September 10, 1999
The Board of Regents of Washington State University met pursuant to call in Open Meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 10, 1999, in the Lewis Alumni Centre of the Washington State University campus.
Present: Peter J. Goldmark, President; Regents: Kenneth Alhadeff, Bernadett Buchanan, Phyllis J. Campbell, Richard A. Davis, Robert D. Fukai, Joe King, William D. Marler; President Samuel H. Smith, Provost Gretchen Bataille, Vice President for Business Affairs Gregory Royer, Vice President for Extended University Affairs Thomas L. Purce, Vice President for Administration Sally P. Savage, Faculty Senate Chair Peter Burke, Alumni Association President Shari Friedenrich, GPSA President Stephen Kuehn, and ASWSU President Steve Wymer.
Also present were: Budget Director Karl Boehmke, Director of Statewide Affairs Larry Ganders, Assistant Vice President for University Relations Barbara Petura, Dean of the Graduate School Karen DePauw, Executive Assistant for Business Affairs Rob Hoon.
1. Opening and Introductions. Regent Peter Goldmark opened the meeting and provided welcoming remarks. He noted, with sadness, the tragic events that transpired recently related to alcohol consumption. He stated that the Board is fully supportive of President Smiths efforts to appropriately and fairly enforce policies and the educational outreach efforts Washington State University is taking to involve students and provide education relative to the risks inherent to alcohol abuse.
Regent Goldmark welcomed Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer, Faculty Senate Chair Peter Burke, and Alumni Association President Shari Friedenrich who were new to the Regents table.
President Samuel Smith also welcomed everyone to the meeting and provided general welcoming remarks.
2. Minutes. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the minutes of the meeting of June 25, 1999. 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. In particular, he noted that the Senate provided Regent Goldmark with a list of Faculty members for possible inclusion in the Presidential Search Committee. In addition, he added that the Senate is setting up a university-wide, open meeting on September 23 to provide a forum for input from the university community with regard to the search process.
GPSA President Steve Kuehn, ASWSU President Steve Wymer, and Alumni Association President Shari Friedenrich reviewed their reports as submitted to the Board
4. Presidents Report. President Smith provided comments related to the possible impact that Initiative 695 would have on Washington State University should it pass the November vote. He cautioned that WSU, as a public entity, can neither be for nor against any public ballot issue. He said, however, that WSU can legally describe the potential impacts of the initative on the University.
President Smith explained that the initiative would do two things: 1) Replace the motor vehicle excise tax with a flat $30 license tab fee; and 2) Require a vote of the people for any new or increased fee. President Smith stated that that the financial impact to the state of Washington in the first biennium is estimated to be approximately $1.1 billion dollars and that it is estimated that the impact in the following biennium would be $1.7 billion. He said most of this funding is earmarked for transportation projects. President Smith stated, therefore, that the legislature would be faced with two choices: 1) To take funds from transportation, which would then be catastrophic for its building programs, or 2) It could take funding from the state general fund. He explained that since WSU is an institution funded from the state general fund portion of the budget, it could be dramatically affected.
President Smith also explained that another area that could be affected would be the funds that are allocated to cities or counties. He noted that the extension service of WSU has a large portion of its budget that comes directly from the counties. He said this is somewhere in the neighborhood of $17 to $18 million dollars.
President Smith further stated that Initiative 695 affects more than just funding. He said that it is how we interpret the concept of the vote of the people in any new or increased state or local government taxes. He said in the narrow sense, it would have very little effect on WSU; however, if it were to be interpreted broadly as it has been publicly discussed, it could affect any of the user fees assessed at WSU, such as laboratory fees, user fees for recreational facilities, computer fees, and many other types of fees. He said we are not sure and that the law is not clear on who could vote on these should this initiative pass.
President Smith said that at this point WSU is very concerned that, depending on the source of funds that would be used to make up the deficit or the interpretation of the system, we could be strongly impacted.
President Smith also followed up on the announcement he made at the June Regents meeting concerning his retirement to be effective at the end of July 2000. He said that he understands that it takes approximately one years work to hire a new president and that he knows the Regents have plenty to do over the coming year. He thanked the Regents for their hard work, particularly Regents Alhadeff, Campbell, and Goldmark, as he knows it will entail a lot of work, and he appreciates what will go into carrying out this most important duty.
Regent Campbell concurred with Presidents Smiths comments on Initiative 695. She mentioned that if the initiative were to pass, there would be substantial long-term implications for the University in even more areas than President Smith mentioned. She noted that not only would transportation be cut, but State reserves would be cut and the annual revenue on the States budget would feel a devastating impact overall.
Regent Davis also mentioned that if the initiative were to pass, it would severely limit the States K-12 educational system simply because there are so many mandates that cannot all be funded. He said there is support in the business community to make sure this does not happen.
5. Update on Presidential Search. Regent Goldmark stated that during its June Retreat, the Board met to develop a search process for finding a successor for President Smith. The Board assigned the Executive Committee the responsibility of initiating the search process and finding a search consultant to provide professional advice to both the Executive Committee and to the Search Committee. After interviewing four nationally prominent search consulting firms, Ford Webb Associates of Carlise, Massachusetts, was chosen. Additionally, the Board conducted an outreach effort involving all different university groups, both on and off campus, to solicit advice as to who would be appropriate as members of the Search Committee. After obtaining their advice, a Search Committee was formed composed of the members of the Regents Executive Committee, representatives from the administration, faculty, students and staff, the Alumni Association, and the Foundation.
Regent Goldmark stated that the Search Committee will guide the initial phases of the search process and generate a pool of finalists for the Board to consider. Regent Goldmark reported that the Committee held its first meeting on August 31 and that it is planning to meet again on September 10. Regent Goldmark indicated that he is hopeful that a successor to President Smith can be hired early in the year 2000.
Regent Goldmark presented the broad outlines of the search process and asked for approval of the outlines. He presented a document entitled the Washington State University Board of Regents Presidential Search Guidelines, and stated that they were developed to assist the Committee in the conduct of the search and to serve as broad outlines for the search process. Regent Goldmark asked for approval of the guidelines.
It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the Guidelines as set forth and attached as Exhibit B. Carried.
Regent Marler stated that Regent Goldmarks leadership was appreciated on the search. He asked Regent Goldmark to dispel any rumors that this is a preordained process, as the Regents have called for an open process to include everyone with no preconceived ideas about any specific candidate.
Regent Goldmark confirmed that the search process is completely open. He said the Search Committee, in conjunction with the advice of the Board of Regents, are developing a position description and would have the description out shortly. He reiterated the fact that the Committee will be responsible for the development of the candidate pool, and interviewing and presenting the Board with a small number of finalists. Regent Goldmark stated they will welcome and entertain all appropriate applications and stated that the Board is looking forward to finding the best possible candidate to lead Washington State University into the next millennium.
Regent Campbell stated that she was pleased with the caliber of individuals who are serving on the Search Committee. She said that it is clear that everyone on the Committee intends to extend full outreach to as many people within the University community that it possibly can.
Regent Alhadeff concurred with Regent Campbell. He mentioned that there is diversity at all levels of the Committee and that it seeks input into the process by all who are affected. He said the Committee recognizes that this decision is one that will impact tens of thousands of people; it cannot be made myopically by a few, but that a few must represent the many in coming to the best solution.
Regent Goldmark presented a draft of the position description. He opened the floor for discussion by the Regents
Regent Davis commented that he hoped the Committee would not overemphasize fundraising or growth of the system, but would recognize what kind of skills and talents are needed to make the University successful. He did not suggest changing the document, but only suggested that the Committee not lose sight of finding someone who will be able to balance all of the needs and make some tough decisions.
Regent Alhadeff mentioned that the position description is the broadest document that will be presented and as the process continues, it will be refined as the Committee listens to all the input from those involved.
Regent Fukai commented on the qualifications section of the position description which discusses supporting outreach within communities. He feels that we need to find candidates who support communities in economic development.
6. Planning Committee Report. Regent Alhadeff stated that the Committee met yesterday to crystallize its planning for the coming year. He mentioned that it is difficult to spend too much time planning for the next 20 years, when a new president will also have ideas regarding this issue. He said they are looking forward to considering the vision of WSUs next president. He said the Committee feels it is important to state those things it is firm about but not every aspect of how the institution will carry out these ideas. He said the University values academic excellence, as well as continuing Washington State Universitys mission of access. He noted that there are times when the two of these are at odds with each other, however the Board has a responsibility to the state of Washington to provide educational opportunities to many people who have never had them and to make dreams possible.
