A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS OF
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
March 15, 1990
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University was held on Thursday, March 15, 1990, at 9:30 a.m. in the
University Meeting Center.
Present were Drs. Moore (Rector), Holland and Johnson; Messrs.
Farinholt, Ferguson, Gregory, Lipman, Meador, Siegel, Whitworth and
Wurtzel; and Mesdames Abady and Epps. Absent were Messrs. Beadles,
Latham and Morris. Also present were Drs. Ackell, Andrako, Dewey, Ruch
and Wilson; Messrs. Bruegman, Gehring, Kudless, Poe and Ross; and Mrs.
Price.
Dr. Moore called the meeting to order and on motion made and sec-
onded, the Board convened into executive session to discuss certain
personnel matters involving identifiable employees or faculty of VCU as
authorized by Section 2.1-344 a(1) of the Virginia Freedom of Informa-
tion Act.
Following executive session, on motion made and seconded, the fol-
lowing Resolution was approved by roll call vote:
Virginia Commonwealth University hereby certifies that, to the best
of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully
exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed
in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution
applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified
in the motion convening the executive session meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes
Nays
Dr.
French H. Moore, Jr.
(Rector)
X
Mrs.
Nina F. Abady
X
Mr.
Richard L. Beadles
Absent
Mrs.
Rozanne G. Epps
X
Mr.
James B. Farinholt, Jr.
X
Mr.
Jack H. Ferguson
X
2
Mr. Roger L. Gregory X
Dr. William E. Holland X
Dr. Harry I. Johnson, Jr. X
Mr. Weldon H. Latham Absent
Mr. Eric M. Lipman X
Mr. Richard L. Meador X
Mr. Philip B. Morris Absent
Mr. Stuart C. Siegel X
Mr. F. Dixon Whitworth, Jr. X
Mr. Alan L. Wurtzel X
Vote:
Ayes: 13
Nays: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING: 3
ABSENT DURING VOTING: 3
On behalf of the Special Committee on the Nomination of the Presi-
dent, Mr. James B. Farinholt, Jr., submitted, for approval, the name of
Dr. Eugene P. Trani as the fourth President of Virginia Commonwealth
University. On motion made and seconded, Dr. Eugene P. Trani was
elected President of VCU by acclamation.
Dr. Moore announced that there would a 30 minute recess to conduct
a press conference announcing Dr. Trani's appointment.
Following the press conference, on motion made and seconded, the
Minutes of a Regular Meeting held January 18, 1990, were approved.
The Report of the President followed. Dr. Ackell reported on the
following items:
Last month, six VCU faculty members visited various higher education
and cultural institutions in Leningrad, USSR, investigating possibili-
ties for short-term and long-term student and faculty exchanges.
Because the approach VCU made to these institutions is the most innova-
tive yet undertaken by an American University, and because the time is
most propitious for such exchanges, VCU has great hopes for future
cooperation.
3
Those traveling to Leningrad represented a cross-section of the University. They included Dr. Richard Sander, the Director of Athletics; Dr.
Jack Schiltz, Chairman of the Division of Health and Physical Education; Dr. Michael Drought, Chairman of the Department of Painting and
Printmaking; Dr. George Munro, Coordinator of the Minor in Internation-
al Studies; Dr. Jan Chlebowski, Department of Biochemistry and Molecu-
lar Biology; and Mr. George Borden, Director of the Sports Medicine
Center.
VCU's approach differed from that of other universities because it
contacted a number of institutions, not just one or two. This was
important to do because no Soviet institution has the breadth of an
American University. When VCU's professors shared their ideas at the
US Consulate in Leningrad with the Assistant for Press and Cultural
Affairs, he commented that VCU was well ahead of everyone else in its
approach.
Further contacts between VCU and Soviet institutions will take place
before summer. Mr. George Borden and Dr. Thomas Loughran, one of VCU's
Orthopedic surgeons, will return to the Soviet Union later this month.
Mr. Borden will lecture on topics in Sports Medicine to a gathering of
the most outstanding coaches from throughout the USSR, and Dr. Loughran
will demonstrate arthroscopic surgery. Incidentally, this is the first
time that arthroscopic surgery will be performed in both Leningrad and
Kiev. Second, representatives of Leningrad institutions are planning
to visit VCU in April.
Plans are also underway for an advanced undergraduate student in Bio-
chemistry to work this summer in one of the labs on the Medical Campus
prior to enrolling as a graduate student in 1991. Several student-
athletes likely will enroll in the University for the coming year and
compete for VCU's athletic teams. In September VCU hopes to host a
group of six faculty members from Leningrad, to show them VCU's facili-
ties. Short-term student exchanges could begin as early as the summer
of 1991.
