The IFS (InterInstitutional Faculty Senate) met Friday 5 October 2007 and Saturday 6 October 2007 on the campus of Portland State University. We heard from PSU Provost Roy Koch, Ms. Bee Jai Repp (Distance Learning PSU), Professor John Santa, OUS board member Tony Van Vliet, OSU Government Relations Director Jock Mills, and Chancellor George Pernsteiner.

Provost Koch gave a power point presentation delivered to the State Board concerning PSU that emphasized the mission of PSU as an urban university serving a very diverse metropolitan environment. Ms. Bee Jai Repp discussed coordinating distance learning between OHSU, PSU, and the community colleges in the Portland metropolitan environment -- despite living in the Portland metropolitan area, many students find it difficult to commute to the PSU campus on a regular or even infrequent basis. The task of advising is a crucial one in helping students sort through the many choices and options towards completing degrees. Professor Santa, who was formerly with PEBB, discussed the facets of health care in Oregon that impact on OUS.

State Board member Tony Van Vliet indicated there was a constant move to privatize certain elements of the system. He indicated that public education was the base of society and that we have to start at ground zero with each legislative session. He indicated that the board is an engaged board with many subcommittees. That the chancellor is a consensus builder and that his staff is a good one. He indicated the difficulty that we have in competing with other states adjacent to Oregon given our relatively high tuition. He was concerned about deferred maintance and other issues.

Jock Mills, Government Relations [OSU] indicated that 16 October was a crucial date as that is the last date to register and vote in the November 6 elections. He stated that the December revenue forecast will color the special session this winter -- the September forecast was flat and right in line with predictions. There will be a kicker refund varying from $260 to 700 to make up for the relatively inaccurate May 2005 forecast. He did not expect any issues at the February Special Session to impact Higher Education with the possible exception of the public safety issue -- campus security guards to be armed.

Chancellor Pernstiner concluded the Friday session of the IFS. He indicated the governor had appointed a task force to talk about public safety. But there is a wider issue here -- what the student experience is like. Safety can be broadly framed. Mental health, sexual assault, and intimidation. Depressing is a large issue. The board is concerned with groups that historically have been under represented and not served well. He and the board are starting to look ahead to the 2007 legislative session. He discussed the difficulties at SOU and EOU but was pleased to note WOU seemed to be on a sound footing.

The Saturday meeting of the IFS consisted of the IFS President's report, the report on the Provost's council, the report on JBAC, and reports by the various campuses. The UO report mentioned the progress being made on implementing HB2823 and discussed the forth coming action by the UO Senate in this regard. The new proposed basketball arena was also mentioned.

Respectfully submitted

Peter B Gilkey, IFS Senator 2007.