Members present: Debbie Beck , Jeff Bewsey, Dennis Benson, Fred Hinson, Debbie Justice, Heather List, Alvin Proffit, Judy Revere, Newton Smith, Austin Spencer, Keith Stiles.

Members Absent: Cory Causby , Debie Connelly, Joab Cotton, Chris Dahlquist, Jamie Edwards, Edward Johnson, Karen Lunnen, Dixie McGinty, Gayle Miller,Wilma Nations, Jeanine Newman, Rachel Reilly, Lauren Riggan, Kasie Setzer, Robert Vartabedian, Kathy Wong.

Guest: Dr. Bardo

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The regularly scheduled meeting of the University Advisory Council was called to order on April 13, 2004, at 3:35 p.m.

Guest Speaker, Debbie Beck; Health Services

• Debbie Beck provided an informative update for Faculty & Staff services. Highlights of the update included:
• Health Services has seen a record number of students and are receiving very favorable feedback.
• The Women's Clinic has been the most popular service. In fact, Health Services will be adding more hours & days of operation to handle the demand.
• Staff are currently gathering information to determine if the Pharmacy operation can be expanded for Fall 2004 semester.
• The EMS has become a professional service and will be relocated this summer to the bottom floor of Robertson Hall.
• Currently working to create new position, possibly in HR, to coordinate wellness training for Faculty/Staff. By doing so the University could possibly realize a cut in medical insurance costs.
• The UNC System is looking at requiring students to have Health Insurance as a condition of enrollment. Health Insurance is currently available to students through the University at a cost of $689/year.
• Health Services is looking at creative ways to generate increased revenue so that they can expand services.

Health Services should wrap up their accreditation process this summer.

Proposal for Finding Dedicated Training Space, Keith Stiles

• Dr. Barksdale in University Planning has been charged with identifying space.

Parking Fine Proposal Update, Keith Stiles
Keith Stiles received a response from Mr. McAbee concerning the letter he sent containing the UAC proposal. The response was positive and Mr. McAbee indicated he would be willing to meet with the Traffic & Security Committee.

Students Writing Parking Tickets Update, Keith Stiles
Keith received a response from Mr. McAbee to the letter sent stating our position about students writing parking tickets. It was felt that Mr. McAbee did not provide a solution in his response and that he did not address our concern about the safety of students involved in this activity.

Christmas Holiday Proposal Update, Keith Stiles

• Executive Council approved the revised Holiday Schedule as submitted.

UAC Endorsement of Student Mentoring Program, Keith Stiles

• Keith presented a proposal that had been developed for the First-year Student Mentoring Program. Components of the proposal included:
• Training for mentors. Currently working on training materials that will be administered through Training Tuesdays sessions.
• Over 200 students have expressed an interest in having a mentor.
• Recruitment for mentors will begin soon
• It is important to note that the mentoring relationship will not involve academic counseling or advising.
• Student Affairs will administer the program which is scheduled to begin in Fall 2004 term.
• Proposal was accepted by UAC membership as submitted.

UAC Officer Elections Update, Keith Stiles

• The Executive Committee will develop a slate of officers to present to membership before the next meeting which is scheduled for May 4, 2004. Elections will be held at that time.

Administrative Update, Dr. Bardo.

• Provost search update
• The Provost search candidate pool has reached 79 applicants. That pool has been narrowed down to 7 and those will be interviewed at the airport.

• Women's Basketball
• There has been a lot of interest in this vacant position. Expect to wrap up search in about 10 days.

• Enrollment for Fall 2004
• Approaching 5,000 applications. Estimate that freshman class will be between 1650 – 1750. Expecting a total headcount in the range of 8200 – 8400.

• NC Legislature action
• Dr. Bardo warned that we may hear some rumors about what legislators are proposing to provide for WCU in near future. He provided us with his list of what we are in fact wanting. Those items include:
• A new College of Education Building
• Hospitality Management Building
• Allied Health Building

• Master Plan
• Dr. Bardo indicated that there was a new train of thought now concerning the proposed Millenium Campus. It is now being proposed that the Millenium Campus be integrated into the current campus rather than being a stand alone entity. The new thinking is moving towards a Millenium Initiative and a suggestion has been made to have a Jackson County Forum to hear concerns of Jackson County residents.
• University Master Plan will need to be re-examined.

• Dr. Bardo said he anticipates some type of salary action form the Legislature this year.
• SACS Accreditation is coming up.

Faculty Senate Update, Newt Smith

• Newt reported that this is a very busy time for Faculty Senate. The following are items currently being addressed:
• Elections were held last week and they are planning meetings for April 21 & April 28.
• Formation of an Advising Task Force.
• Issues concerning current drop/add policy.
• Report by Technology infrastructure task force.

Student Government Update, Heather List

• SGA elections will be held on April 14 during the International Festival.
• Budget hearings will be next week.
• Miss WCU pageant to be held as a fund raiser.
• April 28 th will hold awards dinner.
• Tree planting ceremony will be held on April 29 th .
• Development of new councils within SGA. FLIP (Freshman Leaders in Progress) is being formed to get freshmen more involved in the SGA and to provide leadership training. SLAB (Student Leaders Advisory Board).

Staff Forum Update, Dennis Benson

• Dennis reported that the Staff Forum would be conducting elections on-line on April 15 th and election of new officers will take place during April 27 th meeting.
• Dennis also reported that the Staff Forum scholarship will appear for the first time on the Combined Campaign form.

Open Comments

• Keith congratulated Judy Revere on passing her comprehensive graduate examinations and Newt Smith for being re-elected as Faculty Senate Chair.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at 3:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeff Bewsey