Fourth Study Group Meeting Minutes
7 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Northrim Bank Building, 3111 C St., 5th Floor Conference Room
Jon Kumin and Steve Rieger, co-chairs

Format: The agenda for this meeting is in regular text. The minutes are added as notations in italics. They are intended to represent the general nature of the discussion, rather than be complete, detailed minutes. Clarifications are welcomed -- please email any to Duane Heyman at: duane@commonwealthnorth.org

Introductions -- Study group members and guest(s). Marshall Lind, Chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Those present include:
Eleanor Andrews, Steven Boyd, Patrick Burden, Milton Byrd, Brian Davies, Charles Fahl, Alice Galvin, Duane Heyman, Ky Holland, Grant Hunter, Dave Kester, Jim Knapp, Grace Long, Rachel Morse, Ira Perman, Jeff Staser

Goals for this Meeting -- Learn more about the University of Alaska Fairbanks, including the vision of its leadership for the future. Engage in a meaningful dialogue with Chancellor Lind.

Discussion Points -- Following the traditional Commonwealth North format, it is requested that Chancellor Lind keep his remarks to 30 minutes. The remaining time will be reserved for a question and answer / discussion session.

• Future success will depend on extent to which the three universities work together. Successful examples are UAA nursing students graduating in Fairbanks and the partnership in bachelor of social work between Juneau and Fairbanks. Also rural development program is available throughout the state.
• High demand programs will be at all campuses; for example, teaching and bachelor of business.
• U of A must listen to the people and business. Must rearrange resources to meet needs: e.g. health workers and teachers.
• Vocational and technical education very important. Examples include special certificate programs, process technology, computer education and police training.
• There are more part time than full time students, especially in Anchorage. Average age in Fairbanks is 31 years. System needs to be considerate of non-traditional part time students. Everyone has gotten the message that certificates and 2-year degrees are as important as other needs.
• Research is a profitable $100 million activity. West Ridge research building paid for with research overhead recovery. However, need to focus more on competitive grants such as NIH to wean away from congressional grants.
• Three areas of distinction for Fairbanks:
      • Northern latitude climate study. (International Arctic Research Center, Geophysical Institute)
      • Ocean sciences and fisheries (Alpha Helix, looking into other vessel)
      • Alaska Native studies and language center (Museum)
• Must meet needs of rural Alaska
• Must be accountable for dollars spent
• Challenges:
      • Building space and labs (Fairbanks informatics building, Anchorage science labs)
      • Salaries no longer competitive
      • More assessment of student performance
• Need to work with the public to have greater acceptance of needed salary levels
  
• Tuition is on the low side. Will need 10 percent increases vs. current inflationary 2-3 percent. However, rub is community college costs that are typically lower around the country. 25-30 percent comes from tuition, probably 10 percent lower than other states. Tuition must be held harmless by legislature to not just trade dollars.
• CWN should find areas where U of A can improve. U of A very important to future of Alaska. Relatively small investment in the scheme of things.
• Q. Too much bureaucracy for simple needs? A. Administrative functions have improved. Location is a problem. Overall indicators are positive.
• Total land income of about $3 million is being used for Scholars program
• Our system is similar to Montana. Issues are the same. Not enough people go on to higher education.

Confirm next meeting and adjourn by 8 a.m. -- On Wednesday May 22, 7 a.m., same location, UAA Chancellor Lee Gorsuch will speak to us.