The Soviet Union is changing rapidly. VCU has been fortunate to have
the contact in Leningrad to take advantage of this situation for the
benefit of both the University and its counterparts in Russia.
In its first full year of operation, VCU's University Undergraduate
Scholarship Program will offer almost 200 scholarships to top high
school students from around the United States.
The highest level award, the Presidential Scholarship, will be offered
to 17 students from Virginia, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania,
New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Tennessee. These students
have an average SAT score of 1375 and an average GPA of 4.27. Many
plan to enroll into the automatic admission to the Medical School
Program. The recipients will receive full payment for tuition and fees
as well as room and board.
4
In addition, 50 high school seniors will be offered the Provost's Award
which pays the amount of in-state tuition. One-hundred Deans' Awards
are also being offered to students which pays half their tuition.
Students must maintain a 3.3 GPA to remain eligible for these scholar-
ships.
Mr. Ross presented a Resolution dealing with a lost Hospital reve-
nue bond. On motion made and seconded, the following Resolution was
approved:
WHEREAS, it has been represented to the Board of Visitors of Vir-
ginia Commonwealth University, by duly-executed affidavit, that Coupon
Number 24 for bonds 9743 and 9744, Virginia Commonwealth
University/Medical College of Virginia Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series
A, payable on January 1, 1990, in the amount of $147.50 each, held by
C. Michael Kennerly, have been lost; and
WHEREAS, Federal Insurance Company, Obligor, has issued a Sole
Obligor Bond, Bond No. 8117-86-50, in favor of Virginia Commonwealth
University and Sovran Financial Corporation, Obligees, by which Obligor
has undertaken to indemnify and hold harmless Obligees from any and all
claims and liabilities which might arise out of the payment of the
value of the lost bonds or the issuance of replacement bonds to the
aforesaid C. Michael Kennerly; and
WHEREAS, all documents relating to this matter, including an affi-
davit of loss and the sole obligor bond, have been examined by the
Commonwealth of Virginia Department of the Treasury, which has found
them to be satisfactory in all respects and which has further advised
that pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Bond Resolution adopted by the
Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University on September 30,
1977, it is in order for the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University to authorize the replacement of the lost bond coupons to the
aforesaid C. Michael Kennerly;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of Virginia
Commonwealth University, that the Treasurer of Virginia is hereby
authorized to replace the lost coupons for bond numbers 9743 and 9744,
payable on January 1, 1990, in the amount of $147.50 each, Virginia
Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia Hospital Bonds,
Series A, registered in the name of C. Michael Kennerly.
On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of Meetings of the Special
Committee on the Nomination of a President held January 7, January 13,
January 14, January 17 and January 18, 1990, were approved.
5
Mrs. Epps reported for the Academic Policy Committee which net on
March 14, 1990. On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Meeting
held January 17, 1990, were approved. Mrs. Epps stated that the Com-
mittee had a very productive discussion with Victor Collins, Director
of the Office of Minority Affairs. The Committee reviewed a proposed
organizational change for the Center for Judaic Studies. The Center
would serve as the umbrella for the Judaic Studies Program, as well as
organize University and community activities related to Judaic Studies.
On motion made and seconded, the organizational change for the Center
for Judaic Studies was approved.
The Committee reviewed the Retirement Incentive Program for Facul-
ty. Several suggestions were made for incorporation into the document.
This will be an item for a future meeting.
The Committee reviewed and recommended approval of the Statement of
Readiness for the Master of Public Health Program. This program offers
individuals currently employed in, or aspiring to seek employment in,
public health agencies. On motion made and seconded, the Statement of
Readiness for the Master of Public Health Program was approved.
For information, the Committee reviewed an enrollment planning
report. It was noted that a steady state in enrollment is expected
until the year 2000 when there will be a dramatic increase. Anticipat-
ed headcount enrollment is 24,400. On motion made and seconded, the
Report of the Academic Policy Committee was accepted.
Dr. Johnson reported for the Advancement Committee which met on
March 14. On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Meeting held
6
January 17, 1990, were approved. In the Alumni Activities area, the
process is underway for refining and evaluating future activities
whereby more revenue could be generated. Winterfestival was a sellout
again this year. Five hundred alumni and guests attended a bar-b-que
prior to the VCU/ODU Basketball game. In the University Relations
area, it was noted that the MCV Hospitals' Journal, a half-hour
television show debuted February 3 and will run through June.
Additionally, the User's Guide was developed to assist faculty and
staff in effectively using the Office of Media Relations to promote
research, expertise and programs at the University. On motion made and
seconded, the Report of the Advancement Committee was accepted. The
remainder of the report was made during executive session.
