06 Mar SBHE reaffirms support for diverse perspectives, backgrounds
The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) reviewed the U.S. Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter with legal counsel during its Feb. 27 meeting. The letter, which was issued on Feb. 14, 2025, directed institutions to comply with federal guidance on race-related policies and programs and warned of cuts to federal funding.
Board Chair Tim Mihalick said that after receiving legal counsel, no board policies will be changed at this time. He also made a statement in support of and appreciation for the North Dakota University System (NDUS) students, faculty, and staff.
“We value diversity of thought and of people and believing that diversity is a necessity to a vibrant learning community that pursues excellence in scholarship and research. We are committed to providing a university system that is trustworthy, supportive, safe, and welcoming,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring intercultural and international diversity in our curriculum and our people.”
SBHE Policy 100.5 Principles and Core Values of the State Board of Higher Education identifies diversity, in its widest sense, as one of several core values within the system. Mihalick said the policy remains a key foundation for the work of the SBHE and NDUS.
The Board considered a compensation package for University of North Dakota (UND) President Andrew Armacost to recognize the recent announcement by the Carnegia Foundation that UND had satisfied all requirements for being designated a Research 1, or “R1,” institution. This achievement placed UND among the most highly regarded research universities in the nation. Ultimately, the Board used a formula to give several presidents a pay raise. Mayville State University President Brian Van Horn, Valley City State President Al LaFave, North Dakota State University President David Cook and Armacost all received pay raises, which will go into effect on March 1.
Committee Reports
Vice Chair Danita Bye reported for the Governance Committee, mentioning the group had continued its review of the post-tenure report. Lisa Johnson, vice chancellor of academic and student affairs, said a survey had been sent to the institutions asking for feedback regarding their tenure policies. Responses to the survey are due March 3. The data will be collected, summarized and provided for the next Governance Committee meeting.
Member Casey Ryan reported for the Research Committee, and said the group received a presentation from Jerry Rostad, NDUS vice chancellor of strategy and strategic engagement, about the Board’s strategic plan goals for research. The committee will work with the vice presidents for research to refine these metrics.
Member Maxwell Eriksrud reported for the North Dakota Student Association (NDSA). He shared the group’s positions on several legislative bills, including House Bill 1498, which would provide a signing bonus for first-year teachers. The NDSA were in support of that bill.
Dr. Lisa Montplaisir reported for the Council of College Faculties. The group has been meeting regularly during the legislative session to consider stances on bills and write testimony. This week, the members of the group will vote on their next faculty representative.
For the Staff Senate, Member Michael Linell said the group’s last meeting focused on the legislative session and they discussed multiple bills. He also said the Staff Senate elected its new staff advisor for next year, which will be Anna Kinney from University of North Dakota.
The Board heard first readings for Policies 409 (Degrees Offered), 506 (Immunizations), 611.10 (Employee Responsibility and Activities: Theft, Fraud, Abuse and Waste), 611.12 (Use of State Vehicle), 802.7 (Identity Theft Prevention), 810 (Deposit of Funds: Investments, Endowment and Gift Funds), 916 (Campus Security), 1205.1 (State Longitudinal System) and HR Policy 5 (Pay Policy).
No public comments were made.
The next SBHE meeting will be March 27, 2025.