Legislature(2001 - 2002)
03/16/2001 09:09 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 16, 2001
9:09 AM
TAPES
SFC-01 # 44, Side A
SFC 01 # 44, Side B
SFC 01 # 45, Side A
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Dave Donley convened the meeting at approximately 9:09 AM.
PRESENT
Senator Dave Donley, Co-Chair
Senator Pete Kelly, Co-Chair
Senator Jerry Ward, Vice Chair
Senator Loren Leman
Senator Lyda Green
Senator Gary Wilken
Senator Alan Austerman
Also Attending: MARK HAMILTON, President, University of Alaska,
WENDY REDMAN, Vice President, University Relations, University of
Alaska Statewide System.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
The Committee heard an overview of the operating and capital budget
requests and Missions and Measures from the University of Alaska.
MARK HAMILTON, President, University of Alaska, characterized the
budget as a "reflection of what the people of the state of Alaska
said they want their University to do." He continued that he
considered this a "small" budget request, however, this budget is
reflective of the "amount of money we can responsibly execute". He
reviewed the documentation presented to the Committee in the
University of Alaska Fiscal Year 2002 Operating and Capital Budget
Request [copy on file], and emphasized the following portions of
their operating budget request:
Maintaining a Solid Foundation (page 4)
Salary Maintenance
President Hamilton noted, even with a greater number of employees,
the University was asking for "marginally less" money in this
category because of the increase in monies the University was able
to generate from tuitions and other opportunities.
Non-Discretionary Cost Increases
President Hamilton shared that the University had again been able
to provide money for non-discretionary funds that allowed this
budget item request to be "held down." He shared there are a few
components in this category that have had high single digit cost
increases and others such as hardware maintenance and software
licensing agreements that have annual cost increases of 15 to 20
percent. He shared that the University, in this budget, has asked
for some marginal support to help cover those costs. He emphasized
that the University has been able to cover some inflationary costs
because they now have to ability to generate their own funds.
Ensuring Academic Quality
President Hamilton explained the University has been able to insure
academic quality many ways including increasing Electronic Library
opportunities throughout the state and course management. He noted
that many people in the state utilize more than one campus and the
University had worked diligently to develop entry-level protocols
that allowed people to move easily from campus to campus. In
addition, he informed, with more and more classes being offered via
the Internet, the faculty had been "diligent in teaching
themselves" how best to teach this new mode of education via the
University's Center for Instructional Design and Delivery.
Enhancing Technology for Alaska
President Hamilton informed that the Database for Alaskans is a
program that allows Alaskans to query the Internet and download
articles from the site. He continued that without this centralized
system, to research, print and mail out all the items that people
searched for last year, the cost would have been more that $1
million. He informed that this is a cooperative effort between the
University and the state's public libraries.
Senator Leman commented that because the University partnered with
public libraries on the Database for Alaskans program, the
University has been provided with "a greater resource, at less
expense."
President Hamilton replied "without a doubt" that was true. He
continued that the Database for Alaskans program has, in the past,
been funded in the Capital budget, and every year, there was no
guarantee it would be funded. He continued that the University,
this year, put it in their budget in order to have exposure and
responsibility.
IT Convergence
President Hamilton cited the need to address the Information
Technology (IT) convergence because it reflects the ever-growing
opportunity and need to lease a single line mode of communication
that would offer the ability to enhance education with voice, video
and data applications as well as other educational opportunities.
He stressed it would be far more cost effective in the long run to
have one line instead of three lines handling the increasing
demands being placed on information technology.
Enhancing Accountability and Business Efficiency
President Hamilton shared that Sustained Technology Replacement is
an ongoing discussion and debate in and outside of the University
and the State. He continued that the question is from where to fund
the "refreshing of a computer inventory." "Does it fit in the
capital budget because it, in essence," could be considered part of
the facility or should it be in the operating budget, he asked. He
stated the University feels this funding belongs in the operating
budget.
President Hamilton explained that another University goal is to
create the capacity to receive federal funds electronically. He
informed that the federal government is currently doing this and
wants entities it conducts business with to have this capacity.
Attracting and Retaining Alaska's Students (page 5)
President Hamilton shared that the University is putting forth
great effort to retain students. For instance, he informed, the
University of Alaska Anchorage campus reflected an increase in
retention of those students who live on campus, in dorms. He
stressed that positive results have been received from better
student advising and support. He cited the availability of online
registration, online access to grades, and financial statements, in
addition to information on student loans and other financial
assistance information.
