AMENDED
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
May 17, 1991
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Com-
monwealth University was held on Friday, May 17, 1991, at 9 a.m.
in the University Meeting Center.
Present were Drs. Moore (Rector), Berenguer, Holland,
Johnson and Peay; Messrs. Farinholt, Ferguson, Gregory, Lipman,
Siegel, Townes, Whitworth and Wurtzel; and Mrs. Epps. Absent
were Mrs. Abady and Mr. Meador. Also present were Drs. Trani,
Andrako, Dewey, Harris, Ruch and Wilson; Messrs. Bruegman,
Gehring, Jez, Kudless, Mottesheard, Poe and Ross; and Mrs. Price.
Dr. Moore called the meeting to order and on motion made
and seconded, the Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Board of
Visitors held March 21, 1991, were approved.
The Report of the President followed. Dr. Trani introduced
the following people:
Dr. Edward N. Coffman, a Professor of Accounting in the School of
Business, was selected as the 1991 Outstanding Accounting
Educator in Virginia by the National Association of Accoun-
tants student chapter at James Madison University. Nomina-
tions were submitted from around the State and Dr. Coffman
is the first recipient of this newly established award.
Mrs. Dorothy Crowder has been a member of our School of Nursing
faculty since 1977. She is an Associate Professor in the
Department of Maternal Child Nursing. Mrs. Crowder teach-
es undergraduate students at the beginning level and the
Health Needs of Women course. She is frequently selected
by students as Class Advisor, and is currently Advisor for
the Student Nurses Association. She is recognized for her
2
long-standing contribution to the Capital Area Red Cross.
Mrs. Crowder has received a certificate of appreciation from
Governor Wilder for her volunteer work.
Dr. Barbara Munjas, Professor in the Department of Community/
Psychiatric Nursing, has been actively involved in faculty
organizations and has served as Chair of the Faculty Senate.
Currently, Dr. Munjas is Chair of the University Library
Committee. She is also actively involved in the VCU Wom-
en's Network. Dr. Munjas was recognized for her contribu-
tions to RAIN (Richmond AIDS Information Network). Dr.
Munjas also received a certificate of appreciation from
Governor Wilder for her volunteer work.
Dr. John S. Oehler, Dean of the School of Education, has been
selected as Chair-elect of the Advisory Council of State
Representatives (ACSR) of the American Association of Colleg-
es for Teacher Education. Dr. Oehler was elected by his
peers from all fifty states during the AACTE Annual Meeting
in Atlanta, Georgia. The Advisory Council coordinates the
programs and activities of AACTE's state affiliates and state
liaison representatives. Dr. Oehler will serve one year in
the role of Chair-elect and will assume the Chair of ACSR in
February 1992.
STUDENT
Jennifer Winter is the recipient of the Sun Belt Conference's
"Presidents" Award for 1991. This is the highest honor
bestowed on a student-athlete by the Sun Belt Conference.
One male and one female athlete from the Conference are
honored for their outstanding performance throughout their
collegiate career both in the classroom and on the playing
field. Jennifer will receive a $3,000 scholarship to be used
toward her post-graduate degree. Jennifer was also named
to the Academic Honor Roll of the Sun Belt Conference.
BOARD OF VISITORS
Dr. Harry I. Johnson, Jr. received the Roanoke College Medal.
This is the highest award an alumnus can receive. Dr.
Johnson was honored for his outstanding service to Roanoke
College and the community. His father was the recipient of
this award in 1975.
Mr. James B. Farinholt, Jr. was nominated for the 1991 AGB
Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Farinholt was among
sixty nominees for this award. Winton M. Blount, a trustee
for the University of Alabama System, and Sydney Lewis, a
trustee for Virginia Union University, were the 1991 winners.
3
Mr. Eric M. Lipman and Mr. James B. Farinholt, Jr. were recog-
nized for their years of service to the Board. Their terms expire
June 30, 1991.
Dr. Trani reported on the Community Initiatives as follows:
Community Assistance Program
The VCU Foundation was asked to study three proposals for
implementing a Community Assistance Program. One proposal
called for the acquisition and renovation of residential and
commercial property adjacent to the Academic Campus, anoth-
er related to the use of low-cost loans to finance the reno-
vation of residential properties, and a third involved joint
real estate ventures with the private sector. The Foundation
engaged a team of consultants to study these proposals and
to recommend how the Foundation could participate in a pro-
gram for revitalizing the neighborhoods surrounding the
Academic Campus. The consultants issued their report in
February, 1991, and recommended that two specific initiatives
be undertaken. One included a joint project with the City
and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority for
designating the Grace and Broad Streets area north of the
Academic Campus a conservation/redevelopment district.
The other involved a working relationship with the Oregon
Hill Home Improvement Council. In addition, the VCU Foun-
dation Real Estate Committee directed that a strategic plan
be developed for the acquisition and/or utilization of real
estate. Work on all of these projects is presently underway.
During this planning process, it was discovered that the
VCU Foundation may not be the appropriate vehicle for carry-
ing out all of the initiatives being proposed under the
Community Assistance Program. A separate real estate foun-
dation was suggested as a more appropriate means for engag-
ing in certain real estate transactions. A task force with
representation from the Board of Visitors and the VCU and
MCV Foundations is currently studying the feasibility for
establishing a separately incorporated real estate founda-
tion.
Monroe Park
In June, 1990, City Council passed a resolution authorizing
the City Manager to work with VCU in developing a formal
agreement which would place the maintenance of Monroe Park
under the joint jurisdiction of the City and the University.
An agreement was approved by City Council in March,
1991. This agreement authorizes VCU and the City to share
the responsibility for maintaining the park under the aegis
of a Community Advisory Council. Until the Community
Advisory Council is constituted and can agree on such a
maintenance program, VCU has agreed to assume responsibili-
ty for turf maintenance and litter collection in Monroe Park
4
from May 10, 1991, through August 30, 1991. The City will
continue to be responsible for other aspects of maintenance
in the park during this period.
VCU CARES Program
In an effort to be a good neighbor to the community, VCU
has developed the VCU CARES (Community Athletic Recrea-
tion Efforts) program. Under the direction of Dr. Richard
Sander, Director of Athletics, the program extends use of the
University's athletic and recreational facilities to the
surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, the program
makes VCU's coaches and athletic staff available to conduct
clinics and work with those residing in the area.
Members of the VCU Athletic Department have been active on
a number of fronts. Coaches and staff members have ad-
dressed representative groups throughout the community;
coaches have conducted clinics and given instruction in a
number of sports; and the University has hosted a multitude
of athletic events utilizing existing athletic facilities.
The VCU CARES program includes an analysis of the neigh-
borhood's needs with emphasis on providing services to all
age groups and economic levels. An important part of the
plan is continued communications between VCU and represen-
tatives from neighborhood groups to develop programs and
to disseminate information about recreational opportunities.
Members of the VCU CARES program meet regularly with
representatives of the Richmond Recreation and Parks De-
partment, community church organizations and community
centers.
Through the first months of the program, coaches have
conducted approximately 25 clinics providing area youth with
instruction in a variety of sports including tennis, volley-
ball, baseball, soccer, swimming and basketball. More than
1,200 area children have taken part in these programs thus
far.
Community Advisory Groups
Community Advisory Groups for each campus are now an up
and running reality. Each group has held three meetings, all
of which have been informative and productive. Minutes are
circulated to both groups, and both groups have set about a
work plan to deal with University community issues that will
impact each campus.
With respect to the medical center campus, concerns regard-
ing capital expansion, particularly streetscape, parking,
power plant, and the historical designation, have been items
of importance.
5
On the Academic Campus, parking has been a major issue,
as has been the Grace Street Task Force Report. Additional
activities include work on the small park proposal.
Community Service Associates Program
The Community Service Associates Program has been an
enormous success in its initial year. As of May 1, the
Division of Continuing Studies and Public Service has re-
ceived 55 inquires from individuals within the community and
VCU faculty members. Twenty-two faculty members served
as Associates during the 1990-91 academic year. Seven
additional Associates have been placed for the summer, and
ten have been assigned for fall 1991.
