MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
November 16, 1978
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University
was held on Thursday, November 16, 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,
Norris, Scott and Seaborn; and Mesdames Fewell, Satterfield, Stone and Thalhimer.
Absent were Messrs. Grey and Shumate. Also present were Drs. Ackell, Beller, Brooke,
Bruegman, Hall and Woods; Messrs. Guerdon and Ross; Miss Cosby and Mrs. Price.
Following Dr. Blanton's call to order, the Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the
Board of Visitors, held September 21, 1978, and a Special Meeting of the Hospital Com-
mittee, held September 21, 1978, were approved, on motion made and seconded.
Dr. Blanton reminded Board members to notify Mrs. Price whether or not they
would be able to attend Board meetings. This will facilitate planning for both the
meeting and the luncheon.
Following the Report of the President, Mr. Ross presented the Legal Advisor's
Report. He indicated that no new cases have been added since the last Board meeting.
Mr. Ross also presented a resolution dealing with the jurisdiction of the VCU Campus
police. Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the following resolution
was approved:
Whereas, the Virginia Campus Police Act (Section 23-232 through 23-238,
Code of Virginia (1950)), provides that a campus police officer appointed
pursuant to the provisions of the Act may exercise the powers and duties
conferred by law upon police officers of cities, counties, and towns (i)
upon the property owned or controlled by the institution for which he/she
was appointed and upon the streets, sidewalks, and highways immediately
adjacent thereto, (ii) pursuant to a mutual aid agreement as provided
for in Section 15.1-131 of the Code between the governing board of the
institution and the adjacent political subdivisions, and (iii) when in
close pursuit of a person in response to a crime committed in his/her
presence; and
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Whereas, it is the desire of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Common-
wealth University that the jurisdiction of the Virginia Commonwealth
University Campus Police be extended to include the area bounded by
Main Street to the south, Laurel Street to the west, West Franklin
Street to the north, and Belvidere Street to the east, and otherwise
known as "Monroe Park," in cooperation with and pursuant to a mutual
aid agreement with the City of Richmond;
Now THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Visitors of Virginia
Commonwealth University that the President of the University and/or
his designee is hereby authorized to negotiate and enter into, on be-
half of the Board of Visitors of the University, a mutual aid agree-
ment with the City of Richmond which would facilitate the extension
of the jurisdiction of Virginia Commonwealth University Campus Police
to include the area hereinbefore described as Monroe Park.
Mr. Ross presented a resolution regarding loan assistance from the United States
Government, under Title IV of the Housing Act of 1950, for the Low-Rise Dorm, Phase I
and II. Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the following resolution
was approved:
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University has
previously authorized the submission of applications for loan assistance
from the United States Government, under Title IV of The Housing Act of
1950, for the construction of a student dormitory on the parcel of land
in the City of Richmond bounded by Main, Laurel, Cary and Pine Streets;
and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to reaffirm its prior authorization and to
authorize the submission of additional applications for loan assistance
under Title IV of The Housing Act of 1950 and the College Housing Program,
currently administered by the United States Department of Housing and
Urban Development;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of Virginia
Commonwealth University that the President of the University, or his
designee, is hereby authorized to submit, on behalf of the University,
to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, College
Housing Loan/Grant Applications, under Title IV of The Housing Act of
1950 and the Department of Housing and Urban Development's College
Housing Program, for loan assistance for the construction of the Univer-
sity's Low-Rise Student Dormitory Project, including Phases I and II, and
any and all subsequent phases of that Project.
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Dr. Beller presented a slate of nominations for the Virginia Hospital Laundry
Board of Directors. Dr. Beller pointed out to the Board the options available to
them with regard to these appointments. Following a discussion, on motion made
and seconded, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. James G. Guerdon and Mrs.
James Bullard to the VHL Board subject to Mr. Ross' review of the legality of a
member of the VCU administration serving on the Laundry Board. The Board also con-
firmed the ex-officio appointments of Dr. R. B. Young and Mr. Robert Wink.
Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the Faculty Appointments
and Changes in Status were approved.
Mr. Guerdon presented the Report of Gifts, Grants and Contracts. Following a
discussion, on motion made and seconded, the Report was accepted by the Board.
Mr. Guerdon also presented a list of Contracts signed since the September Board
meeting. Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the report of contracts
signed was accepted by the Board.
