Minutes
July 27, 2009

Present: Melissa Mixon, Jim Shepard, Kent Hoblet, Joe Street, Lynn Reinschmiedt, Joe Street, John Tomlinson, and Bob Williams

Topic: FY-10 Possible Budget Cuts

Discussion: The materials that the department heads have developed relative to a possible 5% reduction in the FY-10 budget have been submitted to the Deans/directors and are due in the Vice Presidents office no later than close of business on August 4. This material will be submitted to the Vice President for Finance and Administration for review by the President. Based on recent discussions with staff in the Governor’s office, it is expected the Governor will make cuts in the next few months. Several other universities in the IHL system are developing plans for a possible 5% cut. The July revenue estimates will be released by the State Tax Commission on Friday, July 31st. This will give us the first look at collections versus the budgeted amount for FY-10

Action: Deans and directors should submit the requested materials to the Vice President’s office by the close of business on August 4th.

Topic: IHL Facilities Request for FY-11

Discussion: At the June Board Meeting, IHL prioritized their Facilities Needs Request for FY-11. The list included the top three requests for the division. At number 8 on the IHL list is the Wise Center Renovation, Phase I at $9.5 million. At number 29 is the Animal Life Sciences Initiative at $6.0 million. Number 30 on the list is the Forest Genetics Greenhouse at $2.0 million. A total of 31 projects are shown on the IHL list. This list will be submitted to the appropriate legislative committee for consideration when they convene in January 2010.

Action: No action necessary at the present time.

Topic: Operating Policy and Procedure/”Whistleblower” Policy

Discussion: This policy is being adopted by MSU and is designed to protect any MSU employee or other member of the MSU community who makes a good faith disclosure of suspected wrongful conduct. Parts of the policy specifically address the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Art (ARAA) of 2009.

Action: As the policy is signed by appropriate MSU personnel, Deans/directors should make sure their people are aware of the policy.

Dates for the Calendar:

• August 3, 2009 – Meeting and Tour with Legislative Facilities Committee, IHL and BOB staff
• August 6, 2009 – Coating ceremony for new CVM class
• August 17, 2009 – MSU classes begin