September 15, 2006

The Board of Regents of Washington State University met pursuant to call in Open Meeting at 9:30 a.m., on Friday, September 15, 2006 at the Westin Hotel, Cascade Conference Room, Seattle, Washington.

Present: Regent Kenneth Alhadeff, Chair; Regents, Elizabeth Cowles, Theodore Baseler, Francois Forgette, Laura Jennings, Joe King, Christopher Marr, Connie Niva, Kyle Smith, and V. Rafael Stone; 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 Mikal Thomsen, WSU Vancouver Chancellor Hal Dengerink, WSU Spokane Chancellor Brian Pitcher and WSU Tri-Cities Interim Chancellor David Lemak.

1. Chair of the Board of Regents. Regent Alhadeff welcomed everyone to the Board Meeting. He introduced Kyle Smith, the 9th Student Regent to the table along with ASWSU President Zach Wurtz, GPSA President Jason Doss, Faculty Senate Chair Chuck Pezeshki and Alumni Association President Doug Tracey.

2. President of the University. President V. Lane Rawlins welcomed everyone to the Board Meeting. He also presented the Regents’ Distinguished Alumnus Award to Phyllis J. Campbell who became the 36th recipient of the award, the highest honor the University awards its graduates.

3. Minutes. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the minutes of the May 5, 2006, Board meeting. Carried.

4. Presidential Search Update and Appointment of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. Chairman Alhadeff stated that members of the WSU Board of Regents had begun to undertake the process that would lead to hiring a new President of Washington State University and stressed that this is one of the most important jobs they have as Regents. He announced that Regents Stone, Niva, and Jennings, who will serve on the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, had begun the first important step in this process. He stated that the search process would be one in which all the University would have an opportunity to engage in, that it would be collaborative, inclusive, and thoughtful, and that they would seek to communicate openly and clearly so that everyone would be informed at all stages of the process. Chairman Alhadeff asked Regent Stone to make further comments regarding the search.

Regent Stone stated that the preliminary steps had been taken in the search for a new president. He announced that a consultant had been chosen to assist the University, that three outstanding respondents to the University’s request for proposal had been interviewed, and that the University ultimately chose Jan Greenwood of Greenwood and Associates. It was felt that Dr. Greenwood, with her vast amount of experience, was an excellent choice and that she would serve well in this important advisory role. Regent Stone also reported that a draft position description had been provided to the Regents at the Executive, Planning, and Budget Committee the day before and that the Search Advisory Committee would also be working to finalize this document. In regard to this Committee, Regent Stone indicated that they would consider appointing elected representatives from some of the University’s constituent groups, as well as augmenting the committee to include regional campus participation, academic mix, gender and ethnic diversity, administrators, and administrative/professional and classified staff. Regent Stone asked for the Board to take action that would allow Chairman Alhadeff to make the search advisory committee appointments on behalf of the Board of Regents, in order to keep the process moving forward.

It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents authorize Chairman Kenneth Alhadeff to appoint the members of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. Carried.

5. Reports from University Groups:

Faculty Senate Chair Chuck Pezeshki reported that Faculty Senate has many serious issues to tackle this year. He indicated that they are working with the President and the Provost regarding salary issues and most importantly they will focus on the issue of faculty retention, salary compression, and fairness in the pay scale toward temporary faculty. The issues of academic integrity will also be addressed from a proactive angle this year. He added that Faculty Senate is strongly committed toward improving the relationships between faculty and students, and believes that by sharing their commitment to values, as well as setting up environments that promote trust, they can move the University closer to the goals of “World Classâ€"Face to Face.â€

GPSA President Jason Doss distributed a flyer created by GPSA that highlights the benefits to graduates students by getting involved and have received some very positive feedback. He indicated that the flyers were developed as a communication mechanism because graduate students often spend many hours in laboratories, libraries, and with their families. In order to reach these students, the flyers have been distributed to all graduate student mailboxes on campus. He added that over the summer GPSA completed a strategic plan that has set both immediate short-term goals and a vision for the future. The Plan can be accessed online and will continue to undergo continual revisions to focus on the long-term goals that GPSA needs.

ASWSU President Zach Wurtz reported that it’s a great time to be a student at WSU. He indicated within the next two semesters the students will see the beginnings of two of the most significant renovations in school history; both in terms of prominence on campus, and of unprecedented student input on design, policy, and financing. He also reported that that the ASWSU Offices have moved into their temporary home during the CUB renovation. He added that the move has presented numerous challenges, but as usual those challenges have been turned into growth opportunities by a myriad of quality leaders. He indicated that ASWSU is looking forward to working closely with all the leaders and students throughout the year to ensure the students’ voices are being heard.