Mr. Guerdon presented a resolution dealing with borrowing funds from the
Treasurer of Virginia for the construction of the extension of 13th Street north
to DuVal Street. On motion made and seconded, the following resolution was approved:
WHEREAS, the Treasurer of Virginia granted approval on January 25,
1977, for Virginia Commonwealth University to borrow $400,000 in ad-
vance funds for construction of the Extension of 13th Street north to
DuVal Street, and
WHEREAS, the Treasurer of Virginia, on February 21, 1978, approved
the revised financial feasibility study estimating the cost to be
$610,000 for this project;
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University, that the Vice President for Finance is hereby authorized
to borrow $610,000 to cover the cost of this project, such funds to be
repaid when revenue bonds are sold to provide permanent financing.
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The Board raised several questions concerning the extension of DuVal Street
such as who owns the street -- the University or the City, who will maintain the
street, and who will handle snow removal. Mr. Guerdon and Mr. Ross indicated that
they would investigate these questions.
On motion made and seconded, the following resolution regarding borrowing funds
from the State Treasurer for construction of the Low-Rise Dorm on the Academic
Campus was approved:
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University
on May 20, 1976, authorized the Vice President for Finance to borrow
$4,000,000 from the State Treasurer for the construction of a new low-
rise dormitory on the Academic Campus and the Treasurer of Virginia
approved on May 24, 1977, VCU's revised financial feasibility study
estimating the cost at $5,440,000;
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University that the Vice President for Finance is hereby authorized
to borrow additional construction funds of $1,440,000 from the State
Treasurer to complete this project, such funds to be repaid when
revenue bonds are sold to provide permanent financing.
Mr. Seaborn reported that the Audit Committee had no report to give at this time.
Dr. Beller indicated that, following salary negotiations with the state, the adminis-
tration would like for the Audit Committee to meet with a candidate for the Internal
Audit Manager position.
Mrs. Satterfield reported that the Academic Policy Committee had met and one
item discussed was divisional status for Neuro-Opthalmology. On motion made and
seconded, divisional status for Neuro-Opthalmology was approved by the Board. Mrs.
Satterfield reported, for information only, that the name of the Renal Disease
Division has been changed to the Division of Nephrology. Mrs. Satterfield also
reported approval by the Academic Policy Committee of the change in name of the
"VCU Highway Safety Center" to the "VCU Transportation Safety Training Center." On
motion made and seconded the name change to the VCU Transportation Safety Training
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Center was approved by the Board. For the Board's information, Mrs. Satterfield
presented a summary list of degree programs being submitted to the Council of
Higher Education in the Six-Year Curricular Plan. The degree programs which are
in the "A" and "B" categories are those to be implemented in the near future. Those
degree programs listed in the "C" category may be inaugurated after 1982. Following
a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the Report of the Academic Policy Committee
was accepted by the Board.
Dr. Gayle reported on behalf of the Hospital Committee. He reported that he
had received a lot of good reports from nurses who are taking courses in the Evening
College. Dr. Gayle reported that the Hospital Committee is continuing to scrutinize
the hospital budget. Dr. Beller reported briefly on the hospital information system
and indicated that it seems to be doing well at this time. The patient section is
stronger overall than the business section. Dr. Gayle reported that the hospital
census is still down but the recruitment of nurses in the hospital has improved.
The Committee has reviewed four audits and is keeping abreast of the Hospital Laundry
situation. With regard to the MCV Clinics, Dr. Gayle reported that there is a net
loss this year of $340,000. The Committee is continuing to look into this problem.
On motion made and seconded, the Report of the Hospital Committee was accepted by
the Board.
Dr. Gayle mentioned a letter he received from a music student regarding the
lack of musical instruments. Dr. Brooke reported that the lack of equipment through-
out the University is a very real problem. Dr. Ackell indicated that a budgetary
decision was made to grant faculty salary increases while awaiting the $3 million
appropriation being held up while an indirect cost survey was being conducted.
The major portion of the $3 million appropriation over the next two years will be
spent on equipment purchases. However, that amount will not begin to satisfy our
equipment needs.
Anne P. Satterfield, Secretary
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Mr. Scott reported that the Property Committee had met and discussed a number
of items including the schematics for the Student Commons Building and the Low-Rise
Dorm, Phase II. The preliminary drawings for the Cancer Center also were reviewed.
Mr. Scott indicated that a number of small renovation projects (Milhiser House, Raleigh
Building, Putney Houses, and completion of Park Avenue relocation) had been approved
by the Property Committee. These projects will be funded from overhead funds and
private funds. Mr. Scott indicated that in the future his committee will be con-
sidering the naming of several buildings on both campuses of the University and will
be bringing recommendations to the Board. On motion made and seconded, the Report of
the Property Committee was accepted by the Board.
The Student Affairs Committee met on October 3 with Dr. Wilson and key members
of his staff. Mr. Norris reported that they reviewed the reorganization of the Student
Affairs staff, the students' efforts to organize a student government, recreational
facilities and the low-rise dorm. Mr. Norris indicated that his committee will meet
monthly during the academic year and will be reviewing such things as the student
commons building, review of the Board by-laws regarding the Student Affairs Committee
and the low-rise dorm, phase II. On motion made and seconded, the report of the
Student Affairs Committee was accepted by the Board.
Following a majority vote of the Board, an executive session was held.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
a-/
Approved:
am B. Blanton, Jr., Re or
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT
November 16, 1978
1. Visit by Mr. Don Finley - Mr. Finley, staff to the House Appropriations Com-
mittee, visited our University last Friday. Mr. Finley appeared to be im-
pressed by the strides we are making with the resources we have.
2. Dr. Gilley's Committee - Wade Gilley recently appointed a group of presidents
to help serve as a sounding board for new ideas and policies. Dr. Ackell re-
ported that he has been asked to serve on this committee along with Drs. Graves,
Carrier, Hamel and Willett.
3. Health Sciences Building - Dr. Ackell reported that he had asked for alternate
plans for this building. After these alternate plans were developed, he met
with the governor to discuss them. The most feasible approach seemed to be to
reduce the scope to only the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Pharmacology.
Then, two alternatives remained -- either leave the building on the site of the
old First Baptist Church or to put it on Clay Street between 11th and 12th Streets
near the MCV Alumni House. Since the site at 12th and Broad involves demolishing
an historic landmark and because that site can be better used for another facility
that must have ready access to Sanger and the hospital, Dr. Ackell recommended
the Clay Street location. It appears the total cost for such a building would
be $15 million. Therefore, we will need $12 million from the State Capital Out-
lay appropriations to go with the $3 million gift from Mr. Robins.
4. Isaac Singer Visit - The recent Nobel prize winner, Isaac Singer, visited VCU
about a month ago. It was an excellent session and brought good publicity to
the University.
5. Image - Dr. Ackell reported that we have had some bad publicity in the news
media recently. The newspaper gave us front page headlines about our student
financial aid program. The University has had some problems in this area, but
our default rate is below the national average. In the past, we have not been
able to hire people competent to handle a million-dollar program like this,
and our financial system has been lacking. We feel we have made significant
progress in this area.
Another unfortunate story was on t.v. regarding the "big, impersonal university"
tromping on "poor, defenseless individuals" to put tennis courts where people
currently live. We are working to inform the residents about their rights and
what we plan to do over in Oregon Hill. It is imperative that we buy the
property to get the recreational facilities but we are working with neighborhood
associations to try to alleviate feelings of ill will.
6. Music and Theatre Building - At the legislative reception sponsored by VCU,
George Allen expressed a lot of interest in the Music and Theatre Building.
With his help and that of Senator Willey, the Governor has told us we are in
line to get the additional $600,000 needed for construction.
7. Development Study - Dr. Ackell reported that we have a contract with Brakeley-
John Price Jones to study our development potential. We have to have the study
completed in the near future and have a final report in the early part of 1979.
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8. Search for Executive Director of MCVH - Dr. Ackell reported that the search
is well underway for the new Executive Director. Candidates are being inter-
viewed on campus and we hope to have the list narrowed by the first of 1979.
9. Fan District Association - Dr. Ackell reported that he had met with representa-
tives of the Fan District Association. They are pleased with our plans for the
area and offered to help us should we have problems with the City in closing
Linden Street and Park Avenue.
10. Accounts Payable - Dr. Ackell reported that there have been wide-spread com-
plaints about our accounts payable. With the change to a new system July 1
and the move of a number of offices over the summer, we have gotten behind in
paying our bills. We have got people working overtime on a regular basis to
catch up and should be back on schedule by mid-December.
11. Hospital Construction - Dr. Ackell reported that a couple of days ago, the
construction workers walked off the hospital job because the smokestack at
the bottom of Marshall Street was emitting quantities of black smoke and the
wind shifted to put the soot right in the faces and lungs of the workers. A
short-term solution will be to hang coverings down the side of the steel work,
but a permanent solution will be hard to find and expensive to make.
12. Directives - Dr. Ackell reported that he had spoken at the Council of Visitors'
meeting in Williamsburg on the directives coming from the State. He has re-
ceived many favorable comments and responses to that message and feels it is
doing some good.