Faculty members are working with a diverse group of organ-
izations including governmental and social service agencies,
businesses, community organizations, and neighborhood
groups. Some typical examples include Signet Bank, the
Richmond Urban League, the Learning Disabilities Council,
and the Capital Area Small Business Development Center. In
addition, three faculty members from the School of Education
will work with six schools in the Richmond Public School
System for the 1991-92 academic year as it implements a re-
structuring plan. Approximately 25-30 faculty will serve as
Community Service Associates during the next academic
year.
Grace Street Task Force
The City Manager has introduced a resolution urging the
Council to support a limitation on alcohol sales in more than
20 establishments near the University's Academic Campus.
If this resolution is passed by Council at its May 28 meet-
ing, Richmond police officials intend to pursue this effort
before the Alcoholic Beverage Commission in the near future.
When the Academic Campus Community Advisory Board held
its last meeting in April, it unanimously passed a motion
asking that the University take a leadership role in support-
ing this effort. The Grace Street Task Force overwhelming-
ly passed a similar motion.
The administration has discussed this matter before Presi-
dent's Council, and the University intends to support this
measure at the May 28 council meeting. Certain members of
the Community Advisory Board have assumed a proactive
position by informing community organizations in this part of
the city of their feeling of the importance of the passage of
this resolution, and they have indicated to members of the
administration that there will be a strong showing of commu-
nity support for this measure. Dr. Trani will discuss this
issue with the Mayor, City Council, and perhaps other mem-
bers of Council as the meeting date draws nearer. Both the
Provost and Dr. Garcia, the co-chair of the Grace Street
Task Force, will be asked by Dr. Trani to appear before
Council and indicate the University's support of this resolu-
tion.
The media have already directed considerable amounts of
attention to this issue and more should be expected between
now and the May 28 meeting of Council, as well as follow-up
stories, once the Council has addressed this issue. Dr.
Trani will continue to be the primary spokesperson concern-
ing the University's stand on this neighborhood issue, and
will continue to stress that the primary concerns in this
issue are the following:
The physical safety of both those in the University
community as well as the community at large:
And the continued major expenditures of monies by both the
City of Richmond and the University to patrol this area to
ensure that this area remains under control.
Dr. Trani reported that Dr. Peay attended the AGB Meeting
in Miami, Florida, on April 20, 1991.
Dr. Trani stated that he was the guest speaker at Virginia
Union's Commencement on May 5, 1991, and he was also the Com-
mencement speaker at his son's graduation at the University of Mis-
souri at Kansas City on May 10, 1991.
Mr. Farinholt (Acting Chairman) reported for the Property
Committee. On motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Meeting
held March 20, 1991, were approved.
The plans to construct a small park in an area on the Aca-
demic Campus bounded by Harrison, Cary, Main and Beech Streets
were presented. The park will be west of and adjacent to Oliver
Hall. It will serve as "green space," a pedestrian walkway, and will
become an Academic Campus boundary and entry. It is intended to
improve the landscaping, traffic control and signage in the area.
Plans for the park have been approved by the community as well as
State and local officials. The total budget is $165,400 and the
project is planned to be completed in September, 1991. On motion
7
made and seconded, the project plans for the Harrison and Cary
Streets Park were approved.
At the March meeting, the Board approved a Parking En-
forcement Policy. The Committee asked the administration for a
report on its enforcement practices and procedures. The primary
purpose for parking regulations and their enforcement is to ensure
the availability of parking spaces for authorized vehicles and to
prevent the parking of vehicles in unauthorized locations. Parking
regulations are enforced in order to control parking space rather
than to raise revenue. Fines are established at a level which dis-
courages infractions of the regulations. Enforcement costs are
established at the level required to sufficiently meet the needs of
the University. The disparity between the two is borne by decal
parkers since a portion of the parking fee is used to help ensure the
availability of parking spaces.
A Capital Project Status Report was presented. VCU contin-
ues to experience a noticeable decrease in construction bidding rates
and to take advantage of this climate, add-alternates are being
included in bidding packages wherever feasible.
The new MCV Parking Deck for employees is in final design
review by the Division of Engineering and Buildings.
Construction bidding is anticipated in June.
