Western Carolina University - Office of the Chancellor

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on June 5, 1996, in Room 510, H.F. Robinson Building. The meeting was called to order at 2:05 p.m. by Chairman Kenneth F. Wilson.

ATTENDANCE

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

Others present included Chancellor Bardo; Vice Chancellors Carter, Dooley, Stillion and Wakeley; Dr. Dowell, Ms. Cook, and Mr. Ramsey, Assistants to the Chancellor; Dr. Wright, Chair of the Faculty; Mr. Fowler, President of the Alumni Association; Mr. Walker, President-Elect of the Alumni Association; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Mr. Reed, Director of Public Information; Mr. Travis, Director of Athletics; Mr. Ramsey, Director of the Catamount Club; and Ms. Welch, Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Crocker moved that the minutes of the March 6, 1996, meeting be approved. Ms. Key seconded the motion, and it was approved.

ELECTION OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Mr. Wilson said that a new Assistant Secretary to the Board needed to be elected. Mr. Haire nominated Ms. Terry Welch, Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor, and moved that she be accepted unanimously. Mrs. Davis seconded, and it was approved.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES

Mr. Moore gave his thanks to Mr. Kucharski, Mrs. Shuler, and Ms. Welch for their assistance to this committee. He presented the proposed changes to the by-laws to the Board (COMPLETE PROPOSED BY-LAWS ARE ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIAL). Additional proposed modifications are as follows:

Article VI-Section II-A-2-Second sentence: Remove the word "interim".

Article VI-Section II-A-2-Third sentence: Change the word "thirty" to "twenty".

Article VI-Section II-A-2-Fourth sentence: Change the word "consideration" to "ratification"

Mr. Moore said that these changes give the Executive Committee the ability to act on emergency matters in a timely manner. There has been no evidence of abuse by the Executive Committee in the past. The make-up of the Executive Committee in the proposed by-laws has a distinct composition. It consists of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board, and the Chairs of the standing committees, with the exception of the University Honors Committee.

Mr. Moore explained the committee structure in the proposed by-laws. The Executive Committee has been retained as stated. The standing committees have been organized to follow along the accountability lines of the vice chancellors. In some instances, duties have been combined where appropriate. The names of the committees have been changed to be more descriptive. New accountabilities and duties have been created for the Board. The proposed standing committees are: Academic Affairs and Personnel; Administration and Finance; Alumni and External Affairs; Student and Athletic Affairs; and University Honors. The University Honors Committee was created to function only when honorary distinctions are in order.

Some other sections of the by-laws have been modified slightly to be consistent with the changes in Article VI.

Mr. Jones expressed his concern about the word "ratification" as it pertains to the powers and actions of the Executive Committee. Much discussion of this issue followed. Dr. Bardo explained the kinds of issues that would necessitate action by the Executive Committee. These include: emergency repairs due to a natural disaster; personnel action involving immediate termination; possible property acquisition where another party is also making an offer. He explained that these would be relatively rare occasions.

As a result of this discussion, Mr. Moore suggested: Article VI-Section II-A-2-Fourth sentence- Strike the words "for discussion and ratification". This sentence should read "Any such action will be presented to the Board at its next regular meeting." Mr. Crocker suggested that Mr. Kucharski research the legal implications of giving authority to a committee of the Board to act on behalf of the Board, even though this has been the practice of the Board since its inception.

Dr. Bardo said that Section 402.B of The Code states that "Each Board of Trustees shall determine its own rules of procedure and may delegate to such committees as it may create such of its powers as it deems appropriate."

Mr. Moore then moved that the Board adopt the by-laws as presented to the Board as edited on June 5, 1996. Mr. Crocker seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Mr. Wilson thanked the committee for its work. All committees will be active and will meet quarterly. Mr. Wilson said that the committee has requested to continue its work studying the by-laws. He asked Mr. Moore for his committee to stay active and to bring back to the Board any changes or additions it may deem necessary. Mr. Moore stated that the committee will change its name from "Committee on Committees" to the "Committee on By-Laws."

REPORT OF THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Mr. McKee said that he would like to recommend that the Board endorse Dr. Bardo's proposal for an Honors College. He asked that first Dr. Bardo explain his proposal to the Board.

Dr. Bardo explained that he is proposing the Honors College as a structure with a Dean. A faculty committee will create specific policies and procedures. He is asking the Board to create the actual structure of the Honors College even though academic reorganizations are not usually brought to the Board. He said that he brought the proposal to the Board so that everyone is in the "same boat." He is proposing that the College be in Reynolds Hall which could house approximately 300 students and accommodate approximately 150 non-traditional students. The students will major in other departments. Dr. David Dorondo will chair the faculty committee. Dr. Wright stated that there have been two open forums and that there seems to be a lot of support for the College. No university in North Carolina has an Honors College.

Mr. McKee moved that the Board endorse the Honors College proposal. Mr. Haire seconded the motion.

Mr. Bissette asked what kind of problems Dr. Bardo anticipated with the College. Dr. Bardo stated that possible objections could be: elitism, takes money away from other departments, not a traditional group of students, honor students taken out of regular classrooms. Dr. Bardo stated that honors students and honors faculty and no honors classes would be the ideal situation. The purpose of this is to push forward the quality of the institution. Mr. Wilson stated that he felt this was the centerpiece of "raising the bar". He hopes that this will attract elite students from area schools.

The motion was approved unanimously.

COMMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN WILSON

Mr. Wilson read a letter of thanks from Mrs. Shuler for bestowing the Trustees' Award on her. Mr. Wilson asked that the letter be entered into the record. (LETTER ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIAL.)

Mr. Wilson reported on his trip to Raleigh with Dr. Bardo to meet with Senator Basnight and other legislators about concerns for the education budget for North Carolina . The initial house budget fell short of what the Governor had asked for. The fight has just begun on this budget. Everyone was asked to get involved in the fight for education. He urged everyone to talk to legislators.

Mr. Wilson asked Dr. Bardo to respond to the fire at the fraternity house. The Board of Governors has asked for a study of dormitories.

Mr. Wilson said that as this is the last meeting of the academic year, he is very proud of what the University and the Board of Trustees has accomplished.

COMMENTS FROM CHANCELLOR BARDO

Dr. Bardo has been at Western for a year; there was a lot of progress in some areas. Some things did not happen. A progress report on the goals of the University will be distributed before the next meeting.

A lot of things were not anticipated, among them: a hurricane and several snowstorms. Thanks to Ms. Key and Mr. Pine, the first two fully funded professorships were given. Two major sports championships were won.

Dr. Bardo mentioned several highlights of the Investiture: Bill Brown's concert, the Cullowhee children singing, the Catamount band, the Belk chair, Nichols' and Kehrberg's compositions, the luncheon.

The SACS and NCAA study showed that the University was in pretty good health. Some areas still need work: planning and assessment, student life, athletics program still a bit isolated, gender equity not formalized. We graduated 43 student athletes in May.

Dr. Bardo said that it was sad to be losing Dr. Wakeley, Dr. Dooley, Mr. Reed, and Mrs. Shuler. Dr. Dooley and Mr. Reed have agreed to stay on in a part-time capacity. Dr. Wright has finished her term and has accomplished a lot. Dr. Bardo expressed his thanks to her.

The Marching Band is exciting and the best public thing this year. We are marching 19 Sousaphones next year and approximately 210 people.

WCU was selected for special attention by General Administration to increase the number of grant proposals written. Jasper Memory and Tony Hickey worked hard, and our number of applications is up significantly. WCU may out-produce Appalachian State. Mr. Spangler pushed for summer enrollment. Malcolm Loughlin worked hard and offered 45 courses. Total enrollment is up 25%. Out-of-state enrollment is up 40%. The Olympics have helped with this.

Fall looks good. Housing applications are up 161 compared to last year. We are likely to see 35-50 FTE at the graduate level. We are suffering the budget cut this year, and, hopefully, can recoup next year. Seven National Merit scholars have committed to Western, and we are negotiating with three more. A community college articulation specialist is on board.

A new design for the Catamount and a new Battle Flag are symbols of the more aggressive image.

This year of searches has been mostly successful. A new Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and new Dean of Business are among them. Some searches have not been successful, namely, the Vice Chancellor for External Affairs and the Registrar.

Concerning the legislature, Dr. Bardo said he is writing a piece stating what we are asking the legislature to do on funding for higher education. It is not a partisan issue. We are trying to accomplish regional development in western North Carolina; the money will go here. It concerns community and region-building issues. He stated that he needs the Board's help to talk to legislators about base funding for faculty salaries and for the performing arts facility. He is asking everyone to consider fully funding the Board of Governors' proposal; it is pro-education.

He will be giving to the faculty the message to "stay the course" and to move with the general education review. Quality program has begun. He will be pushing admissions and retention services. The Student Development area will be encouraged to create much more exciting housing environments. In the Advancement area, the Murphy to Manteo tour will continue. The Loyalty Fund is doing well. There has been a 60.8% increase in the payroll deduction program for the Fund.

Dr. Bardo discussed the situation with the fraternity house in Chapel Hill. He stated the tragedy in Chapel Hill has brought into clear focus the problems with fraternities. WCU is not immune to the problems. He believes that fraternities and sororities are in the long-term best interest of WCU. It provides a real socialization function for some students, but he has some real concerns.

