The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on May 3, 1991, at 10:00 a.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. Cagle, Mr. Connet, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Coward, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Forsyth, Mr. McKee, Mr. Pine, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Wood. Mr. Allman was ill and could not attend.

Others present included Chancellor Coulter; Vice Chancellors Carter, Dooley, Stillion, and Wakeley; Dr. Dowell, Mr. Ramsey, and Dr. Ambrose, Assistants to the Chancellor; Mrs. Boydston, Alumni Representative; Dr. Wallace, Faculty Representative; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Mr. Reed, Director of Public Information; Mr. Setzer, Director of Athletics; Mr. Lambert, out-going student president; and Mrs. Shuler, Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor.

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

The oath of office was administered to Mr. Connet, President of the Student Government Association, by Mrs. Shuler, a Notary Public.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Wood called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes had been distributed in advance of the meeting. Mr. Pine moved that the minutes be approved as circulated, Mr. McKee seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED FEES

Following discussion, Mr. Cagle moved that the proposed Summer School and Conference Housing and Food Service Rates be approved as distributed. Mr. Forsyth seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (Copy on file with minutes material.)

Dr. Carter then described for the Board a plan to establish a computing facility in Hunter Library composed of 20 machines, sufficient printers, and supervisory personnel. This facility would permit general education students to have accessibility to computers and could be supported by the imposition of a $9 per semester fee. Following discussion and expressions of support for the idea, Mr. Coward moved that the system as described and the necessary fee be approved, Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Dr. Ambrose presented the following names for election or re-election to the Foundation Board of Directors: Mr. Jimmy Childress, Mr. John Feaster, Mr. Reg Moody, Mr. John Rice, Mr. Charles "Skeeter" Curtis, with Mrs. Alison Large as an alternate in the event that one of the first five could not serve. Upon motion by Mr. Pine, seconded by Mr. Cagle, the directors were unanimously elected.

CHANCELLOR COULTER'S COMMENTS

Chancellor Coulter reviewed with the Trustees the state's budget shortfall and the rescissions that may be necessary. He told the trustees that WCU lost $2.5 million (7.4 percent of budget) and 18.8 FTE positions in the 1990-91 budget year and that an additional $1.5 to $1.8 million and 22.85 FTE positions may be cut from the 1991-92 budget. Thus, over the two-year period losses could run as high as 41.6 FTE positions (16 faculty, 25 non-faculty) and $4.3 million in operating funds. System-wide a total of $59.2 million will be sacrificed, and there is almost certain to be a tax increase as well as a tuition increase. He said that faculty and staff have been kept informed and that minimal damage to the progress of the university is anticipated. Operations will stay as nearly normal as possible.

The university has been involved in four audits recently: one on Title IX, Section 504 (handicapped persons), on which we came out very well; one by state auditors on faculty workload, now in progress; a Federal audit on overhead receipt funds; and the NCAA certification audit for which we volunteered.

Personnel from the Office of Civil Rights will be on campus during September to review a complaint filed alleging sexual discrimination. Mr. Kucharski, Dr. Stillion, and Mr. Setzer are working on the documentation and will be assisted by others as necessary.

Pending legislation, if adopted, will affect the institution. The Winner bill regarding a name change for UNC-Chapel Hill and the bill regarding flexibility will be discussed at a special meeting of the Board of Governor on May 6, 1991. Other pending legislation deals with mandatory drug testing for new employees and testing of incumbents for cause.

The Jamaica Commencement trip has been canceled because of the budget restraints. There will be a ceremony on June 1 to graduate those students conducted by Dr. Burton Fox in Kingston.

Western's commencement exercises will be held on May 11, and all trustees are invited to be a part of the ceremony. The speaker will be Mr. Henry Fowler, who founded the Priory School in Jamaica and is now Jamaica's ambassador to

UNESCO in Paris. WCU is the only US institution designated by the Jamaican government to confer degrees in that country.

In response to a question about how commencement speakers are chosen, Chancellor Coulter replied that the decision is usually done by the Chancellor after consultation with his administrative team and that usually someone is chosen who has some relationship to WCU.

Chancellor Coulter will be the commencement speaker in June at the Colegio Karl C. Parrish in Barranquilla, Colombia, this trip at no cost to WCU.

This meeting is the conclusion of terms for Trustees Wood, Cooper, and Edwards, all of whom have served at least two full four-year terms and are not eligible for reappointment at this time. Completing one four-year term are Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Strum, and Mr. Allman, all of whom may be reappointed. The retiring trustees will be honored at the Awards and Honors Convocation this afternoon. The new appointments to the Board will be announced in June.

EXECUTIVE SESSION   Open Meeting Act

Mr. Coward moved that the Board go into executive session to discuss personnel and property matters according to the statutes and any other matters prescribed by law. Mrs. Allen seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

RESUMPTION OF OPEN SESSION

Mr. Pine moved that the Board reconvene in open session, Mr. Forsyth seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

REPORT OF THE PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Mr. Forsyth said that action had been taken in executive session regarding the disposal of property.

Mr. Forsyth also reported that the Bird House had been made available to the Alumni Association for use as an alumni house. This is a good move for both the association and the university. The association will improve the interior of the house and the University will maintain the house and the grounds. It is hoped that the house can be prepared for use during the coming academic year.

