University of Minnesota, Morris
Campus Resources & Planning Committee Minutes

 March 30, 1998

Members present:  Alan Fierro, Jenny Dose, Chris Wenner, Karen Fischer, 
Andy Lopez, Maddy Maxeiner, Lowell Rasmussen, Lynn Schulz, Jason 
Anderson, Rod Oto.

Guests: Sam Schuman, Gary McGrath, Cathleen Brannen.

Chair Andy Lopez reminded the committee of the upcoming forums to garner 
input on the Campus Plan.  Chris Wenner noted that students are wondering 
what their input should be and Lopez replied what they think is important 
and encouraged Wenner to invite them to come.

Lowell Rasmussen reported on behalf of the Physical Plant subcommittee, 
which no longer includes Maddy Maxeiner.  The group will meet weekly and 
has been focusing on its agenda and space concerns, capital improvements, 
and master plan application.  Karen Fischer asked about the short or long 
term ramifications of the document and Rasmussen confirmed that it is a 
long-term document that still requires revisiting.

Andy Lopez reported on a recent meeting of the Tuition Task Force.  
Tuition increase for UMM is projected at 3% plus $100 (the all-University 
rate plus a small portion in keeping with UMM's need to rise slightly 
faster based on its mission).  There will be no fee increase.  Jason 
Anderson asked why a dollar figure instead of a percent for the UMM 
overage and Sam Schuman explained it would slacken the rate of separation 
(in differentiation between UM and UMM).  Chris Wenner asked if it was a 
long-term figure and Schuman replied hopefully.  Karen Fischer asked 
about UMM's competitiveness with private schools in tuition/financial aid 
ratios.  Rod Oto replied that the cost increase won't greatly increase 
neediness but administration realizes those dollars may be needed for 
financial aid; the marketplace will be watched.

Cathleen Brannen reminded the group that the budget compact proposed to 
central administration will request new dollars from them to go with new 
money to be generated by UMM (either from revenue or redistribution).  
Lynn Schulz raised the concern that central administration may retake 
control of tuition dollars and Brannen reminded him that this would be 
contrary to IMG thinking (managed growth).  

Oto mentioned that the tuition increase is based on an enrollment figure 
of 1920 and added that new students are seldom aware of previous costs.  
Plus, when factoring room and board, which are heavily used by freshmen, 
our increase is cheaper than the Twin Cities' 3% rise.

Chris Wenner asked about the Native American tuition waiver and Brannen 
replied that the compact seeks interim funding for 98/99 and legislative 
funding for the 1999-2001 biennium.

Jenny Dose reported that the Human Resources subcommittee met and 
formulated  questions for Sam Schuman, Cathleen Brannen, and Sarah 
Mattson, each of whom will be interviewed.  She asked for the CRPC's 
expectations and Lopez suggested reporting back and suggesting action if 
appropriate.

Lynn Schulz reported on behalf of the Enrollment subcommittee.  They are 
addressing issues of quality and quantity in the student body, pondering 
where UMM wants to be in five years.  They are also interested in 
retention and would like to poll non-returning students.  Gary McGrath 
mentioned the tendency of non-returners to give socially acceptable 
answers and mentioned that we have some good tracking data in place already.

Chris Wenner asked whether we query departing students with some sort of 
exit survey.  Lopez added that we need to become pro-active at all 
levels.  McGrath agreed, stressing early identification of students at 
risk and a need to become involved without fear of intruding.  

The CRPC will meet again on April 20, 1998 at 4 pm in the Behmler 
Conference Room.