December 3, 2004

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Room 510, H.F. Robinson Building December 3, 2004

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on December 3, 2004, in Room 510, H.F. Robinson Building. The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Chairman Walker.

ATTENDANCE
The following members of the Board were present: Mr. Walker, Mr. Warren, Mr. Kiser, Mrs. Burda, Mrs. Wyche, Mr. Carlisle, Mr. Burgin, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Plexico, and Ms. List.

The following members of the Board were absent: Mrs. MacNeill, Mr. Worley, and Mrs. Hyde.

Others present included: Chancellor Bardo; Provost Carter; Vice Chancellors Wooten, Caruso, and Metcalf; Mrs. Lynch, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor; Dr. Franke, CIO; Mr. Smith, Athletic Director; Mr. Riouff, Chair of the Staff Forum; Mr. Studenc, Associate Director of Public Information; Mr. Kucharksi, Legal Counsel; Mr. Barksdale, Director of University Planning; Dr. Smith, Chair of the Faculty; and Ms. Welch, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Kiser moved that the minutes of the September 3, 2004 regular meeting, the minutes of the September 17, 2004 telephone meeting of the Executive Committee, the minutes of the October 19, 2004 telephone meeting of the Executive Committee, and the minutes of the November 5, 2004 special meeting be approved as mailed. Mr. Burgin seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

CLOSED SESSION
Mrs. Burda moved that the Board go into closed session to prevent the premature disclosure of an honorary degree, scholarship, prize or similar award and to establish or instruct the staff or agent concerning the negotiation of the price and terms of a contract concerning the acquisition for real property and to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, condition of appointment of a public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. Mr. Warren seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Dr. Bardo asked that Mr. Wooten and Dr. Carter stay for the closed session.

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

REPORT OF THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Mr. Warren explained that Dr. Paul Evans had given a presentation on a proposal to establish a Small “c” Center for Broadband Applications and National Broadband Test Bed. Mr. Warren moved that the Board accept the proposal to establish a Small “c” Center for Broadband Applications and National Broadband Test Bed. Mr. Kiser seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. (PROPOSAL ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB C-1)

Mr. Warren stated that a second proposal was presented by Dr. Ken Burbank. The proposal is to establish a Small “c” Center for Adaptive Devices. Mr. Warren moved that the Board accept the proposal to establish a Small “c” Center for Adaptive Devises. Mrs. Burda seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. (PROPOSAL ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB C-2)

Mr. Warren gave an overview of the activities involving the Academic Affairs and Personnel Committee. He reported the following appointments: 1 administrative appointment; 5 faculty; 7 staff; 2 Professor Emeritus; 2 adjunct faculty; and 27 second year reappointments.

REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMITTEE
Mrs. Burda reported that the proposed local tuition and fees were discussed in detail at a workshop that was held yesterday. A power point presentation explaining each fee and the reasons for adjusting that fee were reviewed and discuss. Staff members representing each fee request were present to answer questions and provide further explanation for any proposed fee request. Vice Chancellors Wooten and Caruso met with student leaders to explain the proposed increases and to seek their endorsement for the proposed increases. The consensus of the student group was to support the fee request. A copy of the presentation has been provided to each board member. It was the consensus of the members present at the workshop to accept the fee proposal as presented. Mrs. Burda moved that the Board approve the tuition and fee proposal. Mr. Burgin seconded the motion. Discussion followed about tuition and fee issues with Mr. Carlisle suggesting that a projection of future fees, and more detailed information about salaries and how monies are used be given to Board members in advance. Mrs. Burda stated that the Board is looking at holding an annual two-day retreat to discuss such matters. The motion was approved unanimously. (TUITION AND FEE PROPOSAL ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB D)

Mrs. Burda asked Mr. Wooten to explain the selection of designers for construction projects on campus. Mr. Wooten recommended the adoption of the following policy related to the selection of designers for construction projects on campus:

All designer selections will take place in accordance with the North Carolina General Statutes, NCGS 143/Article 3D, and the procedures set forth in Section 322 of the North Carolina State Construction Manual. The Board of Trustees will recommend and approve all designer selections with the following exceptions:

1. Designers selected for annual open-end design contracts.
2. Designers selected for projects completed under an informal contract, currently have a project cost of $500,000 or less.
3. Designers selected for infrastructure projects (utility extensions, etc) and building systems projects (heating, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing).
4. Designers selected for projects involving only interior building renovations that have a project cost of $2M or less.

Designer selection for these projects is delegated to the staff of Facilities Management with contract approval by either the Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance or the Chancellor.

Mrs. Burda asked that the Board be informed once a year of projects that have been done. Mrs. Burda moved to approve the new policy relating to the selection of designers for construction projects. Mr. Carlisle seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Mrs. Burda stated that the Administration and Finance Committee recommends that Western Carolina University grant an easement to Duke Power for the relocation of a power line to allow the completion of improvements to the water treatment plant. Mrs. Burda asked Mr. Wooten to explain this in detail. Mr. Kiser moved that the Board approve a grant of easement to Duke Power for the relocation of a power line to allow the completion of improvements to the water treatment plant. Mr. Warren seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Mrs. Burda explained that the Administration and Finance Committee recommends that Western Carolina University grant an easement across University property for the construction of a sewer line. Mrs. Burda asked Mr. Wooten to explain this in detail. Mrs. Burda moved that the Board approve an easement to the Tuckasegee Water and Sewer Authority for the construction of a sewer line on Central Drive. Mr. Phillips seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. (LETTER OF INTENT ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS TAB D, ATTACHEMENT 1)

Mrs. Burda further reported that the Administration and Finance Committee recommends the approval of a proposed resolution authorizing agreements related to the construction of private housing facilities on the campus of Western Carolina University. Mrs. Burda asked Mr. Wooten to explain this in detail. Mrs. Burda moved for approval of the proposed resolution authorizing agreements related to the construction of private housing facilities on the campus of Western Carolina University. Mr. Carlisle seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. (RESOLUTION ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS TAB D, ATTACHMENT 2)

Mrs. Burda reported the following as an information item: Robert Edwards, Internal Auditor, reported about campus systems that are in place to detect fraud or that allow employees to report fraud or misuse of State resources. Mr. Edwards will begin attending the quarterly meetings of the A&F committee to provide updates on internal audit activities. In addition, the A&F committee will meet annually in private with representatives of the Office of State Auditor following their annual audit to discuss any concerns that the auditors may have and to allow the A&F committee members the opportunity to ask any specific questions that they might have.

Mrs. Burda asked Dr. Tom Franke to provide an update on the IT infrastructure plan including a review of current projects and system improvements.

Mrs. Burda asked Mr. Wooten to give an update on the new residence hall project. The Research and Development Corporation is in the final stages of design for a new residence hall that is scheduled to open in the fall 2005. The four story structure will contain 290 beds with a combination of private bedrooms and double occupancy rooms. The University will lease back this facility and operate the building as another campus residence hall. Mr. Wooten also provided an update of campus construction projects.

Mr. Wooten further stated that the University is currently advertising for a designer for a building to house the School of Health and Gerontological Sciences. The Administration and Finance Committee anticipates designer interviews to take place during the latter part of January or the first part of February.

REPORT OF THE ALUMNI, HONORS, AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
(NOTE: MRS. WYCHE AND MR. PLEXICO LEFT AT 11:00 A.M.)

Mr. Phillips stated that the development office has outlined the first university-wide capital campaign. The first phase of the campaign will feature the Fine and Performing Arts Center. The Chancellor is asking all trustees to participate in an interview concerning Capstone Advancement partners who will advise the University on the scope and organizational structure of the campaign.

Mr. Phillips reported that the University Foundation Board has received gifts totaling $929,162, a thirty five percent increase over last year. He further reported there has been dramatic success in the fall fund-raising, one of the most significant is a one million dollar gift from Mountaintop.

Mr. Phillips further reported that the University currently has eight endowed professorships. Private contributions are in place to support the establishment of three additional professorships and discussions are nearing final stages for two more.

REPORT OF THE STUDENT AND ATHLETIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mr. Warren reported that the Student Affairs Division looks for opportunities instead of waiting for future problems. He also stated that the division has completed a goal-oriented strategic plan. This working document is the culmination of over two years of work by the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and many other members of the Division. Among the key elements in the development of the plan were: examination of the division’s mission and values, internal and external environmental scans, SWOT analysis, assessment objectives, and “preferred state” for the division in the future.
The Committee is in the process of outlining a review cycle so that the plan is updated on a regular basis. Annual unit action plans will now be linked to the goals of the overall strategic plan, so that the two types of planning initiatives are better coordinated.

Mr. Warren asked Mr. Smith to comment on the NCAA self-study. Mr. Smith reported that the NCAA mandates a self-study of all NCAA athletic institutions every ten years. Western’s study took over one year and has been completed. The study involved approximately forty people on campus with committees and sub-committees. Three peer reviewers came to our institution and interviewed over forty people. The peer reviewer had no recommendations on how we can do things better.

Mr. Warren asked Ms. List to report on the Western Carolina University vs. Appalachian State University game. Ms. List stated that “it was the best day of my college career and Beat App weekend very successful.” The Rant and Research program was very successful this year. It is a time for students to voice their questions, comments or complaints to a panel of administrators who are able to make decisions. SGA has made several recommendations to the University including a plus-minus grading system. Also, each semester SGA will invite every professor to recommend two students with excellence and have an awards banquet recognizing these students. SGA will sponsor the Miss WCU Pageant again next year to raise money for the safety fund. SGA is thinking about setting up an endowment for student leaders to continue their education.

