MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
July 21, 1983
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University was held on Thursday, July 21, 1983, at 9:00 a.m. in the
University Meeting Center.
Present were Messrs. Allen, Cotten, Craigie, Lipman, Ludeman and
Smith; Drs. Coleman, Gayle and Nemuth; and Mesdames Bemiss and Thal-
himer. Absent were Messrs. Farinholt, Grey, Morris and Reynolds and
Mrs. Whittemore. Ms. Kass Tinker, student representative to the Board,
was present. Also present were Drs. Ackell, Andrako, Hall, Sparks and
Wilson; Messrs. Bruegman, Guerdon and Kelly; and Mrs. Price.
Mr. Ludeman called the meeting to order and welcomed Mr. Wilbur
Allen and Mr. Eric Lipman, two of our three new Board members. He also
welcomed Ms. Kass Tinker, the new student representative to the Board.
He informed them that the Board operates under the Freedom of Informa-
tion Act which allows for certain items to be discussed in closed ses-
sion. Mr. Ludeman also stated that while we are pleased to welcome our
three new Board members, we regret losing Messrs. Balfour and Wyatt and
Dr. Butt.
On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Special Board Meet-
ing, held on May 18, 1983; and a Regular Meeting of the Board held on
May 19, 1983; were approved.
The Report of the President followed. Dr. Ackell reported on the
following items.
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Welcomed two of VCU's newest Board members -- Mr. Wilbur Allen
and Mr. Eric Lipman.
Reported that this year's summer enrollments have held up
better than anticipated. The report through June 30 shows
8,218 students enrolled compared to the final summer sessions
enrollment of 8,404 students in 1982 -- or 186 less students
so far. At least 200 more students should enroll this summer
which will basically equal the 1982 total summer enrollment.
Stated that our fall projection is for 19,500 on-campus and
600 off-campus for an estimated total of 20,100. These fig-
ures exclude senior citizens and auditors who are projected at
200 or a grand total of 20,300 students enrolled this fall.
About 100 more students should enroll in VCU this fall
reflecting an increase in total enrollment of about one-half
of one percent.
Two new programs will begin this fall. The MFA in Creative
Writing will be administered in the English Department by Dr.
David Smith, an internationally famous poet.
The Graduate Engineering Program will also be getting under-
way. Dr. Thomas Haas, Director of the Cooperative Engineering
Program has been active in planning for and promoting the
program. A Richmond Area Advisory Council has been appointed
to assist Dr. Haas in the implementation of the program.
While the planning for the Cooperative program was underway,
Dr. Michael Mullen, Associate Director of the State Council,
was chairing another committee to prepare a proposal for the
Commonwealth Televised Graduate Engineering Program. This
report was submitted to Secretary Casteen in early June. The
thrust of this report is to expand the TV courses to Northern
Virginia and the Tidewater areas.
VCU plans to pursue its request to establish its own master's
program in Engineering. It was VCU's original study and pro-
posal that led to the cooperative program now underway. How-
ever, SCHEV has never responded to the request to initiate
this program. We are proposing three concentrations in Engi-
neering Management, Engineering Computing and Materials Engi-
neering beginning in 1984-86 but phased over several years.
In 1984, we would plan to implement a biomedical engineering
concentration. We will be actively pursing these programs
with the appropriate officials.
Internationally, the Division of Continuing Studies and Public
Service now has a highly organized Study Abroad Program.
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Currently, 93 students are studying in such countries as Rus-
sia, England, France, Italy, Austria and Hong Kong.
The University has agreements of cooperation for exchange of
faculty, administrators and students with the Federal University of Santa Catarina/Brazil, the University of Helsinki/
Finland, and the University of Pau/France. Beginning this
fall, we will have an international minor available to all
students.
Our research effort continues to be impressive. Our grant and
contract awards for 1982-83 totalled $30,432,183 or 5.8 per-
cent more than 1981-82. This represents a significant accom-
plishment by our faculty in a year in which our major sponsor,
the National Institutes of Health, reduced all of its awards
by 4 to 12 percent.
The National Science Foundation reported in its 1981 Fall
Report on Academic Science/Engineering Graduate Enrollment and
Support. that of 324 doctoral granting institutions, VCU
ranks 87th in total science/engineering graduate student
enrollment. When a total of 500 institutions are ranked by
science/engineering postdoctorate enrollment, VCU ranks 57th.
This data greatly enhances our position as a major graduate
and research university in the United States.
The Center for Innovative Technology has emerged as a promi-
nent part of the Governor's Task Force on Science and Technol-
ogy report. This final report was transmitted to the Governor
on July 14. Many details need to be resolved before the Gov-
ernor introduces his Science and Technology Program to the
General Assembly. VCU continues in the leadership role in the
biotechnology research efforts of the Center. The major con-
troversy seems to be the location of the Director's office and
whether or not an associated high technology industrial and
research park should be created along with the Center.
The four major recommendations of the Task Force regarding
higher education are:
1. Expand the capabilities of the State's major research
universities in partnership with industry. The Task
Force endorsed the Center for Innovative Technology which
was developed and submitted jointly by UVA, Tech, and
VCU. The Task Force recommended expanding the proposal
to include on-site research by industry and participating
universities and on-site graduate education. They fur-
ther recommended an aggressive and immediate beginning to
this program.
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2. Establish and enhance graduate programs in high-
technology disciplines which encourage part-time continu-
ing education and participation by industry employees.
3. Establish a fund dedicated to research and development in
the universities with initial funding from private indus-
try to be matched by the State. The fund should be in
the nature of a foundation to be coordinated with or
become part of the proposed Center.
4. Continue planning and support of the National Electron
Accelerator Laboratory in Virginia as a unique resource
for graduate education and research.
Mr. Guerdon presented the Report of the Contracts signed since the
May Board meeting. Following a discussion, on motion made and second-
ed, the Report of Contracts was ratified.
Mr. Bruegman presented the Compensation Plan. He stated that this
report is presented annually to the Board for approval before submis-
sion to the State. On motion made and seconded, the Compensation Plan
was approved.
Dr. Andrako presented the School of Medicine Faculty Scales and the
Dental School Plan. He stated that there was no change in the base
amount but the ceilings had been increased by 10 percent. Following a
discussion, on motion made and seconded, the School of Medicine Faculty
Scales and the Dental School Plan were approved.
Mr. Ludeman reported on behalf of the Executive Committee which met
June 3, 1983, with the State Treasury Board. On motion made and sec-
onded, the Board ratified the action of the Executive Committee in
approving the resolution on the sale of the bonds for MCVH. Mr.
Craigie abstained from the vote.
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Mr. Ludeman reported that the Executive Committee also approved
amending the Bond Resolution adopted September 30, 1977, by the Board
of Visitors. On motion made and seconded, the Board approved the
changes to the September 30, 1977 Bond Resolution.
Mr. Ludeman reported that the Executive Committee met on June 16,
1983, and at that time approved the proposed Financial Emergency Docu-
ment with several changes. Dr. Ackell reviewed the document with the
Board and stated that this procedure would be used only in an extreme
financial emergency.
Mr. Ludeman reported that the Committee also reviewed the Manage-
ment Practices Document which is a follow up to the Institutional Pri-
orities Document. The Executive Committee also approved naming the
Residence Center on Main Street the Jane Bell Gladding Residence Cen-
ter.
On motion made and seconded, the report of the Executive Committee
was accepted and the minutes of both meetings were approved as amended
Mr. Balfour, former Chairman of the Academic Policy Committee, was
invited to the meeting to present the report of the Committee. He
stated that the Committee had reviewed and approved the Study-Research
Leave Document for faculty. This will allow faculty to take up to one
academic year at one-half pay for scholarly activities. On motion made
and seconded, the Faculty-Study Leave Document was approved.
Mr. Balfour reported that the Committee had also approved five
certificate programs in the School of Community and Public Affairs.
Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the five
certificate programs were approved.
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Mr. Craigie reported for the Advancement Committee. He stated that
the committee had met on June 6, 1983, and approved recommending to the
Board that the University retain the services of Brakeley, John Price
Jones, Inc. for purposes of providing an update to the 1979 report. On
motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the Report of the Advance-
ment Committee and approved the minutes.
Mrs. Thalhimer reported for the Audit Committee which met on June
21, 1983. The committee reviewed and accepted Management's Status
Report on the implementation of the Auditor of Public Accounts' recom-
mendations made in APA's June 30, 1982, report and the report of the
Director of Internal Audit. On motion made and seconded, the report of
the Audit Committee was accepted and the minutes approved.
Dr. Gayle reported for the Hospital Committee which met on June 9,
1983. The committee approved certain personnel matters, privileges for
the medical staff and medical audits. Mr. Lash reported on the con-
struction and renovation projects underway at MCVH and also discussed
the cash flow problems which should be relieved significantly by the
end of the year. The Committee also reviewed the "Strategic Planning
Information" packet. On motion made and seconded, the report of the
Hospital Committee was accepted and the minutes approved.
