November 17, 2006

The Board of Regents of Washington State University met pursuant to call in Open Meeting at 9:30 a.m., on Friday, November 17, 2006 at Lighty Student Services 405, Pullman, Washington.

Present: Regent Kenneth Alhadeff, Chair; Regents, Elizabeth Cowles, Francois Forgette, Laura Jennings, Christopher Marr, Connie Niva, Kyle Smith, V. Rafael Stone, and Michael Worthy; President V. Lane Rawlins, Provost and Executive Vice President Robert C. Bates, Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer, Vice President for Information Systems Mary Doyle, Vice President for University Relations Sally Savage, Vice President for Equity and Diversity Mike Tate, Vice President for Development Len Jessup, Senior Assistant Attorney General Antoinette Ursich, Faculty Senate Chair Chuck Pezeshki, ASWSU President Zach Wurtz, GPSA President Jason Doss, Alumni Association President Doug Tracey, Chair of WSU Foundation Board of Governors Larry Culver, WSU Vancouver Chancellor Hal Dengerink, WSU Spokane Chancellor Brian Pitcher and WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Vickie Carwein.

1. Chair of the Board of Regents. Regent Alhadeff welcomed everyone to the Board Meeting. He welcomed new Regent Michael Worthy who was recently appointed. He also commended former Regent Joe King for his 10 years of service to the University.

The Board passed a resolution commending former Regent Joe King for his service and commitment to Washington State University.

2. Presidential Search Update. Chairman Alhadeff asked Regent Stone to provide an update on the Presidential Search. Regent Stone reported that the Regents Search Advisory Committee had many conversations with various constituencies on where we all think the University should be in 3-5 years. He said that the responses and input has been very rewarding with respect to the strategic plan. He added that they've also had conversations with potential candidates and that the Advisory Committee will be holding a committee meeting this afternoon.

3. President of the University. President Rawlins also welcomed Regent Michael Worthy to the Board of Regents. He presented Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer with a certificate of service for 35 years at Washington State University. He also thanked Joe King for his service to the University. He added that Mr. King has been instrumental in his role as a Regent, and that his passion advocacy of student issues. President Rawlins presented him with a Cougar Bronze, and Mr. King made heartfelt remarks to the Board about his many positive experiences as a Board Member.

4. Minutes. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the minutes of the October 20, 2006, meeting. Regents Forgette and Niva requested clarification to be made in the minutes under the Presidential Search Committee Update and the University Development, University Relation and Athletics committee Report. Carried.

5. Reports from University Groups:

Faculty Senate Chair Chuck Pezeshki reported that since the last board Meeting, Faculty Senate has asked the Early Childhood Education and Care Committee to generate a business plan for the Early Childhood Education and Care facility. He also reported that they are in the process of creating a System-Wide Faculty Salary Committee who will examine the problems of retention and salary compression and will also update the original report from the Faculty Salary Committee.

GPSA President Jason Doss reported that GPSA has finalized TA/RA/GA Excellence Awards Nomination process. This program recognizes and promotes the excellent work of Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants and Graduate Assistants. They are nominated by the students they teach as well as their peers and faculty. The awards committee will decide the winners who will be invited to a spring awards dinner. He also reported that the begun planning for the Wiley Research Exposition. He also added that for the first time ever, GPSA has assigned its first legislative liaison to work with the Washington Student Lobby. The liaison will collaborate with other schools within the Washington Student Lobby to produce a legislative agenda to push in Olympia. The liaison will report back to the GPSA Senate regarding legislative items that are being discussed.

ASWSU President Zach Wurtz reported on the multicultural fundraising reception and thanked the Regents for attending and for their support. He added that they will be holding their annual multicultural student fundraising dinner in Seattle this year in February. He reported that ASWSU is eager to work with President Rawlins to make an institutional approach in the area of sexual assault on campus. He also said that collaboration has been key to their success this year. They have been reaching out and working with as many groups in as many ways as possible which has allowed them to do the things they have set out to do in May with ease.

Alumni Association President Doug Tracey reported on the busy schedule the Alumni Association has been engaged in. He reported on the 2006 "Rally in the Valley" which had over 160 alumni and friends in attendance. Proceeds from the rally will help expand the WSUAA scholarship program. He also reported that WSUAA Multicultural Alliances are actively involved in the recruitment and retention of students of color. The alliances have identified opportunities for community outreach and have conducted several recruitment events in those areas. He added that the Alumni Relations team will soon complete work on the new WSUAA's innovative web-site related electronic communication vehicles which will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the alumni communications efforts. He also reported that WSU Alumni Association members now enjoy more benefits than ever before. Members can take advantage of discounts in the Pullman/Moscow area, across the state and nation, and online. He added that Tully's coffee will begin to offer Crimson Roast, a new coffee blend, in all of its Washington locations. Proceeds will to the WSUAA programs. Lastly, he reported on the success of the Wine-By-Cougars Wine Club. Membership after six months is double what was expected to be achieved in the first full year. The Club's mission is to further establish the relationship between WSU and the state's wine industry, support Cougar-connected wineries, and provide members with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of and appreciation for premium wines.

WSU Foundation Board of Governors Chair Larry Culver announced the appointment of seven new Governors to the WSU Foundation Board of Governors. He also reported on the 27th Annual Board of Trustees meeting that was held at the Spokane Davenport Hotel in October. He added that the meetings and events were deemed a tremendous success. He indicated that they will hold next year's annual meeting at the same locations. He added that the Governors reaffirmed their enthusiasm in October to aggressively move forward to assist and advise the university and the Foundation during their planning stages of their Campaign and that they look forward to working with the Board of Regents throughout the Campaign and will continue to provide progress updates.

6. Executive, Planning, and Budget Committee. Regent Alhadeff reported that the committee received updates on potential football Bowl scenarios, a Campaign Strategy report, a Legislative Strategy report and a report on Trust Lands. The Committee also discussed the Cougar Achievement Scholarship Program for the purpose of making a world-class university education accessible to every Washington resident. He added that the University Chancellors provided updates to the Committee on matters pertaining to their campus locations.

7. Regional Campus and System Reports. WSU Spokane Chancellor Brian Pitcher started off by thanking the Board for their support in attending last months groundbreaking and added that the city of Spokane is still buzzing from the many WSU events held in Spokane acknowledges our presence and is an excellent way to integrate with the community. He reported that in an effort to identify opportunities where collaboration best responds to community needs within the role and mission of WSU Spokane, they have agreed to jointly sponsor the Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement program in Spokane with Eastern Washington University. He added that they are continuing to develop a math and science initiative with Spokane Public Schools and the Community Colleges of Spokane by creating a formal partnership to systemically impact more well-prepared students. He also said that WSU Spokane and the WSU Office of Research partnered with Connect Northwest and Sirti to present a public forum in October on "The Impact of Research and Regional Economics." The program featured a case study of university/community research relationship in San Diego, and a discussion of the WSU Applied Sciences Laboratory in Spokane.

WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Vicky Carwein reported on a major initiative to support the students for the first freshman class in fall 2007. The initiative has three components: (1) Mentors: Which will provide each freshman with a mentor who can provide career insight and encouragement throughout the year. (2) Internships: Where students will be matched with service learning projects in the community beginning their first year. By the time they are seniors, they will be placed in an independent internship with a business in the region, and (3) Scholarships: Providing each freshman enrolled at WSU Tri-Cities for fall 2007 will receive a $3000.00 "First Class" scholarship award. This will be matched by a second award of $3000.00 during their senior year. The second scholarship encourages students to complete their degrees at WSU Tri-Cities. Chancellor Carwein added that they have been meeting with the community to gain their support for this initiative. Lastly, she reported on the construction of the Bioproducts, Science and Engineering Laboratory that will be finished next fall.

WSU Vancouver Chancellor Hal Dengerink reported on the success of the campus lectures that have been taking place on the Vancouver campus. He also reported that WSU Vancouver's first Speech and Debate team was created this fall and recently competed again 19 other schools at the 34th annual Lower Columbia College Speech and Debate Tournament. He added that over 75 debate teams competed in various events. WSU Vancouver students brought home a finalist award in Editorial Commentary and a third place award in impromptu speaking. In addition they placed in the top ten speakers for debate and finished with a 2-3 record overall. Lastly, Chancellor Dengerink reported that WSU Vancouver has continued to develop programs and establish partnerships that seek to impact the pipeline of middle and high school age students as they prepare for and make decisions about their future plans in higher education. A partnership between WSU Vancouver, WSU Clark County Extension 4-H and community partners established the WSU Vancouver Center for Youth Workforce Preparation.

System Report. Special Assistant to the President Hal Dengerink and Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Al Jamison reported that as the functioning of the multi-campus university system matures, the area of Student Affairs is symbolic of the on-going negotiation and thinking regarding centralization and decentralization of policies, program and services that enhance student success. They indicated that quarterly meetings between Student Affairs leaders from all campuses, including Distance Degree Programs, have routinized multi-campus planning efforts. The discussions are guided by a set of draft assumptions that acknowledge the need for efficient and effective programs and services to ensure quality and integrity across the system, yet provides for the distinctiveness of campus and the unique student bodies they serve.

8. Academic, Faculty, and Equity and Diversity Committee. Regent Niva reported that the committee had excellent discussions on Student Retention Programs and Strategies. She indicated that they went into depth regarding the hard work it has taken to attract highly qualified students to attend WSU, but that we need to find ways to keep them. Robert Olsen, Associate Dean for the College of Engineering and Architecture attended the meeting and reported that the College of Engineering and Architecture recognizes that there is a need for more engineers in the nation and more specifically in the State of Washington. At the same time, enrollment in engineering both nationally and in the State of Washington is flat. She noted that the percentage of the WSU freshman class with an interest in engineering has increased by 20% over the last few years. To increase the number of engineering graduates, the College is trying to improve the retention rate from the unacceptably low rate of less than 50%. She also noted many of the students who are leaving the College are well qualified to continue. To improve the retention rate, the College is using several methods that been validated by research that was conducted at WSU. The first is the establishment of a living learning community in the Gannon and Goldsworthy dormitories. Research on a pilot living learning community has shown that the rate at which students leave engineering can be cut in half by doing this. They are also making an effort to reduce class size for freshman and sophomore courses and to place some of their best instructors in these classes. The research has shown that these actions can improve the retention rate by 10-15%. Regent Niva commended Dr. Olsen for the work that the College is doing and for trying new strategies in retaining these well qualified students. Regent Niva also reported that Manual Acevedo presented on Retention of Multicultural Students: The Student Mentor Program and a brief report on the Multicultural Student Retention Summit. Studies have shown that mentoring and cultural events seem to be a major feature for students to stay. She also reported that the committee discussed AAU Membership.

9. Report from the Provost and Executive Vice President. Provost Bates reported the issue of retention is clearly on all minds and commended Regent Niva for providing such an in-depth overview on the Academic Affairs and Equity and Diversity Committee Meeting. He added that although we have many programs in place, we don't have the full understanding why students are leaving the University. He added that they are currently having discussions with our peers to see how we compare with to them. Provost Bates also discussed membership with the Association of American Universities.

10. Report from the Vice President for Equity and Diversity. Vice President Tate thanked the student leadership for putting on a successful multicultural fundraising reception in such a short amount of time. He also thanked the Board of Regents for their support in attending the event.

11. Business Affairs and Information Technology Committee. Regent Jennings reported that the committee received a review of Administrative Systems from Vice President Doyle. She also reported that the committee reviewed the bond issuance in support of Phase I and Phase II of the martin stadium renovation, which focus on the student experience. She acknowledged and thanked the students for their work to make these two phases possible. She also indicated that it is important that the Board recognize the tremendous amount of work has been done by Business Affairs in this effort. Regent Jennings also reported that the Committee also discussed a future action on WAC Code Revisions on public records; and discussed the status on capital projects and capital construction reports.

The Board took action on the following:

Martin Stadium Project Financing Plan. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve a Revenue Bond Resolution to authorize the issuance and sale of bonds to be used for the Martin Stadium Renovation projects, Phases I and II. Carried.

12. Report from the Vice President for Information Systems. Vice President Doyle reported on the Administrative Systems Executive Summary She indicated that various groups have been working on issues related to administrative systems are efforts have been directed at identifying basic institutional needs and are looking at alternative ways to improve or replace our systems. She also reported that the applications for the Vice President for Student Affairs are currently being reviewed and hope to have a viable pool by December.

