Submitted by: Faye Nelson, Vice President STATE AFFAIRS House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education Governor Granholm s FY 2004 Executive Budget for higher education is currently being considered by the House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee, chaired by Representative Sandy Caul (R- Mt. Clemens). Components of the Governor s budget that have come under legislative challenge include the across the board reduction proposed for each of the institutions of higher education, and the funding reduction of the Merit Scholarship Award. With regard to the Governor s proposal for across the board reductions, the debate centers around whether or not the budget cuts should be evenly distributed, or in a differential manner. While the Chair is committed to a differential funding approach, a number of her committee members are not, which is leading to a divisive debate, not only among the committee members, but between the universities, as well. With regard to the Merit Scholarship, the Republicans have drawn a line in the sand concerning the full funding of the merit award. They strongly oppose the Governor s proposal to reduce the merit funding level from $2,500 to $500 and have vowed to aggressively fight her funding recommendations. While they have looked at various pots of dollars to address the $60 million shortfall needed to fully support the scholarship program, the most recent target of funding sources is the community health budget. Our major issue of concern with the above issues is the debate on across the board funding reduction and the real possibility of additional reductions, over and beyond the Governor s 6.5% proposal, being taken from Wayne State. Through use of our Alumni, Board members, students, the President, our legislators, partnerships with universities that are similarly situated, and certainly our multi client lobbyist, we are working very hard to secure the best budget scenario possible for Wayne State University. University Presidents Testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education Throughout the month of March and the final week in April, university presidents made weekly appearances before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education to comment on the impact of the Governor s proposed FY 2004 budget and to respond to committee questions about their respective institutions. President Reid testified before the subcommittee on April 2. His testimony focused on the University s fiscal responsibility and the severe impact of the proposed reduction on the delivery of services to students. The President also responded to written questions posed by the subcommittee dealing with the University s endowment, financial aid and tuition. With the completion of the President s testimony, the subcommittee has now engaged in earnest discussion over the Governor s proposal. The bill is tentatively scheduled to be voted out of committee on April 9.
Submitted by: Faye Nelson, Vice President 2 House Joint Resolution E The Administration is carefully following House Joint Resolution E, which would place before the voters a proposal to amend the Michigan Constitution to cap tuition at 5% for each of the 15 Michigan public universities. Under this resolution, a special election to vote on the ballot proposal would be held on February 24, 2004. The bill, introduced by Representative Leon Drolet (R-Clinton Township), was assigned to the House Higher Education Subcommittee in mid-march. As of this writing, the matter has not been placed on the Subcommittee s meeting schedule. It is unclear at this time the level of support that this proposal will be receive in the legislature. What is clear is the sentiment of the legislature towards higher education, particularly as it relates to their distaste for excessive tuition increases. University Governing Board Legislation (HB 4119) Representative James L. Koetje (R-Walker), chair of the House s Government Operations Committee, is the primary sponsor of this bill. All indications point to the Representative s intent to hold hearings on HB 4119 this spring. There will likely be sufficient support to move the bill through committee and then onto the House floor. Should the bill also pass through the Senate committee process and the Senate, which is a likely proposition as well, there presents an even greater likelihood that the Governor will veto the bill because of the resulting out-state board composition. We will keep the Board closely advised of any new developments and the progress of this proposed legislation. Presidents Council The University continues to work in partnership with the Presidents Council and other Michigan public university representatives to preserve funding in the proposed FY 2004 higher education budget. President Reid, as Chair of the Council, and Executive Director Michael Boulus, jointly addressed the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education on March 12, emphasizing the belt-tightening already taken by Michigan s public universities and the adverse effects of a sizeable reduction in state funding. Under President Reid s leadership, the Council continues to engage in dialogue with the Granholm administration. In partnership with the Governor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), a higher education summit is being planned for the fall. The purpose of this event is to explore potential opportunities that exist when the higher education and business communities join together to support the economic development agenda of the state. This activity is viewed as being the first phase in response to the report issued by the University Investment Commission, chaired by Governor Paul Hillegonds.
Submitted by: Faye Nelson, Vice President 3 Outreach Initiatives In a series of presentations to the Student Council, Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Academic Senate and the Council of Deans, Vice President Nelson outlined the severe impact of the proposed FY 2004 cut in state appropriations and underscored the importance of grassroots contact with key legislative leadership and local legislators. The goal of this strategic outreach effort is to support fair funding to the University and to encourage legislators to weigh the short-term goal of addressing the state s fiscal crisis, as they must do, with the long-term benefits of preserving quality in higher education. Materials have been developed for each of these targeted groups to facilitate their legislative outreach efforts. Coordinated efforts continue to engage the campus community, Friends of Wayne State, the Board of Governors, students, faculty and alumni in a myriad of grassroots outreach activities. Wayne State University Day in Lansing One strategy to raise the University s visibility in Lansing is to provide opportunities for students and alumni to interact with legislators and key policy makers. A comprehensive Wayne State Day in Lansing for University students was held on April 1, 2003. More than 60 students participated in planned activities throughout the day, which included an opportunity to participate in a panel session of Republican and Democratic representatives and senators. Students were welcomed and introduced on the House floor by Minority Floor Leader Mary Waters (D-Detroit) and were able to observe various Senate committees in action, as well as make individual visits to legislators offices. Annual Alumni Legislative Reception The annual Lansing Reception to Honor Michigan Legislators was planned to coincide with the Wayne State Day in Lansing on April 1, 2003. The event was a tremendous success, with a strong representation of the legislature in attendance. This showcase event engaged legislators, key policy makers and their administrative staff in informal exchanges with University Board members, administrators, alumni from across the state, students and faculty and serves to strengthen and build relationships with first-time and seasoned members of the legislature. Lansing Policy Maker Cluster Meetings In partnership with administration and faculty representatives, a series of cluster meetings in Lansing with key policymakers are being developed to highlight the University s contribution to economic development in southeast Michigan, the Research and Technology Park, and University health initiatives and partnerships. These meetings will begin in fall 2003. Additional information concerning this initiative will be provided in subsequent reports.
Submitted by: Faye Nelson, Vice President 4 Visibility in Lansing and Support for the University Efforts to heighten the University s visibility and support in Lansing include numerous meetings with key Lansing policymakers critical to the budgetary appropriations process. Since the start of the FY 2003-04 budget process, President Reid and Vice President Nelson have met with the Governor, the Governor s education policy advisor, the Governor s legislative liaison, the State Budget Director, House Speaker, all House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education members, and all members of the Senate Higher Education Subcommittee, including the Chair. Meetings were also held with lawmakers from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne County to strengthen support for the University. Topics of discussion with the various legislators generally focused on the University s statewide reach, its contribution to economic development, and the importance of continuation of strong state support for the University s research and urban mission. Administration/Legislator/Campus Visits Recent policy maker campus visits include Governor Granholm; David Hollister, director, Department of Labor, Economic Growth and Urban Development; Senator Mike Goschka (R-Brant), chair, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education; Maxine Berman, director of special projects, Office of the Governor; Barbara Jean Johnson, director of constituent relations, Office of the Governor; Daedra McGhee, director of government, education and media affairs, Office of the Governor; Greg Roberts, director of community and faith-based initiatives, Office of the Governor. RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY PARK The Research and Technology Park continues to develop at an accelerated pace with a host of activities already taking place in 2003. The following represents a status report on the Park: 440 Burroughs (TechOne): The Executive Committee of the Research and Technology Park approved a resolution to ensure the availability of funds to complete the construction of TechOne. To bolster the credibility of the Tech Park in attaining these funds, the University will guarantee a loan to compensate for funds expected to arrive after the construction fees are incurred. Asbestos removal in TechOne has been completed in the building as demolition started a month ahead of plan. Master Site Development Committee: The Master Site Development Committee, after its third meeting, has drafted a new five-year plan for the phased development of the park. The developments include the complete build out of TechOne, the development of parking lots and deck, the NextEnergy Center, the University Preparatory Academy, and streetscape improvements. Members of this committee include Matt Cullen (GM), Conrad Schwartz (GM), John Davis (WSU), Faye Nelson (WSU), Jim Sears (WSU), Eric Stief (WSU), Robert Francis (DPS), James Connelly (HFHS), and Howard Bell.
