University of Minnesota, Morris
November 28, 2007
The
Campus Assembly met on Wednesday, November 28 at 4:30 p.m. in the Science
Auditorium.
I.
Chancellor's
Remarks.
Chancellor Johnson gave the following remarks, ŌMy comments this
afternoon will be brief, since I want to make sure we have adequate time for
the significant items that appear on our agenda for todayÕs campus
assembly. I will, however, in a
separate meeting come back to you—to the community—before this
semester concludes with an update on a number of things—including where
we stand with the budget for this year and with some ideas about how we respond
to short term short falls, and then, even more importantly, how we respond
longer term to secure a stable financial position—one that allows us to
invest in the things that matter and in new opportunities that present
themselves. IÕll also come back to
you with some excerpts from the presentations that several of us have been
making to a variety of external constituents—the Regents; legislative
delegates; American Institute of Architect members—and more.
I do want to spend just a few minutes now, however, reflecting on
the marketing findings that many of us have been listening to over the course
of the past two days. And I want
to place this in the context of our strategic planning efforts—when I
come back to the community with a budget update in the next few weeks, IÕd also
like to provide, in concert and consultation with CRPC, a more extensive update
on where we are with strategic planning, because we have in fact accomplished a
lot this semester and can mark significant progress on our strategic planning
grid. But just in case you didnÕt
hear the reports regarding our market position and brand identity, let me pick
just a few things out of this data and information that seem relevant to
me. And even if you did hear,
their ideas bear repeating.
Our Lipman Hearne colleagues tell us that the picture of UMM
painted by the various constituents they have consulted—alumnae, donors,
students, prospective students, faculty, staff, parents of prospective
students—is remarkably consistent É and remarkably positive. While you might think they are engaged
in marketing of their own, I donÕt think that is the case. (Extensive data and multiple
methodologies belie that belief.)
Having worked on a similar extensive marketing research project before,
I know that the data can just as easily be disturbing and disappointing.
If you havenÕt had a chance to hear Donna and Casey, our ŌpublicsĶ
define among our assets these things:
the strength of our academic program; our excellent faculty—in
Casey TurnerÕs words: UMM faculty
ŌmakeĶ the UMM experience. We are
noted for our caring community; the attributes associated with our students are
these: smart; hard working;
curious; questioning—students who focus on learning. We are not homogeneous—not cookie
cutter. We support student-driven,
academic pursuits—out of curriculum boundaries. People see us as quirky—as edgy perhaps. As complex. As accepting.
We are a campus with character; I would add that we are a campus of
characters.
And we have an equally remarkable convergence of opinions related
to our challenges---which we will, of course have to turn into
opportunities. While our
prospective students (and current students) see ŌgreenĶ as an asset—they
donÕt quite get how it fits into the whole picture here. Our location (yes we are indeed 45
minutes from Target, according to the Star Tribune reporter the new marker for
civilization apparently) and we have to counter the notion that rural means
isolated; that there is nothing to do here. Our facilities, in particular but not only our
residence halls, are cited as a challenge and we will need to do more in the
ways of exploring what that means and addressing the issue. One of the best statements—I
think—that came out of the market researchers observations was this: that we might be well served to present
the liberal arts as a renewable, sustainable, education—I had an
interesting conversation with one of our student athletes about the manner in
which the scholar athleteÕs role and self definition fits into this.
Next steps involve a back to the office and table effort for
Lipman Hearne to take the ideas we put forward regarding brand identify,
foundation, values, etc. and shape them into something that will come back to
us in the near short term. Stay
tuned. There will be additional
opportunities for involvement and opinion sharing. In the meantime, I am really grateful to the members of the
steering committee and to the many members of the campus community who
participated in focus groups earlier this semester, and who participated in the
information sessions. IÕm open to
hearing directly from you about the value and outcomes of this
project—Lipman Hearne also invites your feedback.
II.
Minutes from 10/16/07 Campus Assembly were approved as
presented.
III.
From the Executive Committee. The following committee replacement was approved as
presented.
Jana Koehler replaces Curt Bredeson on
Academic Support Services
IV.
From
the Curriculum Committee.
1) Eliminate 48-credit limit in a single discipline that
can count toward the 120 total credits to
graduate
Bert
Ahern said the issue of breadth was a concern for him and he hopes that
assembly members choose not to accept this proposal. He believes this is tied to the character of our general
education requirement and that we need to look at this very carefully. Chris Cole does not see how the
proposal eliminates the breadth.
Jeff Ratliff-Crain asked for clarification on whether or not a student
taking beyond 48 would still receive credit. He believes that a level of breadth is already built into
interdisciplinary program. Greg
Thorson believes the rationale is not compelling and that this is a fairly
substantial change that strikes at our mission as a liberal arts college and
that this should not be done piecemeal.
Clare Strand supports this change because it gives students freedom to choose
their electives and it makes it easier for students to graduate in a timely
manner. Douglas Williams
thinks we should study this further to determine the implications before making
a decision. Len Keeler does
not feel that this is contrary to our liberal arts mission and that if cannot
address the depth in 60 credits, then something is wrong. Nathan SwansonÕs main concern is that
it could prolong the student experience here. Our Strategic Plan says that we should improve our graduate
rates and he doesnÕt see how this would help. Ellery Fisher added that his exposure to different
disciplines has enriched him so much more than if he had simply taken more
courses in his major. Motion
to table was made by Bert Ahern; second by Eagan Health. Motion passes by show of hands –
67 in favor of tabling; 34 opposed.
The Executive Committee will consider what to do with the proposal.
2) New Major – Environmental Studies (EnSt)
Pete
Wyckoff noted that our Environmental Studies major has been around for
sometime. Additionally, the
formulation of an environmental studies major is in our Strategic Plan; our
Admissions office reports there is an untapped demand; our new chancellor is
very supportive and our competitors all offer similar majors that look very
much like one proposed. It was
noted that this comes as a motion from the Curriculum Committee. Chancellor Johnson asked if members
were ready to vote. Motion to
approve major passes unanimously by voice vote.
V.
For
Action. From the Scholastic Committee. Revised Academic Integrity Policy. Attached.
Barry McQuarrie reminded Assembly members that this was discussed
at the last meeting. Motion
to approve policy passes by show of hands – 55 in favor; 12 opposed; 11
abstentions.
VI.
Campus Committee Reports.
Michael Korth reported that we are scheduled for our
reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission in 2010. We will need to conduct a self-study
before that visit. The self-study
steering committee has met and will be looking at developing a special
theme. He will keep the
campus informed of their progress.
Dave Swenson reported that the FYE disappearing task force
continues to do their work. Please
respond to e-mails and check out the blog.
Vicky Graham reported that the Green Prairie Committee has been
meeting all semester and plans to host a meeting on December 4.
VII.
All University Reports.
Eagan Heath mentioned that student evaluations are on the agenda
for the Student Senate Committee and one of the questions about how
successfully or unsuccessfully an instructor implements each instructional
method might be removed. He
thinks the question should remain on the evaluations.
VIII.
Old Business.
None.
IX.
New Business.
None.
Meeting
adjourned at 6:00 p.m.