Board of Regents approves U of M legislative requests

This week, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved the University’s biennial budget request and capital request to the State of Minnesota for the 2019 legislative session. Both requests focus on the University’s core needs in order to maintain excellence and positive impact across the state.

The University’s biennial budget request totals $30 million in fiscal year 2020 and $27 million in fiscal year 2021 for the University’s core mission activities. The request reflects a 6.7% increase in base funding (biennium to biennium). This funding will allow the University to continue serving the state through research, outreach and the advancement of Minnesota's skilled workforce.

“For 167 years, the University of Minnesota has kept the state at the forefront of emerging knowledge and has educated the future professional workforce and leaders of Minnesota,” said Board of Regents Chair David McMillan. “For our impact in Minnesota to remain strong, the University must be able to maintain core operations. The request reflects our commitment to this state, and I am thankful for the State’s continued partnership with our University.”

The majority of the University’s capital request for the 2019 legislative session includes $200 million in Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) funds. These dollars will preserve and maintain existing laboratories, research centers, classrooms and outreach spaces across Minnesota. Projects fall into four categories: health, safety and accessibility; building systems; utility infrastructure; and energy efficiency.

“Across Minnesota, more than 100,000 faculty, staff, students and visitors are using University facilities each and every day,” said University President Eric Kaler. “The preservation of these existing buildings through HEAPR investment is not only our most affordable option, it is also imperative in order to continue serving Minnesotans for generations to come.”

The University’s capital request also includes $28 million for the Child Development building replacement on the Twin Cities campus and $4.3 million for the renovation of A.B. Anderson Hall on the Duluth campus.

The Board reviewed the biennial budget request and capital request in September.

The Board also:

• Discussed the vision for East Bank Development on the Twin Cities campus with University staff and the University of Minnesota Foundation Real Estate Advisors, including the area known as the Southeast Gateway, which is roughly bordered by Huron Boulevard, Washington Avenue and East River Parkway, and the Motley project area on the western edge of Prospect Park.
• Received an update on nonresident/non-reciprocity undergraduate tuition on the Twin Cities campus, focusing on both recent and historical enrollment trends, recruitment initiatives, revenue generation, and tuition pricing.
• Approved the appointment of Christopher Cramer as Vice President for Research, effective November 12, 2018 through November 12, 2020. Dr. Cramer currently serves as the Associate Dean for Research and Planning in the College of Science and Engineering. As Vice President for Research, Dr. Cramer will oversee the University’s $900 million research enterprise across all its campuses and facilities, including the administration of sponsored projects, research compliance and regulatory offices, economic development and technology commercialization.
• Approved a three-year contract extension for Director of Athletics Mark Coyle, extending his contract as the leader of Gopher Athletics until June 2024.
• Received an overview of policies and practices regarding the release of student data, as governed by Board of Regents Policy: Student Education Records.

The Board will meet next on December 13–14, 2018. Visit the Board of Regents website for more information.