Nevada System of Higher Education-System Office

The Regents meeting included the approval of two lists of financial items: Regents Checks (Nos. 3089 to 3100 inclusive) totaling $40,438.10, and State Claims (Nos. 115 to 126 inclusive). A significant discussion focused on the improvement of the Campus south of Lincoln Hall and west of the Education building, specifically concerning the installation of an irrigation system and the immediate securing of surface soil at a low figure. Authorization was given to President Clark and Mr. Gorman to proceed with securing the soil and investigating a sprinkler system for experimental purposes during the Summer. The Chairman provided a brief report on his recent eastern trip, with a complete written report due by the end of December.

The Board of Regents convened to review and consider several submitted bids for construction projects. The bids reviewed included those for the Library building, the Dairy building, and specialized tile/marble work and plumbing services for lavatories in Morrill and Stewart Halls. Additionally, a motion was approved for the Food and Drug Department to print the bulletin containing the text of the new law.

The primary discussion centered on a comprehensive presentation and review of a study conducted by Cresap, McCormick and Paget regarding the School of Medicine. Key topics included the organizational placement of the School of Medicine, its service relationship with the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), and enhancing its presence and programs in Southern Nevada, particularly Las Vegas. Specific data points regarding student admissions, residency locations, revenue sources, and accreditation findings were reviewed. The Board discussed various program alternatives for Southern Nevada, ranging from total relocation to specific enhancements, ultimately accepting the study while directing the Dean to prepare an implementation plan for specific Las Vegas program enhancements and issuing a vote of confidence for the School of Medicine leadership. Other agenda items included the acceptance of gifts, notably a substantial gift from Mr. Claude I. Howard dedicated to constructing a clinical education and research center in Las Vegas, approval of the Consent Agenda containing various financial transfers and reappointments, adoption of a policy statement regarding the structure and accountability of Business Centers, and consideration of funding requests from the Budget Committee, including the denial of a specific capital project request for DRI.

The Special Meeting of the Board of Regents commenced with the Chairman calling the meeting to order. The primary agenda item involved moving into a closed session for the discussion pertaining to the character, alleged misconduct, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an employee(s) of UCCSN, a public official(s), and/or private person(s) as stipulated by NRS 241.030. Following the closed session, the Chairman inquired if any members of the public wished to speak, and no public comment was offered.

The Board meeting addressed several key financial and policy matters. A major focus was on bond refundings, specifically authorizing the issuance of UCCSN Universities Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series January 1, 1994, and the refunding of Community Colleges Student Fee Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series December 1, 1993, resulting in significant system savings. The Board approved various appointments to advisory boards at Western Nevada Community College and Truckee Meadows Community College, and approved Handbook changes regarding special course fees, deferred payment policies, special use fees, and refund policies across several institutions. Discussions included a proposal to relocate the Nevada WICHE Office back to System Administration and the critical issue of increasing minority faculty numbers, supported by a Pew Foundation Trust grant. A lengthy workshop was held concerning the UCCSN budget process, debating the merits of formula-based funding versus needs-based budgeting amidst concerns over decreased State General Fund support and enrollment decline. An emergency item regarding an allocation from Regents' Special Project Funds to Desert Research Institute for an atmospheric science project was considered but ultimately disapproved due to procedural objections. The Board also reviewed and adopted the official Fall 1993 Enrollment Report, noting a slight decline in FTE students but significant long-term growth. Resolutions were approved to solicit proposals for loans for facility construction at Northern Nevada Community College and the Applied Technology Center building at Truckee Meadows Community College. The Board also addressed proposed policy changes for the acquisition or sale of real property and reviewed proposed FY merit increases for Administrators in the Chancellor's Office.