Senator Ward voiced that he has "quite a few people" call him
regarding how to apply for student grants for the university.
President Hamilton replied that the University is committed to
providing available funding assistance information to help
alleviate the financial burden on some Alaskans. He expressed that
some people are more comfortable researching financial assistance
information via the Internet instead of sitting down and talking to
someone about it. He stressed that providing this information is
exactly the type of thing that the University is striving to
accomplish.
Co-Chair Donley asked President Hamilton to give an example of
"critical" support for students.
President Hamilton indicated that the details regarding "critical"
care for students are on page sixteen, and he detailed the hiring
of six different staff positions in six different areas including
career counseling, services for students with disabilities,
recruiting, counseling, and student surveys.
WENDY REDMAN, indicated that the total increment to cover these six
positions is included in the unallocated portion of budget
reduction and addition allocation. She informed that the budget
does not break out how that funding is to be distributed, but that
the details for the distribution are listed on page seventeen, by
campus. She further clarified that the University does not provide
the distribution "up front" in the budget but instead carries it
all as a single allocation within the single appropriation.
President Hamilton indicated that this single allotment within the
single appropriation amounts to the "Buck stops here". He explained
that by not disbursing the money until a person is actually hired
keeps that funding secure. He added that this reflects the
"unlikely conflict between accounting and accountability." He
stated that the accounting piece of it is held for good reason, and
he detailed other examples of accountability. He reiterated that
the allocation is all planned, and is not distributed until the new
hire is in place.
Meeting Alaska's Employment Needs (page 5)
President Hamilton stated that the University takes input from a
wide range of professionals and professional organizations that
"advise and prioritize" education needs for the University. He
cited the importance of this input because the demands in every
area are "far more than the university is capable of providing in a
single annual increment." He gave the example of providing Early
Childhood Development classes if that was the need, according to
the employer input.
He continued that the largest growing sector in the state is
Healthcare. He stated that this sector is critical to all
concerned, and everyone wants healthcare programs. He shared that
the University heeded the advice of outside consultants and is
making enormous progress in healthcare course offerings.
Information Technology and Knowledge Workers
President Hamilton voiced support for partnering with Consortium,
and said that partnership make "enormous sense" since Consortium
provides advertising, internships, summer jobs, scholarships, as
well as part of the parcel and without contractual agreement, these
graduates would be "snapped up" for employment.
Career and Technical Education
President Hamilton, referring to SB 289, stressed that he knows
that Career and Technical Education is something that the Senate is
"very interested" in. He affirmed that the University has supported
career and technical education with an investment of approximately
$8 million, and "the state is responding enormously well to that".
Preparing for Alaska's Economic Success (page 7)
Applied Research and Technology Transfer
President Hamilton stressed that it is time that Alaska's
University, which handles $6 million of research annually, needs to
have a Vice President for Research. He shared that any other peer
institute carrying this much research would involve a dedicated
staff in this department.
Arctic Energy
President Hamilton stated this has been funded federally, but there
are further opportunities if state funding were allowed.
Data Analysis
President Hamilton declared that Alaska's location on the earth at
65 Degrees North provided the University with an opportunity that
"hits an specific existing, identifiable and quantifiable need." He
informed that the State has a satellite that circles the earth
above Alaska ten to fourteen times a day, compared to other
satellites that circle the globe only twice a day. He continued
that this situation offers the University the opportunity to
download data and export it to other satellites; thereby, offering
the University "enormous opportunities" for real leadership in data
management such as configuration, sharing, and integration with
other satellites. He stressed this could give the University
numerous "commercial opportunities".
Finance and e-Commerce
President Hamilton shared that, again in a cooperative relationship
with businesses, the University has been made aware of the need to
have the "capacity, opportunity and awareness" of e-Commerce
integrated into accounting, business and other related courses. He
confirmed that the University would be striving to do that.
President Hamilton informed that the University does not currently
offer a finance degree but needs to offer one.
Co-Chair Kelly inquired when the University stopped offering a
Finance program.
President Hamilton responded that he is not aware of the exact
time.
Senator Leman wondered why the non-GF portions of this request are
so small. He said it would appear that a Finance program would
attract a lot of interest from the business community.
President Hamilton agreed it would attract a lot of interest;
however, the first year would not attract as many students and the
non-GF portion reflects that initial, limited tuition. He thought
there would be numerous opportunities if the financial program were
reinstated.
