The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on June 10, 1998, in Room 510, H.F. Robinson Building. The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Chairman Moore.

ATTENDANCE

The following members of the Board were present: Mr. Woody, Ms. Key, Mr. Apodaca, Mr. Jones, Mr. Wiggins, Mr. Crocker, Mr. Haire, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Moore, Mrs. Blankenship. The following members of the Board were absent: Mr. Walker, Mr. Bissette.

Others present included: Chancellor Bardo; Vice Chancellors Carter, Caruso, Collings, and Eldridge; Dr. Dowell, Assistant to the Chancellor ; Dr. Gordon Mercer, representing the Faculty Senate; Mr. Dave Fowler, representing the Alumni Association; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Ms. Marcia Girton, Associate Athletic Director; Mr. Bill Studenc, Assistant Director of Public Information; Dr. Frank Prochaska, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Mr. Joe Monroe, former SGA President; Mr. Ed Broadwell, Board of Governors member, and Ms. Welch, Assistant Secretary to the Board.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Crocker moved that the minutes of the March 4, 1998 meeting be approved. Mr. Jones seconded the motion, and it was approved. Mr. Woody moved that the minutes of the April 30, 1998 Executive Committee meeting be approved and that the action taken at this meeting also be approved. Mr. Apodaca seconded the motion, and it was approved.

REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Mr. Woody reported that the committee had met to interview architects for the Hinds University Center addition and for the Workforce Development Center. He reported that the committee had interviewed three firms.

Mr. Woody stated that the committee moved to recommend Lee Nichols and Hepler to design the University Center addition. Mr. Apodaca seconded the motion. Mr. Moore asked for discussion.

Mr. Woody reported that the firm is from Charlotte. He explained that the architect needed to understand the programs and functions of the building. This firm has done a lot of student centers, has written extensively in the field, and far outshone the other firms. Dr. Bardo reported that the firm does a lot of work nationally. They understand the University system. Approximately 31,000 square feet will be added to the University Center. This need has been based on surveys of students for their needs. It will include retail spaces, a movie theatre showing art films, etc., a multicultural center, meeting spaces. It will be a self-liquidating project, approximately $4.5 million.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Mr. Woody explained that the committee had also interviewed architects for the Western North Carolina Regional Workforce Development Center(also known as the High Tech Center). This will house much of our high tech education. He explained that the committee was looking for an architect who understood what needed to go inside the building. He stated that they interviewed three excellent firms and that the decision was tough. He stated that the committee moved to recommend the firm of Jenkins and Peer to design the Western North Carolina Regional Workforce Development Center. Mr. Crocker seconded the motion.

Dr. Bardo explained that this was a federally funded facility. The cost will be approximately $8.5 million. The money will come from grants obtained from Congressman Charles Taylor and from the Economic Development Administration. The facility is oriented towards making sure that students who need education have the opportunity to develop their work skills. Two major growth areas for the nation are communication and electronics for future employment. We will coordinate with the community colleges to supplement what they do. What is inside is more important than the exterior.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Mr. Woody asked Dr. Bardo to comment on the food service contract. Dr. Bardo stated that the five-year contract with Marriott was up. We have recommended to the State, and the State has accepted, our recommendation to change food service. The new food service will be Aramark starting July 1. The Aramark financials were better and they spoke directly to the issue of how to improve satisfaction of the students. The core issue was student satisfaction. We are excited about what Aramark is doing. They will have Little Caesar's pizza, a Starbucks late night coffeehouse, a Krispy Kreme doughnut store. They are refocusing Dodson on display cooking.

Mr. Woody asked Dr. Carter to comment on the Governor's budget recommendations. Dr. Carter reported that the recommendation is a fairly conservative proposal, including a 4% salary increase for employees , a 2% bonus for teaching faculty, a 1% bonus for non-teaching employees. Also included is funding of enrollment growth for the University system. Recommendations for funds for matching funds for distinguished professorships, funding for information tech for outreach to public schools, $13.5 million for distance learning, removal of 1% reversion, $2 million for libraries are other parts of the budget recommendations.

