Link to Zipped WordPerfect Minutes 15K bytes
Members Present: Sen. Stephen H. Urquhart, Senate Chair
Rep. Michael T. Morley, House Chair
Rep. Jack Draxler, House Vice Chair
Sen. Scott Jenkins
Sen. Ross I. Romero
Sen. Jerry Stevenson
Sen. John Valentine
Rep. Patrice Arent
Rep. Bradley M. Daw
Rep. Becky Edwards
Rep. Don Ipson
Rep. Kay L. McIff
Rep. Doug Sagers
Rep. Dean Sanpei
Rep. R. Curt Webb
Rep. Mark A. Wheatley
Staff Present: Spencer Pratt, Fiscal Manager
Jonathan Ball, Director, Utah Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
Lorna Wells, Secretary
Public Speakers Present: Clay Christensen, President, Mountainland ATC
Collette Mercier, President, Ogden/Weber ATC
Dana Miller, President, Southwest ATC
Scott Snelson, President, Tooele ATC
Randy Sant, Director, Tooele City Economic Development
Paul Hacking, President, Uintah Basin Applied Technology College
Joseph Watkins, Executive Director, Utah Student Association
David Smith, Student Regent
Chase Jardine, Student body President, University of Utah
Tyler Tolson, Student body President, Utah State University
Liu Vakapuna, Student body President, Salt Lake Community College
Richard Portwood, Student body President, Utah Valley University & President of Utah Student Association
A list of visitors and a copy of handouts are filed with the committee minutes.
1. Call to Order_Committee Co-Chair Morley called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m.
2. Approval of minutes 1/19/11
MOTION: Rep. Ipson moved to approve the minutes of January 19, 2011. The motion passed unanimously.
3. UCAT - Response from UCAT Campus Presidents (continued from last meeting).
a. Mountainland ATC. Mr. Christensen thanked the Committee and reported on the opening of the Thanksgiving Point facility. He reported that the membership hours are 800,000 the student headcount is 5,500; they have about 75% post-secondary students and 25% secondary students. The completion rate is at 80%, the placement rate is at 81%, and the licensure rate is at 100%. MCAT served 168 companies with over 2,000 trainees. He discussed the welding program when it was transferred from UVU to MATC. There was an enrollment increase from 3 students to 120 students, with 150 students on a waiting list. They received an American Welding Society Foundation Grant, one of only two that were awarded nationwide, with a partnership with Mountain States Steel. Mr. Christensen discussed the apprenticeship program which also transferred to MATC from UVU. MATC was able to acquire the Geneva building to house this program and others. They have partnerships with many companies. MATC has been able to help many displaced workers. He discussed the student success stories of Tyler Daw in the electrical apprenticeship program and Kate Smart who first completed the cosmetology program and was immediately placed; but re-enrolled at the MATC in the welding program, and now has a job with Rocky Mountain Welding.
b. Ogden/Weber ATC. Ms. Mercier gave a brief history of the OWATC. She discussed some of the satellite campuses. She thanked the Legislature for the funding a few years ago for the new Health building that will open in June. The OWATC has 53 certificate programs across five areas in business, information technology, manufacturing, health, construction and service. Originally, the major focus was on adult education; which is still the case with only about 17% of the students being secondary. She discussed the employer program teams which determine the program, the curriculum, and the equipment provided for training. They work with about 180 employers in the Ogden/Weber region. Across the UCAT system there are nearly 1,000 employers who serve on these advisory committees. Ms. Mercier specifically discussed the welding program and the $1 million Department of Labor grant which involved partnerships with Barnes Aerospace, Utility Trailer, and JBT Aero Tech. Pres. Mercier mentioned the successful placement rates of the students. She told some of the student success stories, including Cami Felix, George Pike, Maryn Adams, and Rollan Julander. She concluded with some comments from Wayne Western, a welding instructor at OWATC.
Co-Chair Urquhart thanked Pres. Mercier for her report. He asked about the articulation with Weber State University. Pres. Mercier answered that they work closely with Weber State. There is very little overlap in course work. She said that they have articulation where it is applicable such as welding, nursing, health information technology, information technology, and the apprenticeship program. Co-Chair Urquhart asked how to publicize the fact that it is not an either or situation where students can only go to ATC's or universities, but not both.
Sen. Reid shared a personal experience of his daughter who started at Weber High School, went to the ATC and her training there helped to pay for her education at Weber State University. He expressed his appreciation for the ATC's and the importance of economic development in the Ogden area which has a strong manufacturing base. Sen. Reid supports the Ogden/Weber ATC and all ATCs. The technical training received at the UCAT campuses needs to valued.
Rep. Ipson mentioned watching the evolution from trade & technical schools to community colleges. They provide career training rather than just job training. These are life changing for many students and open a pathway for them. He challenged all to attend an ATC graduation. He added that the articulation piece is critical for economic development in the state.
c. Southwest ATC. Mr. Miller explained some of the unique programs at the Southwest ATC and its 15,000 square mile service area. The SWATC provides training in 12 different locations. Nine of these are leased facilities that are borrowed with no cost. He discussed the renewable energy programs. He explained the partnership with First Wind and the wind turbine power programs. This industry has seen tremendous growth in the past few years. SWATC is one of four State Energy Academies. They have two certificate programs in the wind area and in the solar area. The SWATC hosts an annual renewable energy fair. Pres. Miller reported that they have retrained many construction workers in the professional truck driving program. They have a professional truck simulator. The placement rate is 90%. He mentioned the success of Quentin Condin, a student who just secured employment after completing the professional truck driving program. Pres. Miller works very closely with the Uintah Basin ATC and the Dixie ATC to maximize state resources.
Rep. McIff thanked Pres. Miller for the presentation and asked what annual marketable product is produced from the billion dollar wind industry. Pres. Miller is not certain of the number of homes that could receive electricity from this facility. They are generating about 350 megawatts and their capacity is around 700 megawatts. Most of this power is being exported to California. He will get some estimates from First Wind about what the return would be.
Rep. Arent appreciated the presentation and asked for a copy to be e-mailed to the Committee. She asked about programs at the Escalante campus. Pres. Miller said that they have programs in building construction, nursing assistant training and specialized training for the hospital.
d. Tooele ATC. Mr. Snelson reported that Tooele County is about 7,000 square miles, the current population is about 63,000 and is projected to be 92,000 by 2020. The TATC is the newest UCAT campus. They have had tremendous support from the businesses in Tooele and the USU Regional Campus. In FY 2010 they served 394 students, the completion rate was 73%, the placement rate was 85%, and the licensure rate was 94%. He discussed the partnership with many companies in Tooele including Mountain West Medical Center, Wal*Mart Distribution and Logistics, and Carlisle SynTec. He mentioned that the 2014 plant closure of the Tooele Chemical Agent Disposal Facility at Deseret Chemical Depot will mean 1,600 displaced workers. They have been working with the Depot and workforce services to give opportunities for these displaced workers to be retrained. One specific program identified is in welding. They received a grant from workforce services to establish a welding program which began recently. Because of the growth in Tooele County, they have been working with Tooele City and USU to acquire new land to form a Tooele County Education and Training Corridor Master Plan. They will be sharing facilities between USU and the Tooele ATC,
Mr. Sant reported that Tooele City has donated 50 acres of land (worth about $2.5 million) to USU; and USU has donated 15 acres to the ATC. He is aware that there is a process of funding new buildings, which may not be available given the current economic climate. The city is willing to issue a $5 million bond to go towards the $14 million total cost of construction of the new facility. This is extremely critical for Tooele to grow the employment base that is desperately needed.
Rep. Sagers thanked Mr. Snelson for the excellent presentation. He reported that 80 percent of Tooele residents commute to the Salt Lake Valley for employment and education. He asked if the Custom-Fit programs extend to the county line or are also with employers in the Salt Lake Valley. He asked about the current building. Mr. Snelson said that the Custom-Fit funds were
donated by other campuses to help the TATC get started. All Custom-Fit programs at the TATC
are dedicated to the businesses that reside in Tooele County. Some of the students in these
programs do come from West Valley, but the majority are from Tooele. Mr. Snelson discussed
the age of the current building and the fact that it is now at capacity. There are three labs in that
building, as well as an annex. They also partner with the school district, USU and others to lease
space at very minimal cost or no cost. Rep. Sagers thanked Mr. Sant and Tooele City for their
contribution, which shows a remarkable partnership.
Vice-Chair Draxler mentioned that this new endeavor is still in the planning phase. He asked if
the 394 students include USU students. Mr. Snelson indicated that it does not. The 394 includes
any student enrolled in ATC programs at any of the current TATC sites, but it does not include
Custom-Fit numbers. The 394 is almost at full capacity.
Rep. Sagers asked about the USU enrollment at Tooele. Mr. Snelson believes that there are
about 1200 students. USU has consistently grown by 10-12 percent over the past several years.
e. Uintah Basin Applied Technology College. Mr. Hacking discussed the two beautiful campuses:
one in Roosevelt and the brand new building in Vernal, which is shared with USU. The
community paid more than half of the costs and put in millions of extra dollars to support these
buildings. Both communities felt it was important that the facilities are located near the high
schools. UBATC served 6,146 students; some of these are preparatory students; some are
secondary students, and a large number have come back for additional training. They have had
significant increase largely due to the new facility in Vernal. He discussed the programs that
are offered. They have had to cap enrollments and have waiting lists. Most programs have only
one teacher. He discussed what has been done to enhance the access for secondary students.
The bulk of the CTE programs are actually located at the UBATC rather than the high school.
He highlighted two secondary students' success stories: Sara Bingham and Eric Hadden. Mr.
Hacking discussed the success of the oil and gas exploration, the petroleum, energy services and
the transportation programs. He showed the petroleum simulator.
Rep. Ipson asked about the success with high school students. He asked how many of these
students, who have had training at the UBATC have gone on to further education. Mr. Hacking
reported that they have many high school students who use this training as career exploration.
He does not have specific data on how many students have continued their education.
4.
Utah Student Association. Mr. Watkins introduced the student leaders to the Committee. He
represents about 170,000 students in the State of Utah. He reported that students are poised for
contributing to economic growth. They are ready to give back to the State, and many will choose to
make Utah their home. The students are asking for support from the Committee and the Legislature.
Mr. Jardine reported that he was born and raised in Utah. He chose the University of Utah because
of the opportunity to receive a great education in the State. He is excited that the U of U was ranked
Number 1 in health care services. He mentioned that because the U of U was admitted into the PAC
12, he is able to compete with these schools academically. As he has applied for jobs on a national
and local level, he has realized that there is a great deal of respect for the conference.
Mr. Tolson mentioned a quote from his grandfather that to be successful you have to help those
around you. This relates to USU's large dual mission as a research university and as a land grant
university. Allowing access for students to receive an education to pursue career paths is allowing
them to be successful. USU is preparing students to serve in jobs that don't exist and to solve
problems that don't yet exist. The top 10 in-demand jobs in 2010 did not exist in 2004. He urged
the Committee to support the Governor's budget. They realize that cuts are inevitable, but choose
success by helping students to be successful.
Mr. Vakapuna said that as a non-traditional student, he is the result of many second chances. He was
very grateful for the educational opportunities that have been opened to him at SLCC. He noted that
the budget decisions that are made impact whether students are able to continue their education after
SLCC. He expressed gratitude for the Committee which makes these difficult decisions.
Mr. Portwood was speaking in behalf of the students at UVU as well as all of the students in the
Utah System of Higher Education. He was grateful for the opportunity to speak before the
Committee. In spite of the 7 percent budget cuts, there are no students rioting even with the possible
closure of 2600 courses, and 600 employees and 140 faculty being cut. He mentioned that the well-
thought out decisions made by this Committee are part of the reason there were no riots. He stated
that it was disconcerting to have the Committee presuppose to understand the intricacies of higher
education and openly ignore the experts in the Commissioner's office and the university
administrators and their recommendations on how to fund higher education. For Legislators who
hold true to the ideal of limited government, the students ask the Committee to allow the institutions
to grow the economy. He asked the Legislature to not make cuts to Higher Education. A University
of Utah study showed that for every $1 of state funding to Higher Education, there is approximately
$7 returned to the State. So, with a 7 percent budget cut, that is about $47 million to Higher
Education which would equate to $329 million divested from Utah's economy and loss of revenue for
the State.
Co-Chair Urquhart asked specifically how this Committee has disregarded for the expertise of the
administrators. Mr. Portwood said that Co-Chair Urquhart had commented students should show
justification why taxpayers should show a huge investment in them, not to simply fund individuals
who show zero likelihood for success in higher education. He said that other examples of this
disregard are some of the options for eliminating the structural deficit, for example elimination of tax
subsidies for excess credits, requiring university students to purchase their own health insurance,
eliminating tuition assistance, financial aid, scholarship money, and increasing credit hours taught by
faculty. Mr. Portwood said that he is the justification that Co-Chair Urquhart referred to. He said
that the students in higher education today are the future. Many students have changed their major
several times, but this is part of the process of higher education.
Co-Chair Morley commented there is already board policy that above 135% credit hours tuition goes
to the full cost level. The Committee is asking if this is the right number considering today's
economic condition.
Mr. Watkins expressed appreciation to the Committee for their service and the opportunity to speak.
He mentioned that February 18th is Student Legislative day.
Sen. Romero thanked these student presidents and wanted to make sure that the students understand
that this is their government. He encouraged the students to be active in government.
Rep. Arent thanked the students who have contacted her.
6. Budget Cuts for Base Bill. Co-Chair Morley told the Committee that the EAC has instructed each Committee to make a 7 percent cut. He wanted the public to understand that Committee would prefer not to make any of these cuts. He distributed a handout entitled "Higher Education Appropriation Subcommittee FY 2012 Budget Adjustments" . He asked the Committee to consider a 7 percent cut to each of the institutions and to the regents office budget and leaving the discretion to them as to how to handle these cuts. They would propose that UCAT's budget be cut by 5.9 percent. One of the reasons for this lower level is that UCAT is matching individuals with jobs on a very short-term basis. Because UEN was not able to show an alternative, they would be held to the original 10% cut.
Co-Chair Morley would like to add that the Presidents should look at the analyst's recommendations and consider the areas that were mentioned.
Rep. Draxler stated that it has been enlightening to hear of the extraordinary efforts that have been made. He is very impressed with the ATC's responsiveness to market conditions. He said that USU's regional campuses are doing tremendous work. They have filled a need for degree level offerings in various areas in the State. Everyone who has presented is essential to the system. He stated that there is merit to some of the recommendations. This recession has caused everyone to make some adjustments. He requested that increases in tuition not be the first area considered. Students are close to the breaking point, some students are working full time and carrying full-time loads at the university. He would like the Committee to continue to work with the institutions and see if this can create some positive movement in the system.
Sen. Valentine hopes that when the February funding numbers come in, it is not any worse. He discussed the impacts of the cuts in corrections and public safety. Higher Education does have some options. There are much tougher choices in other places.
Rep. McIff asked for clarification about the discrepancy in the cuts. Co-Chair Morley explained that these recommendations are only to get the discussion going. Once this has been passed, the Committee can come back with more specific recommendations. The original proposal came in as a 10% cut. Rep. McIff said that he would prefer to wait until all of the presentations have been made and not make a decision today.
Co-Chair Morley explained that the Committee is required to have to base budget bill before Monday's EAC meeting. They have to take care of the structural imbalance; but there will be opportunity to come back and revisit the budget.
MOTION: Rep. Ipson moved to adopt the proposal entitled "Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee FY 2012 Budget Adjustments".
Rep. Arent said that she cannot support this motion; there needs to be more flexibility and she shares the concerns of Rep. McIff.
Rep. Edwards felt that the UMEC is quite duplicative with what is happening in the private market. She would like more information about their purpose and responsibilities. She mentioned that UEN is very critical, and having a 10 percent cut will impact all higher education institutions.
Rep. Daw appreciates the fact that all of the institutions is making do with less. This proposal is punishing growth. He would like to see some indication of acknowledgment of growth for future add
backs or appropriations. Co-Chair Morley said that the chairs are in agreement with this. They will
not have universal add backs, but will address the parity and a more reasonable discussion of cuts.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Sen. Romero made a substitute motion to adjourn. The Chair ruled that
this motion was defeated.
Sen. Romero said that there needed to be more discussion and more time to consider this action. He
was uncomfortable supporting this motion at this time.
Rep. Daw called the previous motion. The original motion passed with Sen. Romero and Reps.
Arent, McIff and Wheatley voting against the motion.
MOTION: Rep. Daw moved to adjourn.
Committee Co-Chair Morley adjourned the meeting at 10:05 a.m.
Minutes were reported by Lorna Wells, Secretary.