A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF VISITORS OF
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
November 9, 2000
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth Uni-
versity was held on Thursday, November 9, 2000, at 8:30 a.m. in the University
Meeting Center located at 101 North Harrison Street.
Present were Messrs. Flippen (Rector), Axselle, Markel, Plymale, Pyon,
Rigsby, Townes and Weinberg; Drs. Long, Perkinson, Smith and Wootton; and
Mrs. Miles. Messrs. Gresham and Smith and Mrs. Benner were absent. Also
present were Drs. Trani, Huff, Kontos, McDavis, Rhone, Self and Torr; Messrs.
Bunce, Gehring, Ross, Timmreck and Wyeth; and Mesdames Jones, Messmer
and Price.
Mr. Flippen called the meeting to order and welcomed members of the
press. The report of the President followed:
The final fall enrollment for first-time freshmen is 2,729 with a total of
transfer students of 1,490. The final total fall enrollment for the fall 2000
semester is 24,066 up from 23,481 for the fall 1999 semester.
The 21st century is being called the Life Sciences Century or the Post-
Genomic Era. VCU is one of only a handful of universities currently
developing curricula and research in life sciences.
Appeal to students:
• Many more career opportunities for students with a talent in math and
science.
• VCU's diversity and emphasis on real-world learning in conjunction
with our many partners in industry, business, and the community.
• Proximity to Washington and the Richmond region as a growing niche
in Virginia's high-tech/life-sciences development within the Eastern
Biotech Corridor.
• Opportunity to work directly with research faculty (two-thirds of under-
graduate courses taught by full-time faculty; 12-to-1 faculty/student
ratio).
VCU Life Sciences is unique because:
• of the integration of School of Medicine and VCU Health System with the
undergraduate programs
• open to all levels of students
• a strong interdisciplinary institution supporting VCU Life Sciences, includ-
ing Centers of Excellence, graduate/professional program recognition, the
Virginia Biotechnology Research Park, and the VCU Health System
• a community-oriented mission allowing VCU to develop Life Sciences in
conjunction with VCU's many partners.
Resources for VCU Life Sciences include:
• Doctoral/Research University-Extensive with nearly $122 million a year in
research funding;
• $400-million investment in the infrastructure for the sciences, medicine,
engineering, biotechnology, and health care - the basis for continued de-
velopment of the research faculty;
Major student interest in the sciences:
• 2,500 undergraduate/graduate students in the sciences
• more than 700 undergraduate biology majors and more than 40 graduate
biology students
Funding:
• $1.8 million annually in E&G funds - primarily to be used in combination
with funds from participating departments to hire faculty and provide start-
up costs;
• a Board-authorized reallocation of more than $3 million in this year and
the next in support of VCU's research infrastructure;
• non-resident enrollment initiative: 700 out-of-state students by 2005 for a
total of approximately $5-million in tuition revenue dedicated exclusively
to VCU Life Sciences programs and faculty development.
Curricular Development
• guiding principle: cross-campus, interdisciplinary, e.g., "The Biology of
Cancer"
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• Life Sciences 101 - an introduction to the sciences involved in the study
of biological complexity for VCU Life Sciences freshmen; Life Sciences
101's unique feature is that lectures will be given by VCU's nationally rec-
ognized faculty
• five concentrations to be developed: bioinformatics (with a genomic and
computational track); biotechnology; environmental studies; forensic
science; science teacher preparation
Option to pursue B.S. in biology/computer science or to convert to a
five-year master's program:
• already existing are the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in environ-
mental studies; the Master of Science in forensic science; and the
Master of Science in teaching;
• being developed: Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in bioinformatics
and in biotechnology.
Approval process:
• Life Sciences 101 has begun to move through the University-review
process, and it is anticipated that the proposal for the course will go to
the University Undergraduate Curriculum Council in December, with
most of the other curricular proposals to go before the council in early
2001;
• by Fall 2001, most or all of the curricular proposals will be in place.
Other Updates on Life Sciences include:
• Life Sciences Building: on target to open in the summer of 2001
• Inger and Walter Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences: recently
announced; tremendous response by the faculty and community
• Institute for the Study of Biological Complexity: the "think tank" now in
development
Public education:
• Governor's School of Medicine/Life Sciences
• VCU and Maymont Park
• VCU and the Science Museum of Virginia
• The Commonwealth Society: "The Human Genome Project" now being
offered
• Rice Center outreach: to be developed.
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Ms. Phyllis Palmiero, Director of the State Council of Higher Education for
Virginia, was introduced. Ms. Palmiero discussed institutional effectiveness
and the need for the University to report on the institution's effectiveness.
The Report of the Rector followed. The Rector discussed the need for the
Academic and Health Affairs Committee to review VCU's policy to
discourage relations between students and faculty; the diversity of the
University; and the need for the University to be self-reliant.
On motion made and seconded, the Board approved and presented the
following Resolution:
WHEREAS Chief Dan M. Dean, Jr., of the Virginia Commonwealth University
exemplifies the highest standards of excellence and commitment to the mission
of providing safety and security at Virginia Commonwealth University;
WHEREAS Chief Dean has served Virginia Commonwealth University with dis-
tinction since 1969;
WHEREAS Chief Dean has increased the presence of the VCU Police around
campus and in the surrounding communities, including support of the establish-
ment of community partnerships such as the Carver Project, and in doing so has
greatly advanced the safety, security, and community relations among these ar-
eas;
WHEREAS Chief Dean established the VCU Police Training Academy to facili-
tate the training of the police force for the University that numbers 71 sworn offi-
cers and includes bike, foot, and vehicle patrols, investigations, crime prevention,
and four community policing mini-precincts;
WHEREAS Chief Dean led the VCU Police to make the University community a
safe one by expanding the jurisdiction of his officers, establishing a variety of
crime prevention programs, supporting victim witness programs, publishing a
monthly safety newsletter, and participating with numerous safety-related com-
mittees;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Visitors of Virginia Com-
monwealth University expresses its admiration and respect for Chief Dean, con-
gratulates him on his superb performance as Chief of Police, thanks him for his
service to students, patients, faculty, and staff, and wishes him well in his retire-
ment.
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Dr. Wootton reported for the Academic and Health Affairs Policy Commit-
tee. Drs. Brilliant and Poynor, members of the Faculty Senate Executive Com-
mittee, met with members of the Committee. Discussions included: faculty in-
volvement in developing the IPA document, Institutional Review Boards, faculty
commitment to student retention and recruitment, legislative initiatives, the Life
Sciences initiative, Intellectual Property Task Force and the physical environment
of teaching in classrooms.
The revisions to the School of Medicine Financial Arrangements Policy
were presented. The revisions included the recognition and incorporation policy,
nomenclature, and organizational changes since the last revision in 1996; and a
change in the name of the policy from the School of Medicine's Financial
Arrangements for Medical School Faculty Policy to Medical School Faculty Ap-
pointment and Compensation Policy. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy
Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Revisions to the
School of Medicine Financial Arrangements Policy.
The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee suspended the meeting to attend a Special Meeting of the Board of Visitors to discuss the marketing
initiative.
The Committee meeting was reconvened. A presentation on VCU Be-
coming a Tier 2 National University was presented by the Provost. Also pre-
sented for information were the VCU Health System Authority - Consolidated
Statement of Operations for the Three Months ending September 2000, an up-
date on the student computer initiative and an update on the retention initiative.
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Dr. Perkinson reported for the Advancement and External Relations
Committee Report. The Vice President for External Relations presented the
State, Local and Community Relations Report. The University hosted members
of the Governor's administration and key state officials, including three cabinet
secretaries, for a briefing on the new VCU Health System and the issue of indi-
gent care on August 23, 2000. VCU has selected a Washington-based consulting firm to assist with obtaining VCU's federal priorities. The firm of Lewis-Burke
& Associates was selected.
Mr. Markel reported for the Finance, Investment and Property Committee.
The lease for the 17th Street Property was presented. The lease is for approxi-
mately 2.38 acres of land on the west line of 17th Street to be used for the pur-
pose of constructing a social services facility. The purpose of the ground lease is
to secure the site on which a 7,000 square foot building will be constructed by
Freedom House and will contain a common room and commercial cafeteria area
to provide dinner meals for those in need. Long-term goals include collaborating
with Health Place, a social recovery program that will offer shelters, socialization
skills and emergency transition housing. The proposed lease term is from Feb-
ruary 1, 2001, to January 31, 2041, with a proposed rental rate of $1.00 per year,
due in advance of the commencement of the lease. If the property is not used for
the intended purpose for a period of twenty-four consecutive months, the Lessor,
at the Lessor's sole option, may terminate the lease. The Finance, Investment
and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the
lease for the 17th Street Property.
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The Request for Proposals for AudioVisual and Multimedia Equipment and
Services was presented. Virginia Commonwealth University's Academic Tech-
nology Division seeks authority to obtain proposals from qualified firms to provide
AudioVisual and Multimedia Equipment and Services to the University. The pur-
pose of the request is to establish a contract with multiple contractors to provide
audiovisual equipment, engineering and installation services, and/or mainte-
nance required for the upgrade of University classrooms, laboratories, and audi-
toriums. Equipment to be included in the resulting contract will be: broadcast
television equipment, multimedia presentation equipment, satellite transmitting
and receiving equipment, teleconferencing and communication equipment, com-
puter presentation equipment and broadband distribution equipment. The total
award is not expected to exceed $3,000,000 annually. The Finance, Investment
and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Re-
quest for Proposals for AudioVisual and Multimedia Equipment and Services.