Natural Resources & Alaska Fisheries
President Hamilton stated there is a lot of funding from the
federal government in this program; however, there are additional
funding opportunities in this field including information sharing,
marine advisory programs, wildlife advisory, and wildlife
management programs.
Engineering
President Hamilton continued that there is, again, tremendous
federal funding involved. He cited water quality systems, for
example, but he stressed the University needs to "anticipate the
needs" of Alaska. He revisited the onset of the oil pipeline, and
opined "the University was not in the game" and had not responded
appropriately. He continued that this time around, he wants the
University to be "in the game providing the opportunity for
Alaskans to be an integral part of the building of the state's
future".
Senator Leman inquired regarding the small water systems that
provide water to communities of twenty-five to five hundred people,
and the Department of Environmental Conservation program to train
small operators of these systems. He voiced concern about the
"revolving door syndrome" with trained operators. He continued that
he thought it might be a "better plan and made more sense" to give
the $1.27 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to
the University to handle through its delivery system. He asked what
President Hamilton thought of this idea.
President Hamilton responded "absolutely", and said he would look
into it.
Senator Austerman voiced a concern about the research dollars the
University received and the overhead costs associated with those
programs. He continued he had met with some Kodiak constituents
recently who told him about a $1 million grant Senator Stevens had
gotten allocated to the University for sea lion research. Senator
Austerman was told that over half of the one million dollars going
to the University went to "overhead" with only $490,000 going to
research. He added he had also talked with some Fish and Game
employees who voiced this same "overhead" concern. He questioned
why the University budget includes $16.8 million in general funds
for research projects when, at the same time, the University is
extracting 51 percent from other state dollars such as from
Department of Fish and Game. He stated this "double-dipping"
concept and the funding request for the addition of a Vice
President in charge of research concerns him. He questioned where
the 51 percent is going.
President Hamilton explained that he did not know if they had
picked a "bad term or haven't picked the right analogy", but there
has been a misunderstanding about the term "overhead". He expressed
that all aspects of a project have to be considered. He said, for
example, if a million dollars is designated for a research project,
"it is not a reasonable expectation that you are going to get a
million dollars of research out of that." He continued that it
"costs money to manage that money." He explained that if the
University hired a faculty member to teach, and then he was
diverted to a research project, the University would have to hire
someone else to replace that faculty member in the classroom as
well as providing facilities to conduct research in. President
Hamilton used the analogy of building a house for $50,000. He
stated the $50,000 has to cover the cost of manpower, insurance,
equipment and other essentials in addition to lumber and bricks.
President Hamilton reiterated that the word "overhead" means
"profit" to people, but "we don't make any profit, we pay for the
absolute, real costs" incurred to the University. He continued
that in the Department of Fish and Game, all the money would go for
research because the Department already employs researchers, but
for the University, there are other costs incurred that have to be
accounted for with the funding. He stressed that "this is not a
scam, it's not a rip-off," and mentioned that he has had to explain
this several times a month.
Ms. Redman informed that the University does not determine the
"overhead" rate, but that "it is an audited rate determined by the
federal government" for each university based on specific audited
information including such things as facility costs. She continued
when a grant is being reviewed, the University staff often tries to
"cut the overhead rate" so the university is more competitive. She
continued that on occasion, the faculty had "cut a deal" without
the University administration knowing. She detailed how "cutting
deals" negatively affects the federal subsidizing process of
research grants using "overhead" rate guidelines.
Ms Redman addressed the need to look at developing consistency
regarding "overhead" rates between State of Alaska departments, as
currently there are different overhead rates in place for each
department. She noted the "argument" that the state is already
paying to support the University's facility costs so why should
another state agency duplicate that cost.
President Hamilton disagreed with the argument of duplication. He
informed that currently the University issues internal department
charges. He continued there is a need to monitor where the dollars
"mush", and the re-charging for these operations provides an
accountability trail. He stressed that without these charges,
accountability would be lost, and he feels that accountability is
very important.
Senator Austerman commented that he was asking questions in order
to get a better understanding on: the "overhead issue;" the
"University budget; how it operates; and what it does." He stated
he was looking for an answer on the "issue on whether state dollars
are being double-dipped" in regards to state grants.
Senator Austerman stated he would be meeting with University staff
later in the day, and hoped they could supply him with a breakdown
on how the grant funding is allocated in the University budget. He
asked if the $250,000 request in the budget for the addition of a
research leadership position could be covered with the "overhead"
revenue source.
