MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARDOF VISITORS OF
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
September 18, 1997
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth Uni-
versity was held on Thursday, September 18, 1997, at 9 a.m. in the University
Meeting Center.
Present were Messrs. Weinberg (Rector), DeRusha, Markel, Rigsby and
Townes; Drs. Perkinson, Smith and Wootton; and Mesdames Benner, Miles and
Powell. Messrs. Marcus and Smith; and Drs. Vaughan and Wootton were ab-
sent. Also present were Drs. Trani, Dewey, Harris, Hiley, Kontos and Rhone;
Messrs. Bunce, Dayhoff, Gehring, Ross, Timmreck and Wyeth; and Mesdames
Jones, Messmer and Price.
Mr. Weinberg called the meeting to order and welcomed members of the
press.
The President's report followed:
Dr. George R. Leichnetz, Administrative Assistant in the Office of Presi-
dent was introduced. Dr. Leichnetz joined VCU as an Assistant Profes-
sor in the Department of Anatomy in 1970 and presently serves as Pro-
fessor in that Department. Dr. Leichnetz received a B.S. in Zoology from
Wheaton College (Illinois);and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Anatomy from Ohio
State University. Dr. Leichnetz has served on various University Com-
mittees including the MCV Campus Graduate Committee and the MI
Coursemaster Committee as well as the Faculty Senate. In addition to Dr.
Leichnetz's accomplishments in graduate and professional education, Dr.
Leichnetz has also established a solid reputation as an investigator se-
curing extramural funding for research involving the cortical control of eye
movement. Dr. Leichnetz research efforts have resulted in numerous
publications.
Ms. Benita M. Resto was introduced. Ms. Resto is a full-time employee at
Virginia Commonwealth University in the Office of Records and Registra-
tion and a part-time graduate student in the School of Education. Benita
is pursuing a Master's in Administration and Supervision, Higher Educa-
tion Optional Track. During the fall semester, Ms. Resto is taking ASE
600, Public School Administration and is attending the Board meeting as
part of the class requirement.
An Enrollment Update was presented. VCU received 5,456 freshman ap-
plications; an increase of 694 from 1996 representing a 15 percent in-
crease in applications. The size of the fall 1997 freshman class is 2,209,
making the class the largest freshman class in VCU's history. The quality
of the fall 1997 class is strong. The average high school GPA is 2.99. In
addition, Richmond city's top high school graduate is enrolled at VCU.
Twenty-five students who ranked either first or second in the graduating
class are also enrolled for the fall, 1997. 159 new engineering students
enrolled with an average GPA of 3.5 and an average SAT score of 1219.
McDonald's opened at the Student Commons Food Court in August,
1997. August sales of McDonald's products were approximately 16 per-
cent above the sales of the previous contractor during the opening days of
the fall 1996 semester.
Recreational facilities are experiencing unprecedented usage, especially
on the MCV Campus where a majority of the overflow of Academic cam-
pus students are being housed. The expansion and replacement of rec-
reational facilities on the MCV Campus in 1996 equipped the University
for the increased usage. The addition of the Siegel Center in 1998 will
further alleviate the overcrowding at recreational facilities as well as serve
as an enticement to students to use the University's recreational facilities.
The Office of Information Technology has allocated additional funds for
student workers in order to extend the hours of the computer labs and the
One-Card Office. Two additional computer labs have been opened. Total
classroom space is at maximum capacity for all times except 8 a.m. to
noon, during which 50 percent of classroom space is being used.
The state budget helps define the broad framework with which the Univer-
sity budget is developed. The state budget process determines the level
of general fund support, establishes the level of faculty and classified staff
salary adjustments, sets fringe benefit rates, determines the overall fund-
ing support for state student discretionary aid programs and establishes
tuition and fee policies, such as tuition caps and freezes. In the Division
of Finance and Administration, an extensive analysis has begun of the
base budget including an examination of each position and how the posi-
tion contributes to the goals and objectives of the University, an analysis
of historical expenditure patterns and ratios, and projected base budget
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needs for 1998-2000 biennium. The project is being undertaken on a pilot
basis and should be completed by mid-October. The project will then be
used as the prototype of other areas of the University. VCU is committed
to involving members of the Board of Visitors in the process and will be
bringing information to subsequent meetings for the Board's review and
input.
