SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

Mr. Frank Watson, Clerk of Court for Jackson County, administered the oath of office to Mr. Frank Watson, of Spruce Pine, a newly-appointed Trustee for a four-year term ending in 1983.

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on December 13, 1979, at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Room of the University Administration Building.

ROLL CALL

Members of the Board present were: Mr. Abbott, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Gloyne, Mr. Hennessee, Mr. McGinn, Mrs. Phillips, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Watson, and Mr. Wynne.

Others present included: Chancellor Robinson; Vice Chancellors Carter, Dooley, Stillion, and Stoltz; Mrs. Jakes, Assistant to the Chancellor; Mr. Brown, Special Assistant to the Chancellor; Mr. Creech, Director of Academic Services; Dr. Pickering, Faculty Representative to the Board; Mr. Ramsey, Assistant to the Chancellor for WCU Programs in Asheville; Mr. Reed, Director of Public Information; Mr. Scott, Legal Counsel; Mr. Wood, Director of Institutional Studies and Planning; Mr. Jay Hensley, of the Asheville Citizen-Times; and Mrs. Burrell, of the Chancellor's Office Staff.

Chairman Glenn presided over the meeting.

INTRODUCTION OF MR. WATSON

Chairman Glenn expressed delight on behalf of the Trustees to have Mr. Watson serve on the Board and extended a welcome to him. Mr. Watson responded that it is a great honor to be among the other members of the Board.

Mr. Glenn gave a brief report on the Trustees' Conference held in Chapel Hill, commenting that WCU was represented by eight people. The next conference will be in April, and Mr. Glenn expressed his desire that all the Trustees be there. He extended appreciation to Mr. Hennessee for use of his plane for transportation to the meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 13, 1979, MEETING

Chairman Glenn reported that copies of the minutes had been mailed to each Trustee. No correction or suggestion was made, and, upon proper motion duly seconded and unanimously passed, the minutes were approved.

REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE

1. Addition Reid Gymnasium

Mr. Hennessee, Chairman of the Committee, was not at the committee meeting so he asked Mr. Gloyne to make the report. Mr. Gloyne called on Dr. Carter who presented information on the use of the athletic facility and the need to relieve the shortage of space. He proposed that the University borrow funds from the State's Escheats Fund with repayment of the loan to be made in 1984. The design for the construction is not arranged; he indicated that finances need to be available first. The campus architects thinks that he can do the design work. Upon proper motion duly seconded and unanimously passed, approval was given to proceed with planning the construction and to seek a loan from the Escheats Fund in the amount necessary to carry out the construction but not to exceed $70,000.

2. Resolution to Name Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium

Dr. Dooley presented a resolution for the Trustees' consideration to name the auditorium in the Mountain Heritage Center Founders' Auditorium in honor of the first Board of Trustees of the institution. Dr. Dooley informed the Trustees of his intent to contact the families of the original Board of Trustees regarding material to be displayed and to have a formal dedication, and Mr. Brown concurred in thinking this action very appropriate. Upon proper motion duly seconded and unanimously passed, the resolution was approved.

APPROVAL OF TRUST AGREEMENT

To begin discussion of this agenda item, Mr. Glenn clarified that he is no longer association with First Union National Bank in an official capacity. Dr. Robinson reported that Chancellors and Vice Chancellors for Business Affairs had been asked to resign from boards of financial institutions. Both Mr. Glenn and Dr. Robinson wanted to clarify that they have no obligations which would influence patronage of this bank.

Dr. Carter then reported that there is a sizeable cash flow which needs to be invested for as little as 24 hours. First Union National Bank offered investment overnight program to the University and, upon approval, the Chancellor will execute this trust agreement. The annual percentage rate varies with a median rate of 12 percent for a one-to-fourteen-day period. Upon proper motion duly seconded and unanimously approved, approval was given to enter into a trust agreement with First Union National Bank for overnight investment of daily cash balances.

INFORMATION REPORTS

1. Trustees' Conference

Mr. Glenn stressed that strong rapport is extremely important to this institution and to the University System. He again urged all to attend the April meeting.

2. Capital Improvement Requests for 1981-83

a. Dr. Robinson reported that the Capital Improvement requests are now in process. The number one project on the list is the Convocation Center at a cost of $10-$12 million for which we are requesting total State funding. Representative Liston Ramsey has indicated strong support of this project. Mr. Wood reported on the various accommodations which will be housed in the structure of 130,000-150,000 square feet. The structure will be located at the south end of the football stadium and will occupy the present parking lot on the south end. Parking for the facility will be the same as for the stadium and use will be made of the newly-acquired property across Cullowhee Creek. Financing will be for use as a regional facility. Mrs. Phillips requested to see the figures on how much it will cost.

b. Another request is construction of an additional Warehouse at the location of NC 107 which is being filled.

c. Renovation of Hoey Auditorium is the only other major item.

d. McKee is another project for which we may need to ask for financial support, but Dr. Carter indicated that he is just getting cost estimates now.

3. Status of Construction Projects

Mr. Wood reported that there is one facility under construction Robertson Hall--with expected completion in August.

4. Library Addition

Dr. Robinson reported that the Library project bid was over the money by $1.3 million. Mid-South Construction Company was the apparent low bidder; but, during the negotiations, one construction company has raised objections to State Property and Construction. Property and Construction will determine whether we can sign the contract; but the project may have to go back out for re-bids. Property and Construction has agreed to finalize within three weeks if we go back to bids.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Glenn announced a change in agenda. He requested approval for Executive Session because of the high level of confidentiality of material to be considered which, upon proper motion, was duly seconded and unanimously passed. Dr. Robinson reported that he is being considered for a BIFAD appointment and should receive notification on the action very soon. He also gave a brief report on his trip to Mexico in connection with his work with the National Plant Genetics Resources Board and on an upcoming trip planned to Bogota, Colombia. Chancellor Robinson announced the next two meeting dates which are March 6 and May 8, with Commencement scheduled for May 11.

EXECUTIVE SESSION   Open Meeting Act

Chairman Glenn declared the Board to be in Executive Session.

OPEN SESSION DECLARED

1. Personnel Recommendations

All personnel recommendations as presented by the Personnel Committee were approved upon proper motion duly seconded and unanimously carried.

2. Ratification of Land Purchase

Upon proper motion duly seconded and unanimously carried, the Board ratified action of October 12 for the purchase of property from R. V. Jenkins, Mrs. Carl D. Killian, and the Hooper Estate, and gave authority to the Chancellor to negotiate purchase of property when opportunities arise.

OTHER BUSINESS

The Trustees were reminded of the following meetings scheduled today:

1:30 p.m. Paul A. Reid Distinguished Service Awards Committee
2:00 p.m. Endowment Board of Trustees

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to be transacted, the Board adjourned for lunch at Brown Cafeteria.

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James H. Glenn, Chairman

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Avis Phillips, Secretary