President Hamilton replied that the University could not supply a
breakout since the "overhead" dollars are spent "for things that
would otherwise come out of general funds." He commented the
"overhead" funds pay the salaries for many of the professors
involved in research. He pointed out that if all general fund
employees were taken away from the University, it would still be
the third largest employer in the state with as many as 2,000
University's positions paid for with "overhead" funds. He stated
"overhead funds" were used to pay salaries all the time.
President Hamilton characterized this scenario as a "very classic
spiral" since the overhead percentage is determined by the amount
of faculty and students, and how much the University spends on
capital projects. He continued that as the University gets more
money to hire more faculty, and, by applying "excellent differed
maintenance, the status of your institution is raised." He said the
"rich get richer" because it is part of the formula. He summarized
that this indirect cost-recovery pays for "a lot of salaries."
Senator Wilken thanked Senator Austerman for bringing up the issue
of "overhead." Senator Wilken stated he is interested in the
"extraordinary" amount of money coming to the state from the
federal government. He stated that a lot of that money goes to
research studies.
He questioned why the University is involved in a fisheries
research project when the State is involved in trying to get
funding for a big fisheries project at Lena Point. He continued
that the University came to the Legislature with a large money
request, and then he was shown five projects from the year 2000
that reflected the 51 percent "overhead" numbers. He stated that
seems like a "big carve."
Senator Wilken continued it seems like what the State and the
departments need to do is have some discussion about the quid-pro
quo where one department does this and another does that. He
stressed that the state does not need to have twelve different
agencies working separately on research grant funding, but needs
one coordinating entity.
SFC 01 # 44, Side B 09:56 AM
He stressed that maybe the University needs to be the one to start
monitoring all of these funds, before other Departments start to
omit the University's involvement because of the high "overhead"
percentage.
Senator Wilken stressed the need for the University to demonstrate
to other state agencies that the University would be a "benefit" to
them and "not a drag." He concluded that other agencies might be
questioning why they need to include the University since it
consumes over 50 percent of the research funds. He stated the
federal money coming to the state in the form of research funds
might not stop for a while, and the state should use those funds
wisely. He stressed that if our University is a research university
then the research funds allotted to fisheries, social, and business
research that the federal government has found in 'their wisdom" to
grant, should be funneled through the University.
Ms. Redman informed that the University is in close partnership
with many state agencies for research. She detailed various
examples, and that she felt there is a very good relationship
between the University and these agencies.
Co-Chair Donley stated that there are approximately one hundred
professors who do "pure research" and do not teach. He asked if
there has been any talk about them teaching at least one class. He
asked about the University policy on this matter.
Ms. Redman clarified the one hundred faculty who do not teach are
not paid from general fund money. She informed that faculty is
ranked and that those who do not teach are ranked as librarians and
councilors.
Co-Chair Donley inquired what the policy is regarding teaching
requirements for faculty who receive outside funding.
President Hamilton informed "practice" rather than "policy" play a
role in this situation, and that the "practice" has been dependant
on the amount of the research grant: an individual could give up a
proportionate amount of teaching time "to the degree" of the
funding amount. He continued that a faculty person might be able
"to buy out the teaching load" entirely depending on the amount of
the grant. He said the University, as part of the grant and as part
of that "overhead", would demand compensation in the amount of
money necessary to hire someone to teach those classes.
President Hamilton informed there is no policy in place dictating
the University's actions regarding faculty's classroom teaching
requirements in relation to research grants.
President Hamilton continued there is another aspect that could be
considered as a research related opportunity, and that is the
involvement of more graduate students and hands-on classes. He
furthered that currently the number of graduate students in
relation to research faculty is disproportionate to the amount of
research dollars involved.
Co-Chair Donley inquired if there is a per capita cost per student
analysis for different campuses in order to determine if there is
an equitable distribution of student services.
Ms. Redman responded that each campus is very different, and if
they were more similar, it might make sense to compare the per
capita costs per student. She continued that it would make sense to
compare Fairbanks, for example, to another "peer institution" that
is similar in campus housing, age groups, and full-time verses part
time students because the needs would be similar.
Ms. Redman continued that the allocations for the different
campuses (Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks) were reviewed in the past
few years in order to get the campuses to "look the same." She
informed that after the campuses were "weighted" in order to be
compared, and the data was reviewed, the campuses were about the
same overall. Ms. Redman shared that the information reflected
highs and lows in different areas at each campus, and those were
the areas where the money would be needed to bring the campuses
level with each other. She stressed that the University continually
revisits this issue.
President Hamilton explained that he viewed the issue from a
slightly different perspective. He questioned how equitable the fee
assessment is across the campuses as each student population has
different characteristics. He asked, for example, if commuter
students would be eating in the student union or using other
facilities and resources, and does their usage justify the fee
charge. He informed that fee charges are based on total credit
hours. He opined that the kind of service the student is getting at
the campus should have some bearing on the fees assessed.
Senator Green discussed the merits of whether fees should be
assessed by what services are offered or should it be based on real
costs of running that campus. She said it is a good thing to look
at equitable services in institutions like satellite campuses, or
comparing those in the rural areas or in town, when assessing fees
for benefits students receive in addition to being in class.
Ms. Redman compared the campus in Homer, which she states looks
"incredibly efficient" because of the availability of adjunct
faculty members in the community, to other communities that do not
have access to adjunct faculty but instead must hire faculty. She
reiterated this adds to the cost of running the campus. She
stressed this is another factor that makes it difficult to compare
campuses.
Co-Chair Donley asked about the ratio of discretionary general
funds regarding instruction verses research, and where it stands in
comparison to the national standard.
President Hamilton responded the University of Alaska spends a
larger portion of general fund money for research than its peer
institutions, and it uses approximately the same amount for
instruction as its peers. He informed that the University reviewed
this distribution and found "data points" of interest. He shared
that on a national average, approximately 72 percent of the
research in a state was done by private industry with 9 percent
done by a university. He continued that in Alaska, the University
of Alaska conducts 51 percent of the research, and 11 percent is
conducted by private industry. He commented that a higher
percentage of the University's general funds go into research, but
is justifiable since the research is not supplemented by private
entities as much as it is in other states.
President Hamilton commented on the benefits of having "mature
industry in your state" in terms of research and research interface
and cooperation. He continued that with the exception of British
Petroleum (BP), the opportunity for a businessperson holding a PhD
to talk with another PhD person is uncommon in our state.
President Hamilton affirmed that the University would be increasing
the percentage of general funds used for instruction. He clarified
that through the initiative processes, the University is not asking
for money to fix a building, but to provide for more classrooms in
order to offer more courses to meet the needs of the state. He
confirmed that increasing course availability would elevate the
"already pretty good" percentage of general funds designated for
instruction.
President Hamilton reiterated that while he sees the percentage of
general funds designated for instruction increasing, he does not
want to see the percentage for research "move down."
Co-Chair Donley asked how President Hamilton views the ratio of
discretionary funds at the University of Alaska in comparison to
national numbers regarding instruction and research allocations.
President Hamilton replied that due to the nature of Alaska's
situation whereby there is not a high percentage of industry
research, the University is filling that void, thereby putting the
percentage of research "certainly higher than the national average.
Senator Green asked how the University was working to develop "fast
track courses" for folks who wished to be certified as teachers by
getting a specified number of credits in a couple of years.
President Hamilton replied "this is the entire theory behind what
the University calls the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program."
He detailed that if a person comes to the University with a
Bachelors degree, they would be able to get a MAT degree in one
year and graduate as a licensed teacher in the State of Alaska.
Senator Green referred to legislation sponsored by Senator Kelly
that has a "different feed" on how to produce qualified teachers
without the need for long-term courses. She stressed the University
should be looking at offering summer courses and perhaps
abbreviated courses to help offset the teacher shortage in the
state. She continued that school districts could participate by
providing a mentorship program to assist these graduates
Co-Chair Kelly informed that alternative certification programs
being furthered in other states, offer intensive summer programs
specifically intended to address the teacher shortage. He continued
that while he views the University of Alaska's MAT Program as a
step in the right direction, it is a traditional program, whereas
the legislation he submitted might allow the non-traditional
professional person to get the credentials needed to teach.
Co-Chair Kelly opined that to these people, to set aside a year or
longer to get certified is a long time, and that an intensive
summer program would be a better fit. He stated that other states
have found that some of the best teachers are coming from a
background of different professions and are teaching some of the
hardest to fill teaching positions. He stressed that these
professionals have a lot to offer the classroom. He voiced support
for what the University is doing to address the teacher shortage
and hoped that other approaches would gain support as well.
