MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF VISITORS OF VIRGINIA
COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
July 19, 1990
A meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Common-
wealth University was held on Thursday, July 19, 1990, at the
University Meeting Center.
Present were Drs. Moore (Rector), Holland, Johnson and
Peay; Messrs. Ferguson, Gregory, Lipman, Meador, Siegel,
Townes, Whitworth and Wurtzel; and Mesdames Abady and Epps.
Absent were Dr. Beleaguer and Mr. Farinholt. Also present were
Drs. Trani, Andrako, Dewey, Duvall and Ruch; Messrs. Bruegman,
Gehring, Kudless, Poe and Ross; and Mesdames Price and Slattum.
Dr. Moore called the meeting to order and introduced Dr.
Clifton L. Peay who was recently appointed to the Board by the
Governor. He noted that Dr. Thomas Berenguer, also recently
appointed, was unable to be with us.
Dr. Moore introduced Ms. Patricia W. Slattum, VCU student
representative to the Board of Visitors. Ms. Slattum is a graduate
of VCU's School of Pharmacy and is currently enrolled in the Phar-
macy Ph.D. program.
On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Special
Meeting held May 17, 1990, and a Regular Meeting held May 18,
1990, were approved.
The Report of the President followed. Dr. Trani reported
on the following items:
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Dr. Trani stated how pleased he was to be President
of VCU and looked forward to a long working relationship
with members of the Board. He stated that as part of his
report he would be showcasing members of the faculty,
staff and students.
Dr. Trani stated that prior to his arrival he began to work
on establishing an Administrative Associates program. The
purpose of this program is to give faculty members an op-
portunity to work with the President and Vice Presidents in
the administrative area of the University. In return,
administrators have the benefit of the faculty's perspective
on issues. Dr. Trani stated that he was pleased to intro-
duce the first four Administrative Associates:
Dr. Judith A. Brown will be the Administrative Associate for
Fall, 1990. She is Professor of Human Genetics and of
Obstetrics and Gynecology and has been at VCU since
1975. Dr. Brown, prior to coming to VCU, served as Direc-
tor of Cytogenetics at Buffalo's Children's Hospital and as
Research Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the State
University of New York at Buffalo. She received her B.A.
degree from the University of Maine and one Ph.D. from
Temple University and the second from Indiana University.
The Administrative Associate for Winter, 1991 is Dr. Quincy
L. Moore. He is currently Director of the Office of Academ-
ic Support and has served in that capacity since 1985. Dr.
Moore came to VCU from the University of Iowa where he
completed his Ph.D. in 1983 and served as Coordinator of
Tutorial Outreach Services. He received his B.A. from
Culver-Stockton College and his M.S. degree from the Uni-
versity of Nevada-Las Vegas.
Ms. Sherry B. Mikuta, the University's Assistant Treasur-
er, will be our Administrative Associate for the Summer of
1991. She has been with VCU since 1982 serving as Manag-
er of Cash Operations, Acting Director of Purchases and
Stores and Director of Cash Operations. Before coming to
VCU, Ms. Mikuta held several positions with Jarvis Corporation. She received her B.S. in Finance from Virginia Tech
and her M.B.A. from VCU. As an aside, Ms. Mikuta is the
daughter of VCU's first president, Warren Brandt.
The Administrative Associate for the Fall of 1991 is Dr.
Steven B. Robbins who is Associate Professor of Psycholo-
gy. He came to VCU in 1983 as an Adjunct Psychologist
after serving as a Graduate Research Fellow and Coordina-
tor of Statistics Laboratory at the University of Utah. Dr.
Robbins received his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University
of Utah and his B.A. degree from the University of Illinois.
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Dr. Trani introduced Dr. David Latane, Associate Professor
of English, College of Humanities and Sciences, the recipi-
ent of a Fulbright Scholar Grant to lecture at the University of Skopje in Belgrade, Yugoslavia and Dr. Lynn Nelson,
Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, College
of Humanities and Sciences, who was awarded the Fulbright
Lectureship to the Soviet Union.
