An IFO/MinnState meet and confer was held on February 8. We are providing this brief summary of the important topics covered. If you would like more information on a particular topic, reply to this email with your question and it will be directed to the appropriate person.

Title IX proposed regulatory changes and response:
The IFO stated our support for Chancellor Malhotra’s comments regarding the proposed changes to Title IX at the federal level. The Chancellor’s statement included: “At Minnesota State, we believe in the clear and powerful language of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which declares: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

You can read the full System statement here https://www.minnstate.edu/media/newsreleases/2019/013019.html

Online Strategy
Senior System Director of Education Innovations Kim Lynch presented the MinnState Online Strategy Implementation plan. The Online Strategy Workgroup report and other information about the implementation plan can be found on the Online Strategy project site.

Reimagining Minnesota State Update:
Chancellor Malhotra provided an update on the next steps of the Reimagining MinnState process, which includes preparation of an interim report.

The IFO will continue to provide input and to monitor the Reimagining Initiative. IFO Academic Affairs Coordinator Becky Omdahl is preparing a report based on the many conversations and responses provided by IFO faculty members over the last 5 months, to be available in April.

Search begins for vice chancellor of finance and facilities:
The Chancellor announced the formation of the search committee to replace the Vice Chancellor of Finance. The position description is under revision and should be posted by February 25. IFO sent out a call for a faculty member to serve on the search committee.

Access to email and D2L for faculty with contingent appointments and new hires:
The IFO brought forward multiple concerns about access to email and D2L. Faculty with contingent appointments are often hired late and do not have timely access to D2L to prepare courses. Faculty in contingent appointments also lose D2L and email access once courses are complete which prevents faculty from responding to inquiries, changing grades, and otherwise assisting students. The treatment of newly hired faculty also is a concern; it is vitally important to provide early access to resources to support new hires in preparation for teaching. The System acknowledged the validity of these issues. They will meet with us and revisit practices to determine if resolutions can be found.

IRAP retirement plan IRS compliance issue:
The System presented findings of an IRS compliance issue related to the faculty retirement plans. The IFO has set a meeting with the System office and the other impacted bargaining units to determine the best strategy to address the issue.

Faculty pay issues
The IFO and the Metro Faculty Association alerted the System about faculty pay issues at Metro State and received assurances the System office will help to resolve the issues.