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Western Board of Trustees >Trustee Minutes
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REGULAR
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Room
510, H.F. Robinson Building
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The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on , 1995, in the Botner Room of Killian Education and Psychology Building. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Chairman Kenneth F. Wilson. ATTENDANCE The following members of the Board were present: Mr. Bissette, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Crocker, Mr. Haire, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Key, Ms. Laverty, Mr. McKee, Mr. Moore, Mr. Pine, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Woody. Others present included Mr. Broadwell from the Board of Governors; Chancellor Bardo; Vice Chancellors Carter, Dooley, Stillion, and Wakeley; Dr. Dowell, Ms. Cook, and Mr. Ramsey, Assistants to the Chancellor; Dr. Wright, Faculty Representative to the Board; Mr. Fowler, President of the Alumni Association; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Mr. McDonald, Executive Director of University Advancement; Mr. Rowell, Associate Director of Public Information; Mr. Travis, Director of Athletics; Dr. Prochaska, Director of the Self-Study; Mr. Buckner, Director of the Band; Mr. Wooten, Associate Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs; and Mrs. Shuler, Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor. CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS Mr. Wilson called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon motion by Mrs. Blankenship, seconded by Mr. Pine, minutes of the September 6, 1995, meeting were approved as distributed. REPORT OF PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE 1. Honors and Awards Recognition Mr. Moore reminded the trustees that the Property and Buildings Committee has been discussing ways of recognizing various individuals who have rendered valuable service to the University. He asked Vice Chancellor Dooley to inform the Board of work in progress. Dr. Dooley has been working to develop an expanded and refined awards program at the University level. This program would include naming of buildings and other facilities, awards for teaching and other achievements, and awards for exemplary service. The use of a scale system for rating nominees is being explored. There has been discussion of one focused place, perhaps to be called a Hall of Honors, to collect lists of all awards. Dr. Dooley will continue to refine the proposals and asked trustees to communicate with him if they wish to do so. 2. University Center project Vice Chancellor Carter reported that a successful bid opening was held on October 24, with the total project to cost $4.6 million. The contracts were awarded to Able Construction, Greenville SC, general contractor; M. B. Haynes Electric Company, Asheville, electrical contract; Industrial Maintenance Overflow Corporation, Hendersonville, plumbing contract and HVAC contract. Another $300,000 decrease was picked up in the bidding, bringing the project within available funds. The asbestos removal contractors are now at work, and other contractors will begin work in December. The building will be closed from December 1995 until the spring of 1997. 3. Performing Arts Center Vice Chancellor Carter reported that work is underway to expand a current project submitted to the Board of Governors. The plans for a visual arts center are being modified to create a performing arts and visual arts complex. The combined center will include a 1000-seat auditorium for theatre productions, a 250-seat recital hall, and background facilities to support such works. This complex will be an important addition to the campus facilities. 4. Technology Center Preliminary plans for a high technology-based work force center are being developed. Such a center would increase skills of the working population above that which is now offered by the community colleges. Instruction would be provided in latest production methods with a whole array of electronics technology. Project cost would be $13.5 million. APPROVAL OF FEES FOR 1996-97 Vice Chancellor Carter explained the increases requested, giving appropriate historical data. Additional explanatory data were given on some specific fees. The athletics fees increase is necessitated by decisions of the NCAA regarding Division IA vs. IAA institutions and will serve to keep the program on a stable base. Mr. Travis has worked on alternative sources of revenue, but a fees increase is the only viable step at this time. A proposal to hold the ASU-WCU football game in Charlotte was not favored by either the students or the local business community. The educational and technology fee will permit every dormitory room to have a computer connection and will provide staff for help