March 21 2002
University of the Pacific
Institutional Priorities Committee
Minutes
March 21, 2002
Taylor Conference Room, Library
IPC Members Present: Benedetti, Brock, Gilbertson, Hewitt, Lundergan, Meer, Olson, Oppenheimer, Sina, Spreer, Stark
Guests: Perro, Rajala
The meeting was convened by the Chair at 11:12 a.m.
President’s Remarks/Discussion
President DeRosa thanked members for committing time to IPC. He reviewed FY02 and FY03 budget proposals approved by the Board Finance Committee, commenting on various adjustments to the recommendations put forth by IPC, and noted that the University is in good shape financially. Re: elimination of the Baun Fitness Center fee for students, the President indicated that he views the fitness center as an extension of the University Center. Addition of a Southern California admissions representative (and, next year, an East Coast rep.) should broaden the University’s visibility and reduce the degree to which we are competing with the UCs for students.
The President will recommend a moderate tuition increase in academic year 2003-04 and will support continued improvement of faculty/staff compensation. He urged IPC to consider the desirability of increased retirement benefits as part of the compensation package.
The President invited IPC to review and comment on the proposed Pacific Leaders Scholarship program; the University needs to move on this soon. Sometimes budget items have to be dealt with, without going through IPC. Expenditures to improve facilities are essential; students/prospective students are quick to note when facilities which are not up to snuff. Current debt level is well within the acceptable range defined in Board policy.
There was some discussion of other issues currently before IPC, including course fee options, differential tuition, enhancement of unit operating budgets and the need for a more systematic approach to funding operating costs, and a suggestion that Conservatory talent scholarships (like athletics scholarships) be considered revenue-neutral.
After the President departed, the minutes of the March 7 meeting were approved.
Provost's Report
Rob Brodnick, Director of Planning and Research, has been asked to serve as staff to IPC; Rob’s first contribution will be to share the results of the Senior Survey. The President responded favorably the suggestion that we devise a system for reviewing and making recommendations on off-cycle budget adjustments. Re: Sharon Hudson's request for funding for Phase II of the branding project, IPC needs to receive specific information soon.
Discussion: Enrollment Plan/Scholarship Proposal
The Board has been heavily involved in discussions of enrollment goals. Tom Rajala will be invited to attend next week’s meeting and give the presentation he has prepared for the Regents; Lynn Fox may also be invited to discuss long-term budget implications of the proposed Pacific Leaders Scholarship.
Discussion: Budget
Is the University setting aside enough surplus funding from the current 'fat' years to address certain inevitable pressures the University will face during the 'lean' years to come? Do we need a better balance between one-time expenditures and base budget increases? (One possibility is to put money in base budgets to allow for one-time expenses, with unused funds allowed to carry forward to the next fiscal year.)
Program Review
Program review recommendations for the School of Engineering and the Departments of Psychology and Sport Sciences were reviewed and accepted.
Next meeting: March 28; no meeting April 4 because of the Regents’ meeting.
The meeting was adjourned shortly after 1:00 p.m.