College of EMS Advisory Board Meeting

April 3, 2009

Kevin Hagen welcomed everyone to our meeting.  Introductions were made.

            Joe  Coenen gave an update on the Fox Valley and that program.  Kevin Hagen shared an update from Engineers Without Borders.

            Rich Shultz spoke about general topics to be covered in today’s meeting and reviewed the agenda with board members.

            Lisa Riedle then provided a guided tour of Engineering Hall.  Clyde Holverson assisted with the tour.  Everyone was very impressed with the new building.

            Joe Coenen then provided an update on the Fox Valley Advisory Board meeting and discussed the state of this program.  At this meeting, they gained input from companies on what they think is going well and what else we can do to provide services to them.  The Distance Education rooms have made flexible options for professors from Engineering Hall, Ottensman, UW Rock County and UW Fox Valley to team courses.  Co-op opportunities are also growing and developing on these campuses.

            UW Rock County has their first graduate from the Electrical Engineering program this May.  Rich will be attending this graduation ceremony.  Lisa will travel to UW Fox Valley to participate in their graduation ceremony.

            Mems/Nano presentation was given by Hal Evensen and Jim Hamilton.  They provided an overview of the program and outline how the program has developed.  A minor is currently being offered and housed within the General Engineering program.  They requested that Advisory Board members provide direction and input into developing this program.  One faculty member is currently being hired. 

            The Advisory Board received an update/presentation from Engineers Without Borders during lunch.

            After lunch, Rich provided a budget update and went through a comparison of GPR funding dollars as well as TSI monies.  He also had a general discussion about initiatives for the college.  The positive side included funding of:  $12M in need based financial aid; $25M in Education Initiatives; and $15M for retention and recruitment of students.  Some items that were not funded in the budget are:  $1.3M in Auxiliary Services during year 1; $2.28M in government efficiencies; $1M across the board cut to all agencies.

            There will be full funding for utilities, anticipated cuts will be approximately $500,000, reduced teaching academic staff positions or hold vacation positions until TSI numbers are realized; reduce and/or eliminate under enrolled courses, reduce energy, reduce travel, transfer revenue, and general operational cuts. These monies are give backs and not money that is taken away permanently.          Buildings update for Ottensman remodel have been pushed back.  It was decided to do phases of remodeling for Ottensman to still accomplish the task. 

            Breakout sessions were held by discipline areas and updates were given to the group.

Meeting adjourned.