5.1 Chair
J. Baggott reported he received a call from Dave Hahn that he is no longer with the University and
consequently cannot continue on the Council. The Academic Affairs sector reps were charged with
finding a replacement.
J. Baggott reported on the July 13 constituency heads meeting with the Chancellor, noting most of the
discussion centered on the budget and enrollment: i) the capital bill has been signed, which includes
funding for the Transportation Education Center, Morris Library and renovations to the Communications
building; ii) there are a number of programs on campus that are grant-funded and could be adversely
affected if the budget does not go well. An inventory of those programs is being developed, which he
hopes to share with the Council should that come to pass; iii) the 4.5% tuition increase is likely to be
approved in order to cover the salary increases that were negotiated into the union contracts and already
in place; iv) he asked if furloughs are being considered and was told that such an option is not currently
on the table, despite the fact it is something the Governor is proposing; v) the cut in MAP funding could
create major challenges this spring if it is not remedied; vi) enrollment is a growing concern. As of July
13, undergraduate enrollment is down by 11% and new housing contracts are down 6.8%; however,
overall contracts are up 3% largely because of the two-year contracts that were put in place last year.
Summer enrollment is down approximately 108 people; vii) the Chancellor remains very committed to the
First Year Experience, reporting that $400,000 has been allocated for that program; viii) there is the
possibility of increased international enrollment as a result of opportunities being made available to
Chinese students. C. Coppi explained that the University signed an agreement with the University of
International Business in Beijing and will have a number of new international students arriving for fall.
There is also some hope that there will be Iraqi students coming this fall. J. Baggott added that there is
potential for Kenyan students as well, given Associate Vice Chancellor Gitau's recent trip. Also, out of
state enrollment is up approximately 100 students, mostly from Missouri and Indiana; ix) the Chancellor
and President have been discussing whether to update the Southern at 150 report, and if so, whether it
be done by this chancellor or the next. There will be ongoing discussion on this issue, and the Chancellor
is looking for feedback. S. Buhman pointed out that someone coming in new may not agree with some of
what is in the document. J. Baggott noted that Faculty Senate President Phil Howze made the
observation that much of what is going into the University's accreditation report goes right back to
Southern at 150, and it may not be in the University's best interests to make significant changes,
particularly to those areas that are referenced in the accreditation process. In any event, the Chancellor
is open to suggestions on how to approach the report. J. Baggott suggested the Council ponder this
issue for possible discussion at the next meeting.
5.2 Board of Trustees
J. Baggott reported the Board meets on July 15 in Springfield. The only significant item on the agenda
impacting this campus are the changes to programs (approval of new programs, reasonable and
moderate extensions, approval of off-campus program locations); there are several small changes being
proposed. The other items on the agenda are the awarding of contracts related to the football stadium
construction. There are several planning approvals for the facilities at Edwardsville.
5.3 Human Resources (HR)
J. Baggott reported that at the Council's last meeting, JP Dunn asked for more information on the
deferred comp changes for 403b plans. J. Baggott introduced Mary Nippe from Human Resources to
discuss this issue. M. Nippe provided a summary of 403b changes that have occurred over the last
couple of years and the approach the University has taken with its supplemental retirement plan (see
appendix 1). JP Dunn indicated that his Valic agent told him they are attempting to be re-approved. M.
Nippe responded that Valic's rating declined because of its affiliation with AIG. She is aware that Valic is
attempting to remove itself from AIG, which may bring up their rating. If that happens, then Valic can be
re-instated, provided they meet all the other minimum qualifications and sign the agreement. J. Baggott
asked how a third party administrator would be funded should one be brought in to assist the University
with meeting its responsibilities. M. Nippe responded that in the Request for Proposal (RFP) written by
HR, the vendors are asked to fund the cost. However, it is likely the vendors will pass on that cost to the
participant, so HR is unsure whether to just charge the participant because most vendors are coming
back with a per head cost. She noted that most universities in the state charge per participant.
5.4 Representatives to University Committees
5.4a Search Committee, Dean of Engineering - Chris Pearson
C. Pearson submitted and reviewed his report (included as appendix 2).
5.4b Traffic Appeals - Tom Furby
T. Furby submitted his written report (included as appendix 3).
5.5 Standing Committees
5.5a Executive Committee
JP Dunn reported the committee met and reviewed the July agenda and June minutes. There
was also lengthy discussion about the Judicial Review Board. It was discovered that three
additional members would have to be appointed to the Board to complete vacant terms. JP Dunn
noted the JRB is preparing to hear a case, and there may be one or two more in the works.
5.5b Committee on Committees
D. McKenzie reported the request for committee volunteers was mailed to A/P staff, with a
deadline of July 8. Data from the volunteer forms was compiled into a spreadsheet, and the
committee met to determine University committee assignments based on that information. She
presented for approval the FY10 University Committee Assignments (included as appendix 4). JP
Dunn noted the committee had to make difficult decisions, as many volunteers are also Council
members, and the committee wanted to give everyone an opportunity to serve. J. Geiger asked
how close the committee came to giving volunteers their first choices. JP Dunn responded that
most people received either their first or second choices. FY10 University Committee
Assignments were approved.
5.5c Constituency Relations - No report.
5.5d Operating Paper - No report.
5.5e Staff Benefits
J. Baggott reported the committee had to cancel its scheduled meeting and will convene once a
new chair is identified.
5.5f Staff Welfare
C. Coppi reported she sent her committee the Goals and Objectives of last year's committee to
use as a starting point for this year. She hopes to schedule a meeting within the next month.
