Legislature(1995 - 1996)
04/21/1995 09:10 AM Senate HES
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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SENATE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
April 21, 1995
9:10 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green, Chairman
Senator Loren Leman, Vice-Chairman
Senator Mike Miller
Senator Judy Salo
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Johnny Ellis
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
Confirmation Hearings for Appointments to the University of Alaska
Board of Regents: Chancy Croft and Joe J. Thomas.
WITNESS REGISTER
Chancy Croft, Appointee
University of Alaska Board of Regents
441 W. 5th Avenue, Suite 400
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Joe J. Thomas, Appointee
University of Alaska Board of Regents
879 Vide Way
Fairbanks, Alaska
Ralph McGrath, President
Alaska Community College Federation of Teachers
POSITION STATEMENT: Indicated support of the two nominees.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 95-32, SIDE A
Number 003
CHAIRMAN GREEN called the Senate Health, Education and Social
Services (HESS) Committee to order at 9:10 a.m. and informed
everyone that testimony would be taken from the Appointments to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents. The appointees were not yet
present, so the Chair called a brief at ease from 9:11 a.m. to 9:16
a.m.
CHANCY CROFT thanked the committee for accommodating his and Mr.
Thomas's schedules. The University of Alaska is an exciting
challenge for the state. He informed the committee that the
university is very important because most of the higher education
in Alaska comes from public education; only Wyoming has a similar
situation. Mr. Croft pointed out three crucial goals that the
university should work towards: (1) the continuance and expansion
of academic excellence, (2) public accountability across the board
by the university, (3) adult education - the previous mission of
the community college. Mr. Croft indicated that adult education
would become increasingly important especially in lieu of current
economic changes. The average person would face changing jobs
three or five or more times during their life; learning would
become a life-long experience. He predicted that in the future,
distance learning would become more important; location is not
going to be as important as opportunity. In conclusion, Mr. Croft
noted his commitment to educational quality as well as equal
educational opportunity to all Alaskans.
Number 093
JOE J. THOMAS informed the committee that he had attended the
University of Alaska for a couple of years. The university is one
of Alaska's greatest assets. He believed that the diversity of the
State of Alaska creates the need for a university system to be
prepared to educate the children of Alaska as well as the adults of
Alaska.
SENATOR LEMAN noted that Alaska is in financial trouble; the state
is facing reductions at the same time the university has increasing
needs. From where could the revenues the university needs come?
Number 140
CHANCY CROFT commented that the students he had spoken to
recognized the need for a tuition increase, but the students
objected to the increase coming all at once. He expressed concern
with the revenue change under which the largest portion is
increased tuition. He said that the university has gone through an
evaluation program which he believed was important. He expressed
the need to ensure the implementation of the savings projected in
the reevaluation. The university has implemented the Foundation in
order to increase revenue which holds much for the future.
Mr. Croft stated that a land bill allowing the university to select
additional land for development to obtain revenue would be in the
best interest of higher education. He discussed the three new two-
year degree programs of Prince Williams Sound. These new degree
programs are funded by contributions or tuition paid by industry
who would then supply the jobs for these degrees. He emphasized
that the university system is going to have to find additional
revenue sources.
Furthermore, the university should explore new manners in which to
deliver services instead of the traditional build a building and
staff the building delivery. He informed the committee that
educational institutions, especially in this era, must utilize all
the new techniques of education in delivering education, which
often results in a lower cost than the traditional classroom
method.
Number 204
SENATOR LEMAN was excited about the export of classroom television
from the school of engineering to outside Alaska.
JOE J. THOMAS explained that the budget cuts serve as an impetus to
more thought with regard to how things are accomplished. The
coordination with industry being done in the Prince Williams Sound
Community College would seem to initiate financial support to
education. He commented that as students move into industry after
college, the students could create endowments for the university as
they rise up in the industry. This area should be reviewed more
closely. He reiterated the importance of spreading education
through different mediums. He also felt that the land grant was
important.
SENATOR MILLER inquired as to how long the three major campuses in
Alaska could be sustained in the face of decreasing budgets. At
what point would the campuses specialize, or concentrate all the
revenues at one main campus in order to become more efficient.
