June 23, 1995

The Board of Regents of Washington State University met pursuant to call, in Open Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 1995, in the conference room on the 15th floor of the Puget Sound Power and Light Company, Bellevue, Washington.

Present: Phyllis J. Campbell, President; Regents: Richard R. Albrecht, R. M. “Mac” Crow, Richard A. Davis, John W. Ellis, Scott B. Lukins, Carmen Otero, Louis H. Pepper and William R. Wiley; President Samuel H. Smith, Provost Thomas F. George, Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie A. Giffen, University Counsel Sally P. Savage, Senior Assistant Attorney General Richard L. Hutchinson, Alumni Association President Jim Miller, Faculty Senate Chair Douglas Baker, Staff Senate President Richard Rupp, GPSA President Oliver Bangera, and ASWSU President Jessie Harris.

Also present were: Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Geoffrey Gamble, Vice Provost for Student Affairs K. J. “Gus” Kravas, Vice Provost for Human Relations and Resources Ernestine Madison, Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Robert Smith, Executive Director of Budget and Planning Gregory Royer, Director of Statewide Affairs Larry Ganders, Associate Vice President for University Advancement Connie Kravas, Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs Ernest Renfro, Executive Assistant for Business Affairs Rob Hoon, and News and Information Assistant Director Al Ruddy.

1. Welcome. Regent Phyllis Campbell welcomed everyone to the meeting and called the meeting to order. Regent Campbell presented Regent Davis with a certificate of appreciation for his service as President of the Board for 1994-95. President Smith also provided welcoming remarks and welcomed to the table the new Staff Senate President, Richard Rupp; the new ASWSU President, Jessie Harris; and the new Alumni Association President, Jim Miller.

2. Minutes. It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve the minutes of the meeting of May 12, 1995, with the change noted by Regent Otero of the date of the Enabling Act from 1989 to 1889. Carried.

3. 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 A be advanced to the degrees set above their names as members of the Class of May 13, 1995. Carried.

4. Reports from University Groups. Faculty Senate Chair Doug Baker reported the faculty is thankful for the four percent raise in salary. He indicated there is concern with salary compression and inversion and that WSU faculty are still sought after by other institutions. Dr. Baker stated the faculty are also worried about the continuing reduction in resources available to educate the students and said they are frustrated by the erosion of

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higher education and the inability to help people improve themselves. The faculty wants to continue to work with the legislators in educating the public on higher education to hopefully increase the investment in resources for education.

Staff Senate President Richard Rupp outlined briefly the accomplishments of the Staff Senate. The following projects have come to a closure after four years of preparation: the publishing and distribution of the classified staff handbook; the completion of the grievance and complaint procedures; and the redistricting of the Senate. Mr. Rupp explained the Senate was districted according to job classification, which led to problems with communications and unfilled seats. They have redistricted along organizational lines to improve communication by putting staff in direct contact with constituents and bringing union and administrative people into the Senate.

Staff Senate goals for the upcoming year include input into changes with the medical and retirement benefits packages; the designing of a home page on World Wide Web; and continuing discussions with administration on ways to increase staff participation in implementing and achieving goals that have been set by the Board of Regents and administration. Mr. Rupp said the staff wish to have more influence on how projects are carried out at the university.

GPSA President Oliver Bangera commented on some of last year’s successes, including: completion of a graduate student survey; a graduate study center, which will be open in about five weeks; completion of a graduate student handbook; improved graduate student insurance; and free access to plays for graduate students provided with the help of the school of Music and Theatre Arts. Currently Mr. Bangera and Vice President Vance are working on a concert which will take place on September 15. Mr. Bangera gave his thanks to Dr. George, Dr. Gamble, Dr. Smith, and Mr. Vance for all their help.

ASWSU President Jessie Harris commented how students believe that the results of the legislative budget were a direct result of the collective effort of WSU students, staff, faculty and administration. He spoke about the New Student Orientation Alive program and said ASWSU wants to send a message to students that being involved in activities is a significant part of their education, although education should always come first. ASWSU’s itinerary for next semester includes: a proposal to Cable 8 for special projects; concentrating on bridging the gaps between ASWSU and its constituencies; and on July 13, they are meeting with the other branch campus student governments to develop “community building.”

Alumni Association President Jim Miller reported that the Alumni Association is planning its centennial celebration which will occur in 1998. In conjunction with that celebration, the Endowment Subcommittee will plan an Alumni Centennial Endowment Fund Campaign, to follow Campaign WSU. Its purpose is to continue to maintain,

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upgrade and enhance the Lewis Alumni Centre and to keep it in excellent operating condition. Mr. Miller’s goal is to increase the awareness of the Alumni Association at the branch campuses. He has had the opportunity to participate on a committee at WSU Vancouver to establish a Student Alumni Centre at WSU Vancouver.

5. Provost’s Report. Provost Thomas George provided a report on the WSU operating budget and its implementation for the 1995-97 biennium. Provost George also provided comments on the federal budget scene. A discussion ensued concerning the 1995 recession bill vetoed by President Clinton. Although this bill was vetoed, it is still unclear as to what will occur with the recession funds, as recently the House Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee recommended zero funding for all facilities. Currently, WSU is counting on continuation of this funding in order to complete current capital projects, such as the Animal Disease Biotechnology Facility and the Wheat Research Facility. WSU still needs $10 million to complete the Animal Disease Biotechnology Facility and $3 million for completion of the Wheat Research Facility, and both projects are relying heavily on federal funding.

President Smith commented that the Wheat Commission came to WSU to recruit people to do wheat research for Washington State. The Wheat Commission then contributed one million dollars to start the first stage design of the Wheat Research Facility. The federal government is chaotic now with budget cuts, and WSU will have to prove that funding for the projects is necessary for completion. President Smith predicts that WSU should get most of the funding that was requested.

Provost George reported that WSU is also affected by budget cuts in National Special Grants that are primarily for research programs. It does not affect just WSU, but the elimination of the programs results in about a $7 million dollar loss that WSU has relied upon in the past. Provost George gave examples of the programs that could be affected by the budget cuts. He said the idea is that basic research is in better shape for funding than applied research.

Regent Ellis asked if there is a contingency plan in case federal funding does not come through. Provost George said that there have been many discussions for alternate sources and how to make cuts. The budget will not be passed until approximately April, 1996.

Regent Wiley suggested that industry might pick up some of the funding. Since industry is focusing more on research, cooperative ventures would be likely with industry. WSU is hoping that may be the future trend, and that there will be a cultural change.

Provost George continued by discussing the allocation process. WSU has extra funds for enhancement, and decisions need to be made on which programs could benefit

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most from these funds. WSU held a series of budget hearings involving the Executive Budget Committee, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate representatives, and Union representatives to determine who would benefit the most from these enhancement funds. The hearings were an opportunity to consider input from the various departments. They presented their biennial budgets and provided suggestions where the funds might be placed.

The allocation process discussion focused mainly on access for students, but also emphasized the following items: required reductions; compensation changes; financial aid; graduate and undergraduate enrollment increases; undergraduate teaching/learning program quality; recruitment and retention of students and faculty of color; agricultural research (to be funded by 1996 legislature); and general university expenses. The funding was given out differentially based on department enrollment and each college received a calculated amount per each enrolled student.

WSU has eliminated programs and reconfigured departments in the 1993-95 biennium in order to make the programs and departments more efficient and able to focus on what is important and to maintain quality. By making budget cuts and program elimination-reconfigurations WSU made its goal of a 2.4 percent budget reduction for the fiscal year 1996. Exact numbers and figures can be seen in Exhibit B.

6. Retitling of Existing Master of Science in Physical Education Degree. Provost Thomas George reported that the Regents approved on August 16, 1994, the request to change the name of the Department of Physical Education, Sports and Leisure Studies to the Department of Kinesiology and Leisure Studies. The proposed change in degree name is to align the name of the degree with the name of the department.

It was moved and seconded that, effective immediately, the WSU Board of Regents approve the retitling of the existing degree of Master of Science in Physical Education to Master of Science in Kinesiology. Carried.

