Board of Regents to explore unique University of Minnesota spaces serving state’s needs

Board members will see the University’s mission in action at three locations around the metro area

Members of the Board of Regents will tour three University of Minnesota spaces in the Twin Cities metro area on Thursday, March 13, that showcase the distinct ways the University puts its mission into action to benefit all Minnesotans: Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, and Elmer L. Andersen Library. 

Whether through mapping the changing frontiers of our ecology, forging new collaborations for healthier communities, or preserving our history and culture for generations to come, the work being done at each of these essential public assets reflects on the opportunities and challenges surrounding research, education, and community engagement beyond the classroom. 

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is a renowned biological research site in East Bethel and an important part of the College of Biological Science’s ecology program (ranked No. 2 in the world). Situated at the convergence of several of our planet’s major biomes, Cedar Creek has been a center for groundbreaking research since the 1940s and is a designated National Natural Landmark. Research at Cedar Creek investigates and innovates solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the natural world, from prairie conservation through prescribed burns and monitoring invasive species, to advancing deer population management and tracking the impact of a seasonal bison herd on oak savanna.

The Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, located in North Minneapolis, links the University of Minnesota in vital public partnership with urban communities to advance learning, improve quality of life, and discover breakthrough solutions to critical problems. Since opening in 2009, the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center has worked to build and strengthen innovative collaborations, create new models of urban-focused community engagement, and fulfill the University’s mission to serve communities throughout Minnesota.

The Elmer L. Andersen Library on the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis is home to the University's archives, special collections and digitization center. Over 1.5 million books, manuscripts, illustrations and artifacts are protected in the Library’s archival space within the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Open to the general public, researchers and scholars alike, the wide array of unique materials include the Sherlock Holmes collections, the Northwest Architectural Archives, Gorman Rare Art Books and Media Collection, children’s and African-American literature, and more.

Also in March, the Board is expected to:

• Receive an update on the University’s healthcare clinical partnerships with President Rebecca Cunningham.
• Receive the annual report of the Student Representatives to the Board of Regents.
• Act on a resolution to establish guiding principles related to institutional speech following an initial discussion during the February Board meeting and public comment period.
• Receive an update on the University’s collaboration with Minnesota State with Executive Vice President and Provost Rachel Croson and Satasha Green-Stephen, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at Minnesota State.
• File reports on the Board’s Virtual Forum comments and information required for the State of Minnesota.

The Board’s Virtual Forum accepts audio, video and written input, which is shared directly with Regents and included in the Board’s public materials. The public is encouraged to visit the Virtual Forum to submit their comments. 

For more information, including future meeting times, visit regents.umn.edu.