desks, electronics access and maintenance, software, printers, etc. The dormitory rooms will be wired this academic year using funds from residence hall reserves. Student satisfaction with Marriott Food Services continues to increase, but a team of experts did an recent evaluation and made recommendations for further improvements. In the formulation of these requests for increases, close attention was given to the Board of Governors' regulations concerning fee increases. Dr. Carter and Dr. Stillion met with student leaders to discuss the increases and believed the student body would be supportive. Ms. Laverty discussed the proposal with the Student Senate, who believed they were fair and agreed to support them. On an overall cost basis Western would be second from the lowest, a very competitive situation for students. Mr. Moore moved that the requested increases be approved. Mr. Jones seconded the motion. Following further discussion, the vote was unanimous in favor of approving the following increases:
Book Rental Fee, from $62 to $68 per semester Education and Technology Fee, from $17.35 to $34 per semester Food Service:
15-meal plan, from $565 to $585 per semester 10-meal plan, from $442 to $458 per semester Declining Balance, Standard Option, from $639 to $662 per semester Declining Balance, Low Option, from $580 to $601 per semester 18-Flex meal plan, from $773 to $800 per semester 12-Flex meal plan, from $688 to $712 per semester Student Housing:
Room Rent/Telephone, Madison, from $1,175 to $1,215 per semester
13 Large Efficiencies, from $1,215 to $1,260 per semester 5 One-Bedroom Apartments, from $1,395 to $1,462.50 per semester Chairman Wilson complimented Dr. Carter on the budgeting process and wondered if Western is too economical. Do we need to stretch ourselves? In response to questions, Chancellor Bardo said the game would remain in Cullowhee if the fees are approved at all levels. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN Mr. Wilson welcomed Mr. Broadwell from the Board of Governors and invited him to make comments later. He also expressed appreciation for the luncheon arrangements today and looks forward to more exposure to students and visitors. At the November Board retreat there was discussion about the Board committees and their activities. Mr. Wilson appointed a study committee composed of Mr. Moore, Chairman, Mr. Bissette, Mr. Crocker, and Mr. Haire, to review the committee operations and recommend an effective structure. The committee will bring back its recommendations to the March meeting. Mr. Wilson recognized Mrs. Key, who had been named Philanthropist of the Year, and Mr. Bissette, Fund Raiser of the Year, by the Asheville chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. He commented that WCU is very fortunate to have them serving on the Board of Trustees. Mr. Wilson announced that Mrs. Elsie Brown has resigned from the Board of Directors of the Development Foundation. He proposed that her son, Frank H. Brown III, take her place. Mr. Brown's background and credentials were reviewed, and Mr. Moore moved that he be named to fill the vacant position. There were many seconds to the motion and it was unanimously approved. CHANCELLOR BARDO'S COMMENTS Dr. Bardo introduced Ms. Dianne Cook, Assistant to the Chancellor for Equal Employment Opportunity. She is serving in an interim role this year and a search will be conducted for a permanent appointee. Five major positions are open at this time, with searches underway for all five. The search for a Vice Chancellor for Advancement and External Affairs has been narrowed to eleven candidates, with telephone interviews now being conducted. Five candidates will be invited to visit the campus. A good pool of candidates has been developed for the deanship of the College of Business, with Mr. Ramsey chairing that search committee. In both instances, receptions will be held in Asheville and Sylva so people can meet these candidates. Candidates for Director of Admissions are beginning to visit campus. and work continues on the search for a Registrar and for a Dean of Continuing Education and Summer School. Extensive image advertising is being done in regional newspapers toward building enrollment. There was an out-of-state student slips over several years, so we have begun working the out-of-state market, especially New England. Of 230 calls received on the 800 number, forty percent were from out-of-state. Admissions representatives are working out-of-state again. Significant work is being done on campus reorganization. The regional outreach programs are being restructured and will be reported at the spring meeting. Chancellor Bardo congratulated Dean Chambers and his faculty on the work which led to the approval of the Ed.D. program. Work on modifying the strategic plan continues, with a faculty-driven committee chaired by Dr. Noelle Kehrberg. There are two subcommittees--the External Scanning Committee, chaired by Dr. Bruce Henderson, and the Enrollment Management Committee, chaired by Dr. Kehrberg. Dr. Bardo commented on regional activities in which he had been involved, including the Christmas Concerts which were attended by some 800 people, the performance by the"Marching Cats" at the Georgia Dome, and a visit to the 5th grade of Fairview School. He mentioned the new jazz CD which has been released by Professor Matt Nicholl. An excellent series of meetings was held in Charlotte, and Dr. Bardo thanked Mr. Crocker, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Moore for their assistance. Work has begun there on funding an endowed professorship in teaching, with O'Brien Brooks leading the effort. Dr. Bardo commended Director of Alumni Affairs Carla Cody and Director of Loyalty Fund Jim Manring for their outstanding efforts in the Charlotte area. Hurricane Opal closed the campus one day. The Physical Plant staff performed in an exemplary manner to get operations resumed in the shortest possible time. Reid Gym was opened for community people to have hot showers. A lot of work is being done in the area of fund raising. Mr. McDonald is reorganizing the Loyalty and Catamount Club funds. Western will join Southwestern Community College in its New Century Scholars program to guarantee at-risk students a a free tuition degree if certain conditions are met. Work is progressing on developing other professorships, and under Mr. Haire's guidance the possibility of putting the other side on the football stadium is being explored. One project receiving a lot of attention is the enhancement of ability to communicate around campus. Dr. Bardo has attended all sorts of meetings and has received 948 e-mail messages. He has visited in the Sylva business community and discussed ways they can benefit, such as reduced ticket prices, special works, etc. An affirmative action compliance review is being undertaken at the state level, and Ms. Cook is undertaking training on mediation. COMMENTS FROM MR. BROADWELL Mr. Broadwell is making an official visit on behalf of the Governance Committee of the Board of Governors. He has enjoyed the hospitality, the committee meetings, and appreciates the remarks made by Mr. Wilson. On behalf of the Board of Governors, he thanked the trustees for their service to the University, the state, and the students. He looks forward to working with Chancellor Bardo and the Board of Trustees in the interesting times ahead. Mr. Wilson invited Mr. Broadwell to attend Board meetings at any time. REPORT ON SELF-STUDY ACTIVITIES Dr. Prochaska reviewed the activity that has taken place in getting ready for the site visit by the reaccreditation team from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The team will visit the campus during the last week in March to verify the self-study documents that have been prepared. There have been 22 committees involving 150/160 people involved in this work over the past 16 months. Mr. Haire has ably represented the Board on the steering committee and has participated in the development of these documents. There should be no surprises when the site team arrives. Of the 460 SACS criteria, the major concern is computer technology. Western recognizes this deficiency and is addressing it as best we can. Some few suggestions for improvements surfaced in the NCAA study. The self-study document will be mailed to the printer before Christmas, and trustees and administrators will receive a copy as soon as ready. Following the visit in March, the institution will receive a draft response to the study document and can clarify any misconceptions. Dr. Prochaska thanked the faculty who have been so willing to take on these responsibilities. The SACS criteria has changed greatly in this ten-year period, the administration has kept up with the criteria, and Western is on track with where it needs to be. Dr. Prochaska does not anticipate any major problems. Mr. Haire and Mr. Wilson thanked Dr. Prochaska for his fine work, and Dr. Prochaska thanked Mr. Haire for the many contributions he has made to the process. REPORT FROM THE MARCHING BAND Mr. Buckner thanked the Board for allowing him to represent the kids in the band at this meeting. When he came to Western in 1991, there were 88 band members; this year he has 176. The music faculty has almost completely changed; there are younger, enthusiastic people willing to help recruit, and it makes his job easier. Purchases of instruments, uniforms, and a truck were wise decisions that are now coming to fulfillment. He has tried to make the band visible to North Carolina and is reaching into Georgia. At the recent Georgia Dome performance, students from 73 high schools saw and heard the band. In the next two years, the band can grow to about 200 members. The members have taken ownership of the band, teaching each other, preparing each other to be directors, handling uniforms and equipment. The band will continue to grow, and at some point could see 300-400 students from the band, the show choir, and other units on the field. Mr. Buckner appreciates the support he has been given. FINANCIAL REPORT AND BOOKSTORE AUDIT Mr. Wooten presented the financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995. The state audit has been completed and Western received a clean record with no reportable errors. Mr. Wooten reviewed the summary revenues and expenditures and said that the institution is maintaining a solid fund equity. The financial audit of the Bookstore was clean, with the performance of the store much as it has been in the past, a successful operation. The sole purpose of bookstore profits is student financial aid, and funds go both to academic and athletic scholarships. The computer purchase program offered by the Bookstore is competitive with discount stores. REPORT FROM THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Ms. Laverty hosted a meeting of the NC Association of Student Governments at WCU. They held a forum, had a call-in program on the radio, and discussed system-wide issues. The Association is working to expand on each campus areas where students can study and have computer access. The proposal is not for a 24-hour plan. Other items in progress include a general education requirement that would add women's studies and African-American studies and a university-wide standard about Internet access. The possibility of having a workshop for student trustees at the biennial Governors-Trustees conference was discussed. The last Student Senate meeting of the semester at WCU was held last week. The SGA offices will be moving to Camp Building while the University Center is being renovated. Basketball has just started, and there was a "Meet the Cats" pep rally. A program on the Christmas Store in Jackson County is being done by RA's. Other items of discussion included a parking deck, added security during evening hours, a Martin Luther King Day program, increasing recycling in the residence halls and academic buildings, a conference attended by the radio station managers, a questionnaire concerning 24-hour visitation, and the Spring Festival planned for April 13-14. The UNCSG Association divided up into two groups, with North Carolina Central as Western's "trade-off" university. REPORT FROM THE FACULTY Dr. Wright distributed a report on the recent Forum Assembly and summaries from the discussion groups. She told the trustees that the curriculum for the Ed.D. program has been reviewed and that the curriculum for Physical Therapy has been revised and sent on to Academic Affairs. The Faculty Senate has looked at international diversity in the university-wide curriculum. As a Celebration of Diversity, February will be observed as Black History Month, March as Women's Studies month, and April as International Month. A series of discussions has been held on teaching evaluations. Future activities will include a look at professional responsibility and development of a professional code of ethics. The tenure-promotion-reappointment process is underway across the campus. REPORT FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Mr. Fowler reminded the trustees of the Murphy-to-Manteo thrust and invited them to attend the meeting in Hickory on January 30. Meetings in other areas of the state are being planned and trustees are welcome to attend any. Plans are underway for creative activities to fund the Alumni Distinguished Professorship. The Alumni Board of Directors will meet on January 27 at the Ramsey Center in a joint meeting with the Board of Directors of the Catamount Club. CLOSED SESSION Open Meeting Act Mr. Bissette moved that the Board go into Closed Session to prevent the premature disclosure of an honorary award, to consult with the Board's attorney and protect the attorney-client privilege, and to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, condition of appointment of a public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. Mr. Crocker seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Mr. Wilson asked the Vice Chancellors, Dr. Dowell, and Mr. Kucharski to remain for the closed session. (Minutes of the closed session are not included here because of their confidential nature; they are, however, a part of the official minutes book.) RETURN TO OPEN SESSION Mr. McKee moved that the meeting reconvene in open session, Mrs. Blankenship seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Mr. Pine moved that personnel actions as discussed in Executive Session--reappointment of eighteen second-year faculty members, four Emeritus designations, and a resolution on sick leave--be approved. Mr. Haire seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Mr. Woody commented on a letter from former trustee Levern Allen and a gift she had sent. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to be transacted, the meeting was declared adjourned. |
