Western Carolina University - Office of the Chancellor

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on May 5, 1989, at 2:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Robinson Administration Building. Chairman Wallace N. Hyde presided.

ATTENDANCE

The following members of the Board were present: Mrs. Allen, Mr. Allman, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Coward, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Forsyth, Dr. Hyde, Mr. Schell, Mrs. Strum, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Woody.

Others present included: Chancellor Coulter; Vice Chancellors Carter, Dooley, Stillion, and Wakeley; Dr. Dowell, Assistant to the Chancellor; Mr. Hopper, Alumni Representative to the Board; Dr. Wallace, Chairman of the Faculty; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Mr. Ramsey, Assistant to the Chancellor for WCU Programs in Asheville; Mr. Reed, Director of Public Information; Mr. Wood, Director of Institutional Studies and Planning; and Mrs. Shuler, Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor. Also present were Mr. Setzer, Director of Athletics; Mr. Blatt, Head Basketball Coach; and Mr. Strahm, Head Football Coach.

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

The newly elected SGA president, Mr. Brent Taylor, was sworn in as a Trustee by Mrs. Shuler, a Notary Public. Dr. Stillion then introduced Mr. Taylor, who is a management-marketing major from Spartanburg, South Carolina.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Hyde called the meeting to order at 2:15 p.m. and commented on his eleven years of service as Chairman of the Board, 1969-72 and 1981-89.

INTRODUCTION OF ATHLETICS PERSONNEL

Chancellor Coulter introduced Mr. Bobby N. Setzer, Director of Athletics since March; Mr. Greg Blatt, Head Men's Basketball Coach; and Mr. Dale Strahm, Head Football Coach. Following remarks by each of the three, Dr. Hyde welcomed the new coaches and said all the trustees are delighted that they are here. Mr. Setzer, Mr. Blatt, and Mr. Strahm then left the meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Woody moved that the minutes of the March meeting be approved as distributed, Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

REPORT OF THE PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Mr. Forsyth asked Dr. Carter to present the proposed Policy for Naming Buildings and Facilities which had been discussed by the committee. Dr. Carter explained the provisions of the policy and, during the discussion, members of the Board requested an amendment to one part of the document. Mr. Forsyth then moved that the policy be adopted as amended, Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. The policy as adopted follows:

POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR NAMING UNIVERSITY

FACILITIES AND ACADEMIC UNITS

For many years, Western Carolina University has followed the traditional custom of naming campus buildings and public places as a means of honoring individuals and families for outstanding achievement and/or extraordinary service or contributions to the institution or to society in general. With this statement of policy, the Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University reaffirms that custom, extends its practice to include consideration of named academic schools, departments, or other units of the University, and establishes appropriate criteria and procedures to be observed in conferring such special recognition.

For purposes of implementing this policy, "facilities" is understood to mean: a) buildings, conference rooms, classrooms, and other identifiable interior space ordinarily accessible to students, faculty, staff, and the public (as appropriate); and b) gardens, courts, athletic fields, landscape features, streets, and other identifiable outdoor places or space likewise accessible to students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Buildings or major structures and academic schools normally will be named only for persons who are deceased, but exceptions may be made for compelling reasons. Persons living or deceased may be considered for naming of other physical and organizational components of the university covered by this policy. To be considered, a candidate must have demonstrated in readily recognizable ways unusual accomplishment, exceptional leadership, or a contribution of major significance. Except in rare cases, this honor should not be given to one whose achievement or service has been rendered principally or wholly as a member of the University faculty, administration, or staff, until that individual has been fully retired from active service in the University or is deceased.

Families, organizations, and other identifiable groups also may be considered for the honors and recognition covered by this policy and will be evaluated by the same general criteria used for individuals.

To lessen the possibility for confusion, it will be a general rule in naming facilities to limit the use of a given name to one building, structure, or identifiable outdoor space.

PROCEDURES

The Board of Trustees will maintain continuing overview of the University's record of named facilities and organizational components and periodically, at its discretion, will bestow such honors and recognition on appropriately qualified individuals, families, or organizations. The Board of Trustees may also, at its discretion, solicit recommendations for honors and recognition of this type.

The Chancellor of the University will be responsible for informing the Board of Trustees of prospects for such honors and recognition as they may develop. In these cases, the Chancellor will provide recommendations and appropriate background information and material for consideration by the Board.

The Board of Trustees will rely on its Property and Buildings Committee for review and recommendations of any prospects for honors and recognition that fall within the purview of this policy and in the process of considering such prospects may seek the advice of the Chancellor.

Not less than ten days prior to the meeting of the Board, notification will be given to the full Board that the Property and Buildings Committee is considering a proposal for naming a facility or component of the University, and response to the proposal by Board members will be invited.

The Property and Buildings Committee will be expected to forward only positive recommendations to the full Board.

Pursuant to Board actions bestowing honors and recognition covered by this policy, the Chancellor will arrange for appropriate recognition and/or dedication ceremonies.

The Board of Trustees periodically will review the "Policy and Procedures for Naming University Facilities and Academic Units" and will review them as necessary to ensure the continuation of an effective program.