Mr. Townes reported for the Academic Policy Committee. The new de-
gree program the B.A. in African-American Studies (Reaffirmation) was pre-
sented. On May 16, 1997, the Board of Visitors approved the B.A. in African-
American Studies as a new degree program, and the proposal was forwarded to
the State Council for Higher Education on May 19, 1997. SCHEV requested ad-
ditional information and, on August 12, 1997, sent written notification to VCU re-
questing further Board of Visitors' review of the program. The Academic Policy
Committee was asked to reaffirm approval of the B.A. in African-American Stud-
ies. After presentations by President Trani; Dr. Michael Mullen, Interim Director
of the State Council for Higher Education; Dr. Harris; and members of the VCU
faculty, the Board members discussed the proposal and made statements of
continuing support for the degree. The proposed B.A. in African-American
Studies was reaffirmed by the Academic Policy Committee and recommended to
the full Board for reaffirmation.
The new degree program, the Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences, was
presented. In response to a critical shortage of doctorally prepared faculty and
practitioners in the Allied Health Sciences, the School of Allied Health Profes-
sions has proposed the development of an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Health Re-
lated Sciences. The program has an interdisciplinary focus compatible with na-
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tional perspectives on the future of health care, and incorporates distance-based
education, both in keeping with the Strategic Plan for the Future of Virginia
Commonwealth University. The Academic Policy Committee recommended the
proposed Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences be presented to the full Board for
approval.
The Program Merger in the School of Pharmacy to Create M.S. and Ph.D.
Programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences was presented. The School of Pharmacy
has proposed the merger of two long-standing pharmacy graduate programs, the
M.S. and Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and the M.S. and Ph.D. in Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutics, into the M.S. and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The pur-
pose is primarily to formalize existing interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts in
research and graduate education. The Academic Policy Committee recom-
mended the Program Merger in the School of Pharmacy to Create M.S. and
Ph.D. Programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences be presented to the full Board for
approval.
Mr. DeRusha stated that the Advancement Committee did not meet on
Wednesday, September 17, 1997, due to the lack of a quorum.
Dr. White reported for the Health Affairs Committee. The Hospital finan-
cials were presented. The MCV Hospital financial figures for the year ending
June 30, 1997, were reviewed. Inpatient days and admissions were on target
with projections. There was a decrease in Emergency Room visits, but an in-
crease in outpatient visits. Operating revenue and operating expenses were
higher than budget. There was an excess of revenue over expenses of $16.8
4
million as compared to a budget projection of $15.1 million. Financial figures for
the two months ending August 31, 1997, were reviewed. Both income and ex-
penses are in line with budget projections.
Dr. Nancy Langston, Dean of the VCU School of Nursing, presented a re-
port of the history, current activities and status of the School.
A presentation entitled "Safety Net Systems" was presented on Tuesday,
September 16, 1997, to representatives from the Federal Health Care Financing
Administration studying safety net institutions. A brief overview of the presenta-
tion was shown to the Committee.
Mr. Markel reported for the Property Committee. The Project Plans for
Student Housing, Phase II were presented. The purpose of the project is to re-
place the outdated and inefficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems, windows and curtainwall in Bear, McRae, Rudd and Warner
low-rise dormitories on the MCV Campus and to replace the failing chiller and
cooling tower in Rhoads Hall dormitory on the Academic Campus. The con-
struction budget is $2,882,000 with a total project cost of $3,797,000. The Prop-
erty Committee recommended the Project Plans for Student Housing Renova-
tions - Phase II be presented to the full Board for approval.
The Project Plans for MCV Campus Parking Deck "D" Repairs were pre-
sented. The purpose of the project is to execute major structural and supple-
mentary electrical and floor drainage repairs to the existing seven-level parking
deck to extend the useful life of the structure. The construction budget is
$4,200,000 with a total project cost of $6,078,000. The Property Committee rec-
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ommended the Project Plans for the MCVH Campus Parking Deck "D" Repairs
be presented to the full Board for approval.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) for Student Housing was presented.
The RFP solicits responses from private firms for the provision of up to 400 addi-
tional spaces (beds) for students to meet the needs of VCU's increasing enroll-
ment. The Property Committee recommended the Request for Proposals for
Student Housing be presented to the full Board for approval.