Mrs. Bemiss reported for the Property Committee which met on June
14 and July 12, 1983. At the June 14 meeting the Committee recommended
approving the use of the Ziegler Houses as a hospitality house for the
MCVH Auxiliary with the understanding that the Auxiliary will fund the
renovation program and the Auxiliary will be responsible for ongoing
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maintenance and utility expenditures in connection with the use of the
Houses. The Committee also recommended approval of the transfer of
land on the F Lot site to the MCV Alumni Association for construction
of an Alumni House and Faculty Club subject to the feasibility of the
project, approval by the Board of Visitors and with the understanding
that any major fund raising efforts will be coordinated through the
University. On motion made and seconded, the Ziegler Houses recommen-
dation and the Alumni Association recommendation, as amended were
approved.
Mrs. Bemiss reported that at the July 12, 1983, meeting of the
Property Committee the revised Property Committee Approval Policy was
adopted. A change was made to the architect selection policy that will
allow the committee to review the proposed architect's design concept.
Mr. Ludeman suggested that this approval policy be brought to the Sep-
tember Board meeting showing the proposed changes. Action on this item
was deferred until the entire Board could review the document.
Mrs. Bemiss reported that the committee also approved the lease for
the hospital warehouse space at 2410 Magnolia Street. On motion made
and seconded, the report of the Property Committee was accepted and the
minutes, as amended, were approved.
Dr. Gayle reported that the Student Affairs Committee had not met
since the last Board meeting.
Mr. Ludeman reported that he has seen a considerable increase in
the amount of media coverage about VCU over the last several months.
He thanked Ms. Celia Barnes for her efforts in this area.
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Dr. Gayle reported for the Nominating Committee. The other members
of the committee were Mr. Grey, Mrs. Whittemore and Dr. Nemuth. Dr.
Gayle submitted the names of Mr. W. Roy Smith for Vice-Rector and Dr.
Harold I. Nemuth for Secretary. The proposed slate for the remaining
positions on the Executive Committee were Messrs. Craigie, Morris and
Reynolds; Drs. Coleman and Gayle and Mrs. Whittemore. Dr. Gayle
reported that Mr. Douglas H. Ludeman had been elected Rector at the May
meeting. He also reported that the committee had discussed decreasing
the number of committees and possibly merging the Student Affairs and
Academic Policy Committee or the Advancement Committee. The Committee
also discussed decreasing the number of members on each committee and
the possibility of former committee chairmen rotating off their commit-
tees. However, there was a feeling that former committee chairmen
would allow for continuity in the committee structure.
Mr. Ludeman noted that only nine members are being proposed for the
Executive Committee and that the bylaws should be changed to eliminate
the at-large member.
On motion made and seconded, the slate of officers and members of
the Executive Committee were elected.
On motion made and seconded, the Board approved changing its Bylaws
at the September meeting once proper notice had been distributed.
Mr. Ludeman commented that the change in the election process this
year greatly enhanced the work of the Nominating Committee and the
appointment of committee chairs. He also reported that while VCU is
fortunate to have a very talented and able Board, it is impossible for
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everyone to hold a leadership position. Mr. Ludeman stated that he
would like to personally thank Mesdames Bemiss and Thalhimer and Mr.
Grey for their leadership activities over the past several years.
On motion made and seconded, the Board convened into executive
session to discuss certain personnel matters involving the performance
of identifiable employees or faculty of VCU, and to discuss the evalua-
tion of performance of departments or schools of VCU where such matters
regarding such individuals might be affected by such evaluation, and to
discuss pending litigation with its attorney and to discuss the condi-
tion, acquisition or use of real property, and to protect the privacy
of individuals in personal matters not related to public business, and
to discuss matters relating to gifts, bequests, fund-raising activities
as authorized by Section 2.1-344 a(l), a(2), a(3), a(6), and a(7) of
the Virginia of Freedom of Information Act.
Following executive session, on motion made and seconded, the Board
approved and/or accepted the Report of the Academic Policy Committee,
the Report of the Legal Advisor, the Faculty Appointments and Changes
in Status, the Addendum to the Continuing Faculty, the Report of Gifts,
the approval of Mr. Virginius Dabney's proposal to write a book on the
history of VCU, the Report of the President, the awarding of President
Emeritus status to Dr. George J. Oliver, former president of RPI, the
Report of the Audit Committee, the Report of the Presidential Evalua-
tion Committee and the salary supplement for the President.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:24 p.m.