The President also introduced Dr. Paul Wehman, Professor
or Rehabilitation Medicine and Special Education, School of
Education. Dr. Wehman is one of five national winners of
the 1990 Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., Foundation Awards in
Mental Retardation.
Ms. Karen Blem was introduced by Dr. Trani. She was a
member of our cross country team and maintained a 3.7
grade point average while completing a double major in
biology and chemistry. Karen recently was honored as a
GTE Academic All-American.
Dr. Trani reported that because of the State's revenue
shortfall, each institution and agency has been requested to
submit reversion plans for 1, 3 and 5 percent reduction from
general funds. The President noted that the University,
through use of contingency funds and other fund sources
can comply with a 1 percent reduction. Reductions in the
3 and 5 percent area will be more difficult and may require
staff and program reductions. The Board will be advised
on this evolving situation.
Mr. Donald Gehring, Assistant to the President for Legis-
lative Relations, reported on the President's recent meet-
ings with members of the General Assembly, State official
and members of City Council and City government. Mr.
Gehring noted that the President will be seeking much
greater Board involvement.
Dr. Trani reported on the Statement of Metropolitan Univer-
sities. He noted that since distributing this document to
the Board further investigation revealed that the signato-
ries to this Statement are not our peer universities. Only
two or three have large research programs and/or medical
centers. Additionally, there is some debate over the term
"metropolitan." VCU views itself as an urban university.
The thrust of the Statement appears to be more suburban
in nature. Consequently, the administration recommends
that we not become signatories.
With regard to international activities, Dr. Trani stated
that one of his most profound experiences was teaching
abroad. He stated that he would like VCU faculty to have
this experience as well. However, the University does not
have a plan for international activities. Consequently, the
Provost and Vice Provost for Continuing Studies and Public
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Service have been directed to develop a plan. Dr. Trani
stated that this plan should not include just exchanges with
white western Europe but also with developing countries.
Dr. Trani noted that a new search committee has been ap-
pointed for the position of Vice President for Health Sciences. This is a critical appointment. The call for nomi-
nations is now appearing in the appropriate higher education
journals.
Additionally, the search for a Dean of Nursing has been
reopened and a search is underway for the Dean of Social
Work.
The Governor's Executive Order Number One was present-
ed. This policy assures equal opportunity for all state employees
and for all applicants for state employment. On motion made and
seconded, Executive Order Number One was adopted.
Mrs. Epps reported for the Academic Policy Committee. On
motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Meeting held May 17,
1990, were approved. At its most recent meeting, the Committee
reviewed a proposal to establish the Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Drug Design and Development. The purpose of this
center will be to maximize the interaction between basic scientists
and clinical scientists in investing, discovering and developing new
medicinal agents and elucidating the mechanisms of disease states at
the molecular level. On motion made and seconded, the proposal to
establish the VCU Center for Drug Design and Development was
approved.
Mrs. Epps stated that the Committee also reviewed a propos-
al to create the Division of Clinical Neurophysiology within the
Department of Neurology on the MCV Campus. On motion made and
seconded, the proposal to establish the Division of Clinical Neurophysiology was approved.
5
The Committee reviewed the Self Study of the Central and
Southside Virginia Regional Assessment and Development Center.
The center is a cooperative partnership between VCU, Virginia
State and fifteen school districts and provides support to and
development of school principals.
Mrs. Epps stated that the Status Report from the Division of
Student Affairs was very interesting and suggested that all Board
members take the opportunity to review it. Civility is one of the
major issues in this report and the President has directed the
drafting of a Civility Document.
In response to a question concerning evening courses, Dr.
Harris reported to the Committee that there are some challenges in
the evening program. There are too many full sections without
enough resources to add new ones. It appears that day students
are filling evening classes which impacts part-time, evening stu-
dents.