13. University Development, University Relations and Athletics Committee. Regent Forgette stated that the committee had received updates from the areas of University Relations, University Development and Athletics. He reported that University Relations is working on ways to reach out in terms of recruiting since more students seem to be going to unknown locations. He asked Vice President Savage to show the three excellent video spots that were presented during their committee meeting in October.

14. Report from the Vice President for University Relations. After showing the new TV Ads, Vice President Savage reported that it has been five years since the first TV ad campaign ran and that is was now time to update the ads in our changing world. She added that the new ad campaign is pivoted differently in the overall overarching influencer audience. This campaign is targeting people who can influence the future of this institution and is also laying the foundation of our fundraising campaign. She added that none of this is possible without the support of President Rawlins.

15. Report from the Vice President for University Development. Vice President Jessup provided a year-to-date progress report. He also reported on the successful meetings held in Spokane during their annual meetings and that the Foundation couldn't be in better hands with Larry Culver and Scott Carson as their Chair and Vice Chair for the Board of Governors.

16. Report from the Director of Athletics. Athletic Director Jim Sterk thanked the Regents for the approval of the bond sale for Martin Stadium and everyone else for their work and support in this important action that will make a huge difference in the years to come. He reported that the first two phases of Martin Stadium will begin December 5 with the Phase I consisting of development of restrooms and concessions at the east end of the stadium and new restroom facilities on the south concourse. Phase II will include a widening of the north concourse, in conjunction with the development of new restroom and concession facilities. Mr. Sterk also highlighted areas of academic excellence of the Cougar Athletes.

17. Student Affairs Committee. Regent Stone reported that the committee had a discussion on recruitment of outreach strategies and looks forward to continuing that discussion at the next committee meeting. He reported that the committee went over the actions regarding the Revisions to the Washington Administrative Code regarding Standards of Conduct for Students and Policies and Regulations for Student Living Groups. In reference to the Codes of Conduct he indicated that the revisions seek to clarify university policies on discrimination and harassment, while adding details regarding academic integrity violations, interim suspensions and the review procedures for student conduct decisions. In reference to the revisions to the Student Living Groups, he stressed that university police in the residence halls still would be guided by constitutional guidelines on search and seizure and the privacy of student rooms would be protected. The revised rule clarifies the policy on guests, exempting police officers and other WSU personnel on university business from being required to be accompanied by a resident of the floor when going into the common areas of the residences.

The Board took action on the following:

WAC Code Revisions-Standards of Conduct for Students: Recommendation to Repeal WAC 504-25 and Add a New Chapter, WAC 504-26. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the recommendation to repeal WAC 504-25 and add a new chapter, WAC 504-26, thereby revising the WSU Standards of Conduct for students. Carried.

WAC Code Revisions-Policies and Regulations for Student Living Groups: Recommendation to Amend WAC 504-24-020 (Social Policies and Procedures section) and Add a New Section, WAC 504-24-025 University Staff Access to Residence Halls). It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the recommendation to amend WAC 504-24-020, and add a new section, WAC 504-24-025, thereby revising the Policies and Regulations for Student Living Groups. Carried.

18. Report from the Interim Vice President for Student Affairs. Interim Vice President Jamison thanked the Regents for taking action on the WAC Code revisions. He added that a lot of hard work has gone into the two actions due to the fact that students feel very passionately about them. He also said that there was a great deal of professional interacting among the students and he appreciates their commitment. He also indicated how moved he is by the Boards' concern for the students of Washington State University.

19. Presentation: "Making WSU a Global University: An Overview of International Programs." Lance LeLoup, Associate Vice Provost for International Programs provided an overview presentation on International Programs.

20. President's Report. President Rawlins commented on the significance of approving the Martin Stadium Financing Plan. He also highlighted on the Joint Board Meeting that will be held along with numerous events surrounding the Apple Cup football game as well as looking forward to December Commencement.

21. Final comments and adjournment. Chairman Alhadeff thanked everyone for attending the Board Meeting and for their continued commitment to the institution.

At 12:30 a.m. the Regents' Meeting adjourned.

Approved by the Board of Regents at its meeting held on January 26, 2007, at Lighty Student Services, Room 405, Pullman, Washington.

SIGNED COPY AVAILABLE IN THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE