Western Carolina University - Office of the Chancellor

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on March 4, 1997, in Room 510, H.F. Robinson Building. The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Chairman Kenneth F. Wilson.

ATTENDANCE

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

Others present included Chancellor Bardo; Vice Chancellors Carter, Dooley, Collings and Jacobs; Dr. Dowell, Ms. Cook, Mr. Ramsey, Assistants to the Chancellor; Dr. Kinnear, Chair of the Faculty; Mr. Walker, President of the Alumni Association; Mr. Messer, President-Elect of the Alumni Association; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Mr. Travis, Director of Athletics; Dr. Kehrberg, Director of University Planning; Mr. Rowell, Acting Director of Public Information; and Ms. Welch, Assistant Secretary to the Board.

WELCOME

Mr. Wilson welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Dr. Carter for the excellent tour of the renovated University Center.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Jones pointed out one correction in the minutes, on page three, under REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BY-LAWS. The second sentence should read "He stated that the by-laws as presented (dated 12-4-96)..." Mr. Pine moved that the minutes be approved as amended. Mr. Crocker seconded the motion, and it was approved.

REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Mr. Moore presented the proposed increases in parking regulations which have been recommended by the Traffic and Security committee. Mr. Moore explained that these increases are not to increase revenues but to act as a further deterrent because of the increase in non-compliance.

Mr. Moore moved that the new fee schedule be adopted. Mr. Woody seconded the motion. Discussion followed. These new fees would go into effect in the Fall of 1997. Detailed discussion followed concerning the footnotes and specifics of the fee schedule. Some changes in the schedule were made.

Mr. Moore amended his motion to move that the fee schedule for parking and traffic violations be approved as amended by removing the footnotes and replacing them with the words "These violations are or may additionally be subject to prosecution in state criminal or civil court". Mr. Woody seconded, and it was carried unanimously.(FEE SCHEDULE AS AMENDED ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIAL).

Mr. Moore updated the Board on the progress of several design projects. The Camp Lab project has gone to bid. The Fine Arts Center contract has been successfully negotiated with the state design team.

REPORT OF THE ALUMNI, HONORS, AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Mr. Haire reported two action items. The first is the naming of the Cherokee (Awihsvnv) Garden. It is located between Stillwell and the Natural Science Building.(FURTHER INFORMATION ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIAL). Mr. Haire moved that the garden be so named. Mr. Pine seconded, and it was approved unanimously. The dedication of the garden will be July 24, 1997.

The second item concerned the naming of the large classroom/auditorium in the Natural Sciences Building in honor of Dr. Newton Turner. (FURTHER INFORMATION ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIAL). Mr. Haire moved that the auditorium be so named. Mr. Crocker seconded, and it was approved unanimously.

Mr. Haire presented some information on honorary doctorate degrees. WCU is the only university in the system that does not confer these degrees. The committee has received preliminary information on honorary degrees. Mr. Haire asked for any input on this topic. The committee will be presenting proposed policies for conferring honorary degrees at the next meeting.

REPORT OF THE STUDENT AND ATHLETIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Mr. Crocker reported on some informational items. He explained that Dr. Jacobs was going to pass out some information on initiatives being done by Student Development. Dr. Jacobs explained the relationship statement that was being developed for fraternities. Work is being done with student leaders and with advisors to be prepared for any problems that may arise. Mr. Crocker stated that he felt that these matters were being handled responsibly by Student Development.

Mr. Crocker asked Mr. Travis to report on Athletics. Mr. Travis said that 102 student athletes received academic awards for a 3.0 average or better and seven student athletes had a 4.0. There have been 11,000 hours in study hall time. The Catamount Club fund-raisers are going well. The men's football coaching staff is now complete with four new coaches, two of whom are minorities.

Mr. Crocker stated that things seem to be going well. There have been some trials but we have gotten through them.

COMMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN WILSON

Mr. Wilson attended the Board of Governors meeting in January when Governor Hunt addressed the group. The Governor stated that much of his attention will be towards secondary education in his coming term.

