AMENDED
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
November 15, 1984
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University was held on Thursday, November 15, 1984, at 9:00 a.m. in the
University Meeting Center.
Present were Mesdames Abady, Bemiss, Thalhimer and Whittemore;
Messrs. Allen, Farinholt, Lipman, Ludeman, Reynolds and Smith; and Drs.
Gayle and Nemuth. Absent were Messrs. Berry, Grey and Morris; and Dr.
Moore. Mr. Randy Merrick, student representative to the Board, was in
attendance. Also attending were Drs. Ackell, Connell, Hall and Wilson;
Messrs. Bruegman, Ross and Ware; and Mrs. Price.
Mr. Smith called the meeting to order. Representatives of the Save
Oregon Hill Organization attempted to be heard by the Board concerning
the noise level at the Cary Street Gym when dances are held. Mr. Smith
advised the residents that they were not on the agenda and asked that
they leave the meeting.
On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Special Meeting of
the Board of Visitors held on September 12, 1984, and the Minutes of a
Regular Meeting of the Board of Visitors held on September 13, 1984,
were approved as submitted.
Mr. Smith introduced Mr. Randy Merrick, a senior medical student,
who is the newly appointed student representative to the Board.
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The Report of the President followed. Dr. Ackell reported on the
following items:
(1.) IBM announced a national competition last summer for graduate
schools of business to submit preliminary precis proposals
related to management of information systems in their program of
Support of Education.
Among the several hundred graduate schools of business nation-
wide, VCU's School of Business received notice recently that
their preliminary proposal had been selected for a planning
grant of $12,000 to help with the costs of submitting a final
proposal. VCU was one of thirty-seven universities selected to
receive planning grants. IBM expects to make about a dozen
grants up to $2 million each to graduate schools of business
around the country.
The final proposal is under preparation for submission by Janu-
ary 15, 1985. The awards are to be made next spring.
(2.) United Way Campaign
Ken Ender, Director of Student Activities/University Student
Commons, served as Chairman of VCU's successful United Way Cam-
paign. The University's goal this year was $126,500. Over
$140,000 was raised or 111% of the goal. For the first time
ever, VCU students were involved in the University's campaign.
A goal of $2,500 was set but our students collected over $3,700.
We are very proud of their efforts. Two other areas that did
extremely well this year were the Academic Affairs faculty who
exceeded their goal by 17% and the hospitals who surpassed their
goal by 20%. I know you join me in congratulating the entire
University community for this excellent effort.
(3.) Two and a half years ago, Dr. Barry Wolf, Associate Professor of
Human Genetics, and his colleagues in the Departments of Human
Genetics and Pediatrics discovered that a deficiency of the
enzyme biotinidase was the primary defect in an inherited meta-
bolic disorder previously known as "late onset multiple carbox-
ylase deficiency." In this disorder, children cannot recycle
the vitamin, biotin, in their tissues and cannot adequately
utilize dietary biotin as well. If untreated, children may
develop lethal complications leading to coma and death. Since
this disorder met the major criteria for neonatal screening,
they developed a simple rapid method which can determine
biotinidase activity in the same blood-soaked filters currently
used in Virginia's newborn screening program. With the coopera-
tion of Consolidated Laboratories Services, a division of the
Virginia Department of General Services of the State Health
Department, they initiated a pilot neonatal screening program in
the Commonwealth of Virginia. Since the middle of January,
1984, they have screened 77,145 newborns and have identified two
children with biotinidase deficiency. These babies were
subsequently started on biotin therapy and should never
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experience the clinical problems usually associated with the
disorder. These findings should prompt all states and many
future, thus saving considerable dollars involved in the care
countries to begin screening for this disorder in the near
and treatment of previously undiagnosed children.
The cost of biotin for treatment is $25.00 per year and the cost
of the screening test is approximately 20 per test.