REPORT OF PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Mr. Pine moved that 14 faculty appointments and four NCCAT appointments be approved. Mrs. Allen seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Pine moved that one staff appointment be approved, Mr. McKee seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Pine moved that two reappointments be approved, Mr. Forsyth seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Pine moved that two persons be designated Professor Emeritus, Mrs. Allen seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Pine moved that two administrative appointments be approved, Mrs. Allen seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

(NOTE: All personnel recommendations are on file with minutes material.)

REPORT ON KNIGHT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS

Copies of the Knight Commission Report, prepared by the commission chaired by Dr. Theodore Hesburgh and President Emeritus William Friday, and copies of the resolution passed by the Board of Governors endorsing this report were distributed. The report encourages further reforms and controls on the integrity of intercollegiate athletics and will be a major item of discussion at the NCAA annual meeting next January.

After additional discussion, Mrs. Allen moved that the following resolution be adopted. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

WHEREAS, Western Carolina University has made serious efforts over the years to maintain intercollegiate competition in an appropriate manner, and

WHEREAS, the Knight Foundation has caused to occur a major study of intercollegiate sports looking specifically at identifiable conditions needing immediate attention to maintain responsible intercollegiate competition, and

WHEREAS, the Knight Commission study has resulted in a series of recommendations and a statement of ten guiding principles to give public notice of future intentions;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University endorses the recommendation of the Knight Commission.

RESOLUTION CONCERNING MR. JACK ABBOTT

Chancellor Coulter commented on the recent death of Mr. Jack Abbott, a former member and chairman of this Board. Upon a motion by Mr. Coward, seconded by Mr. Forsyth and others, the following resolution was adopted:

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF
JACK EUGENE ABBOTT

WHEREAS, Jack Eugene Abbott of Canton, North Carolina, served with great distinction on the Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University from August 1969 through June 1983; and,

WHEREAS, during his fourteen years as a trustee of Western Carolina University, Mr. Abbott served the Board as its Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the Personnel Committee, member of the Property and Buildings Committee, and member of the Endowment Fund Board; and,

WHEREAS, Mr. Abbott provided a generous spirit of assistance, wise counsel and skillful leadership to the administration, faculty, students, and staff of the University, expressing his concern for the University through many thoughtful personal actions as well as

through those taken in fulfillment of his official position; and,

WHEREAS, Jack Eugene Abbott selflessly served Western Carolina University, deserving the highest expression of appreciation of a grateful institution;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University express its great admiration for the life and service of Jack Eugene Abbott; its deep sense of respect and abiding appreciation for the lasting contributions he made to this University; its enduring memory of his exemplary trusteeship; and its continuing sense of loss for the assistance and support that he offered beyond the years of his active membership on the Board.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Board and that a copy of this Resolution be provided to his wife, Mrs. Edith Hawkins Abbott, to whom the Board expresses its sincere sympathy, extending to her also its gratitude for her own interest in and support of the University.

ADOPTED, the third day of May, 1991, at Cullowhee, North Carolina.

/s/ Richard A. Wood, Jr., Chairman Myron L. Coulter, Chancellor

REPORT FROM MR. CONNET

Mr. Connet said that he looks forward to working with the trustees. He commented on the recent student elections, noting that 20 percent of Western students voted compared with 10 percent at other institutions. A lot of activities have been taking place on the campus, among them the Spring Fling sponsored by LMP and the Academic Awards and Honors Night, at which Andy Lambert was chosen as the Outstanding Citizen and the Outstanding Greek Citizen. In an effort to save money, six staff positions in the Student Government Association have been cut, and efforts are underway to have freshman representation on the Student Senate.

REPORT FROM MRS. BOYDSTON

Mrs. Boydston expressed appreciation to Mr. Wood for his service to the Board and the Alumni Association and said she looks forward to working with Mr. Connet and the other student leadership. The Alumni Association owes $25,000 on the loan for the Alumni Tower, with $37,000 in pledges yet to be collected. Names of the donors will be placed on the Tower at the October 26 Homecoming. Copies of "Western Horizon" showing the tower were distributed.

Mrs. Boydston thanked Chancellor Coulter and Dr. Carter for making possible the use of the Bird House by the Alumni Association. The Association will be spending about $55,000 on the interior of the house, and they hope to have the house ready for use by September 1.

She also thanked Chancellor Coulter and Dr. Ambrose for the assistance with the upgraded development and alumni record keeping system. The assistance enhances ways of raising money for the alumni activities.

The system-wide alumni presidents' meeting will be held on May 18. Mrs. Boydston looks forward to meeting with this Board again in the fall; she has enjoyed being at the meetings this year and was recently re-elected for a second term as Alumni Association president, the first one in University history.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Wilson questioned whether there might be legal exposure because of articles printed in the Western Carolinian. Chancellor Coulter responded that there has been no problem to this point and asked Mr. Kucharski to look into this matter and report at the next meeting.

Mr. Wood expressed his thanks for the friendships he has made in this group and paid tribute to Chancellor Coulter for his contributions to the University and the region.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to be transacted, the meeting was declared adjourned.

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Chairman, Board of Trustees

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Secretary, Board of Trustees