MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF VISITORS OF
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
May 19, 1995
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University was held on Friday, May 19, 1995, at 9 a.m. in the University Meet-
ing Center.
Present were Messrs. Whitworth, Arenstein, Flippen, Framme, Mea-
dor, Siegel, Townes and Weinberg; Drs. Dombalis, Johnson, Smith, Vaughan
and Wootton; and Ms. Teig. Dr. Gilmer and Ms. Vaughan were absent. Also
present were Drs. Trani, Dewey, Harris, Jones, Rhone and Schexnider;
Messrs. Bruegman, Bunce, Ross and Wyeth; and Mesdames Burnside, Mess-
mer and Price.
Mr. Whitworth called the meeting to order and welcomed members
of the press. The President's Report followed:
A thank you gift was presented to Ted McCaskey, student represen-
tative to the Board. Mr. McCaskey has just completed the third year
in the school of Dentistry.
The Board's three retiring members, Messrs. Arenstein, Meador and
Whitworth, were recognized for years of service given to the Uni-
versity. Also, a thank you was given to Father Dombalis. The Board
is hopeful that Father Dombalis will be reappointed for another four
year term.
Commencement will be held Saturday, May 20, 1995, in the Rich-
mond Coliseum. A large crowd is expected. The Board should plan
to arrive at the Coliseum by 9:30 a.m.
An update on enrollment issues was presented. Issues discussed
were: Who enrolls and how does VCU project enrollment?; What is
the overall outlook in Virginia?; What is happening among the doc-
toral institutions versus other institutions?; and How does enrollment
2
affect budget? Also, the trends and factors of enrollment at VCU
and VCU's strategies and goals were discussed.
Mr. Meador reported for the Academic Policy Committee. The Re-
quest for Name Change of the Doctor of Public Administration to Ph.D. in Pub-
lic Policy and Administration was presented. The proposed Ph.D. in Public
Policy and Administration degree in the Center for Public Policy would replace
the Doctor of Public Administration degree currently offered in the Department
of Political Science and Public Administration in the College of Humanities and
Sciences. The name change was requested to more accurately describe the
nature of the new program and to reflect the new degree's relocation to the
Center. The name change and curriculum changes have been approved by the
appropriate University channels.
The School of Business Departmental Restructuring and Program-
matic Realignment was presented. The proposal for reconfiguring the depart-
ments and programs in the School of Business effective Fall, 1995, is in keep-
ing with the Strategic Plans of the University and the School of Business. The
new School of Business department structure and program alignment have
been approved by the appropriate University channels.
The Report on Research and Graduate Education was presented.
VCU's Strategic Plan calls for strengthening and enhancing the quality of the
University's graduate programs. The Report on Research and Graduate Edu-
cation provided an overview of accomplishments for the 1994-95 academic
year. Concentrated efforts underway to increase external funding for research
have yielded positive results on the graduate programs and in the commercial
market. Additional funding availability for graduate students and recruiting by
alumni were discussed as ways to increase graduate enrollments from out-of-
state in highly competitive areas. The Committee was informed of the status of
3
the search for a graduate dean. The dean will assume a major role in student
recruitment and funding. Discussion ensued on the importance of attracting
strong faculty, department chairs, and deans in order to build strong programs,
and on the need to have funding available to do so.
Mr. Framme reported for the Advancement Committee. The Ad-
vancement Division Reports were discussed. The "Partners in Progress"
theme will be used for the upcoming campaign. Through April, the University
received $21.6 million in new gifts and pledges as well as $1.1 million from the
Carpenter Foundation for the School of the Arts. Of the $60 million raised
since 1992, $45 million have been gifts of $100,000 or more. Warner Brothers
will help the University by retaping and reengineering the University video.
The video will highlight the University's accomplishments and outline the goals
and future direction of VCU. The tape will be finished in time for the five Rich-
mond alumni events scheduled for Fall 1995. The Dilenschneider Group will
be meeting with University officials for counseling to improve the media image
of VCU.
Dr. Johnson reported for the Finance and Investment Committee. A
Resolution (see attached) authorizing the issuance of General Revenue Pledge
Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $12 million was pre-
sented. The bonds will support construction of the Medical Sciences Building
and recreational facilities on both campuses. The General Assembly author-
ized issuance of the bonds as part of the 1992 Appropriation Act.
