April 2, 1999

The Board of Regents of Washington State University met pursuant to call in Open Meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 2, 1999, in the Lewis Alumni Centre.

Present: Carmen Otero, President; Regents: Richard R. Albrecht, Kenneth Alhadeff, Phyllis J. Campbell, Robert D. Fukai, Peter J. Goldmark, William D. Marler, and Janelle Milodragovich; Provost Gretchen Bataille, Vice President for Business Affairs Samuel Kindred, Vice President for Extended University Affairs Thomas L. Purce, Vice President for University Advancement Connie Kravas, Vice President for Administration Sally P. Savage, Faculty Senate Chair Robert Greenberg, Alumni Association President Craig Gable, GPSA President Abraham Kannankeril, and ASWSU President Steve Wymer.

Also present were: Executive Director of Budget and Planning Gregory P. Royer, Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs Ernest J. Renfro, Director of Federal Government Relations Beverly Lingle, and Director of Statewide Affairs Larry Ganders.

1. Opening Remarks and Introductions. Regent Carmen Otero opened the meeting and provided welcoming remarks. She also provided an update concerning the status of President Smith, who was not able to be at the Regents’ meeting due to health reasons. She stated that the President’s recent surgery had gone well and that he was doing fine.

Regent Otero introduced three special guests, who were part of a delegation from the University of Chile. She indicated that Washington State University and the University of Chile have established an international educational partnership and that the delegation is visiting WSU to further develop specific partnership activities that will enhance the education, research, and extension/outreach programs of both institutions. The three guests introduced were: Dr. Luis Riveros, Rector of the University of Chile; Dr. Eugenio Figeroa, Professor of Economics; and Dr. Jorge Litvak, President of the International University Exchange.

2. University of Chile Presentation. Dr. Luis Riveros, Rector of the University of Chile, provided an insightful presentation about the University of Chile (UCH). His presentation included the following elements: the history of UCH; the structure of the UCH system, which includes 267 institutions with almost 350,000 students; its organizational structure; its academic organization; its many campuses, which are located throughout the city of Santiago; the scope and nature of its budget; statistical information related to staff support; its financial resources for research and the distribution of research projects by disciplines; its undergraduate curriculum, licensing programs, baccalaureate programs, and graduate studies and programs; strategic policies for 1998-00, including academic and internal policies; its international scope, including its international agreements and academic exchanges; its international presence; and its partnership with Washington State University.

3. Minutes. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the minutes of the meeting of March 5, 1999. Carried.

4. Reports from University Groups. The reports from the University Groups are attached as Exhibit A.

As an update to his report, Faculty Senate Chair Robert Greenberg reported that the action items, which were listed in his report and presented at the April 1 Faculty Senate meeting, had passed. Dr. Greenberg also indicated that the Faculty Senate had been very busy during the semester, had dealt with many issues, and had participated in some productive discussions. One such discussion summarized by Dr. Greenberg concerned an issue brought forward by the Faculty Senate Research and Arts Committee at the April 1 meeting, in connection with proposed position statement to be directed to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in Washington, D.C., on the proposed revision by this agency reflecting a statutory mandate for broad access by the general public to data created with federal support. He stated that the Faculty Senate had voted to send a position statement to the OMB reflecting concerns about this proposal. Dr. Greenberg also reported that the Faculty Senate’s legislative representative, Carolyn Clark, had indicated that overall the budget is in good shape but had cautioned there is a long way to go. He said she noted that proposals from the House and Senate caucuses have been favorable and that there is hope that there will be an increase in the size of the retention pool to come closer to our needs in this area.

Regent Goldmark referenced Dr. Greenberg’s report and asked if the proposed schools being created were with departments within the same college, and Dr. Greenberg stated that they represent an internal reorganization of existing units, within the College of Sciences.

As an update to his report, GPSA President Abraham Kannankeril stated that the most recent GPSA meeting was quite productive and that it had focused on faculty pay raises. He stated that other issues discussed concerned child care and graduate tuition rates. He also indicated that as of today all was going well with GPSA elections, with today being the last day to vote. Additionally, Mr. Kannankeril presented an article that had just appeared in the Lewiston Morning Tribune highlighting the Cyber Café, which he had spoken about throughout the year in his reports to the Regents.

As an update to his report, ASWSU President Steve Wymer provided comments about WSU’s strong presence in Olympia and stated that an article will appear soon in the Seattle Times, which will discuss the tremendous impact of the student lobby group. Additionally, Mr. Wymer noted that there are eight applicants for the student Regent position and that they plan to forward three of those to the Governor in recommendation for an appointment beginning in June. Mr. Wymer also announced that COUGPALOOZA, referenced in his report, had been canceled due to location difficulties.

From his report, Alumni Association President Craig Gable highlighted the election of Ms. Shari Freidenrich of Huntington Beach, California, as the next President of the Alumni Association. Additionally, Mr. Gable provided comments about the Alumni Association’s ambassador program and stated that the next couple of months will be a busy time with upcoming events, such as Mom’s Weekend, the Golden Grads Reunion, and Commencement.

5. Planning Committee Report. Regent Peter Goldmark reported on the Committee’s continuing discussions on the faculty salary issue. He stated that they reviewed current data and that they were informed that the discrepancy in salaries occurs mostly at the full professor level. He indicated that the entry and associate level salaries were below their peers but that they were not as severe. Regent Goldmark said that the Committee had begun to examine some corrective measures that might be used, including a strategy that the institution could adopt to correct this alarming situation. He said the Committee had asked Provost Bataille to return to the Committee with potential sources of revenue and possible efficiencies to be used to reach of the goal of compensating faculty at a more adequate level in relationship to its peers. He noted that this is a difficult topic, which would not easily be solved in the short term or with simple solutions. He stated that he would report back to the full Board as progress is made.

6. Academic Affairs Committee Report. Regent Ken Alhadeff reported that the Academic Affairs Committee had met with a group of students who represented a broad array of ethnic and cultural groups on campus. He said they discussed their experiences at WSU, including their successes and challenges. He stated that they heard about some tremendous programs available to support diversity on campus, which are very important for WSU. He indicated that it was difficult to listen to some of the negative experiences which showed the ugly face of prejudice and racism and that we have still have some challenges ahead in this area. He said they came up with some ideas on dealing with these issues, especially related to communicating WSU policies during curriculum discussions to provide a base for the policy of no tolerance at any level in this institution or community for prejudice or racist behavior. Regent Alhadeff further reported that there are some encouraging things happening that are very positive and that we can be proud of, so it is important to be aware of those, as well. He stated that this includes making the decision to examine and discuss issues, such as hate crimes, and drug and alcohol issues. He said the Regents benefited greatly from hearing the students’ perspectives and experiences on these difficult issues.

7. Provost’s Report. Provost Gretchen Bataille updated the Regents on the status of current searches. She stated that candidates had been interviewed for the dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture and that they will schedules campus interviews during April for the deans of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy. Provost Bataille reported that Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Doug Baker and she had met with individuals from around campus, such as the chairs and many faculty, on the faculty salary issue. She indicated that faculty morale is closely tied to this issue and that it has been useful to get out there and talk to individuals about this problem. Provost Bataille further stated that there are a number of reports coming to fruition, such as the reports on faculty titles, especially those related to Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy. She said she also expects to receive a report soon from the Tenure and Promotion Taskforce. Provost Bataille also reported on the successful scholars’ reception held recently at the Bellevue Hyatt, where over 900 individuals attended. She indicated that the students who attend this reception have a higher rate of attending WSU, versus those students who simply apply to WSU. Provost Bataille thanked the Regents for their support during President Smith’s absence.

8. Establish a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science at WSU Pullman, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver. Provost Bataille provided background information related to the proposed establishment of a B.A. in Computer Science and stated that this program is expected to meet a large unmet demand for software professionals and systems analysts as documented in a U.S. Department of Labor study and by Washington Department of Employment Security, as well as by anecdotal evidence from company representatives recruiting students from WSU.

It was moved and seconded that, effective Spring Semester 1999, the WSU Board of Regents approve the recommendation to establish a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science at WSU Pullman, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver. Carried.

9. Extend a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science to WSU Vancouver. Provost Bataille reported that this proposal is to extend the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science to WSU Vancouver. She stated the degree currently exists at the Pullman and Tri-Cities campuses and is a high-demand program on both campuses. It is anticipated that the program will have the same high demand at the Vancouver campus.

It was moved and seconded that, effective Spring Semester 1999, the WSU Board of Regents approve the recommendation to extend the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science to WSU Vancouver. Carried.

10. Health and Wellness Fee. Provost Bataille stated that an increase in the Health and Wellness Fee was recommended by the Funding Task Force and the Student Health Advisory Committee, and has been approved by the University Fee Committee. She indicated that Health and Wellness Services is a self-supporting unit, receives no University or state funding for mandated increases in personnel costs, and that similar increases within 601 limits may be recommended in subsequent years to bring costs in line with fees. She also stated that this fee had received no increase for several years. Regent Otero added that this was discussed in the Academic Affairs Committee.

It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve a recommendation to increase the mandatory fee that supports Health and Wellness Services by $2.50 per semester effective August 1999, reflecting a change from $63.50 to $66.00. Carried.

11. Delegation of Authority to Grant Degrees. It was moved and seconded that, effective Spring Semester 1999, the WSU Board of Regents delegate to the President or his designee, the authority to grant degrees. Carried.

12. Finance, Audit, and Capital (FAC) Committee Report. Regent Albrecht stated that the Finance, Audit, and Capital Committee had met with representatives of the State Auditor’s Office for an exit interview. He noted that the Regents were provided with a copy of the Auditor’s report, that they discussed findings and recommendations, and that the most significant issues concerned appropriate handling of cash and inventory of equipment. He reported that in both cases, improvements were being made in the appropriate to bring these up to suitable operating levels. Regent Albrecht stated that the Committee had also reviewed the following: the schematic design documents for White Hall (Scholars’ Hall), which will be the home of the Honors College; the status of the Child Care Center and the status of funding for this project; the exclusive beverage contract, which will be reviewed again as soon as all the bidders have responded; allocations for S&A Fees; possible changes to the WSU Retirement Plan; a report on the proposal for replacing the turf in Martin Stadium; and plans for the repair of the reactor pool.

13. Report by the Vice President for Business Affairs. Vice President for Business Affairs Samuel Kindred reported on the transition to the new investment management firm, Western Asset Management Company, which will provide professional management of WSU’s internal operating pool of funds. He stated that they are confident that this firm will provide effective and structured asset management.

14. Treasurer’s Report. Vice President for Business Affairs Samuel Kindred, Treasurer of the Board of Regents, reported on the financial operating status of the University as of February 28, 1999. See Exhibit B for a summary of the Treasurer’s Report submitted to the Regents for their information and which summarizes the statistical data provided to the Regents.

15. Proposed Indoor Athletic Practice Facility. Vice President for Business Affairs Samuel Kindred introduced Athletic Director, Rick Dickson, who discussed the proposed fieldhouse project. He provided the Regents with two renderings of this project and indicated that currently, there is no dedicated facility for WSU student-athletes for practice and development. He stated that nearly all the athletic programs will be positively impacted by this important project, especially during periods of bad weather. He noted that this is a public works project with an aggressive timeline and that it is not a complicated structure, in terms of construction. He noted that not only would this facility be a helpful recruiting tool, it will also cut down on some liabilities currently faced due to the unnecessary transporting of students in cars, vans, and buses to other practice facilities.

Regent Otero asked if the facility would have the capacity to allow different activities to be conducted at same time, and Mr. Dickson stated that some activities could be held concurrently. For example, there will be a netting system to quadrant off part of the facility so that baseball and golf could be hitting balls at the same time but not be in conflict.

Regent Marler asked about the size of the current fieldhouse, and Mr. Dickson indicated that it was 146 feet wide, and 300 feet long. Regent Alhadeff asked if other activities, such as a rally, could be held in the facility. Mr. Dickson responded that Athletics would be receptive to other activities and events, such as Alumni activities.

Mr. Dickson further explained that as a recruitment tool, this core practice facility will be highly significant, as it will add the final piece to WSU’s training facilities.

Regent Goldmark asked about the total anticipated cost of the project, and Mr. Dickson stated that currently, it is anticipated to cost $13.8 million but that he feels it will come in under that cost.

At 3:10 p.m., the Regents adjourned for a short break. The meeting reconvened at 3:22 p.m.

