June 3, 2005

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Hospitality Room, Ramsey Regional Activity Center June 3, 2005

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on June 3, 2005 in the Hospitality Room of the Ramsey Regional Activity Center. The meeting was called to order at 9:40 a.m. by Chairman Walker.

ATTENDANCE
The following members of the Board were present: Mr. Walker, Mr. Warren, Mrs. Burda, Mrs. MacNeill, Mr. Worley, Mr. Grasty, Mrs. Wyche, and Mr. Carlisle.

The following members of the Board were absent: Mr. Kiser, Mr. Burgin, Mr. Phillips, Mrs. Hyde, and Mr. Plexico.

Others present included: Chancellor Bardo; Provost Carter; Vice Chancellors Caruso, Metcalf, and Wooten; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Dr. Smith, Chair of the Faculty; Mr. Riouff, Chair of the Staff Forum; Mr. Holcombe, Information and Communications Specialist – Public Relations; Mrs. Lynch, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor; Mr. Cantler, Associate Athletic Director; Dr. Barksdale, Director of University Planning; Mr. Stiles, Chair of the University Advisory Committee; Mrs. Ashe, Administrative Assistant, Office of the Chancellor; Ms. Welch, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

SWEARING-IN OF NEW BOARD MEMBER
Mr. Cody Grasty, new SGA President, was sworn in by Ms. Welch.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Worley moved that the minutes of the March 11, 2005 regular meeting, the minutes of the April 26, 2005 telephone meeting of the Executive Committee, and the minutes of the April 29, 2005 telephone meeting of the Executive Committee be approved as mailed. Mrs. Burda seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Warren moved that the Board go into closed session to establish or instruct the staff or agent concerning the negotiation of the price and terms of a contract concerning the acquisition of real property and to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, condition of appointment of a public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. Mrs. Burda seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Dr. Bardo asked Mr. Wooten to stay for 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 ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Mr. Warren explained that Dr. Michael Dougherty had given a presentation on a proposal to establish a Small “c” Center for the support of Beginning Teachers. Mr. Warren moved that the Board approve the proposal to establish a Small “c” Center for the support of Beginning Teachers. Mrs. MacNeill seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. (INFORMATION ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB C-1)

Mr. Warren moved that the Board approve a standard, four-year contract for Mr. Chip Smith. Mrs. MacNeill seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. (EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB C-1A)

Mr. Warren gave an overview of the activities involving the Academic Affairs and Personnel Committee. He reported the following appointments: 7 administrative appointments; 18 faculty appointments; 4 staff appointments; and 2 Professor Emeritus.

Mr. Warren mentioned that the Board has expressed significant concern about the process and timing of a system-wide peer study. Mr. Warren asked Dr. Carter to expand on the study. Dr. Carter reported that the Office of the President has contracted with NCHEMS, Inc. to conduct a system-wide peer study. Dr. Carter stated that House Bill 1264 mandated the University of North Carolina system to conduct an analysis of the role of higher education in promoting economic development throughout the state and the UNC system has engaged the services of the Pappas Group to conduct such a study. Dr. Carter further stated that the study is likely to result in modifying missions of one or more of the constituent UNC institutions. Dr. Carter further reported that the Pappas study is not yet complete and thus has not been acted upon by the Board of Governors. Mr. Warren presented a resolution to the Board to delay the peer study until House Bill 1264 is completed. Discussion of the resolution followed. Mr. Carlisle suggested that the resolution be re-drafted to tie to the fact that we have looked at the list of peer institutions and have decided it does not follow our mission and no statistical basis ties us to the institutions that were chosen. Suggestions were taken into consideration and changes to the resolution were made. Dr. Bardo asked Dr. Barksdale to explain how institutions were chosen and Dr. Barksdale did so. Mr. Warren moved that the Board approve the resolution. Mr. Worley seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
(RESOLUTION ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB C-9)

REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Mrs. Burda asked Mr. Kucharski to talk about procedures for handling potential conflicts of interest or the appearance of impropriety in situations where Chancellor Bardo serves on an outside board that is negotiating a contract with the University. Mr. Kucharski reported that the University engages in a number of projects with ERC. Dr. Bardo explained that he is on several Boards and this could pertain to them also. He recommended that the procedures be amended to include any outside Board.

Mr. Kucharski stated that the process would flow as follows: the appropriate University officials will negotiate on behalf of the University and present a proposed contract to the Administration and Finance Committee of the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees. If approved by the Administration and Finance committee, the proposed contract would be recommended to the full Board for approval. If approved, the chair of the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees would sign on behalf of the University. The Chancellor would be excluded from negotiations and discussion about these contracts.

Mr. Kucharski presented a resolution to delegate the negotiation and development of a contract between Western Carolina University and the ERC for the installation of a fiber optics cable on the campus between their current equipment room in the University Outreach Center and an off campus location. Once negotiations are complete, the Chair of the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees would sign the contract on behalf of the University. This resolution will allow the project to move forward as quickly as possible.

Mrs. Burda moved that the process for handling conflicts of interest or the appearance of impropriety in situations where Chancellor Bardo serves on any outside board that is negotiating a contract with the University be approved. Mr. Worley seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Mrs. Burda moved that a resolution specific to the instance of agreement between Western and the ERC be approved. Mr. Worley seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
(RESOLUTION ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB D)

Mrs. Burda asked Mr. Wooten to update the Board on capital projects. Mr. Wooten referred to the project status report. Mr. Wooten reported that the water will be back up and functioning soon. He mentioned that the campus construction tour went well yesterday. Mr. Wooten further reported that the Stillwell building renovation is in progress. Mrs. Burda thanked the staff for all their work on these projects
(PROJECT STATUS REPORT ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB D, ATTACHMENT 1)

Mr. Wooten presented the current proposed Senate Budget for 05-06. He mentioned that the Senate has approved the budget and the House is in negotiations. He further stated that the budget is favorable for the University system. Mr. Wooten mentioned that the Legislators’ School for Student Development has been slated for cancellation and we are hoping that these dollars will be restored. Mr. Wooten explained other aspects of the budget and discussion followed.
(PROPOSED 05-06 SENATE BUDGET ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS IN TAB D, ATTACHMENT 3)

Mr. Wooten reported that the Executive Committee has approved the designer, PBC&L for the Health and Gerontological Sciences Building.

REPORT OF THE ALUMNI, HONORS, AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mrs. Wyche reported on the names slated to be elected to the Western Carolina University Foundation Board of Directors for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2005. Mrs. Wyche moved to approve the slate of names to be elected to the Western Carolina Foundation Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2005. Mr. Carlisle seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
(SLATE OF NAMES ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS)

Mrs. Wyche stated that gifts to date this fiscal year total $175,000.00

Mrs. Wyche further stated that the 2005 Catamount Club Auction will be held at the Adams Mark hotel in downtown Charlotte on Saturday, June 11. Approximately six hundred people have signed up to attend.

REPORT OF THE STUDENT AND ATHLETIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mrs. MacNeill introduced Cody Grasty as the new Student Government Association president and asked him to say a few words. Mr. Grasty stated that he wants to bring spirit back to the SGA and the student body. He further stated that he intends to propose that tailgating be for all students and not just fraternities. Mr. Grasty also mentioned that he hopes to spur excitement for students by creating a conga line across campus leading to tailgating areas.

Mrs. MacNeill reported that the Athletic Director for Corporate Sponsorships is a new position. She further reported that the Southern Conference outdoor track and field championship, held at Western’s new facility, went well. Mrs. MacNeill stated that sixty six student athletes are currently on the dean’s list.

Mrs. MacNeill stated that Service Learning will host our first-ever Service Learning Symposium next week. Over sixty faculty and student affairs administrators from the Southeast will participate.

Mrs. MacNeill further stated that Educational Talent Search will conclude its “Expedition of Discovery” this summer. For the past two summers, Talent Search students have been retracing the route of the original Lewis and Clark Expedition and have bicycled and paddled much of their way across the US. This summer, the group will conclude with a 750 mile ride from Missoula, MT to Astoria, OR.

Mrs. MacNeill reported on the Tuck Cleanup sponsored each spring through the University Center and Base Camp Cullowhee. This year’s Tuck Cleanup was the largest in recent history.

Mrs. MacNeill further reported that we are just about half-way through our three-year research program with Wake Forest University - one of only ten schools in North Carolina to be involved.

About thirty percent of UNC system students are underinsured or do not have health insurance. With the rising health concerns and risks among college students and the costs associated with delivering quality health care, the UNC system health center directors have worked with the Office of the President and the Department of Health Insurance to propose mandatory (hard waiver) health insurance.

COMMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN WALKER
Mr. Walker mentioned that this would be his last Board meeting and thanked everyone for their support. He further stated that Western has come very far in a short period of time.

COMMENTS FROM CHANCELLOR BARDO AND PROGRESS REPORT ON ENROLLMENT
Dr. Bardo reported that Mrs. Teena Little and Mr. Steve Metcalf have agreed to join our Board and will be attending the September meeting. He further reported that the University is currently in the middle of a self-study requested by SACS. Dr. Bardo stated that it is critical to have regional accreditation in order to qualify for federal financial aid. He further mentioned that the capital campaign for excellence is beginning, focusing on three issues: 1) need merit-based scholarships; 2) endowed professorships increase; and 3) program support to encourage quality.

Dr. Bardo reported that the Honors College anticipates having 150 freshmen with a total freshmen class to be around 1620. He further reported that the gross headcount is anticipated to be at approximately 9,000. Dr. Bardo stated that the University will continue growing Asheville graduate enrollment. He also stated that the University will continue to expand continuing and distance enrollment. The University system believes that by 2015 Western will have a headcount of 16,000; however, we believe gross headcount will be a little over 14,000. Dr. Bardo further stated that Distance and Continuing Education is the most rapidly growing program on campus. Dr. Bardo said that he anticipates Dodson, Helder and Leatherwood Buildings being eliminated. He further mentioned a new academic building, a new residence hall, and a new dining facility being built in that area with a connecter mall to Belk.

REPORT FROM THE CHAIR OF THE STAFF FORUM
Mr. Riouff reported that the Staff Forum passed a resolution to join the system-wide staff assembly. He further stated that the forum appreciates faculty support. Mr. Riouff mentioned that a lot of people are very concerned about the State Health plan. He further mentioned that the forum has five new members. Mr. Riouff talked about some possible things to give staff as a perk, one of which is a discount to athletic events. Mr. Riouff stated that the forum will be focusing on the scholarship drive.

REPORT FROM THE CHAIR OF THE FACULTY SENATE
Dr. Smith reported that growth has made a tremendous impression on campus and it is exciting. He further reported that the faculty is happier because of local tuition money raises. Dr. Smith stated that the Faculty Senate has been restructured and this was the first year of the new structure. He further stated that the senate has revised its collegial review process and has begun review of liberal studies policy. Dr. Smith mentioned that the faculty relationship with the new provost is going well. He further mentioned that the University has adopted the Bardo vision and the Bardo legacy here will be a permanent reminder of his leadership.

REPORT FROM THE CHAIR OF THE UNIVERSITY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Mr. Stiles reported that the University Advisory Council has empanelled a committee to examine issues of morale and the committee is looking for ways of impacting morale without funds. Mr. Stiles stated that the UAC website has been updated. He further stated that the UAC has begun a dialogue about concerns regarding our compliance with ADA. Mr. Stiles further mentioned that Alvin Proffit has been elected as the 2005-2006 UAC chair.

Several members of the Board affirmed their support of Dr. Bardo and their hope that he decides to stay at Western. Dr. Bardo thanked everyone for their expressions of support and stated that he is in the process of considering what he and Mrs. Bardo will decide concerning Marshall University.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Walker adjourned the meeting at 12:30 p.m.