Ms. List stated that the Resident Student Association has a 100% attendance from all residence hall counsels.

Ms. List further reported that SGA priorities include a student vote on the Board of Governors. ASG will sponsor two students to go to Washington for three days to meet with legislators regarding higher education issues.

Mr. Warren mentioned the new agreement between North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) and Base Camp Cullowhee (part of the University Center) will enhance opportunities for Western students, including academic credit for NCOBS courses, internship opportunities at NCOBS, training courses to enhance outdoor leadership skills of Western students, and a guest lecture series highlighting NCOBS experts.

COMMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN WALKER
Mr. Walker reported on Western being featured in USA Today and other periodicals such as the NCCBI article. Mr. Walker complimented Mr. Wooten on the report from the State Auditor. The report stated no non-compliances and no material weaknesses. He thanked everyone for all they have done for the University this year. Mr. Kiser added that only 50% of the trustees have contributed to the Loyalty Fund and he would like to see 100% contribution coming into the new year.

COMMENTS FROM CHANCELLOR
Dr. Bardo reported that the work in Catawba County and Burke County is ongoing. It has been requested by the leadership of both counties for Western to come and provide education on a level that can allow advanced manufacturing firms to come in. The Burke County program has to do with Allied Health and retirement. Western will work with Western Piedmont Community College to create a hub for outreach for applied health related programs in Nursing.

Dr. Bardo stated that in the spring he will be able to expand on the IT infrastructure of the campus. Western needs to upgrade the technology and bring broadband to every desktop at the University. He and Mr. Wooten will bring a finance plan to the Board based on what we need to do to be on the forefront.

Dr. Bardo reported that Charles Taylor is still working on our behalf in Congress. In the budget bill there is a little less than one million dollars to begin outfitting our computer engineering laboratories which is a little over half of what we will need. There is money for an Oxford laser, which will enable us to produce brain surgery implements, brain surgery robots and heart surgery robots. There is also funding for a joint project with Furman and UNC-A in biotechnology. We are also assisting the Congressman in helping build a marketing center at Blue Ridge.

Dr. Bardo further reported that the legislature will start in January. Western is seeking full funding for the health building. It is also a time where the University of North Carolina is reviewing missions of all universities in the system. The system has hired the Pappas Group to do this review. The University will be calling on trustees for help this session for funding on the health building and the MAHEC facility.

Dr. Bardo commented on enrollment growth. The data provided compares December 4, 2004 to December 2, 2003. Based on today’s information, we anticipate we will have a freshman class of 1650 for fall 2005. SAT’s are up a little. The number of admits is down since we have raised standards again this year. We are trying to improve the quality of the freshman class rather than the quantity. Our admissions staff does not reject students, but gives them an outline on how to be a successful college student. (APPLICATION REPORT AND ENROLLMENT DATA ARE ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS)

REPORT FROM THE CHAIR OF THE STAFF FORUM
(NOTE: MR. PHILLIPS LEFT AT 11:45)
Mr. Riouff said it is a good time to be a part of Staff Forum because avenues of communication have been opened between administration and staff. Chancellor Bardo has initiated a monthly luncheon with the Staff Forum Chair, SGA President, Chair of the Faculty and University Advisory Council Chair to discuss campus issues. The Forum is trying to let staff know that the Chancellor is concerned about staff issues.

REPORT FROM THE CHAIR OF THE FACULTY SENATE
Dr. Smith stated that this is one of those crunch-times on campus and students and faculty are panicked. Dr. Smith is working on helping to develop an Educational Technologies strategic plan. The faculty is excited about this. We have lost the edge in educational technology due to budget cuts. There is currently no technology to support needed innovations; therefore, the technology fee is very important to the University.

Dr. Smith further stated there are intellectual property concerns. Who has ownership of electronic versions of intellectual property? We are working with Mr. Kucharski on this to get correct wording.

Dr. Smith also reported on engagement. How will the University measure academic performance (research, service and/or teaching) when it comes to promotion? Western is creating an instrument to determine faculty performance which will probably be a model for the State.

Dr. Smith stated that he would like to charge the Trustees to figure out how we can move out of the bottom ranking with faculty salaries. He further stated that we are out of the bottom in terms of the image in the State, the effect we are having on our students and our engagement in terms of economic development.

Dr. Smith reported that we are in the process of welcoming and getting acquainted with the new Provost, who is making a very good impression. He stated that SACS is on the horizon and will probably occupy about three-fourths of the faculty in next two years. Dr. Smith mentioned that the faculty is working hard and is more engaged than ever. Western Carolina University comes out way ahead at Faculty Assembly on economic development. Dr. Mary Adams won a $20,000.00 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for her poetry. Western always brings up the issue with SPA salaries at the Faculty Assembly.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mr. Walker moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mrs. Burda seconded the motion, and the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.