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Western Board of Trustees >Trustee Minutes

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

BOARD ROOM, UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
September 1, 1983

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on September 1, 1983, at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room of the H. F. Robinson Administration Building. Chairman Wallace N. Hyde presided.

ATTENDANCE

Mr. following members of the Board were present: Mr. Cooper, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Kahn, Mr. McGinn, Mr. Schell, Mr. Sossomon, Mr. Watson, Mr. Williams, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Woody.

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; Dr. Dowell, Chairman of the Faculty; Mr. Creech, Director of Academic Services; Ms. McDonald, Legal Counsel; Mr. Ramsey, Assistant to the Chancellor for WCU Programs in Asheville; Mr. Rowell, Assistant Director of Public Information; Mr. Williams, Alumni Representative to the Board; Mr. Wood, Director of Institutional Studies and Planning; and Mrs. Shuler, Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor.

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

Mr. Frank Watson, Clerk of Superior Court for Jackson County, administered the oath of office to Mr. Cooper, Mr. Edwards, Mr. McGinn, Mr. Watson, and Mr. Wilson.

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Mr. Hyde introduced the new Trustees, Mr. Cooper and Mr. Wilson, and welcomed Mr. Edwards back to the Board. He expressed pleasure that Mr. Watson and Mr. McGinn had been reappointed for additional four-year terms, and he then asked Chancellor Robinson to assume the chair for the purpose of electing new officers of the Board.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Chancellor Robinson opened the floor for nominations for Chairman of the Board. Mr. McGinn nominated Mr. Hyde, and Mr. Watson moved that nominations be closed and Mr. Hyde elected by acclamation. Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and Mr. Hyde was declared elected by acclamation and resumed the chair.

Mr. Hyde asked for nominations for Vice Chairman. Mr. Edwards nominated Mr. Watson, and Mr. Williams and Mr. McGinn seconded the motion. There being no further nominations, Mr. Watson was declared elected.

Mr. Hyde asked for nominations for Secretary. Mr. McGinn nominated Mrs. Phillips, and Mr. Watson seconded the motion. There being no further nominations, Mrs. Phillips was declared elected.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES

Mr. Hyde made the following committee appointments:

EXECUTIVE - Mr. Hyde, Chairman; Mr. Edwards; Mr. Wood; Mr. McGinn; Mr. Watson.

PERSONNEL - Mr. Watson, Chairman; Mr. Wilson; Mr. Schell; Mr. Woody.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS - Mr. Edwards, Chairman; Mr. Kahn; Mrs. Phillips, Mr. Woody.

PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS - Mr. McGinn, Chairman; Mr. Cooper; Mrs. Phillips; Mr. Williams.

STUDENT AFFAIRS - Mr. Sossomon, Chairman; Mr. Wilson; Mr. Kahn; Mr. Cooper

BUSINESS AFFAIRS - Mr. Schell, Chairman; Mr. Williams; Mr. Sossomon; Mr. Wood

ENDOWMENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES - Mr. Wood (term ending 6-30-84); Mr. Watson (term ending 6-30-85); Mrs. Phillips (term ending 6-30-86).

PAUL A REID DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS - Mr. Woody; Mr. Edwards; Mr. Schell;

RECESS FOR COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Mr. Hyde recessed the organizational meeting in order that certain committees could meet and prepare recommendations for the regular session.

CALL TO ORDER FOR REGULAR SESSION

Mr. Hyde called the regular session to order at 10:20 a.m. The attendance is listed above.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On motion by Mr. McGinn, seconded by Mr. Kahn, the minutes of the May 12, 1983, meeting were approved as distributed.

REPORT OF PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Mr. McGinn, reporting for the Property and Buildings Committee, asked Ms. McDonald to present plats on the following easements:

1. Easement to Forest Service

The Forest Service had requested an easement in the Wildcat Creek area for the purpose of better access to manage timer and wildlife on its land. Following discussion, Mr. McGinn moved that the easement be granted, Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

2. Easement from Ray Clark

The University had requested that Mr. Clark grant an easement for access to the University's property located behind the Faculty Housing units. Following discussion, Mr. McGinn moved that the easement be accepted, Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

3. Resolution on Chancellor's Home

Upon proper motion by Mr. McGinn, seconded by Mr. Woody, the Board adopted the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Western Carolina University has on its premises a residence designated as the "Chancellor's Home," centrally located on the campus and constructed in 1954 for the purpose of providing housing for its Chancellor;

WHEREAS, said residence is used with great frequency as a facility for University functions at which the Chancellor hosts the public and dignitaries;

WHEREAS, the University is a regional academic institution which invites individuals from the region, state, nation, and world to visit and stay at the "Chancellor's Home";

WHEREAS, the size of the University functions required to be hosted by the Chancellor at the residence are frequently so large that there is no feasible alternative housing available in the immediate area; that, in fact, the present "Chancellor's Home" underwent a substantial expansion in 1969 in order to accommodate such large functions;

WHEREAS, said residence with its attendant beauty is a necessary requirement for the adequate representation by the Chancellor of the University to the community and the public;

WHEREAS, the Chancellor is required to be available for duty to the University in the case of emergency or other event at all times; and

WHEREAS, the close proximity of the residence and the Chancellor to the University, its facilities and numerous activities is necessary to meet the obligations stated herein and does thereby serve the convenience of the University;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

1. The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University does herewith and from this point on require that the individual in the position of Chancellor of Western Carolina University accept as a condition of employment the residence, "Chancellor's Home," located on the campus of Western Carolina University;

2. By acceptance of said employment the Chancellor shall agree to reside in and make as his/her home the "Chancellor's Home" during his/her tenure as Chancellor.

