MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF VISITORS OF
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
February 13, 2003
regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University was
held on Thursday, February 13, 2003, at 9 a.m. in the University Meeting Center located at 101
North Harrison Street.
Present were Drs. Perkinson (Rector), Bersoff and Long; Messrs. Axselle, Markel,
Plymale, Pyon, Rigsby, Rosenthal, Slater and Thompson; and Mesdames McMichael, Petera and
Riddick. Dr. Romano and Mr. Baldacci were absent, Also present were Drs. Trani, Andrews,
Brodd, Huff, McDavis, Retchin, Rhone and Torn; Messrs. Blanks, Bunce, Gehring, Ross,
Timmreck and Wyeth; and Mesdames Balmer, Chinnici, Lepley, and Messmer.
Dr. Perkinson called the meeting to order and introduced the members of the press.
The Report of the President was presented. On motion made and seconded, the Board
and presented the following resolutions:
Resolution Honoring
Dr. Rao R. Ivatury
WHEREAS Dr. Rao R. Ivatury serves as Director of Trauma, Critical Care and Emergency
Surgery at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System and as Professor of Medicine
at Virginia Commonwealth University;
on October 19, 2002, a 37-year-old man shot at an Ashland restaurant in a weekend
k was brought to the VCU Health System's Trauma Center;
WHEREAS Dr. Ivatury and the trauma team performed extensive, multiple surgeries
victim and continued expert care until the patient's discharge three weeks later;
WHEREAS Dr. Ivatury's pioneering and leading edge surgical procedures were used to benefit
the victim when he was brought to the VCU Health System's emergency and trauma facilities;
WHEREAS without this procedure and the expert care from Dr. Ivatury's team the victim likely
would have died;
WHEREAS Dr. Ivatury's response and expertise brought national and international attention and
acclaim to the VCU Health System while making a significant contribution to the field of critical
care and emergency surgery;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University is proud to recognize Dr. Ivatury and his contributions and those of his team to the
survival of the victim, the high quality of patient care in our Trauma Center and the excellence of
the faculty of the School of Medicine.
Resolution Honoring
Dr. John B. Fenn
WHEREAS, Dr. John B. Fenn joined Virginia Commonwealth University as research professor
in the Department of Chemistry in 1994, and
WHEREAS, Dr. Fenn has continued his research here at Virginia Commonwealth University in
electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the study of protein hydration and folding reactions
and of environmental problems,
WHEREAS, Dr. Fenn won the 2002 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his development of
electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and
WHEREAS, Dr. Fenn continues to be an energetic and creative mentor to his graduate students
in chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Fenn continues to be a stalwart colleague to faculty at Virginia Commonwealth
University,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF VISITORS OF VIRGINIA
COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, THAT:
The Board of Visitors does hereby offer its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. John B. Fenn for
winning the 2002 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, while continuing an extraordinary 60-year career as
a scientist and an engineer; and,
Further, the Board expresses its sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Fenn for being a faculty
member of Virginia Commonwealth University, an institution committed to excellence in
research and education.
2
The Budget Update was presented for information. A meeting of the Executive
Committee with the full Board invited will be held in April, 2003, to discuss the 2003-04
Revised University Budget Plan - Preliminary and to approve the 2003-04 Tuition and Fees.
Dr. Perkinson recognized two Board members: Mr. Bill Axselle and Dr. Steve Long.
Mr. Axselle was named Outstanding Lobbyist by Virginia Business Magazine, in the Elite
Lawyer article. Dr. Long was selected by the Consumer Research Council of America as one of
"America's Top Physicians" for 2003; and Dr. Long was elected president of the Virginia
Society of Anesthesiologists for a two-year term and also elected to the Board of Directors of the
American Society of Anesthesiologists for a five-year term.
Dr. Perkinson presented the "ladies of the Board" with an original painting.
Mrs. Petera reported for the Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee. The
Proposal to Create a New Division of Trauma/Critical Care and Emergency General Surgery
within the Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, was presented. By creating the Division
of Trauma/Critical Care and Emergency General Surgery, VCU will create a division that can
more easily recruit qualified, academic surgeons. In medical schools nationwide, approximately
10% of the Trauma/Critical Care programs are divisions. The change will also permit VCU to
better serve the hospital through Trauma services by creating a "service line" that will be
combined for enhanced programmatic functions. The Academic and Health Affairs Committee
recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to Create a New Division of
Trauma/Critical Care and Emergency General Surgery within the Department of Surgery, School
of Medicine.
A Proposal to Create a New Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation in the Department of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, was presented. In May 2001, the
3
VCU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) entered into a formal
relationship with Children's Hospital of Richmond (CHOR) to provide pediatric rehabilitation
physician services, with existing clinical faculty. The establishment of the Division of Pediatric
Rehabilitation within the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation represents the
necessary next step in the development of Pediatric Rehabilitation services within the
Department of PM&R. The expansion of the services is a joint effort between CHOR and the
Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and PM&R, designed to increase the national academic
recognition of VCU and the Department while also increasing the clinical services of CHOR.
All of the top-rated Departments of PM&R in the country, including Baylor College of
Medicine, the University of Cincinnati, the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan-Wayne State
University, the University of Colorado, and the University of Washington have strong, well-
recognized Divisions of Pediatric Rehabilitation. Significant research funding is available in the
Pediatric PM&R area and a strong division will facilitate VCU's success in competing for the
funds. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the
approval of the Proposal to Create a New Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation in the Department
of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine.
A Proposal to Change from the Division of Neurosurgery within the Department of
Surgery to the Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine was presented. The School of
Medicine and the Department of Surgery propose to split the Division of Neurosurgery from the
Department of Surgery and form a separate Department of Neurosurgery. Across the country,
approximately 80% of other medical schools have departments of neurosurgery. The objective is
to maintain a leadership role by creating a strong department structure, which should enhance the
ability to recruit excellent faculty. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee
4
recommended to the full Board a Proposal to Change from the Division of Neurosurgery within
the Department of Surgery to the Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine.
A Proposal to Create a Department of Special Education and Disability Policy within the
Division of Teacher Education, School of Education, was presented. The creation of a
Department of Special Education and Disability Policy will better position the faculty and
programs to be recognized for the considerable past accomplishments and the potential for future
achievements. Increasing the visibility will increase the recognition, and the recognition will be
reflected in national rankings and increased success in competitive grant reviews. A more
visible organizational unit will assist VCU's faculty in achieving a place among the top ranked
special education and disability policy programs in the nation. All indicators point to a strong
rationale for the creation of a Department of Special Education and Disability Policy and
resulting opportunities for recognition that the faculty and programs so richly deserve. The
Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of a
Proposal to Create a Department of Special Education and Disability Policy within the Division
of Teacher Education, School of Education.
A Proposal to Create a Doctor of Philosophy Program in Epidemiology, Department of
Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, was presented. Following the
events of September 11, 2001, there has been a loud call for an improved and strengthened
public health infrastructure. A Ph.D. program in epidemiology will help address the critical
shortage of epidemiologists in Virginia. Professionals are needed to conduct surveillance and
design investigations that enhance the ability of public health agencies to effectively monitor the
public's program and would complement the existing MPH program and provide a venue for
qualified students to pursue a doctoral degree in the public health field in Virginia. Students and
5
graduates of the program will benefit the University by helping researchers on both campuses
attract large grants. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the
full Board the approval of a Proposal to Create a Doctor of Philosophy Program in
Epidemiology, Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine.
A Proposal to Create a Bachelor of Arts Degree in African American Studies was
presented. The world students have inherited still begs for solutions to enduring racial and
ethnic conflicts. The future that VCU's students will shape will be racially and ethnically more
diverse. Managing the conflicts that arise from the history out of which the new century is
evolving will require appreciation and understanding of factors that have shaped different racial
and ethnic experiences and conditions, whether with regard to housing, health care, political
representation, education, economic well-being, or judicial issues. African American Studies, as
a field, has been at the forefront of efforts to prepare students to understand and address critical
social issues. The proposed major draws upon and recognizes the diverse racial and ethnic
composition of Virginia Commonwealth University, the City of Richmond, and the State of
Virginia, and illuminates the particular historical significance of African Americans to the
developments of the region and the nation. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee
recommended to the full Board the approval of a Proposal to Create a Bachelor of Arts Degree in
African American Studies.
A Proposal to Change the Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban Studies to a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Urban Studies and Geography was presented. The proposal to revise the
Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies to include geography represents a new vision with the
Department of Urban Studies and Planning. By responding to student demand for a major that
includes geography, the department is broadening and strengthening the undergraduate
6
curriculum. Urban themes will now be addressed in the context of global perspectives and
issues. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the
approval of the Proposal to Change the Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban Studies to a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban Studies and Geography.
The Intellectual Properties Policy was presented. After discussion, the Academic and
Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board that action on the revised
Intellectual Properties Policy be postponed until the May 2003 meeting of the Board of Visitors
The following items were presented for information:
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
Competency Report on VCU Faculty and Staff Who Provide Patient
Care or Clinical Services to the VCU Health System
Notification of Contract Award for Purchase of Pathlore LMS System for
Virginia Institute for Social Service Training Activities in the School of
Social Work
Report on the School of the Arts
Report on Assessment
Faculty Profile
Report on Termination of Renewable Contracts for Instructional Faculty
Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Financial Statement
Summary Fiscal Year 2003 - Six Months Ending December 31, 2002
Mr. Rigsby reported for the Audit Committee. The Auditor of Public Accounts: Report
for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2002, and the State Audit Report - Management's Action
Plans were presented for information.
Mr. Plymale reported for the External Relations Committee. The Federal, State, Local
and Community Relations Report and the Marketing and Media Relations Report were presented
for information.
Mr. Markel reported for the Finance, Investment and Property Committee. A Resolution
Ratifying the Third Amendment to the Cash Match Plan for Employees of VCU was presented.
7
The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval
of the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
Ratifying the Third Amendment to the
Virginia Cash Match Plan for
Employees of Virginia Commonwealth University
WHEREAS, Virginia Commonwealth University (the "University") established the Cash Match
Plan for the Employees of Virginia Commonwealth University (the "Plan") effective April 1,
2000;
WHEREAS, the University desired to amend the Plan to incorporate certain changes pursuant to
the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and to make other technical
changes;
WHEREAS, the University desired to amend the Plan to incorporate recent legislative changes
made by the General Assembly of Virginia;
WHEREAS, Section 11.2 of the Plan permits the University to amend the Plan;
WHEREAS, the Third Amendment to the Plan incorporates the above changes and is consistent
with the Internal Revenue Code and the Code of Virginia;
WHEREAS, the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration of the University, Paul
W. Timmreck, executed the Third Amendment to the Plan on December 17, 2002;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the University hereby ratifies Mr. Timmreck's actions to
execute the Third Amendment to the Plan on its behalf and that the Plan was thereby amended
when executed effective as of the dates reflected in said amendment.
The Transfer of the School of Allied Health Professions Quasi-endowments was
presented. In 1988, the Department of Health Administration transferred funds from various
accounts to the MCV Foundation for investment purposes. The $52,000 utilized to establish the
quasi-endowment funds was from various gifts with no known donor restrictions that prohibited
the transfer. The balance of the funds as of October 31, 2002, was $76,325. The Department of
Health Administration has requested the use of the quasi-endowment funds to offer scholarships
to qualified students, give awards at graduation, cover conference participation for student
8
presenters, and provide research data for doctoral dissertations. The proposed use is consistent
with the original purpose of the source funds: to support research activities, departmental
programs and development, conference expenditures, and student recognition awards. The
Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the
transfer of the School of Allied Health Professions Quasi-endowments.
The Architect Engineer Selections - Term Contracts were presented. Facilities
Management routinely retains the services of architectural/engineering firms on two-year term
contracts to provide professional services for small construction and renovation projects,
feasibility studies, and planning initiatives. Services are provided to the University's Academic
Division, Health Sciences Division, the VCU Foundation, the VCU Real Estate Foundation and
affiliated entities. The recommended firms are:
Architectural Services:
LKPW Architects - Richmond, Virginia
KOP Architects - Richmond, Virginia
NBJ Architecture - Richmond, Virginia
Hopke & Associates - Williamsburg, Virginia
Full Service Architectural/Engineering Services:
CEGG Associates - Virginia Beach, Virginia
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Engineering Services:
John T. Moore & Associates - Richmond, Virginia
Pace Collaborative - Virginia Beach, Virginia
Geotechnical, Environmental, Civil, Surveying, GIS Services:
Draper Aden - Richmond, Virginia
Structural Engineering Services:
Dunbar, Milby, William, Pittman & Vaughan - Richmond, Virginia
Landscape Architecture Services:
Higgins & Gerstenmaier- Richmond, Virginia
Campus Master Planning Services:
BCWH Inc. - Richmond, Virginia
9
The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval
of the term contracts with the firms listed above for a period of one year, with an option for a
one-year extension. Under provisions of the State Construction and Professional Services
Manual, each firm is limited to $100,000 per project with an annual total of $300,000 per firm.
The Alley Property Exchange - Academic Campus Parking Deck IV was presented. To
construct the new parking deck at Cary/Harrison/Parkwood Streets, the University must obtain
permission from the City of Richmond to close a portion of an existing alley and three smaller
alley sections totaling about 5,550 SF. Alley access will be maintained to serve the residential
properties to the west of the deck by the creation of a new alley entry from Parkwood Avenue.
The new alley, totaling about 3,030 SF, will be deeded to the City of Richmond for the common
good. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the
approval of the Alley Property Exchange for the Academic Campus Parking Deck IV.
The Project Plans for the Academic Campus Parking Deck IV were presented. The
project will construct a four-level, 240,000 GSF parking deck for 730 vehicles. The deck will be
located on the Academic Campus at the southwest corner of the intersection of Cary and
Harrison Streets. There will be 3,000 GSF of storage space and 1,000 GSF of office space
serving the Department of Parking and Transportation. The parking deck design will be
compatible with architecture in the neighboring community and shall be compatible with the
University campus context. The construction budget is $8,840,398, with a total budget of
$ 11,035,000. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board
the approval of the Project Plans for the Academic Campus Parking Deck IV.