Mr. Ferguson reported for the Audit Committee which met earlier in
the day. On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Meeting of the
Audit Committee held January 18, 1990, were approved. The remainder of
the Committee's report was made during executive session.
Mr. Whitworth reported for the Finance and Investment Committee
which net on March 14, 1990. On motion made and seconded, the Minutes
of a Meeting held January 17, 1990, and the Minutes of a Joint Meeting
held January 17, 1990, were approved. The Committee reviewed the Quarterly Budget Report for the period ended December 31, 1989. At the end
of the second quarter, revenues and expenditures are in balance with
revenue collections for all fund groups ahead of last year. Mr.
Whitworth noted that the Committee devoted considerable time to the
current budget situation which President Ackell addressed in his
7
remarks. On motion made and seconded, the Report of the Finance and
Investment Committee was accepted. The remainder of the Committee's
report was made during executive session.
Dr. Holland reported for the Hospital Committee which met on March
14, 1990. On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Meeting held
January 17, 1990, were approved. The Hospital Director's report showed
total operating revenue exceeded budget by $3.1 million or 1.9 percent.
This was primarily attributable to patient revenue exceeding budget in
the Inpatient Ancillary areas and in the Outpatient areas. Total cash
receipts for the period ended January 31 exceeded budget by $6.5 mil-
lion or 4.1 percent. $2.7 million of this favorable variance was
attributable to unbudgeted settlements received from Medicaid and Medi-
care. The issue of indigent care continues to be a problem for the
Hospital. The Committee also reviewed the Full and Consultative Privi-
leges for the Hospital. On motion made and seconded, the Report of the
Hospital Committee accepted.
Mr. Meador reported for the Property Committee which met March 14,
1990. The Committee reviewed and recommends approval of two leases --
one for administrative office space at 102 and 104 North Linden Street
and one for 2.181 acres of land to accommodate the satellite parking of
approximately 400 vehicles on the MCV Campus. On motion made and sec-
onded, both leases were approved and the Report of the Property Committee was accepted. The remainder of the Committee's report was made
during executive session.
8
On motion made and seconded, the Committee convened into executive
session to discuss certain personnel matters involving the performance
of identifiable employees or faculty of VCU, and to discuss the evaluation of performance of departments or schools of VCU where such matters
regarding such individuals might be affected by such evaluation includ-
ing Faculty Appointments and Changes in Status, Full and Consultative
Hospital Privileges, a Status report on the Presidential Search, Audit
Report, and a Semiannual Quality Assurance Report, and to discuss the
investing of public funds including the Quarterly Investment Report and
presentation by Investment Managers on Annual Performance, and to discuss legal matters, active and recently resolved litigation, and proba-
ble litigation with its attorney, and to discuss matters relating to
gifts, bequests, and fund-raising activities including a Report of New
Major Commitments for the period of December 1, 1989, to January 31,
1990, approval of Naming Proposals, a Status Report on the Campaign for
VCU and to discuss matters relating to honorary degrees and special
awards as authorized by Section 2.1-344 a(1), a(6), a(7), a(8) and
a(10) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Following executive session, on motion made and seconded, the fol-
lowing Resolution was approved by roll call vote:
Virginia Commonwealth University hereby certifies that, to the best
of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully
exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed
in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution
applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified
University.
in the motion convening the executive session meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
9
Roll Call Vote Ayes Nays
Dr. French H. Moore, Jr. (Rector) X
Mrs. Nina F. Abady X
Mr. Richard L. Beadles Absent
Mrs. Rozanne G. Epps X
Mr. James B. Farinholt, Jr. X
Mr. Jack H. Ferguson X
Mr. Roger L. Gregory X
Dr. William E. Holland X
Dr. Harry I. Johnson, Jr. X
Mr. Weldon H. Latham Absent
Mr. Eric M. Lipman X
Mr. Richard L. Meador X
Mr. Philip B. Morris Absent
Mr. Stuart C. Siegel X
Mr. F. Dixon Whitworth, Jr. X
Mr. Alan L. Wurtzel X
Vote:
Ayes: 13
Nays: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING: 3
ABSENT DURING VOTING: 3
On motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the Report of the
General Counsel; accepted the Report of the President; approved Faculty
Appointments and Changes in Status including items identified in the
addenda; approved Full and Consultative Hospital Privileges; accepted
the Report of New Major Commitments; approved Naming Proposals;
approved the recipient of the Board of Visitors' Award; accepted the
Report of Gifts; accepted the executive session Committee Reports;
accepted MCV Hospitals' Semiannual Quality Assurance Report; and
bestowed Dr. Edmund F. Ackell with the honorary title, President Emeritus
The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
10
Approved:
French H. Moore, Jr., Recto