JOE J. THOMAS believed that the Board of Regents and the University
Administrators are already moving in that direction with the
program assessment. He acknowledged the possible conflict between
the Board of Regents and the Campus Administrators. Someone should
review what is necessary and what can be afforded; what are the
needs of the community. He also indicated that various
communication techniques could afford some economy of scale for
some programs.
Number 285
CHANCY CROFT specified that Mr. Thomas had summed it up well. Mr.
Croft cited the perennial problem of education in Alaska: how can
an education be made accessible throughout a state of this size
without duplicating. Duplication of programs also duplicates
costs. He proposed specialization as one possible solution. He
noted that specialization often carries a substantial cost to the
student.
Mr. Croft expressed pride in the Loussac Library in Anchorage and
the Consortium Library at the university. However, if one library
could have been built to serve both the community and the
university everyone would have benefitted. He specified that
duplicating services does not necessarily mean that new facilities
must be constructed. For instance, there are secondary educational
facilities in the smallest villages in Alaska. The community
college system has utilized facilities such as those in the
villages in order to deliver quality education. Those facilities
must be used as well as other modern delivery techniques. Mr.
Croft explained that the current trend in education seems to be
moving from site-based teaching to broad-based learning which he
believed to be the best opportunity for the university.
SENATOR LEMAN mentioned Judge Greene's decision regarding the
discrimination of cohabiting couples and their medical benefits and
such. He asked if Mr. Croft and Mr. Thomas supported the
university's existing policy regarding the cohabitation of couples.
CHANCY CROFT specified that he had not read the decision. He felt
that if the possible violation violates the state's constitution or
state statutes, then the matter would seem to be a problem for the
state to solve. He did not feel that this matter was one in which
he had been called upon to decide. Mr. Croft did not want to
comment further on this case.
JOE J. THOMAS had not read the decision either. He indicated that
there may be some similar cases on appeal and headed for the
Supreme Court.
Number 343
CHAIRMAN GREEN expressed concern for the lack of future for
agriculture in the university system which seems a shame since
agriculture, mining, and such were the foundations of the
university system. These programs do not necessarily require nor
need a large enrollment. She asked how the university could
continue to support agriculture.
CHANCY CROFT was nervous about the consolidation of the agriculture
and mineral programs. He felt that it was important to continue
both programs. He informed the committee that British Petroleum
only recruits at four of the 19 petroleum engineering schools; one
of those four is the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. The
ability of the university to respond to the university and the
state's historical basis through agriculture and mining is
important.
JOE J. THOMAS supported both programs. He did not believe that
there had been enough work done with the agriculture program in
order to illustrate the realistic possibilities. The Alaskan grown
product is small, but there is more room for development of that.
Perhaps, the emphasis has been placed in the wrong areas. He
indicated the need to review what can be produced and the market
for that item. The market should be defined first and then the
product should be developed.
Mr. Thomas commented that mining is exciting, although it brings
some concerns. The Board of Regents basically supports that
program. He informed the committee that there is a world-class
mine being developed in Fairbanks. Part of the reasons for this
mine are due to the mapping and the work of the university. The
community, industry, and the university working together would
accomplish the desired goals within the present budget constraints.
Number 408
CHAIRMAN GREEN inquired as to what concerns regarding mining
development Mr. Thomas was referring. JOE J. THOMAS clarified that
he was speaking to the environmental concerns such as clear-cutting
and mine tailings. Usiveli Coal Mine is a good example of what can
be done; the environmental community should not have any complaints
about that mine. Mr. Thomas supported mining and oil development.
Development can be done in such a way that most interests could be
satisfied.
CHAIRMAN GREEN asked Mr. Thomas if all his labor experience created
any baggage when he is on the other side. JOE J. THOMAS did not
consider the university to be the other side. Mr. Thomas indicated
that perhaps his labor relations experience could help the
university with working out problems. Mr. Thomas did not see a
conflict with his background and this appointment.
Number 442
SENATOR SALO pointed to the medical involvement program at the
university, WAMI, as an example of how small states can offer a
professional program. She inquired as to the position of Mr. Croft
and Mr. Thomas on the issue of professional programs, which Alaska
cannot afford; how can they be offered in cooperation with other
states.