The Project Plans for the Cary Street Field Replacement were presented. The existing
Cary Street Field has deteriorated to the point where the playing surface will no longer be safe t
use for athletic activities. The soil beneath the playing surface has settled and caused
depressions in the field. In addition, the synthetic turf-playing surface has reached the end of the
intended life. The University plans to restore the integrity of the subsoil and replace the
synthetic turf. The construction budget is $1,576,370, with a total budget of $1,831,254. The
Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the
project plans for the Cary Street Field Replacement.
The following items were presented for information:
Foundation Annual Reports
a. MCV Foundation
b. Intellectual Property Foundation
c. VCU Alumni Association
d. MCV Alumni Association of VCU
University Audited Financial Statements as of June 30, 2002
Budget Update
University Quarterly Budget Performance Report: December 31, 2002
Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Financial Statement
Summary Fiscal Year 2003 - Six Months Ending December 31, 2002
Project Plans
a. Franklin Street Gymnasium - Mechanical System Improvements
b. Bocock House Life/Fire Safety Improvements
Notification of Contract Award
a. Central Dining Facility
b. Massey Cancer Center Addition
Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority Summary of Occupancy/
Lease Intent
Capital Projects Status Report
Dr. Long reported for the Student Affairs Committee. The following items were
presented for information: Recruitment Update, Report on Summer School, Student Commons
and Housing Construction Update, Housing Fall Occupancy Projection,"Colleges Offer Students
Privacy" (article on student housing).
On motion made and seconded, the following Consent Agenda Items were approved:
Board of Visitors
Minutes of a Meeting held November 14, 2002
11
Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held November 13, 2002
Proposal to Create a New Division of Trauma/Critical Care and Emergency
General Surgery within the Department of Surgery, School of Medicine
Proposal to Create a New Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation in the
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine
Proposal to Remove the Division of Neurosurgery from the Department of
Surgery and Create the Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine
Proposal to Create a Department of Special Education and Disability Policy
within the Division of Teacher Education, School of Education
Proposal to Create a Doctor of Philosophy Program in Epidemiology,
Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of
Medicine
Proposal to Create a Bachelor of Arts Degree in African American Studies
Proposal to Change the Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban Studies to a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban Studies and Geography
Audit Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held November 13, 2002
External Relations Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held November 13, 2002
Finance, Investment and Property Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held November 13, 2002
Resolution: Ratifying the Third Amendment to the Cash Match Plan for
Employees of VCU
Transfer of the School of Allied Health Professions Quasi-endowments
Architect Engineer Selections - Term Contracts
Alley Property Exchange - Academic Campus Parking Deck IV
Project Plans for Academic Campus Parking Deck IV
Project Plans for Cary Street Field Replacement
Student Affairs Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held November 13, 2002
On motion made and seconded, the Consent Information Items were accepted.
Dr. Perkinson appointed the following members to serve on the Board Nominating
Committee for Rector: Messrs. Markel (Chair), Axselle and Pyon; and Mrs. Petera.
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, including the Faculty Appointments 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 evaluations including Audit Reports of
individually identified departments and/or schools; and to discuss legal matters and probable
12
litigation relating to the aforementioned Audit Reports; to discuss the 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 ownership 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 a Report of the General Counsel and a discussion on certain disciplinary matters and
issues; 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 the Student Affairs Committee as authorized by Section 2.2-3711
A(1), A(3), 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
Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr., RectorX
Mr. Ralph L. "Bill" Axselle, Jr. X
Mr. David G. Baldacci Absent
Dr. Edward H. Bersoff X
Dr. Stephen P. Long X
Mr. Steven A. Markel X
Ms. Laura R. McMichael X
13
Roll Call Vote Ayes Nays
Mrs. Anne P. Petera X
Mr. Monty W. Plymale X
Mr. Harold Y. Pyon X
Ms. E. Janet Riddick X
Mr. Robert E. Rigsby X
Dr. Michele A. Romano Absent
Mr. Thomas G. Rosenthal x
Mr. G. Bryan Slater X
Mr. Philip Thompson, Sr. X
Vote
Ayes: 14
Nays: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING 2
ABSENT DURING VOTING: 2
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 as amended;
concurred with the acquisition of Property Adjacent to the Academic Campus; approved the
recommendation of the Student Affairs Committee for the Board of Visitors Award Selection;
accepted the closed session committee reports; -and accepted the report of the General Counsel
The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
14
Robert E. Rigsby, Secretary
