Members Present: Michael Babcock – Co-Chair, Richard Rudnicki – Co-Chair, Brad Haderlie, Kris Johnson, Bill Freese, Rob Maher, Sean Peterson, Annika Lawrence, Mike McNeil, Evan Burnett, Carter Dorsett

Proxies: None

Members Absent: Mackenzie Spence, Abigail Richards, J. Mitchell Vaterlaus, Tony Campeau, EJ Hook, Loras O’Toole, Kimberley Obbink, Cindy Tirrell, Alisha Downs, Kenneth Silvestri, Steve Luft, John How, Brendan Pelkie, Brooke Bocast, Dean Adams, Julia Heard, Tia Brown, Sarah Shannon, Pam Schulz, Joshua Turner, Srandvold Knudsen, Elizabeth Johnson, Gregory Gilpin

Staff & Guests: Grey Williams, Jennisse Waters

ITEM No. 1 – APPROVAL OF NOTES

The meeting minutes from November 8th, 2023, were approved.

ITEM No. 2 – RECOMMENDATION– Committee Policy Update

Richard Rudnicki began discussion of the policy update, which finalized the membership composition discussed previously at the November 2023 meeting. Richard walked the group through the membership composition such as number of faculty, the rotation of terms and appointments, and other intricacies related to the document. Richard also discussed how diversity of colleges and other factors will still be considered, along with focusing on committee members who are invested in the work this committee does.

Michael Babcock thanked the planning staff for the work done to get this document to a voting stage and appreciates the focus on diversity representation across membership composition.

Kris Johnson stated that this policy was much improved and that she appreciated the simplification of the document to focus on recruiting those who are invested.

Brad Haderlie asked if there was language in the document relating to non-voting members being present and active on the committee. Richard Rudnicki clarified that the policy notes that the committee is public, and while not specifically encouraging involvement from non-voting members it does not discourage it either.

Discussion from the committee continued in relation to public comment and participation from non-voting members of the university.

Michael Babcock questioned how the current composition will translate to the new format, if spots need to be filled, and how staff will go about soliciting new members. Richard Rudnicki answered that staff will plug in current members and see how term limits come into effect, and what positions we need to fill.

Michael Babcock stated that any nominations for positions should be sent to Richard and himself for review.
Annika Lawrence noted that some grammatical changes needed to be made to the document, as did Michael Babcock

The Vote: Kris Johnson moves to approve, Sean Peterson seconds. The motion was approved unanimously.

ITEM No. 3 – INFORMATIONAL – CIP CLASSROOM RENOVATIONS UPDATE

Richard Rudnicki provided an update on the CIP classroom renovations, which includes the review of proposals and responses to the RFP. There were 7 respondents to the RFP. Richard explained the process of review and how things will proceed. He also walked through which rooms are due for renovations.

Brad Haderlie asked for clarification on funding for these renovations, and general processes. Richard Rudnicki clarified that these renovations are funded, and the funding will be used to do as much as possible.

Evan Burnett provided clarity to the RFP as well, noting the consultant being brought on board for about 3 cycles and will work with PDC during this time, instead of procuring a new consultant every year.

Michael McNeil noted that changes need to be made to the member list as some of those listed are no longer with MSU. He then asked specifically about Roberts 101 and accessibility in that room being a priority. Richard Rudnicki answered that previous design work on that room left multiple avenues open including making it two different rooms or keeping it one large classroom, either way accessibility will be addressed.

Brad Haderlie asked for further clarification on the design process and how the committee will be involved. Richard Rudnicki clarified that the design team will be chosen and work on the specified rooms. The committee and other stakeholder groups will have input on the rooms during the design process.

Rob Maher asked for updates on the Classroom Guidebook, previously discussed at past meetings. Richard Rudnicki updated the process of creating the guidebook and how comments have been incorporated, such as links to technology features and such.

Grey Williams clarified as well that the guidebook is not currently viewable on the MSU webpages, and collaboration with OTA and UIT is ongoing to update the technology sections of the guidebook. Carter Dorsett stated this as well would help with the upkeep of the guidebook as rooms change and get renovated.

Rob Maher stated that this would be a great resource for new faculty to find a room that fits their teaching style or desired classroom space, along with being a valuable resource for recruiting students.

Rob Maher asked about updates to the design guidelines as well and what the process consists of. Richard Rudnicki answered that PDC staff has identified that the guidelines are due for an update, and as staffing levels within PDC become consistent along with ongoing new classroom construction and renovations, those guidelines will be reviewed.

Rob Maher continued by suggesting an inventory of classrooms be taken to make processes related to classrooms quicker and more informed. Rob also stated that he views illumination and acoustics as issues that seem to be persistent within the MSU classroom stock. Grey Williams and Richard Rudnicki answered that inventories have been done for lab spaces and classrooms on campus recently.

Carter Dorsett asked about Reid Hall Room 108 and ambient noise being an issue that has repeatedly come up. Carter stated that projectors will be replaced in this room, and asked if there were any scheduled projects to update duct work in Reid Hall. Richard Rudnicki and Evan Burnett answered that scheduled work in Reid Hall involves fire suppression and safety systems, but no duct specific work is scheduled currently, but work related to the projectors and fire systems can be coordinated to prevent discrepancies or conflicts.