Regent Alhadeff further stated that the Board also has a responsibility to nurture the strong residential environment in Pullman that is so unique. He commented that there is a reason WSU has the kind of alumni it does and why it is one of the most active and involved groups of alumni in the nation. He believes this has to do with the collective energy of a residential experience that occurs in Pullman. Additionally, Regent Alhadeff stated the Planning Committee feels that there exists a strong responsibility to the branch campuses that has allowed WSU to take its mission established over 100 years ago to bring education to the people of the state of Washington. He said this is at the heart and soul of WSU and that the key is how effectively it is done. Regent Alhadeff said the Planning Committee will be putting together a plan that will reflect the Regents understanding of this that can be included as part of a piece of the puzzle in the search process for the new president.
7. Academic Affairs Committee Report. Regent Campbell reported that the Academic Affairs Committee reviewed the Faculty Manual and would be asking the Regents for approval. She mentioned that they have set the agenda for the rest of the year, including the intellectual property issue, faculty salaries, and post-tenure review. She stated the Provosts Office would be working on the process of post-tenure review and that it will be an agenda item for the Regents at some point during the upcoming year. Other major areas which will be considered are: follow-up on accountability and assessment measures; issues of diversity; and recommendations from the Council on Undergraduate Excellence. The Committee would like to review those recommendations and ensure they are measurable. Finally, the Committee will consider issues associated with the budget allocation processes and enrollment issues.
8. Provosts Report. Provost Bataille announced that WSU received word that more than 60 doctoral-seeking students at WSU would be funded over the next five years to conduct cutting-edge research and explore solutions to the environmental problems of the Earths air, water and land. She said a $2.7 million grant from the National Science Foundation, combined with matching funds from WSU, will allow U.S. doctoral students to cross the boundaries of engineering, sciences and agriculture, and to learn the accompanying dynamics of government and economics.
Provost Bataille further stated that a new $100,000 grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation will help Washington State University faculty develop or modify some 50 courses to meet the American diversity requirement that goes into effect next year.
Provost Bataille also announced that WSU had just received word that they would be receiving grants to support the development of critically needed information technology workers. WSU received a total of $500,000 to support its information technology programs. She introduced Judy Mitchell, Dean of the Education Department, who worked with the faculty to apply for this grant from the U. S. Department of Education. The grant, one of 25 offered nationally and the only one awarded in Washington, California, or Oregon, will build the teacher preparation program at WSU into a model for duplication regionally and nationally. Over the five years of the grant, the $9.6 million in federal funds will be matched with $3.9 million from the partnering schools and colleges.
Provost Bataille reported on the searches currently being conducted. She said negotiations are taking place for the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine position and said that the top candidate has received incredible and enthusiastic evaluations from everyone. Provost Bataille said there is an October 1 deadline for applications for Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and that she is hopeful that someone will be in that position by spring.
Interim Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs Al Jamison, Interim Director of Admissions Ken Vreeland and Director of Institutional Research and Capital Budget and Space Management Dr. Jim Rimpau have been working diligently with waivers and using their skills to help with the enrollment management process and admissions. She said some temporary money has been provided to the teleconferencing center in order to do some market surveys to look into what happens to students who pay a $50 deposit and then choose not to come to WSU. She noted that they are hopeful that this will help to sort out what the issues are so the process can be improved.
Provost Bataille reported that the incoming freshman class, while somewhat smaller than last years record enrollment of 2,978 is the fourth largest incoming class in the past 12 years, with 2,487 new students. She noted that the caliber of freshmen students is very high, with the average grade point averages higher than last year. She felt it was important to note that some of the initiatives that WSU has put money into in the past are starting to bear fruit. She stated, for example, the Extended Degree Program (EDP) has almost doubled this year and that there are over 1,000 students enrolled in EDP courses. Further, she stated that all branch campuses have increased their efforts over the past year and that, system wide, WSU has a total headcount enrollment of 21,153, compared with 20,960 in 1998.
Regent Alhadeff commented on the increase in diversity in the freshman class. He stated he was the co-chair of the campaign against Initiative 200 passed by the State Legislature last year and said it was frustrating that it sent a message regarding a lack of diversity. He expressed his pride at the way WSU reacted, but felt that we need to continue to take important steps to ensure that students receive the right message from the University.
9. Faculty Manual. Provost Gretchen Bataille reported that the Regents had received with their June meeting materials a copy of the revised Faculty Manual. She asked the Regents for approval of the manual, which had received only slight editorial changes since the June meeting. Regent Marler asked about the faculty titles and intellectual property issues that have not yet been resolved and whether or not they would be included in the manual. Provost Bataille stated that these two items would come back to the Regents as revisions, that they would be included in the manual, and that they would be asked to approve them at a later date.
It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the Faculty Manual (July 8, 1999, version). Carried.
10. Finance, Audit and Capital (FAC) Committee Report. Regent Goldmark reported that the Committee had met and had a lengthy agenda to consider. He said the Committee discussed several issues related to Capital construction and, as a result of the legislatures and the governors response to our many requests for Capital construction projects, WSU has a number of projects that are either just starting or are mid way through the construction phase. He expressed pleasure at the hiring of Mr. Jerry Schlatter as Director of Facilities Development. He said the Committee discussed a number of projects including Johnson Hall, the Academic Center at Riverpoint Education Park, the Academic Building at WSU Vancouver and several others. They also reviewed the Student Recreation Center, an ongoing construction project that is a very visible, ambitious, and promising component of the University in the future. He said they are anxious to get the project completed on time and as close to budget as possible.
Regent Goldmark stated that tuition waivers were also discussed. Dr. Rimpau provided a brief synopsis, and said he feels that it shows great potential as a recruitment tool. Regent Goldmark said there will be further discussion relative to this topic.
Regent Goldmark said parking permit increases were also discussed. He commented that this is a difficult issue, but it is being driven strongly by the requirements of finances for facilities development. He said these construction projects are ongoing, and it is necessary to create the revenue to support the financing of these projects, such as the Teaching and Learning Center project. In addition, the Committee discussed the power plant, which may not be very visible or important during the summer, but during an interval in August, only one of six boilers of the power plant was operational. Regent Goldmark stated there is some very aged equipment in that particular facility and a good portion of time and resources will be devoted to upgrade and improve that piece of infrastructure within the institution. Regent Goldmark noted that this item will be an important component of the Supplemental Budget Request.
Regent Goldmark reported on the supplemental request that will include, as its first priority, further requests to the Legislature for retention funding for back-up salaries. He said the Regents believe we must continue to place faculty salaries as the highest priority. Also included in the Supplemental Budget Request will be the Health Sciences Initiative, the heating plant upgrade, and improvements mentioned earlier, as well as some technical changes and corrections to existing legislation.
11. Report by the Vice President for Business Affairs. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that WSU is fortunate to have Mr. Jerry Schlatter on board and looks forward to his expertise in managing the many complex construction projects. He said Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs Ernie Renfro retired and that the process has begun to search for his successor. He said they hope to have the position filled within the next two to three months.
12. Contracts under Previous Delegation of Authority (over $500,000). Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that based upon the authority delegated to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, at the meeting of June 26, 1998, he had entered into the following contracts:
Tapani Underground, Inc., Battleground, Washington, for the campus
circulation project at WSU Vancouver, for a total cost of
$1,907,297, to be paid from the 1997-99 State Building Construction
Account.
13. Contracts under Previous Delegation of Authority (under $500,000). Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that based upon the authority delegated to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, at the meeting of January 24, 1986, he had entered into the following contracts:
Ryan R. Uhlenkott, d.b.a. Advanced Welding and Steel, Lewiston,
Idaho, for Martin Stadium scoreboard remodel, for a total cost
of $67,039, to be paid from 1997-99 Minor Capital Safety funds.
3-H Mechanical, Inc., Coeur dAlene, Idaho, for the Chilled
Water Storage Facility second pump installation, for a total cost
of $65,998, to be paid from 1997-99 Minor Capital Renewal funds.
14. 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:
Shimizu American Corporation for WSU Vancouver Early
Childhood/Education Facility in the final amount of $3,304,771.
Poe Asphalt Paving, Inc., for Scott/Coman parking
modifications in the final amount of $133,195.
Hilliards Heating and Plumbing for the Eastlick Hall
replacement of growth chambers in the final amount of $100,691.
Poe Asphalt Paving, Inc., to resurface and repair roadways
and parking lots at WSU Pullman in the final amount of $98,133.
GenCon Construction for installation of new water system
reservoir and replacement of septic tank for boys bathroom at
Camp Roger Larson in the final amount of $38,110.
Valley Furnace, Inc., for furnace and ductwork system for Building
1016 at WSU Puyallup in the final amount of $22,625.
15. Consultant Firm Selections under Previous Delegation of Authority for Johnson Hall Addition, Academic Center, Riverpoint Higher Education Park and WSU Vancouver Academic Building. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that, based upon the authority delegated to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs at the meeting of June 25, 1999, he had approved the selection of the following firms to provide consulting services to the projects listed below:
Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF) Partnership, Seattle, Washington, for the Johnson Hall Addition.
Northwest Architectural Company, P.S., Spokane, Washington, for the Academic Center, Riverpoint Higher Education Park, Spokane.
Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF) Partnership, Portland, Oregon, the WSU Vancouver Academic Building.
16. General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) Selection under Previous Delegation of Authority. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that on the authority delegated to the President of the University or his designee at the meeting of May 8, 1998, he approved the negotiated MACC in the amount of $15,834,062 and entered into a GC/CM contract with Baugh Construction Oregon Inc., Beaverton, Oregon, for the WSU Vancouver Engineering/Life Sciences Building for a total Guaranteed Contract Cost of $18,596,922 to be paid from the 1999-01, 1997-99 and 1995-97 State Building Construction Accounts.
17. Quarterly Report of Appointments of Architects & Engineers under Delegation of Authority. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that at the January 24, 1986, meeting, the Board of Regents delegated authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to select and approve entering into contracts with architects and engineers for projects in which the estimated total project costs are less than $500,000. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer provided the Regents with a list of architect and engineering firms appointed as consultants through Facilities Development for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 1998-99.
18. Retirement Report of Faculty, Administrative Professional Staff and Classified Staff. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer provided the Regents with a list of retirees from Washington State University who have retired on or before July 31, 1999, including faculty academic term retirees through August 15, 1999, attached as Exhibit C.
19. Pullman Chilled Water Plant. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that Facilities Operations is developing design and bidding documents for the purchase and installation of a 2200-ton chiller to replace an aging 2000-ton chiller. He said the project will include removal of the existing unit, piping work, modifications to the electric switchgear and controls, and upgrades to the existing cooling tower. Mr. Royer noted that a chiller was located for $125,000 less than what had been expected.
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 approve construction documents, advertise for bids, and award a construction contract for the Chiller Replacement Project, if a budget can be established within the funds available. Carried.
Regent Alhadeff questioned whether this new chiller would increase the capacity, and Mr. Royer responded that it would increase some, but that the main priority is to get it up to the environmental standards needing to be met. He said the current chiller was put in place in 1975, does not meet EPA standards, and that a ten-year plan is being developed as it is critical to pursue this for the research labs and the animal labs.
20. Chicona Farm. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that in 1961, 950 acres was donated to WSU, that this land had been used for a diverse number of purposes, most recently by James River Corporation, but that it was not financially feasible for the corporation, so they recently ended that contract. He said Director Dean Glawe and Operations Manager Gail Clowers decided to put this land into the Federal Wetlands Reserve Program where they will take 850 acres that still belongs to WSU and put it into this program. He said this program will pay WSU $2,000 per acre, which is $1.7 million dollars for WSU to support the Puyallup Research Station. Mr. Royer stated that Mr. Glawe and Mr. Clowers deserve a tremendous amount of credit for uncovering this program at the federal level. He said WSU now needs to sign the contract with the federal government to make this investment. He noted this is a way of taking some unproductive land that generally costs us money to maintain and turning it into a very productive piece of property that will bring in a significant amount of money for the Puyallup Research Station.
Regent Alhadeff asked whether there were time limitations or was it a one-time $2,000 per acre and Rob Hoon responded that it is a one-time amount of $2,000 per acre and that the money must be used to the benefit of the Puyallup Research Station and needs to be dedicated to the station consistent with the donative intent of the original gift. He said that no development can be made on the land.
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 approve the submission of 850 acres of the Chicona Farm to the Federal Wetlands Reserve Project. Carried.
21. 2000 Supplemental Budget Request. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer stated that the Supplemental Budget Request had been narrowed down to four items. He reviewed the four items as follows:
- Retention Funding in the amount of $1,744,000. This is a request for a salary retention pool for faculty, administrative employees and graduate assistants. This would give WSU enough money to match tuition money that the Regents have put into a full second year for retention increases.
- Spokane Health Sciences Initiative. This is to request approximately $1,000,000 in funding to establish an intercollegiate health sciences consortium that would be modeled after the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education.
- WSU Pullman Heating Plant. WSU heats the Pullman campus with steam generated by coal and gas fired boilers. Two of the three active boilers had to be shut down this summer because of problems with controls, valves, fans and gas equipment. Three old and inactive boilers lack required emissions equipment. These boilers were installed between 1947 and 1981.
- Technical Changes and Corrections. WSU will be required to pay Avista for maintaining the new south campus electrical substation facility. The state normally funds capital maintenance and utilities, but failed to fund this item in the biennial budget. The total cost will be $272,000. This item also includes state funding to offset bond payments on the Vet Teaching Hospital which requires a correction. Year one is $500 K too high; year two is $500 K to low. There is no net cost to the state. The last item under Technical Changes and Corrections is the Spokane Health Sciences Building. The funding source is inconsistent in official documents. The Treasurers Office and OFM listed different funding sources. WSU must initiate the correction. There is no cost to the state.
It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the recommended 2000 Supplemental Budget Request to be submitted to the Office of Financial Management (OFM) in accordance with its procedures, and 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.
Attached as Exhibit D is a copy of the draft summary of the WSU Supplemental Budget Request.
22. University Parking System Fee Proposal. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer stated that the increase in fees was reviewed at the Wenatchee meeting and that the increase will be effective in the fall of 2000. He said the highest increase of fees is in the orange and green permit areas, which is used primarily by faculty and staff. He said the proposed fee increases have undergone considerable review within the University and have been endorsed by the Faculty Senate Parking and Traffic Committee, the Faculty Senate Budget Committee, and the whole of the Faculty Senate.
It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the schedule of annual permit parking fee increases effective academic year 2000/2001 as presented in Exhibit E. Carried.
23. Housing and Dining System Series Bond Resolution. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that the Series Resolution includes the authorization of up to $20,000,000 in revenue bonds (the Series 1999 Bonds) for the Scholars Hall and McCroskey Hall renovations. He said these bonds are anticipated to be sold by competitive sale and following published notice and that the Series Resolution will become effective immediately following its approval by the Board of Regents.
It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the Series Bond Resolution for the White Hall (Scholars Hall) and McCroskey Hall Renovation Projects as attached in Exhibit F. Carried.
24. Report by the Vice President for Extended University Affairs. Vice President for Extended University Affairs Les Purce reported that they have been working to expand WSUs partnerships particularly with the community colleges in the area of support for transfer students. He said the majority of the Learning Centers are housed on community college campuses and that we are finding that the strong partnership is really beginning to build with student support. He stated that Campus Dean Hal Dengerink in Vancouver and four community colleges are looking at the expansion of elementary education in southwest Washington. He noted that this area is probably one of the most under-serviced areas as it relates to the education program and that they are in the process of spending the next few months during the planning process to see if there is a need and the capacity to develop a program in elementary education that would be developed in partnership with the following community colleges: Lower Columbia Community College, Clark Community College, Centralia Community College and Grays Harbor Community College and using the Vancouver campus as the hub to support that effort with quality education. He stated that if the work that has transpired at Grays Harbor is any indication, he thinks it would be a very important new step in regard to partnerships with community colleges and the growing presence WSU will have in their education programs, as well.
Dr. Purce shared with the Board that he and Provost Bataille visited Monterey Bay, the naval post-graduate school, a university that provides graduate work for naval personnel. He said they are very interested in exploring the possibility of long-distance partnerships with WSU and will be on campus next week to spend some time reviewing the variety of programs offered, the Center for Teaching and Learning, and technology and telecommunications with the idea of looking at a central partnership to deliver education to ships at sea. He said many personnel who are isolated at sea are attempting to continue their education, and the opportunities that partnership might bring in that area could utilize our capabilities that have already been established.
25. University Advancement. Interim Director Greg Sheridan outlined some of the activities occurring in the Foundation this year, and noted that they are off to a great start. He said the Foundation is at 5.3 million presently in total private support year-to-date, and last year at this time we were 3.5 million. He noted that the dollars themselves are not the only important aspect, but rather, it is where the dollars are going. He said the Foundation will probably announce within the next month or so the 100th endowed professorship or chair at WSU. He noted when the campaign began, there were less than five. He stated that this is a great academic part of what is going on in the Foundation, and that the scholarship endowment continues to increase significantly, which will allow us to attract more students to WSU. He further stated they are making a great effort with the graduate programs and fellowships. He pointed out the gift report for the month of July 1999 to show some of the investments that the money is making in these key programs.
Mr. Sheridan also shared that former Regent Kate Webster had made another significant gift to the College of Sciences, and he also acknowledged Regent Alhadeff for his continued leadership with the Future Teachers of Color program in the College of Education. He also noted that there were a number of gifts from key trustees in the Foundation. He reported that Phil and June Lighty stepped forward to make another $100,000 gift.
Lastly, Mr. Sheridan reported that in concert with Provost Bataille, the Foundation Executive Committee had developed the Provosts Council to advise the President. He said President Smith initiated this action with the Trustees last spring, and they are moving forward with it. He said along with the deans and development directors, they will be looking at the best practices of other institutions, including both peers and PAC-10 institutions. He said they would be reporting back to the Regents as the year moves ahead and he is excited about that process. Mr. Sheridan said that the Foundation is fortunate to have hired its first Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Steve Thompson, who will begin working with the Foundation as they review all the resources, endowments, expendable gift fund, outside managed trusts and university operating funds that are now under outside management and monitoring that as WSU moves forward.
Mr. Sheridan noted that the Foundation Board of Trustees meeting would be held September 23-25, 1999, and that he hoped to see everyone there.
26. Request for State Attorney General to Provide Defense for University Employees. Assistant Attorney General Antoinette Ursich asked that the Board approve the request for defense by the following University officials and employees in the case brought against them by Kristine Hawkins in the Montana Fourth Judicial District Court, Missoula County: G. Elizabeth Pluhar, veterinarian at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the time of incident; and Rodney S. Bagley, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine.
It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents, as outlined in Exhibit G, approve the request for defense by the following University officials and employees in the above mentioned case. Carried.
27. Appointment of Treasurer. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents appoint Greg Royer to serve as Treasurer of the Board of Regents and to serve in this capacity as long as he holds the position of Vice President for Business Affairs or another designee is appointed to this office. Carried.
28. Accountability and Assessment Report by Provost Gretchen Bataille. Provost Bataille provided a PowerPoint presentation on accountability, assessment and accreditation. Provost Bataille credited Jane Sherman as the person responsible for the information in this report. She said, coming from the HEC Board, Ms. Sherman had been incredibly helpful in chairing the Assessment, Accountability and Accreditation Committee that reviews these issues. For a detailed copy of the presentation, please see Exhibit H.
During the presentation, Regent Davis asked for information regarding the scope of the alumni and student surveys. Provost Bataille referred this question to Ms. Sherman who responded that they are taken every one to two years, and a senior survey is done each year. She said the data from the survey is distributed from the Office of Student Affairs and goes to the web, administrators, colleges, etc. When asked where the other alumni survey results go, Ms. Sherman said they were distributed in a similar manner to the above surveys. Provost Bataille said that her office would be happy to provide the Regents with any survey information they would like. Regent Davis stated he would like to look at the surveys to gain a sense of how students feel about the services on campus. Regent Davis also inquired about the Freshman Seminar, and Provost Bataille answered that it is a 2 credit course linked with world civilizations to get students involved with technology, working in small groups with peers, working with the internet to help them build community and reinforce the learning environment.
Regent Campbell stated that the learning outcomes are the most difficult and she gave an example of writing curriculum. She wanted some examples so that other areas can begin to apply learning outcomes. Ms. Sherman said that at the end of program assessment, some departments would participate in an initial exam where they evaluate their students, that others will evaluate their ability in capstone courses to evaluate their real world problems, and that some departments work with portfolio development. As a result, end-of-program assessment is the best way to do this. Provost Bataille mentioned that we have used assessment in the Boeing scholars program. This will bring together students from different disciplines in capstone courses. She mentioned that we use what we do internally to garner funds for the students and make better employees for the state.
29. Executive Session. At 11:25 a.m., the Regents met in Executive Session for 20 minutes to discuss a personnel matter. At 11:45 a.m., the Regents reconvened in open session.
30. Presidents Salary. Regent Peter Goldmark reported that this had been the first opportunity the Board had had to meet regarding the Presidents salary. He noted that all WSU employees were eligible for a salary increase effective July 1, 1999. Regent Goldmark pointed out that in recognition of President Smiths continued devoted service to WSU and, in light of a successful legislative session this past year, which resulted in a significant increase in programs, salaries, and capital projects and a benefit to the institution, the Regents would like to provide President Smith with an increase in his salary.
It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents increase President Smiths salary by 5 percent for a total annual salary of $162,907, and a total compensation of $232,907. Carried.
Regent Goldmark commented that he looks forward to President Smiths continued energetic participation and service during the upcoming year.
The Regents meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.