Vice Chancellor Carter noted that the above resolution is intended to apply only to permanent Chancellors.

ENERGY RENOVATIONS

Vice Chancellor Carter informed the Trustees that a project of energy renovations in the dormitories would be carried out, with half of the total cost of $226,000 being furnished by the Federal Government. The firm of Sude Associates, Durham, has been selected to do the engineering design.

STUDENT FEES FOR 1984-85

Vice Chancellor Carter presented the recommended fees for 1984-85 and explained briefly the increases requested. He informed the Trustees that the tuition increase passed by the 1983 Legislature had already been added into the student fees for 1983-84. Following discussion and upon motion by Mr. McGinn, seconded by Mr. Woody, the student fees were approved. (A list of fees is on file with minutes material.)

SUMMER GRADUATION LIST

A listing of the students who met requirements for graduation at the Summer Commencement was presented to the Trustees. Mr. Watson moved that the list be approved, Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

INFORMATION REPORTS

1. Budgets

Chancellor Robinson and Vice Chancellor Carter discussed with the Trustees the budgetary situation of the institution in light of legislative action. The University lost 9.6 positions in the base budget because of the shortfall in enrollment, but gained funds for the operation of the Regional Activities Center and for Western North Carolina Tomorrow in the continuation budget. Procedures for the allocation of capital improvement funds have been changed, with the funds now going to the State Budget and Management Office for distribution rather than to the Board of Governors. Salary increases were provided: 5% for SPA employees and 5% funds for EPA employees. The EPA funds were used to provide a 3% across-the-board increase, with the remainder being used for equalizing, merit, and other special circumstances.

2. Enrollment

Vice Chancellor Stoltz and Mr. Creech gave a comprehensive report on the fall enrollment, indicating increases in freshmen and transfer enrollment. The black enrollment is essentially the same as last year. Mr. Creech outlined specific programs that have had especially good increases: Computer Science 44%; Parks and Recreation Management - 40%; Nursing and Health Sciences programs 30%; Engineering Technology - 23%; Criminal Justice - 12%. A growth rate of 22% has been realized in the pre-professional programs. He noted that full-time students and out-of-state students have increased this year.

3. Construction Projects

Work on the Regional Activities Center is still behind schedule due primarily to problems with the steel contractor. The general contractor is working hard to make up the lost time and hopes to have the roof on before winter in order that work can continue. The sidewalk from Dodson to the stadium has been completed, and the west parking lot will be paved and ready for the football season.

4. Summer Activities

Dr. Rice, Director of Summer School, reported that a total of 2,678 students attended summer sessions this year, and the total hours generated were up approximately 4%. He outlined for the Trustees the many special programs that are offered in the summer such as workshops, institutes, etc., for credit.

Dr. Salisbury, Director of Continuing Education, then discussed the non-credit offerings that are provided, such as athletic camps, band camps, and other activities. The Elderhostel program for older adults is very popular, and these groups are on the campus almost every week during the summer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chancellor Robinson called attention to the listing of up-coming events and made special mention of the Scotch-Irish Exhibit and the Trustee Emeritus recognition luncheon.

ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR SESSION

Upon proper motion by Mr. McGinn, seconded by Mr. Woody, the regular session was adjourned. Mr. McGinn left the meeting at this point.

EXECUTIVE SESSION Open Meeting Act

Mr. Watson moved that the Board go into Executive Session to hear the report of the Personnel Committee and consider other such matters as may properly come before the Board in Executive Session. Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

RESUMPTION OF OPEN SESSION

There being no other matters to be discussed in Executive Session, the Regular Session was resumed.

REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Mr. Watson moved that the Board accept the recommendation for the administrative appointments discussed in the Executive Session. Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Watson moved that the Board accept the recommendation for new faculty and staff appointments as shown on the agenda. Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Watson moved that the Board approve the recommendation for the adjunct faculty appointments as shown on the agenda. Mr. Kahn seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Watson moved that the Board approve the educational leave of absence for Professor Naja Williamson as shown on the agenda. Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION ON ACE AND NCAA COMMITTEES

Chancellor Robinson, who is a member of the ACE Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics, discussed with the Board the proposal for a Board of Presidents to be concerned with the operation of the NCAA. The proposal will be presented to the NCAA convention in January, and a nation-wide campaign to inform all chief executive officers of NCAA members will be undertaken in the next few weeks.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to be transacted, the Board adjourned and toured the Scotch-Irish Exhibit in the Mountain Heritage Center before going to Brown Cafeteria for lunch.

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Wallace N. Hyde, Chairman

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Avis Phillips, Secretary