MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF VISITORS OF
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
February 12, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University was held on Thursday, February 12, 2004, at 9 a.m. in the University
Meeting Center located at 101 North Harrison Street.
Present were Drs. Perkinson (Rector), Bersoff, Doswell and Shapiro;
Messrs. Baldacci, Pyon, Rigsby, Robertson, Rosenthal, Slater and Thompson;
and Mesdames Petera, Rhodes and Riddick. Dr. Romano and Mr. Axselle were
absent. Also present were Drs. Trani, Andrews, Brodd, Huff, Lewis, McDavis,
Retchin, Rhone, Self and Torr; Messrs. Bunce, Gehring, Ross, Timmreck and
Wyeth; and Mesdames Atkinson, Balmer, Chinnici, Lepley, and Messmer.
Dr. Perkinson called the meeting to order and introduced the members of
the press.
The President's Report followed:
An update on the 2004-06 budget was presented. The operating budget
request for VCU was sent to the Administration on October 27, 2003 and the
Governor submitted the budget to the General Assembly with the following
objectives for higher education: Fund enrollment and degree completion; keep
college affordable; put institutions on path to funding guidelines; expand research
capacity; and implement policy-driven fund split. Tuition and fee rates for 2004-
05 will be submitted to the Board in April, 2004, for approval along with a
preliminary review of the budget.
The Presidential Priorities, the VCU Facts and the VCU Impact cards were
distributed to the Board.
On February 26, 2004, Tom Curley, the President and CEO of the
Associated Press, will be on campus presenting a lecture entitled, "War and the
White House." The Board is invited to the lecture as well as a luncheon following
the lecture.
Ms. Shirely Verrett, Metropolitan Opera star, will be on campus on
February 28, 2004, to participate in a Voice Master Class at the W. E. Singleton
Center for Performing Arts. Ms. Verrett will be presented an Honorary Degree at
that time.
Mrs. Petera reported for the Academic and Health Affairs Committee. A
Proposal to Create a Master of Environmental Studies Degree was presented.
The Master of Environmental Studies (M.Envs.) is proposed as an additional
degree option to the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees that
SCHEV has approved. The M.Envs. is a professional (non-thesis) master's
degree that replaces the thesis with additional coursework, a directed research
experience, and a comprehensive examination. The Academic and Health
Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the
proposal to create a Master of Environmental Studies Degree.
A Proposal to Change the M.Ed. in Education Administration and
Supervision to the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership was presented. The new
name is in keeping with a trend in the field to emphasize the preparation of
educational leaders rather than preparation of individuals for specific positions
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Leadership is now viewed as diffused throughout school organizations rather
than being confined to a few upper and middle level administrators. The name
change is consistent with changes that have already been made in course
content. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to
the full Board the approval of a proposal to change the M.Ed. in Education
Administration and Supervision to the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.
A Proposal to Change the Post-Masters Certificate for Principals and
Supervisors to the Post-Masters Certificate in Educational Leadership was
presented. With an increasing emphasis on accountability in the schools,
leadership is no longer viewed as the sole province of the principal or supervisor.
Teachers and others share leadership responsibilities, and the programs offered
by the Department of Educational Leadership attract individuals seeking to
improve leadership ability but do not aspire to become a principal or supervisor.
The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full
Board the approval of the proposal to change the Post-Masters Certificate for
Principals and Supervisors to the Post-Masters Certificate in Educational
Leadership.
A Proposal to Create a Ph.D. Program in Rehabilitation and Movement
Sciences was presented. The intent of the proposed Ph.D. program is to prepare
scholars that will provide leadership in teaching and research endeavors in
physical rehabilitation and movement science and a central focus on health,
preventive medicine, and effective physical rehabilitation strategies for improved
quality of life. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended
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to the full Board the approval of the proposal to create a Ph.D. Program in
Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences.
A Proposal to Discontinue the M.S. Program in Physical Therapy was
presented. The deletion of the program will not result in the deletion of courses.