Sororities on this campus are still in the residence halls. The fraternities are not engaged and invested in the campus in an appropriate way. He would like to move toward an annual renewal of recognition of fraternities. Without the appropriate renewal, they cannot continue. The criteria for renewal could be security, grade point average, etc. He is very concerned with alcohol consumption and feels it has gotten out of hand. If there is tailgating at football games, it should end at kick-off. Student Development and Legal Counsel are working on policies for contractual relationships.

Dr. Bardo asked Dr. Carter to discuss the aftermath of the fire tragedy in Chapel Hill. WCU has been asked by General Administration to report on the status of fire safety in the residence halls. The residence halls at WCU do have fire systems, hard-wired smoke detector equipment, properly pressurized stairwells, exit lights and fire extinguishers. We do not, however, have sprinkler systems except in Madison Hall. By the fire code provisions, we are in compliance and are in good shape. We have had an inquiry from General Administration about fraternities, also. None of them are on property we own. The county has a fire marshal but it is not a functioning position since it is a volunteer fire department.

Mr. Crocker asked that thanks be given to the four retirees mentioned above.

INFORMATION REPORTS

Dr. Bardo reported two organizational changes that came about because of the SACS study. One, Noelle Kehrberg has been named Director of University Planning, with responsibilities for institutional research and assessment. Second, the Internal Auditor now reports to the Chancellor. He will physically move but will still be involved in fiscal affairs.

Ms. Cook reported the status of the EEOC programs. There are three areas to her job: 1)Employment-has been involved with 56 searches this year. There have been many excellent applicants 2) Statistical analysis 3)Discrimination complaints:nine sexual harassment complaints-eight have been resolved; one racial; one gender; one religious complaint; four SPA issues. She has conducted workshops on sexual harassment and gives out a sexual harassment brochure at orientation.

Mr. Ramsey gave a brief report on Catamount Club fund raising. The year has been a year of re-organization and growth for the Club. He discussed upcoming activities for Fall and Spring, the Phone-A-Thon, the Auction (which raised over $30,000 last year). Mr. Moore challenged all members of the Board to join the Catamount Club.

Mr. Travis discussed the impact of basketball on the Athletic program. He discussed the excitement created on campus and off, the impact on recruiting, ticket sales, and the marketing of merchandise. Wal-Mart is now carrying Western merchandise, only the second Wal-Mart in North Carolina to carry such merchandise. Dr. Bardo wanted to clarify the fact that no cash was given to the University as a result of going to the NCAA. The only funds given to the University were travel funds for the team, cheerleaders, coaches, etc. to attend the game. Dr. Bardo stated that he estimated that the national exposure gave WCU $4-5 million worth of free advertising.

REPORT FROM THE FACULTY

Dr. Wright said that the Faculty Senate has been active this year. The new chair is Dr. Terry Kinnear. The priorities for next year will be raising academic standards, diversification of curriculum, faculty governance, honors college, and general education. Dr. Wright thanked everyone for the past four years she has worked with the Board. Mr. Wilson thanked Dr. Wright for her service.

REPORT FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Mr. Wilson said that he has seen a dramatic change over the years in the direction of effort between the alumni and the administration. He mentioned the Manteo to Murphy project and thanked Mr. Fowler for all his work to make this come about.

Mr. Fowler said that the 14th stop on the Manteo to Murphy project will be next week with the Jackson County leadership. The next stop is June 24 in Winston-Salem and in Manteo on September 4. Mr. Fowler introduced his successor as President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Phil Walker. Mr. Walker said he will continue the efforts of Mr. Fowler and is very excited to work with Dr. Bardo.

Mr. Fowler thanked Dr. Wakeley and Dr. Bardo for allowing him to be a part of the growth of the University. He also thanked the Board for allowing the Alumni Association to have a voice in these events. He stated that he endorsed the direction of the University.

CLOSED SESSION Open Meeting Act

Mr. Moore moved that the Board go into closed session to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, condition of appointment of a public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee and to establish or instruct the staff or agent concerning the negotiation of the price and terms of a contract concerning the acquisition of real property. Mr. Jones seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Dr. Bardo asked that Dr. Dowell, Ms. Cook, and Mr. Reed stay for the beginning of the closed session. Dr. Wakeley and Dr. Carter also were present.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

Ms. Key moved that the Board return to Open Session. Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Ms. Key recommended that the Board endorse the two Board of Governors policies on amorous relationships and anti-nepotism. The Board unanimously endorsed these policies.

Ms. Key moved that actions as discussed in the closed session--ten administrative appointments, twenty-five faculty appointments, six recommendations for professor emeritus status, four recommendations for adjunct faculty, one recommendation for a leave of absence, two recommendations for multi-year coaching contracts--be approved. The motion was carried unanimously.

REPORT OF THE PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Mr. Moore recommended that the Board adopt the resolution that was discussed in closed session concerning the pursuit of the acquisition of real estate discussed. The recommendation passed unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to be transacted, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.