State universities discussing research on reservations
Joe Martin, special adviser to President John Haeger, reported that the three Arizona universities are working to formalize agreements regarding research on Native American reservations or with Native Americans. The state’s 23 tribes have Institutional Review Boards in place to protect human subjects in research. Some review practices, like with the Navajo Nation, are extensive, Martin said. “As a result,” he added, “you may see changes in the universities’ IRBs.” Martin said he hopes to have the draft to the Arizona Board of Regents by June.
Rich Bowen, NAU associate vice president for Economic Development, is on executive loan to the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona. Bowen made a presentation to cabinet regarding ECoNA’s goals and NAU’s role in contributing to the economic success of the region. He described the “sophisticated skills and unique assets” available in the Flagstaff area, demonstrated by the expertise found at NAU, Coconino Community College, Flagstaff Medical Center, W.L. Gore & Associates, and in small businesses across northern Arizona. “We are trying to change the perception to show that Flagstaff can be a high-level service provider,” Bowen said.
The new employee online orientation was demonstrated by Marcia Warden, training coordinator in Human Resources. Warden said participation in the online orientation has increased dramatically over the in-person sessions. The department is urging supervisors to ensure their employees participate.
Gov. Jan Brewer and the state Legislature have closed gaps but remain far apart over the state’s budget and Christy Farley, vice president for Government Affairs and Business Partnerships, doesn’t expect the two sides to come together until next week. Farley also said she expects the full Senate to vote on the newly appointed regents sometime soon.
Laura Jones, a director in Planning and Institutional Research, and Pat Haeuser, vice president for Planning, Budget and Institutional Effectiveness, presented data on enrollment, retention and advancement efforts. Haeuser also discussed student success initiatives. The reports can be found on the PAIR website.