The Architect Fee for the Massey Cancer Center Addition was presented.
The project is for full design services on a 60,000 GSF research facility with a
192-car underground parking deck on the MCV Campus. The addition will be
constructed on the site currently occupied by Randolph Minor Hall, which is adja-
cent to and south of the existing Massey Cancer Center. The project includes
demolition of Randolph Minor Hall. The addition will add 52 cancer research
laboratories along with related support space, and the parking deck below is ex-
pected to offset the increasing demand for parking on the MCV Campus. The
construction budget is for $18,200,000 with a total budget of $25,950,000. The
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Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the
approval of the firm of Shepley Bullfinch Richardson and Abbott.
The Amendment to the 2001 State Budget Submission was presented
The following is a proposed state budget amendment not included in the October
6, 2000, submission:
New Construction: Academic Campus Parking Deck III: This amendment
requests authority to construct a 750-space parking facility at the corner of Cary,
Harrison and Parkwood Streets. The proposed parking deck will also include
space to house the communications and monitoring functions of the VCU Police
Department. The University's Six-Year Capital Plan includes the parking deck as
a 2002-04 Biennium request. However, the University has acquired the majority
of the property and is near closure on acquisition of the remaining parcels. The
critical parking problem on the Academic Campus dictates that the project pro-
ceed as soon as possible. The proposed amendment seeks $11,397,060 in 9c
revenue bond authorization. Debt service and operating costs for the parking
deck component will be provided through parking revenues. Debt service and
operating costs for the VCU Police area will be paid as rent through educational
and general appropriations.
The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full
Board the approval of the Amendment to the 2001 State Budget Submission.
The following items were presented for information: an update on student
parking; VCU Health System Authority: Consolidated Statement of Operations
for the Three Months ending September 2000; University Quarterly Budget Per-
formance Report: September 30, 2000; annual reports for the VCU Foundation,
the VCU Real Estate Foundation and the VCU School of Engineering Founda-
tion; notification of contract award for West Hospital Life and Fire Safety Renova-
tions; the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority 10 year pro-forma
analysis and a summary of occupancy and lease intent; and the Capital Project
Status Report.
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Dr. Smith reported for the Student Affairs Committee. A quorum was not
present for the Student Affairs Committee, but the Committee met informally with
members of the student body.
On motion made and seconded, the Board convened into closed session to
discuss certain personnel matters and matters relating to the performance of
identifiable employees and faculty of VCU and to discuss the performance of de-
partments or schools of VCU where such matters regarding such individuals
might be affected by such evaluations, including issues related to the President
in his official capacity and to discuss the evaluation of his performance, and in-
cluding the Faculty Appointments and Changes in Status and other Personnel
Actions, Continuing Faculty Salaries and Executive Salaries; and to discuss the
condition, acquisition or use of real property for public purpose, or of the disposi-
tion 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 and/or disposition of
property on or adjacent to the Academic Campus; to discuss the investing of
public funds including the Intermediate Fund Review; and to consult with legal
counsel pertaining to actual and probable litigation, and other specific legal mat-
ters requiring the provision of legal advice by counsel, including the Report of the
General Counsel; to discuss matters relating to gifts, bequests, and fundraising
activities, including the approval of the Named Funds Report and Facility Naming
Recommendations, and an update on the development activities; and to discuss
matters relating to honorary degrees and special awards, including the Report of
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the Special Awards Committee; and to discuss disciplinary matters involving stu-
dents as authorized by Section 2.1-344 A(1), A(2), A(3), A(6), A(7), A(8) and
A(10) 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 X
Mr. Ralph L. "Bill" Axselle, Jr. X
Ms. Yvonne E. R. Benner Absent
Mr. Timothy L. Gresham Absent
Dr. Stephen P. Long X
Mr. Steven A. Markel X
Ms. Angela Miles X
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. X
Mr. Jay M. Weinberg X
Dr. Percy Wootton X
Vote:
Ayes: 13
Nays: 0
Absent during meeting: 3
Absent during voting: 3
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On motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the Report of the President;
approved the recommendations of the Special Awards Committee; approved the
Faculty Appointments and Changes in Status and other personnel actions, as
amended; approved the Named Funds Report and Facility Naming recommen-
dations; approved the Continuing Faculty Salaries; approved the acquisi-
tion/exchange of property on or adjacent to the Academic Campus; accepted the
Closed Session Committee reports; accepted the Report of the General Counsel;
approved the Executive Salaries; accepted and approved the Report and findings
of the Internal Auditor regarding the results of his investigation into a complaint
filed against the President by a member of the faculty; and accepted the report of
the Presidential Evaluation Committee and approved the President's Compensa-
tion.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Lindley T. Smith, Secretary
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