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Meeting Minutes, December 08, 2006

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Creator: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
Subjects: Administration, Board of Trustees, BOT Minute Books
Date: December 8, 2006
Format: Text/pdf
Original Format: Computer file
Resource Identifier: December 08 2006.pdf
Collection Number: UA 1
Language: English
Rights Management: Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Contributing Institution: Offices of Board of Trustees and President; University Archives & Historical Collections; MATRIX
Contributor: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
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Transcript:
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

December 8, 2006


Trustee Finance and Audit Committee and Trustee Policy Committee meetings were held in the Board Room of the Administration Building beginning at 9:40 a.m. on Friday, December 8, 2006. Minutes of the meetings are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.

President Simon called the meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 9:42 a.m. in the Board Room.

Trustees present: Dolores Cook, Joel I. Ferguson, Melanie Foster, Dorothy V. Gonzales, Donald W. Nugent, David L. Porteous, and G. Scott Romney (via telephone).

Trustees absent: Colleen McNamara

University officers present: President Simon, Provost Wilcox, Vice President Poston, Secretary Barber, Vice President and General Counsel Noto, Vice Presidents Denbow, Gray, Hudzik, June, Webster and Webb, Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell, and Acting Executive Director Beekman. Faculty liaisons present: Catherine Ernst, Michael Moch, Catherine Payne, Jim Potchen and Catherine Yansa. Student liaisons present: Rachael Grear, Eric Hinojosa, Brad Love, and Roger Ludy.

All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.

1. On a motion by Trustee Nugent, supported by Trustee Gonzales, the BOARD VOTED to approve the agenda with the changes in the Finance Committee agenda proposed by Trustee Nugent during the Trustee Finance Committee meeting.

2. On a motion by Trustee Nugent, supported by Trustee Gonzales, the BOARD VOTED to approve the minutes of the Board meetings of October 20, 2006 and November 10, 2006.

3. GPA Award Presentations

Trustee Porteous presented GPA awards to the following students:

1. Thomas J. Knezkek, East Lansing, MI—Major: Interdisciplinary
Studies in Social Science—Public Policy Studies; Member of the Honors College; 4.0 GPA

2. Lisa M. Meloche, Detroit, MI—Major: Kinesiology; 4.0 GPA

3. Luke Niewiadomski, Lansing, MI—Major: Electrical Engineering, Member of the Honors College; 4.0 GPA

4. Holly K. Smith, Battle Creek, MI—Major: Dietetics, 3.9 GPA

5. Nichole R. McDonald, Bear Lake, MI—Major: Accounting, 3.9 GPA

6. Jessica Boloven, Northville, MI—Major: Accounting, 3.9 GPA

4. President’s Report

A. Broad School Undergrads win first place at National Biz Quiz

President Simon said that three undergraduate students from the Eli Broad School of Business, Nathan DeBoe, Sonal Wagh and John Bristolarides, won first place in the first ever Fisher Biz Quiz National Challenge. This is a quiz bowl style competition where participants are required to demonstrate their knowledge of business news, issues and trends by answering questions based on articles from the Wall Street Journal.

B. Marshall Scholar

President Simon asked Ron Fisher, Dean of the Honors College, to introduce MSU’s latest Marshall Scholar.

Dean Fisher said that Shanti Zaid was selected this year as one of only 40 seniors nationwide to receive a Marshall Scholarship for graduate study in the United Kingdom next year. Mr. Zaid is MSU’s 11th student to be recognized with a Marshall Scholarship and one of only three students from Big Ten Universities to be so recognized this year.

Mr. Zaid explained that the he had transferred to MSU in order to join the Africa Atlantic Research Team directed by Dr. Jualynne Dodson. He will now be traveling to the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London to study social anthropology and migration.

