The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on December 1, 1989, at 2:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Robinson Administration Building. Chairman Richard A. Wood, Jr., presided.

ATTENDANCE

The following members of the Board were present: Mrs. Allen, Mr. Allman, Mr. Cagle, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Coward, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Forsyth, Mr. Pine, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Wood.

Others present included: Chancellor Coulter; Vice Chancellors Carter, Dooley, Stillion, and Wakeley; Dr. Dowell, Assistant to the Chancellor; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Dr. Wallace, Chairman of the Faculty; Mr. Ramsey, Assistant to the Chancellor for WCU Programs in Asheville; Mr. Reed, Director of Public Information; Mr. Setzer, Director of Athletics; Mr. Wood, Director of Institutional Studies and Planning; Mr. Wooten, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs; and Mrs. Shuler, Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Wood called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. He noted the death of Katherine (Mrs. H. F.) Robinson on November 18, and a moment of silence was observed in her memory.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Pine moved that the minutes as distributed be approved, Mr. Allman seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

REPORT OF PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Mr. Forsyth asked Dr. Carter to present information on items discussed during the committee's meeting. Following Dr. Carter's remarks, Mr. Forsyth moved that the firm of Reece-Noland-McElrath be approved to design a capital project to remove asbestos from and complete the Belk Building. Mr. Allman seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Forsyth then moved that the Board approve a pre-planning authorization for the renovation of Reynolds Hall, Mr. Allman seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Dr. Carter distributed information on design appointments made by the Chancellor under a delegation of authority from the Board, these for projects totaling less than $500,000. Dr. Carter also reported on the capital improvement projects in progress, indicating that the NCCAT building likely will be completed in June and the move can take place during the summer, the wastewater treatment facility under construction will be completed in the spring, the retubing of a boiler is on schedule, air-conditioning of Graham Infirmary is almost completed, and roof work on Dodson and Helder has just started.

The committee has received and is considering a proposal to name a conference room on the campus. This action is being taken in accordance with the policy on naming facilities.

REPORT OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON ATHLETICS

(Mrs. Allen joined the meeting at this point.)

Mr. Coward named the members of the ad hoc Committee on Athletics and the guests who had been invited to meet with the committee and described the work that the group had undertaken. He summarized for the Board the six recommendations that the committee had developed and these were presented to the trustees in written form along with supporting material. (The complete report of the committee is on file with minutes material.)

During the discussion that followed, comments were made regarding a "quick fix" as opposed to long-term commitments; how to define a full-time teaching load; the amount of funds necessary to support an athlete for one year; fund-raising by the Catamount Club; and the institution's focus to remain primarily on academics but to also build quality athletics programs. It was recognized that fund-raising would have to build on the institution's basics.

Further discussion indicated that fund-raising efforts should focus on the "Key Prospect-Key Solicitor" program and offer incentives such as tickets and parking. The possibility of developing other Catamount Clubs in Cashiers and Cherokee was mentioned. The club's membership to date this year has increased 35 percent over last year's membership. Mr. Taylor has done an informal sampling of students and believes that student fees could be increased a maximum of $50 per year. Mr. Setzer is trying to reschedule another "money" game for next fall.

After a short recess Mr. Coward moved that the Board adopt the recommendations of the committee. Mr. Forsyth seconded the motion.

Chancellor Coulter expressed his appreciation for the work of the committee and reaffirmed the University's support to the minor as well as the major sports. He believes the suggested recommendations of the committee are very do-able and, if the Board adopts this statement of policy, the administration would implement it using support everywhere we can. The institution is firmly committed to having a balanced budget in every program we have, and to implement this program will take a tremendous effort on everybody's part. Support for all programs must be based on academic integrity; we can do it and have to do it.

There was further discussion of increased student fees and the procedures necessary to effect such an increase. Mr. Taylor wants to obtain support of the students before the fee proposal is adopted.

The Board made several amendments to the recommendations and then adopted unanimously the following statement:

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. That the Board of Trustees reaffirm its commitment to the athletics program and pledge its assistance, as a group and individually, in addressing the current funding problems, with the aim of ensuring excellence through both:

2. That the funding problems now being experienced be publicized among the various constituent groups associated with the University (including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other friends of the University), emphasizing the positive factors we have in our favor for overcoming these problems (outstanding new coaches, new era, new opportunities, etc.).

3. That funding to meet immediate needs for athlete recruitment ($40,000) and additional scholarships ($55,000) be sought through special fund-raising efforts, planned and coordinated by the Office of University Development, with cooperation and direct assistance from the Board and University staff, recognizing that these funds will be sought on a continuing, annual basis.

4. That the Chancellor be requested to seek funds from appropriate sources for a temporary position for a person or persons qualified to help strengthen and expand the athletics fund-raising program.

5. That ongoing, long-term needs be addressed by:

6. That the Board and University seek ways to heighten public and institutional awareness of the athletic program through special recognition for players and coaches and their achievements.

Chairman Wood thanked the committee and the supporting staff for their efforts, and Mr. Edwards commended Mr. Coward for his leadership of this committee.

