REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
Room 510, H.F. Robinson Building November 30, 2007
The Board of Trustees of 甜瓜视频app met in regular session on November 30, 2007 in Room 510 of the H.F. Robinson Administration Building. The meeting was called to order at 9:35 a.m. by Chairman MacNeill.
ATTENDANCE
The following members of the Board were present: Mrs. MacNeill, Mr. Warren, Mr. Kiser,
Mr. Worley, Mrs. Wyche, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Burgin, Mr. Bloemsma, and
Mr. Metcalf.
The following members of the Board were absent: Mr. Little, Mrs. Burda, and Mr. Carlisle.
Others present included: Chancellor Bardo; Dr. Beam, Faculty Senate Chair; Mr. Tate, Staff Forum Chair; Mr. Smith, Athletic Director; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Mr. Riouff, University Advisory Chair; Vice Chancellors Metcalf, Wooten and Miller; Provost Carter; Dr. Sanger, Director of the Center for Integrated Technology in Engineering Technology; Mr. Andrew, Alumni Association President; Mr. Studenc, Senior Director of News Services; Mrs. Lynch, Chief of Staff; Mrs. Ashe, Administrative Assistant; and Ms. Welch, Assistant Secretary to the Board.
SWEARING-IN OF BOARD MEMBER
Mr. Bloemsma, newly appointed member of the Board of Trustees, was sworn in by Ms.
Welch.
ETHICS STATEMENT
Mrs. MacNeill read the following: 鈥淎s Chair of the Board of Trustees, it is my responsibility
to remind all members of the Board of their duty under the State Government Ethics
Act to avoid conflicts of interest and appearances of conflict of interest as required
by this Act. Each member has received the agenda and related information for this
Board of Trustees鈥� meeting. If any Board member knows of any conflict of interest
or appearance of conflict with respect to any matter coming before the Board of Trustees
at this meeting, the conflict or appearance of conflict should be identified at this
time.鈥�
There were no conflicts disclosed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Worley moved that the minutes of the August 31, 2007 regular meeting and the minutes
of the November 2, 2007 special session be approved as distributed. Mr. Warren seconded
the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Warren moved that the Board go into closed session to prevent the premature disclosure
of an honorary degree, scholarship, prize or similar award and to consider the qualifications,
competence, performance, condition of appointment of a public officer or employee
or prospective public officer or employee. Mr. Kiser seconded the motion, and it
was approved unanimously. Dr. Bardo asked that Mr. Kucharski and Mr. Smith stay for
the closed session.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Mr. Warren moved that the Board return to open session. Mrs. Wyche seconded the motion,
and it was approved unanimously.
REPORT OF THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Mr. Worley reported that it was a good committee meeting and that there are four action
items.
Mr. Worley stated that the Board was requested to authorize the title of Madison Professor
to recognize senior WCU faculty who have become significant national scholars and/or
artists. He also stated that Madison Professors will be funded through state appropriations
unless other sources of funding are identified. Mr. Worley further stated that the
designation is reserved for individuals with tenure and the rank of full professor.
He mentioned that individuals will have had at least five years of uninterrupted service
at WCU, normally at the rank of full professor. Mr. Worley also mentioned that under
unique circumstances the Board may bestow the title Madison Professor simultaneously
with tenure and/or rank of full professor. Mr. Worley moved to approve the program
of 鈥淢adison Professor.鈥� Mr. Warren seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
(MADISON PROFESSOR PROPOSAL ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB C-2)
Dr. Bardo stated that he wanted to help individual departments by giving them guidance through a model called 鈥淪tewards of Place.鈥� Mr. Worley stated that this model goes along with the overall mission of engagement in the community and it fits right in with the tenure decision the Board made earlier this year. He also stated that this model gives us the capacity to focus on the mission to create a sustainable environment with modern economy, livable communities, and creating political organizations that are functional within the community. Mr. Worley moved that the Board approve the Stewards of Place model. Mr. Warren seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. (STEWARDS OF PLACE MODEL ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB C-4)
Mr. Worley moved that the Board reconfirm that the Chancellor has been delegated the responsibility to change admission requirements without going to the Board for approval. Dr. Bardo stated that the right to set the admission policy has been given to the Board of Trustees. There was discussion among the Board members. Mr. Worley reconfirmed approval for the admission policy. Mr. Kiser seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. (ADMISSION POLICY ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB C-5)
Mr. Worley stated that there was notification of various appointments listed in TAB C-1.
Mr. Worley gave an update on the Forensic Science Program. He stated that this initiative is one of the most exciting disciplines in the country and one program that must rely on faculty from different disciplines to collaborate. Mr. Worley also stated that at WCU we have a forensic anthropology concentration within the anthropology major. He reported that the Forensic Science major was instituted this fall semester and we already have 39 majors. Mr. Worley also reported that the Forensic Science major is comprised of faculty in biology, chemistry, psychology, criminal justice, health sciences and others that want to be involved. He further reported that we have been successful in hiring Mark Wilson who comes to us with 20 years of experience with the FBI, most recently running forensic laboratories for the FBI. He will begin his appointment on January 1.
Mr. Worley updated the members of the board on the establishment of the Office for Undergraduate Studies and the implementation of the Quality Enhancement Plan. He stated that the following programs will pilot the QEP in the fall of 2008: History, Chemistry, Health Information Administration, and Recreation Therapy. Mr. Worley also stated that the major revision of the College of Business Core Curriculum will include the principles of the QEP and mandatory internships for all majors in business.
REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
Mr. Kiser reported that the committee is recommending tuition fee increases for the
upcoming year. The increase is in keeping with the guidelines that President Bowles
has established for the university system. Mr. Kiser asked Mr. Wooten to explain.
Mr. Wooten stated that Western鈥檚 fees are less than the national average and that
we have the second lowest fees in the system. Mr. Burgin mentioned that if the quality
of the University keeps moving up, we may need to institute some major increases in
fees, which will require a plan. Dr. Bardo explained that the old funding model in
North Carolina has very little relationship to quality and goals. He also explained
that Western implemented the campus-initiated tuition because of the need for extra
funds. Dr. Bardo further explained that under the model we are using now, the bigger
the University gets, the more it costs to teach the same student the same information.
Mr. Bloemsma asked why Western鈥檚 student fees are so high compared to other universities.
Dr. Bardo responded that for about 30 years Western did not grow and therefore, there
was a philosophy among the administration that we dare not raise our cost because
we would kill our enrollment. We had positioned ourselves as a low-cost institution.
He stated that as a result, there were no facilities for students; the University
Center was old and decrepit. Dr. Bardo further stated that the student fee is paying
for the new recreation building and new dining facility. He also mentioned that operational
costs for the buildings will come out of the student fees. Mr. Bloemsma said that
the students are supportive of the passage of the fees. Mr. Metcalf stated that we
have to be very careful when raising fees because we want Western to remain accessible
to first generation college students. There was discussion of this issue among Board
members. Mr. Bloemsma mentioned that we need to increase our positioning in order
to pay for the benefits that come with that. Mr. Kiser moved that the schedule for
tuition and fees for 2008-2009 be approved. Mr. Metcalf seconded the motion, and
it was approved unanimously. (FEE PROPOSAL ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS)
Mr. Kiser reported that the committee reviewed the proposed audit plan for the current year. He further reported that many of these activities are in progress. Mr. Kiser stated that the committee unanimously approved the audit plan for FY 2007-08. (AUDIT PLAN ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB D-2)
Mr. Kiser mentioned that the Internal Auditor reviewed recent legislation that impacted the duties and responsibilities of campus internal auditors. He also mentioned that in some cases, there appears to be some conflicting language between the various bills and the UNC System and campus internal auditors are working to resolve these differences. Mr. Kiser further mentioned that The State Auditors have completed their field work for the June 30, 2007 audit and should be issuing a report by the end of the year. He stated that at this point, we do not anticipate any major findings or discrepancies. Mr. Kiser reported that The State Auditor鈥檚 Office has requested that the Internal Auditor perform additional tests and verification for grants and contracts as part of their annual reviews. He also reported that the State Auditor鈥檚 Office has notified the Internal Auditor that they will conduct a formal IT (Information Technology) audit in spring 2008.
Mr. Kiser explained that all bond projects are in construction and moving toward completion. Some highlights are as follows:
Stillwell Science Building 鈥� final inspection is schedule for December 20; consequently, this building should be available for occupancy in spring 2008.
Student Recreation Center 鈥� this project is taking shape and the contractor is on time for a fall 2008 delivery.
Forsyth Business Building 鈥� all demolition is completed and we anticipate the building will be ready for occupancy with the start of fall semester 2008.
New Dining Facility: steel erection has begun; however, the contractor is behind schedule as the result of poor soils. This has been corrected; however, the anticipated completion date of fall 2008 has now shifted to January 2009.