(4.) Neuroscientists at VCU Recognized
The National Institutes of Health have established special
awards for neuroscientists who have a solid record of research
and whose current work is deemed particularly relevant to neuro-
logical and communicative disorders. These special awards were
established in honor of former U.S. Senator Jacob K. Javits of
New York, who suffered from a progressive neuromuscular disease
known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Congress appropriated $10 mil-
lion to the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative
Disorders and Strokes to fund three neuroscientists at Virginia
Commonwealth University who have received the Jacob Javits
awards. They are Dr. John Povlishock, Professor of Anatomy, Dr.
George DeVries, Professor of Biochemistry, and Dr. Anthony
Marmarou, Professor of Neurosurgery and of Biomedical Engineering
Virginia Commonwealth University is a major center for
neurosciences research, involving numerous investigators drawn
from both the School of Basic Sciences and the School of Medi-
cine.
The three Jacob Javits Neuroscience Investigator awards provide
support for the studies of Doctors DeVries, Marmarou and
Povlishock for the next seven years. These exceptional awards
allow the investigators more freedom to explore innovative
approaches to their research.
(5.) Dr. Murry N. DePillars, Dean of the School of the Arts, has been
informed by the United States Information Agency in Washington,
D.C., that he has been selected by the University of Science in
Penang to serve as a consultant for the month of January, 1985.
(6.) Mr. George Borden, Sports Medicine Director/Trainer, and Dr.
George Munro, Associate Professor of History & Geography, will
be leading a professional study visit under the auspices of the
USSR Sports Committee in the spring of 1985. The group's tenta-
tive plans call for visits to Moscow, Tbilisi, Kiev, Tartu and
Leningrad. The group plans to visit sports medicine facilities,
clinics, and institutes as well as meeting their professional
counterparts and attending lectures.
(7.) Basketball Tickets
Tonight kicks off the 1984-85 basketball season with the VCU
Rams meeting the Yugoslavian National Team at 8:00 p.m. in the
Richmond Coliseum. As in past years, complimentary tickets are
available to all Board members and their guests. Please call
Meg Price for tickets.
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Mr. Bruegman presented the Report of Contracts. On motion made and
seconded, the Report of Contracts was ratified with Mrs. Whittemore
abstaining.
Mr. Smith reported on behalf of the Executive Committee. He stated
that the minutes of a meeting held on September 12, 1984, had previous-
ly been reported to the Board. Mr. Smith stated that the meeting on
October 18 was held in executive session to discuss the report of the
Special Awards Committee. On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of
a Meeting of the Executive Committee held September 12, 1984, were
approved as were the Report and Minutes of a Meeting held October 18,
1984.
Mrs. Thalhimer reminded members of the Board that the Board's
Self-Evaluation questionnaire was due to be returned.
Mrs. Whittemore reported for the Academic Policy Committee which
met on November 5. She stated that the Committee recommends to the
Board to change the name of the Department of Pedodontics to the
Department of Pediatric Dentistry. It was stated that the American
Academy of Pedodontics at its 1984 session voted to change its name to
the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. It is felt that the new
name is more descriptive of the role of the specialty as a primary
dental care provider for children. On motion made and seconded, the
Board approved changing the name to the Department of Pediatric Den-
tistry. Mrs. Whittemore stated that the Committee received a report on
Student Recruitment, Admissions and Enrollments. A detailed report on
enrollments and enrollment projections was included with the Committee
minutes. Mrs. Whittemore summarized the following information:
5
These projections are used by the institutions to develop both
operating and capital outlay funding requests. The enrollment
estimates are also used by the Governor and the General Assembly in
the appropriation process. In October, 1982, VCU submitted its
enrollment projections for the 1984-86 biennium to the State Coun-
cil of Higher Education (SCHEV). Those projections were approved
in December, 1982 by SCHEV. Although no funding was provided for
enrollment growth for the 1984-86 biennium, the enrollment esti-
mates were used in the development of the 1984-86 Appropriations
Act. For the 1982-84 biennium, VCU's results were mixed. In
1981-82 the University met its FTE enrollment goal of 15,700. In
1982-83 even though FTE enrollment increased by 224 FTE (1.4%) from
the prior year, the actual FTE enrollment was 181 FTE (1.1%) below
the estimated level of 16,105.
In the fall of 1983, it became apparent that projected FTE enrollment level of 16,225 for 1983-84 would not be achieved. Given the
enrollment picture developing for 1983-84, VCU initiated a process
to revise its 1984-86 enrollment projections beginning in January,
1984. This process called for much greater involvement in the
enrollment projection process by the academic deans. The academic
deans were asked to estimate the FTE and headcount enrollments for
the majors in their schools for 1983-84 and for the 1984-86 period.
The initial set of deans' enrollment estimates indicated that thE
University would fall short of its projected 1983-84 FTE by 325 FTE
(2.0%). Their projections also indicated a decline in enrollment
during the 1984-86 period, compared to the growth anticipated in
the official University projections.
The actual 1983-84 FTE was 15,796, 429 FTE (2.6%) below the pro-
jected 16,225, and 104 FTE below the deans' estimated enrollment
level. The other doctoral institutions had similar results. All
six doctoral institutions were below projected FTE enrollment lev-
was 3.5% under its expected enrollment; Va Tech was 2.2% below
projected; W&M was 1.3% below; UVa was 0.1% under.
Compared to the actual 1982-83 FTE enrollment of 15,924, VCU expe-
els in 1983-84. ODU was 4.4% below its projected enrollment; GMU
rienced a decline of 128 FTE (less than 1%) during 1983-84. During
October, 1984, the public institutions were required to submit
their projected enrollments for the 1986-88 biennium and any revi-
sions to the 1984-86 estimates. The University Enrollment Commit-
tee, chaired by Mr. Richard Dremuk, and the Executive Committee on
Enrollment, chaired by Dr. Howard Sparks, requested that the deans
update the projections made last spring and extend those projec-
tions for the 1986-88 budget period. The aggregate of the academic
deans' enrollment estimates for 1984-86 and 1986-88 represent the
University's projections. The deans' revised enrollment estimates
for 1984-86 and the projections for 1986-88 have been reviewed by
the University Enrollment Committee, President's Council, Academic
Council, and the Planning and Budget Advisory Committee. The pro-
jections indicate that VCU's FTE enrollment will decline by 3.5%
(552 FTE) during the current 1984-86 biennium and drop another 1.4%
(210 FTE) from 1985-86 through 1987-88.
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Mrs. Whittemore concluded that the President and administration are
continuing its discussions with State Council on the University's pro-
jections. Dr. Ackell stated that in some areas our projections may be
conservative. On motion made and seconded, the Report of the Academic
Policy Committee was accepted and the Minutes of a Meeting held Novem-
ber 5, 1984, were approved.
Mr. Smith distributed copies of a letter outlining the activities
to be held in conjunction with the dedication of the Hospital Hospital-
ity House.
Mr. Ludeman reported for the Advancement Committee. He stated that
the Committee had reviewed and amended a Gifts-in-Kind Policy. Mr.
Farinholt stated that the document was also reviewed by the Property
Committee which made several recommendations. On motion made and sec-
onded, the Report of the Advancement Committee was accepted and the
Minutes of a Meeting held on October 15, 1984, were approved. Mr.
Ludeman stated that the rest of his report would be given in executive
session.
Mr. Farinholt reported for the Property Committee. At the Septem-
ber 6 meeting, he stated that the Committee accepted the gift of the
Statue of Hippocrates upon recommendation of a representative of the
School of the Arts. On motion made and seconded, the Board ratified
this action. Mr. Farinholt also stated that the Committee voted to
accept the administration's recommendation not to require architectural
sketches or renderings prior to contract with an architect. The
existing architect selection process ensures that the University
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receives the best and most cost-effective professional architectural
services. On motion made and seconded, the Board approved the Property
Committee's recommendation.
At the November 9 meeting of the Committee, the lease for the
Richmond Plaza Building was reviewed and ratified by the Committee.
This space is used by the University's Computer Center. On motion made
and seconded, the Board ratified the Committee action concerning the
Richmond Plaza lease.
Mr. Farinholt stated that the Committee also ratified the lease of
the Zeigler House to the MCV/VCU Hospital Hospitality House. The MCVH
Auxiliary has provided $195,000 in permanent improvements. The lease
is for a five-year period beginning January 1, 1985, and automatically
renews itself on a yearly basis unless terminated by either party.
Should this lease be terminated prior to its thirteenth year, the ten-
ant shall be entitled to a refund of the pro rata share of the costs of
the improvements, such prorated sum to be calculated at the rate of
$15,000 per year.
Mr. Farinholt stated that the Committee was recommending to the
Board acquisition of a new computer for the Central Computer operation.
The lowest bid was by IBM. On motion made and seconded, the Board
approved acquiring the IBM Computer at a cost of $2,114,045. The
financing of this project is still under discussion and will be
resolved with the assistance of the Property Committee Chairman.
Mr. Farinholt reported that the Property Committee had reviewed the
amended Gifts-in-Kind Policy which is being considered jointly by the
Advancement and Property Committees. The consensus of the Property
8
Committee was the policy had become cumbersome and perhaps needed
streamlining. It was suggested that the Virginia Museum policy be
reviewed and that we await the arrival and input of the new Vice Presi-
dent for Advancement.
Mr. Farinholt stated that the Committee reviewed and approved the
study and planning for the former Victory Van Warehouse to be used for
the visual arts departments. The most critical need is to move Crafts
out of its present locations. The Committee also discussed the design
of the east wall of the building. Once renovated this wall will serve
as the entrance to the University. The Committee suggested to the
administration that possibly a design competition could he held for
this project. On motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the
Committee's recommendation to proceed with planning for the Victory Van
Warehouse for the visual arts departments.
Mrs. Whittemore reported that the Audit Committee had met on Octo-
ber 8 and that report would be made during executive session.
Dr. Gayle reported for the Hospital Committee which met on October
11. The Committee heard a report from the Executive Director concerning the progress being made on the North Hospital and the Supply and
Distribution Center construction projects. The process to acquire the
NMR Scanner is continuing. In regard to this issue, Dr. Gayle reported
that the Hospital Committee needs to be involved in approving equipment
purchases for the hospital. He stated that this issue needs to be
resolved with the Property Committee. The Committee also received a
9
report on the patient accounting situation in which Mr. Lash reviewed
the changes in responsibility and the organizational configuration of
Hospital Administration.
The Hospital Committee also met on November 14 to take action on
those items which were presented at the October 11 meeting. At this
meeting, the Committee approved privileges for M.D.'s and one physi-
cian's assistant. Also rules and regulations for oral surgeons were
discussed with one change being made. On motion made and seconded,
privileges were approved and the Report of the Hospital Committee was
accepted.
Mr. Smith reported that at the Hospital Committee meeting on Novem-
ber 14, Mr. Schrock reported on the progress being made on the patient
accounting system. Daily late charges are down from $8,900 to $2,40C.
Mr. Reynolds reported for the Student Affairs Committee which met
on October 9. At this meeting, Dr. William DuVall reported on the
student demographic profiles. These profiles were circulated to all
members of the Board. The next meeting is scheduled for December 13
and a report will be given on the Athletic program. On motion made and
seconded, the Report of the Student Affairs Committee was accepted and
the Minutes of a Meeting held on October 9, 1984, were approved.
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 pending
litigation and legal matters with its attorney, and to discuss the
condition, acquisition or use of real property, and to protect the
10
privacy of individuals in personal matters not related to public busi-
ness, and to discuss matters relating to gifts, bequests, and fund
raising activities and matters relating to honorary degrees and special
awards as authorized by Section 2.1-344 a(1), a(2), a(3), a(6), a(7)
and a(8) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Following executive session, on motion made and seconded, the Board
accepted the Report of the Legal Advisor, approved the Faculty Appoint-
ments and Changes in Status, approved Faculty Salary Increment Changes,
accepted the Report of Gifts, accepted the Report of the President,
accepted executive session committee reports, and approved the naming
of the Theatre in the Performing Arts Center for Raymond Hodges.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
Approved:
W. Roy Smith, Rector
