MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF VISITORS OF
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
March 19, 1998
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth Uni-
versity was held on Thursday, March 19, 1998, at 9 a.m. in the University Meet-
ing Center.
Present were Messrs. Weinberg (Rector), Flippen, Markel, Rigsby, Smith
and Townes; Drs. Perkinson, Smith, Vaughan, White and Wootton; and Mes-
dames Miles and Powell. Messrs. DeRusha and Marcus and Ms. Benner were
absent. Also present were Drs. Trani, Dewey, Hiley, Kontos and Rhone; and
Messrs. Bunce, Dayhoff, Gehring, Ross, Timmreck and Wyeth; and Mesdames
Messmer and Price.
Mr. Weinberg called the meeting to order and welcomed members of the
press.
The Report of the President followed:
Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia Hospitals
has been named one of the nation's top hospitals in the annual study "100
Top Hospitals – Benchmarks for Success." The results of the 1997 study,
conducted by healthcare consulting firms HCIA Incorporated and William
M. Mercer Incorporated, were announced January 5, 1998, in Modem
Healthcare. MCV Hospitals was the only Richmond hospital, and the
state's only major teaching hospital, to be ranked in the top 100.
Eight VCU graduate programs rank among the best in the nation, accord-
ing to U.S. News & World Report's newest rankings of "1998 America's
Best Graduate Schools." Six VCU programs were ranked in the top tiers.
The programs are nurse anesthesia, 10th; occupational therapy, 12th;
physical therapy, 16th; family medicine, 19th; rehabilitation counseling,
22nd; and nursing 48th. Also ranked were public affairs, 66th, and psychol-
ogy, 89th. In 1997, U. S. News & World Report ranked five other VCU
graduate programs: health services administration, 7th; social work, 18th;
pharmacy, 19th; fine arts, 19th; and sculpture, 5th.
Donations totaling $6.5 million by Motorola Incorporated to VCU under-
score the School of Engineering's emerging leadership in creating public-
private partnerships. On March 3, Motorola officials unveiled gifts of
$500,000 in cash and $6 million in advanced microelectronics equipment
to outfit the Virginia Microelectronics Center. Motorola also invited VCU to
join Virginia Tech and 16 other national research universities as a long-
term global partner of the corporation to pursue related research and
training.
Robert Edward "Ted" Turner, Ill, Vice Chairman of Time Warner, Incorpo-
rated and the man widely credited with revolutionizing network news, will
deliver the main address at the 1998 Commencement. In June 1980, Mr.
Turner transformed television news by creating the Cable News Network
to broadcast live news on a 24-hour basis. Currently, at Time Warner, Mr.
Turner oversees the cable networks division. Graduation activities will
begin at 10 a.m. on May 16 at the Richmond Coliseum.
A surgical team led by Robert A. Fisher, M.D. Associate Professor of Sur-
gery, performed the first liver transplant on March 4 involving a living do-
nor in the history of VCU's MCV Hospitals. Dr. Fisher and his colleagues
removed about one-fourth of the liver from a 37 year-old-man and trans-
planted the partial liver into the body of the man's 22-month old niece.
The girl had a history of liver failure and had previously rejected a whole-
organ transplant. The living-related transplant was judged to be the best
option for survival for the little girl. The transplant was made possible by
actions of the U.S. Navy, which released the donor from duty aboard the
USS Carl Vinson and flew the petty officer first class to Richmond for the
surgery.
On motion made and seconded the following Resolution was approved:
Whereas Ms. Barbara J. Ford, Executive Director of VCU Libraries, exemplifies
the highest standards of excellence and innovation in her profession;
Whereas Ms. Ford continues to serve Virginia Commonwealth University with
distinction, contributing, through the work of VCU Libraries and through her own
endeavors, to the University's growing national prominence;
Whereas Ms. Ford, in recognition of her accomplishments, her commitment to
academic libraries around the world, and VCU's academic stature, has been in-
stalled as President of the American Library Association, the world's largest and
most influential library association;
2
Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University expresses its appreciation and admiration for one of the University's
most dedicated and innovative administrators.
A review of the 1998-2000 Budget was presented.
Mr. Flippen reported for the Academic Policy Committee. The Committee
met with the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate. Dr. Terry Oggel, Presi-
dent of the Faculty Senate, highlighted the following Senate initiatives: a Faculty
Senate Presidential Mentoring Program; Faculty Transition Incentive Program
(early retirement); legislative initiatives; and year-round academic programming.
A report on General Education at VCU was presented. The Strategic Plan
for the Future of Virginia Commonwealth University mandated a review of gen-
eral education. A task force conducted a review and recommended a new gen-
eral education program. The Board of Visitors received the report of the task
force in January 1995. The University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee
provided oversight and assistance to the schools and the College for developing
general education plans, and the plans were approved effective with the fresh-
man class entering VCU in the fall of 1997. The Vice Provost for Academic Af-
fairs provided an overview of approaches to general education and VCU's gen-
eral education plan. Plans are being developed to assess student learning. Im-
plementation of assessment plans is expected beginning in 1999-2000. The re-
sults of the assessment of student learning will be the basis for periodic review of
the general education program. There were presentations on two general edu-
cation initiatives: Dr. Peter Vallentyne and Dr. John Accordino reported on the
workshops to prepare faculty to incorporate ethics in the curriculum; and Mr. Jo-
3
seph Seipel reported on course developed by the Sculpture Department to meet
the visual arts requirements.
Dr. Wootton reported for the Advancement Committee. The External Re-
lations Report was presented. The outcome of the 1998 General Assembly ses-
sion was discussed and the Advancement Division Reports were presented for
information.
Mr. Markel reported for the Finance and Investment Committee. A
Change to Investment Policy was presented. The revisions incorporate changes
in asset allocation approved by the full Board at the January 1998 meeting. On
motion made and seconded, the Committee recommended to the Board approval
of revisions to the Statement of Investment Objectives, Policies and Guidelines
for the Operating Pool. An Update on 1998-2000 Budget Deliberations including
the actions of the 1998 General Assembly was presented for information. The
December 31, 1997, Quarterly Budget Performance Report was presented for
information. The University's revenues and expenditures are tracking estimates
for 1997-98 as well as results for the 1996-97 comparable period. Reports on
the VCU School of Engineering, MCV and VCU Foundations, in conformance
with the management principles and guidelines for relationships with university-
related foundations and other affiliated organizations, were presented for infor-
mation.
Dr. White reported for the Health Affairs Committee. The Hospital Fi-
nances and a report on the School of Medicine were presented for information.
4
Mr. Smith reported for the Property Committee. The Project Plans for the
Life Sciences Building were presented. The total project budget is $28.1 million
with a construction budget of $22 million. The project will be funded by a combi-
nation of revenue sources: general funds of $22.5 million, revenue bonds of $4.1
million and University revenues of $1.5 million. Planning is to be completed by
September 1998 with occupancy set for January 2001. The Property Committee
recommended to the Board the approval of the project plans for the new Life Sci-
ences Building.
The Project Plans for West Hospital Life and Fire Safety Renovations
were presented. The project will provide basic life and fire safety upgrades re-
quired to allow for the continued occupancy of West Hospital. The total project
budget is $5.1 million with a construction budget of $3.8 million. The project will
be funded by a combination of revenue sources: general funds of $2.2 million,
general obligation bonds of $1.5 million and University revenues of $1.4 million.
Planning is to be completed by June 1999 with occupancy set for August 2001.
The Property Committee recommended to the Board of Visitors the approval of
the Project Plans for West Hospital Life and Fire Safety Renovations.
The Life Sciences Building Architect/Engineer Fee was presented. In
September 1996, the architect/engineer selection for the new Life Sciences
Building was submitted to the Board of Visitors. At that time, the total architec-
tural fee of $1.5 million exceeded the $1.0 million in non-general fund authority
approved by the General Assembly. The Board of Visitors decided that although
the basic design requirements could ultimately total $1.5 million in University
5
funds, the University should not expend more than $1.0 million without prior ap-
proval of the Board of Visitors and appropriate State officials. In March 1997, the
Commonwealth's Department of Planning and Budget authorized supplemental
non-general fund authority to increase the total to $1.5 million. The Property
Committee recommended to the Board of Visitors an increase of the expenditure
limit on architect/engineer fees for Life Sciences from $1.0 million to $1.5 million
to allow completion of the project design.
The Fine Arts Center Electrical Power Easement was presented. The
Fine Arts Center requires electrical power for general operations. The University
needs to grant an 18 foot wide and 40 foot long easement to Virginia Power to
install underground conduit and wiring for transmitting and distributing power
from the existing overhead lines to the electrical transformer located in the Fine
Arts Center. The Property Committee recommended to the Board of Visitors that
the electrical power easement to Virginia Power be granted. The Committee also
requested that General Counsel explore the possibility of the Board delegating
future authority to grant easements to the administration.
Notification of the Contract Award for Sports Backers Stadium, Phase I
was presented for information. The project has a construction budget of $1.9
million, with a total project cost of $2.5 million. The contract is to be awarded to
the low bidder, Gulf Seaboard General Contractor, Inc., at $1.8 million.
A Report on the VCU Real Estate Foundation, the Virginia Biotechnology
Research Park Authority Leasing Report and the Capital Project Status Report
were presented for information.
6
Mr. Townes reported for the Student Affairs Committee. The Committee
met with students from both campuses and several different program areas.
Subjects discussed were: (1) student use of the GRTC program; (2) issues re-
garding handicap access to buildings; (3) security issues on the MCV Campus;
(4) computer laboratory access; (5) library hours and database resources; and
(6) the availability of teachers outside of class.
A Report on the Student Information System (SIS) was presented. The
SIS is one of the mission critical applications supported by the Office of Informa-
tion Technology. The Vice Provost for Information Technology reported on the
SIS application, which supports the Admissions Office, Student Accounts, Finan-
cial Aid, Student Records, and Student Registration. The implementation of the
SIS application is currently under the auspices of the year 2000 project man-
agement process and is on schedule for implementation on October 31, 1998.
During the 1999 calendar, year the new Student Information System will be
tested in preparation for the year 2000.
On motion made and seconded, the following items from the consent
agenda were approved:
Board of Visitors
Minutes of a Meeting held January 15, 1998
Academic Policy Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held January 14, 1998
Advancement Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held January 14, 1998
Audit Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held January 15, 1998
Finance and Investment Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held January 14, 1998
Change to Investment Policy
Health Affairs Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held January 14, 1998
7
Property Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held January 14, 1998
Project Plans for Life Sciences Building
Project Plans for West Hospital Life/Fire Safety
Renovations
Life Sciences Building Architect/Engineer Fee
Easement for Fine Arts Center (with Mr. Rigsby abstaining)
Student Affairs Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held January 14, 1998
On motion made and seconded, the information items on the consent
agenda were accepted.
Mr. Weinberg appointed the Board Nominating Committee for the Rec-
tor. Mr. Markel was asked to serve as Chair with Dr. Smith and Mrs. Powell
serving as members.
On motion made and seconded, the Board convened into executive
session to discuss certain personnel matters and matters relating to the perform-
ance of identifiable employees and faculty of VCU, including Faculty Appoint-
ments and Changes in Status and other Personnel Actions, and to discuss the
performance of departments or schools of VCU where such matters regarding
such individuals might be affected by such evaluation, including the Performance
of University departments and schools as related to the Medical College of Vir-
ginia Hospitals; and to consult with legal counsel pertaining to actual and prob-
able litigation, and other specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal ad-
vice by counsel, including the Report of the General Counsel; to discuss the in-
vesting of public funds including Investment Reports; to discuss matters relating
to gifts, bequests, and fundraising activities and matters relating to grants and
contracts for services or work to be performed by Virginia Commonwealth Uni-
8
versity, including the approval of the Named Funds Report and Facility Naming
Recommendations, an update on the University Campaign, Partners for Prog-
ress, an update on Development Activities and a discussion of a Proposed Con-
tract for the School of the Arts to deliver Non-Traditional Education; and to dis-
cuss matters relating to honorary degrees and special awards as authorized by
Sections 2.1-344 a(1), a(6), a(7), a(8) and a(10) of the Virginia Freedom of In-
formation 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 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 Absent
Mr. William C. DeRusha Absent
Mr. Edward L. Flippen Left before executive session
Mr. M. Boyd Marcus, Jr. Absent
Mr. Steven A. Markel X
Ms. Angela Miles X
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 X
Mr. Clarence L. Townes, Jr. X
Dr. David A. Vaughan X
Dr. H. George White, Jr. X
Dr. Percy Wootton X
9
Vote:
Ayes: 11
Nays: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING: 3
ABSENT DURING VOTING: 5
On motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the Report of the
President including approval to enter negotiations of the proposed contract for
the School of the Arts to deliver Non-Traditional Education; approved the Faculty
Appointments and Changes in Status and other Personnel Actions including the
appointment of Dr. Grace E. Harris as Acting President during Dr. Trani's ab-
sence; approved the Named Funds Report and Facility Naming Recommenda-
tions as amended; accepted the executive session Committee reports; accepted
the Report of the General Counsel; and delegated to the Student Affairs Corn-
mittee the responsibility for interviewing the candidates and the selection of the
1998 Board of Visitors Scholarship Award recipient.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
Edward L. Flippen, Secretary
10