7. Establish a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) at WSU Vancouver. Provost Thomas George reported that the proposed MPA program is designed to be a general program with an emphasis on analytic skills and administrative knowledge. It will complement the University’s mission by offering place-bound students access to training for careers in the areas of criminal justice, public administration and public policy. It also will promote professionalism and a commitment to public service for government employees in the areas of administration, criminal justice and policy analysis. Others interested in the program will include non-profit public interest groups located in Vancouver and the surrounding areas.

The need for the proposed program has been supported by a survey of area employers and an estimate of increased occupational opportunities in public service

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organizations, and a survey of potential students has identified sufficient interest in the program and documented that the program may initially serve as an important source of professional development for current public servants. The proposed interdisciplinary program will draw primarily on faculty in political science/criminal justice, business administration, sociology and economics. It will be administered by an MPA director who will work with an advisory board. The program will be supported primarily through internal reallocation of state resources and will have a per-FTE-student cost that is within the range of existing graduate-level social science programs.

It was moved and seconded that, effective Fall Semester, 1995, the WSU Board of Regents approve the recommendation to establish a Master of Public Affairs at WSU Vancouver. Carried.

8. Revisions to the 1995 Faculty Manual. Provost Thomas George provided background to three revisions to the 1995 Faculty Manual. There was a set of discussions surrounding the revision concerning Section IV, Faculty Personnel Policies, Salary. The Regents expressed concerns surrounding language appearing on page 4 of the agenda booklet under item 4, additional allocations. Regents Albrecht and Otero brought forth concerns with the following sentence: “The professional development portion shall be uniformly allocated as an equal percentage of annual salary to all faculty, unless extraordinary circumstances occur.” They felt the words “substandard performance or extraordinary circumstances occur” should appear in the language.

Provost George noted that during the Faculty Senate discussions consideration of the points brought forward by Regents Albrecht and Otero was a key factor. Faculty Senate Chair Doug Baker said the Faculty Senate felt there may be a small handful of people who are not performing up to expectations, and they did not want to tie the hands of the administration to say they had to provide every faculty member with an increase when some did not warrant this kind of merit. Dr. Baker said, however, that in the last biennium, a significant portion of the faculty received no salary increase. He said there were some faculty who deserved at least some sort of increase, and the spirit of this language was to see that those who deserved an increase would receive it, while others who did not should not be rewarded. He said they did not want a significant portion of the faculty receiving zero increase.

Regent Davis felt the University may be moving away from merit and noted the example mentioned by Dr. Baker where approximately 30 percent did not receive any increase at all. Regent Davis was concerned about the following two sentences appearing on page 4 of the agenda booklet: “As the University administration varies the amount available to different colleges and units, such differences should only appear in the extraordinary merit/equity/market adjustment allocation,” and “When funds become available for a cost-of-living salary increase, all salaries shall be raised by the same

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percentage.” He said these two sentences do not reinforce the belief in merit and felt they go the opposite direction. He requested the elimination of these sentences, as he was concerned about moving away from merit. He felt it would be important for the administration to put into place some sort of review process to understand how the salary allocation process is actually working in all the organizational units, as some units will allocate effectively and some will not. He said it is the responsibility of the Provost’s Office to make sure that salary administration is effectively managed and that if there is some sort of discrepancy as Mr. Baker noted, the administration should make sure to handle this problem.

Regents Crow and Pepper added their comments and voiced their agreement with the merit approach. Regent Wiley referred to the elimination of the first line of the proposal that reads, “Faculty at Washington State University shall be salaried on a merit based step schedule.” He asked if eliminating this means we are moving away from merit. Provost George said this just moves away from the “step system.” Regent Wiley emphasized that he feels we need to move toward a merit-based system. Provost George noted the next sentence in the first paragraph of the proposal that says, “The objective of the Faculty Salary Policy is to provide faculty salary increases, based on evaluations of professional growth and meritorious performance as determined the Annual (Performance) Review Process.”

President Smith said that everyone is very concerned with how low the faculty salaries are and that we are trying to build as much flexibility into the system as possible in order to reward the faculty for their work. He noted that the University must have the ability to provide larger increases to its faculty in order to bring them up to the level of its peers. In order to do that, some faculty will receive a zero percent increase.

After the discussions, it was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents amend the following revisions appearing under item 4 on page 4 of the agenda booklet to the 1995 Faculty Manual, Section IV, Faculty Personnel Policies, Salary, pp. 41-43 [underlined material is new and crossed out material is to be deleted]:

The professional development portion shall be uniformly allocated as an equal percentage of annual salary to all faculty, unless substandard performance or extraordinary circumstances occur.

As the University administration varies the amount available to different colleges and units, such differences should only appear in the extraordinary merit/equity/market adjustment allocation.

When funds become available for a cost-of-living salary increase, all salaries shall be raised by the same percentage.

June 25, 1995

Carried.

Provost Thomas George brought forward one more amendment to the 1995 Faculty Manual, under Section IV, Faculty Personnel Policies.

It was moved and seconded that, effective immediately, the WSU Board of Regents approve revisions to the 1995 Faculty Manual, Section IV, Faculty Personnel Policies: Faculty Evaluation, pages 32-35. Carried.

Appearing in Exhibit C are the revisions to the “Faculty Manual,” including the amendments made to the section concerning salary allocations and adjustments.

9. Trust Lands Report. Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen provided a report on issues concerning trust lands. Ms. Giffen reported she had attended a recent meeting at the invitation of the University of Washington, including representatives from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), University of Washington (UW) faculty, and the interim dean of the College of Forest Resources who also represents the UW on the Board of Natural Resources (BNR).

Ms. Giffen noted several issues which have resulted in a difference of opinion between the trustee (the DNR) and the beneficiaries of the trust lands (various institutions, including WSU and UW). She said the DNR is proposing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that would have very harsh consequences on the various trusts and the DNR is currently moving forward on this proposal. The beneficiaries of the trust lands feel there has not been enough background work done in preparation for consideration of an HCP. Ms. Giffen said the DNR has taken one view only in that they explored the conservation constraints and conducted an economic analysis using only those constraints. Ms. Giffen stated that one cannot really tell from the analysis studied by the DNR what the assumptions and variables are that would make a difference. Ms. Giffen is concerned because the DNR does not intend to examine other approaches and then begin with an economic analysis to decide what will go into the conservation plan, although she said the DNR will conduct an analysis of the various trusts.

Another issue about which there is a difference of opinion concerns the DNR trust responsibilities. She said the DNR feels they have a combination of three requirements to follow: 1) a responsibility to the beneficiary; 2) legal requirements; and 3) the conservation of resources. There is a clear difference as to whether you can blend responsibilities to the beneficiaries with other responsibilities.

Ms. Giffen noted that the DNR is still working on some analyses, and they have offered to meet again.

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Regent Campbell asked for comments from Regent Ellis and Pepper, who were asked at the last Board meeting to investigate this matter further. Regent Ellis emphasized that this matter involves a fundamental issue, that these lands have been the source of very substantial income to the University and other institutions for a long time, and that what is occurring will fundamentally change the way the lands are administered and clearly will impact their ability to produce income. Mr. Ellis stated that the Regents have a duty to protect the ability of the institution to receive maximum income from the trust lands and that he feels there must be some intervention for a resolution through outside counsel. He noted that there is difficulty when two state agencies hold a difference of opinion as the Attorney General is placed in the position of representing both the DNR and the University. He urged the administration to seek outside counsel to work with the Attorney General. Mr. Ellis requested that this occur between now and the September Regents’ meeting, so that a follow-up report could be provided to the Regents at that time.

Regent Pepper voiced his agreement with Regent Ellis and emphasized that this is not a matter which can be taken lightly. He pointed out that the trust lands account for approximately $422,000,000 in assets for WSU. Regent Lukins raised issues concerning the prudent investor rule and potential sale of the assets. He pointed out that the value of the lands may be diminished due to the HCP proposal.

At the end of the discussion, it was decided that the Regents would take the following action to endorse the pursuit of outside counsel by the University:

It was moved and seconded that the Regents direct the administration to retain outside counsel, working with the Attorney General’s Office, to advise the Regents relative to the trust land issues; and that counsel be requested to advise the Regents prior to the next meeting concerning the appropriate steps to be taken to resolve these issues. Carried.

10. Contracts under Previous Delegation of Authority (under $500,000). Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that on the authority delegated to the President of the University or his designee at the meeting of January 24, 1986, she has approved entering into the following contracts:

Inland Coatings, Pullman, for the Chinook and Columbia Villages exterior painting for a total project cost of $251,123, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from the 1993-95 Housing and Dining Systems funds.

R.R.A.CO., Inc., Spokane, for WHETS alterations for ICNE Spokane for a total project cost of $174,960, including sales tax, to be paid from 1993-95 Minor Capital Renewal and 1993-95 Minor Capital Improvement funds.

June 25, 1995

Poe Asphalt Paving, Inc., Pullman, for Nez Perce Village resurfacing and repair of asphalt concrete pavement for a total project cost of $72,740, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from the 1993-95 Housing and Dining Systems and City of Pullman funds.

R.R.A.CO., Inc., Spokane, for the remodel of Cleveland Hall Room 223 for Counseling Psychology for a total project cost of $62,669, including alternate 1, sales tax and contingency, to be paid from the 1993-95 Minor Capital Improvement funds.

Hamre Construction, Inc., Spokane, for the Commons Hall replacement of landing and stairs above the electric vault; construction of a handicap ramp; and replacement of transformers in the vault for a total project cost of $57,659, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from the 1993-95 Minor Capital Renewal funds.

Crackfill Specialists, Asotin, for the Housing/Parking pavement joint and crack sealing project for a total project cost of $30,446, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from 1993-95 Parking and 1993-95 Housing funds.

Hamre Construction, Inc., Spokane, for the New Library to remove plant material and install a concrete slab for a total project cost of $19,712, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from 1991-93 Minor Capital Renewal funds.

11. Contracts under Previous Delegation of Authority (over $500,000). Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that on the authority delegated to the President of the University or his designee at the meeting of February 17, 1995, and June 24, 1994, she has approved entering into the following contracts, respectively:

Motley and Motley, Inc., Pullman, for the Engineering Teaching/Researching Building, Phase I for a total project cost of $26,535,000, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from 1993-95 WSU Building Account, 1993-95 State Building Construction Account, 1993 United States Department of Energy, and 1995-97 State Building Construction Account.

Inland Construction Company, Inc., for the Fulmer Annex Renovation/Chemical Waste Collection Site for a total project cost of $13,640,357, including sales tax and contingency, to be paid from 1991-93 State Building Construction Account, 1993-95 State Building Construction Account, and 1993-95 WSU Building Account.

12. Completion of Contracts over $2,500. Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that on the authority delegated to her at the meeting of June 24, 1994, she had approved satisfactory completion of the following contracts:

June 25, 1995

Shea Construction, Inc., for the Phase II Construction of five main communication facilities, in the final amount of $1,446,775.

R.A.CO., Inc., for the new IBC greenhouse, in the final amount of $540,306.

Zygotech, for the new sewage system at Prosser, in the final amount of $468,219.

Quad Cities Construction, Inc., for the WSU Compost Facility, in the final amount of $172,932.

Cascade Fire Protection, for Memorial Hospital fire protection improvements, in the final amount of $89,930.

Colvico, Inc., for the Daggy Hall Wadleigh Theater lighting dimmer control, in the final amount of $28,488.

Poe Asphalt and Paving, Inc., for the Phase IV, construction of Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV).

13. Revised Allocation of Services and Activities Fee for the Academic Year 1995-96. It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve the revised allocation of the Services and Activities Fee for the Academic Year 1995-96 as presented in Exhibit D. Carried.

The revised distribution of the Services and Activities Fee was recommended by the Chair of Services and Activities Fees Committee, Jessie Harris.

14. WSU Tri-Cities Consolidated Information Center. Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that at the meeting of October 14, 1994, the Board of Regents approved schematic design documents, granted permission to proceed with design development, and delegated authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to approve construction documents. The architectural firm of Integrus Architecture is completing the final drawings, specifications and cost estimate for the project. The documents will be reviewed by the Project Planning Committee and by the Departments of Facilities Developments, Physical Plant, Environmental Health and Safety, and Public Safety.

It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents grant permission to advertise for bids and delegate authority to the President or his designee the Vice President for Business Affairs, to award a construction contract for the WSU Tri-Cities Consolidated Information Center project, if a budget can be established within the funds available. Carried.

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15. Chemical Waste Collection Sites-Engineering Complex, Eastlick and Wegner Sites and Silver Recovery Units. Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that at the meeting of November 18, 1994, the Board of Regents approved schematic design documents, granted permission to proceed with design development, and delegated authority to approve construction documents. The consulting firm of Bovay Northwest, Inc., has completed the construction documents for the Chemical Waste Collection Sites-Engineering Complex, Eastlick and Wegner Sites and Silver Recovery Units project. The construction documents have been reviewed by the Project Planning Committee, and the Departments of Facilities Development, Physical Plant, Environmental Health and Safety, and Public Safety.

It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents grant permission to advertise for bids and delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to award a construction contract for the Chemical Waste Collection Sites-Engineering Complex, Eastlick and Wegner Sites and Silver Recovery Units project, if a budget can be established within the funds available. Carried.

16. Animal Sciences Laboratory Building. Vice President for Business Affairs Sallie Giffen reported that at the meeting of May 6, 1994, the Board of Regents approved schematic design documents, and delegated authority to proceed with the design development and construction documents for the Animal Sciences Laboratory Building. MBT Architecture has completed the construction documents for the project. These documents have been reviewed by the Project Planning Committee, the Departments of Facilities Development, Physical Plant, Environmental Health and Safety, and Public Safety.

It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to approve construction documents, to advertise for bids and to award a construction contract for the Animal Sciences Laboratory Building, if a budget can be established within the funds available. Carried.

17. Report from University Affairs. Vice President for University Advancement Connie Kravas presented the WSU Foundation Gift Report for May 1995, and reported that the year-to-date total for donations and private grants had reached $26,362,395.

Dr. Kravas highlighted the Faculty/Staff drive and said it was an important contribution to campaign efforts. She noted that the goal was to emphasize employee participation and to encourage people to give what they wished, rather than a set amount.

18. Executive Session. At 11:40 p.m., the Regents convened in Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. At 11:50 p.m. the Regents reconvened in open session.

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19. President’s Compensation. Regent Phyllis Campbell announced that as a result of the Regents’ recent review of President Smith’s performance and high level of achievement, they had decided to provide him with an 8 percent increase in his salary. Regent Campbell noted several of President Smith’s accomplishments including the success achieved in the University’s $200 million fundraising campaign; the growth of WSU’s three branch campuses; development and implementation of the undergraduate curriculum reform program; and successful work with the legislature, executive branch, and other state policy maker to address the need to fund growing enrollment demands in higher education.

Regent Campbell noted also that the competitive market for university presidents reflects an average salary considerably higher that WSU. She stated the average base salary for presidents in WSU’s peer group is $166,972, and the median salary nationally for presidents of universities with budgets comparable to WSU is $182,100.

Regent Campbell praised President Smith for his 10 years of service to the University during which time he has led the institution in making significant changes. Regent Campbell said President Smith’s years of experience are extremely valuable and that it is very important to retain his services to the University.

It was moved and seconded that the WSU Board of Regents approve, effective July 1, 1995, an increase in the President’s state salary from $124,699 to $134,675 annually. In addition, it was moved and seconded, effective July 1, 1995, the Regents increase the Presidents’ deferred compensation from $35,000 to $50,000 per year. Carried.

20. Virtual Education. President Smith introduced Mr. Jeff Raikes, Senior Vice President of Microsoft Corporation. Mr. Raikes provided an audio and video presentation of products developed or contracted by Microsoft. His presentation centered on various topics, such as music, architecture, and art and showed how these products can benefit both higher education and education, in general. He also focused on some pilot projects occurring at WSU with Microsoft.

This presentation was attended by special guest, Rich Sonstelie, who is CEO and President of Puget Sound Power and Light Company and also Chair of the Higher Education Coordinating Board. After the presentation, there was a set of discussions with the Regents about the advantages virtual education holds for higher education. There was a clear consensus among all that this is the path higher education and WSU, in particular, should follow in its efforts to present virtual education to its students.

The meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.