ADOPTION OF FEES FOR SUMMER CONFERENCES

Vice Chancellor Carter explained the rationale for requesting the increased fee. Upon motion by Mr. Allman, seconded by Mr. Pine and Mr. Cagle, the following increase was adopted:

Housing Fee, from $35.75 to $39.00 per week for double occupancy

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 1988-89

Vice Chancellor Carter described for the Trustees the institution's economic presence in western North Carolina and told them that the independent audit conducted of the University Book and Supply Store has been completed. He then asked Mr. Wooten to present the financial report in some detail, which was done by using charts to explain revenues and expenditures and financial highlights for the year. Each trustee was given a copy of the Financial Report, and Mr. Wooten stated that it had been prepared as required with appropriate accompanying statements. (A copy of the Financial Report and the Supply Store audit are on file with minutes material.)

CHANCELLOR COULTER'S COMMENTS

Dr. Coulter reported to the Board on the following items:

1. Thanks were expressed to Mr. Wood for hosting the Appalachian game and the dinner beforehand while Dr. and Mrs. Coulter were attending the AASCU annual meeting.

2. A presentation was made to the National Governors' Conference in Washington as a representative of AASCU, this dealing with their preparation for the summit meeting on education with President Bush.

3. On September 28 author James Michener and Mrs. Michener visited the campus for several hours and were guests of Chancellor and Mrs. Coulter for lunch.

4. Centennial activities are taking place frequently and the Alumni Tower dedication will be held at Homecoming on October 22.

5. Dr. Coulter was the guest of President William Friday on North Carolina People recently, and a videotape is available if anyone needs it. Secretary Louis Sullivan of the Department of Health and Human Services will be on the campus as a seminar speaker for a centennial symposium, and a call has been received from Senator Bill Bradley about his willingness to speak here.

6. Major gifts have been received from Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Hennon and Mrs. Elizabeth DePold.

7. Mert Cregger, recently retired as Director of CIML, has received the Governor's Award for Excellence, the first WCU employee to do so.

8. Dr. Coulter met with the Governor's Business Advisory Council in September to discuss economic development around the state and trade relations with other countries. Secretary Broyhill also attended the meeting.

9. The Burkina Faso grant from the U. S. Agency for International Development has now been finalized and appropriate staff members are in that country to implement operations.

10. The dinner honoring legislators on November 11 was a very successful affair. Chairman Wood represented the Trustees as a speaker on that occasion.

11. The AASCU annual meeting in San Francisco was well-attended and was a very good meeting. The glass sculpture presented on behalf of Western Carolina University was received warmly and will be displayed in the AASCU offices in Washington, DC. Dr. Coulter thanked their Board for their thoughtfulness in remembering him and Mrs. Coulter during the meeting.

MR. TAYLOR'S REPORT ON STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Mr. Taylor reported on the following items: (1) a resolution from the University of North Carolina Association of Student Governments calling for tuition safeguards; (2) the excellent participation of university students in community service activities; (3) a program being developed to help improve SAT scores; (4) WCU to co-host the spring meeting of the UNC Association of Student Governments; (5) the revitalization and implementation of the campus escort service; (6) the availability of discount cards for student purchases in the community, with profits to go to the Alumni Tower funds; (7) a recent radio program about food service on which Mr. McCracken, Director of Auxiliary Services, appeared to answer questions; (8) cooperation with Appalachian student government to develop a constitution for Southern Conference student governments; (9) preparation of a book of syllabi on university courses on which he has received good response from faculty; (10) speaker for LMP program in February to be Joe Clark from Eastside High School in New Jersey; (11) the leadership breakfasts for student leaders, at which Dr. Coulter was the initial speaker; (12) a number of student achievements.

Mr. Taylor closed his comments by remarking on the good feelings about the campus on the part of students.

COMMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN WOOD

Mr. Wood mentioned his concern about the tuition increase that took place in late July for this academic year.

Mr. McKee sent his regrets for being absent; he is out of the country on a trip that had been planned for some time.

Mr. Wood urged that trustees take the materials from the ad hoc Committee on Athletics and study the recommendations and supporting materials. He asked that the amended resolution be distributed to the trustees at once.

Information on election procedures for Board members in the constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina had been compiled by Mr. Kucharski. Mr. Wood asked that there be prepared for consideration at the next Board meeting an amendment to the Board bylaws that would limit terms of office and provide for a nominating committee.

Mr. Wood commended Chancellor Coulter for his service as Chairman of AASCU.

EXECUTIVE SESSION Open Meetings Law

Mr. Coward moved that the Board go into Executive Session to discuss personnel and other matters as permitted in the statutes of North Carolina. Mr. Allman seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Mrs. Allen and Mr. Forsyth left the meeting at this point.

RESUMPTION OF REGULAR SESSION

Mr. Allman moved that the Board return to regular session, Mr. Pine seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Mr. Pine moved that the Board approve all personnel actions as discussed in the Executive Session. Mr. Allman seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (Copies of all personnel actions on file with minutes material.)

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to be transacted, Mr. Allman moved that the meeting be adjourned. There were several seconds, and the meeting was declared adjourned.

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Chairman, Board of Trustees

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Secretary, Board of Trustees