Alumni Association President Doug Tracey reported that WSU Alumni Association is the fastest growing association in the Pac 10. He said this past year, the annual membership has grown by more than 13 percent and life membership is up 28 percent. He also reported that this growth exceeds the rates of 22 of our peer institutions. This comes at time when 20 of the nation’s largest universities report their annual memberships are declining. To keep the momentum, the Alumni Association is continuing to develop meaningful avenues for alumni to stay engaged. Volunteers in the Alumni Information Network are helping to communicate WSU’s needs and impact to legislative, civic, and business leaders. He reported that over the summer a new roof was installed atop the Lewis Alumni Centre, and sponsored cleaning, painting and refurbishing of the building’s exterior railings, benches, and WSU’s famous Victory Bell to ensure the Centre remains a welcoming place for alumni and the University to enjoy. Lastly, he recognized Regent Joe King for all the work he has done and presented him with an honorary alumnus award for inspirational leadership and distinguished service.

WSU Foundation Board of Governors Chair Mikal Thomsen reported that gifts, grants and pledges for the FY 2005-06 total $59 million which is the best year ever in fundraising history at WSU using current gift counting standards. He added that as the Foundation continues campaign planning and goal setting for the future, the success of a campaign would be benchmarked against successful years like this. The Foundation staff is engaged in ongoing feasibility interviews with alumni and donor that will help set a campaign goal that will help ensure the unsure the university remains World Class. He also reported on membership changes for the Board of Governors at their last meeting and also reported on the upcoming 27th Annual Foundation Board of Trustees meeting in Spokane. He reported that he has enjoyed his two-year term as Chair for the Board of Governor’s and that he will be introducing Chair Elect Larry Culver at the next Board of Regents Meeting. Lastly, Mr. Thomsen reported that the Governors agreed to have the endowment loan the Foundation up to $3 million to help with their campaign build-up activities to ensure that $59 million is the lowest amount of money that is ever raised in the future.

6. Executive, Planning, and Budget Committee. Regent Alhadeff reported that the committee received a complete update on trust lands, which is an area of great interest to the Regents and the University. They reviewed how the trust lands are utilized, how the money is invested, and also looked at reasonable opportunities to increase the yield on the investment with slight changes and modifications by working with the legislature in Olympia. He also reported that the committee reviewed and discussed the 2007 Supplemental Budget Request. Chairman Alhadeff turned the meeting over to President V. Lane Rawlins and Executive Budget Director Karl Boehmke who presented the 2007-09 Operating and Capital Budget Request that was approved at the May 5, 2006 Board of Regents Meeting.

7. System Report. Hal Dengerink reported that with the day-to-day activities in academic planning and the Council of Deans involvement in the integrated university wide multi-campus approach, it is apparent that the University system is becoming institutionalized. He added that Vicky Carwein, Chancellor for WSU Tri-Cities would be starting next week, and he thanked David Lemak for his leadership during the transition. He also reported on the appointment of Dr. Stephen Bollens, as Interim Director of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. SEES is a new WSU system-wide school whose administrative headquarters and leadership are based in Vancouver, and its faculty, students and staff distributed throughout the WSU campus-wide system. Environmental education and research are a major strength of WSU and research projects in which faculty from SEES are engaged may have positive impact both on the environment and the economy of the state of Washington.

8. Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs Committee. Regent Niva reported that the committee reviewed and discussed the action item on the Faculty Manual Revisions, which has minor changes that clearly define Procedures for Promotion, Phased Retirement, Emeritus Faculty Status, and procedures during Extraordinary Circumstances. She also reported that the committee received an update on the Human Rights Commission. She referred to a letter from a member of the Higher Education Coordinating Board that commends WSU for making huge strides in eliminating discrimination and fostering a welcoming environment and reducing harassment on the campus. She also reported that the committee received a report on graduation rates and retention, diversity benchmarks and also received a presentation on WSU Vancouver Freshman Curricular Experience.

The Board took action on the following:

Faculty Manual Revisions. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve revisions as attached in Exhibit A to the Faculty Manual Personnel Policies effective Fall 2006. Carried.

9. Report from the Provost and Executive Vice President. Provost Bates reported on the continued strategic progress of the University. He commented on the recent faculty orientation that was held and how refreshing it was to see the new faculty with such focus and commitment to excellence. He indicated that there is an increasing call to recognize the need for more globalization of our curriculum and to gain an international perspective in all that we do. They have created an appointment to lead the effort in international programs and global studies minor and the globalization of the curriculum. This will connect the faculty together and help them understand how they can put a global perspective into the courses they are already teaching, as well as to improve the courses that already have a global perspective. This will also provide students an opportunity to have a minor in specialized areas of global emphasis. He added that this is critical nationally and also critical for our campus to bring students into the complete awareness of what it is like to be in a more complex and global environment. Provost Bates also reported on the accreditation study required for all colleges and universities. He added that our 10-year cycle started in 1999, with an interim report in 2004, and interim study in 2005 and that we are now in the self study stage with the next accreditation visit to be held in the spring of 2009.

1. Report from the Vice President for Equity and Diversity. Vice President Tate reported on the 4th Annual Future Cougars of Color Diversity Luncheon. He added that every dollar raised at the luncheon goes directly to the future cougars of color program to bring high achieving multicultural students to WSU. He added that the Chronicle of Higher Education is highlighting WSU in their next Diversity Section and will be at the luncheon. WSU is the only campus the Chronicle visited.

