REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
Room 510, H.F. Robinson Building March 22, 2002
The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on March 22, 2002, in Room 510, H.F. Robinson Building. The meeting was called to order at 9:35 a.m. by Chairman Crocker.
ATTENDANCE
The following members of the Board were present: Mrs. Burda, Mr. Jones, Mr. Crocker, Mr. Carlisle, Mr. Beddingfield, Mr. Lyons, Mr. Story, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Phillips.
The following members of the Board were absent: Mrs. Hyde, Mr. Apodaca, Mr. Bissette, and Mr. Plexico.
Others present included: Chancellor Bardo; Vice Chancellors Collings, Metcalf, Caruso, Wooten; Dr. Dowell, Ms. Lynch, Dr. Carter, Assistants to the Chancellor; Ms. Vihnanek, representing the Faculty Senate; Mr. Compher, Director of Athletics; Mr. Franke, Chief Information Officer; Mr. Rowell, Director of Public Information; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Dr. Ritchie, Chair of the Staff Forum; Dr. Kehrberg, Director of University Planning; Ms. Leatherwood, President of the Alumni Association; Mr. Orr, Chair of the University Advisory Council; Ms. Jeanine Knowles, Controller; Mr. Tom McClure, Director of Regional Affairs; Mr. Lex Davis; and Ms. Welch, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Crocker gave a special thanks to Mr. Phillips for the breakfast program, stating that it was very interesting and insightful. We appreciate knowing that people from Western have had an integral part in the recovery efforts in New York.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Walker moved that the minutes of the December 6, 2001 regular meeting of the Board, the January 4, 2002 telephone meeting of the Board, and the January 15, 2002 telephone meeting of the Executive Committee, be approved as mailed. Mr. Jones seconded the motion, and it was approved.
CLOSED SESSION Open Meeting Act
Mr. Jones 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 that Dr. Collings, Mr. Metcalf, and Mr. Wooten stay for the closed session.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Mr. Walker moved that the Board return to open session. Mr. Jones seconded, and it was approved.
REPORT OF THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Mr. Jones moved that the actions as discussed in closed session--seventeen recommendations for administrative appointments, twelve recommendations for faculty appointments, three recommendations for staff appointments, one recommendation for administrative title change, two recommendations for professor emeritus status, twenty-one recommendations for first year reappointments, forty recommendations for 3-5th year reappointments, sixteen recommendations for tenure, and eighteen recommendations for promotion--be approved. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Mr. Jones explained the recommended changes in the Personnel Policies for Senior Academic and Administrative Officers and EPA Non-Faculty Employees. These changes will assure that Western's policies comply with Board of Governors' policies. Mr. Jones moved that the Board approve the recommended changes in the Personnel Policies for Senior Academic and Administrative Officers and EPA Non-Faculty Employees. Mr. Carlisle seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. The committee will prepare a resolution for the next meeting stating that the Board does not have to take separate action on these policies in the future since they are mandated by the Board of Governors. (CHANGES IN POLICIES UNDER TAB C-10).
REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Mr. Walker explained that following approval by the Board of Trustees at their last meeting, a request for proposal was issued for design services related to a Student Recreation Center. Thirty-two firms submitted a response. Following a review and evaluation of those proposals, the staff submitted nine firms to the Committee for review and ranking. On March 21, the top four firms made personal presentations to the Committee. Mr. Wooten stated that there was a great deal of interest in this particular project and the architect proposals were all excellent. This project is of great interest to the campus. The significance of a student recreation center became apparent during the interviews.
Mr. Walker moved that the following prioritized list of architectural firms be submitted to the Office of State Construction for the design of a student recreation center: 1)Corley Redfoot Zack Inc. 2)Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern, Inc. 3)Walter Robbs Callahan & Pierce 4)Clark Nexson. Mr. Jones seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Mr. Walker mentioned the proposed debt service fee for the student recreation center to take the project through advance planning. Mr. Walker moved that a $30 debt service fee be approved effective with the 2002 fall semester to pay for the costs related to the design of the student recreation center. Furthermore, that the University be authorized to enter into a short-term loan in the amount of $750,000 for a period not to exceed five years and an interest rate not greater than 5%. The proceeds of this loan will be used to pay for design services through construction drawings. Mr. Carlisle seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Mr. Walker asked Mr. Wooten to update the Board on campus construction progress. Mr. Wooten stated that renovations to Coulter Recital Hall have been accepted. Work on the athletic facilities has been disappointing.(CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS REPORT ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIAL).
Mr. Wooten introduced Jeanine Knowles, University Controller to do a quick presentation on the annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001. The audit was clean. (AUDIT REPORT ON FILE WITH MINUTES MATERIALS).
Mr. Walker moved that the Board commend Jeanine Knowles, University Controller, and her staff for their excellent work in maintaining the financial records of the University. The Board is very pleased to report that the Office of State Auditor has once again issued a clean audit opinion of the financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2001. Mrs. Burda seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
REPORT OF THE ALUMNI, HONORS, AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mr. Story stated that the committee had no action items. The group had looked at a new logo that has been approved by the University. Mr. Metcalf stated that to date 24 gifts of $5,000 or more have been received.
REPORT OF THE STUDENT AND ATHLETIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mr. Story recognized Dr. Caruso. Dr. Caruso explained the proposed 24-Hour Visitation Expansion from Scott to Reynolds. He stated that the controlled expansion is supported by SGA and RSA. This expansion is a part of other changes in Housing such as smoke-free residence halls, making all-freshman halls into multi-class halls. The roommate selection process is being worked on.
Mr. Story moved that the Board accept the expansion of the 24-Hour Visitation for Scott and Reynolds Halls. Mrs. Burda seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Dr. Caruso stated that the child care center is open. Theta Xi has lost its recognition this year. Dr. Caruso also explained for information only that the Executive Committee had approved the extended alcohol policy.
Mr. Story recognized Mr. Compher. He stated that VMI is leaving the Southern Conference. He reported that the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is sponsoring an event that will bring Rosey Grier and David Patten to campus next week.
Mr. Story recognized Mr. Lyons. He stated that a lot of the work of SGA this year has been internal. They have been revamping the by-laws. The shuttle bus route has been improved. Elections are coming up towards the end of April. The elections will be online this year.
Mr. Crocker thanked Mr. Lyons for his service. The Board appreciates his participation and leadership.
COMMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN CROCKER
He stated that the concert of the Jazz Ensemble was very good. He said that Coulter Recital Hall looks very good. Mr. Crocker encouraged members of the Board to attend Commencement. The Jazz Festival is June 14 and 15. The next Board meeting is June 6 and 7. Mr. Crocker asked that the Board dress casually for the committee meetings and wear the purple shirts for the Board meeting.
PROGRESS REPORT ON ENROLLMENT AND RETENTION AND COMMENTS FROM CHANCELLOR BARDO
Dr. Bardo stated that applications are running ahead. The quality of the applicants is also running ahead. He stated that we are doing a much better job of closing with our students. Advance deposits are running about 25% ahead.
Dr. Bardo stated that he had received a letter from the Governor stating that he will do everything he can to avoid cutting funds for instruction. We will start working on scenarios for possible cuts.
Dr. Bardo did a power point presentation of a public presentation he has done elsewhere telling what Western is accomplishing.
REPORT FROM THE FACULTY SENATE
Ms. Vihnanek stated that this has been the "Year of the Task Force" to allow the faculty to begin talking about many issues including merit pay. The dialogue has begun. She stated that reports of these task forces are on the Faculty Senate website.
REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Ms. Leatherwood reported that the Association is looking forward to working with Vice Chancellor Metcalf. She reported on the new alumni scholarship fund. She said that the Association is working on increasing the Western Clubs. The Tanglewood Golf Tournament, sponsored jointly by the Alumni Association and the College of Business, will be April 6. She further reported that Thomas Meigs will be honored at May commencement with the Academic and Professional Achievement Award.
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR OF THE STAFF FORUM
Dr. Ritchie reported that activity of the Staff Forum has been slow recently. They are currently working on a staff mentoring program. There will be a Town Hall meeting next week to update the campus on construction.
Mr. Crocker mentioned that there will be two honorary doctorates awarded at Commencement: one for Mr. Wallace Hyde and one for Judge Jim Beaty.
Mr. Lyons expressed his appreciation for having the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees. He said that it has been a good learning opportunity.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Crocker adjourned the meeting at 12:25 p.m.