Notes from September 1998 Regents Meeting

All the regents were present:

• Sid Gutierrez
• Bill Gruner
• Bob Taylor
• Ann Daily Murphy
• Randy Horn

Minutes from the July 24 and 25 regents' retreat were approved with discussion.

 Enrollment Update

As of the date of the meeting, Tech's freshman class was up 16%, from 251 last year to 293 this year, while overall headcount was up 5.2%, from 1,370 last year to 1,441 this year. Students are enrolled for 1.5% more credit hours this year th an last year.

Final figures for the fall semester will not be available until registration closes Sept. 11.

Tech President Dr. Daniel H. López provided the regents with handouts from the Strategic Planning sessions. The committee hopes to have a draft of the update by December, with formal approval in time for the 1999 Legislative Session. López pointed out that the priority issues identified by the regents during their July retreat were "virtually identical" to those identified by the Strategic Planning committee.

Regent Taylor commended the process and urged the committee to set metrics by which to measure progress. Regent Gutierrez added his thanks to the committee members who are putting in long hours working on the Strategic Plan.

Dr. Carole Yee, associate vice president for academic affairs, presented the accountability plan being developed by New Mexico's six four-year universities in conjunction with the Council of Presidents. The indicators measure the progress of New Mexico's universities in meeting statewide performance expectations for higher education.

Included in the plan are core performance goals and metrics that the universities will measure collectively. These include:

• Access, diversity, and affordability
• Student progress and achievement
• Academic quality and a quality learning environment
• Effective and efficient use of resources

Each university will also report individually on three issues that depend upon the university's mission:

• Quality of research and creative activity
• Service to New Mexicans
• Economic impact

Dr. Per-Anders Persson was granted emeritus status in the Department of Mineral and Environmental Engineering. Persson will retire Dec. 31, 1998.

The regents approved the purchase of a management information system (MIS). New Mexico Tech has joined with New Mexico Highlands University, Western New Mexico University, and Eastern New Mexico University to purchase the MIS at a 45% discou nt.

Tech's share ($427,000) is part of the General Obligation bond slated for New Mexico's November election.

The board passed a resolution that authorized the issuance and sale of $6.6 million of system improvement and refunding bonds. The new bonds will:

• Pay off $2.745 million outstanding bonds from 1985 (issued at average of 9.75% interest)
• Provide funds for further construction, including a new residence hall.

Associate Vice President for Finance Lonnie Marquez briefed the regents on the financial status of the university.