Wednesday, August 11, 2021

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
SUB Room 235
Printable Minutes

Members:

Waded Cruzado, Kenning Arlitsch, Sreekala Bajwa, Camie Bechtold, Norris Blossom, Janelle Booth, Matt Caires, Jason Carter, Julie Clay, Leon Costello, Chris Dobbs, Ariel Donohue, Tracy Ellig, Stephanie Erdmann, Chris Fastnow, Stephanie Gray, Jeannette Grey-Gilbert, Stefani Hicswa, John How, Brett Gunnink, Alison Harmon, Deborah Haynes, Robert Hawks, Yves Idzerda, Chris Kearns, Greg Kegel, Ryan Knutson, Chere LeClair, Ilse-Mari Lee, Dan Miller, Terry Leist, Bob Mokwa, Chris Murray, Kim Obbink, Craig Ogilvie, Kellie Peterson, Sarah Shannon, Royce Smith, Cody Stone, Amber Vestal, Bradford Watson
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  1. Call to Order
    President  Waded Cruzado

  2. Approval of Minutes from April 7, 2021

    University Council minutes were approved unanimously.

  3. University Wide Information/Announcements

    President Cruzado welcomed Dr. Stephanie Erdmann and Dr. Ryan Knutson to their new roles.  She also extended a welcome to Dr. Dan Miller in his new role of Dean, Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

  4. Public Comment

    There was no public comment offered.

  5. New Items

    A. Revisions to Space Management Policy, Principles, and Research Guidelines
          Kellie Peterson, Legal Counsel; Richard Rudnicki, Planning Manager, Campus Planning Design &                          Construction

    Kellie shared to manage the changing needs for space on campus and to use space efficiently, MSU’s space management policy and sub-policies have been reviewed, and revisions have been recommended to the Space Management Committee. The recommended changes include clarifying language, improving processes, reviewing constituents and other changes.  Please bring feedback to our Sept. 1 University Council meeting.


    B.      University Contract Approval and Execution Proposed Policy
          Jennifer Glad, Associate Legal Counsel

    Jennifer shared the university contract approval and execution policy is a newly proposed policy to articulate which employees may execute contracts on behalf of the university and the process by which such contracts are to be reviewed and approved. The proposed policy details the requirements for contract signing authority, the responsibilities of those reviewing and approving contracts, when legal review is required, and the various terms and conditions required in university contracts. The goal of the policy is to streamline the contract review and approval process and ensure greater consistency and accountability.

    Various leaders thanked the Office of Legal Counsel for their constant support as they field questions on complicated contracts across campus.


  6. Informational Items

    A.   Research Infrastructure Update
          Jason Carter, Vice President for Research, Economic Development and Graduate Education

    Jason Carter shared recent successes with the National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation program. MSU’s partnership with M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Foundation has supported infrastructure enhancement, and he shared a comparison to peer institutions since the inception of the NSF Major Research Instrumentation program in 1991.  MSU is leading non-AAU institutions.


    B. Choosing Promise: Strategic Plan Priority Goals for 2022-2023
         Chris Fastnow, Director, Office of Planning and Analysis

    Chris shared priority goals:

    Goal 1.1: Broaden Access for underrepresented populations and increase academic success for all students through excellence in education:  https://www.montana.edu/planningcouncil/goal-updates/goal-1.1-update.html;  Goal 2.4, Elevate expectations for scholarship: https://www.montana.edu/planningcouncil/goal-updates/goal-2.4-update.html; and Goal 3.3, Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and individual growth:  https://www.montana.edu/planningcouncil/goal-updates/goal-3.3-update.html.

  7. Public Comment

    There was no public comment offered.

  8. Updates

    Chancellor Stefani Hicswa recognized Regent Amy Sexton as a newly re-appointed Student Regent. She shared the ribbon cutting ceremony date of Sept. 7 for the Yellowstone Applied Science Building.

    Chancellor Greg Kegel heading to Great Falls for signing an articulation agreement in education programming in Great Falls today. 

    Dena and CEO Stephanie Erdmann is excited to be back home in Montana.  Mallory Antoval has been selected to the Wildfire Mentorship Program. Great Falls College’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Space ribbon cutting will be on Sept. 24.

    August 30 is a historic announcement on the Future of Nursing. Sept. 11 is the Bobcat Athletics Complex grand opening.  Oct. 16 will be American Indian Hall’s grand opening and Nov. 12 will be Romney Hall’s grand opening. 

    University Council members provided around the table updates.

    Meeting adjourned at 9:55am.

NOTE:  The next University Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 1, 2021, from 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM.