June 28, 1996
The Board of Regents of Washington State University met pursuant to call, in Open Meeting at 9:06 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 1996, in the conference room on the 2nd floor of the Student Services Building in Vancouver, Washington
Present: John W. Ellis, President; Regents: Richard R. Albrecht, Phyllis J. Campbell, Richard A. Davis, Peter J. Goldmark, Scott B. Lukins, Louis H. Pepper and Carmen Otero; President Samuel H. Smith, Interim Provost Geoffrey L. Gamble, Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie A. Giffen, Vice President for Extended University Affairs Thomas L. Purce, University Counsel Sally P. Savage, Senior Assistant Attorney General Richard L. Hutchinson, Faculty Senate Chair Val Limburg, Staff Senate President Richard Rupp, Alumni Association President Ann Edlund, GPSA President Oliver Bangera, and ASWSU President Matthew Caires.
Also present were: Vice Provost for Student Affairs K. J. “Gus” Kravas, Vice Provost for Human Relations and Resources Ernestine Madison, Executive Director of Budget and Planning Gregory P. Royer, Associate Vice President for University Advancement Connie Kravas, Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs Ernest Renfro, and Director of News and Information Services Barb Petura.
1. Welcoming Remarks and Introductions. Regent Ellis opened the meeting and welcomed everyone to Vancouver. President Smith also provided opening remarks and welcomed three new people to the Regents’ table: Val Limburg, Chair of the Faculty Senate; Ann Edlund, Alumni Association President; and Matt Caires, ASWSU President. President Smith provided the following introductions: Interim Provost Geoff Gamble, Interim Vice Provost for Learning and Technology Mahmoud M. Abdel-Monem, and WSU Vancouver Campus Dean Hal Dengerink.
2. Minutes. It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve the minutes of the meeting of May 10, 1996. Carried.
3. Granting of Degrees. It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve the recommendation of the faculty that the candidates appearing in Exhibit A be advanced to the degrees set above their names as members of the Class of May 11, 1996. Carried.
4. Reports from University Groups. There was no report from the Faculty Senate, as it had not met since last May. Faculty Senate Chair Val Limburg stated the Faculty Senate officers continue to meet with the administration on current issues.
Staff Senate President Rick Rupp discussed his concerns about the fee waiver for half-time employees which was adopted by the legislature, but which is now being eliminated due to conflicting legislation. He said the Staff Senate will continue to work on this issue. Mr.
June 28, 1996
Rupp also reported on steps being taken by the Staff Senate to continue to make WSU a family friendly environment.
GPSA President Oliver Bangera discussed GPSA’s involvement in an upgrade to student insurance relative to adding spousal coverage. In addition, he spoke about GPSA’s efforts to get a member on the Bookie Board. He expressed his thanks to Sallie Giffen and Ernie Renfro for the progress made on this issue so far.
ASWSU President Matt Caires spoke about his membership on the Pullman City Council and his involvement with the Washington Association of Cities, which recently testified to the HEC Board relative a recommendation concerning financial aid. He also discussed a current joint project between the city and ASWSU to obtain a way in which students could vote in Pullman. Other current projects include a possible ASWSU/City parade during homecoming; safety improvement projects; and a student recreation center project.
Alumni Association President Ann Edlund discussed the Association’s successful summer meeting held at the Salish Lodge; Crimson Company projects; and the Association’s efforts as they move into the precentennial celebration next year.
5. Report on Supplemental Budget Allocations. Interim Provost Geoff Gamble reported that supplemental funding for fiscal year 1997 focuses mainly on learning and technology initiatives. Dr. Gamble reviewed the funding allocations and reported that there was $5,789,000 in funding available. Exhibit B provides an outline of the review provided by Dr. Gamble.
6. Academic Affairs Subcommittee Report. Regent Carmen Otero reported that the Academic Affairs Subcommittee had met on June 27 and had discussed several issues, including the Four-Year Degree Agreement, the Course Evaluation Project, the Undergraduate Writing Program Assessment, and progress on the Degree Audit System. Also discussed in the Academic Affairs Subcommittee meeting were the WSU Internet and WEB policy development.
The Regents held a discussion about the four-year degree agreement, including issues about student participation and how to increase student participation in this program. It was agreed that we will continue to communicate this to incoming students to get them informed early so they may choose this option.
7. 1997-99 Biennial Operating Budget Request and 1997-99 Capital Budget Request. Interim Provost Gamble provided a presentation on the Operating and Capital Budget requests for the 1997-99 biennium. Dr. Gamble stated that the 1997-99 operating request would total $360 million, which is a 10.7 percent increase over the 1997-99 adjusted base amount. WSU will submit its request to the Office of Financial Management by September 1
June 28, 1996
for inclusion in the executive budget that goes to the legislature in 1997. Significant items from the operating budget proposal include: $14.4 million in enrollment funding for all WSU campuses, and for the extended degree program; $10.5 million for a learning and technology initiative, including computers, software, faculty development and support for the Center for Teaching and Learning; $2.6 million to add six to eight additional centers, as well as further development of the six pilot centers; $3.2 for operating support for educational telecommunications; and $800,000 for a library database project to pay for access to electronic journals and databases. Dr. Gamble also discussed salary increases for all employees, including a faculty retention salary pool and equity pay for counselors, librarians and professionals.
The Regents provided several comments and observations relative to the budget, including a discussion on salary increases and retention monies; budgeting for enrollment increases and the necessity for accuracy in projecting future enrollment numbers; and a discussion on the possibility of providing a specific amount for salary increases, rather than just a proposal for salary increases.
Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen provided information on the Capital Budget request. The top priorities in the capital request are academic buildings, including a new Teaching and Learning Center for the Pullman campus and renovation of Thompson Hall, Kimbrough Hall, Bohler Gymnasium, and Fulmer Hall. On the Tri-Cities campus the proposal is for planning and design of a science education center and construction of a Center for Agricultural Systems Evaluation. On the Vancouver campus, the proposal includes the design of an engineering/life sciences building and a media/electronic communications building, along with the design of additional academic buildings.
The Regents asked several questions, including a request for an overview of how the capital request is developed. Dr. Gamble provided a general summary of the development of the capital request, which includes discussions with the colleges and major capital budget request hearings, where deans have an opportunity to discuss their requests with the Executive Budget Committee. Executive Director of Budget and Planning Greg Royer also provided information on how WSU develops its final list for a request and how the capital requests evolve through the years, indicating that as priorities change, so might we change our emphasis on particular projects.
It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the recommended 1997-99 Biennial Operating Budget Request and the 1997-99 Capital Budget Request to be submitted to the Office of Financial Management (OFM) in accordance with its procedures, and that the Board delegate authority to the President to approve minor changes or adjustments that may need to be made before the submission is finalized for presentation to OFM. Carried.
8. Contracts under Previous Delegation of Authority (under $500,000). Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that on the authority delegated to the
June 28, 1996
President of the University or his designee at the meeting of January 24, 1986, she has approved entering into the following contracts:
Willms Corporation, Spokane, for the North Campus chilled water project, for a total project cost of $402,425, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from 1995-97 Minor Capital Renewal funds.
Hamre Construction, Inc., Spokane, for a remodel of the Safety Building, for a total project cost of $135,243, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from Minor Capital Renewal funds.
Patriot Fire Protection, Spokane, for a fire suppression system in the Fieldhouse, for a total project cost of $124,699, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from 1995-97 Minor Capital Renewal funds and 1995-97 Minor Capital Improvement funds.
Cecon Corporation, Tacoma, for underground storage tank removal at the Buckley Dairy, and in Long Beach, Mt. Vernon, and Sumner Farm 5; and fuel tank removal at Buckley, for a total project cost of $90,902, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from 1995-97 Minor Capital Renewal funds.
Collier Construction, Coeur d’Alene, ID, for a remodel of the women’s locker room in Smith Gym, for a total project cost of $54,454, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from 1995-97 Minor Capital Improvement funds.