Preliminary drawings are underway for the new Ambulatory
Care Facility and efforts are being made to shorten the design
and construction timetable for this facility.
Construction has begun on Student Commons Phase II and MCV
Streetscapes.
The University continues to be actively engaged in environmental
review activities on the Universal Ford and CSX properties.
An environmental attorney has been retained with the approval
of the Attorney General's office. This attorney will assist Mr.
8
Ross in negotiating contracts for the acquisition of these
properties.
On motion made and seconded, the Report of the Property
Committee was accepted.
Mrs. Epps reported for the Student Affairs Committee. On
motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Meeting held
March 20, 1991, were approved.
The proposed Drug Free Schools and Workplace Policy
developed by a VCU committee was discussed. This policy is in
response to current federal legislation. Within the past 24 hours,
the University has received from the Governor's office a State
employee substance abuse policy. It will be necessary for the
administration to review this policy and incorporate changes to the
VCU Policy. Following discussion, the Committee recommended to
the administration that they:
(a) continue the current University Policy, and,
(b) study the two policies and return the item to the Committee
in July for recommended action.
The first Annual Report of the Committee's Workplan was
presented. The major accomplishments were an inventory of
available services and the development of the Drug Free Schools and
Workplace Policy. Future reports will address the institution's
progress in implementing this policy.
The Provost provided the Committee with an update on the fall
enrollment picture. The Fall 1991 freshman pool is down
approximately 16 percent from Fall 1990. Freshman class size
projections have been revised downward from 1,600 for Fall 1990 to
between 1,400 and 1,500 for Fall 1991. The pool of prospective
9
transfer students appears consistent with 1990 levels. New transfer
students are anticipated at between 1,575 and 1,675. A point in time
telephone survey of State universities indicates that the smaller
graduating high school class appears to be applying to a larger
number of the traditionally more selective State schools. However,
point in time comparisons suggest an increased yield rate for VCU for
the Fall 1991 freshman class.
Following a discussion the Committee instructed the
administration to develop a plan for a site consultation to review
undergraduate life to assure that VCU is doing everything it can to
create an environment conducive to strong undergraduate programs.
A report describing the several efforts undertaken by the
Division of Student Affairs to educate the student community about
alcohol and substance abuse was presented. Initiatives include a
series of broad-ranged educational programs, specific intervention
activities, newsletters, and research and data collection efforts.
A report describing the sexual assault education efforts
undertaken by the Division of Student Affairs and the VCU Police to
educate and, when necessary, enforce policies prohibiting sexual
assault was presented. Educational activities begin with new student
orientation, involve virtually all units of Student Affairs and
attempt to reach all sectors of the student community. A
well-defined protocol is in place to respond to cases involving
sexual violence.
It was suggested that the Committee discuss the University's
efforts to meet the recommendations of the Knight Commission
(athletics and academics). Also, it was suggested that a report on
10
efforts to strengthen multiculturalism across the campus be included
in the Committee's agenda for July.
On motion made and seconded, the Report of the Student
Affairs Committee was accepted.
Mr. Wurtzel reported for the Academic Policy Committee. On
motion made and seconded, the Minutes of a Meeting held on March
20, 1991, were approved.
The SCHEV Program Productivity Review was presented. The
Council of Higher Education is statutorily mandated to "review and
require the discontinuance of any academic program" found
nonproductive in terms of degrees conferred, numbers of students
served, and budget considerations. During the second year of each
biennium, the Council conducts a quantitative evaluation of degree
programs for all public institutions of higher education. The
Council has identified four programs at Virginia Commonwealth
University which did not meet productivity standards for the previous
five years. An internal review of each program was presented and
discussed. On motion made and seconded, the closing of the
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education, and the continuation
of the Bachelor of Science in Science, Master of Science in Physics
and Applied Physics, and the Master of Science in Medical
Technology were approved. A report on the Program Accreditation
and Reviews was discussed. Degree program productivity is
reviewed biennially using quantitative criteria developed by SCHEV.
The assessment of program quality is achieved through two
processes, voluntary external accreditation and/or internal review.
In a report presented to the Committee, Virginia Commonwealth
