong leadership of Bob Goodman for the past three years.

COMMENTS FROM REGENTS

• Regent Nguyen expressed appreciation for the help and information provided by the Regents Advisors.
• Regent Begay-Campbell noted she attended the Gallup NM graduation which honored two tribal officers.
• A UNM Native American Tribal Summit scheduled for 9/05 is in the planning stages, chaired by Regent Begay-Campbell, including Navajo and Apache nations. The initial meeting will be held in June, Legislative Affairs Director Carlos Romero, and Ellen Wenzel, in the Regents Office will support the committee efforts.

• Thank you to President and Mrs. Caldera for hosting the "all women" luncheon, highlighting the growing numbers of women in key positions, but noting some exclusions.

Discussion-Philosophy and Long Term Strategic Direction for Student Admissions Standards Policy, President Louis Caldera

(powerpoint presentation)

The Key issues are Excellence and Diversity, with the following points to be addressed.

• Philosophy
• Implications of Standards
• Enrollment Paths
• Proposal intended to help students succeed
• How to implement the proposal

This proposal would raise the bar, while maintaining a commitment to excellence with diversity.

We want our students to be prepared and able to succeed. UNM is a public university in a very diverse state. We are the most diverse public research flagship university, funded by foundations and businesses, who want to do research.

One of the goals the Regents identified for this Administration was to increase admissions and recruitment. We have a total 3,200 freshmen, 403 are merit and regent scholars. 20% of New Mexico high school students go out of state, but UNM's diversity is increasing as evidenced by our Freshman 2005 numbers.

Low retention and graduation rates prompted the re-evaluation of admission standards. Part of this was attributed to the number of students admitted to UNM despite deficiencies in math, reading and writing. In 1996, 28 students deficient in all three subjects were admitted, and none has graduated. Measured over several years, the graduation rate for students who enter with three deficiencies is only 11%. UNM's overall six-year graduation rate as of 2004 was 40%, which is not acceptable.

Our admissions philosophy is to enroll all qualified students who have the ability to succeed at UNM. Qualified is defined basically as a New Mexico High School graduate with 2 years of a foreign language. Succeed is defined as a reasonable chance to obtain a degree.

We use placement tests for measurement. Admissions standards are not that high for a Carnegie #1 institution. A C+ grade (2.25). We must modestly and gradually increase UNM's admission standards.

The plan includes administering a standardized test, Computer Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support System (COMPASS) to all incoming freshmen. Students who show three deficiencies on the test will be placed on a deferred admission status, until they address at least one of the deficiencies. Options include taking extra courses while in high school, completing a 100-level remedial course in one or more areas at a UNM branch campus or community college, participating in a UNM summer bridge program, or retaking a placement test or the ACT.

Any student who addresses at least one academic deficiency will be immediately admitted to UNM. Students in the top 10% of their graduating class or with a 3.9 grade point average would be directly admitted.

All students could benefit from the proposal because it would increase graduation rates, institutional stature and deployment of university and state resources. It could also help avoid state and federal accountability punishment, which will decrease funds to universities who do not increase their graduation rates

Out of the total of 3,200 enrollment, 125 will be affected. This will not reduce overall enrollment. Other options to “raise the bar” include increasing the core curriculum requirements, increasing the High School GPA, eliminating allowances for academic deficiencies, and raising ACT scores.

This is a very modest proposal. I believe that if we modestly and gradually increase UNM admission requirements, working with high schools, parents, and students, we will achieve our goals in the areas of excellence and diversity.

Regent Koch directed the admissions item be discussed in the BOR Academic and Student Affairs committee .

REGENT COMMITTEE REPORTS

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, Douglas Brown, Chair

The Development Committee held its first meeting including nine of the 10 members, and is off to a very good start. Future reports will provide detailed information.

AUDIT COMMITTEE, Douglas Brown, Chair

Report as information the selection Neff + Ricci, LLP, as the UNM External Auditor for fiscal year 2005.

ACADEMIC/STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, Douglas Brown, Chair

Motion approved unanimously to approve the ratification of Spring 2005 Degree Candidates.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Resolution Affirming the Governing Board of the Harwood Foundation of the University of New Mexico, Harwood Museum of Art.

• Note items C.D.E.F. on the agenda will be addressed at a future BOR meeting.
• Note of gift by Mr. Gus Foster; legislative grant will provide dollars to recruit students in Latin America; Diplomat in Residence program includes five professors at UNM as distinguished faculty members.

FINANCE AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE, Mel Eaves, Chair

Motion approved unanimously to approve the meeting summary from April 1, 2005.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Disposition of Surplus Property on the List Dated 4/22/05.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Site Location for the Tri-Services Building.

Note: Authorize negotiation of cost sharing of infrastructure costs by Steve Beffort including fair market value appraisal, and shared payment by the State.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Financing Plan for Construction of the Cancer Research Treatment Center Phase II.

Note : $10 million dollars of the $125 million dollar bond issue be used, and set $2-5 million a year from the State tax revenue to be funded to the Cancer Center.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the contract FY 05 Audit Contract Services for Professional Audit Fees.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Fiscal Watch Report and Financial Highlights 3 rd Quarter 2005, Copies of this report will be provided to the Secretary of Higher Education in the future.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the UNM Gallup Technology Fees.

Health Insurance Contracts –no action taken, will be presented at 6/14/05 BOR meeting.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Student Financial Services Center-Anderson Schools of Management.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Resolution, Notification and Certification for State Severance Tax Bond Sale.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Budget Revisions for FY04-05 Operating Budget noting an adjustment of 4.5%.

Revisions fall into the following broad categories:

1. Change in Revenue Projections;

2. Use of fund balances for one-time expenditure;

3. Increases in restricted grant and contract expenditures;

4. Banner accounting reclassifications

5. Miscellaneous revisions of revenue, transfers and expenditures.

Comment: Regent Begay-Campbell asked Regent Eaves if he was satisfied with the adjustments. Regent Eaves responded yes.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the STC Board of Directors appointments.

• Re-election of Board members to Board of Directors for a four year term 7/1/05-6/30/2009; Dr. Gregg Mayer, Dr. William Schuler, Ms. Terri Cole.
• Re-appointment of UNM appointed Board members for a four year term 7/1/05-6/30/09;

Dr. Joseph Cecchi, Dr. Steven Brueck, Dr. Pope Moseley.

Regent Begay-Campbell noted the need to increase STC reporting capability

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Scheduled Bond Sale on May 26, 2005.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Administrative Consolidation Plan as presented by Susan Carkeek.

• Effective 6/1/05, EVP Harris will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. Two deputy financial officers, AVPS, will be direct reports representing the main campus and health sciences effective target date 8/1/05.
• The objectives of this model are to improve accountability, and are an organizational model of communication, cooperation, and shared goal setting.

Regent Koch thanked David Harris and Susan Carkeek for this major step to obtain the “big picture” of financing at UNM. He looks forward to 2006 for proactive reporting in both the legal and financial areas .

Regent Eaves expressed his appreciation on the action taken to address the real information in UNM overall finances, noting that the Regents have a responsibility under law for accurate information in this area.

Information Items.

UNM HSC Financial Report-Comparative by Line Item for Last Three Years –FY 04-05 is deferred.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the Review of FY 06 Budget Priorities.

Motion approved unanimously to approve two resolutions.

l. Resolution of Intent to authorize of issuance of the University of New Mexico subordinate lien system refunding revenue bonds for the purpose of refinancing a portion of the outstanding bonds of the Regents of the University of New Mexico.

2. Resolution, Notification and Certification,

Money from the proceeds of severance tax revenue bonds authorized in the section of the Laws of New Mexico specified in Exhibit A is needed in the amounts and for the project or projects specified in the Exhibit.

Note: Projects on Schedule B will be reported on at the 6/14/05 BOR meeting including firm dollar amounts.

Discussion:

President Caldera noted this bond for $125 million is significant in that it will provide funding for key projects at UNM, the Centennial Engineering Building, Biology Lab, Journals and Science and Math. These are ways of raising dollars from sources other that the State. This is a great moment for UNM, and a visionary step on the part of the Regents.

EVP Harris noted main tasks to be accomplished are winning students over, and application to the Board of Finance. The NM Legislature did a good job of funding higher education overall. The basic formula for allocation to I & G is positive, with UNM as a major beneficiary. All states are decreasing higher education funding. We will have to become more self-sufficient and increasingly rely on donations and grants.

Regent Eaves noted this significant proposal was addressed at the Finance and Facilities meeting on 5/12/05. This is the first time the Regents have had the cooperation of the administration in the identification of funds for the budget, other than tuition. Thanks to President Caldera, David Harris, Curt Porter, and Wynn Goering for their support. Also noted this is the first time UNM has been able to find dollars other than tuition increases for income. This is very significant and a positive new era in areas of financing for UNM .

Regent Koch praised Regents Eaves, Brown and Sanchez for their excellent work on the Finance and Facilities Committee.

HEALTH SCIENCES COMMITTEE, Regent Jack Fortner

Regent Fortner noted the retirement of Dr. Phil Eaton, and the beginning of the search process.

Future reports will be provided to the Regents.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the permanent appointments to UNMH Medical Staff as listed in tab 26.

Motion approved unanimously to approve the reappointments to the UNMH Medical Staff as listed in tab 26.

Motion approved unanimously to adjourn into Executive Session at 4:50 p.m.

Executive Session: discussion of limited personnel matters pursuant to section 10-15-1.H (2), NMSA and litigation matters pursuant to section 10-15-1.H (7), NMSA.