Mr. Wilson also attended the annual dinner at President Spangler's house. All sixteen board chairs were in attendance. All of the boards operate differently, and it was a good opportunity to talk with other board members. Mr. Wilson stated that he was proud to represent WCU.

Mr. Wilson complimented the Board and stated that one of his personal goals as chair had been to attain a high level of participation from the Board members, not only in time commitment but in giving. We are at a level of giving for the Board that has not been experienced before, and Mr. Wilson thanked the Board for its contributions.

COMMENTS FROM CHANCELLOR BARDO

Chancellor Bardo stated that a tremendous amount of activity has been going on. Family nights have gone well. A community college counselor retreat is upcoming; WCU is becoming active with the community colleges. Dr. Bardo sent a personal letter to all high school counselors. Hopefully, we will have more applicants next year for National Merit Finalists. We are running out of money for merit-based scholarships.

Dr. Bardo discussed WCU's ranking in the U.S. News and World Report. WCU has moved from being ranked 40th to being ranked 21st in colleges and universities in the South. He complimented the faculty on rising to the occasion and asking students to give more. We failed out 4.8% of the student body over Christmas. The average GPA for the National Merit Scholars is 3.4 which shows that they are being challenged here. WCU is now third in the UNC system in attracting National Merit Scholars.

Dr. Bardo discussed his trip with Dr. Kinnear and Mr. Moore to the AGB Conference where they heard Bill Massy speak. When Dr. Massy came to campus, he made a controversial presentation on the nature of the future of higher education. As a result of Dr. Massy's visit, Dr. Bardo has been invited to be a part of a Pew group to discuss the issues of teaching and learning.

Dr. Bardo discussed the good coverage we have received on our technology advancements. Dr. Bardo and Dr. Connelly visited the Institute for Advanced Technologies. Most of what they saw, WCU is already doing.

Dr. Bardo reported that the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band has been invited to play Disney World the day after Thanksgiving. This is the busiest day of the year at Disney.

Dr. Bardo explained that all the work that Student Development has been doing on behavioral issues will not make everyone happy. He is pleased that the Faculty Senate has endorsed behavioral polices. It is time to make a difference. He discussed the appearance of the drug Rohypnol on the campus. This is a serious drug which causes a victim to pass out and have no memory of what happened.

Dr. Bardo explained that the search for Vice Chancellor for Student Development is ongoing. Hopefully, interviews will occur in April. He announced that the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and External Affairs position will be on the agenda for approval today. He is very happy to have this vacancy filled.

Dr. Bardo reported that Dodson cafeteria has received a "B" rating. This is the second "B" rating that Marriott has received. Dr. Bardo finds this unacceptable. This is in the process of being corrected and reinspected.

Dr. Bardo reported that since December 1, $2.84 million has been donated in major gifts. We are moving beyond last year's total and at a faster pace. Catamount Club fund-raisers are ongoing, and the Phonathon is going well.

Dr. Bardo reported that six billboards were purchased in Greensboro for the Southern Conference Tournament. The alumni paid for these billboards, and they were put in prime locations. There was excellent media coverage on Thursday and Friday.

Dr. Bardo explained that the contract for the new football coach has been approved by the Executive Committee. It is a standard contract but focuses on behavioral issues in writing. Coach Bleil has 25 recruits.

Dr. Bardo asked Dr. Collings to report on enrollment. (COMPLETE ENROLLMENT INFORMATION ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIAL). The numbers are growing at the freshman level, and the quality at the freshman level is growing. SAT scores may go to 1,000 for the first time.

ADDITIONAL REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Mr. Moore reported an additional item concerning the Fine Arts Center. The committee had asked the architect to look at two other possible sites. (COMPLETE SITE ANALYSIS ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIAL). Mr. Moore reported the architect's report shows that the original site is the prime site.

SUPPLY STORE AUDIT

Dr. Carter presented the WCU Student Supply Store Financial Report for June 30, 1996. He stated that it was a clean audit. To explain an anomaly in some of the numbers, he said that even though the balance sheet shows an apparent loss of assets that the accumulated profits are moved to scholarship investment accounts as required by State statute. There has been a modest decline in sales this year due to the sales of computers last year to other campuses at discount prices. This business is not longer available to us since the other campuses now have these services. The opening of Wal-Mart had a modest effect on sales. A discussion of supply store merchandise followed. (SUPPLY STORE AUDIT ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS).

ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mr. Kucharski explained that the Board of Governors directed that each Board of Trustees conduct a self-assessment. The assessment instrument can be created by each Board. The originally set schedule for having these instruments in place has been changed. WCU is far ahead of the other institutions. The materials are ready for the Board to review. Discussion followed on the self-assessment process concerning length of time, the benefits of, etc.

Mr. Wilson mentioned that the change in the schedule for getting the assessment instrument in place probably correlates with President Spangler's retirement. He suggested that the Executive Committee look at Mr. Kucharski's materials and then come back to the Board at the next meeting with a recommendation. Discussion of this suggestion followed. Dr. Bardo suggested it would be useful to discuss these issues and then wait until the new President arrives and sets a more firm schedule for implementation. Dr. Bardo said he thought a conversation about the nature of Board of Trustees members' roles would be very useful. After discussion, it was agreed that the Fall retreat would be the proper place to discuss these issues. It was suggested that Board members who rotate off the Board this year could be invited to this retreat to help with this process. If the timetable from the Board of Governors changes, the time for the retreat might change.

REPORT FROM THE CHAIR OF THE FACULTY

Dr. Kinnear commented on the Task Force on University Governance and urged the Board to read the March 3 issue of "The Reporter". This will give a clear sense of the direction that the Task Force is heading to engage all constituents on campus in the governance process. He mentioned that Dr. Ed Penson will be back on campus. He has been a great resource in this process.

Dr. Kinnear reported on Faculty Senate actions. A resolution was approved by the Senate regarding behavioral issues. This is the first time in the Senate's history that it has approved such an issue supporting Academic Affairs, the Chancellor, and Student Development. The Honors College was unanimously approved after much discussion. Two hot issues are coming before the Senate soon: the new mission statement and the new Athletics committee.

REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Mr. Walker reported that the Alumni Board met on February 15 and adopted some resolutions relating to several projects: (1) Strategies to promote exposure to the University-$150,000 fund-raiser in 150 days. The billboard promotion is part of this promotion. Also, $50,000 will be given to the Chancellor's discretionary scholarship fund. (2)A mentoring program has been adopted-twelve sophomores have been assigned to designated alumni (3)Changes in the awards program have been implemented. The awards have been re-vamped to expand and broaden the scope. Two awards will be given at Homecoming: the Young Alumnus Award(graduate within ten years); the Distinguished Alumni Award. A third award will be given at Commencement recognizing academic and professional achievement.

Mr. Walker introduced Kenny Messer, President-Elect of the Alumni Association. He is a 1986 graduate of WCU.

REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Mr. Brock reported on his meeting with President Spangler and stated that the President was very pleased with the port by every pillow concept. He mentioned the "B" rating in the cafeteria and hopes that things will be better. The Senate should pass the new by-laws. The election for next year is on March 25. His hope is that there will be a greater turn-out for elections this time.

Mr. Brock stated that his pet project this year has been making community service a part of General Education. He has concentrated in his term on how to run a better organization and get more groups involved. He will not be running for re-election because he will be graduating in December. Mr. Wilson thanked Mr. Brock for his work this year.

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. Mr. Crocker seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Dr. Bardo asked that Dr. Collings and Dr. Carter stay for the closed session. (Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Blankenship left the meeting).

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

Mr. Pine moved that the Board return to Open Session. Mr. Jones seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.

REPORT OF THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Mr. Pine moved that the actions as discussed in the closed session--five administrative appointments, two staff appointments, five faculty appointments, four recommendations for adjunct faculty status, twenty-three first year reappointments, forty-nine three to five year reappointments, eight recommendations for tenure, and eight recommendations for promotion--be approved. Mr. Crocker seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to be transacted, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.