Ms. Redman stated that approaches to the teacher shortage are
addressed in the University's Missions and Measures. She voiced
this topic is "very interesting." She shared that in Alaska, the
teacher shortages are "regionally focused" primarily in Rural
Alaska, not in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, except in some
specialty areas. She questioned whether offering different programs
would address the teacher shortage in those regions. She shared
that on a national level, including Alaska, 50 percent of graduates
with teaching certificates are not teaching. She stated that
"salaries" are the number one reason given when these people were
polled as to why they were not teaching, and that the second reason
is "location". She said that she does not know if alternative
certifications would address that situation.
Co-Chair Kelly indicated his proposed legislation is offered as a
"piece of the puzzle", and is not intended "to cure it."
Senator Austerman asked, referring to the "overhead" issue, if the
University has a breakdown of which departments brought research
and "overhead" dollars into the state.
President Hamilton detailed that the School of Fish brought in $13
million of research money. He furthered that each dollar has a
multiplier of seven into the economy. He would provide a breakout
of research grant revenue to the Committee.
Senator Green, referring to teachers' education, commented that if
the University looks at the background of its faculty, it would
find that very few of them became teachers through the traditional
training avenue.
President Hamilton replied that is "absolutely correct."
Co-Chair Donley brought to the Committee members' attention that
they had both a copy of the University of Alaska Performance
Measures as Established by SB 281,Submitted to House Finance Sub-
Committee, February 13, 2001 [copy on file] and a copy of the
Article 15 University of Alaska, Chapter 127,SLA 2000, Section 153
[copy on file] that establish the University's mission and
measures.
Senator Leman referred to a previous presentation that had stated
50 percent of eligible high school students for the Alaska Scholar
program had enrolled in the University, but the numbers on the
report did not seem to reflect the same numbers.
President Hamilton indicated the numbers were based on the number
of applications the University received. He continued that last
year, 800 students were eligible for the program, and 400 applied
which was 50 percent of the eligible students, and the first year
the program was offered, 220 applied and 275 actually came. He said
that the numbers are growing, and the University would continue to
go after those students.
He stated that keeping track of the status of freshmen enrollments
is important. He said that the University could look like it is
doing very well in enrollment of Alaskan freshmen, but could
actually be capturing a smaller percentage of a larger and larger
pool as more high school students decide that they want to get a
college education. He stressed that the University is capturing
more of the scholars, and population in general, as reflected by an
11 percent increase in first time, full time freshmen last year. He
informed this was accomplished without any recruiters or
development staff and with only one year of the Alaska Scholars
program in place. He informed that the University's largest campus,
Anchorage with half of the University's total student enrollment,
had recently hired their first recruiter. He stated that with
recruiters on board, the enrollment numbers would continue to go
up.
Senator Leman asked how the University tracks the performance of
the Alaska Scholars and if that information could be provided to
the Committee.
President Hamilton replied that the University could provide
information on retention, grade point averages (GPA), choice of
majors and other information.
Co-Chair Donley asked President Hamilton if he wished to highlight
any particulars of the Mission and Measures report.
President Hamilton referred to an area of the report regarding
comparison of the University's scores on licensures to the national
average (page 10. He emphasized that the University performs "very
well", and it is a good reflection on the quality of the education
that the University is providing.
Ms. Redman encouraged the members of the Committee to let the
University know if there are other measures they would like the
University to track. She informed that the Measures included in
this report, were selected by the House and Senate leadership, last
year. She continued there were a few measures they are tracking
that will take a few years to acquire the necessary baseline data.
She informed that some of the measures, such as quality issues, are
"illusive", but they are gathering information on how to best track
them. She thanked the Department of Labor, Research Division, and
detailed the projects on which they have provided "invaluable" data
and assistance to the University.
Co-Chair Kelly, referring to information listed in "Degrees
Conferred in High Job Growth Areas for Fiscal Years 1998, 1999 and
2000 in the Performance Measures report, asked for clarification on
why there is a "fairly significant" increase of graduates in
Information Technology (IT), and a decrease or flatness in other
areas.
President Hamilton responded if a person is going to "make a move,"
it would be in the Associate and Certificate areas because those
certificates are faster to turn-around than a Masters Degree which
would take five or six years. He continued that when looking at
these recaps, you have to tract for the two years it takes for
someone to get through an Associate or Certificate program. He
informed that the reports reflect the "certification pop-up
phenomena." He added that the downturn in programs caused by flat
funding to the university was not turned around until recently, and
it could take a decade to recover from those low budget years, and
get the people currently involved in Masters programs graduated.