Boedecker Company, Inc., for chimney reconditioning and waterproofing in the boiler plant, for a total project cost of $53,238, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from 1993-95 and 1995-97 Minor Capital Renewal funds.
RDS Construction, Bothell, for exterior cleaning and resealing at WSU Tri-Cities East, for a total project cost of $32,791, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from 1995-97 Minor Capital Renewal funds.
9. Contracts under Previous Delegation of Authority (over $500,000). Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that on the authority delegated to the President of the University or his designee at the meeting of February 17, 1995, she has approved entering into the following contract for greenhouse replacements at the Western Washington Research and Extension Center in Puyallup:
John Korsmo Construction, Inc., Tacoma, for the headhouse, contract no. 1; Hartford Construction, Inc., Bellevue, for the greenhouse, contract no. 2; and Moza Construction, Inc., Tacoma, for the electrical upgrade, contract no. 3, for
June 28, 1996
a total project cost of $2,241,000, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from the 1993-95 State Building Construction Account.
10. Completion of Contracts over $2,500. Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that on the authority delegated to her at the meeting of June 24, 1994, she had approved satisfactory completion of the following contracts:
Nutter Underground Utilities Co., Inc. for reconstruction at WSU Vancouver, in the final amount of $1,488,528.
Motley-Motley, Inc. for demolition of the Mechanical Engineering shop, in the final amount of $481,212.
Collier Construction for manure storage and corral facilities, in the final amount of $67,128.
Palouse Country Electric for replacement of a standby generator at the Knott Dairy Farm, in the final amount of $47,499.
11. Bohler Gymnasium Renovation. Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen introduced Scott Smith and Marianne Stewart from the architectural firm of Sasaki Associates who provided a presentation on the schematic design of Bohler Gymnasium.
It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve schematic design documents, grant authorization to proceed with design development, and delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to approve construction documents, advertise for bids, and award a construction contract for the Bohler Gymnasium Renovation, if a budget can be established within the funds available. Carried.
12. Hazardous Waste Facilities. Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that the architectural firm of Bovay Northwest, Inc., Spokane has completed the schematic design drawings and outline specifications for the Hazardous Waste Facilities project. A copy of the schematic brochure was presented to the Regents prior to the Regents’ meeting for their review.
It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve schematic design documents, grant authorization to proceed with design development, and delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to approve construction documents, advertise for bids, and award a construction contract for the Hazardous Waste Facilities Project, if a budget can be established within the funds available. Carried.
June 28, 1996
13. WSU Vancouver, United States Geological Survey (USGS) Cascades Volcano Observatory. Vice President Sallie Giffen reported that the project architectural firm of Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership (ZGF) of Portland, Oregon, with the assistance of the Project Planning Committee, has prepared a conceptual planning submittal for the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory at WSU Vancouver. Ms. Giffen provided details relative to the scope of the project and the work to be completed for a final construction completion by June 1999.
There was a discussion about the relationship between WSU and USGS, the staffing of the building, the design specifications of the building, and the benefits of the relationship with USGS. Campus Dean Hal Dengerink explained that this is not a new relationship with USGS, although a relationship of this magnitude is new. He also said the building will be staffed by USGS, although it will be built by us to our specifications. Benefits to WSU include the resource of the many Ph.D.’s who will be housed at this facility, student and faculty interaction at this facility, and available internships for the students, among other things.
It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the Conceptual Planning Submittal; and subject to the execution of an acceptable lease agreement between the University and the United States General Services Administration (GSA), approve schematic design documents; and delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to proceed with completion of design development, approve construction documents, advertise for bids, and award a construction contract for the WSU Vancouver, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, if a budget can be established within the funds available. Carried.
14. Financing for the WSU Vancouver, United States Geological Survey (USGS) Cascades Volcano Observatory. It was moved and seconded that, subject to the execution of an acceptable lease agreement between the University the United States General Services Administration (GSA), the WSU Board of Regents delegate to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, authority to proceed with interim and Certificate of Participation (COP) financing and authority to executive any and all documents necessary to assist the Office of the State Treasurer in securing, packaging and/or issuing interim and COP financing to fund design and construction of the WSU Vancouver, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory. Carried.
15. Adoption of Traffic and Parking Regulations for WSU Vancouver. Vice President Sallie Giffen reported that the purpose of the parking rules is to regulate parking on the WSU Vancouver campus and to establish parking procedures, permit types, disability parking procedures, schedule of fines for the enforcement of parking rules, and appeals procedures.
The Regents had questions relative to the existence of parking fees and when they will be set. Ms. Giffen noted that the fees and fines go to the maintenance of the parking area for
June 28, 1996
sufficient funding in this area, as we do not receive any state funding for this. Regent Phyllis Campbell emphasized that the parking fees be nominal.
It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve the resolution appearing in Exhibit C for adoption of traffic and parking regulations for WSU Vancouver. Carried.
16. WSU Regents/Foundation Endowment Investment Policy Modification. Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that the WSU Regents and Foundation Trustees met on May 24, 1996, and at that meeting recommended the modification to the investment policies as shown in Exhibit D.
It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the WSU Regents/Foundation Endowment Investment Policy modification as recommended at the Foundation meeting of May 24, 1996, and reapprove the policy as amended. Carried.
17. Report by the Vice President for Extended University Affairs. Vice President for Extended University Affairs Les Purce provided an update on the K-20 system. Vice President Purce indicated that a lot of work will take place on the development of this system over the summer, that it is a very complex issue, and that our role is to ensure that the needs for the capacity of this system are met as it is designed in its first phases. Vice President Purce will continue to report on progress of this issue as it continues to develop.
18. Communications Task Force Report. Regent Dick Davis provided comments on the 1995-96 communications goals. He stated that the communications strategy developed by Vice President Purce is a strong contribution to the overall goals and that he has laid out a comprehensive communications strategy that broadens where we will be in 1996-97. Regent Davis also commented that the access and technology conference held in Olympia recently was an extremely positive experience. Regent Davis highlighted a few areas of focus this year, including efforts with the legislative and congressional groups. He noted it will be very important to work with the internal audiences this year, as well, to gain their support and said that the external relationships, such as with the Alumni Association, for example, will play an important role.
19. Foundation Gift Report for May 1996. Associate Vice President for University Advancement Connie Kravas reported that as of Wednesday, gift totals for the Campaign were $158,103,000 and that at the end of the fiscal year, it is expected the total will be around $235,000,000.
Dr. Kravas also announced that the advertising for the Campaign has won numerous artistic advertising awards and that most recently, one of the ads won an international gold medal from the CASE organization.
June 28, 1996
20. Establishment of Dates for Meetings of the Board of Regents. It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents adopt meeting dates for the calendar year 1997 according to the resolution appearing in Exhibit E. Carried.
21. Meeting of Shareholders, Students’ Book Corporation, Election of Directors. The meeting of the Board of Regents was recessed, and the meeting of the Shareholders of the Students’ Book Corporation was declared open. It was moved and seconded that the Shareholders of the Students Book Corporation elect the following to serve on the Board of Directors:
Michael Chin, third year undergraduate, two-year term
John L. Klocke, second year undergraduate, two-year term
Samuel Riser, second year undergraduate, two-year term
Adam D. Taylor, second year undergraduate, two-year term
Carried.
The meeting of the Students Book Corporation was declared closed and the meeting of the Board of Regents was declared open. At 11:02 a.m. the Regents recessed for a short break and reconvened at 11:10 a.m.
22. WSU Vancouver Presentation. Campus Dean Hal Dengerink provided an overview of WSU Vancouver, including highlights of the new campus. He introduced members of his staff who play an integral role in the operations of the new campus, and discussed programs and offerings provided at the WSU Vancouver campus.
The Regents’ meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m. The Regents participated in the WSU Vancouver Campus dedication ceremony, including lunch with elected and public officials, members of the WSU Pullman and WSU Vancouver staff, and members of the greater Vancouver community.