The West Broad Street Parking Deck Power Easement was presented.
The West Broad Street Parking Deck requires increased power for general op-
eration. The increased power will require granting a 139 by 16.5 foot easement
to Virginia Power to construct a power line for transmitting and distributing elec-
tric power, including all wires, poles, attachments and ground connections.
The Property Committee recommended the West Broad Street Parking Deck
Easement be presented to the full Board for approval.
An Amendment to the Six-Year Capital Plan for the Hibbs Building Food
Service Renovations was presented. In May, 1997, the VCU Six-Year Capital
Plan was approved by the Board of Visitors. A $1.7 million renovation to the
Hibbs Building was a priority in the 1998-2000 biennium, but the improvement
only included general improvements such as lighting, computer wiring, and inte-
rior finishes. The University is prepared to amend the Six-Year Capital Plan and
submit a projected justification to the State for $3.5 million in food services reno-
vation. The Property Committee recommended the Amendment to the Six-Year
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Capital Plan for Hibbs Building Food Services Renovations be presented to the
full Board for approval.
The Revised Occupancy Agreement for Biotech One with the American
Brain Injury Consortium was presented. Under the terms of the Master Lease
Agreement between VCU and the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Author-
ity, VCU wishes to lease approximately 5,675 square feet of space in Biotech
One for use by the American Brain Injury Consortium at an annual rent of
$164,745. The Property Committee recommended the Revised Occupancy
Agreement for Biotech One with the American Brain Injury Consortium be pre-
sented to the full Board for approval.
The Revised Occupancy Agreement for Biotech One with the VCU Insti-
tute for Clinical Trials and the VCU Institute for Outcomes Research was pre-
sented. Under the terms of the Master Lease Agreement between VCU and the
Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority, VCU wishes to lease approxi-
mately 3,016 square feet of space in Biotech One for use by two VCU Institutes,
the VCU Institute for Clinical Trials and the VCU Institute for Outcomes Research
at an annual rent of $66,171. The Property Committee recommends that the Re-
vised Occupancy Agreement for Biotech One with the VCU Institute for Clinical
Trials and the VCU Institute for Outcomes Research be presented to the full
Board for approval.
The Biotech One Lease Review Procedures were presented. The Com-
mittee reviewed procedures to be performed for all future leases at Biotech One
when the University is either obligated under an Occupancy Agreement or an
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Unapproved Space Lease. In addition, the Committee reviewed information on
the leasing activities for the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Scoreboard System for the Sie-
gel Center was presented. The Committee received information on a RFP to be
issued to purchase an electronic scoreboard system for the arena in the Stuart
C. Siegel Center. The estimated cost, including delivery and installation, is
$900,000.
The Notification of Contract Awards was presented. The Committee re-
ceived notification of three contract awards:
(1) Grand Metro Builders for a Physical Plant Storage Facility to be
located on the site of the VCU Steam Plant, with a construction
budget of $593,500 and a total project cost of $700,000.
(2)Williams Fire Sprinkler Company, Inc. for installation of an
automatic sprinkler system for Sanger Hall on the MCV Campus,
with a construction budget of $1.2 million and a total project cost of
$1.7 million.
(3) Cisco Systems, Inc. for hardware, software and maintenance
services related to the University's communication network. Total
expenditures are estimated at $895,000.
The Capital Project Status Report was presented for information.
Enrollment reports were presented. The final enrollment information on summer
studies programs was provided to the Student Affairs Committee. VCU contin-
ues to offer comprehensive, flexible summer programming, scheduling 723 sec-
tions during the Summer 1997. While courses originate in the Academic Cam-
pus schools and the College, the Division of University Outreach coordinates all
aspects of summer studies at VCU. During the Summer 1997 session, VCU en-
8
rolled 8,598 students, the highest enrollment since 1993. Also, updated fall en-
rollment figures were presented to the Committee.
The Honor System Annual Report was presented. The VCU Honor Sys-
tern approved by the Board of Visitors on January 17, 1991, (with revisions ap-
proved by the Board of Visitors on November 22, 1996), charges the Provost
and Vice President for Academic Affairs with reporting annually to the Board on
the status of academic integrity on the two campuses of Virginia Commonwealth
University. The 1996-97 Annual Report of the Virginia Commonwealth University
Honor System showed the number of students involved and the types of charges
made. Cheating and plagiarism are the major charges.
On motion made and seconded, the following items for the consent
agenda were approved:
Board of Visitors
Minutes of a Special Meeting held May 15, 1997
Minutes of a Special Meeting held May 15, 1997
Minutes of a Meeting held May 16, 1997
Minutes of a Special Meeting held June 10, 1997
Minutes of a Joint Meeting with the Board of Directors of
the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals Authority held
June 10, 1997
Minutes of a Meeting held July 17, 1997
Academic Policy Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 15, 1997
New Degree Program - B.A. in African-American Studies
(Reaffirmation)
New Degree Program - Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences
Program Merger in the School of Pharmacy to Create
M.S. and Ph.D. Programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Advancement Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 15, 1997
Audit Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 16, 1997
Finance and Investment Committee
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Minutes of a Meeting held May 15, 1997
Health Affairs Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 15, 1997
Property Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 15, 1997
Project Plans for Student Housing, Phase II
Project Plans for "D" Deck Repairs
Request for Proposal: Student Housing
Easement: West Broad Street Parking Deck (Mr. Rigsby
abstained)
Six Year Capital Outlay Plan Amendment for Hibbs
Food Service Renovations
Revised Occupancy Agreement for Biotech One and the
American Brain Injury Consortium
Revised Occupancy Agreement for Biotech One with
VCU Institute for Clinical Trials and VCU Institute
for Outcomes Research
Student Affairs Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 15, 1997
Mr. Weinberg appointed the following members of the Board to serve on
the Presidential Evaluation Committee: Drs. White (Chair) and Smith; Messrs.
DeRusha and Markel; and Mrs. Powell. Mr. Weinberg will serve as an ex officio
member of the Committee.
On motion made and seconded, the Board convened into executive ses-
sion to discuss certain personnel matters involving the performance of identifi-
able employees or faculty of VCU including issues related to Dr. Trani's official
capacity as President, and to discuss the evaluation of performance of depart-
ments or schools of VCU where such matters regarding such individuals might
be affected by such evaluation including the Faculty Appointments and Changes
in Status and other Personnel Actions, including the Annual Reappointment of
the Affiliate and Clinical Faculty and the Performance of University Departments
and Schools as related to the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals; to discuss
10
the condition, acquisition or use of real property for public purpose, or of the dis-
position 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 acquisition of property adjacent to the
Academic Campus and the MCV Campus; to discuss the investing of public
funds including an Investment report; to consult with legal counsel pertaining to
actual or probable litigation, or other specific legal matters requiring the provision
of legal advice by counsel including the Report of the General Counsel; and to
discuss matters relating to gifts, bequests, and fundraising activities including the
approval of the Named Funds Report, a Campaign Update, the Development
Report and Alumni and Friends Challenge Report as authorized by Section 2.1-
344 a(1), 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 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 ses-
sion meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public
business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive ses-
sion meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Visitors of
Virginia Commonwealth University.
Roll Call Vote Ayes Nays
Mr. Jay M. Weinberg, Rector X
Ms. Yvonne E. R. Benner X
Mr. William C. DeRusha X
Mr. Edward L. Flippen Absent
Mr. M. Boyd Marcus, Jr. Absent
Mr. Steven A. Markel X
Ms. Angela Miles X
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Ayes Nays
Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. X
Ms. Diane Linen Powell X
Mr. Robert E. Rigsby X
Dr. Lindley T. Smith Left before voting
Mr. Ted L. Smith Absent
Mr. Clarence L. Townes, Jr. X
Dr. David A. Vaughan Absent
Dr. H. George White, Jr. X
Dr. Percy Wootton Absent
Vote:
Ayes: 10
Nays: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING: 5
ABSENT DURING VOTING: 6
On motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the Report of the
President regarding Executive Session items; approved the Faculty Appoint-
ments and Changes in Status; approved the Named Funds Report; approved the
Annual Reappointment of Affiliate and Clinical Faculty; approved the Acquisition
of Property Adjacent to the Academic and MCV Campuses; and accepted the
Report of the General Counsel.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m.
Edward L. Flippen, Secretary
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