Dr. Johnson reported for the Advancement Committee which
met on July 18, 1990. On motion made and seconded, the Minutes
of a Meeting held May 17, 1990, were approved. The Committee
received a report on recent media coverage. On June 28, a report-
er from The Chronicle of Higher Education visited the VCU campus
as preparation for a story looking at Governor Wilder's initiatives
for higher education in Virginia. The Committee also reviewed an
agreement between the University and the MCV Alumni Association
concerning the exchange of two parcels of land. The Committee
concurred with this agreement in principle.
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Mr. Ferguson reported for the Audit Committee and on
motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Meeting held May 18,
1990, were approved. Mr. Ferguson introduced the new Executive
Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Richard L. Bunce. The remainder
of the Committee's report will be made during executive session.
Mr. Whitworth reported for the Finance and Investment
Committee which met on July 18, 1990. On motion made and second-
ed, the Minutes of a Meeting held May 17, 1990, were approved.
The Statement of Intent on NRC Decommissioning Funding was re-
viewed by the Committee. The purpose of this document is to au-
thorize the President to sign the Statement and to ensure that all
licensees have funds available to cover the decommissioning of our
facilities. On motion made and seconded, the Statement of Intent on
NRC Decommissioning Funding was approved and the following Reso-
lution was adopted:
WHEREAS, the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) has promulgated regulations which apply to facilities which
have been issued a license by the NRC to possess and use certain
radioactive materials; and
WHEREAS, the NRC regulations require that all such license
holders must submit, on or before July 27, 1990, a certification of
financial assurance for decommissioning or a decommissioning funding
plan in accordance with the criteria set forth in the regulations;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the NRC regulations, federal, state
and local government license holders may comply with the NRC
regulations in this respect by submitting a statement of intent,
signed by an authorized representative, which contains a cost esti-
mate for decommissioning and indicating that funds for decommissioning purposes will be obtained when and if necessary; an
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors desires to authorize the
President of the University to execute an appropriate statement of
intent on behalf of the University to ensure that the University
will be in compliance with the NRC decommissioning regulations;
NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Board of Visi-
tors of Virginia Commonwealth University that the President of the
University is hereby authorized to execute, on behalf of Virginia
Commonwealth University, an appropriate statement of intent to
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cause the University to be in compliance with the decommissioning
regulations promulgated by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The Committee received a status report on Divestiture. It
was noted that further directives on the Governor's Executive Order
Number 8 have not been received. However, the Committee recom-
mends that the University Investment Policy be amended. On motion
made and seconded, the University Investment Policy was approved,
as amended, as follows :
The Board of Visitors supports the divestiture of equity
holding in companies with direct investments or employees in the
Republic of South Africa and, accordingly, adopts the following
policy:
1. No further investments shall be made in specific com-
panies with investments or employees in the Republic of
South Africa.'
2. Any present investments in specific companies with direct
investments or employees in the Republic of South Africa
shall be divested using fiscal responsibility with
respect to timing.
The Committee received an update on the RFP for Banking
Services. Five responses to this proposal have been received. An
evaluation committee is reviewing the proposals.
Dr. Holland reported for the Hospital Committee which met
on July 18, 1990. On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a
Meeting held May 17, 1990, were approved. Dr. Holland stated that
the Committee reviewed the Hospital's operating budget for the eleven
month period ended May 31, 1990.
The Committee reviewed the Capital Funding/Endorsement for
MCVH. This endorsement stated that the Hospital should set aside
at a minimum on a monthly basis cash equal to that month's deprecia-
tion expense related to fixed and moveable equipment. If possible
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and funds are available, the Hospital should in addition, set aside
on a monthly basis cash equal to that month's depreciation expense
related to Hospital buildings.
Mr. Meador reported for the Property Committee. On motion
made and seconded, the Minutes of a meeting held May 17, 1990,
were approved. The Committee approved and recommends to the
Board the West Campus Property Transfer. This proposal involves
closing Beech Street which extends from Cary Street to Harrison
Street and an adjoining small alley which connects Beech Street with
Linden Street. The City will also close a small concrete triangular
section of Harrison Street at its southeast intersection with Main
Street. These closing will allow the University to develop the green
space at the northeast corner of Harrison and Cary Streets. The
transaction will be a no cost" transfer. On motion made and second-
ed, the West Campus Property Transfer was approved.
The Committee was notified of the contract award for asbestos
removal to E & C Insulation. It has become necessary and prudent
to have a contractor available to quickly respond to the removal and
containment of asbestos for maintenance, renovation and construction
The Committee received a progress report on the MCV Steam
Plan Replacement project. Negotiations are underway for a site for
this Plant. The General Assembly directed that a plan for construc-
tion and operation of the proposed plant be presented by October 1,
1990. Acquisition of the site is critical to complete the report.
Dr. Moore reported that the Inaugural Committee has been
established and that Mr. Roger Gregory has agreed to chair this
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group. Tentative plans call for the Governor to be the keynote
speaker at an event to take place in April, 1991.
Dr. Moore thanked the Board for giving him the opportunity
to serve as Rector during the past year. He stated that the position
of Rector was made easier because of the excellent staff support
provided by the President's Office.
Mr. Lipman reported for the Nominating Committee consisting
of himself and Messrs. Farinholt and Morris. The Committee met in
June and unanimously recommended that Dr. French H. Moore, Jr.,
be reelected Rector for 1990-91. On motion made and seconded, Dr.
Moore was unanimously elected Rector of the Board for a one-year
term.
Dr. Moore thanked the Board for the confidence placed in
him and stated that this was a great honor for him.
Dr. Moore announced that he had requested Mr. Whitworth
to serve as Chairman of the Nominating Committee to recommend
other officers and members of the Executive Committee. Additionally,
Mrs. Epps and Mr. Siegel have agreed to serve with Mr. Whitworth.
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 evaluation or performance of departments or schools of
VCU where such matters regarding such individual might be affected
by such evaluation including Faculty Appointments and Changes in
Status, Full and Consultative Hospital Privileges, School of Medicine
Faculty Salary Recommendations, School of Medicine Non-M.D. Clini-
cal Scale, Reappointment of Affiliate and Clinical Faculty, Audit
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Report, and to discuss the investing of public funds including the
Quarterly Investment Report and to discuss legal matters, active and
recently resolved litigation, and probable 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 April 1, 1990 to May 31, 1990, approval of Naming
Proposals, and a Campaign Report as authorized by Section 2.1-344
a(l) a (6) , a(7) and a(8) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Following executive session, the following 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 resolu-
tion 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 Board of Visitors of Virginia
Commonwealth University.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes Nays
Dr. French H. Moore, Jr. (Rector) X
Mrs. Nina F. Abady X
Dr. Thomas J. Berenguer Absent
Mrs. Rozanne G. Epps X
Mr. James B. Farinholt, Jr. Absent
Mr. Jack H. Ferguson X
Mr. Roger L. Gregory X
Dr. William E. Holland X
Dr. Harry I. Johnson, Jr. X
Mr. Eric M. Lipman X
Mr. Richard L. Meador X
Dr. Clifton L. Peay X
Mr. Stuart C. Siegel X
Mr. Clarence L. Townes X
Mr. F. Dixon Whitworth, Jr. X
Mr. Alan L. Wurtzel X
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Vote:
Ayes: 14
Nays: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING: 2
ABSENT DURING VOTING: 2
Following executive session, on motion made and seconded, the
Board accepted the Report of the General Counsel; approved Faculty
Appointments and Changes in Status; approved Full and Consultative
Hospital Privileges (with Dr. Holland and Mr. Gregory abstaining);
approved Medical Faculty Salary Recommendations; approved School of
Medicine Non-M.D. Clinical Scales; approved Reappointments of Affili-
ate and Clinical Faculty; accepted the Report of New Major Commit-
ments; approved Naming Proposals; accepted executive session commit-
tee reports; accepted the Report of the President; approved Dr.
Trani's appointment to the Richmond Metropolitan Board of Crestar
Bank; and approved Dr. Trani's request to seek membership in the Bull
and Bear Club.
The meeting was adjourned at 1 p.m.
es B. Farinholt, Jr., Secretary
Approved:
