Western Carolina University - Office of the Chancellor

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on September 6, 1995, in the Board Room of the University Administration Building. The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by Chairman Stephen W. Woody.

ATTENDANCE

The following members of the Board were present: Mr. Bissette, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Crocker, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Haire, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Key, Ms. Laverty, Mr. McKee, Mr. Moore, Mr. Pine, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Woody.

Others present included Chancellor Bardo; Vice Chancellors Carter, Dooley, Stillion, and Wakeley; Dr. Dowell 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. Reed, Director of Public Information, and Mr. Haskett and Mr. Studenc of his staff; Mr. Travis, Director of Athletics; and Mrs. Shuler, Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor.

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

District Court Judge Danny Davis, a Western alumnus, conducted the swearing-in ceremony for the new and reappointed trustees in the class of 1999: Mr. Bissette, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Crocker, Mr. Jones, Mr. Moore, and Mr. Woody.

CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS

Mr. Woody called the meeting to order and welcomed Ms. Laverty, Mr. Bissette, Mr. Crocker, Mr. Jones, and Dr. Bardo to Western Carolina University and extended best wishes for their association with the institution.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Upon motion by Mr. Pine, seconded by Mr. McKee, minutes of the April 28, 1995, meeting were approved as distributed.

ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS

Mr. Woody asked for nominations for Chairman of the Board. Mr. Pine nominated Mr. Wilson, and Mr. McKee seconded the motion. Mr. Crocker then moved that nominations close, Mr. Bissette seconded the motion, and it was approved. Mr. Wilson was elected by acclamation and assumed the chair.

Mr. Wilson asked for nominations for Vice Chairman of the Board. Mr. Pine nominated Mr. Moore, and Mrs. Key seconded the motion. Mrs. Blankenship nominated Mr. Haire, and Mr. Jones seconded the motion. The vote was seven for Mr. Moore, four for Mr. Haire. Mr. Haire congratulated Mr. Moore and asked that the record indicate a unanimous vote for Mr. Moore.

Mr. Wilson then asked for nominated for Secretary. Mr. Moore moved that Mrs. Blankenship continue as Secretary. Mrs. Davis seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

REPORT OF PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Mr. Wilson reported that the Property and Buildings Committee had discussed the Hinds University Center bids which were let during the past summer and came in more than a million dollars over the estimate. Through redesign of some phases of the project and dedication of more monies, a total project cost of $5.05 million has been obtained. The portion to be borrowed from a bank remains at $3.8 million, to be retired with a $45 student fee. The following additional funds will be committed from existing reserves: $400,000 from food service; $300,000 from University Center; and $100,000 from vending.

Dr. Carter said that bids will be taken from commercial banks and that the loan will be spread over a 15-year period. No state appropriations can be used in this type of project.

Upon motion by Mr. Haire, seconded by Mr. Pine, the method of financing was unanimously approved.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Mr. Wilson said he appreciated the opportunity to serve the Board and the institution as its chairman and thanked the trustees for their trust in him. He pledged his devotion and commitment to the University during his term of office.

Mr. Wilson announced the Board of Governors' conference for trustees on October 11-12 in Boone and encouraged all members of the Board to attend.

Mr. Wilson then discussed with the trustees the memorandum from Mr. Neill, Chairman of the Board of Governors, regarding a system-wide policy on sexual misconduct. Western issued an executive memorandum (EM 95-110) in May of 1995 specifically addressing this concern, and the appropriate paragraph concerning amorous relationships was read to the trustees. It is Dr. Bardo's understanding that this memorandum is consistent with the Board of Governors' regulations, and a copy of EM 95-110 was distributed to the trustees.

Following further discussion, Mr. Jones moved that the Board go on record in favor of the policy adopted by the administration as set forth in EM 95-110. Mr. Pine and others seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

CHANCELLOR BARDO'S COMMENTS

Dr. Bardo appreciates the support he has received and is glad to be here. It has been a smooth transition and everything seems to be going well.

Opening of school went very well. On move-in day some 200 volunteers showed up to help residents move in; Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver was one of those who assisted. There has been a lot of good feedback about this activity. The "Valley Bally-hoo" attracted over 2000 students and other guests and again good feedback has been received. There was a party at Ramsey Center which about 700 early arrivals attended. All in all, a typical opening of fall semester, and a good one.