Replacement of Helder-Leatherwood 鈥� value engineering is almost complete and we anticipate an agreement of price by the end of the year. An underwriter has been selected to assist in issuing the required debt to finance this building. We anticipate the first of two buildings to be available in January 2009.
Health and Gerontological Sciences Building 鈥� the schematic drawings have been approved by State Construction and design development has begun.
REPORT OF THE ALUMNI, HONORS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mr. Phillips reported that the capital Campaign for Western is progressing exceptionally
well. He also reported that pledges and commitments are approaching $44 million with
another million dollars pending documentation of oral commitments. Mr. Phillips stated
that that represents an increase in commitments of more than $4 million in the last
three months, since August 30. He further reported that the campaign has accounted
for $31.2 million in increased endowments for faculty, student, and program support.
Mr. Phillips mentioned that with new staff support and a strong pool of student callers,
the Loyalty Fund reports a 30 percent increase in pledges this fall. He further mentioned
that Athletics fund-raising 鈥� at $237,000 on October 30 鈥� is running ahead of last
year鈥檚 totals at this time by 31 percent.
Mr. Phillips reported that the deadline for voting in the election of new members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors is midnight tonight, Friday, November 30. He also reported that the election, which, for the first time, enables all alumni to select the association鈥檚 directors, reflects strong interest in the association and suggests broader participation in alumni activities in the future.
Mr. Phillips mentioned that the university鈥檚 branding and marketing initiative is under way; the consulting firm leading the study is currently conducting research among key university stakeholder groups.
Mr. Phillips informed the Board of two major upcoming events 鈥� the university鈥檚 annual Holiday Season luncheon at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville on Friday, December 7, and a special banquet being planned for Friday, January 18, 2008 to honor the College of Education and Allied Professions for its designation as one of the top teacher education programs in the nation. Mr. Phillips stated that the college is a first place winner 鈥� the only one east of the Mississippi River 鈥� of the prestigious Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award.
REPORT OF THE STUDENT AND ATHLETIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mr. Warren reported that a new Annual Performance Report was being used by the NCAA
which more accurately shows graduation rates and academic progress. He also stated
that the report, which will be made public after Christmas, takes into account academic
eligibility and retention. Mr. Warren also reported that each sport must receive
at least 925 in order to maintain current Federal Financial Aid Levels. He further
reported that penalties increase each year. Mr. Warren mentioned that Football and
Baseball have been below this mark for three years. He also mentioned that Women鈥檚
Softball is below the mark but is not penalized because they have not been an active
team for a long enough period of time. Mr. Warren reported that overall, our Athletics
program is in really good condition and that is a tribute to Mr. Smith鈥檚 leadership.
Mr. Warren stated that Dr. Miller hit the ground running and is working on increasing student life. He also stated that the Board appreciates Dr. Miller鈥檚 enthusiasm.
Mr. Warren reported that in response to the April 16, 2007 tragedy at Virginia Tech, President Bowles appointed a Campus Safety Task Force in May 2007. He also reported that the Task Force report was presented to the Board of Governors earlier this month and makes comprehensive recommendations to improve campus safety throughout the UNC system. The recommendations include the following themes:
鈥� Preventing violent crime on campus
鈥� Being prepared to respond to crimes and safety emergencies
鈥� Coordinating safety and disaster prevention and response efforts
鈥� For the entire UNC system the total cost of non-recurring recommendations is $5,405,200
and the total cost of recurring recommendations is $5,645,900
Mr. Warren stated that 甜瓜视频app is in the process of reviewing these reports and recommendations and finding that in some cases we have already implemented some recommendations. He also stated that with additional campus safety legislation in process at the federal level, there will most likely be many new requirements and recommendations forthcoming.
Mr. Warren reported that the old Brown Cafeteria was converted into a new student video game and fast food outlet called 鈥淭he Cat鈥檚 Den.鈥� He also reported that student response has been positive but attendance has fluctuated 鈥� large turnout for some events/weekends and very low for others. Mr. Warren stated that dining service has reported better dollar volume sales at The Cat鈥檚 Den than some of the more established coffee shop venues.
Mr. Warren asked Mr. Bloemsma to report for the Student Government Association. Mr. Bloemsma reported that the Academic Advising resolution just passed by SGA recommends that the advising processes need to be reviewed. He stated that SGA is looking at a bike program on campus whereby they would take bikes left over at the end of the year and fix them up to give to students. Mr. Bloemsma mentioned that there are communication problems between the SGA and students. He further mentioned that SGA is trying to get information to the students that they are associated with campus programs.
COMMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN MACNEILL
Mrs. MacNeill thanked everyone for coming. She mentioned that the Board had a great
retreat. Mrs. MacNeill stated that Western is in the news often. She commended Mr.
Smith for the work he is doing and thanked Mr. Phillips and his family for their gift
to the football scholarship program.
Mrs. MacNeill invited everyone to come to the April 12-15 Association of Governing Boards meeting in Boston.
Mrs. MacNeill stated that there is an issue with the December 2008 meeting dates. She mentioned that the Chancellor has to be at SACS during that time and asked the Board to consider two alternate dates: either Monday/Tuesday (December 1 and 2) or Tuesday/Wednesday (December 2 and 3). The Board agreed that Tuesday/Wednesday (December 2 and 3) is better for everyone.
COMMENTS FROM CHANCELLOR BARDO AND PROGRESS REPORT ON ENROLLMENT
Dr. Bardo showed the Christa McAuliffe award to the Board. He further reported that
NCATE & DPI visited and gave a good review.
Dr. Bardo stated that he spoke at AASCU and the National Academy of Engineering. He also stated that he spoke at the Association of University Research Parks and that major national audiences are paying attention. Dr. Bardo further stated that he will speak at the Economic Forecast Forum on January 2.
Dr. Bardo mentioned that our SACS accreditation should come next week. He also mentioned that Dan Ostergaard is another world-class person who is now with us. Dr. Bardo stated that the women鈥檚 basketball team intimidated Clemson.
COMMENTS FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Mr. Andrew stated that it was an honor to be here. He also stated that today is the
last day of election for new Board members. Mr. Andrew reported that the association
is working to give the Alumni Board a new visibility. He also reported that a list
of the nominees was in the last Western magazine and encouraged everyone to vote.
Mr. Andrew mentioned that we have had 400 ballots cast. He also mentioned that Mr.
Warren won the Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Andrew stated that the nominations
increase in number and quality each year. He also stated that raising money for the
Alumni Scholarship Fund is an ongoing process. Mr. Andrew further stated that the
Association closed their capital campaign and is looking at different ways of raising
money. He mentioned that the Association has awarded two need-based scholarships.
Mr. Andrew stated that he is looking forward to a good year.
COMMENTS FROM THE FACULTY CHAIR
Dr. Beam reported that this has been a busy fall. He also reported that the faculty
passed an amendment to the constitution to deal with issues relating to the distribution
of membership in senate. Dr. Beam stated that the Senate approved the creation of
a B.S. in Entrepreneurship and a number of routine curriculum items this semester.
He also stated that the Senate approved the indication of a 鈥淪ervice Learning鈥� designation
on student transcripts for courses which have a substantial service learning component.
Dr. Beam mentioned that the Senate approved the adoption of a laptop computer requirement
as a modification to the existing student computer requirement. He also mentioned
that the Senate has approved changes to the academic honesty policy to eliminate specific
language requiring 鈥渋ntent鈥� and 鈥渒nowledge鈥� of the infraction prior to the sanctioning
process. Dr. Beam stated that the Senate is very close to a final intellectual property
policy and that it is taking steps to speed up curriculum process.
COMMENTS FROM THE STAFF FORUM CHAIR
Mr. Tate reported that the staff is paying particular attention to a task force started
by President Bowles to look at the relationship between the Office of State Personnel
and the University System to look at enhancements so that employers will have more
available resources regarding what can happen with SPA employees. He also reported
that changes to smoking policies that will take affect in January which will eliminate
smoking within all of the buildings. Mr. Tate stated that the Forum is talking to
folks and informing them of this change. He also stated that the Forum is working
on a staff-to-staff mentoring program. Mr. Tate said that the Forum is focusing on
growing its scholarship fund.
ADDITIONAL CLOSED SESSION ITEM
Mr. Worley moved that the Board go into closed session to consider the qualifications,
competence, performance, condition of appointment of a public officer or employee
or prospective public officer or employee. Mr. Warren seconded the motion, and it
was approved unanimously. Dr. Bardo asked Dr. Carter to stay.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Mr. Worley moved that the Board return to open session. Mr. Kiser seconded the motion,
and it was approved unanimously.
REPORT OF THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Mr. Worley moved for the Board to award tenure to William Dee Nichols. Mrs. Wyche
seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mr. Burgin moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Warren
seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.