REVISION TO POLICY ON ILLEGAL DRUGS

Dr. Stillion discussed with the Trustees a revision that needed to be made and an addition regarding compliance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act. Following the discussion, Mr. Woody moved that these changes be made, Mr. Allman seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. The pertinent sections of the policy now read as follows:

Section II.B.3

Penalties shall be imposed by the University in accordance with procedural safeguards applicable to disciplinary actions against students, faculty members, administrators, and other employees, and by regulations of the State Personnel Commission.*

Section VI. Compliance with Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988

Pertaining to Employees

A. As a condition of employment an employee must abide by the terms of this policy and must notify his immediate supervisor at Western Carolina University of any criminal drug conviction occurring in the workplace no later than five days after that conviction.

B. Western Carolina University will notify federal granting or contracting agencies within ten days after receiving notice that an employee directly engaged in a grant or contract has been convicted of a drug offense in the workplace.

C. Western Carolina University will impose sanctions and/or require satisfactory participation in drug abuse or rehabilitation programs by an employee convicted of a drug related violation in the workplace no later than thirty days after notice of said conviction.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Dr. Dooley proposed that the following persons be elected to the Board of Directors of the Development Foundation: Mr. Don Gladieux, Hendersonville; Mr. Bronce Ray, Charlotte; Mr. Jay Palmer, Birmingham; Dr. Wilma Cosper, Cullowhee; and Dr. Martha Jean Rice, Sherman Oaks, California. Dr. Murray Jackson, Sylva, was proposed to be an alternate in the event that one of the above declined to serve. Upon motion by Mr. Forsyth, seconded by Mr. Cooper, and unanimously passed, Dr. Dooley was authorized to contact these individuals and invite them to serve on the Development Foundation Board.

CHANCELLOR COULTER'S COMMENTS

Chancellor Coulter told the Trustees that the state-imposed reduction in the fourth quarter budget allotment amounted to approximately $850,000. Three ways have been identified to accommodate the reductions: non-critical expenditures, painful but manageable expenditures, and deferred payments. Word has just been received that $245,000 will be restored.

As of April 30, we had received 5,020 applications for fall semester, a 33 percent increase over last year. Of this number approximately 2800 have been admitted, and we expect 1,350 to actually enroll. Dr. Coulter commended Dr. Dowell, Mr. Reed, and others who went out to the recruitment meetings for their good results.

As a followup to the report submitted to the NCAA on the basketball program, we had a visit from an NCAA investigator.

The Spring Awards and Convocation was held on April 28, with the following awards being presented: Creative Research Award, to Dr. Fred Coyle, Biology Department, for his spider research; Distinguished Teaching Award, to Professor Mary Anne Nixon, Administrative Services Department; Paul A. Reid Distinguished Service Awards to Dr. Otto Spilker (faculty) and Mr. Mert Cregger (administrative staff); and the Program of Excellence Award, to the Grounds Maintenance Department.

This is the last meeting for several trustees who have contributed immensely to the welfare of the institution: Dr. Hyde, Mr. Woody, Mr. Schell, and Mr. Hennessee. Each of these gentlemen has given immeasurably in time, thought, and good wishes, and Chancellor Coulter commended them for their interest in and unequivocal support of the University.

Mrs. Allen presented to Chancellor Coulter a scrapbook she kept during the summer of 1957 when she was enrolled as a student at Western. The scrapbook will be displayed during the Centennial celebration.

EXECUTIVE SESSION Open Meetings Law

Mr. Coward moved that the Board go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and other such matters as are in compliance with the Open Meetings Law. The Board agreed by consensus.

Mr. Coward expressed his thanks for the expressions of sympathy from trustees at the time of his brother's death.

RESUMPTION OF REGULAR SESSION

The chair declared the Executive Session adjourned and reconvened the regular session. Mr. Edwards left the meeting at this point.

REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Mr. Woody moved that four administrative appointments be approved, Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (List on file with minutes material).

Mr. Woody moved that four coaching appointments be approved, Mrs. Strum seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (List on file.)

Mr. Woody moved that eighteen faculty appointments be approved, Mrs. Strum seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (List on file.)

Mr. Woody moved that six individuals be designated emeriti, Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (List on file.)

Mr. Woody moved that one leave of absence be granted, Mr. Allman seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (List on file.)

Mr. Woody moved that changes be made in the status of two adjunct faculty, Mr. Allman seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (List on file.)

Mr. Allman moved that appeal of Dr. John Overbey be referred to the Personnel Committee and that the Committee be authorized to act on behalf of the full Board before the terms of the current members expire. Mr. Coward seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

OTHER BUSINESS

Dr. Wallace commented on the recent General Faculty Meeting and told the trustees that 54 faculty members are serving in officer positions in their professional organizations. Also, Dr. Fred Hinson has been re-elected Chair of the system-wide Faculty Assembly for another year.

Dr. Wallace also displayed for the Trustees a bronze sculpture of a catamount.

Chancellor Coulter said that there are 889 graduates for Commencement tomorrow and that a special award will be presented to Dr. Hyde.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Woody moved that the meeting be adjourned, Mrs. Allen seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

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Chairman, Board of Trustees

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Secretary, Board of Trustees