10502 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES February 27, 1995 The meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by President McPherson at 5:40 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administration Building. Trustees present: Dolores M. Cook (via telephone), Dorothy Gonzales,. Russell.G. Mawby, Colleen McNamara, Donald W. Nugent (via telephone), John D. Shingleton, Bob Traxler, and Robert E. Weiss. University officers present: President McPherson, Provost Simon, Secretary Hesse, Acting General Counsel Kiley, Vice Presidents Denbows Mortimore, and Wilkinson, and Acting Vice President June. Faculty Liaison representatives present: Etta Abrahams, Maureen McDonough, Susan Selke* and Dozier Thornton. Student Liaison representatives present: Jim Sterns, Laurin Stine, Brad Thaler, and Jamal Ware. 1, President McPherson announced the purpose of the Special Meeting was to consider the recommendation of a lav; affiliation between Michigan State University and the Detroit College of Law. On a motion by Dr. Mawby, supported by Mr, Weiss, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the proposed agenda. Public Participation Affiliation between Michigan State University and Detroit College of Law 2, There were no requests for public participation on issues germane to the agenda or other issues, 3, At the request of Chairperson Mawby, Trustee Weiss presented the recommendation: The Board of Trustees agrees in principle to a law affiliation between Michigan State University (MSU) and the Detroit College of Law (DCL), and directs that a formal agreement be prepared. It is recommended further that as MSU proceeds with the complete agreement with DCL5 that in-depth planning to render the proposal operational be initiated to reflect: A. B. C. D. The constitutional responsibilities of the Board of Trustees; and, further the President shall consult with the Board of Trustees on all major issues affecting the Law Affiliation. The affiliation be committed to continuous quality improvement in both basic law and specialization commensurate with a nationally competitive law program and to the development of joint interdisciplinary courses. Establishment of a mechanism within the campus community to share feedback of progress and to incorporate constructive input toward quality improvement and effective governance. The overall affiliation should be guided by matters envisioned by the Task Force Report entitled, "Formalizing a Significant Lav; Presence at Michigan State University," including but not limited to: 1) 2) 3) Detroit College of Law will remain an independent entity and financially viable (including the payments for the building for the law school) without MSU or State of Michigan funds. There is a commitment of both the Detroit College of Law and MSU to work together to promptly and substantially raise the bar of excellence at DCL. The commitment of DCL and MSU to integrate closely their faculty and programs, including a commitment to pursue the development of third-year specializations of the law school with the pertinent academic programs and units within MSU, and the development of joint programs in areas of academic strength1. E. It is agreed MSU will support DCL submitting itself fully to the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act when the law alliance formally comes into existence. Also, MSU will support making DCL's financial reports regularly available. It is recommended further that, upon the concurrence of the Detroit College of Law Board5 Dr. Cecil Mackey be appointed the facilitator for the Law Affiliation. The functions of the facilitator will parallel those set forth in the Task Force Report. 1 i i I i - y ' " • - , > ; I 10503 February 27, 1995 Coordinated by the facilitator, a detailed agreement for the Law Affiliation and revised bylaws of the DCL are to be prepared for appropriate approval. President McPherson and Provost Simon will represent the University in the discussion on the agreement. It is directed that these documents be prepared and approved as soon as is practicable with further consultation with the University community on selected matters as appropriate, Affiliation between Michigan State University and Detroit College of Law continued The President and Provost will report to the University community with a formal status report in 12 months. Inasmuch as the Detroit College of Law has approved the law affiliation in principle, with the passage of this resolution the Law Affiliation is to be considered established in principle. On a motion by Mr. Weiss, supported by Mr. Traxler, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation for a law affiliation between Michigan State University and the Detroit College of Law, Trustee Traxler proposed an amendment to the resolution to include a new item A: "The constitutional responsibilities of the Board of Trustees: and. further the President shall consult with the Board of Trustees on all major issues affecting the Law Affiliation." The remaining statements would be renumbered (A becomes B, etc.)- The statement was adopted as a friendly amendment to the main motion. (The amended recommendation appears on page one.) On a roll call vote by Secretary Hesse, THE BOARD VOTED unanimously to approve the amended recommendation for a law affiliation between Michigan State University and the Detroit College of Law. Individual Trustees commented on the significance of the action. Appreciation was expressed to Donald Bowersox, Stephen Terry, Robert Banks, and members of the Law Resource Group, faculty and student leadership, staff, and alumni for the constructive, thoughtful, and expeditious manner in which this important decision was reached. Former President Guyer and Trustee Emeritus Owen were also recognized for their assistance. Michigan State University looks forward to a professional and pleasant association with the Detroit College of Law. President McPherson noted that the University and DCL are fortunate to have Dr. Cecil Mackey assume the responsibility as facilitator. Dr. Mackey is a former president of two institutions, a long-time law professor, a person who strives for excellence, and an outstanding teacher. Chairperson Mawby commented it is a historic occasion and proud day for Michigan State University and the Detroit College of Law with both institutions embarking on a new venture. It is fortuitous that Cecil Mackey will be the facilitator. He commended all who put the proposal together and has confidence that the details will be handled thoughtfully and carefully. 4. The meeting adjourned at 6:10. p.m. >Peter McPherson, President Martha L. Hesse, Ph.D., Secretary