Changes in some of the courses formerly required as part of the M.S. program
are proposed as required or elective courses in the proposed interdisciplinary
Ph.D. in Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences, a joint proposal of the Schools
of Allied Health Professions, Education, and Medicine. Some existing courses
also serve as elective courses within the tracks for physical therapists in the
Ph.D. programs in Anatomy and Physiology. The Academic and Health Affairs
Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the proposal to
discontinue the M.S. Program in Physical Therapy.
A Proposal to Create a B.S. Program in Anthropology was presented. The
undergraduate degree program exposes students to the full range of ideas and
methods within anthropology. The degree also includes many opportunities
(internships, honors research, experiential learning courses) in which students
may delve deeply into individual areas of greatest interest. The faculty works
closely with students to ensure that each individual is supported in exploring
individual intellectual passions. The anthropology program has developed
rapidly in recent years, blossoming with the inclusion in the School of World
Studies. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to
the full Board the approval of the proposal to create a B.S. Program in
Anthropology.
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A Proposal to Rename the B.S. in Sociology and Anthropology to the
B. S. in Sociology was presented. For over 30 years, Virginia Commonwealth
University has offered a single Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and
anthropology. The 2003 reorganization of several units in the College of
Humanities and Sciences resulted in disbanding the Department of Sociology
and Anthropology. The anthropology faculty joined the newly created School of
World Studies and the remaining sociology faculty members are now in the new
Department of Sociology. As a result of the reorganization, the College chose to
have separate degrees in Sociology and Anthropology. The sociology faculty
has revised the requirements for the undergraduate degree in sociology. The
University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee approved the program name
change in January 2004. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee
recommended to the full Board the approval of the proposal to rename the B.S.
in Sociology and Anthropology to the B.S. in Sociology.
The following items were presented for information: School of Public
Health Progress Report; Instructional Technology; the 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; Faculty Profile; the VCU Health System Authority Financial Statements
Fiscal Year 2004-Five Months Ending November 30, 2003; and a report of the
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
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Mr. Rigsby reported for the Audit Committee. The Auditor of Public
Accounts: Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2003, and the State Audit
Report - Management's Action Plans were presented for information.
Mrs. Rhodes reported for the External Relations Committee. The Vice
President for External Relations informed the Committee that the Division for
University Outreach is now the Division of External Relations and the
Government Relations Division is now Government Relations and Health Policy.
The changes were implemented to coincide with the title changes for the Vice
President for External Relations and the Vice President for Government
Relations and Health Policy. The Marketing and Media Relations, and the
Advancement Division Reports were presented for information
Mr. Slater reported for the Finance, Investment and Property Committee.
A Request for Proposals for Academic Campus Housekeeping Contract was
presented. Facilities Management is seeking approval to solicit a Request for
Proposals (RFP) from qualified contractors for full housekeeping services in 73
buildings on the Academic Campus with a total area of approximately 1,911,800
square feet. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to
the full Board the approval of the Request for Proposals for the Academic
Campus Housekeeping Contract.
An Amendment to the 2004-2010 Six-Year Capital Plan was presented.
The University proposes to renovate Hunton Hall to become the Student
Commons for the MCV Campus. Having served VCU in a variety of capacities in
the past, the building will undergo a comprehensive renovation to create studen
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activity, individual and group study, and food service space. The landscape
surrounding the building will also be enhanced to create a more inviting and
attractive environment. The estimated cost of improvements is $5 million. The
project will be financed through the issuance of revenue bonds that will be retired
with University Fee revenue. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee
recommended to the full Board the approval of the amendment to the 2004-2010
Six-Year Capital Plan.
A Utility Easement for the Shafer Court Dining Center was presented.
New underground electric utility lines and a new transformer will be installed on
the Shafer Court Dining Center site located at 810 Cathedral Place. The lines
and the transformer will service the Franklin Street Gymnasium, Shafer Court
Dining Center, and Johnson Hall. The location of the current transformer, inside
Johnson Hall, makes accessing the transformer difficult. The transformer will be
larger and located outside. Dominion Virginia Power will own the underground
electrical lines and transformer which requires an easement so that Dominion
Virginia Power has access for maintenance and repair purposes. The Finance,
Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval
of the Utility Easement for the Shafer Court Dining Center.
The following items were presented for information:
Update on 2004-06 Budget
University Quarterly Budget Performance Report:
December 31, 2003
University Audited Financial Statements as of June 30, 2003;
Foundation Annual Reports
a. MCV Foundation
b. VCU Intellectual Property Foundation
c. VCU Alumni Association
d. MCV Alumni Association of VCU
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Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Financial Statement
Summary Fiscal Year 2004 - Five Months Ending
November 30, 2003
Notification of Contract Awards
a. Sanger Hall Lab Renovations: Phase I, Project I
b. Franklin Street Gym HVAC System
Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority Summary of
Occupancy/Lease Intent
Administrative Systems Replacement Project
VCU Police Department Presentation
Capital Projects Status Report
Mr. Pyon reported for the Student Affairs Committee. The following items
were presented for information: Revised VCU Rules and Procedures; an Update
on Admissions Activities; Marketing the University; and Student Health
Insurance.
On motion made and seconded, the following Consent Agenda Items were
approved:
Board of Visitors
Minutes of a Meeting held November 13, 2003
Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held November 12, 2003
Proposal to Create a Master of Environmental Studies Degree
Proposal to Change the M.Ed. in Education Administration and
Supervision to the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Proposal to Change the Post-Masters Certificate for Principals and
Supervisors to the Post-Masters Certificate in Educational Leadership
Proposal to Create a Ph.D. Program in Rehabilitation and Movement
Sciences
Proposal to Discontinue the M.S. Program in Physical Therapy
Proposal to Create a B.S. Program in Anthropology
Proposal to Rename the B.S. in Sociology and Anthropology to the
B.S. in Sociology
Audit Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held November 13, 2003
External Relations
Minutes of a Meeting held November 12, 2003
Finance, Investment and Property Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held November 12, 2003
Request for Proposals - Academic Campus Housekeeping Contract
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Amendment to the 2004-2010 Six-Year Capital Plan
Utility Easement for Shafer Court Dining Center
Student Affairs Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held November 12, 2003
On motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the Consent Agenda
Information items.
The Rector appointed the following members of the Board to serve on the
Board Nominating Committee for Rector: Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Chair, Dr.
John C. Doswell, Mrs. Anne P. Petera, Ms. E. Janet Riddick, Mr. Robert E.
Rigsby and Dr. Michele A. Romano.
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 litigation relating to the aforementioned Audit Reports; and to
consult with legal counsel pertaining to actual and probable litigation, and other
specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice or counsel, where
such consultation or briefing in open session would adversely affect the
negotiating or litigating posture of VCU, including a 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
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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(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., Rector X
Mr. Ralph L. "Bill" Axselle, Jr. Absent
Mr. David G. Baldacci X
Dr. Edward H. Bersoff X
Dr. John C. Doswell II X
Mrs. Anne P. Petera X
Mr. Harold Y. Pyon X
Mrs. Anne J. G. "Panny" Rhodes X
Ms. E. Janet Riddick X
Mr. Robert E. Rigsby X
Mr. Richard T. Robertson X
Dr. Michele A. Romano Absent
Mr. Thomas G. Rosenthal X
Dr. Carol S. Shapiro X
Mr. G. Bryan Slater X
Mr. Philip Thompson, Sr. X
Vote:
Ayes: 14
Nays: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING: 2
ABSENT DURING VOTING: 2
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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; approved the Named Funds Report and Facility Naming
Recommendations; approved the recommendation for the Board of Visitors
Award Selection; accepted Closed Session Committee Reports; and accepted
the Report of the General Counsel.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr., D.D.S., Rector
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