December 1, 2006

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

University Center Multipurpose Room December 1, 2006

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on December 1, 2006 in the Multipurpose Room of the University Center. The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Chairman Warren.

ATTENDANCE
The following members of the Board were present: Mr. Warren, Mrs. MacNeill, Mrs. Burda, Mr. Kiser, Mr. Little, Mr. Burgin, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Worley, Mrs. Wyche, and Mr. Grasty.

The following members of the Board were absent: Mr. Carlisle, Mr. Metcalf, and Mrs. Hyde.

Others present included: Chancellor Bardo; Provost Carter; Vice Chancellors Caruso, Metcalf, and Wooten; Mrs. Lynch, Chief of Staff; Dr. Beam, Faculty Senate Chair; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Mr. Smith, Director of Athletics; Mr. Frady, Staff Forum Chair; Mr. Riouff, University Advisory Council Chair; Mrs. Ashe, Administrative Assistant; Mr. Studenc, Associate Director of Public Information; Dr. Dunlap, Department Head and Professor; Amber Poling, student; Sarah Horne, student; and Ms. Welch, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Worley moved that the minutes of the September 1, 2006 regular meeting be approved as mailed. Mr. Kiser seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Mrs. Burda moved that the minutes of the September 13, 2006 telephone meeting of the Executive Committee be approved as mailed. Mrs. MacNeill seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Mr. Kiser moved that the minutes of the November 3, 2006 meeting be approved as mailed. Mr. Worley seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
Mrs. Burda asked Mr. Wooten to speak about the Mutual Assistance Agreement. Mr. Wooten stated that the agreement is between Western Carolina University and Sylva Police Department. He further stated that the agreement will benefit both entities through a sharing of resources in the event of an emergency condition or a situation involving individuals and/or vehicles affiliated with WCU Mrs. Burda moved that the Mutual Assistance Agreement between Western Carolina University and the Town of Sylva Police Department be approved. Mr. Phillips seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. (AGREEMENT ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB D-1)

Mrs. Burda stated that the WCU Board of Trustees adopted a resolution in 2005 designating non-resident undergraduate students who both accept admission on or after July 1, 2005 and begin classes on or after May 8, 2006 to be classified as a resident student for the purpose of assessing tuition if they receive a full scholarship from either the WCU Endowment Fund or the WCU Foundation. Mrs. Burda made a motion to amend the resolution to add another source of revenue, the net proceeds of athletic game guarantees. Mr. Worley seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. (RESOLUTION ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB D-2)

Mrs. Burda explained that there was a tuition and fees workshop that elicited much discussion about the planning process for the future from the Student Government Association. Mrs. Burda asked Mr. Wooten to speak about the workshop. Mr. Wooten thanked each Board member who attended the session. Mr. Wooten mentioned that Western has used an extensive process to make sure the campus is fully informed of the proposed tuition and fees. Mr. Wooten hopes the Board will include in the motion concerning fees that the University consider conducting a thorough review of the adequacy of current student health services to assure that the needs of the overall student body are being met for next year. Dr. Bardo added that there is a potential solution to modify the insurance plan to assure that there is adequate coverage on prescriptions, eye glasses, etc. He further added that as we move into the Millennium Campus that this will provide us opportunities to look at student health services in a new way.

Mr. Wooten further mentioned that adding the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program is very costly. He mentioned that Western will be charging an additional tuition fee for CRNA students to cover the cost of this program. Mr. Warren stated that he thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and thought it was the best ever. He further stated that students should have been proud of Mr. Grasty for sharing the concerns of the student body. Mr. Warren went on to say that the students’ voices are heard by the Board and that Mr. Grasty represented them well. He also mentioned that there is room for disagreement and agreement and the sharing of concerns. Mr. Warren thanked Cody for raising the concerns on behalf of his constituents. Mr. Warren made a motion to approve the tuition and fee increases including the proposed special tuition rate for students enrolled in the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program. Further, Mr. Warren recommended that the University conduct a thorough review of the adequacy of current student health services to ensure that the needs of the overall student body are being met. Specific attention should be focused on mental health services, women’s clinic services, wellness services and the cost of prescription drugs. Mr. Worley seconded the motion. Discussion followed. The motion was approved unanimously. (TUITION AND FEES DOCUMENT ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TABE D-3)

Mrs. Burda stated that the internal auditor’s report was pretty good but there are some issues with fixed assets. She further stated that the internal auditor will be forwarding reports to the AFA committee. Mrs. Burda also stated that the State auditor has completed the field work, and we have a clean audit. All departments will be accountable for fixed assets.

Mrs. Burda asked Mr. Wooten to give an update on campus construction. Mr. Wooten presented a rendering of the new residence halls that will replace Helder and Leatherwood. Mr. Wooten stated that the construction manager that was selected is very dynamic and that the construction will begin on the new residence halls and dining facility in the spring. He also stated that the Phase II demolition has begun on Stillwell Science Building. (Mrs. Burda left at 10:10 a.m.)

CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Warren moved that the Board go into closed session to prevent the premature disclosure of an honorary degree, scholarship, prize or similar award; and to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of business in the area served by this body; and to consider the qualification, competence, performance, condition of appointment of a public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee; and to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against a public officer or employee. Mrs. MacNeill seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Dr. Bardo asked that Mr. Wooten, Mr. Smith, Mr. Kucharski and Mr. Metcalf stay for the closed session.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Mr. Worley moved that the Board return to open session. Mr. Grasty seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

REPORT OF THE ADADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Mr. Worley reported that there were several action items and asked Dr. Carter to explain them. Dr. Carter stated that there is a proposed Small “c” Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The Center will be built on the existing foundation of a thriving entrepreneurship program and will provide education for and services to student, faculty, and staff entrepreneurs as well as to regional entrepreneurs. Faculty research will focus on issues of innovation, new venture creation and growth, commercialization and technology transfer, and funding. The Center faculty and staff will work with regional entrepreneurs in order to create sustainable businesses that generate jobs. The Center’s activities will include entrepreneurship curriculum, innovation and entrepreneurship bootcamp, support new commercial ventures, collaborative activities with external organizations, and innovation and entrepreneurship round table. Mr. Worley moved that the Board approve a small “c” Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Mr. Kiser seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Dr. Carter further explained the proposal that the Center for Integrated Technologies be renamed to the Center for Rapid Product Realization. The renaming of the Center for Integrated Technologies is a natural evolution which has support of our regional partners in business, industry and government state holders. The name accurately defines the center’s focus and will be more likely to attract more university and industrial partners. The name change is the first step of the move from a small c center to a big C center. WCU and NCSU have the leading capabilities in the UNC system. NCSU has more focus on researching new methods, while WCU’s focus is on utilization of latest technologies to solve current challenges in creation of new products. The name change will bring attention to WCU’s capabilities. Mr. Worley moved that the Center for Integrated Technologies be renamed to the Center for Rapid Product Realization. Mr. Burgin seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Mr. Worley also reported that the committee received an update on SACS from Carol Burton. Dr. Carter has reaffirmed the committee’s recommendations. Dr. Bardo mentioned that the State Auditor did not provide the appropriate letter to the SACS committee on time, but will have it ready in time for the on-site visit. Mr. Worley stated that there was discussion of the QEP and that there were five minor noncompliance items which are being corrected before the committee comes.

Mr. Worley mentioned that there were several routine notifications of personnel appointments.

REPORT OF THE ALUMNI, HONORS, AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mr. Phillips reported that pledges and contributions to the campaign for Western have increased more than $4.38 million since the last report, and now total more than $31 million. He further reported that, of that amount, $12,676,641 has been designated to endowments for faculty support, $7,243,294 to endowments for scholarships, and $3,881,183 to endowments for program support, and $7,209,941 has been designated for current use. Mr. Phillips also reported that contributions and pledges to endowments now exceed working targets initially established for those endowments.

Mr. Phillips stated that the Foundation Board of Directors has authorized staff to sell three lots owned by the Foundation and, upon its transfer to the Foundation, 25 acres willed to the Foundation. Mr. Phillips further stated that the net revenue will be designated for scholarship funds, as indicated by the donors.

REPORT OF THE STUDENT AND ATHLETIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mrs. MacNeill asked Mr. Grasty for a report on the SGA. Mr. Grasty reported that the SGA has started reshaping its organization by concentrating on three areas: increasing accountability, accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness. He further reported that the SGA is revamping their constitution and budget process. Mr. Grasty stated that the SGA has recommended that Dodson be changed to an all-you-can-eat facility.

Mrs. MacNeill reported that Athletics is currently involved in a complete review of the entire football program. She further stated that Western started out well in basketball and it should be interesting to watch. Mrs. MacNeill also reported that we have a new head softball coach, Christine Hornak. She also mentioned that the other sports are doing well.

Mrs. MacNeill stated that Residential Living plans to change the gender of Albright Hall from all-male to all-female, as well as change the ground floor of Buchanan Hall from all-male to all-female. She also stated that a contract has been finalized with XM Radio to provide 16 music channels to our current campus Cable TV line-up. Mrs. MacNeill mentioned that Residential Living, in collaboration with IT Services and Administration and Finance, implemented the Residential Management System as our primary room management software. She further mentioned that RMS will allow incoming freshmen to fill out (via the web) all personal preference information needed for assignments and will permit both incoming freshmen and returning residents to choose meal plans by web access as part of the room selection process.

COMMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN WARREN
Mr. Warren stated that last winter he had the honor of attending the Association of Governing Boards Conference which dealt with the concept of Boards of Trustees and their roles. He further stated that he has seen, in the last 48 hours, a Board that has healthy respect for one another, for the institution, and for concepts of principal disagreements and concerns. Mr. Warren stated that he is privileged to be the Chairman of this Board.

COMMENTS FROM CHANCELLOR BARDO AND PROGRESS REPORT ON ENROLLMENT
Dr. Bardo stated that men’s and women’s basketball is going well. He further stated that the enrollment numbers are backlogged as a result of few people processing applications. Dr. Bardo stated that the Admission office is back up to full staff. He reported that there is a new admissions director, Alan Kines, who will start December 4. Dr. Bardo mentioned that we are looking at retention and graduation goals at President Bowles’ request. He further mentioned that we are negotiating with a third party to come in and do an assessment of efficiency/effectiveness of the entire retention program. Dr. Bardo reported that we are moving toward a summer immersion program for students who might not be successful.

He mentioned that he will be doing a State of the University address in early February and will announce the campaign goal at that time. Dr. Bardo also mentioned that on Wednesday he will be speaking on the panel at the National Governors Association. He reported that he and Mr. Warren have a presentation at AGB in March on economic development in higher education.

Dr. Bardo stated that the university system’s budget process has gone forward and we are recommending our distance education funding increase to account for our enrollment. He further stated that they are recommending funding for our health and gerontological sciences facility, Hickory Consortium, and Photonics Consortium. Dr. Bardo stated that this is a favorable budget to Western.

REPORT FROM THE STAFF FORUM CHAIR
Mr. Frady reported that the Staff Forum is working on a scholarship fund which is close to the nine thousand dollar mark. He further reported that the Forum will hold a town hall meeting which has been scheduled for next week.

REPORT FROM THE FACULTY SENATE CHAIR
Dr. Beam reported that the Faculty Senate is progressing. He further reported that he has been tasked by the Senate to bring a resolution to the Board expressing its complete confidence in Dr. Carter. Dr. Bardo asked Dr. Beam to read the Resolution as follows:

FACULTY SENATE RESOLUTION
Nov. 29, 2006
The Faculty Senate of Western Carolina University formally expresses its complete confidence in the abilities, character, and academic leadership of Provost Kyle Carter.

Whereas, Chancellor Bardo, in a Nov. 21 e-mail announcement, notified the Western Carolina University community that Provost Carter is a finalist for a position at another institution of higher education, and

While we acknowledge the appeal of Provost Carter to other institutions, and wish him the best in all his future endeavors, we also sincerely hope that his immediate future involves continued service to WCU—as we hope that this unqualified expression of Faculty Senate support of his leadership might influence his decision to stay.

In his two years at Western Provost Carter has been instrumental in leading the University through the initial phases of an unusually large number of substantial and necessary academic and organizational changes—many still ongoing. Currently there are a significant number of high-level administrators (vice chancellors, deans, and directors) who have recently left the university or retired, or announced such intentions. No matter how nimble the University response, Provost Carter’s departure at a time of such organizational transition would inevitably create additional strain on an already taxed administrative system.

Provost Carter has been at WCU long enough to know the campus well, yet having been here only two years is also able to offer fresh perspectives on all of the challenges listed above, as well as a variety of additional, and ongoing, campus issues.

The Western Carolina University Faculty Senate heartily concurs with Chancellor Bardo that "Kyle has our full support as provost at Western, and should he and Sarah decide that this new opportunity is not the right match for them at this time in Kyle’s career, we will look forward to continuing our work with him on our campus."

Therefore, be it resolved that the WCU Faculty Senate hereby wholeheartedly offers its own unqualified statement of support of his leadership, and urges the Chancellor and the members of the WCU Board of Trustees to do everything reasonably possible and appropriate to encourage Provost Carter to remain at Western at this time—both for the benefit of the many initiatives in progress and for the overall health of this institution.

Mr. Warren expressed admiration of Dr. Carter and his performance as Provost.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Mr. Grasty moved to adjourn the meeting, Mr. Phillips seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m.