Bonita Bontrager

The Finance and Facilities Committee, also sitting as the Audit Committee, addressed key financial matters, primarily focusing on fee structures for the 2019-2020 academic year in light of the Governor of Oregon's executive orders related to COVID-19. The committee discussed principles for adjusting spring term fees, aiming to reduce costs for students while maintaining essential fee-funded services and staff employment where possible, and funding existing fixed obligations. Key actions included recommending the approval and adjustment of the 2020 Spring Term fee structure, resulting in savings for students at both the Klamath Falls and Portland Metro campuses, and addressing course fees by eliminating many while funding necessary expenses like chemistry lab kits. Additionally, the committee reviewed and made recommendations for the 2020-2021 academic year tuition and fees, noting that the proposed tuition increase did not exceed the established threshold requiring coordination commission approval. The tuition process involved extensive collaboration between student government, faculty, and administration.

The committee meeting commenced with a review of the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the previous November 15th meeting. The primary focus of discussion was a proposal for a new cybersecurity degree program. The presentation reviewed the extensive history of the program's development, including revisions suggested by the Curriculum Planning Commission and faculty involvement after initial leadership changes. Key aspects highlighted were the strong national demand for cybersecurity professionals, the alignment of the curriculum with national standards (including Centers of Academic Excellence designations by entities like the NSA and DHS), and the intent to prepare well-rounded graduates with technical, business, and communication skills. Discussion also covered the budgetary needs over the first three years for equipment acquisition and faculty additions, as well as plans for curriculum governance and achieving necessary accreditations. Separately, an update was provided on a joint physical therapy program being developed in partnership with Oregon Health Science University.

The meeting focused on reviewing quarterly financial operations and facility status updates for the 2019-2020 school year, specifically covering Quarter 1. Discussions included an analysis of fund balances, noting a delayed state funding distribution in July offset by an August receipt, resulting in a solid fund balance position. The burn rate was reported as ahead of the previous year, with tuition and state funding coming in strong. Expenses were noted as front-loaded due to capital construction payments and higher general operating costs, including significant benefit payments. The committee is pausing tuition forecast updates pending winter term registration data due to caution following a prior year retention drop. Degree completions showed growth compared to the previous year, impacting state funding favorably. Enrollment management investments showed positive initial indicators through strong freshman class growth, counteracting declines in term-to-term retention. Financial indicators reviewed cash on hand, explaining dips due to financial aid timing. Furthermore, a restructuring of the funding formula for public universities was discussed, noting different positions among institutions regarding proposed changes.

The Executive Committee meeting's primary action item was to recommend to the full board the approval of a resolution amending the university mission statement and forwarding it to the Higher Education Coordinating Committee (HECC). Discussions surrounding the mission statement revision focused on clearly defining the institution's identity, including its provision of four-year graduate and undergraduate degree programs, commitment to innovation and applied research, and dedication to diversity. Specific grammatical and substantive points were debated, including the differentiation between 'engineering' and 'technologies' (with a request to specify 'technology' for budgetary and accreditation consistency) and the inclusion of 'scholarship' to support faculty recruitment, while emphasizing the institution's focus on applied, project-based learning over basic research. The committee also addressed the need to ensure the mission statement reflects service to Oregonians, as well as national and international constituents. The minutes of the March 21, 2019 meeting were approved.

The primary discussion centered on the proposal to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. This collaboration aims to allow students, particularly non-traditional ones, to complete their four-year degree without relocating. Key benefits discussed include increasing enrollment, extending regional university status into Washington, and creating a student pipeline. The proposal details minimal resource impact as Lake Washington will provide space, and Oregon Tech will supply the curriculum and faculty, with plans to hire one full-time faculty member and use adjuncts for online courses. Discussions also touched upon the timeline for ABET accreditation, initial enrollment projections (starting conservatively at 20 students annually, potentially leading to profit), and the necessity of having full accreditation comparable to existing accredited programs before offering the degree.