MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
November 17, 1977
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University was held on Thursday, November 17, 1977, at 9:00 a.m. in the
Conference Room at 910 West Franklin Street.
Present were Drs. Blanton and Gwathmey; Messrs. Bliley, Dabney, Grey,
Norris, Obenshain, Scott, Seaborn and Shumate; and Mesdames Satterfield,
Stone and Thalhimer. Absent were Dr. Gayle and Mr. McGehee. Also present
were Drs. Beller, Brooke, Hall, Neal, Salley, Willett and Woods; Messrs.
Guerdon and Ross; Miss Cosby and Mrs. Price.
Dr. Blanton called the meeting to order in Executive Session. Following
a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the appointment of Dr. Edmund F.
Ackell as the third President of Virginia Commonwealth University was
unanimously approved subject to his receiving a comprehensive medical
examination. Mrs. Satterfield stated that the Search Assistance Committee
and the Search Committee should be congratulated on an outstanding search
and all their hard work. Dr. Blanton indicated that, with the Board's
approval, he would write letters of appreciation to the Search Assistance
Committee.
At this time, Dr. Ackell joined the meeting and the position of
President of Virginia Commonwealth University was offered to him. Dr.
Ackell accepted the appointment and expressed his gratitude for the con-
fidence expressed in him by the Board of Visitors.
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Following the Executive Session, on motion made and seconded, the
Minutes of a Special Meeting of the Academic Policy Committee, held October
5, 1977, and a Special Meeting of the Student Affairs Committee, held
October 10, 1977, were unanimously approved.
The Report of the Acting President followed.
Mr. David L. Ross, Legal Advisor to the Board and President, presented
his report. He stated that the Doe vs. Linas case was favorably disposed
of in Federal court on November 16, 1977. The Oslund case has been indefinitely
continued due to health problems of Mrs. Oslund. Mr. Ross stated that no
new suits have been filed against the University since the last meeting of
the Board.
Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the Faculty
Appointments and Changes in Status were unanimously approved.
The Report of Gifts, Grants and Contracts, on motion made and seconded,
was unanimously approved.
Mr. Guerdon presented a list of those contracts signed since the October
meeting of the Board which, following a discussion and on motion duly made
and seconded, the Board unanimously affirmed.
Drs. Salley and Woods presented their "Report to the Board of Visitors
on Positions Entitled 'Director of Graduate Affairs.'" This report was
presented for informational purposes.
Mrs. Satterfield, on behalf of the Academic Policy Committee, stated
that the Committee would be meeting with the Executive Committee of the
Faculty Senate on Tuesday, November 22.
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Mr. Seaborn, on behalf of the Audit Review Committee, stated that
the committee has met to review the Executive Summary produced by Peat,
Marwick, Mitchell and Company. This summary recommended several changes
including the establishment of a standing audit committee of the Board of
Visitors and a change in the reporting of the audit function to this
committee. Following a discussion, on motion made, seconded and unanimously
approved, the Audit Committee was made a standing committee of the Board
of Visitors, subject to the appropriate changes in the By-Laws and the
internal audit office will have a direct reporting line to this committee.
(Administratively, the internal audit office will report to the Provost for
Administration.) Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the
Audit Report prepared by Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Company was unanimously
accepted and the recommendations approved.
On behalf of the Executive Committee, Dr. Blanton reported that a number
of meetings had been held dealing with the search for a new president.
Mr. Grey reported on behalf of the Hospital Committee. The letter
of intent to participate in the South Central Professional Standards
Review Organization was presented to the Hospital Committee and signed
by Mr. Grey. The Committee also discussed the current nurse shortage,
the Virginia Hospital Laundry and the accreditation of the School of
Medicine. It was also pointed out to the Committee that the hospital is
140 days behind in collections from third party payors. It was determined
that an additional 30 days review of the situation should be made before
any major action was necessary. It was pointed out that the collection
rate on accounts turned over to the Attorney General's office was approxi-
mately three percent. Prior to the new policy set by the State, a collection
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rate of approximately 16 to 20 percent had been realized.
Mr. Scott reported on behalf of the Property Committee and stated
that this committee will be meeting on Monday, November 21 at 8 a.m.
Mrs. Stone stated that the Student Affairs Committee had met and set
up their plans for the year. They will be meeting with a number of student
groups on campus.
Following an executive session, Mr. Lewis Mills, Athletic Director
and Mr. Dana Kirk, Men's Basketball Coach, joined the meeting to report on
the total athletic program. Mr. Mills reported that the Women's Volleyball
team hoped to make it to the national finals in Utah. Other men and women's
sports are progressing nicely. Mr. Kirk reported that the men's basketball
Lorenzo Watson. Mr. Kirk stated that the basketball team will have a
team has had some injury problems, the most severe being the broken foot of
respectable season and invited members of the Board to attend the games
and practice sessions.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
Richard D. Obenshain, Secretary
Approved:
Wyndham B. Blanton, Jr., M. D. Rector
REPORT OF THE ACTING PRESIDENT
November 17, 1977
1. Parking
Dr. Willett reported that the administration is continuing to work
with city and state officials on solutions to VCU's parking problems
2. Budget
Dr. Willett stated that the administration has worked very hard with
the various state agencies on our budget requests. Dr. Beller reported
that, with regard to the State Council's review, VCU has done very well
3. Legislative Relations
Mr. Ware reported that a number of legislative meetings have been
scheduled. Mr. Ware is working with Dr. Beller and his staff on
developing the budget presentations. The administration is hoping
to meet with a number of those legislators who serve on the Appropria-
tions and Finance Committees.
4. Enrollment
Dr. Willett reported that our headcount enrollment was a little over
19,000. The FTE is approximately 13,700. VCU is running slightly
ahead of its enrollment projections.
5. Nurse Shortage
Dr. Neal reported that we are at a very critical period with regard
to nurses in the hospitals. MCV/VCU has recruited 124 nurses and
has had 128 resignations. There is some problem with the pay schedule
for nurses and MCV/VCU and UVA plan to meet with State Personnel to
get a regrade for the nurses.
6. Guest Day
VCU held its first Guest Day on Saturday, November 12 on the Academic
Campus. Prospective students and their parents were invited to attend.
Approximately 1,200 to 1,500 persons attended this event.
7. Bond Referendum
Dr. Willett reported that the bond referendum for higher education had
passed overwhelmingly. VCU had two projects included -- the Cancer
Center and the Music/Theatre Classroom building.