11. Business Affairs and Information Technology Committee. Regent Jennings reported that committee requested and received a summary of major Information Technology projects that are planned in the next few years. She also reported that the committee reviewed and discussed the future and current actions that are being forwarded to the Board and also discussed the relative priorities for bringing these items before the committee. Regent Jennings went over each action item before Board approval.

The Board took action on the following:

WSU Pullman, College of Engineering and Architecture Precinct Master Plan and Dana Hall Renovation, Consultant Selection. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents delegate authority to the President or his designee, to approve the selection of the consulting firm that will provide planning and design services, and granted permission to proceed with the Precinct Master Plan and Dana Hall Renovation, provided costs are within funds available. Carried.

WSU Vancouver, Applied Technology Classroom Building, Consultant Selection. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents delegate authority to the President or his designee to approve the selection of the consulting firm that will provide planning and design services, and granted permission to proceed with PreDesign and Schematic Design, provided costs are within funds available. Carried.

Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreements. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents ratify the collective bargaining agreements for the 2007-09 biennium negotiated with the Washington Federation of State Employees and the Washington State University Police Guild, and authorize the President or his designee to execute the agreements on behalf of Washington State University. Carried.

Regents Jennings noted that even though there are no outstanding negotiation issues with the federation at this time, there may be one item still in negotiation with the Police Guild. The committee had recommended that the President be authorized to ratify the agreements with the understanding of any substantive changes from what was already discussed that the Board will be notified.

10. University Development, University Relations and Athletics Committee. Regent Forgette reported that the committee received several foundations plans for the upcoming year, and they also received a report from Athletics as well as University Relations. He asked Vice President Jessup to provide an update on the campaign and Athletic Director Jim Sterk to report on the progress of the Martin Stadium Renovation.

11. Report from the Vice President for University Development. Vice President Jessup reported that they are working to secure funding for world-class students to academic programs and facilities. He also noted the 53,000 people gave to WSU last year, 4000 were new donors. He indicated that they will be setting ambitious goals as they prepare for the campaign. He also thanked Mikal Thomsen for his inspirational leadership.

12. Report from the Director of Athletics. Athletic Director Jim Sterk provided an update on Martin Stadium Renovation. He indicated that they are in the leadership phase of their campaign. For the first time in Cougar history, they have had five individuals step up and donate over 5 million between them. There are still some challenges of raising 5 more at that level to make the pyramid work and make the fundraising goal of 20 million towards the stadium in the next third and fourth phases to go. The first and second phase will start right after this year’s season.

1. Student Affairs committee. Regent Stone reported that the committee received an update on the revisions to the Student Conduct Code that the Board will be asked to approve at the November Board of Regents Meeting. He also reported that the Committee was given an update on the search for the Vice President for Student Affairs. He added that they heard reports on the Human Rights Task Force Commission and a report called the Diversity Scorecard. In the Diversity Scorecard report, the data indicates that African American students are leaving in their third year of school. He has asked the staff to find out why this is happening and indicated that this is something that the Regents need to pay close attention to, especially at a time when reports indicate the positive direction we are making towards our diversity goals. Lastly, he reported that there was discussion on the possibility that the Board will need to have an emergency meeting to consider amendments to a WAC rule dealing with safety issues. He added that WSU police conducted routine security patrols of the common areas of residence halls for many years but earlier this year the Whitman County Superior Court found that WSU’s rules provided students with an expectation of privacy in these common areas and therefore found that police could not conduct routine patrols. Currently police are not limited when responding to emergencies in the residence halls; however, in a non-emergency situation when they are invited into a hall by a resident, they are limited to walking on the floor on which the resident resides. They are also required to be escorted by the resident at all times. Student Affairs believe that this protocol is not sufficient to protect the health and welfare of students and requests that an emergency ruling be enacted on a temporary basis. Regent Stone asked Regent King to comment on this ruling. Regent King indicated that we need to make sure the students have privacy, but we also need to have reasonable access to make sure students are safe. Regent Cowles stated she had concerns about civil liberties, although she recognizes there are security concerns and that there must a balance between these competing issues. Regent Cowles asked for a report on police protocols so that they could review these to help ensure privacy rights were being protected. Regent Smith echoed Regent Cowles and stated he hopes they can strike balance in this area. Senior Associate Attorney General Toni Ursich state that if the board enacted an emergency rule that it would be temporary and that the University would follow the regulations with respect to this and the enactment of the permanent rule.

14. Other Business

The Board took Action on the Following:

Request for Defense. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the request for defense by (former) WSU Cowlitz County Cooperative Extension Area Agent David Grusenmeyer in the case brought against him by Sheliah M. Johnson in King County Superior Court. Carried.

15. President’s Report. President Rawlins reported on the importance of benchmarks and that is what he’d like to leave as his legacy. He also reported on the many events surrounding WSU Week in Seattle.

16. Final comments and adjournment. Chairman Alhadeff reflected on the convocation he attended at the beginning of the school year and spoke to over 1000 new students.

At 11:40 a.m. the Regents Meeting adjourned.

Approved by the Board of Regents at its meeting held on October 21, 2006, at The Student Academic Center, Room 241, Spokane, Washington.

ORIGINAL SIGNED COPY AVAILABLE IN THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE