University Council Minutes

I. Call to Order
President Waded Cruzado

President Cruzado called University Council to order at 8;30am

II. Approval of Minutes for March 2, 2022

Terry Leist moved to approve minutes; Chris Dobbs seconded and the minutes were approved unanimously.

III. University Wide Information/Accouncements

President Cruzado shared we had so much excitement across campus in March.  The MSU Constitution event, the men’s and women’s basketball teams winning the Big Sky Conference Championships and both advancing to the NCAA tournament.  The MSU Rodeo team hosts this weekend and Athletics is busy preparing for this.

IV. Public Comment

There was no public comment offered.

V. Old Items

A. Use of University Name and Logos by Registered Student Organizations Policy Revision
   Camie Bechtold, Chief Compliance Officer

Tracy Ellig moved to table this item until the May meeting for additional time as they incorporate feedback.

B. Media Policy Revision
   Camie Bechtold, Chief Compliance Officer; Mike Becker, News Director, University Communications

No additional feedback was offered, and the policy revision was passed unanimously.

VI. New Items

A. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Policy Revision
   Camie Bechtold, Chief Compliance Officer

Camie Bechtold shared revisions to the unmanned aircraft systems policy are proposed due to increased use of such systems, commonly referred to as drones. The proposed revisions address campus safety, streamline the application and approval process, and based on the type of use, involve additional offices in the approval process. 

B. Personal Care Attendant Policy
   Jennifer Glad, Associate Legal Counsel

Jennifer Glad shared the proposed personal care attendant policy would govern the use and approval of personal care attendants for qualified students with disabilities in campus spaces that are limited to students or members of the university community, such as residence halls, classrooms and recreational facilities. The policy would not apply to areas of campus open to the general public. 

VII. Informational Item

 A. Choosing Promise: Goal 2.3, Strengthen Institutional Reputation in Scholarship
     Chris Fastnow, Director, Office of Planning and Analysis

Chris provided a terrific overview of Goal 2.3: Strengthen institutional reputation in scholarship.  Montana State University’s success in scholarship results in increased state, national and international prominence.

Metrics and Actions:

1. Montana State University will annually increase scholarship standing when compared to peer institutions.
2. Montana State University faculty will be recognized as regional and national leaders in Grand Challenge areas by 2024.
3. Montana State University will demonstrate improved institutional reputation through the increased size of faculty applicant pools, increased diversity of applicant pools and increased ratio of offers accepted to offers made.
4. Montana State University will increase the number of faculty with membership among national academies, professional society fellows and state/federal/international advisory committees.
5. Montana State University will increase the number of faculty who receive national and international awards, and honors.
6. Montana State University will establish a baseline by 2020 and increase its number of international projects and collaborations in learning, scholarship and engagement by 10% by 2024.

VIII. Public Comment

There was no public comment offered.

IX. Updates

Pi Kappa Phi honor society recently celebrated 100 years & showcased a documentary from our very own Kelly Gorham and Scott Sterling.  It was inspirational and mesmerizing.

Provost Mokwa shared next Tuesday, April 12, Mark Schure to deliver talk in MSU’s Provost’s Distinguished Lecture Series on mental health from a public health perspective, the intersections of physical and mental health, and one of the foremost issues in Montana, depression.

Chancellor Hicswa shared they had their annual powwow last weekend. Dual enrollment is the highest ever in the history of the university.  It is 14% higher.  The MSU Billings Foundation board recently hired new President & CEO Krista Montague, former Athletics Director.  Gold rating for military friendly institution.  Mandy McGraw with City College named Phi Beta Kappa national recognition.

CEO/Dean Erdmann shared fantastic updates of her Great Falls College MSU faculty and staff and important collaborations with the Great Falls community.

President Cruzado shared this is Norris Blossom’s final University Council as ASMSU President.  He has been incredibly devoted and provided amazing student leadership over this past year.

University Council adjourned at 10:00am.