C. YouthVille

President Simon stated that YouthVille is the home of the Detroit Youth Foundation. The Foundation provides school and weekend leadership and educational programs for Detroit youth at its facility. Nearly 1,500 Detroit youth, ages 10 to 19, pay an annual membership fee to have access to computer skills training, a Cyber Café, educational tutoring, pottery and painting. This past summer, MSU contracted to rent research space at YouthVille to serve as a hub for its community developed initiatives in the form of collaborative research partnerships that can advance faculty scholarship and co-create sustainable community transformations. This is a part of the overall work of the Office of the Provost and University Outreach and Engagement.

D. Carnegie Foundation

President Simon said that the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching selected 76 US colleges and universities for its new Community Engagement Classification. This is an “elective” classification, as institutions elect to participate by submitting required documentation describing the extent of their engagement with the community. The Carnegie Foundation noted that MSU’s classification extends to both curricular engagement and outreach and partnerships.

E. Free Speech

President Simon stated that there had been much concern over the attempts to disrupt a forum that took place on November 30 at the MSU College of Law. President Simon said that she did not personally agree with the views of the Congressman who was invited to campus to speak, but supported his opportunity to be at MSU. As a learning community, the rights of individuals must be respected. Lawful and peaceful demonstrations are permitted by the University and are protected by law, without regard to the point of view being expressed.

The robust exchange of ideas and perspectives can be indicative of a healthy intellectual environment. However, actions which directly or indirectly inhibit the freedoms and rights enjoyed by others are anathema to the maintenance of a strong collegial environment.

MSU will continue to build a learning community that recognizes the important underpinnings of freedom of speech and academic freedom.
F. MCRI

President Simon said that since the passage of Proposal 2, a wide variety of conversations have taken place on campus, around the State and nationally regarding what this constitutional amendment means for Michigan and its public universities. There will be much legal activity and legal interpretations will continue to unfold, but MSU’s values remain clear.

5. There was no Public Participation on Issues Germane to the Agenda.

6. Personnel Actions

Provost Kim Wilcox presented the following personnel actions:

Other Personnel Actions

It was recommended that the Executive Management position titled Director of MSU Technologies be established, effective December 8, 2006.

Kelley, Theresa Ann, AN—Assistant General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, for a change in title to Associate General Counsel and a salary rate change to $112,500, effective October 1, 2006.

The following reappointment and promotions which include the award of tenure are recommended to be effective January 1, 2007:

Mahapatra, Nihar, reappointment as Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Mavis, Brian E., reappointment as Associate Professor, Office of Medical Education, Research and Development

LaPres, John J., promotion to Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; National Food Safety and Toxicology Center.

Francsics, Gabor, reappointment as Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics.

Lindell, Catherine Ann, promotion to Associate Professor, Department of Zoology; Center for Global Change and Earth Observations.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendations, with support from Trustee Cook.

Vice President and General Counsel Noto said that Ms. Kelley has worked on several prominent cases, most recently the defense of domestic partner benefits. She has also managed construction litigation for the last several years. It is a great pleasure to recommend her promotion from Assistant to Associate General Counsel.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the appointments.

7. Gifts, Grants, and Contracts

Vice President Gray presented the Gifts, Grants, and Contracts Report for the period September 1, 2006 to November 21, 2006. The total value for this period is $60,814,522.02.

Trustee Porteous moved to approve the report, supported by Trustee Nugent.

Vice President Gray said that the amount is down as compared to last year. There are a number of reasons for this, including the federal government not having passed a budget for 2007, some awards being on a three-year cycle, greater competition for grants and a decrease in the NIH budget.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the Gifts, Grants, and Contracts Report.

Vice President Gray introduced Dr. Anil Jain from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Dr. Jain joined MSU in 1974. His research interests include pattern recognition, computer vision and biometric recognition. Dr. Jain has received Fulbright, Guggenheim and Humboldt awards. He is a fellow in a number of professional societies, holds six patents in the area of fingerprint matching and is the author of a number of books on biometrics and pattern recognition.

Dr. Jain explained that biometric recognition involves the recognizing of a person based on biological attributes including face image, fingerprints and the iris of the eye. Pattern recognition is now considered a very important topic because the real power of human thinking is based on recognizing patterns. This topic has a variety of applications ranging from medical diagnosis to license plates.

Some methods of biometric recognition are currently being utilized to establish identity. For example, the Clear Pass is used at the Orlando, Florida airport. Frequent travelers that have previously been cleared based on their biological attributes are given a card with that information embedded in it. Another example is card use in a factory setting. Workers are recognized biometrically when they enter and leave the building. This type of recognition is favored over ID cards or PIN numbers that can be stolen or reproduced.

The research lab was established on campus in 1976 with small funding from the National Science Foundation. Since then, the lab has been continuously supported by the National Science Foundation and other agencies. In addition to biometrics, the lab is involved in many other applications and research support comes from many major companies.

8. Finance and Audit Committee

A. Fund Functioning as an Endowment—

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled W.J. Beal Botanical Garden Fund.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Porteous.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

B. Fund Functioning as an Endowment—

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled Edwin A. Brophy Endowed Discretionary Fund in Neurobiology.

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled Edwin A. Brophy Endowed Chair in Central Nervous System Disorders.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendations, with support from Trustee Ferguson.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.

C. Authorization to Plan—New Art Museum

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled New Art Museum.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Foster.

Vice President Poston said that this authorization to plan is requested for a new art museum to be located on the current Paolucci Building site off Grand River Avenue. The existing building would be demolished and the site would potentially house the new museum and sculpture garden.

President Simon stated that plans for an expansion of the Kresge Art Museum at its current site had been brought to the Board. Due to concerns expressed about the expansion plan, an alternative to that plan is being presented.

Susan Bandes, Director, Kresge Art Museum, said that the vision for the new facility will vault Kresge from being a small university museum into the upper tier of the Big Ten University art museums. The new facility will have high ceilings to display contemporary art, and proper HVAC controls and lighting. It is expected that once the new museum is constructed, new collections from donors will come to the museum for display.

Trustee Romney was excused from the meeting due to a prior commitment.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

D. Authorization to Proceed—

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to proceed with the project entitled Steam Distribution and Road Reconstruction—East/West Circle Drive and approve a budget of $13,500,000 for the project.

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to proceed with the project entitled Hannah Administration Building—Alterations to 4th Floor and approve a budget of $1,400,000 for the project.

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to proceed with the project entitled Crescent Road/Middlevale Road—Phase III and approve a budget of $3,300,000 for the project.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendations, as a group, with support from Trustee Ferguson.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.

E. Bid and Contract Approval—Jenison Field House—Indoor Pool Maintenance & Repair

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees award a contract in the amount of $769,706 to Thatcher Construction Co. Inc. for the project entitled Jenison Field House—Indoor Pool Maintenance and Repair.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Porteous.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

9. Policy Committee

Trustee Cook presented the Trustee Policy Committee Report and recommendations.

A. Conflict of Interest Policy

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt the Board of Trustees Conflict of Interest Policy. (Appendix A)

Trustee Cook moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Porteous.

Vice President Noto said that there has been a State statute on Conflict of Interest which applies to the Trustees as State Officers. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that a good corporate governance practice would encompass having a Board policy on the subject of Conflict of Interest in addition to the State statute. It is typical that such a policy exists among MSU’s peer institutions in the State and in the Big Ten.

Trustee Porteous complimented Vice President Noto and his staff on the tremendous amount of time spent in preparing the recommendation. Corporate governance issues are important and the Board should be complimented for taking on the challenge of creating this policy.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

B. Investment Advisory Subcommittee Conflict of Interest Standards

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt the Investment Advisory Subcommittee Conflict of Interest Standards for External Members. (Appendix B)

Trustee Cook moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Porteous.

Vice President Noto said that this is an issue of good corporate governance. Trustees Nugent and Foster attended a conference earlier this fall sponsored by Cambridge Associates in which they received some materials regarding Board investment committees and subcommittees. The materials contained sample policies relating to conflict of interest and information relating to conflict of interest, in an investment committee context. Those materials were reviewed and used to develop the material being presented today.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

C. Naming Proposal: DeMartin Family Soccer Stadium

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that the soccer stadium at Old College Field be named by the Board of Trustees the “DeMartin Family Soccer Stadium.”

