September 5, 2008

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Room 510, H.F. Robinson Building
September 5, 2008

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on September 5, 2008 in Room 510 of the H.F. Robinson Administration Building. The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Chancellor Bardo.

ATTENDANCE
The following members of the Board were present: Mrs. MacNeill, Mr. Warren, Mrs. Burda, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Metcalf, Mrs.Wyche, Mr. Carlisle, Mr. Kiser, Mr. Little, Mrs. Williams, and Mr. Frixen.

The following members of the Board were absent: Mr. Worley.

Others present: Chancellor Bardo; Dr. Carter, Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor; Vice Chancellors Wooten, Miller, and Metcalf; Mrs. Lynch, Chief of Staff; Mr. Smith, Athletic Director; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Dr. Beam, Faculty Senate Chair; Mr. Studenc, Senior Director of News Services; Mrs. Ashe, Administrative Assistant; and Ms. Welch, Assistant Secretary to the Board.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Dr. Bardo called for nominations for Chairman of the Board. Mr. Warren nominated Joan MacNeill for a second term as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Little moved that the nominations be closed and that Mrs. MacNeill be elected by acclamation. Mrs. MacNeill was elected Chairman of the Board by acclamation.

Mrs. MacNeill thanked everyone for their support.

Mrs. MacNeill called for nominations for Vice Chairman of the Board. Mr. Kiser nominated Steve Warren for a second term as Vice Chairman of the Board. Mr. Little moved that the nominations be closed and that Mr. Warren be elected by acclamation. Mr. Warren was elected Vice Chairman of the Board by acclamation.

Mrs. MacNeill called for nominations for Secretary of the Board. Mrs. Burda nominated Charlie Worley as Secretary of the Board. Mr. Little moved that the nominations be closed and that Mr. Worley be elected by acclamation. Mr. Worley was elected Secretary of the Board by acclamation.

Mrs. MacNeill thanked Mr. Wooten for the impressive presentation at breakfast. She also thanked Ms. Welch and her staff for the work that goes into making these meetings happen.

ETHICS STATEMENT
Mrs. MacNeill read the following: “As Chair of the Board of Trustees, it is my responsibility to remind all members of the Board of their duty under the State Government Ethics Act to avoid conflicts of interest and appearances of conflict of interest as required by this Act. Each member has received the agenda and related information for this Board of Trustees’ meeting. If any Board member knows of any conflict of interest or appearance of conflict with respect to any matter coming before the Board of Trustees at this meeting, the conflict or appearance of conflict should be identified at this time.”

There were no conflicts disclosed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Kiser moved that the minutes of the June 6, 2008 regular meeting of the Board be approved as distributed. Mr. Little seconded, and it was approved unanimously. Mrs. MacNeill noted that the minutes of the July 14, 2008 telephone meeting of the Board had an error. Under the heading “Alcohol Policies”, third paragraph, the third sentence states “to sell alcohol and to permit the sell of alcohol…” The sentence should read “to sell alcohol and to permit the sale of alcohol…” Mr. Kiser moved that the minutes of the July 14, 2008 telephone meeting be approved as amended. Mr. Little seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

ELECTION OF ENDOWMENT BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. MacNeill nominated George Little to complete Bob Burgin’s term which ends June 30, 2009 and Charlie Worley to fill a three-year term ending June 30, 2011. Mr. Little and Mr. Worley were unanimously approved as Endowment Board members.

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 that Mr. Wooten and Dr. Carter stay for the closed session.

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

MRS. WYCHE LEFT THE MEETING AT 10:42 A.M.

REPORT OF THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Mr. Warren stated his appreciation to Provost Carter and his staff for seeing that the right people are placed in the right positions. Mr. Warren mentioned the following informational items:

Notification of: five Athletic Appointments; two Administrative Appointments; two Professor Emeritus Status; Faculty Appointments as follows: College of Arts and Sciences – sixty, College of Business – fifteen, College of Education and Allied Professions – twenty, College of Fine and Performing Arts – sixteen, College of Health and Human Sciences – thirty-five, Kimmel School of Construction Management and Technology – eight, and Hunter Library – one; four Staff Appointments; one Affiliate Faculty Appointment; and one Leave of Absence.

REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
Mr. Kiser thanked members of the Board who filled in at the committee yesterday to make a quorum. He also thanked Mr. Wooten’s staff for the presentation this morning at breakfast.

Mr. Kiser stated that the committee reviewed and approved the proposed FY 08-09 audit schedule as presented by the Internal Auditor.

Mr. Kiser reported that the committee was updated on the status of 2000 Higher Education bond projects which have now all been completed except for Forsyth which has an October 2008 completion date. Mr. Kiser mentioned that the Trustees toured the new campus recreation center and dining center prior to the committee meeting. He also mentioned that the new residence hall project is taking shape.

Mr. Kiser stated that Chad Roberson, principal designer with PBC&L, reviewed the design status of the Health and Gerontological Sciences Building project. He also stated that the archeological site review identified three sites within the 38 acre tract as areas of concern and phase I and phase II studies have been completed. Mr. Kiser further stated that one of the sites is located in the construction area and will require additional study while the other two sites are outside the perimeter of the construction area. Mr. Kiser mentioned that construction drawings will be submitted to State Construction and Insurance on September 30, 2008. He also mentioned that the current schedule has the project going out for bid in early December with a bid opening date in mid February 2009.

REPORT OF THE ALUMNI, HONORS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mr. Phillips reported that the Foundation has recorded its third consecutive year of double digit, million dollar gifts and pledges. Commitments to the Campaign for Western for the year ending June 30 total $11.1 million. That brings total documented commitments to the campaign to $47.9 million. Mr. Phillips mentioned that the commitments are designated to the following endowments: faculty support $17.4 million; student support $14.0 million; program support $5.0 million; and current operations use $11.4 million. Mr. Phillips stated that the Advancement staff is working to close out Phase I of the campaign during the current academic year. Transition planning already is under way for Phase II of the campaign, when the $40 million goal for Phase I will be raised to a new level with new priorities.

Mr. Phillips explained that at its last meeting, the Foundation elected new officers. The officers are: Phil Walker, chairman; Joe Grooms, first vice chairman; Linda Gilbert, second vice chairman; and David Steed, executive committee member at large.

Mr. Phillips reported that the University’s Branding and Marketing study is nearing conclusion and that Stamats, the national consulting firm leading the study, is expected to submit its final report soon. Mr. Phillips further reported that planning is under way to announce the consultants’ recommended institutional logo, campaign themes and messages on October 1, as a highlight of the WCU Employee Appreciation Day luncheon. Mr. Phillips mentioned that the Athletic images were rolled out August 13, in time for fall sports teams to use the new images on uniforms and other materials. He also mentioned that the Stamats contract is being extended to allow the firm to review University Web sites and recommend improvements.

Mrs. MacNeill stated that, looking back, we wondered if we could reach $20 million. She thanked Mr. Metcalf and the Advancement staff.

REPORT OF THE STUDENT AND ATHLETIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mr. Warren thanked Dr. Miller for all of his work. Mr. Warren stated that the opening of the fall semester was very successful and included one of the smoothest freshman class move-in days in our history. He also stated that we successfully launched the new Western Week of Welcome (WoW) series of programs. Mr. Warren further stated that the week-long schedule of activities included our first Freshman Class Assembly with all freshmen, and numerous opportunities for the new students to get involved.

Mr. Warren reported that the Campus Recreation Center opened with tremendous excitement on August 17th. He also reported that, within the first ten days of operations, we have documented over 12,000 visits to the Center, and have averaged over 100 people per day climbing the wall.

Mr. Warren mentioned that Student Affairs contracted with 3rd Millennium Classrooms to provide an on-line course called “e-CHUG.com” to increase awareness and understanding of the dangers of alcohol and other drug use. He also mentioned that all entering freshmen were encouraged to complete this training between orientation and the beginning of the fall semester. Mr. Warren further mentioned that over 90% of freshmen started the training and over 85% completed part one of the course.

Mr. Warren explained that a guidebook is being distributed to the campus to provide faculty and staff with a quick, easy-to-use resource for helping students in crisis.

Mr. Warren asked Mr. Frixen to report on behalf of the Student Government Association. Mr. Frixen stated that the SGA has had a good start this year. He also stated that the SGA offices have recently been renovated and expanded. Mr. Frixen mentioned that the Senator elections are coming up on September 16. He also mentioned that the SGA is working on a Homecoming concert. Mr. Frixen reported that the school newspaper is improving. He also reported that school spirit is up. Mr. Frixen stated that the freshman class is better than ever and that they are the group most interested in becoming part of SGA.

Mr. Warren reported on the academic performance of our athletic teams. He stated that Women’s golfers Elin Mickelsson and Katie Dammann were named as National Golf Coaches Association Academic All-American Scholars; that five Western Carolina Track & Field student-athletes have been recognized by the United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for their outstanding academic performance; that seven Western Carolina student-athletes were named as 2008 Arthur Ashe, Jr., Sports Scholars as chosen and released by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education; that Women's Basketball placed fifth in the WBCA Academic Top-25, the highest ranking in school history for the Lady Catamounts; that four WCU student-athletes posted a 4.0 grade point average for the entire school year.

Mr. Warren explained that six Catamount student-athletes participated in five different events at the 2008 NCAA National Outdoor Track and Field Championships; that Western Carolina men's golfer Matt Cook qualified for the 2008 United States Amateur Championship; that Head Coach Stephanie Dragan and two members of the WCU volleyball team, Carrie Minogue and Lizzy Rondone were part of a USA National team that played in Croatia this summer; that both men’s and women’s cross country teams opened the season last weekend in a home meet and that the women finished 1st in a field of six teams; the men finished 1st of six teams as well; that in basketball, The Lady Catamounts have been chosen to play in the pre-season WNIT tournament and will open against North Carolina on November 14th in Chapel Hill.

Mr. Warren reported that we have implemented a schedule to visit with current and identified prospective donors. He also reported that these meetings have been productive and will be ongoing. Mr. Warren stated that a review of the Catamount Club’s fundraising and Board of Directors structure is also underway. Emphases will be on solicitation of new donors, improving our service to donors and developing a more effective Board of Directors.

Mr. Warren mentioned that football opened the season with a win at home against Shorter (GA) College and will travel to Florida State University this weekend (September 6th). He also mentioned that the team looked great with the new uniforms. Mr. Warren stated that there is good leadership at the top. Mr. Warren stated that Mr. Smith had a couple of awards to present. Mr. Smith presented game balls to Chairman MacNeill and Chancellor Bardo thanking them for their support of football. Mr. Smith thanked Chairman MacNeill for her participation in Football 101.

COMMENTS FROM CHAIRMAN MACNEILL
Mrs. MacNeill mentioned that Football 101 was a great event. She thanked Advancement and Athletics for putting on the event. Mrs. MacNeill also mentioned that she has reminisced about where we have come from. It is remarkable. Mrs. MacNeill mentioned Richard Beam’s remarks at the Opening Assembly. She stated that it is an honor and a pleasure to serve on this Board. Mrs. MacNeill also stated that we are seeing the culmination of all the work we have done. She explained that the team is on the same page. Mrs. MacNeill reported that the athletic logo reveal was a grand event and that there were more people than expected. She said that she is very excited and thankful for what is going on.

Mrs. MacNeill stated that the Chancellor’s comprehensive review will be October 26-29. She also stated that she has appointed Steve Warren and Charlie Worley to the committee. Mrs. MacNeill stated that the findings will be presented to the full Board perhaps on a conference call at the annual retreat.

Mrs. MacNeill mentioned that the Trustee retreat will be on November 6 and 7 in Pinehurst. She also mentioned that the Board will be getting the information soon.

Mrs. MacNeill reported that a Board self-assessment is required. She also reported that John Moore will do that during the March meeting on March 12 and 13. Mrs. MacNeill stated that it will be very important that everyone be here for that and asked everyone to block their schedules.

COMMENTS FROM CHANCELLOR BARDO AND PROGRESS REPORT ON ENROLLMENT
Dr. Bardo stated that the enrollment is stable. He also stated that given the raising of admissions standards that is better than what we first thought. Dr. Bardo further stated that we are okay this year. He explained that we will have to do significantly better next year. Dr. Bardo mentioned that the average of the freshman class SAT is 1038. He also mentioned that we started in 1995 at 965. Dr. Bardo stated that the GPA is the highest in our history at 3.44 and that we started out at a GPA of 2.78.

Dr. Bardo reported that our target goal for retention was 71% and that we have reached 71.4%. That is up from 66.8% last year.

Dr. Bardo mentioned that US News has us ranked 14th among public universities of our type in the south. He stated that we are listed as a US News “best buy.” Dr. Bardo mentioned that Forbes ranks us as number 5 in Entrepreneurship.

Dr. Bardo stated that the UNC-Tomorrow response has been turned in. He also stated that he had a telephone conference with General Administration regarding the report and that GA liked our report.

Dr. Bardo explained that we are seeking a partnership director to lead the millennium campus. He talked about possible community reaction to the millennium campus. Dr. Bardo stated that we will be asking the Board to consider the approval of a non-budget legislative item to allow alcohol to be served in restaurants, the Fine & Performing Arts Center and in the conference center.

Dr. Bardo mentioned that the University brand will be rolled out on October 1 at Employee Appreciation Day. He also mentioned that we will do a two-week film festival to reflect images based on the brand.

Dr. Bardo explained that the Board of Governors will be on our campus October 15-17. Dr. Bardo further explained the schedule as follows: the BOG will have committee meetings all day on Thursday; Thursday evening, a reception will be held at NCCAT, a dinner at Ramsey and the marching band will entertain; the Campus Recreation Center dedication will be held on Friday, October 17; the Board of Governors’ meeting will be Friday morning.

Dr. Bardo mentioned that last night’s dinner with the students was grand. He stated that the students participated and enjoyed the evening.

REPORT FROM THE FACULTY SENATE
Dr. Beam reported that the Faculty Senate has, of course, not been meeting over the summer, so business is just getting underway for this academic year. He also reported that they did meet last week, largely for organizational purposes, announcements, etc. Dr. Beam further reported that he anticipated having several items to report to the Board at its next meeting, but has nothing new to report at this time.

Dr. Beam noted, however, that at the last Board meeting, he did mention that the Chancellor had requested that the Provost and he put together a task force to develop policy recommendations regarding the relationship between the curriculum and the solicitation and/or acceptance of grants, gifts, etc. He also noted that the task force, consisting of several faculty members, met several times over the summer and has submitted its report to the Chancellor. Dr. Beam stated that the report includes a draft policy statement which will reduce the likelihood of difficulties arising in the future. He also stated that they made some specific suggestions regarding the gift agreement with the BB&T Foundation. These have been accepted by BB&T in a Memorandum of Understanding.

Mrs. MacNeill stated that the Staff Forum Chair was not able to join the meeting.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mr. Warren moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Kiser seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.