Board of Regents of Washington State University

MINUTES Board of Regents of Washington State University Joint Meeting with the Board of Regents of the University of Washington November 24, 2007

The University of Washington Board of Regents hosted the Washington State University Board of Regents for a joint meeting on Saturday, November 24, 2007, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Founder’s Room, Bank of America Hec Edmundson Pavilion, on the University of Washington Campus in Seattle, Washington.

Present from Washington State University: Regents Connie Niva (Chair), Kenneth Alhadeff, Scott E. Carson, Francois X. Forgette, William J. Gordon, Michael C. Worthy, and President of Washington State University Elson S. Floyd.

Present from the University of Washington: Regents Stanley H. Barer (Chair), Craig W. Cole, William H. Gates, Frederick C. Kiga, Sally Jewell, Erin L. Lennon, Constance L. Proctor, Herb Simon, and President of the University of Washington, Mark A. Emmert.

Guests: Governor Christine Gregoire.

1. Opening Comments and Introductions. There were opening remarks from the chairs of each of the Boards, Mr. Barer and Ms. Niva, as well as from Presidents Emmert and Floyd.

2. Open Discussion on Approaches to Enhancing Student Safety on Campus and Regulations of Student Off-Campus Activities. Remembering the tragedy that occurred at Virginia Tech and the murder suicide that occurred on the UW campus in April of 2007, the two boards discussed their institutions’ approaches to student safety. Discussion topics included assessing potential risks, lessons learned, the use of effective alert systems and crisis communications, and the special requests that all Washington State public institutions have made to the Governor for implementing safety and security measures.

3. Open Discussion of Higher Education with Governor Christine Gregoire. Following Governor Gregoire’s arrival, the discussion on campus safety continued. The possibility of considering a separate line item in the budget for mental health counseling was discussed, as well as the need for there to be adequate and effective mental health assessments provided to the students.

Subsequent to the campus safety discussion, Governor Gregoire expressed appreciation to both universities for the work they are doing. In particular, she noted that she was excited about the institutions working together on global health and provided comments regarding the opportunity that this presents for Washington State. She asked Minutes November 24, 2007, Joint Meeting Page 2 of 2 that the Regents help get that message out so that there will be legislative help for this when it is needed and also so that people understand that the work on global health is not just about finding cures or prevention for other nations alone, but that it is also for Washingtonians.

Governor Gregoire also spoke about the upcoming legislative session and on issues related to Washington’s sound economy. On the issue of campus safety, she said she has been working on securing special allocations for higher education institutions in both the capital and operating budgets and that she is also working on mental health issues and how health insurance covers these problems.

There was a general discussion on several of the economy topics, including lending, mortgages, gas prices, agriculture, and the revenue forecast. Additionally, Governor Gregoire encouraged the Regents to develop their relationships with legislators, as well as take opportunities to attend rotary or chamber of commerce meetings to discuss the necessity for education for the workforce of tomorrow.

Lastly, Governor Gregoire thanked the Regents and expressed her appreciation for everything they do for education.

4. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.

Approved by the Board of Regents at its meeting held February 1, 2008, Administrative Building, Room 129, Vancouver, Washington.

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