University Council Minutes
Wednesday, March 1st, 2017
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
SUB 233
| Waded Cruzado | Daniel Adams | Kenning Arlitsch | Kregg Aytes | Michael Babcock | Jeff Bader |
| Charles Boyer | Matt Caires | Kari Cargill | Leon Costello | Tracy Ellig | Chris Fastnow |
| Brett Gunnink | Alison Harmon | Cathy Hasenpflug | Maggie Hayes | Robert Hawks | Bob Hietala |
| Karlene Hoo | Chris Kearns | Greg Kegel | Garrett Leach | Ilse-Mari Lee | Terry Leist |
| Shelley McKamey | Helen Melland | Bob Mokwa | Chris Murray | Kim Obbink | Mark Nook |
| Kellie Peterson | Renee Reijo Pera | Nicol Rae | Jyl Shaffer | Jerry Sheehan | Royce Smith |
| Sylvia Sparkman | Dan Stevenson | Amy Stix | Susan Wolff |
- Call to Order
President Waded Cruzado- President Waded Cruzado called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM.
- Approval of Minutes for February 1st, 2017
- Matt Caires moved to approve the minutes; Alison Harmon seconded the motion; the minutes were approved unanimously.
- University Wide Information/ Announcements
- President Cruzado welcomed Dr. Ron Larsen, the new Interim Chancellor at MSU Billings. In addition, she welcomed Heidi Pasek, Leanne Frost, and Sandy Bauman from Great Falls College, who are visiting today and will present to the Council later in the meeting. Lastly, President Cruzado congratulated Leon Costello and the entire Athletics Department on an incredible weekend of Cats/Griz basketball. It was a historic weekend with both men's and women's teams winning their games.
- New Items
- Update to the MSU Code of Student Conduct, Drug Policy
Kellie Peterson, Legal Counsel
Matt Caires, Dean of Students- Two years ago, MSU revised the Student Code of Conduct. The alcohol and drug portions
of the policies were not addressed at that time, but are being addressed now. The
drug policy is being revised due to the use of "research drugs". We lost a student
one year ago due to an overdose from these drugs. In order to expand the coverage
of the policy, the new language below has been put forth for approval:
- Current: Use, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of narcotics or dangerous drugs, except as expressly permitted by law or University policy.
- Proposed: Use, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of narcotics or dangerous drugs as defined by city, state or federal laws. This includes mind-altering drugs, designer drugs or synthetic substances used as a substitute for a controlled substance, except as expressly permitted by law or University policy. This also includes the abuse, distribution or improper use of prescription drugs.
- Helen Melland, Dean of the College of Nursing, asked if Matt could explain what is meant by the term "research drug." He stated that a research drug is a drug that has been chemically altered slightly to fall into a "gray area" in terms of whether it is regulated and/or deemed illegal. By utilizing the word, "mind-altering" in the policy revision, this "gray" area is addressed. Matt then shared that this policy revision has been vetted by the Safe Coalition on campus. President Cruzado asked the Council to take the policy to departments and to a wide audience on campus. It will be posted for 30 days for comments and brought back to the April meeting for a vote.
- Two years ago, MSU revised the Student Code of Conduct. The alcohol and drug portions
of the policies were not addressed at that time, but are being addressed now. The
drug policy is being revised due to the use of "research drugs". We lost a student
one year ago due to an overdose from these drugs. In order to expand the coverage
of the policy, the new language below has been put forth for approval:
- Update to the MSU Code of Student Conduct, Drug Policy
- Informational Items
- GFC MSU's Learning Community Pilot Project
Heidi Pasek, Chief Academic Officer, Great Falls College
Leanne Frost, General Education, Business, Technology & Transfer Division Director, Great Falls College Sandy Bauman, Academic Success Center Director, Great Falls College- After a visit four years ago to New York CUNY, President Cruzado, Heidi Pasek and Bob Hietala brought back an idea for success to be enacted at MSU Great Falls College. The first cohort kicked off their program in the Fall of 2016. 73% of the students were retained from Fall to Spring (compared to 58%).
- President Cruzado commended this group for their success. She then shared her personal thoughts on why she has learned that programs of this sort are successful. First, "give students structure." Seconded, "more courses are better." Third, "building a strong self-esteem in our students." These are the key components in making great things happen.
- Strategic Plan Update - Stewardship Goal
Chris Fastnow, Director, Office of Planning & Analysis- Chris Fastnow updated the Council on the Stewardship goal. In addition, Terry Leist reported on a few specific metrics, including S.4.1 which monitors MSU's Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Terry updated the Council that students manage all of our recycling. Please help them when you are able in your departments. Dan Stevenson added that students are also involved in the "Smart Building Initiative." Brett Gunnink added that the Norm Asbjornson building being constructed is one of the most energy friendly projects we have seen, including solar walls. It is a cutting-edge project in terms of energy design. President Cruzado thanked everyone for "stretching" and serving as leaders on our campus. These efforts are creating a vibrant environment at MSU.
- GFC MSU's Learning Community Pilot Project
- Public Comment
- No public comments were shared.
- Updates
- No updates were shared.
Note: The next University Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 5th, 2017.