CHANCY CROFT felt that the medical involvement program is a good
example of how Alaska can work with other states. Such programs
reduce the costs while allowing Alaskan students the opportunity to
pursue professional careers. He said that such programs are
acceptable alternatives. Mr. Croft informed the committee that
during his time in the Alaska Legislature, he supported a change in
the Bar Admissions Act which passed in 1976. That change allowed
students to complete one year of attendance at a certified law
school and then complete the remainder of their education through
an internship program in Alaska. The WAMI program can be applied
in other areas in which the cost of the program is prohibitive.
JOE J. THOMAS agreed that the university cannot afford to develop
curriculum that would be pervasive at every school. Programs such
as WAMI will have to be considered or students will have to travel
to obtain some aspect of an education. He expressed the need to
encourage people in the pursuit of education, although each
situation cannot be taken care of by the university; the university
can facilitate the process. Mr. Thomas emphasized his background
in development.
SENATOR SALO commented that for some Mr. Thomas' labor background
is a plus. JOE J. THOMAS noted that perhaps his background could
be an asset in understanding labor relations and the process.
CHAIRMAN GREEN asked both appointees what had attracted them to the
position and what was the process for consideration as an
appointee.
JOE J. THOMAS explained that he had been asked in the past.
Perhaps the fact that he was born in Alaska and attended the
University of Alaska helped people consider him for an appointee.
Mr. Thomas noted that he has dealt with many large corporations and
their deliberations as well as budgets and trust funds. He has
also dealt with the political process to some degree which would be
helpful. The labor relations background probably had some
influence on the decision for his appointment. Mr. Thomas was
concerned about the university.
CHANCY CROFT informed the committee that he came from a family of
educators. He has been nominated in prior years, but never
selected.
CHAIRMAN GREEN asked how the cost per credit hour could be viewed
during efficiency work regardless of the diversity and location of
the campuses.
Number 526
CHANCY CROFT said that he was not willing to accept all the
university figures as entirely accurate. He noted that the Board
of Regents had discussed the need to ensure that campus to campus
figures were based on the same standards. There has been some
progress in this area, however more is necessary in order to
achieve comparable figures. He explained that these comparisons
are necessary in order for policy to be established. He hoped that
comparable statistics would be produced within the next year. He
agreed that the cost of what is produced is an important element in
making decisions.
JOE J. THOMAS also believed that there are some unacceptable
discrepancies that need to be reviewed. Statistics are being
analyzed in order to determine if the numbers are comparable.
RALPH MCGRATH, President of the Alaska Community College Federation
of Teachers, informed the committee that this organization has
represented the faculty who teach in the community college programs
for over 20 years. The community college programs emphasize
vocational, technical, and developmental education. He noted that
there had been approximately 16 faculty present throughout this
hearing. He expressed enthusiasm about the nominees to the Board
of Regents whom the organization has had the opportunity to work
with over the past 20 years. He applauded the committee for their
discussion and conversation with the nominees.
Mr. McGrath believed that Mr. Croft and Mr. Thomas would add
another dimension to the Board of Regents, particularly a dimension
regarding job training which was lost when the university destroyed
the community colleges in 1987. This organization is the only
remnant of the community college that could keep the name. He
indicated that the board seems to have realized that the
destruction of the community college was an error. The board now
has the opportunity to review the restoration of the community
colleges.
Mr. McGrath also expressed concern regarding the program assessment
and the elimination of the agriculture program. He related that to
the second class status placed on the community college faculty and
students at the university. He informed the committee that in
1987, there were 13 accredited community colleges. In conclusion,
Mr. McGrath expressed the need to return to the education of the
community college.
Number 587
CHAIRMAN GREEN said that often the efficiency of the money and time
utilized in a community college is better than a traditional
university setting.
RALPH MCGRATH commented that Speaker of the House Gail Phillips and
Chancy Croft served on a committee that investigated the costs
using the university's figures. This investigation pointed out
that 70 percent of all students in Alaska were attending community
colleges. The community colleges operated on 30 percent of the
university's budget.
Number 596
SENATOR MILLER moved that Mr. Croft and Mr. Thomas's names be
forwarded on to the Senate President. Hearing no objection, it was
so ordered.
There being no further business before the committee, the meeting
adjourned at 10:02 a.m.
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