MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
August 10, 1978
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University was held on Thursday, August 10, 1978, at 9:00 a.m. in the
Conference Room at 910 West Franklin Street.
Present were Drs. Blanton, Gayle, Johnson and Nemuth; Messrs.
Bliley, Dabney, Grey, Norris, Seaborn and Shumate; and Mesdames Fewell,
Satterfield and Stone. Absent were Mr. Scott and Mrs. Thalhimer. Also
present were Drs. Ackell, Beller, Brooke, Fleshood and Woods; Messrs.
Guerdon and Ross; Miss Cosby and Mrs. Price.
Dr. Blanton called the meeting to order and welcomed Mrs. Rebecca
Fewell and Drs. Charles Johnson and Harold Nemuth, the new members of
the Board of Visitors. Dr. Blanton also recognized Mr. Donald Bruegman,
newly appointed Vice President for Planning and Budgeting.
On motion made and seconded, the minutes of a Special Meeting of
the Property Committee, held May 17, 1978; a Special Meeting of the
Board of Visitors, held May 17, 1978; and a Regular Meeting of the Board
of Visitors, held May 18, 1978, were unanimously approved.
During the Report of the President, Dr. Ackell raised the possibility
of VCU joining the Sun Belt Conference and it was discussed. On motion
made and seconded, approval was granted to the President to proceed on
the matter of the Sun Belt Conference.
Dr. Blanton stated that we were all saddened by the tragic death of
a former Board member, Mr. Richard D. Obenshain. Our thoughts and
prayers are with his family. Dr. Blanton stated that the Board was
well represented at the funeral services.
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Dr. Blanton reminded the Board of the confidentiality of executive
sessions and that the Rector serves as the official spokesman of the
Board, as previously decided by the Board itself.
The Nominating Committee (Mr. Shumate, Mr. Grey and Mr. Dabney)
submitted the following nominations for officers of the Board of Visitors
for 1978-79: Rector - Dr. Wyndham B. Blanton, Jr.; Vice Rector - Mr. S.
Buford Scott; Secretary Mrs. Anne P. Satterfield. On motion made and
seconded, the officers so nominated were elected unanimously. The
Nominating Committee then nominated the following members to serve on
the Executive Committee: Dr. Blanton, Mr. Scott, Mrs. Satterfield, Mr.
Thomas J. Bliley, Mr. Virginius Dabney, Mr. Robert J. Grey, and Mr.
Stuart Shumate. On motion made and seconded, the nominated members of
the Executive Committee were elected unanimously.
During the Report of the Legal Advisor Mr. Ross reported that the
Myers vs. Polumbo case had been settled out of court. This case alleged
false arrest and asked for considerable damages. The settlement was
minimal and most of the money will be covered by our insurance. Mr.
Ross reported that the only new case filed since the last Board meeting
alleges racial discrimination in the admissions process of the School of
Medicine. Responsive pleadings are due on August 14, 1978. Mr. Ross
reported that he had checked on the insurance coverage for members of
the Board and the University since we have had some problems. In his
opinion, the Board members are adequately covered. The administration
does plan to revamp its insurance package to make it more efficient. At
the request of the Rector, Mr. Ross pointed out two items of major
interest to the Board in the "General Provisions, Chapter 850, Acts of
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Assembly, 1978, 1978 General Appropriations Act" which were mailed to
each member of the Board. The two major items relate to deficit spending
and capital outlay projects.
Mr. Ross presented a resolution regarding the transfer of certain
securities to Hamac & Company. Following a discussion, on motion made
and seconded, the following resolution was unanimously approved:
RESOLUTION
Whereas, Capitoline Investments, Incorporated, investment
manager of certain securities owned by Virginia Commonwealth
University, has requested the Board of Visitors of Virginia
Commonwealth University to authorize the transfer of certain
securities to Hamac & Company for safekeeping and other approp-
riate purposes; and
Whereas, is the judgement of the Board of Visitors of
Virginia Commonwealth University that this request is appropriate
and should be honored;
Now Therefore, Be it RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of
Virginia Commonwealth University, that the President and/or
the Vice-President for Finance are hereby authorized, for and
on behalf of the University, to assign, transfer, send over
and deliver unto Hamac & Company, for safekeeping and other
appropriate purposes, any and all shares of stock or other
securities now or hereafter standing in the name of the University;
and
Be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the corporations and/or other
entities whose shares of stock and/or other securities, and
their respective transfer agents, registrars, successors and
assigned, whose shares of stock or other securities are,
pursuant to this authorization, assigned, transferred, sent
over and delivered to Hamac & Company, are hereby authorized
to treat Hamac & Company as the holder and owner of such
shares of stock and other securities for any and all legitimate
purposes, including, but not limited to, the payment or issuance
of dividends in money or stock; and
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Be it FINALLY RESOLVED, that the aforementioned corporations
and/or other entities, and their respective transfer agents,
registrars, successors, and assigns, be, and are hereby absolved,
from any and all responsibility in regarding Hamac & Company
as being the holder and owner of such shares of stock and/or
securities.
The "Survey of Staff Support of Board of Visitors at other State
Colleges and Universities" was reviewed by the Board. It was submitted
for informational purposes only. Mr. Bliley suggested that, if in the
future the Board decided it needed additional support, other colleges
and universities should be contacted to try as a group to get additional
positions.
On motion made and seconded, the following resolution in memory of
Lloyd C. Bird was unanimously approved:
Lloyd Campbell Bird
1895-1978
WHEREAS, Lloyd Campbell Bird, an alumnus of the School of
Pharmacy, class of 1917, served as a leader in numerous capacities through-
out his illustrious career; and
WHEREAS, he will be remembered by the people of Virginia and
recorded in the history of the Commonwealth as the State Senator from
Chesterfield County who labored in the Senate for twenty-eight years
to improve the quality of education both public and private; and
WHEREAS, as chairman of a higher education legislative commission
he provided the leadership that eventually resulted in the establishment of
Virginia Commonwealth University; and
WHEREAS, his involvement in business, civic, educational,
scientific, political and cultural life of his state brought him much
deserved recognition, causing his alma mater, the Medical College of
Virginia, to award him an honorary doctor of laws degree in 1951;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Visitors of Virginia
Commonwealth University record its high esteem and deep appreciation for
the many contributions of Lloyd Campbell Bird, a distinguished alumnus,
a devoted public servant, a courageous leader, a gentleman at all times, and
a valued friend; and the Board further extends to his family its deepest
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sympathy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be suitably
inscribed and presented to his family.
On motion made and seconded, the Continuing Faculty on the Academic
Campus were unanimously approved.
The annual adjunct and clinical faculty reappointments and renewal of
hospital privileges, on motion made and seconded, were unanimously approved.
Mr. Grey asked if hospital privileges were reviewed before being submitted
to the Board. Dr. Woods responded that they are reviewed annually at the
departmental level and recommendations are made to the Privileges Committee
and the Dean. These are then submitted to the Hospital Executive Committee.
Dr. Beller presented the University's Operating Budget for 1978-79.
Dr. Beller reported that the State's administration of the budget will change
dramatically and policies dealing with personnel appropriations and fringe
benefits are still being developed. In addition, our appropriation includes
$1.5 million in contingency funds related to indirect costs associated with
health sciences programs. Full budgeting of total appropriations would not
seem to be in order until the final disposition of the contingency appropria-
tion is realized. Dr. Beller also reported that we cannot establish a firm
revenue budget until fall enrollment data is available. He continued that
we do not know how much support we will receive for the classified regrade
from central appropriations. Dr. Beller requested the Board to approve this
preliminary University Operating Budget until we are able to resolve some of
these matters. Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded,
Preliminary University Operating Budget for 1978-79 was unanimously approved.
The School of Medicine Faculty Salary Scales were presented to the
Board for information,
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On motion made and seconded, the Report of Gifts, Grants and Contracts
was unanimously approved. Mr. Guerdon reported that he hoped to have a new
format for presenting this report at the next meeting of the Board.
On motion made and seconded, the contracts signed since the last Board
meeting were affirmed.
The Rules and Procedures document was presented by Dr. Ackell. Following
a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the Rules and Procedures document
was unanimously approved.
Dr. Woods presented a report dealing with new regulations on reporting
of non-compliance or defects by an organization licensed by the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC) to use radioactive materials. Dr. Woods stated
that federal regulations now require that an organization licensed by the
NRC must adopt internal procedures to assure that safety-related defects
and/or non-compliances are brought to the attention of responsible officers
and directors. Dr. Woods reported that the appropriate in-house mechanisms
had been operational for some time. On motion made and seconded, the report
on the use of radioactive materials and the new federal regulations was
approved by the Board.
Dr. Brooke presented a report on the admissions procedures for the
Academic Campus. Five of the six schools on the Academic Campus have standard
admissions procedures. The School of the Arts has its own admissions procedures
including portfolios for art students and auditions for music and theatre
majors. Dr. Brooke presented statistical data on how VCU students fared on
the College Board tests. Regarding the Special Services Program, 1,234
students have entered this program and 102 have graduated. These are
currently 574 students in this program attending VCU and they are expected
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to graduate.
Dr. Woods reported on the admissions procedures for the schools on
the MCV Campus dealing primarily with the School of Medicine. Dr. Woods
reported that preference is given to residents of the State of Virginia.
Applicants are reviewed by a committee. Those with GPA scores of 3.2 or
better are continued and those with 3.2 or less are not considered. On
the MCAT scores, applicants must perform at a level of eight in six
categories on a scale of one to fifteen. Candidates are also interviewed
by the committee. Students are accepted on November 15 and December 15.
There is also an early admissions program. Once accepted, a student is
allowed two weeks to respond. These procedures are very similar to the
other two medical schools in Virginia.
Dr. Woods reported that 30 percent of the nursing staff in the
hospital are MCV/VCU graduates. The number of MCV/VCU graduates in
Nursing hired during the past four years is as follows: 1975 - 37;
1976 - 36; 1977 - 34; and 1978 - 33.
Mrs. Satterfield reported on behalf of the Academic Policy Committee.
She indicated that her committee had not met since the last Board meeting.
However, she stated that once her committee was organized for the coming
year she would like to establish monthly meeting dates.
Dr. Blanton asked each member of the Board to be thinking about
what committees they would like to serve on and to let him know as soon
as possible their feelings on which committee assignments they would
prefer.
Mr. Seaborn reported that the Audit Committee had not met since the
last Board meeting. Dr. Beller reported that they are continuing to
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search for an audit manager and to have the position regraded by the
State.
Dr. Blanton reported on behalf of the Executive Committee. This
committee met on June 20 and discussed the possibility of VCU joining
the Sun Belt Conference and the Hospital Operating Budget for 1978-79.
In addition, the Executive Committee approved a rate increase for the
hospital. The Executive Committee also approved an agreement between
the City and the University concerning the city-owned Mosque Parking
Lots.
Mr. Grey reported on behalf of the Hospital Committee. He reported
that there have been several personnel changes on the MCV Campus. With
regard to the hospital budget, the fiscal year-end was reported and the
budget is in the black. The hospital census is below the level we would
like for it to be and this is due to (1) general drop by all hospitals
in the area; (2) nursing shortage and, (3) two financial situations in
the hospital -- the state-owned substance abuse facility not being used
by the state agency and decrease in activity in the Nelson Clinic. The
hospital audits on medical care have been reviewed and have not had any
major deficiencies. The Committee has reviewed the $81 million budget
for the hospital. Mr. Grey recognized the hard and diligent work of his
committee over the past several months. It was noted that Mr. Grey is
also to be recognized for the tremendous job he has done as chairman.
The Property Committee had no report to make at this time.
Mr. Norris reported that the Student Affairs Committee had met with
the President regarding student governance and the lack of student
elections on the Academic Campus. The committee is continuing to
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pursue this matter. In addition, this Committee is looking at its by-
laws and hopes to have some recommendations for the Board during the
next several months.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30 for lunch. Following lunch, on
majority vote of the Board, an executive session was held.
Approved:
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT
August 10, 1978
1. Parking - Dr. Ackell announced that at the last meeting of the
Executive Committee, the administration presented the University's
proposal to acquire the two Mosque parking lots from the City. The
two lots to be deeded to VCU by the City include the "Eastern" lot
(bounded by Laurel, Main, Cherry and the alley) and the "Western"
lot (bounded by Cherry, Main, Linden and the alley). The University
will be constructing a parking deck on the "Eastern" lot as soon as
possible after the lots are deeded to us. The "Western" lot,
however, is subject to reversion to the City if construction of a
second parking structure has not begun by July 1, 1981, on that lot
or at some other mutually acceptable location. This date may be
extended by the City if the City feels that VCU will begin construction
by another acceptable date. In addition, the University must make
available 330 parking spaces to the City For Mosque events for
which the patrons will pay a reasonable rate.
2. Executive Director of MCVH - Dr. Ackell reported that he had formed
an advisory committee to help review nominations and applications
for qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director of
the Hospitals. Ads have been placed in the Chronicle and in Hospitals.
A number of nominations have been received and we seem to have some
top-notch people in the group.
3. Health Sciences Building_ - Dr. Ackell stated that it does not seem
likely that the Governor will remove the old First Baptist Church
from the Historic Landmarks Commission register. Dr. Ackell reported
that he has met with Dr. Woods and the MCV Campus Deans to discuss
alternatives such as using some of the space in the old hospitals
to house these functions after the new hospital is finished. Dr.
Ackell anticipates having some recommendations in, the near future.
4. Sun Belt Conference - Dr. Ackell reported that we have been invited
to join the Sun Belt Conference. There are seven other universities
involved including the University of South Florida, the University
of South Alabama, the University of North Carolina - Charlotte, the
University of Jacksonville, The University of New Orleans, Georgia
State University and the University of Alabama - Birmingham. Each
participating institution must have six major sports including
basketball. VCU's would be baseball, golf, wrestling, swimming and
soccer. Dues of $10,000 are payable each year, and we do not see
any problem with the funding of dues. However, there is a $40,000
initiation fee. Initially, we may use income realized from our
invested funds and replenish this account as funds are raised from
the private sector. We are working with a private campaign and
hope to have it well underway in the near future.
5. Grants - Dr. Ackell distributed a report on grant activity this
past year at VCU. We were awarded over $19 million this year for
a total increase of 19.5%. One significant increase is in the
Page 2School of the Arts where a gentleman was hired to assist faculty in
the research and development areas.
6. Affirmative Action Plan - The Governor has forwarded all of the
affirmative action plans of the State institutions to HEW. The
State Equal Employment Opportunity Office called to say VCU's
employment plan was acceptable. We assume the student plan is
satisfactory but have not received official word.
With regard to the article that recently appeared in the evening
paper on minority faculty, VCU's figures were incorrect. The paper
said VCU has 533 faculty of whom 19 are black and 7 are other
minorities for a 4.9% minority figure. We have approximately 1500
full-time faculty on both campuses, but our personnel data module
is not yet complete so we are not sure of our minority figures.
7. Directives from the State - During the past couple of months, the
authority of the institutions of higher education has been eroded
by a number of directives which have emanated from State offices.
For example, all requests for travel out of country must be submitted
to the Secretary of Education for approval by the Governor. Another
directive on travel regulations involves having no more than five
employees representing an institution at conferences more than 300
miles (one way) outside of State borders unless approved by the
Secretary of Education. This would seem appropriate until one
thinks of such things as a national health sciences conference
where many disciplines are represented. A State-wide Manpower
Utilization Plan has been instituted which abolishes all positions
that have been vacant for six months or more. None of these positions
can then, of course, be filled without rejustifying them to the
Secretary of Education. The regulations regarding budget allocation
and personnel arrived after most universities had completed their
own budget meetings and budget decisions. Educational institutions
frequently require more than six months to fill vacant faculty and
administrative positions. On the first list we received, two dean-
ships were abolished -- the deans of the Schools of the Arts and
Education. These are obviously mistakes since they have both been
filled for many months.
The Attorney General's Office is undertaking a study to present to
the General Assembly in the mini-session. The study will concern
whether or not to transfer from State agencies to the Office of the
Attorney General the staff, supporting costs and funding for legal
services. The Attorney General is also requiring David Ross and
other attorneys at other institutions to submit time reports to the
Attorney General's Office.
Another policy directive involves the responsibilities of the
Secretary of Education. In essence, it places policy plus planning
and budgets in the Office of the Secretary. A careful reading of
f
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the directive would show that the role of the State Council of
Higher Education and the role of the Board of Visitors are being
placed in a non-leadership position.
A tremendous amount of time and effort will be required on our part
to keep up with these orders.
