University Of Colorado Colorado Springs

The Graduate Executive Committee (GEC) meeting focused on several key proposals requiring recommendation for approval. Discussions included the restructuring of the Exercise Science track under Biology MSc to become the MSc in Applied Physiology within the new Human Physiology and Nutrition (HPNU) program, necessitating an updated curriculum and a new comprehensive examination. The committee also reviewed and voted to recommend approval for a Proposal for a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which is designed as a three-year professional doctoral program to meet regional needs. Additionally, a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science was proposed, utilizing existing courses and restricted to UCCS graduate students. The meeting also covered procedural items, including notification that denial letters from admissions would commence on March 1, 2019, with legal counsel advising caution on communication regarding admission reasons. A discussion item addressed the implications of the institution's new R2 status regarding funding and support for sponsored projects and graduate students.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Graduate School presenting a capacity analysis on program growth to the campus, following the distribution of surveys to directors and setup of meetings with Department chairs. The committee reviewed the use of GRE scores in applications, noting that programs consider them in the context of the entire application. A proposed policy language change regarding the evaluation of transcripts from international institutions was discussed, with a determination made to exempt schools with existing agreements with UCCS. Regarding graduate faculty membership, it was decided that Clinical and Research faculty can be appointed to Regular status if the department brings it to the GEC for a vote. Furthermore, the title "associate" member was voted to be changed to "special" member to reduce confusion. Concerning committee memberships, the Graduate School agreed to update the Thesis and Dissertation Manual to align with the Policy and Procedure Manual regarding contradictory information on committee compositions. The committee also noted the lack of information for appointing members to Master's level capstone committees, which the Graduate School will address by bringing forward language on membership requirements for both Doctoral and Master's capstone committees. Finally, reminders were given regarding scholarship application deadlines and the procedure for Bachelor to Master Program admissions, emphasizing not to send documents until the student transitions to graduate status in the system.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on proposals regarding the Psychology PhD program, including reducing dissertation credit hours and restructuring competencies, with the committee voting to recommend approval for these changes. Other agenda items included updates on UCCS Graduate School Days, updates to the OnBase system scheduled for March 26th, and soliciting suggestions for new director and staff training topics such as CU-SIS, DARS, and Salesforce utilization. The committee also discussed the Graduate School's standards for grades in transfer courses and the possibility of establishing a policy regarding expectations for Graduate Faculty appointments.

The Board of Regents meeting began with an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters across various campuses, regent awards, and legal advice. During the public meeting, public comments addressed fossil fuel divestment and concealed carry rights on campus. The Chair reported on the transition to BoardDocs software and recent events. The University President discussed ongoing transportation funding concerns, opposition to community colleges granting four-year degrees (SB 165), objections to the College Measures report methodology, and the shift in funding responsibility from the state to students. Committee reports covered audit plans, strategic planning, and CU Foundation fundraising, which reached over $1.3 billion. Governance leaders discussed concerns over student quality versus quantity in admissions and reaffirmed requests for staff merit increases. The board also discussed student government representation regarding concealed carry legislation. Action items included the approval of the consent agenda (which covered previous meeting minutes and various academic approvals), the authorization to deviate from search process policy for the appointment of the CU Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus chancellor, and the approval of new Ph.D. programs in Comparative Ethnic Studies and Materials Science and Engineering at CU-Boulder. A resolution opposing "gun free zones" was postponed indefinitely. The budget discussion included two proposed funding plans (Market Plan and Market Plus Plan), outlining potential tuition increases and merit pools, and systemwide budget priorities.

The meeting covered several substantive discussions and actions. An action item approved a new Bachelor of Innovation in Inclusive Early Childhood Education Degree for UCCS. Discussions included developing a proposal for a multiyear budget incorporating strategic plan goals and sustainable funding approaches, with consensus to proceed with a one-year resolution including multiyear projections. The board also addressed Laws and Policies by agreeing that the Laws and Policies Committee should review search processes for officers and exempt professionals, noting that academic positions require input from governance groups. Following a presentation on the Association of Governing Boards conference, the board directed the Strategic Planning Committee to review assessment tools for board effectiveness. A significant portion of the retreat was dedicated to discussing a broad, systemwide strategic vision for the University of Colorado, with the winter retreat scheduled to focus on this. The structure of board meetings was reviewed, leading to an agreement on future two-day scheduling. Finally, an extensive workshop was held on setting academic priorities, concluding with a request for university leadership to begin campus discussions on a thorough review and optimization of academic and nonacademic programs.