Dr. Vaughan reported for the Health Affairs Committee. The finan-
cial statistics for the nine-months ending March 31, 1995, were reviewed. In-
patient days exceeded the budget by .7% while inpatient admissions were be-
low the budget by (1.3)%. Patient service revenue and other operating reve-
nues are under the budget. The Hospitals strict control of hiring, overtime, and
4
temporary help contributes to expenses being under budget and a positive ex-
cess from operations of $3.4M, compared to a budget of $3.8M.
The Hospitals total excess for the period is $4.9M compared to a
budget of $4.3M. Additional funding from Medicaid and a state refund of mal-
practice premiums contributes to the 1995 excess. The Hospitals has tenta-
tively booked the costs related to the Workforce Transition Act of $1.5M, and
transfers to University Health Services, Inc.
Financial statistics for the ten-months ending April 30, 1995, show a
decrease in patient days translating into total operating income which is
$(2.0)M below the budget as the Hospitals continues to monitor expenditures.
The total excess for the ten-month period was $4.1M compared to a budget of
$4.3M.
The Contract for Emergency Room Consultants was presented. As
recommended in the 1995-96 Hospitals budget in April 1995, the Hospitals is
proceeding to contract with an Emergency Room Consultant Group. Five re-
sponses were received to the Hospitals' Request for Proposals. The steering
committee interviewed three groups. The group chosen, Emergency Physi-
cians Medical Group (EPMG), spent three days at the Hospitals in April, con-
ducting an on-site review. The Hospitals is currently in the process of negotia-
tions and will inform the Board at the September 1995, meeting regarding the
final dollar amount of the contract. The expected total cost of the two-year
contract will be $5.0M. Anticipated increases in revenue will more than offset
the increased expense.
The Capital Equipment and Renovations request was presented.
The Hospitals requested a release of $3,744,300 of funded depreciation for the
purchase of capital equipment and renovations for fiscal 1994-95. Due to the
5
uncertainty of the Hospitals operating budget, no capital release has been rec-
ommended since January 1994.
Mr. Townes reported for the Property Committee. The Architectural
Standards and Guidelines were presented. The guidelines are intended for the
future development of both campuses. The single most important urban goal
for both campuses is to reestablish the continuity of urban space formed by
streets passing through the campuses. The single most important architectural
goal is the design of urban, rather than suburban, building types. Thirteen
specific recommendations for the academic campus and ten for the MCV cam-
pus were presented. The next step in the process is to develop a new master
site plan for both campuses based on the architectural standards and guide-
lines.
Mr. Flippen reported for the Student Affairs Committee. The Report
on Student Advising and Retention was presented. The report reflected the
importance Virginia Commonwealth University places on quality advising and
recognized the relationship quality advising had on student satisfaction and
retention. In response to concerns regarding low student satisfaction about
academic advising and the increasing number of first time freshmen placed on
academic warning, VCU placed a major focus on the University's commitment
to successful transitions for students and increased the focus on retention.
Several new initiatives designed to improve students' academic advising expe-
riences were implemented in the spring and a comprehensive proposal with
recommendations for advising, retention, and the first year experience will be
implemented in the Fall. Discussion focused on services for working and
commuter students, the nature of the students on academic warning, and the
types of services necessary for the students.
6
The Report on the VCU Honor System was presented. The VCU
Honor System that was approved by the Board of Visitors on January 17, 1991,
charged the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs with reporting an-
nually to the Board on the status of academic integrity on the two campuses of
Virginia Commonwealth University. The 1995 Annual Report of the Virginia
Commonwealth University Honor System included measures used by faculty to
promote academic integrity and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the meas-
ures. The Honor System document of 1991 also calls for a three-year review.
1994 Fall Semester to study the VCU Honor System and report on the findings
in the Spring. Having worked throughout the 1994-95 academic year, the
Accordingly, a broadly-representative review committee was appointed in the
Committee has conducted a thorough review of the Honor System and has in-
dicated the efforts to have been successful. A report from the review commit-
tee is now being finalized and will be submitted to the Board in the Fall 1995
.
On motion made and seconded, the following items from the Con-
sent Agenda were approved:
Board of Visitors
Minutes of a Meeting held March 23, 1995
Minutes of a Special Meeting held April 19,
1995
Minutes of a Special Meeting held April 20,
1995
Academic Policy Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held March 22, 1995
Request for Name Change - Doctor of Public
Administration to Ph.D. in Public Policy
and Administration
School of Business Departmental Restructuring
and Programmatic Realignment
Advancement Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held March 22, 1995
Audit Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held March 23, 1995
7
Finance and Investment Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held March 22, 1995
Bond Resolution: General Revenue Pledge Bonds
Health Affairs Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held March 22, 1995
Contract: Emergency Room Consultants
Capital Equipment and Renovations
Presidential Evaluation Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held April 20, 1995
Property Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held March 22, 1995
Architectural Guidelines
Resolution - EDA Grant/Master Lease Amendment
Student Affairs Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held March 22, 1995
On motion made and seconded, the items on the Consent Agenda
for Information were accepted.
