Volume 44, Number 73: May 16, 2007 University of North Dakota
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University of North Dakota UND Scholarly Commons Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special University Letter Archive Collections 5-16-2007 Volume 44, Number 73: May 16, 2007 University of North Dakota Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.und.edu/u-letter Recommended Citation University of North Dakota, "Volume 44, Number 73: May 16, 2007" (2007). University Letter Archive. 146. https://commons.und.edu/u-letter/146 This Newsletter is brought to you for free and open access by the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections at UND Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in University Letter Archive by an authorized administrator of UND Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The University of North Dakota | University Letter University Relations | University Letter Main Navigation SEARCH UND Print this Issue ISSUE: Volume 44, Number 73: May 16, 2007 A to Z Index Map Contents ABOUT U LETTER Top Stories University Letter is published electronically weekly on Board president sends open letter to faculty, staff Tuesday afternoons. Submissions are due at 10 a.m. UND community offered planning assistance for ground breaking, dedication ceremonies Tuesday. President focuses on future at U Council talk U LETTER Events to Note U Letter Home Submit a Story Biomass workshop continues U2 lists workshops New exhibit opens at North Dakota Museum of Art Art & Wine Walk begins May 19 Fargo-Moorhead opera to perform at Museum of Art Biology research discussion, presentation is May 23 Retirement reception honors Dr. Ebadi Jesus Christ Superstar to play at Chester Fritz Auditorium Moviemaking Camp for Youth offered this summer Announcements University Letter will become weekly publication Beware of phishing e-mails Summer at UND program offers wide range of courses, activities Apply now for reserved parking in new ramp Pipeline will be tested Memorial Day holiday is May 28 Library of the Health Sciences lists summer hours Law library lists summer hours Hyslop Sports Center lists summer hours New products available for personal software purchases UND hosts area high school engineering teams Promote your UND summer event for free UND places second in national flying competition University Children's Center offers summer program for children Wellness Camp Adventure focuses on health, wellness of children Summer yoga classes begin at Lotus Meditation Center Join faculty/staff golf league Internal job openings listed https://apps.und.edu/uletterarchive/uletter.php?backID=145[7/10/2019 4:18:40 PM] The University of North Dakota | University Letter In the News Glenn Olsen publishes Home-School Relations book American Association of University Women honors Sarah Just Chemical engineering students win engineering competition Board president sends open letter to faculty, staff Dear UND Faculty and Staff, At the May 3, 2007, State Board of Higher Education meeting, I provided an update on the search process for selection of the next president of the University of North Dakota. During those comments, I reported that the UND Foundation had offered to pay for the presidential search. In an earlier conversation, Tim O’Keefe, the foundation’s executive vice president and CEO, expressed to me that the foundation wanted to be sure the cost of a search consultant would not be an impediment to attracting the best possible candidates. I took that to mean that, if necessary, the foundation would be willing to consider providing supplemental funding. Although the foundation’s offer was very generous and greatly appreciated, all costs of the search will be paid by the university, according to SBHE Policy 601.1: Presidential Search and Screening Committee. This policy reads, in part: The Board may, subject to availability of funds, retain the services of a consultant to assist the committee or the Board in its work. The institutions shall pay all costs for the consultant, search committee and other search activities, excluding costs incurred by Board members or the Chancellor. Please be assured the SBHE is committed to conducting the best possible search and hiring a highly qualified president who will be responsive to the many constituencies of the UND family. Together, we will continue to be the vital link to a brighter future for the people and state of North Dakota. Sincerely, John Q. Paulsen, President State Board of Higher Education BACK TO TOP UND community offered planning assistance for ground breaking, dedication ceremonies University of North Dakota units anticipating the opportunity to hold ground breaking, dedication, or naming ceremonies for new buildings or for additions to existing buildings are asked to contact the President's Office or the Office of Ceremonies and Special Events to schedule the event well in advance. Planning assistance for such activities, including information