Submitted by: Faye Nelson, Vice President 5 FAST (accelerator) Program: Twelve venture capitalists and corporate attorneys formed the Admission and Review Committee of the FAST Program. The group met to discuss the admission and graduation criteria for the program. The group also established a working plan for evaluating potential participants in the program. The group met for several hours and a draft application was the final product of the meeting. Actual applications for the FAST program will be submitted to the community in June. Other Working Committees: The Marketing, Business Development, and Fundraising Committees also had their initial meetings this month. Strategies and deliverables for each group were discussed and established. Next meetings will include implementations of these strategies. Infrastructure New Offices: The Research and Technology Park staff are moving to temporary offices in the Park. Henry Ford Health Systems has made office space available in its corporate headquarters at One Ford Place. The move will take place the second week in April. CIVIC AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Motor City Makeover in Midtown The University is collaborating with the University Cultural Center Association (UCCA) in sponsoring the Motor City Makeover in Midtown, an initiative in support of Mayor Kilpatrick s Motor City Makeover. On Saturday, May 3, 2003, volunteers from UCCA institutions (Detroit Science Center, Detroit Institute of Arts, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Public Library, etc.), businesses, churches and the neighborhood will join Wayne State students and staff in a community wide effort to clean up the cultural center area. With support received from the Mayor s Neighborhood City Hall and several neighborhood sponsors, Wayne State will host an after work get-together and lunch at the Welcome Center for all participants. This event will strengthen Wayne State s presence in the neighborhood and provide key support for one of the Mayor s high-profile community projects. Diversity Recognition and Celebrations Presidential proclamations will continue to be used to increase visibility of Wayne State s commitment to diversity. The office of Community Affairs will continue to work closely with student organizations and campus academic units to plan activities and proclamations celebrating diversity. American Red Cross The University continues to work with the American Red Cross to coordinate two annual campus wide blood drives. Carol Wells is a member of the American Red Cross Leadership Committee;
Submitted by: Faye Nelson, Vice President 6 she will continue to focus on the priority of increasing the visibility of, and campus wide participation in, this important public service activity with the Wayne State community. New Detroit Cultural Exchange Network The University continues to work closely with New Detroit s Cultural Exchange Network, a consortium of community organizations representing Detroit s many ethnic communities. The Cultural Exchange Network, chaired by Ismael Ahmad of ACCESS, provides another opportunity for Wayne State University representatives and its students, through grassroots volunteer opportunities, to strengthen its relationship with key representatives and leaders throughout Detroit s ethnic communities. WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY S COMMUNITY OUTREACH Neighborhood Outreach Community Affairs staff attend Citizens District Councils, Midtown Alliance, and the Detroit Police community relations meetings to provide University visibility among key neighborhood organizations. These meetings provide Wayne State representatives with the opportunity to share information concerning the University s goals and plans relating to the development of the campus. Local residents, who are members of the neighborhood coalitions, as well as staff from the 13 th Precinct of the Detroit Police Department, have been invited to join the Wayne State community in the upcoming Motor City Makeover. Community Affairs continues to work with the Woodward Heritage Team, a coalition of representatives from various institutions and businesses along the Woodward corridor, whose purpose is to develop a marketing/communications strategy to highlight the recent designation of Woodward Avenue as a National Scenic Byway. This effort includes working with the Wayne State Marketing Department to ensure that the University receives appropriate recognition as a key resident and contributor to the vitality of the Woodward corridor. University Cultural Center Association (UCCA) Partnership Activities The University continues to work with the UCCA to explore opportunities for Wayne State s involvement with additional partnership initiatives. Members of the subcommittee have agreed to join Wayne State as partners in this year s Motor City Makeover in Midtown (see Motor City Makeover in Midtown, above). This collaborative initiative will strengthen Wayne State s neighborhood relationships and promote campus partnership activities among UCCA institutions.