The new viewbook to be used for student recruitment is an absolutely stunning booklet, and the "Fast Facts" document put together by Doug Reed's shop is another piece of quality work. Thanks were expressed to the Public Information staff.

Athletics:Dr. Bardo attended the football game at Clemson and was proud of the Western team and coaches. They played hard and maintained their dignity even though they lost the game. Volleyball will begin for the Catamount women on September 15.

The marching band has 170 members and new uniforms this year. Plans are underway to do a CD of their music during the fall semester.

Dr. Bardo thanked Mr. Woody and Mr. Fowler for their assistance with the seven receptions held in this region as a part of the "Murphy to Manteo" introduction of Dr. Bardo. More than 750 people attended these receptions. There have been a number of other functions within the region, and Dr. Bardo has spoken with civic clubs and attended press luncheons.

The opening faculty meeting was a good one, and 114 department heads attended a leadership retreat to explore future direction of the institution and look at the mission and goals. Annual action goals will be developed and will be shared with the Board, and an assessment will be made at the end of the year. There will be a Faculty Forum on September 28 to discuss teaching and learning.

A series of "random teas" will be held, with approximately 15 staff, faculty, or students invited to attend each time. Selection will be made by random, and attendees may discuss whatever they wish.

Increased attention is being given to Development functions. Use of the Chancellor's Box for football games will be handled differently, and the emphasis will be placed on "friend raising."

New members of the Board of Governors visited the campus, and much positive feedback was received.

Planning for use of the Camp Building is proceeding.

Faculty have received some major recognitions in the past few days: Dr. Karl Nicholas received a Fulbright award to the Czech Republic; Dr. Christine Stevens was named an Outstanding Health Educator; Dr. Ken Wink and Dr. Charles Stevens were honored by the North Carolina Political Science Association.

Major searched are on-going for a vice chancellor, two deans, a director of admissions, and a registrar.

The fall enrollment is not quite up to the funding level, and corrective actions are being planned for the spring semester.

REPORT FROM THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Ms. Laverty commented on the "Valley Bally-hoo" and said financing for it is being reviewed. Student Senate elections have been held, with 13 seats filled by commuters and two at large persons. She is trying to maintain diversity across the appointments she makes. She and Vice President Rhonda Cole have attended two leadership retreats which were very beneficial. A recycling committee has been appointed and work is underway on Homecoming. Also, a search is underway for a general manager for the campus radio station. Ms. Laverty is hoping to have students more interested in and involved with enhancing the feeling of community.

REPORT FROM THE FACULTY

Dr. Wright told the Trustees that the resolution regarding a system-wide policy on amorous relationships will be presented to the Faculty Senate for endorsement. She invited the trustees to the Forum Assembly on teaching and learning on September 28. The Faculty Senate will be looking at its role and mission during this year and its involvement in the governance structure. Also, the Senate will explore the purpose of general education and attempt to ensure that technology is used in all general education courses . Dr. Wright looks forward to working with the Board this year.

REPORT FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Mr. Fowler congratulated the new members of the Board and thanked Mr. Woody for including the Alumni Association in the regional receptions to introduce Dr. Bardo. A lot of good exposure has been realized from these gathering. The next reception is scheduled in Charlotte on November 13, and trustees are welcome to attend. The Alumni Board will be meeting on September 16 to discuss some more ambitious undertakings, and again trustees are welcome to attend.

Mr. Haire commented on the visit from the Court of Appeals scheduled for September 29-30 and said it is a great opportunity to put Western in the spotlight.

CLOSED SESSION Open Meeting Act

Mr. Pine moved that the Board go into Closed Session to prevent the disclosure of privileged information, 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. Woody seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

(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. Woody moved that the meeting reconvene in open session.

REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Mr. Pine moved that personnel actions as discussed in Executive Session--nine administrative appointments, 49 faculty appointments, eight staff appointments, seven coaching appointments, one adjunct professor appointment, one designation of professor emeritus, and one title change--be approved. Mr. Crocker seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

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