Mr. Woody asked Dr. Carter to update the settlement in the Bailey case between the State and retirees. The potential cost to the state to refund money to the retirees is $1.1 billion. An agreement has been reached between the legislature and the retirees. The State will pay $400 million in 98-99 FY and an additional $399 million on July 15, 1999. The total settlement is just under $800 million. The agreement has to go through the appropriations process. It is not clear what this will mean.

Mr. Woody asked Dr. Carter to report on the agreement between WCU and the sheriff . Sheriff Cruzan is interested in his department having a mutual aid agreement with WCU. This would enable the officers on each force to assist each other in a circumstance where lives are in jeopardy. The agreement has been made and is limited to circumstances of civil disturbances or imminent danger of lives of police officers. The agreement will be signed shortly. Sheriff Cruzan has been very helpful with the University.

Mr. Moore welcomed Ed Broadwell, Board of Governors member. He thanked Mr. Broadwell for his interest. Mr. Moore also welcomed Dave Fowler, Marcy Girton, and Gordon Mercer.

REPORT OF THE ALUMNI, HONORS, AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Ms. Key reported on the Camp Lab Building. Ms. Key stated that the committee moved to recommend that the Camp Lab Building be named the "University Outreach Center", and that the road name be changed from "Camp Lab Road" to "University Way". Mr. Apodaca seconded the motion.

Discussion followed. Ms. Key stated that the programs that will be moving into this building have to do with outreach(Continuing Education, Mountain Resource Center, Developmental Evaluation Center, etc.) Mr. Moore stated that these names are innocuous and could be changed later as the purpose of the building develops. The building was never really named, just the school. So, this would be really naming it for the first time. We will put a brass plaque in front to memorialize the school.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Ms. Key reported that we are still talking with the legislature about the Fine and Performing Arts Center. She encouraged everyone who knows a legislator to take a brochure and send legislators a note. The Atlanta Ballet is coming to Western on June 27.

Ms. Key asked Dr. Eldridge to report on the Chancellor's Regional Roundtable. Dr. Eldridge reported that the Roundtable is a new initiative featuring the Chancellor and other University units. This will involve business, corporate, civic, educational leaders from the region for a breakfast meeting four times a year. The purpose would be to have a dialogue on University academic programs, student retention, etc. and serve as emissaries back to their communities on these issues. Hopefully, this will impact recruitment. Dr. Eldridge discussed the group and the terms of the group(COPY ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIAL). Her office is forming a pool of people to rotate into this group. She encouraged Board members to suggest additional people for the group.

Ms. Key reported that the Catamount Club Auction will be June 20. They are still happy to take donations for items.

REPORT OF THE STUDENT AND ATHLETIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Mr. Haire reported that the committee moved to approve that the SGA constitution raise the GPA requirement from 2.0 to 2.5 for president and vice president of SGA. For background, Mr. Haire explained that the SGA passed this resolution in the spring. There was confusion, however, about whether the Board of Trustees needed to approve this resolution. The election was challenged and the judicial council of SGA voided the election on the grounds that the resolution to raise the GPA had not been approved by the Board. The SGA by-laws are being reviewed this summer. For now, the Board needs to move on this resolution so elections can be held in the fall. Mr. Jones seconded the motion. (Mr. Moore welcomed Mr. Monroe to the meeting).

The motion was approved unanimously.

Mr. Haire reported that the committee moved to approve that the name of the "Student Development" division be changed to "Student Affairs" effective immediately. Ms. Key seconded the motion.

Mr. Haire asked Dr. Caruso to explain. Dr. Caruso stated that his division is in the preliminary stages of re-organization. Some principles that will guide this re-organization are: SACS recommendations, preservation of student life/student development focus, renewed interest in recruitment and retention, and attention to multicultural student populations. The term "Student Affairs" is a more inclusive term. In the re-organization, they are looking for clustering of activities which make sense, titles which are meaningful and career- enhancing.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Mr. Haire welcomed Marcy Girton and asked her to comment. Ms. Girton reported that this has been the first year Athletics was able to allocate staff for involvement in academic programs. They have created a study hall program for all freshmen. There has been an excellent response to increased involvement of the staff. Female athletes are doing well in classrooms.

Mr. Crocker asked about Division I schools settlement with restricted coaches' salaries. This will affect WCU. There has been lawsuit from restricted earnings coaches. The final tally could be $67 million. We don't know yet how this will affect us.

Mr. Haire reported that 63 athletes earned a 3.0 or better; fifty-seven percent of athletes had 2.5 or better.

Mr. Crocker asked about the Director of Multicultural Affairs search. Dr. Caruso reported that Brian Bridges is leaving. We are in the advertising process for this position.

(Mr. Wiggins left at 3:15 p.m.)

COMMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN MOORE

Mr. Moore reported on the self-assessment process mentioned last year. We now have a schedule on the assessment process for chancellors. In even years on our campus, the Board will be evaluating the performance of the Chancellor internally. The Chair will appoint a review committee that will look at how the process should occur and how to involve the Board in that review. This committee will solicit input from Board members and put together a formal report for President Broad this year by the end of August. (The time frame for this assessment will be moved up earlier in the year in the future). Then the Chair, the Chancellor , and the President will go over this assessment report. The committee will share with the Board the final results in September. Every fourth year, an assessment will occur involving other constituencies including faculty, staff, administrators, etc. under the auspices of a trustee-appointed committee. Trustee self-assessment will occur every other year. Dr. Roy Carroll will be the liaison with President Broad. Dr. Bardo suggested that for the campus-wide assessment, a professional consultant help with this assessment.

Mr. Broadwell stated that the Board of Governors will be reviewing the President and also performing its own self-assessment.

Mr. Moore discussed the assessment vehicle. Mr. Moore stated that he would like to appoint Ms. Key and Mr. Woody to serve on this ad hoc review committee that Mr. Moore will chair. Mr. Moore asked that the Board ratify this committee. Mr. Jones so moved; Mr. Crocker seconded. It was approved unanimously.

Mr. Moore shared his activities representing the Board. He mentioned the Harrah's presentation on campus along with the tribe to the Cherokee studies professorship. He attended the inaugural dinner and ceremony for President Broad. He mentioned Commencement in May. He visited with Senator Basnight and others and delivered greetings. He had a good visit with the Senator. He also attended a legislative breakfast. He discussed the Foundation Board meeting that he attended.

Mr. Moore congratulated Mr. Haire for his success in the primary election and wished him success in the November election.

Mr. Moore reported that the Board is now 100% in its giving efforts to University advancement efforts.

Mr. Moore reported that since Mr. Crocker needed to leave early that the Board would go ahead with the Academic Affairs and Personnel Committee report.

CLOSED SESSION   Open Meeting Act

Mr. Crocker 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. Jones seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Dr. Bardo asked that Dr. Collings and Mr. Broadwell stay for the closed session.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

Mrs. Blankenship moved that the Board return to Open Session. Mr. Jones seconded, and it was approved unanimously.

REPORT OF THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Mr. Crocker moved that the actions as discussed in closed session--fifteen administrative appointments, twenty-one faculty appointments, three staff appointments, six recommendations for affiliate faculty status, two recommendations for professor emeritus status, one recommendation for adjunct faculty status, and one request for leave of absence--be approved. Mr. Apodaca seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

COMMENTS FROM CHANCELLOR BARDO

Dr. Bardo reported that there are a number of items on the Board of Governors and the UNC system agenda. He stated that if something hasn't been approved by the Board of Governors, we don't talk about it. It is in all of our best interests that continuation funding of 6% for the faculty is critical. The technology initiative is very important. The endowed professor matching fund is very important. We have a fifth professorship waiting for a match. The Fine and Performing Arts Center is crucial.

Dr. Bardo reported that The Dean in the Honors College is pushing things and moving things. We opened the Honors College with about two times as many students as we thought. The average SATS will be around 1180 in the College. The Dean is also pushing undergraduate research and overall raising standards.

Dr. Bardo stated that we are making moves in areas of admissions and marketing. Alceste Pappas and Associates, national consulting firm, will assist us in marketing position, retention, etc. We still have the worst retention rate in the system, but we will try to fix it. Dr. Bardo did a presentation on our enrollment situation. Since the Board may be getting enrollment questions, Dr. Bardo wants them to be informed.

(Mr. Crocker left at 4:15 p.m.)

Dr. Bardo explained where we should go with new admissions standards and why. He has proposed that we raise the standards again to 2.4 GPA and 870 SAT. The Faculty Senate concurs with these new standards.

Dr. Bardo asked Dr. Prochaska to describe our new learning communities program. Dr. Prochaska explained that twelve percent of the entering freshmen have been placed in learning communites for the fall. Twenty-twenty-three students are taking four classes as a group. Faculty will correlate curricula of these four classes. There is a peer tutor in each class who will be living with them. Dr. Bardo explained learning contracts. If we believe that suspended students have shown academic potential, we offer them a specific learning contract for the next semester. Dr. Prochaska explained the pilot program for learning contracts. If these programs are successful, we will go full-scale next year.

(Mrs. Blankenship left at 4:30 p.m.)

Dr. Bardo discussed fund-raising efforts. He explained that our endowments are up 112% since 1995. There are now five endowed professorships. The Catamount Club broke 3,500 members. The recruitment year for all sports has been good. We are seeing the effect of young, aggressive coaches.

Dr. Bardo reported that master planning is underway.

Dr. Bardo stated that the State has mandated a span of control study. The State has discovered that higher education has more supervisors per subordinate than other agencies. We will be doing a study of this.

Dr. Bardo reported that the team with Dr. Pappas' consulting firm will be here in the end of June.

REPORT FROM THE CHAIR OF THE FACULTY

Dr. Gordon Mercer presented the report for Dr. Kinnear. He stated that he appreciated the opportunity to be here. He reported that Dr. Kinnear is in California and is leading a seminar on spirituality. He stated that the faculty is extremely pleased with the Chancellor's leadership and with the shared governance they have been enjoying. He cannot say enough good things.

Dr. Mercer mentioned the computer requirement. He is appreciative of the Board's work in this area. The faculty is getting ready. They have been involved in good training programs.

Dr. Mercer stated that he appreciates the Board's work on prioritizing salaries.

He stated that the faculty has concerns about privacy on computers. This has been true on all sixteen campuses. He thanked the Board for the opportunity for the chair of the Senate to come to meetings.

Mr. Moore asked Dr. Prochaska to talk about the status of the computer requirement implementation. Dr. Prochaska stated that the implementation team has been working hard for the past eight months to get ready. Last January, the faculty center began faculty workshops. Over half the faculty who will be teaching freshmen have already participated. He discussed the "Jump Start" program. This will be 2 two-hour sessions required of all new freshmen the couple of days before classes start. There will be advisors on how to use computers living in residence halls. Hopefully, in the first week the majority of freshmen will be up and running. Dr. Prochaska stated that in the June orientation sessions the two vendors, NEC and Macintosh, will be here. The bookstore will be there, taking orders. The computers will be built for Western and will be shipped to the students' homes in July. They feel that they have done everything they could think of to make it happen. There will be seminars available throughout the semester. Dr. Bardo stated that 112 new computers have been purchased for faculty working with freshmen so that faculty will have machines equal to or better than students have.

Mr. Moore asked Mr. Broadwell to speak. Mr. Broadwell gave a welcome from the Board of Governors. He is Vice Chairman of the Governance Committee and asked to have Western as a campus he wants to be close with. He thanked the Board members for the work they have done. He stated that there is a lot of energy here which is exciting.

ADJOURNMENT