on protocol and UND policies, is available through the Office of Ceremonies and Special Events at 777-2724. -- Charles Kupchella, President. -- Jan Orvik, Writer/Editor, University Relations, [email protected], 777-3621 BACK TO TOP President focuses on future at U Council talk President Kupchella focused on UND’s position now and in the future at his University Council talk May 9. The University, he said, is positioned to rise to a ranking well within the top 100 doctoral/research universities in the nation – by every measure – and to do so in a sustainable way that will enable future leaders to ultimately move it into the top 50. The only limit to that goal, the president said, is money, and he commended the https://apps.und.edu/uletterarchive/uletter.php?backID=145[7/10/2019 4:18:40 PM] The University of North Dakota | University Letter Legislature for providing funding for salaries, Centers of Excellence, and other programs. The president emphasized that academics are UND’s reason for being, and praised University Senate for adopting new general education requirements. One goal before he retires early next year is the development of a Virtual College of Earth Systems, which would coordinate environmental science and Earth systems degrees from the bachelor’s to the doctorate. The University continues to do well in sponsored programs, Kupchella said, with a total of 27 percent of the budget, and steadily increasing rates of proposals and grants. About 24 percent of UND’s budget comes from the state. UND continues to be an economic development engine for the state, and was awarded three Centers of Excellence for Economic Development, a total of about $7 million, in the last round. They are the EERC National Center for Hydrogen Technology, Economic Development in UAVs and Simulation Applications, and in Life Sciences and Advanced Technologies (COELSAT). Another measure of UND’s contributions to economic development is the increasing number of patents and other intellectual property that have been commercialized. The president emphasized a continuing need for liberal arts, UND’s core mission. Even though there’s a continuing need for specialists, he quoted The Futurist in saying that we’ll continue to need people who can think, collaborate, create, solve problems, communicate, and lead. Kupchella said he was grateful to the Legislature for providing a 5 percent raise in salaries in each of the next two years, and said it will help UND be more competitive in attracting and retaining good faculty. He said that the increased flexibility provided by the state has allowed UND to increase faculty salaries 30 percent in the last five years. He added that the Legislature has allocated money for repairs and maintenance, and also provided $1.98 million to renovate the infrastructure in O’Kelly Hall. Kupchella then gave an update on ongoing initiatives, which are summarized below. Capital campaign: In the last 10 months, $36 million in gifts have been announced, most for the endowment, which will provide permanent revenue for the University. A capital campaign, which will be announced soon, will raise $500 million for the endowment. A 4 percent interest rate would provide around $20 million annually to fund scholarships, endowed chairs, and more. It will make a difference, Kupchella said, to the University. Many people left UND, North Dakota, and the Midwest for better economic opportunities. And now, they want to give back by helping to grow the economy and provide opportunities here. Investing in the University is one of the best ways to achieve those goals, Kupchella said. Division I athletics: Moving to Division I in all sports will cost money, Kupchella said. He thanked the working groups who have studied the move, and said he will soon receive and consider a recommendation to transfer to Division I. He noted that the bridge back to Division II is no longer there. The North Central Conference will cease to exist after next year. UND will participate in the NCC in 2007-2008 and will be eligible to play in post- season. Legislature and Budget: Kupchella asked Alice Brekke, director of budget, to summarize funding for the next biennium. She said salaries will rise an average of 5 percent each year of the biennium, full health insurance coverage will continue (the cost is expected to rise about 19 percent), and funds have been provided for https://apps.und.edu/uletterarchive/uletter.php?backID=145[7/10/2019 4:18:40 PM] The University of North Dakota | University Letter deferred maintenance. Centers of Excellence: There has been a lot of discussion about the program, Kupchella said, and progress has been made. There will soon be another round of allocations. Organizational Changes: With more emphasis on private funding and development, Kupchella said, fundraising will likely be a larger part of the next president’s duties. With that in mind, he and the cabinet are examining ways to restructure some areas, especially those reporting to the president.