Trustee Cook moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Porteous.

Vice President Webb said that MSU had received a signed gift agreement in the amount of $750,000 from the DeMartin family, Douglas and Valerie, for this particular project. The remainder of the money needed for the project will be raised. This is one of the component parts of the Old College Field renovation. Doug DeMartin has two degrees from MSU and the DeMartin’s have family ties to the University.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

D. Approval of Contract Terms: Liuman Technologies, LLC

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of an amendment to a testing agreement with Liuman Technologies, LLC, consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting and with the “Revised Testing Contract Term Sheet.” (Appendix C)

Trustee Cook moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Ferguson.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

E. Approval of Contract Terms: TCH Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of a research and option contract with TCH Pharmaceuticals, Inc. consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting and with the “Research and Option Contract Term Sheet.” (Appendix D)

Trustee Cook moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Nugent.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

F. Approval of Contract Terms: Wooden Pieces

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of a carpentry services contract with Wooden Pieces, consistent with earlier public notice and with the “Contract Term Sheet.” (Appendix E)

Trustee Cook moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Gonzales.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

G. Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Contract with Working Bugs, LLC—A Firm in which a Faculty/Staff Interest Exists

Pursuant to State law, the Chair of the Policy Committee gave public notice to the full Board of the University’s intention to negotiate agreements regarding technology licensing, research, and related matters with Working Bugs, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company based in East Lansing. Dr. Kris A. Berglund, a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and his immediate family own or have options to buy an ownership interest of more than five percent of the company. Dr. Berglund is a member of Working Bugs, LLC.

H. Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Contract with Spartan Biofuels, LLC—A Firm in which a Faculty/Staff Interest Exists

Pursuant to State law, the Chair of the Policy Committee gave public notice to the full Board of the University’s intention to negotiate agreements regarding technology licensing, research, and related matters with Spartan Biofuels, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company based in Webberville. Dr. Dennis Miller, a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and Dr. Ramani Narayan, a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and their immediate families each own or have options to buy an ownership interest of more than five percent of the company. Drs. Miller and Narayan are both members of Spartan Biofuels, LLC.

I. Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Contract with Advanced Material and Manufacturing Technologies, LLC—A Firm in which a Faculty/Staff Interest Exists

Pursuant to State law, the Chair of the Policy Committee gave public notice to the full Board of the University’s intention to negotiate agreements regarding technology licensing, research, and related matters with Advanced Material and Manufacturing Technologies, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company based in Marshall. Dr. Farhang Pourboghrat, an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Michael Zampaloni, a Research Specialist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and their immediate families cummulatively own or have options to buy an ownership interest of more than five percent of the company. Drs. Pourboghrat and Zampaloni are also members of Advanced Material and Manufacturing Technologies, LLC.

10. Compensation Committee

Trustee Foster presented a “Michigan State University Board of Trustees Resolution President Lou Anna K. Simon” dated December 8, 2006. (Appendix F)

Whereas President Lou Anna Kimsey Simon’s employment contract was recently extended in recognition of her excellent performance as President of Michigan State University, and whereas the Trustees are uniform in their support for the progress of Dr. Simon and the University have made during the past year, and whereas consistent with the University’s goals regarding faculty compensation of MSU’s President in the midrange among the presidents of the public universities in the Big Ten and that of other comparable institutions, and whereas Dr. Simon’s compensation is currently in the low-range among the presidents of public universities within the Big Ten and other comparable institutions, particularly when the deferred compensation of other presidents is considered, and whereas the Board is committed to conducting an annual review of Dr. Simon’s salary under Section 4A of the contract between Dr. Simon and the Board, now therefore, be it resolved that the Board establishes an annual salary of $495,000 per year for Dr. Simon, and be it further resolved that this salary increase shall be made retroactive to October 1, 2006, the same day that salary increases for faculty and executive managers went into effect for the 2006/2007 academic year.

