MEMBERS PRESENT:

Don Farish	Provost, Chair
Mette Adams	Student Representative
Melinda Barnard	Past Chair of the Faculty
Chanel Brown	Student Representative
Larkin Child	Student Representative
Debbie Gallagher	Staff Representative
Mike Ogg	Student Representative
Sue Parker	Chair of the Faculty
Aaron Pava	President, Associated Students
MEMBERS ABSENT:	None
STAFF PRESENT:
Dennis Harris	Senior Director, Planning and Analysis
GUESTS PRESENT:
	Dr. Timothy Bell, Chair, Geography
	Drew Calandrella, AVP, Student Academic Services
	Dr. Elisabeth Close, Chair, Nursing
	Dr. Georgia Schwartz, Director, Student Health Center

 

I. Approval of Agenda
II. Approval of Minutes

A. November 20, 1997
B. March 10, 1998
C. March 24, 1998

III. Course Fee Policy
IV. Nursing Fee Change Proposal	TC 5:15
V. Financial Aid	TC 5:30
VI. Geography 314 A/B Course Fee Change Proposal	TC 6:00
VII. SHC Medical Service User Fee Extension	TC 6:15

VIII. IRA Budget, 1998-1999 - Staff Recommendations
IX. Adjournment

1. FAC Minutes, November 20, 1997
2. FAC Minutes, March 10, 1998
3. FAC Minutes, March 24, 1998
4. Proposed Course Fee Policy
5. Nursing Fee Proposal
6. Geography 314 A/B Proposal
7. SHC Medical Service User Fee Extension Proposal
8. IRA Budget Proposal, 1998-1999
9. IRA 1998-1999 Funding Requests
10. IRA 1998-1999 Budget, Staff Recommendations

I: APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Provost Farish brought the meeting to order at 5:06 PM. Mette Adams distributed a revised version of the proposed CSU Fee Referendum Code and expressed her concern that the referendum issue would not be addressed until the last meeting of the academic year. Farish and Adams agreed to prepare a position paper which would be distributed to members prior to the next meeting. Members, by consensus approved the Agenda.

II: APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Larkin Child noted that she had only had time to read the first set of minutes. She received unanimous agreement to defer approval of the Minutes for March 10 and March 24 to the May 12 meeting. Item III of the Minutes of November 20, 1997, was corrected to read:

He also noted that with two exceptions, each course had a separate account.
In the case of the two exceptions, there appeared to be one account into which all
Art and all Nursing courses were deposited.

A motion to approved the Minutes of November 20 with the correction noted above was moved by Michael Ogg, seconded by Child, and passed unanimously.

IV. NURSING FEE CHANGE PROPOSAL
Having reached the Time Certain for Agenda Item IV, Farish introduced Liz Close, Chair of the Nursing department, and briefly outlined the proposed increase in Nursing course fees. Adams expressed her concern that fees might be used for supplies that should be covered by the department's operating budget. Child echoed that concern. Farish noted that there had been inconsistent CSU implementation of the course fee policy in the past. "Historically, the SSU model is a 'strict-constructionist' view." He reminded FAC members that there were two broad categories -- courses involving field trips and those where there was a "tangible-value received". There is a gray area between expendables and tangible goods. A middle ground -- involving things like a dissecting kit, computer software, or course notes -- are sold along with course materials through the Bookstore and not subject to the fee policy. Some items are supposed to be covered by state appropriations. A greater effort needs to be made to develop course fee proposals that comport with trustee policy.

Dr. Close noted the department's commitment to decreasing costs to students. However, Nursing as a field requires expensive equipment, the use of which would require expensive purchases by students or field trips to facilities with that equipment. The department tries to limit student purchases to those items required professionally, such as stethoscopes. Nursing students are master's candidates and post-licensure professionals who are already practicing nurses. She acknowledged, however, that Nursing needed to develop a more specific proposal.

Farish offered to work with Nursing in the development of a proposal consistent with Trustee policy. In response to Close's question, Aaron Pava stated that it was the intent of FAC to keep costs low and comply with Trustee policy. However, FAC would have no difficulty reviewing a proposal backed by a good argument.

Melinda Barnard noted there were gray areas: in the Art department, the fee for the Photography course covered chemicals utilized; with COMS' KSUN course, she was not sure students took away anything tangible. Farish said the dilemma is that existing course fees were approved inconsistently over a number of years, in fact by Administration and Finance - specifically Yolanda Nunez, and that the criteria are difficult to apply. Child said she assumed any fee proposal is based upon a perceived need for the fee.

Nursing agreed to withdraw its existing proposal and develop a new one in consultation with the Provost.

V. FINANCIAL AIDHaving reached the Time Certain for Agenda Item V, Farish introduced Drew Calandrella, Associate Vice President for Student Academic Services, who had come to the meeting at the request of FAC members to discuss the relationship between course fees and Financial Aid availability. Calandrella explained that the Financial Aid Office (FA) was mandated by the Federal government to include all fees that every student pays, living costs -- whether at home, on campus, or off campus, and transportation costs, utilizing indices. Any additional fee, including course fees, would qualify for a budget adjustment. However, students would first have to pay the fee and provide FA with a receipt. Once that is done, normally FA would cover the cost. However, if the student has already received all eligible dollars, FA would not. Budget adjustments "can be done daily" to adjust awards.

Child noted that, although an FA student, she was not familiar with the Budget Expense Worksheet form explained by Calandrella. She has not taken classes because of the fees associated with them. Calandrella agreed that information regarding the worksheet was "not broadcast out," and if it was not brought to your attention, you might not be aware of it.

Adams asked whether it would be possible to put a note in the Schedule of Classes. There was general agreement that this should be done. Farish asked Calandrella to propose specific language which would call students' attention to budget adjustments for course fees. Adams also suggested that something be provided faculty teaching courses with fees so that they would know that income is not a barrier to enrollment in the course. Farish cautioned that the faculty for a particular course often changes; it would be better to contact department chairs, who could then request that faculty announce it in their classes. Adams said it should also be put on the syllabus for all courses with substantial fees. Farish warned that it might not be a question of one substantial fee, but rather of the accumulation of fees paid by students. Barnard suggested that Farish check with Admissions and Records to see if it was possible to add to phone registration a message for courses with fees which would call attention to the availability of FA adjustments.

VI. GEOGRAPHY 314A/B COURSE FEE CHANGE PROPOSAL
Having reached the Time Certain for the Geography Course Fee Change Proposal, Farish introduced Tim Bell, Chair of the Geography department and reviewed FAC policy on changes in fees. Bell explained the rationale behind Geography field trips. Students are increasingly interested in attending regional professional meetings, and the department combines travel to these meetings with field research. Costs are higher for transportation and housing than they are for local trips.

Adams asked how much advance notice the department had of these regional meetings. Bell responded that there usually was six-months' notice. Adams said she'd feel more comfortable with the proposal if there were a different course number, title, and fee tied to the regional meeting trips and the larger expense. Pava observed that it appeared to be a supplement to an experience in another course, similar to that of a laboratory section. After further discussion, Bell suggested establishing a 314-D, which would have a maximum fee of $150 and be used for the regional meeting field trips. Farish asked if committee members were prepared to approve a motion permitting the increased fee, with the understanding that implementation of the new course number might take as long as Spring 1999. The committee voted 7-0 to recommend the new fee and course number to the President.

VII. STUDENT HEALTH CENTER MEDICAL SERVICE FEE EXTENSION
Having arrived at the Time Certain for the proposed extension of the SHC medical service fee, Farish introduced Georgia Schwartz, Director of the Health Center, and summarized the proposal.

Barnard asked whether or not the Center could handle the increase in students and still meet the needs of SSU's regular students. Schwartz first explained the availability of the option under Trustee policy. She noted that Summer Session is attended mostly by native SSU students. This proposal extends the existing policy to other degree-goal students within Extended Education. Many of these, including distance learners and Legal Assistance program students, would not take advantage of the opportunity.

Pava asked whether or not this was a mandatory fee proposal. Farish noted that it was optional, for students not regularly enrolled and without medical insurance. Under existing policy, we would only provide emergency first aid for these students. By broadening the client base, the Center will increase the revenue stream. Schartz added that the Center would also lessen the chance for the spread of communicable or infectious disease.

Again, the Provost asked if FAC members were prepared to vote. The committee voted 8 to 0 to recommend the Center proposal to the President.

III. COURSE FEE POLICY
Farish introduced the draft of the policy before the committee for action. Adams noted that section 1.1 had not been updated to conform to the language agreed upon at the last meeting. Dennis Harris, acting as Staff to the Committee, called members' attention to section 2.5, which had been added to require completion of an approved Trust agreement prior to collection of fee revenue or disbursement of funds, as well as the revised form.

Attention turned to the new form. Farish noted that the policy requires consultation with the various School Advisory Committees for course fee proposals, and the form provides a place for an acknowledgment that consultation has taken place. It does not require approval. If the signature is absent, the burden falls upon the School Dean to explain why.

A motion was made by Pava, seconded by Sue Parker, and passed 7 to 0 to recommend the new policy to the President. After passage of the motion, Adams, Barnard, Parker, and Child all expressed concern about faculty reaction. Barnard noted that there would be a diversity of opinions regarding the issue among the faculty. Child noted the importance of making clear FAC's understanding of the value and legitimacy of course fees. Farish stated that, as chair of FAC, he would refer the proposed policy to the President with the recommendation that it be sent to the Academic Senate as an information item. The Provost would present the proposal at the Senate meeting. If there were an outburst of negative reaction, he would recommend the policy's adoption as an interim policy. If, instead, Senate reaction was positive, then the President should approve it as standing policy.

VIII. IRA budget, 1998-1999
Harris introduced the topic, calling member's attention to the on-going base budgets established for Athletics, CPA, the Library, and Children's School, as well as the three-year funding policy current in operation and the accountability measures which the IRA Board had established. He then noted the previous IRA Board's recommendation regarding utilization of new review, which was followed by a projection of revenue for 1997/98 and 1998/99, with a year-end balance of $11,263 forecast for 1997/98 and an additional sum of $32,303 uncommitted for next year. Lastly, he noted the Cabinet's Recommendation that the 1997/8 fund balance be allocated to the Osborn Preserve and that the uncommitted 1998/9 funds be allocated to Athletics.

Both Pava and Barnard asked about the expense for Risk Management Premium. Harris explained that IRA funds are utilized to hire employees, to purchase equipment, and to fund field trips -- all activities that can lead to worker's compensation claims and other risk expenditures. He also explained that it was University policy to make sure that all non-General Fund categories, including IRA, share in the cost of the Risk Management program. Child requested that the 1997/8 IRA Budget be provided at the next meeting, and that the minutes of this meeting be distributed by Thursday, May 7th.

Harris was also asked about the expense item for Collaborative Management Systems in 1998/9. He explained that State law, CSU regulations, and SSU policy all required that non-General Fund entities reimburse the General Fund for expenditures on their behalf. The Full-Cost model recommended by the Cabinet and presently before the PBAC for consideration, called for an IRA contribution of this amount.

Committee members agreed to return to these issues and 1998/9 IRA funding at their next meeting. They also agreed not to entertain presentations by applicants for funding, instead relying upon the written proposals submitted by applicants for new funding.

V: ADJOURNMENT
There being no additional business, Farish adjourned the meeting at 6:58 PM.

NEXT MEETING: May 12, 1998, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Academic Affairs Conference Room.

Agenda: Approval of Minutes of 3/10, 3/24, and 4/28.
IRA Budget, 1998/9
Mandatory Fee Referenda

Minutes prepared by Dennis Harris


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