January 22, 1999

The Board of Regents of Washington State University met pursuant to call in Open Meeting at 1:32 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 1999, in the Lewis Alumni Centre.

Present: Peter J. Goldmark, Vice President; Regents: Richard R. Albrecht, Kenneth Alhadeff, Richard A. Davis, Robert D. Fukai, Joe King, William D. Marler, and Janelle Milodragovich; President Samuel H. Smith, Provost Gretchen Bataille, Vice President for Business Affairs Samuel Kindred, Vice President for Extended University Affairs Thomas L. Purce, Vice President for University Advancement Connie Kravas, University Counsel Sally P. Savage, Faculty Senate Chair Robert Greenberg, Alumni Association President Craig Gable, GPSA President Abraham Kannankeril, and ASWSU President Steve Wymer.

Also present were: Executive Director of Budget and Planning Gregory P. Royer, Assistant Vice President for University Relations Barbara Petura, Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs Ernest J. Renfro, Director of Federal Government Relations Beverly Lingle, and Director of Statewide Affairs Larry Ganders.

1. Opening Remarks and Introductions. Regent Peter Goldmark opened the meeting and provided welcoming remarks. President Smith introduced the following: Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Barbara Couture; Director of the Museum of Art, Dyana Curreri-Ermatinger; and Chair of Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Raymond Quock.

2. Minutes. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the minutes of the meeting of November 20, 1998. Carried.

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

In addition to the previously submitted reports, GPSA President Abraham Kannankeril reported that GPSA Vice President, Scott Berger, had recently obtained a job and, therefore, resigned his post. He stated that the GPSA would vote on a new vice president soon. Mr. Kannankeril also provided an update on the new CyberCafé to be located in the lair of the Compton Union Building. Regent Davis asked Mr. Kannankeril to provide details about the CyberCafé, and Mr. Kannankeril responded that the Café will have computers, cameras, music, and videos and would be a “hang around” place for students.

Regent Peter Goldmark noted the recent change in ASWSU leadership and wished former ASWSU President Ed Prince well. ASWSU President Steve Wymer assured the Regents that he would strive to lead ASWSU in meeting the established goals set by ASWSU at the beginning of the year and that he would appoint a Vice President in the next couple of weeks. In addition to the ASWSU report provided, Mr. Wymer stated that the Executive Director of the Washington Student Lobby had resigned, that the Lobby had been experiencing financial difficulties, and that he plans to meet with the Lobby to help it get back on its feet. Also, Mr. Wymer introduced members of the newly formed Student Recreation Center Board, including Greg Royer, Executive Director of Budget and Planning; Jim Rimpau, Director, Institutional Research; Doug Baker, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs; Steve Peterson, a graduate student with a background in recreation; Alicia Lewis, a senior with a background in recreation and fitness; Tyler Hansell, a junior who is a student-athlete football player; Anita Afzali, a sophomore student; and Sierra Bachtel and Jennifer Leahy, who are freshmen students. Additionally, ASWSU’s executive staff representative is GPSA President Abraham Kannankeril, the chair of the Board is Patrick McAdams, and the vice-chair is John Norberg.

In addition to his report, Alumni Association President Craig Gable provided the Regents with a sample of the new alumni card. Also, in reference to his final report item, Mr. Gable gave the Regents a list of the events in which they had participated in during 1998. Mr. Gable further reported that the process is underway in search for a new alumni coordinator and that at its upcoming March meeting, the Alumni Association will have for the first time in its history, representation from every college on campus.

4. Planning Committee Report. Regent Goldmark stated that there would be no report from the Planning Committee, as it had not met since the last meeting.

5. Tuition Setting Authority Presentation and Discussion. Budget Director Karl Boehmke provided a presentation on tuition and fees, including an historical overview and a review of policy issues. Mr. Boehmke examined issues related to university funding, students’ costs related to instruction, and policy issues surrounding the discussion of tuition. Mr. Boehmke indicated that the major policy issue being considered is who will hold tuition setting authority—the State Legislature or the Governing Boards of the State’s Institutions. He further indicated that both the 2020 Commission and the Governor have proposed granting academic year tuition setting authority to the Governing Boards.

Mr. Boemke’s historical overview included information about tuition levels and spending under legislative control and possibilities related to tuition setting being placed under institutional control. He informed the Regents about how the Legislature sets tuition, how WSU is currently ranked with its peers, and how other institutions conduct this process. Additionally, Mr. Boehmke provided details concerning the relationship between tuition and enrollment, as well as tuition and financial aid. Other policy issues discussed were who funds financial aid to offset tuition increases and potential levels for tuition based upon the program in which a student may be involved. Mr. Boehmke also presented facts related to potential increases and how that would impact the costs to students and its probable effects on enrollment.

After Mr. Boehmke’s presentation, the Regents discussed the issues related to tuition setting authority. One of those included the probability that giving the university local tuition setting authority would lead to decreases in State support. The Regents emphasized that higher education must be seen as a priority by the State and that the burden for the cost of instruction must not be placed on the institutions or the students. The Regents stated that if they had more control over the mechanisms related to funding and a guarantee of a certain level of State general fund support, they would favor having that local tuition setting authority in order to meet the needs of the institution as a whole, and the students, in particular. Further, the Regents discussed issues related to what other institutions are doing; possible strategies that might be used at WSU; how tuition would be priced, considering all the factors, such as undergraduate education vs. graduate education and what type of program a student chooses; and other related issues that would need to be addressed, such enrollment management. Another issue discussed was that of faculty salaries and how much of an increase in tuition would be needed to fund salary increases. The Regents considered the possibility that in order to raise faculty salaries, a current priority, that tuition would have to be increased.

In addition to the Regents, students in attendance at the meeting stated that they do not wish for tuition to increase but at the same time, they know that faculty salaries are very important. ASWSU President Steve Wymer stressed that if WSU looses mentors, and excellent teachers and researchers, then even a 5 percent increase would not be enough. The students stated that they valued the working relationship between the students and the Regents, that they wanted to hold only one entity accountable for tuition increases, and that they felt funding for higher education should be the burden of the State. Faculty Senate Chair Bob Greenberg and Alumni Association President Craig Gable also expressed their concerns about faculty salaries and the need for additional operating funds.

The Regents indicated that they needed further information on this issue in order to understand better the implications and consequences, the policy issues involved, and political ramifications. They said that level of State support is a fundamental issue needs to be considered both in terms of what we receive in good economic times, as well as bad economic times. Additionally, they stated that the State needs to establish higher education as a priority and recognize that a high quality education is a goal of not just those directly involved in higher education but that it is the will of the people of the State.

6. Academic Affairs Committee. Regent Alhadeff reported that the Academic Affairs Committee had discussed alcohol abuse at Washington State University. He emphasized that this is not just a problem at WSU but that it is a worldwide problem that affects many lives. He said the University has a responsibility to find a role in people’s lives that can help them to be responsible. Regent Alhadeff indicated that the Academic Affairs Committee had met with the campus police, Vice Provost for Student Affairs Gus Kravas, representatives from the Greek system, the Residence Hall system, and other staff regarding what is and what is not working regarding the university’s policy on alcohol. He noted that much is working well, but that there are many challenges that face us. He said this meeting provided an opportunity to listen to the students and that the Committee was encouraged to hear from their perspective that they feel things are different at WSU. Regent Alhadeff agreed that the culture is changing but that it is a slow process. He said the they are reassured by the strong cooperation among staff and student leaders who really care about what happens to the students at WSU. Regent Alhadeff complimented Vice Provost Gus Kravas for the courage he has shown in regard to this issue.

Regent Alhadeff indicated that the Committee had also discussed the action items for today’s meeting and possible action items for the upcoming meeting in March.

7. Provost’s Report. Provost Gretchen Bataille echoed Regent Alhadeff’s comments and stated that the Academic Affairs Committee meeting had been successful. Additionally, Provost Bataille reported on the following:

· Spokane. As a part of WSU’s charge for ensuring an assessment of higher education needs in Spokane, Provost Bataille indicated that an Assessment RFP is ready to be sent. She stated that it is currently being reviewed at Eastern Washington University for comment and then will be released for bids. Both a bid review team and a project coordinating team have been developed, including representation from EWU. Provost Bataille indicated that the final plan is due June 1, 1999.

· Foley Institute. Provost Bataille reported that the Foley Institute is under new leadership. She stated that Professor Lance LeLoup, Chair of the Political Science Department and a scholar of presidential and congressional politics, has agreed to serve as Interim Director until a national search can be conducted. Provost Bataille indicated that a number of events are being planed to coincide with the release of Ambassador Foley’s biography to be published by the WSU Press.

· Budget and Planning Process. Provost Bataille indicated that she is working with the deans to balance the budget in Academic Affairs. She said this would be a process that will span 18 months to include identification of areas of cutbacks, as well as conduct a strategic planning process. She said the budget plan is predicated on no new funds and no new enrollment dollars and that she and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Doug Baker are working with the various units to meet these issues straight on.

· Search Updates. Provost Bataille reminded the Regents that searches are underway for the deans of Pharmacy, Engineering and Architecture, and Veterinary Medicine, as well as for a vice provost for Enrollment Management. Additionally, Provost Bataille announced that the dean of the College of Business and Economics would be departing in June. She also stated that she is appointing search committees for the position of dean of the Graduate School and dean of WSU Tri-Cites.

· Faculty Manual. Provost Bataille indicated that the revised manual would be brought before the Regents for approval sometime this spring. She stated that she has appointed a Tenure and Promotion Task Force to examine the existing process and ways to improve that process to ensure equitable treatment of all faculty.

8. Granting of Degrees. It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve the recommendation of the faculty that the candidates appearing in Exhibit B be advanced to the degrees set above their names as members of the Class of October 24, 1998. Carried.

9. Establish a Bachelor of Arts in Education at Grays Harbor. It was moved and seconded that, effective Spring Semester 1999, the WSU Board of Regents approve the recommendation to establish a Bachelor of Arts in Education at Grays Harbor. Carried.

10. Establish a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice as a Distance Education Program. It was moved and seconded that, effective Spring Semester 1999, the WSU Board of Regents approve the recommendation to establish a Distance Education Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Carried.

11. Summer Session 1999 Tuition and Summer Session Services & Activities Fees. It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve the recommendation to increase summer 1999 tuition (resident and nonresident) from $165/SCH undergraduate and $212/SCH graduate to:

Resident Undergraduate $170/SCH (3.03 percent increase)

Resident Graduate $219/SCH (3.30 percent increase)

Non Resident Undergraduate $180/SCH (2.86 percent increase)

Non Resident Graduate $229/SCH (3.15 percent increase)

Carried.

It was also moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve a recommendation to increase summer 1999 Services and Activities Fees from $13.85/SCH to $14.24/SCH.

Carried.

At 3:20 p.m., the Regents took a 10-minute break. The Regents reconvened in open session at 3:32 p.m.

12. Finance, Audit, and Capital (FAC) Committee Report. Regent Albrecht stated that the Finance, Audit, and Capital Committee had met and discussed the following items at its meeting yesterday:

· Schematic design documents for the Teaching and Learning Center for the Pullman Campus

· A review of the site plan for the Riverpoint Site for the City of Spokane

· An update on the Student Recreation Center

· A report on residence hall occupancy rates and report on housing and dining system rates for the academic year 1990-2000

· An Intellectual Property Consultants’ Report

Regent Albrecht said the Committee met again this morning for a report on the budgeting process and a budget status update. He said they also had a preliminary discussion regarding tuition setting authority.

13. Report by the Vice President for Business Affairs. Vice President for Business Affairs Samuel Kindred stated that a new director of the Physical Plant had been hired and that the search for a director of Facilities Development is still underway. Additionally, as mentioned by Regent Albrecht, the Finance, Audit, and Capital Committee discussed the Student Recreation Center and said he was pleased to have approved a negotiated construction cost and entered into a contract.

14. Selection of Gilbane Building Company, San Francisco, as General Contractor/Construction Manager (CG/CM) for the Student Recreation Center. Vice President for Business Affairs Sam Kindred reported that on the authority delegated to the President of the University or his designee at the meeting of March 6, 1998, he had approved a negotiated Maximum Allowable Construction Cost (MACC) and entered into a GC/CM contract with Gilbane Building Company, San Francisco, for the Student Recreation Center, for the Fee, General Conditions price, and sales tax in the amount of $24,706,119.

15. Completion of Contracts over $2,500. Vice President for Business Affairs Sam Kindred 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., Wenatchee, for campus infrastructure at WSU Vancouver, Phase II Development, in the final amount of $3,056,359.

Mike Coman Construction, Spokane, for chemical waste collection sites at the Veterinary Science Complex, in the final amount of $343,748.

RM Mechanical, Inc. for Daggy Hall chilled water system revisions, in the final amount of $33,535.

Mike Coman Construction, Inc., for a concrete pit for a wood press at the Wood Research Lab, in the final amount of $10,994.

16. Housing and Dining System Rates for the Academic Year 1999-2000. Vice President for Business Affairs Samuel Kindred reported on the Housing and Dining Rate increases for the 1999-2000 academic year. He indicated that the increase will be only a modest one of 2 percent for new residents and that it will provide funds to meet anticipated increases in salary and benefit expenses, new minimum wages approved by Washington State Voters, inflation for supplies and services, and staffing for new programs and higher residence hall occupancy.

17. Scholars Hall. 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 select the General contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) for Scholars Hall, pursuant to RCW 39.10.030, and award a construction contract provided a Maximum Allowable Construction Cost (MACC) can be established within the funds available. Carried.

18. Pullman Campus Infrastructure and Road Improvements, Phase II—1999. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve schematic design documents, grant authority to proceed with design development, and delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to approve construction documents, advertise for bids, and award a construction contract for the Pullman Campus Infrastructure and Road Improvements, Phase II—1999 Project, if a budget can be established within the funds available. Carried.

19. Report by the Vice President for Extended University Affairs. Vice President for Extended University Affairs Les Purce reported that Mr. Al Ruddy, Associate Director of News and Information Services, would be retiring this month. He stated that a search has been conducted for this position and that by the following week, he hoped they would be able to hire a replacement. Vice President Purce commended Mr. Ruddy for his fine service to the University.

Vice President Purce also provided a follow-up to the action item that was presented under Academic Affairs. He stated that the establishment of the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Grays Harbor relates to new initiatives identified this year where WSU, as the lead institution in the state for distance education, has been charged with bringing together a system for approved ability for students to access information. Out of that, Vice President Purce stated, WSU has begun to work with other institutions, including community colleges, to build a consortium to offer degrees, such as the Criminal Justice degree, which will be implemented in cooperation with other Washington public institutions that offer similar programs on their campuses and are interested in distance offerings.

20. Vice President for University Advancement. Vice President for University Advancement Connie Kravas provided an update on CougNet Services. She indicated that CougNet has experienced a very successful year and introduced Mary Gresch, Director of Foundation/Community Relations, and Mark Wilcomb, Assistant Director, CougNet Services. Ms. Gresch and Mr. Wilcomb provided a PowerPoint presentation, which highlighted the many services, offered by CougNet, including “FriendFinder,” e-mail forwarding, and many other personalized services. Additionally, CougNet offers links to other important WSU sites, such as the Hilltopics publication on-line, the WSU Foundation, and the Alumni Association.

21. Executive Session. At 3:55 p.m., the Regents convened in an Executive Session to discuss a litigation issue. The Board reconvened in open session at 4:18 p.m.

22. Memorandum of Settlement. Regent Peter Goldmark stated that the Regents had reviewed a Memorandum of Settlement that would conclude the lawsuit with the Department of Natural Resources concerning the management of WSU’s trust lands. He said they had discussed with legal counsel issues related to this Settlement Agreement.

It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the Memorandum of Settlement setting forth the terms reached between the State of Washington through the Department of Natural Resources and the Office of Financial Management, and Washington State University. Carried.

Regent Peter Goldmark thanked University Counsel Sally Savage and others who were involved in negotiating and helping to settle what was a very complex issue.

23. Regents’ Distinguished Alumnus Award. Regent Peter Goldmark brought forth the proposal that WSU Alumnus Paul Allen be named as a recipient of the Regents’ Distinguished Alumnus Award. He said he had the unique privilege of presenting this to the Board for its consideration, stated that this award is the highest honor WSU can bestow upon its alumni, and that the Regents were pleased to be able to award it to such an outstanding individual such as Mr. Allen.

It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents designate Paul Allen as the twenty-ninth recipient of the Regents’ Distinguished Alumnus Award. Carried.

24. Recognition of Allan J. Ruddy. President Smith indicated that Mr. Al Ruddy, Associate Director of News and Information Services, would be retiring from WSU just after the January Regents’ meeting. He noted that Mr. Ruddy had provided 26 years of service to WSU and had covered Regents’ meetings for the past 8 years. President Smith stated that although Mr. Ruddy was unable to be at the meeting, he wanted to publicly recognize his fine service to the institution and particularly to the Regents. The Regents moved and seconded a motion of thanks to Mr. Ruddy and said that he would be missed.

At 4:25 p.m., the Regents’ meeting adjourned.