March 31, 2000

The Board of Regents of Washington State University met pursuant to call in Open Meeting at 9:07 a.m., on Friday, March 31, 2000, in the Lewis Alumni Centre, Pullman.

Present: Peter J. Goldmark, President; Regents Kenneth Alhadeff, Bernadett Buchanan, Phyllis J. Campbell, Robert D. Fukai and Joe King; President Samuel H. Smith, Interim Provost Rom Markin, Vice President for Business Affairs Gregory P. Royer, Vice President for Administration Sally P. Savage, Vice President for Extended University Affairs Thomas “Les” Purce, Senior Assistant Attorney General Antoinette Ursich, Faculty Senate Chair Peter Burke, GPSA President Steve Kuehn, ASWSU President Steve Wymer, and Alumni Association President Shari Friedenrich.

Also present were: Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Douglas Baker, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs George Bettas, Associate Vice President for Administration and Assistant to the President for Human Relations and Diversity Ernestine Madison, Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs Glenn Ford, Assistant Vice President for University Relations Barbara Petura, Vice Provost for Research George Hedge, Executive Budget Director Karl Boehmke, Dean of the Graduate School Karen DePauw, Director of Statewide Affairs Larry Ganders, Assistant Director of News and Information Services Sue Hinz, and Director of Facilities Development Gerald Schlatter.

1. Opening Remarks. Regent Goldmark opened the meeting and provided welcoming remarks. President Smith also provided welcoming remarks and mentioned that he wanted to recognize a student who had been good enough to help out as President Smith’s personal golf coach. Additionally, he said that this student moonlights as the President of AWSWU and has, on occasion, questioned President Smith’s capabilities on the golf course. President Smith announced that, under the tutelage of Mr. Steve Wymer, he hit a hole in one while golfing with Mr. Wymer. President Smith said that this is a wonderful example of the benefits of having a great coach.

2. Minutes. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the minutes of the meeting of February 17, 2000. Carried.

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

Faculty Senate Chair Peter Burke reviewed his report as submitted to the Board. He also mentioned several new academic programs, as well as the Faculty Senate ruling that WSU can now have proper representation from the branch campuses by allowing them voting privileges. Dr. Burke read a proclamation by the Faculty Senate in honor of President Smith.

GPSA President Steve Kuehn reviewed his report as submitted to the Board. He also stated that the Graduate and Professional Student Association awards were completed and they had selected five recipients among the 36 applicants. He also added that the GPSA Excellence Awards would be made soon.

ASWSU President Steve Wymer reviewed his report as submitted to the Board. Regent Goldmark congratulated Mr. Wymer on his re-election as President of ASWSU. With regard to ASWSU elections, Mr. Wymer mentioned that WSU is second in the PAC-10 for the number of students voting in elections. He also noted that this is the first year elections have been done on-line. He said that it went well, but that it will be even better next year as they work out some of the technical issues. Mr. Wymer introduced several ASWSU Senators in the audience who were present regarding the sports pass issue. He thanked Interim Provost Markin for his communication on this matter.

Alumni Association President Shari Friedenrich reviewed her report as submitted to the Board. Regent Goldmark expressed gratitude on behalf of the Board for the Alumni Association’s continued use of scholarships and other activities to support WSU.

4. President’s Report. President Smith expressed his appreciation to Regent Goldmark and Vice President Purce for joining him last week in Washington D.C., to attend the final meeting of the National Kellogg Commission. He said that this was an opportunity for the involved universities to include individuals from administration and faculty to talk about the future of universities in the United States, and he was grateful to both of them for their participation.

President Smith commented on Vice President Purce being selected as the new President of Evergreen State College. He said that although WSU will miss him, he is confident that Vice President Purce will take Evergreen to a new level. He also stated that Evergreen had made a wise choice. Dr. Purce responded by saying that his experiences at WSU have been marvelous, both professionally and in terms of friendships. He said it had been a joy for two reasons: 1) An opportunity to help employees become all they can be and watch them succeed in their careers, and 2) To develop friendships and collegial relationships. The Educational Telecommunications and Technology division presented Dr. Purce with a plaque.

President Smith called upon Director of Legislature Affairs Larry Ganders to provide a legislative report. In his report, Mr. Ganders said that negotiations are continuing relative to the budget. He stated that the position of each legislative branch is that there will be no cuts to the advanced technology initiative, no reductions in the salary retention pool that they had committed to last year and that the talk of substantial cuts to WSU Tri-Cities (which in one budget was a 28 percent deduction on a base of 5 million dollars) is not in the final version of the budget that each branch has produced. He mentioned that, although he hated to predict, he felt that WSU was in a good position for a positive legislative outcome. He said that the funding for WSU, including the one-time funding for the Power Plant, was somewhat in doubt over the summer, but that the funding came up when the Senate was developing a commendation for President Smith. He stated that, as their tribute to President Smith, WSU would receive funding for the Power Plant.

Mr. Ganders mentioned that WSU received $450,000 for the Spokane Health Sciences Initiative in Spokane. He thanked Regents Alhadeff and Fukai for their efforts in that direction and stated his appreciation to them and Regent Goldmark for their participation in the legislative session.

Mr. Ganders said that, depending on WSU’s enrollment, WSU Pullman would have the capacity to grow with funded enrollments by 555 to 724 students this fall. WSU Spokane will have approximately a 3 percent increase. He mentioned his excitement over what is occurring at WSU Spokane with the Health Sciences Initiative and the starting of cancer research, which could potentially increase enrollments significantly. He said that WSU Vancouver’s funding will allow them to grow by 113 to 151 additional students and that Tri-Cities will be funded to grow by another 20 students. He mentioned that this would allow Tri-Cities to retain the money they have previously received. He pointed out that for the first time in the history of WSU Tri-Cities, their funding is approaching some equity in terms of the branch campuses in this system.

Mr. Ganders extended his thanks to, and acknowledged the work accomplished by, Executive Budget Director Karl Boehmke. He commented that WSU’s lobbying efforts are successful because of the people in the WSU Budget Office who work with the legislative entities. Mr. Ganders also recognized the branch campus deans. He said that the legislators from our district had a pivotal meeting with House Republican and Senate leadership, insisting that changes be made in the budget to protect WSU Tri-Cities. He mentioned that this is a tribute to the branch campus system that President Smith has long envisioned.

Mr. Ganders stated his appreciation to Jane Yung and Karl Boehmke’s staff, particularly Michelle Delaney, and said that it had been delightful to help carry out the mission of President Smith for the past 12 years.

5. Planning Committee Report. Regent Alhadeff said that the committee was focused on continuing efforts to establish dialogs and links over the next few months with the new President, V. Lane Rawlins. He said that the Committee heard from President Smith and Vice President Purce regarding the “marketing and branding” of the University. He stated that the Committee wanted to get the word out on the research occurring at WSU so that the rest of the state would know about the good things being done for research and academics, in order to balance out some of the negative things being mentioned in the media. He mentioned his pride in the continuing efforts of the Provost’s Office within the community with regard to the anticipated logo change, the advertising review, etc.

6. Academic Affairs Committee Report. Regent Goldmark reported that the Committee met to consider a number of items, including a report on enrollment numbers. He said that the news continues to be positive, although enrollment numbers will not be confirmed until later in the summer. He expressed his gratitude to Interim Provost Markin for his efforts in regard to enrollment. He said that the Committee reviewed the change in the Faculty Manual relative to stopping the tenure clock and also discussed a partnership with Penn State University regarding a hotel restaurant joint venture.

Regent Goldmark said that the Committee had discussed the Sports Pass issue. He stated that this hinges on the ability of the S & A Fee Committee to allocate resources that are generated through those fees to student activities. He pointed out that the long-term goal is to make those S & A fees entirely available to the S & A Fees Committee to use as they see fit. He mentioned that there is a tremendous increase in the list of applications for different activities funded by these fees and it makes it that much more important to make sure that those fees are entirely available. He stated that the mandatory Sports Pass referendum was an attempt to address that issue, but that it may not be the total answer. He said that there were some students who were in attendance at the Regents’ Meeting and asked if any of them wished to comment.

Clark Brunkow-Mather, an ASWSU Senator representing 8,000 off-campus undergraduate students, addressed the Board with the following comments:

President Smith, Regent President Goldmark and respective members of the Board of Regents. My name is Clark Brunkow-Mather and I am an ASWSU Senator, representing the more than 8,000 undergraduates living off campus at Washington State University. I am addressing the Regents today because I am very concerned about the perceived lack of activity by the Regents on the mandatory Sports Pass Issue. More than one year ago, the 18 senators of ASWSU, a nearly thirty year old incorporation of the state of Washington representing all WSU undergraduates voted by a two thirds majority to send a sports pass issue to the students for a recommended vote. Again, more than a year ago the students overwhelmingly approved a $28.00 per semester mandatory sports pass during the year of the elections. The measure received nearly 70 percent of the student vote. Today, more than a year later, the Regents have failed to address the issue. I find this lack of action quite disturbing given this Board’s willingness to rely on student referendums in the past as a justification for an increase in mandatory student fees. I’m not here to suggest that the Regents should widely involve the will of the students. For example, tuition might still be less than $100.00 if that were followed. However, for the Regents to transparently ignore any issue that has garnered so much student support runs counter to the very purpose of this Board in this great university. The Regents certainly have oversight on this issue and have every right to agree or to disagree on the outcome. But, again, the seeming ignorance of this issue by the Regents only serves to drive a wedge in the pursuit of our harmonious relationship between students and their administrators. Democracy in its purest form never guarantees a good outcome, but always guarantees a good fair process. I know this Board is founded on the core values of democracy and the bettering of every student’s experience at this great university. For these reasons I hope the Board publicly pursues whatever actions it deems appropriate on this important issue without further ado.

Regent Goldmark said that the Academic Affairs Committee would pursue this issue vigorously and would be working with student leadership to reach an appropriate resolution to this important issue. Mr. Wymer stated that he would forward three or four names of individuals to form a taskforce under the leadership of Vice Provost George Bettas. Mr. Wymer said they would have a report to the Board of Regents on their progress. Regent Goldmark thanked Senator Brunkow-Mather for his presentation and mentioned that the Board of Regents wants to know what is important to the students of the university.

Regent Alhadeff thanked the students for coming and said that what mattered to students mattered to Regents. He said it was important that students continue to be active and vocal in bringing matters to the attention of the Board.

7. Provost’s Report. Interim Provost Rom Markin expressed his apologies to ASWSU. He said that they have manifested considerable forbearance in what has been a long-delayed response to the initiative. He reasserted his commitment to provide not only participation, but also leadership with other members of the Executive Committee and to work diligently to create meaningful resolution to this issue. He said that one year from now, the Regents will not be hearing from ASWSU relative to their disappointment concerning a lack of action on this matter.

Dr. Markin reported that the enrollment emphasis goes beyond statistics. He said it also speaks to the emotion, compassion, commitment and energy that is being brought to this issue at WSU and that there are many people devoting time and energy to the enrollment issue. He recognized the Deans, Department Chairs, and individual faculty members who have participated in many activities in support of enrollment. He mentioned that on the two previous Sundays, there were scholarship receptions in Spokane and Bellevue that were led by President Smith. He said there was a great turnout, and they were well organized. Additionally, he stated that it is not unusual to register high interest in the Honors Program at WSU and that it is clear that this is one of WSU’s hallmarks. He also said that the Executive Committee has been organized and has revitalized the area of student affairs. He mentioned that there have been substantial changes in the leadership of that area. He said that they have appointed three new Interim Vice Provosts with distinct responsibilities to bring renewed efforts to the enrollment issue. He said this is a prelude to the work by President-Elect Lane Rawlins who will recruit and hire a Vice President for Student Affairs.

8. Finance, Audit, and Capital Committee Report. Regent Goldmark said that the committee met briefly to discuss issues including a state audit exit interview, which was provided to the Committee, as well as all Board members. He stated that the audit report was extremely positive and included no additional findings.

He said there is a request before the legislature to get badly needed equipment for capital projects. He mentioned that the Committee would continue to discuss this to further update and improve the infrastructure on campus that provides steam and heat to the campus.

Regent Goldmark also provided an update on the Teaching and Learning Center and the Indoor Practice Facility. He said that changes were being made so that the practice facility would come to fruition, although construction would not occur until summer of 2001.

Regent Goldmark stated that the budget for the Student Recreation Center was based on projections of enrollment and that when the University encounters enrollment problems, it does not just affect academic programs and student life, but also the ability to operate facilities. He said the Committee would continue to work with Mr. Royer and his staff to resolve this issue.

9. Report from the Vice President for Business Affairs. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer provided follow-up comments to the S & A Fee issue. He said that some of the Regents might not be aware that the S & A Fee obligations are made by a committee that consists primarily of students, three administrators and one faculty member. He stated that it is always a challenge to meet everyone’s expectations, but this year it was a little more of a challenge. He said that WSU typically has around 4 to 4.5 million dollars in S & A Fee money that is allocated. He stated that this year was a challenge because there were a lot of very good requests from many different student groups that totaled 1.2 million dollars more than had been allocated. He also said that there was only $675,000 in new money. He mentioned that the students deserve a lot of credit for working through one of the most difficult allocation processes he has been through in 25 years, that the students took the leadership role, and that Mr. Wymer deserves a lot of credit for his leadership in that area. He commented that there are a lot of challenges that the students face, so some of the frustrations heard about the sports pass and S & A fees are real, and it is a very difficult time for them, especially because enrollment affects S & A fees. He said it impacts everything within the institution, so a turn-around in the enrollment has a huge benefit for the students and S & A fees.

10. Contracts under Previous Delegation of Authority (under $500,000). Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer 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:

C & R Plumbing & Heating, Inc.; Dalton Gardens, ID, for Central Chilled Water Modifications, for a total project cost of $157,628, including sales tax, to be paid from 97-99 and 99-01 Minor Capital Renewal (MCR) funds.

Duracon, Inc., Pullman, WA, for remodel of Suites 324 and 328 in the French Administration Building, for a total project cost of $147,416, including sales tax, to be paid from 97-99 Minor Capital Improvements (MCI) funds.

PBI Construction, Inc., Spokane, WA, for the Neutron Beam Extraction Treatment Room in the Nuclear Radiation Center, for a total project cost of $121,816, including sales tax, to be paid from 99-01 Departmental funds.

11. Completion of Contracts (over $2,500). Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that on the authority delegated at the meeting of June 24, 1994, he had approved satisfactory completion of the following contracts:

Goodfellow Bros., Inc., for Phase II development of Valley Road multi-use recreational fields in the final amount of $891,392.

Spokane Electrical Services dba: PowerCom Power City Electric for the copper cabling from MCF locations in the final amount of $169,870.

M & M Harrison Electric, Co., for the machine room fire system replacement in the Information Technology Building, rooms 1010, 2156, and 2176, in the final amount of $111,797.

Ryan R. Uhlenkott dba: Advanced Welding and Steel for the scoreboard remodel at Martin Stadium in the total amount of $62,238.

3-H Mechanical, Inc., for the chilled water storage facility second pump installation in the total amount of $57,998.

12. Child Care Center, Phase II. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that over 100 faculty and students work at the child care center and that there are many good programs associated with it. He said that it serves 160 children and that many students and faculty members would have significantly higher costs associated with childcare if it were not here.

It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to award a construction contract for the Child Care Center, Phase II project, if costs are within funds available. Carried.

At 9:55 a.m., the Board adjourned for a short break and reconvened in open session at 10:15 a.m.

13. Report by the Vice President for Extended University Affairs. Vice President for Extended University Affairs Les Purce reported that he was invited to go to Virginia Tech University as a visiting scholar in the area of technology and learning communities. He said that he spent a day talking with them and providing them an overview of technology and outreach. He mentioned that Virginia Tech had moved away from its emphasis in regard to outreach and community relations. He said that they discussed WSU’s branch campuses and learning center components and the movement toward bringing together our technology both in the utilization of the liberty of academics, as well as non-academic programs. He said that Virginia Tech was extremely impressed with how the development has occurred, given the foundation that WSU has maintained in regard to the whole array of our delivery system at WSU.

Dr. Purce introduced Associate Dean and Director of Cooperative Extension Mike Tate, who gave an update on Cooperative Extension.

Dr. Tate pointed out several strategic directives being worked on currently in the Cooperation Extension, including expanding partnerships across the university, enhancing revenue streams, creating new applications of current and emerging communication technologies to enhance programs, and providing greater access to potential students

Dr. Tate also discussed the 4-H program and stated that all 4-H programs throughout the nation are a part of cooperative extension and that 4-H is the largest youth-serving organization in the country. He pointed out that Washington State conducts a 4-H program with 10,000 volunteers and 80,000 4-H members.

Regent Campbell congratulated Dr. Tate on his success and asked how projects were prioritized. Dr. Tate responded that they have received input from constituent groups and a whole array of local advisory committees. He stated that they have lost faculty due to state funding and flat federal funding issues, so they prioritize the overwhelming demand through partnerships with the various constituents within the counties.

14. Establishment of Dates for Meetings of the Board of Regents. It was moved and seconded to adopt the meeting dates for the calendar year 2001 according to the Resolution attached as Exhibit B. Carried.

15. Honors College/Undergraduate Research. Interim Provost Markin introduced the Interim Dean of the Honors College Mary Wack. Dr. Wack stated that the Regents would be hearing from three students in the Honors Program who would be presenting their senior thesis projects. She said that the environment is broader than the conventional senior thesis environment in other honors programs in the country. WSU Honors students are able to choose whether their project will be a thesis, a community service project, or an internship and whether it will involve some kind of education abroad project. She introduced Tim Coley who provided a video presentation, Rizal Hariadi who provided a physics presentation, and Caroline Howe who showed a video reflecting her internship. Dr. Wack also gave a brief introduction about Jesse Allison who was unable to attend, and played an original composition by Mr. Allison that had recently won first prize at a competition in the Czech Republic.

Dr. Wack said that in the next year, the Honors College is going to be undertaking an energetic endowment and giving campaign to develop funds to support student enrichment in many areas, including field trips, lectures and other activities within the college.

At 11:30 a.m., the Regents’ Meeting adjourned. Dr. Wack and students from the Honors College joined the Regents for lunch.