On motion made and seconded, the Revision to the Board of Visi-
tors' Bylaws (Page 13, Section 3.04) were approved.
Mr. Meador reported for the Board Nominating Committee for Rector
that consisted of Messrs. Meador and Weinberg; Drs. Gilmer and Smith; and
Ms. Teig. The Committee unanimously recommended that Mr. Stuart C. Siegel
be elected Rector for 1995-96. On motion made and seconded, Mr. Siegel was
unanimously elected Rector of the Board of Visitors for a one-year term effec-
tive July 1, 1995.
The Nominating Committee for Officers and the Executive Commit-
tee was appointed. Mr. Framme will serve as chair with Mr. Siegel and Dr.
Gilmer serving as members.
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 of per-
formance of departments or schools of VCU where such matters regarding
8
such individuals might be affected by such evaluation including the Report of
the Presidential Evaluation Committee, Executive Salaries, Faculty Appoint-
ments and Changes in Status and Other Personnel Actions, the Full and Con-
sultative Hospital Privileges, Continuing Faculty Salaries, Proposed Faculty
Compensation Plan, a Resolution Regarding Faculty Salaries in the School of
Medicine, the Proposed School of Dentistry Private Practice Scale, Special
Market Salary Adjustment - OT, PT, Social Workers, HCP July 1, 1995, Pay for
Performance and Probationary Salary Increases, Issues Related to Richmond
Eye & Ear Hospital, the Semi-Annual Quality Improvement Report and the Uni-
versity Health Services, Inc., Update, and the Report of the General Counsel,
and to discuss the condition, acquisition or use of real property for public pur-
pose, or of the disposition of publicly held property, or of plans for the future of
a state institution of higher education which could affect the value of property
owned or desirable for ownership by such institution including the University
Health Services, Inc. - Transfer of Funds, and to discuss legal matters and
probable litigation with its attorney including the aforementioned Audit Reports
as may be necessary, and to discuss matters relating to gifts, bequests, and
fundraising activities including the Development Report and the approval of the
Named Funds Report as authorized by Section 2.1-344 a(1), a(3), a(7), and
a(8) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Following executive session, on motion made and seconded, 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
session meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such
public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the execu-
tive session meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of
Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University.
9
Roll Call Vote Ayes Nays
Mr. F. Dixon Whitworth, Jr., Rector X
Mr. Richard A. Arenstein X
Rev. Constantine N. Dombalis Left before voting
Mr. Edward L. Flippen X
Mr. Lawrence W. Framme, III Left before voting
Dr. Robert D. Gilmer Absent
Dr. Harry I. Johnson, Jr. X
Mr. Richard L. Meador X
Mr. Stuart C. Siegel X
Dr. Lindley T. Smith X
Ms. Eva S. Teig X
Mr. Clarence L. Townes, Jr. X
Dr. David A. Vaughan X
Ms. Sandra Adair Vaughan Absent
Mr. Jay M. Weinberg X
Dr. Percy Wootton Left before voting
VOTE:
Ayes: 11
Nays: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING: 2
ABSENT DURING VOTING: 5
On motion made and seconded, the Board approved the Executive
Salaries, the Faculty Appointments and Changes in Status and other personnel
actions, including the appointment of Dr. Henry Rhone as Vice Provost for Stu-
dent Affairs; the Full and Consultative Hospital Privileges, the Continuing
Faculty Salaries, the Proposed Faculty Compensation Plan, the Resolution
Regarding Faculty Salaries in the School of Medicine; the Named Funds Re-
port, the Promotion and Tenure Recommendations, the Transfer of Funds to
University Health Services, Inc. with Mr. Flippen abstaining, the Special Market
Salary Adjustments for Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and So-
cial Workers; the Health Care Professional Pay for Performance and Proba-
10
tionary Salary Increases (effective July 1, 1995) and the Semi-Annual Quality
Improvement Report; accepted the Development Report, the University Health
Services, Inc., Update, and issues related to Richmond Eye and Ear Hospital,
the Report of the General Counsel and the Report of the Audit Committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