Co-Chair Kelly asked how the Certificate programs are good
indicators of the University's forward momentum.
President Hamilton responded those programs are good indicators of
how the University is responding to the needs of the state. He
detailed how the one-year nursing program has been positively
received.
Ms. Redman indicated that Information Technology (IT) is an
"interesting area" where the University has worked with a high tech
council to develop a curriculum they want their workers to have.
She shared that the council used very well defined national skill
standards and has requested the University to offer skills and
certificates programs. She said that degrees are not the priority
in these fields, but are available. She continued that this
approach applies to the health sciences as well, with less emphasis
on traditional degrees and more on defined skills.
Co-Chair Donley clarified that the percentages in the far right
column in the Budget report are the percentage of total dollars
given to that particular category. He asked Ms. Redman to provide
the Committee with how many people the Salary Maintenance category
involves.
Co-Chair Donley voiced appreciation for the University's
Legislative Intern program and support to have "twice as many"
interns in the program as it is a great opportunity for students to
experience the Legislative process. He asked Ms. Redman if there is
anything that could be done to help promote and increase the number
of interns in the program.
Ms. Redman indicated that the program could be promoted better, but
one of the difficulties is the interns do not get paid any money
and housing opportunities pose a problem. Therefore, she stated, a
student "has to be pretty committed." She informed that everyone
who interns really enjoys the experience.
Co-Chair Donley said that the Legislature frequently hires a lot of
the former interns.
Senator Austerman said he understood that some cattle-leased land
near the rocket launch facility land in his district is being
transferred to the University. He wanted to clarify, on the record,
if that land is part of the area the University is going to take
over.
President Hamilton replied yes, land in that area had been part of
the discussions, but if selected, the cattle leases would have
remained in effect. He continued however, that the University is
putting together a less contentious land selection, and the land in
question is no longer included.
Senator Leman stated that he has been tracking the intern program
and he does not remember having an intern from the University of
Alaska Anchorage (UAA) campus. He commented that an effort should
be made to publicize the internships more.
SFC 01 # 45, Side A 10:43 AM
Senator Leman asked if there are any commendations or distinctions
that the University has earned in any regional or national forum.
President Hamilton informed that the rifle team placed second this
year and had won the three prior national championships. He shared
that the team would have come in first this year if a minor
technicality had not occurred. He continued that the team was so
good that "literally they could have divided the team in two and
come in first and second." He commented the team has a composite
GPA of 3.8.
Senator Austerman commented that although there is no salary given
to interns, there is a small stipend.
Ms. Redman replied that is true but that it is very low. She
detailed the traditional intern applicant as someone young, single,
and with limited housing needs, which she said is not the
demographic profile of the majority of the University's students.
She continued that the teachers in the program are concerned about
how to make the internships "more attractive" to a wider number of
students.
Co-Chair Donley stated that he thought it should be the
responsibility of the Legislature and not the University, to
promote the Legislative internship program.
Ms. Redman informed that the University also receives "dozens of
requests" for interns from other agencies, giving more
opportunities for internships than students "who are able to take
advantage" of them.
Co-Chair Donley clarified there are seven University interns this
year serving sixty Legislators.
Senator Wilken commented on the striking difference in the
University's budget this year compared to the first year that he
saw it, and he wanted to voice his appreciation for the hard work.
Senator Wilken offered background information regarding the
agreement from two years ago to roll the expenditures for the
Chukchi Campus (page 64) out of the Department of Education's
budget and into other budgets including the University of Alaska.
He commented that he wants the University to be aware of how this
absorption impacts them. He continued that the University should
have a copy of that agreement and if they have any questions to
please confer with him.
Senator Wilken, referring to page ninety-three in the Capital
Budget, asked the Committee members to note the $5 million request
for the Court House facility in Fairbanks. He continued that he and
other members had been told that building is in "horrible
condition" and needs to be "demolished." He voiced his concern
about making a "silk purse out of a sow's ear." He wanted to bring
this to the attention of the Committee so it could be discussed
further when the Committee addresses the Capital Budget.
Co-Chair Donley clarified there has been a budget analyst from the
University of Alaska available via teleconference during the
University's presentation.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Dave Donley adjourned the meeting at 10:49 AM
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