The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents considered President Eric Kaler’s proposed $3.9 billion 2018 budget this week.

At their monthly meetings Thursday and Friday, regents also discussed a potential revamp of the school’s sexual harassment policy, voted Regent David McMillan board chairman and approved the 2018 capital improvement budget. Regents also voted to approve Bernard Gulachek as vice president of information technology.

Proposed University Budget

Kaler discussed his 2018 fiscal year budget, which calls for a 3 percent tuition increase for resident undergraduate tuition and a 10 percent hike for nonresident, nonreciprocity undergraduate students.

Kaler said funding provided by the state made the tuition increase necessary. The University got 37.1 percent of its requested funding from the state. “The budget fell short this year,” he said.

As part of the budget, student service fees would increase by 1 percent.

Regents are expected to vote on whether to approve the budget June 20.

The Board also approved the 2018 fiscal year capital projects budget of $275.5 million. The funding will primarily be used to renovate existing buildings and build the Chemical and Advanced Materials Science Building on Duluth’s campus.

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Tina Marisam, University vice president for equity and diversity, presented the board with sexual misconduct policies designed to replace current sexual harassment rules.

The policy gives more detailed definitions of administrative policy, Marisam said, expanding on what behavior — like sexual assault and relationship violence — is prohibited.

The new policy will clarify the University’s investigation process of sexual misconduct, Marisam said.

Regents said the new policies were a step in the right direction.

“I know there is more to do, but it is going a good direction” said Regent Kendall Powell.

The new policies are expected to face a regents vote in July.

UMPD Body Cameras

The board also discussed the University of Minnesota Police Department’s usage of body cameras.

Mike Berthelsen, interim vice president of University Services, said the department plans to test out different audio and video recorders, and procedures.

“In the fall, we would intend to come back to the board with some direction about how we are planning on implementing it,” Berthelsen said.