16. Contracts under Previous Delegation of Authority (under $500,000). Vice President for Business Affairs Samuel Kindred reported that on the authority delegated to the President or his designee at the meeting of January 24, 1986, he had entered into the following contracts:

3-H Mechanical, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for the isolation of non-potable water systems in Dana Hall, for a total project cost of $117,695, including sales tax, to be paid from 1995-97 Minor Capital Renewal funds, 1995-97 Minor Capital Improvement funds, and 1997-99 Minor Capital Safety funds.

M & M Harrision Electric, Colfax, for a machine room fire system replacement at the Information Technology Building, for a total project cost of $117,449, including sales tax, to be paid from 1995-97 and 1997-99 Minor Capital Improvement funds.

17. Completion of Contracts. Vice President for Business Affairs Sam Kindred reported that on the authority delegated at the meeting of June 24, 1994, he had approved satisfactory completion of the following contracts:

Mesa Construction, LLC, to install glassboard in the 40, 50, and 60 rooms series in Bustad Hall, for a total amount of $198,264.

Klemo Construction, for a remodel of the 4^th floor of Kruegal Hall, for a total amount of $156,674.

Palouse Empire, Inc., to renovate the 3rd floor units of the Community Service Learning Center and the Leadership Center of the Compton Union Building, for a total amount of $127,025.

King and King Construction for a steam line replacement in the General Storage Building, for a total amount of $100,446.

PBI Construction, Inc., for a remodel of room 160BA of Bustad Hall, for a total amount of $47,835.

18. General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) Selection Under Previous Delegation of Authority. Vice President for Business Affairs Sam Kindred reported that on the authority delegated to the President of the University or his designee at the meeting of September 4, 1998, he had approved entering into a GC/CM contract with Shea Construction, Inc., Spokane, for the Health Sciences Building, Riverpoint Higher Education Park, Spokane, for the Fee and General Conditions price of $1,445,430, if a Maximum Allowable Construction Cost (MACC) can be negotiated.

19. Report on the Extended Degree Program Assessment and Program Evaluation. Vice President for Extended University Affairs Les Purce introduced Dr. Rob McDaniel and Dr. Muriel Oaks who provided an overview of Extended Degree Program (EDP) Assessment and Program Evaluation. Dr. McDaniel provided historical insight into the evolvement of distance education from the inception of the branch campuses, including the use of the Washington Higher Education Telecommunications System to the rise of the K-20 Network. He also highlighted how WSU is meeting the challenge of “access” to higher education, a description of the “new adult student”, an insight into public expectations as reported by several surveys, the partnerships in which WSU is involved, and student and faculty support services for distance education. Dr. Oaks discussed the assessment side of the Program, including the assurance of quality control. She indicated that the same standards apply to EDP that apply to all WSU programs. The programs are “owned by the colleges” with the same faculty, and the students earn the same number of credits toward their degrees. She provided an outline of the quality indicators that are utilized in assessment, and reviewed the Academic Advisory Committee for EDP. After Dr. Oak’s presentation, a video was shown highlighting a student who shared what it was like to participate in the Extended Degree Program. Following that, Dr. Purce talked about the WSU Learning Centers. He emphasized WSU’s land-grant tradition with strong partnerships with the counties, which mesh traditional outreach with new technologies to bring education to the communities. He discussed the roles of the Learning Centers, showed the Center sites, and reviewed the degree programs, delivery methods, the staffing, and the funding support for the Centers. Another video was shown, called “WSU at a Distance” which demonstrated the positive opinions of the students who have participated in the Program. Dr. Purce ended the presentation by discussing what makes a successful distance education program and about how WSU brings education to the people.

21. WSU’s Senior Class Gift for 1999. Vice President for University Advancement Connie Kravas introduced three students, David Iyall, Ben Riley, and Patrick McAdams who informed the Regents about a unique senior class gift. The students indicated that this year was the most successful senior class gift campaign ever. The gift, “Students Rewarding Students Scholarship,” so far has received $21,000 being applied to a scholarship fund. The students explained that the philosophy behind the gift is to help provide students with a sense of ownership for academics. In the future, students may continue to give to this fund, which they hope will be done in a competitive manner so that each class can try to give more than the class the previous year. The students reviewed the qualifications for becoming a scholarship recipient, with one of the requirements being that students must show a dedication to their campus community and leadership abilities.

At 4:20 p.m., the Regents’ Meeting adjourned.