MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
February 18, 1982
A Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors of Virginia
Commonwealth University was held on Thursday, February 18, 1982, at 9 a.m. in
the University Meeting Center.
Present were Mesdames Bemiss and Thalhimer; Messrs. Grey, Ludeman and Wyatt;
and Dr. Nemuth. Absent were Mr. Balfour and Dr. Gayle. Also present were Drs.
Ackell, Hall, Wilson and Woods; Messrs. Bruegman and Guerdon; Miss Cosby and Mrs.
Price.
Mr. Guerdon presented the Self-Review Questionnaire which was included as part
of the Financial Management Manual for Institutions of Higher Education. He high-
lighted this document for the Board and responded to questions. It was agreed
that this questionnaire need not be reviewed in the future.
Mr. Guerdon distributed and reviewed the Annual Financial Statements of the
University. Following a presentation, it was suggested that more facts and figures
and perhaps a summary financial statement from MCVH be included in future reports.
Mr. Guerdon presented a notebook entitled, "VCU Financial Reports." The purpose
of the notebook is to include all major financial policies. Mr. Guerdon reported
that some of the sections of the notebook were empty and the correct reports would
be sent to the members of the Executive Committee as they become available. It was
suggested that the Investment Policy adopted by the Committee be included in this
notebook.
Mr. Bruegman presented the 1981-82 Budget Report for the second quarter ending
December 31, 1982. Based on December 31 reports, the University's total percentage
of budgeted revenues received to date is running behind last year and total expen-
ditures are running ahead. However, when these percentages are adjusted for
accrued revenues and recoveries, which were recorded after the December month-end
closing, the percentage differences are not as great. Revenue is 1.2% ahead, while
expenditures are about equal.
Mr. Bruegman presented a Summary of Governor Dalton's Budget Bill for the
1982-84 Biennium. He highlighted the recommendations in the former Governor's
bill and stated that Dr. Ackell would give an indepth review of recent action on
this bill by the House Higher Education Subcommittee.
Mr. Bruegman reported that the hiring moratorium instituted by Governor Robb
was a hiring freeze on all positions. Agencies will not be permitted to fill
positions even though they are operating within the employment levels authorized
by Governor Dalton. We have received an interpretation of the moratorium from
Secretary Anderson which exempts faculty positions within the present employment
levels and also exempts research and sponsored programs initiated prior to January
16. However, hiring for all classified positions, including hospital employees must
be approved by the Governor. Mr. Bruegman reported that we are appealing the hospital
employees' issue to Secretary Casteen. Governor Robb proposes to recapture the
salary savings from this hiring moratorium.
Mr. Ludeman reported that Dr. Gordon Davies, Director of the Council of Higher
Education, has agreed to speak to the Board at its May dinner meeting. Mr. Ludeman
indicated that he would also like to invite Secretary Casteen for a Wednesday evening
dinner session.
Dr. Ackell reported on the activities at the General Assembly. He reported that
the major item reported from the House Subcommittee on Higher Education was the pro-
posed alternate plan for tuition labeled 25/35/60/85. This plan calls for under-
graduate resident students to pay 25% of the cost of their tuition and graduate
resident students to pay 35%. Non-resident undergraduate students would pay 60%
and graduate non-resident students would pay 85% of their costs. As a result of this
recommendation, the University will achieve net additional funding from the House
amounting to $2.2 million. Dr. Ackell also reported that with the sudden illness
of Senator Willey VCU may have some problems in the Senate.
Dr. Ackell reported that Senate Bill 421 which would allow a non-voting student
member to be appointed by the Board of Visitors may raise some legal questions since
the Governor is the sole appointing authority. Senate Bill 663 would require that
universities must certify that students have registered for the draft before they
could be enrolled in classes. Senate Bill 80 would allow Boards of Visitors to have
conference call meetings under the Freedom of Information Act. House Bill 971 would
require smoke detectors in all dormitories. Senate Bill 162 would exempt research
data under the Freedom of Information Act. Dr. Ackell reported that we are also
keeping up with the bills regarding the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System and
the Certificate of Need. At present, we are following 57 bills which would have an
effect on the University. Dr. Ackell reported that Ralph Ware is doing a good job
following all the activities at the legislature.
Mr. Ludeman reported that in meetings with Mr. Bagley and Drs. Casteen and Davies,
it was mentioned that the General Assembly's receptivity to additonal funding for
universities would be related to the universities' ability to finance enhancements
to programs by building their own endowment funds. Dr. Ackell stated that Mr. Pyle,
the Executive Director for University Advancement, is beginning to organize our
efforts in this area.
Mr. Ludeman reported that the Hospital Committee and Executive Committee would
be holding a joint meeting to discuss the Mission Statement for the MCV Hospitals.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
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Approved: Harold I. Nemuth, M.D., Secretar