Trustee Ferguson moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Cook.

Trustee Foster said that the Compensation Committee took data from the most recent compensation article in the Chronicle of Higher Education which listed total presidential compensation for both Big Ten and private institutions. The Board set forth as its goal to have President Simon’s compensation be at least in the midrange of the Big Ten public universities. President Simon’s current salary is $425,000. The midrange for Big Ten public universities is approximately $512,000. In order to recognize President Simon’s commitment and performance at MSU, the Committee is recommending that President Simon’s salary be increased to $495,000, retroactive to October 1, 2006.

Trustee Porteous stated that President Simon has done a stellar job and her performance is outstanding. Everyone at MSU can be proud of the leadership that President Simon is providing both internally on campus and externally across the State and internationally.

Trustee Foster said that the Committee also discussed encouraging President Simon to participate on up to two corporate boards. This has always been an option of President Simon’s, but she has declined to serve on external corporate boards. At this time, the Committee feels that this is part of MSU’s outreach values and a way to be connected with a broader community.

Trustee Ferguson commented that MSU should have a visible ambassador getting as much exposure as possible. The Board is proud of President Simon’s leadership and believes that MSU will benefit from the added knowledge and contacts service on corporate boards will bring President Simon.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

11. Recognition of Departing Trustees

President Simon said that anyone who has been involved in the governance of a major institution or corporation hopes that their efforts help the organization to be on firmer and higher ground. By being on firmer and higher ground, one is able to permit the institution to better achieve its aspirations in the long term. This is an important responsibility of stewardship. Trustees Cook and Porteous are two individuals who have clearly helped MSU be on firmer and higher ground and for that the institution will be eternally grateful.

President Simon asked Dr. Jim Potchen, Chairperson, Department of Radiology, and a Faculty Liaison to the Board, to speak on behalf of the faculty.

Dr. Potchen said that words fail to express the depth of appreciation he has for both Trustees Cook and Porteous. As a member of the faculty, he has seen improvement in the quality of the Board since Trustees Cook and Porteous were elected. Dr. Potchen read a brief memorandum that will be bronzed for Trustees Cook and Porteous.

President Simon asked Eric Hinojosa, a Student Liaison to the Board, to speak on behalf of the students.

Mr. Hinojosa stated that on behalf of all the members of the student body, he would like to thank Trustees Cook and Porteous for their dedicated and outstanding service to the MSU community. Both have provided tremendous leadership and vision to MSU in addition to being the University’s most visible ambassadors. They have continually fought for the best interests of MSU’s family, have done a wonderful job listening to student issues and have been exceptional advocates for change. The students would like to thank Trustees Cook and Porteous for their tremendous contribution to the success of MSU and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

A. Trustee Dee Cook

Trustee Ferguson presented a “Michigan State University Board of Trustees Tribute Honoring Dee Cook,” dated December 8, 2006. (Appendix G)

Trustee Ferguson moved to approve the resolution, with support from Trustee Foster.


Trustee Gonzales said that it has been a pleasure working with Trustee Cook.

Trustee Foster stated that she had the opportunity to serve with Trustee Cook for both her first two years and last two years as a Trustee. Trustee Cook’s leadership and love of MSU have helped make the Board into a cohesive body that represents Team MSU. It has been a pleasure working with Trustee Cook.

Trustee Nugent said that it has been an honor to serve with Trustee
Cook and that he was sure he would continue to see her around campus.

Trustee Ferguson said that Trustee Cook has been a major supporter of MSU through her generous donations but her real generosity has been her footwork. She has traveled many miles representing MSU. She is a tireless worker and that is worth more than any amount of money.

Trustee Porteous said that Trustee Cook’s service has been exemplary. She demonstrated proper Board service and stewardship and helped set the stage in an important way for the Board. Trustee Cook has always been the conscience of the Board. If she ever thought that a Board member was straying from some of the important principles of the University, she would discuss it. She has given MSU an incredible gift through her service.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the resolution.

Trustee Cook said that she had to start at the beginning and thank Governor John Engler for convincing her to run for the MSU Board of Trustees. Trustee Cook commented that after meeting with several people including Spencer Abraham and Peter Secchia, it was clear that this was something she should do.

Trustee Cook stated that it was a pleasure to serve under four presidents and recognized the past Trustees with whom she had served. She also paid tribute to the executive staff at MSU, the faculty and the current Board members.

B. Trustee David Porteous

Trustee Ferguson presented a “Michigan State University Board of Trustees Tribute Honoring David Porteous,” dated December 8, 2006. (Appendix H)

Trustee Ferguson moved to approve the resolution, with support from Trustee Foster.

Trustee Ferguson said that Trustee Porteous’ leadership made certain that the Board never functioned in a partisan way. Trustee Porteous set the standard and has led the Board as family. Trustee Ferguson thanked Trustee Porteous for all of his contributions to MSU and the Board.

Trustee Gonzales said that it had been a pleasure working with Trustee Porteous and thanked him for all of his hard work on behalf of MSU.

Trustee Foster said that Trustee Porteous has always made his trusteeship a family matter. To know Trustee Porteous is to know and be part of his family. It is heartwarming to see how Trustee Porteous’ family is involved with MSU. Trustee Foster thanked Trustee Porteous for everything that he has done for the Board.

Trustee Nugent said that it has been a pleasure to serve with Trustee Porteous and thanked him for all of his hard work and contributions.

Trustee Cook said that it has been a pleasure working with Trustee Porteous. Trustee Porteous demonstrates a fairness and evenhandedness in keeping the spirit of the Board. Trustee Cook wished Trustee Porteous well in all his future endeavors.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the resolution.

Trustee Porteous said that the resolution and kind words were very gracious but that everything achieved at MSU is a direct result of Team MSU. He thanked the students, faculty and executive administrators for all of their contributions to MSU.

12. Trustee Comments

Trustee Ferguson said that he wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

13. Public Participation on Other Issues

A. Eco—MSU’s Student Environmental Group

Marci Baranski, Secretary for Eco, read a thank you note to the Trustees for their efforts in making MSU a sustainable university.

B. MSU College Republicans Representative

Fred Fico, Journalism Professor and Faculty Advisor to the College Republicans, said that he wanted to discuss MSU’s core values, academic freedom and freedom of speech. Mr. Fico said that as a community, rights are discussed but duties are not. The cost that freedom entails is not always obvious. Mr. Fico indicated that the real problem is not the thugs that show up at events to try to quell free speech, but when people forget the cost of free speech.

Mr. Fico said that faculty talk a lot about academic freedom and that he was delighted with President Simon’s response to the disruption of Congressman Tancredo’s presentation. Mr. Fico said that he was proud to be a faculty member at an institution that has a president that speaks with clarity and simplicity.

Mr. Fico said that there needs to be a response when folks crash into a meeting and begin kicking, spitting and beating others. Mr. Fico said that the biggest problem is the response. It is important to deal with folks that are being disruptive. Mr. Fico indicated that he would be attending future events and would be willing to pay the price for the freedom of speech.

C. MSU College Republicans

Jeff Wiggins, Chairman of the MSU College Republicans, said that he was happy to see President Simon denounce the disruption of the November 30, 2006 event. Mr. Wiggins said that the protestors at the event were physically and verbally threatening attendees. Mr. Wiggins said that tires on vehicles had been slashed during the event and a camera that captured some vandalism was destroyed.
Mr. Wiggins said that fire alarms were pulled twice during the event.

Mr. Wiggins said that the disturbance had made national headlines and some students had been interviewed on radio and television programs. Mr. Wiggins said that ASMSU would be sending a letter of apology to Congressman Tancredo for the events that took place on campus during his visit.

14. Request to Adjourn

On a motion by Trustee Ferguson, supported by Trustee Cook, THE BOARD VOTED to adjourn at 12:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,



Alison E. Barber, Ph.D.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees

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