A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF VISITORS OF
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
August 10, 2000
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth Uni-
versity was held on Thursday, August 10, 2000, at 9 a.m. in the University Meet-
ing Center located at 101 North Harrison Street.
Present were Drs. Perkinson (Vice Rector), Long, Smith and Wootton; and
Messrs. Axselle, Gresham, Markel, Plymale, Pyon, Rigsby and Wootton.
Messrs. Flippen, Smith and Townes; and Mesdames Benner and Miles were ab-
sent. Also present were Drs. Trani, Cummins, Huff, Kontos, Macrina, McDavis
and Rhone; Messrs. Bunce, Gehring, Ross, Timmreck and Wyeth; and Mes-
dames Jones, Messmer and Price.
Dr. Perkinson called the meeting to order and welcomed members of the
press. The report of the President followed:
Dr. Marsha R. Torr was introduced. Dr. Torr will be joining VCU on Sep-
tember 1, 2000, as the Vice President for Research and Professor in
Physics. Dr. Patricia Cummins, Professor and Vice Provost for Academic
Affairs, was also introduced. Dr. Cummins joined VCU on July 1, 2000.
To date, VCU has received 7,036 freshman applications, 321 more than
this time in 1999. There has been a 44 percent increase in freshman ap-
plications since Fall 1995 when VCU had 4,881 freshmen applications.
The current acceptance rate among freshman is 75 percent vs. 76 percent
in 1999. The quality of students accepting has increased from 1999. Cur-
rently, the average SAT score of accepted students is 1057 and the aver-
age high school GPA is 3.14. In 1999, the averages were 1041 for SAT
scores and 3.11 for high School GPA's.
VCU is pleased to have been one of five institutions selected to submit an
Institutional Performance Agreement (or IPA) to the Secretary of Educa-
tion. The IPA is one of the more publicized recommendations developed
by the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission under the leadership of
VCU's Rector and addresses the areas of affordability, quality, and gov-
ernance.
By entering into an IPA, an institution acknowledges the importance of ac-
countability to the taxpayers, students, and other customers by reporting
performance in academic and administrative areas. VCU sees participa-
tion in the program as an opportunity to demonstrate the University's
commitment to affordability, quality and governance and to communicate
to the Governor and the Governor's administration as well as members of
the General Assembly and the public at large the innovative and exciting
activities that are happening on VCU's campuses.
Dr. McDavis will undertake the overall coordination role in the develop-
ment of the IPA, and Mr. Timmreck will provide leadership on the six-year
financial projections.
There are five major components of IPAs:
1. Assessment of the institution's mission and core functions - in-
cluding current activities to support the mission as well as deficien-
cies and actions planned to address the deficiencies.
2. New initiatives to enhance institutional quality - VCU's vision for the
next six years and the cost.
3. Efforts to improve institutional operations and governance - op-
portunities to improve internal assessment procedures and tools to
enable the Board and institutional leaders to make informed deci-
sions.
4. Institutional activities that support statewide priorities in existing
law, the Virginia Plan for Higher Education, the recommendations
of the Blue Ribbon Commission and other state policy documents.
5. The terms of the agreement, including the six-year financial plan
and any other terms.
The IPA must be submitted to the Secretary of Education by October 6,
2000. In addition, the Board of Visitors must approve the IPAs. VCU is
planning to have a special meeting of the Board on October 6 to review
IPA's and will work closely with the Rector and the chairs of the Finance,
Investment and Property and Health and Academic Policy Committees as
VCU develops the agreement. The timeline is very tight and will take redi-
rection of staff effort in order to complete, but VCU will be able to develop
an agreement that will be consistent with the priorities and direction the
Board has provided and continue to provide to the University's senior
management.
Dr. Wootton reported for the Academic and Health Affairs Policy Commit-
tee. The Enrollment Reports for the summer studies and fall were presented for
information. A Report on Degrees Awarded was presented. Virginia Common-
wealth University awarded 4,113 degrees and certificates during 1999-00, an in-
crease of 160 degrees and certificates from 1998-99. Baccalaureate degrees
were awarded to 2,220 students, 1,271 masters degrees and 112 doctorates
were awarded in 1999-00.
The Medical College of Virginia Hospitals Finances, Statistical and Finan-
cial Summary for Fiscal Year 2000: Eleven Months ending May, 2000, were pre-
sented for information.
An update on the reorganization of the Office of the Vice President for Re-
search, the Academic Component of VCU's proposed Institutional Performance
Agreement and an update on the School of the Arts Program in Qatar were pre-
sented for information.
Dr. Perkinson reported for the Advancement and External Affairs Com-
mittee. The Vice President for External Relations presented the External Rela-
tions report for information. The Advancement Division reports and the market-
ing Report were presented for information. A presentation on VCU's marketing
program with special emphasis on the branding project and VCU's new life sci-
ences initiative will be conducted by Sam Messmer, Vice Provost for University
Outreach; Tom Huff, Interim Vice Provost for Life Sciences; and Margaret
Crossen with McGrath Crossen & Associates at a dinner meeting of the Board.
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The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on August 9, 2000, in the University
Meeting Center.
Mr. Markel reported for the Finance, Investment and Property Committee.
An update on on-going projects and activities in the Finance and Administration
Division was presented for information by the Senior Vice President.
The Architect Selection for the University Student Commons, Phase III
was presented. The project will construct the third phase of the University Stu-
dent Commons on two levels, adding approximately 40,000 gross square to the
existing facility. The addition is envisioned to wrap around and connect the de-
tached theater building with the main structure. Multi-purpose ballroom/meeting
rooms, an expanded food court with seating, and enlarged commuter student
spaces and offices are planned. An additional 16,000 gross square feet of reno-
vations within the existing facility are also anticipated. The construction budget is
$6,750,000 with a total budget of $9,000,000. The firm of Clark Nexsen, P.C. is
recommended as the architect selection for the University Student Commons -
Phase Ill. The Finance, Investment, and Property Committee recommended to
the full Board the firm of Clark Nexsen, P.C. as the architect selection for the
University Student Commons - Phase III.
The Request for Proposals for the MCV Campus Housekeeping Services
was presented. The MCV Campus housekeeping contractor, SSC Services So-
lutions (SSC), was awarded a five-year contract in 1997. The contract calls for
an initial two-year period, with annual renewal options for three additional years.
SSC has declined to renew the contract for the July 1, 2000, to June 30, 2001,
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year. Procurement and Purchasing has negotiated an emergency contract with
SSC to provide housekeeping services until a new contractor is selected. The
Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the
approval of the Request for Proposals for MCV Campus Housekeeping Services.
The Project Plans for the Oliver Hall Fire Suppression System was pre-
sented. The purpose of the project is to provide a sprinkler system, a fire alarm
system and new emergency exit lighting for Oliver Hall (171,000 gross square
feet) on the Academic Campus. The installation of the systems is one of the
most economical ways to protect people and property in a heavily used facility
such as Oliver Hall. The construction budget is $989,000 with a total budget of
$1,175,000. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to
the full Board the approval of the Project Plans for the Oliver Hall Fire Suppres-
sion System.
The Statement of Investment Objectives, Policies and Guidelines for the
Operating Pool was presented. The Finance, Investment and Property Commit-
tee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Statement of Investment
Objectives, Policies and Guidelines for the Operating Pool.
The lease for 310 North Shafer Street and the lease for 2911 North Boule-
vard were presented. The lease at 310 North Shafer Street is for approximately
1,847 square feet of office space for Virginia Commonwealth University to house
the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Program and Women's Studies Program.
The purpose of the lease at 2911 North Boulevard is for approximately 11,940
square feet for press box, skybox, hospitality box, first aid room and administra-
5
tive office and meeting space to be leased to the Metropolitan Richmond Sports
Backers. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to
the full Board the approval of the leases at 310 North Shafer Street and 2911
North Boulevard. The following reports were presented for information: Medical
College of Virginia Hospitals Finances - Statistical and Financial Summary for
Eleven Months Ending May 2000; University Quarterly Budget Performance Re-
port: June 30, 2000; an update: Base Budget Analysis Status Report; the Institu-
tional Performance Agreements; status reports on the West Broad Street Stu-
dent Housing Project, the 1996 Master Site Plan, Notification of Contract Award
for the Parking Deck D Lighting Improvements, Gladding Residence Center
Technology Wiring, the IBM Software Licensing and Maintenance Renewal, the
Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority Summary of Occupancy/Lease
Intent and the Capital Project Status Report.
Mr. Gresham reported for the Student Affairs Committee. Enrollment Re-
ports for the summer studies enrollment and fall enrollment were presented for
information. Presentations on Student Health/Health Promotions and Service
Learning at VCU for Students were presented for information.
The Honor System Annual Report was presented. Highlights included a
report of the honor system violations under the current policy and plans for re-
view and possible modification of the honor system.
On motion made and seconded, the following items on the Consent
Agenda were approved:
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Board of Visitors
Minutes of a Meeting held May 12, 2000
Minutes of a Joint Meeting of the Board of Visitors of
Virginia Commonwealth University and the Board of Directors of
the MCV Hospitals Authority held June 12, 2000
Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 11, 2000
Advancement and External Relations Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 11, 2000
Audit Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 11, 2000
Finance, Investment and Property Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 11, 2000
Architect Selection for University Student Commons, Phase Ill
Request for Proposals for MCV Campus Housekeeping Services
Project Plans for Oliver Hall Fire Suppression System
Statement of Investment Objectives, Policies and Guidelines for
Operating Pool
Lease for 310 North Shafer Street
Lease for 2911 North Boulevard
Student Affairs Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held May 11, 2000
On motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the Consent
Agenda Information items.
Dr. Perkinson appointed the following members of the Board to serve on
the Presidential Evaluation Committee: Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr., Chair, Mr.
Edward L. Flippen, Mr. Jay M. Weinberg, Mr. Steve M. Markel and Dr. Lindley T.
Smith.
On motion made and seconded, the Board convened into closed ses-
sion to discuss certain personnel matters and matters relating to the performance
of identifiable employees and faculty of VCU, including Faculty Appointments and
Changes in Status and other Personnel Actions, the Annual Reappointment of
the Affiliate and Clinical Faculty, and the Report of the President; and to discuss
the performance of departments or schools of VCU where such matters regard-
7
ing such individuals might be affected by such evaluation, including Audit Re-
ports of individually identified departments and/or schools; to discuss the condi-
tion, acquisition or use of real property for public purpose, 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 owner-
ship by such institution including the acquisition of property on or adjacent to the
Academic Campus; and to consult with legal counsel pertaining to actual and
probable litigation and 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 ap-
proval of the Named Funds Report and Facility Naming Recommendations and a
Development Report as authorized by Sections 2.1-344 a(1), a(3), a(7) and a(8)
of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Following closed 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 closed session
meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public
business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed session
meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Visitors of Virginia
Commonwealth University.
Roll Call Vote Ayes Nays
Mr. Edward L. Flippen, Rector Absent
Mr. Ralph L. "Bill" Axselle, Jr. X
Ms. Yvonne E. R. Benner Absent
Mr. Timothy L. Gresham X
Dr. Stephen P. Long X
Mr. Steven A. Markel X
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Roll Call Vote Ayes Nays
Ms. Angela Miles Absent
Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. X
Mr. Monty W. Plymale X
Mr. Harold Y. Pyon X
Mr. Robert E. Rigsby X
Dr. Lindley T. Smith X
Mr. Ted L. Smith Absent
Mr. Clarence L. Townes, Jr. Absent
Mr. Jay M. Weinberg X
Dr. Percy Wootton X
Vote:
Ayes: 11
Nays: 0
Absent during meeting: 5
Absent during voting: 5
On motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the Report of the
President; approved the Faculty Appointments and Changes in Status and Other
Personnel actions as amended; approved the Named Funds Report and Facility
Naming Recommendations; approved the Annual Reappointment of the Affiliate
and Clinical Faculty with Drs. Long, Smith and Wootton abstaining; approved the
acquisition of property on or adjacent to the Academic Campus; accepted the
closed session committee reports; and accepted the report of the General Coun-
sel.
On motion made and seconded, the Board approved the following Resolution:
WHEREAS Dr. Francis L. Macrina, as a teacher, scholar, and senior adminis-
trator, exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence and commit-
ment to the mission of teaching, research, and service at Virginia Commonwealth
University;
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WHEREAS Dr. Macrina has served Virginia Commonwealth University with dis-
tinction since 1974;
WHEREAS Dr. Macrina has attracted national and international recognition for
excellence in teaching and research in the fields of microbiology and immunol-
ogy, oncology, and dentistry, and in doing so has greatly advanced both our sci-
entific understanding and the academic profession;
WHEREAS Dr. Macrina has proven to be a gifted administrator through previous
and current directorships with the Massey Cancer Center, the Center for Innova-
tive Technology, and the Institute for Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology in
the School of Dentistry;
WHEREAS Dr. Macrina, as Acting Vice President for Research, led the Univer-
sity's research mission through an interim period of tremendous challenge and
opportunity and worked diligently with his colleagues to recommend the appoint-
ment of the permanent Vice President for Research;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Visitors of Virginia Com-
monwealth University expresses its admiration and respect for Dr. Macrina, con-
gratulates him on his superb performance as Acting Vice President for Research,
and wishes him well in his continued role as a senior member of the University
community.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.
Edward L. Flippen, Rector
