[2005-05-20] Minutes of a regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University May 20, 2005.

              MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE 
               BOARD OF VISITORS OF 
         VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY 
                  May 20, 2005

    A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University 

was held on Friday, May 20, 2005, at 9 a.m. in Richmond Salons 1 and 2 located in the 

University Student Commons at 907 Floyd Avenue.

    Present were Drs. Bersoff (Rector), Broaddus, Doswell, Romano and Shapiro; 

Messrs. Axselle, Baldacci, Jackson, Robertson, Rosenthal, Sherman, Slater and Snead; 

and Mesdames Rhodes and Riddick. Mr. Thompson was absent. Also present were Drs. 

Trani, Andrews, Brodd, Gottfredson, Huff, Lewis, Macrina, Ream, Retchin, Rhone, and 

Self; Messrs. Bunce, Jez, Messplay, Ohlinger, Ross, Smith, Timmreck, and Wyeth; and 

Mesdames Atkinson, Balmer, Lepley and Messmer.

    Dr. Bersoff called the meeting to order and welcomed members of the press. The 

Report of the President was presented:

    Ms. Riddick and Mr. Slater, who have served on the Board for the past four years, 
were thanked for the service given to VCU. Guarav Agarwal was recognized for the 

service given as the student representative to the Board during the past year.

    It was announced that Mr. Paul Timmreck, Senior Vice President for Finance and 

Administration, plans to retire from VCU in the summer of 2006. Mr. Timmreck has 

served as VCU's chief finance and administrative officer since joining VCU in 1996.

Mr. Timmreck's office provides management and oversight of the operating functions of 

the University, including the budget, facilities, human resources, police and security and

administrative information technology.
   An Enrollment Update was presented. As of May 19, 2005, VCU has received 
11,500 freshman applications, 1,900 more than 2004. The increase includes 450 more in- 
state applications and almost 1,500 more out-of-state applications. Based on the current 
number of offers accepted by freshman applicants, VCU will enroll approximately 3,500 
first-time freshmen, making the enrollment the largest freshman class in VCU's history. 
Based on SAT scores and high school GPAs, the quality of the freshman application pool 
and the admitted applicants is higher. VCU expects to enroll more than 1,800 incoming 
undergraduate transfer students.
   The 2005-06 Budget was presented. Revenues from base adequacy, tuition and 
fees, and indirect costs from sponsored programs are enabling significant investments in 
instruction, research, and support services. Compensation increases are provided for 
VCU faculty and staff. Instructional faculty salaries will increase an average of 4.5%; 
administrative and professional faculty, graduate students and part-time faculty salaries 
will increase an average of 4%; and classified staff will increase by 3%, plus a longevity
adjustment for employees with at least five years of service - $50 for each full year of 
service. Additional financial support is provided for students, with an emphasis on need- 
based aid and support for doctoral students. On motion made and seconded, the Board 
approved the 2005-06 Budget.
   The 2006-2012 Six-Year Capital Plan was presented. As part of the 
Commonwealth's biennial budget process, the University prepares a six-year projection 
of capital outlay needs. The Governor evaluates the University's projected capital outlay 
needs and incorporates the needs into the Executive Budget for consideration by the 2006 
General Assembly. The presentation included an overview of the projects included in the

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entire six-year plan and highlighted the projects included in the first biennium (2006-08)
of the plan. Based on state agency review of the 2006-08 projects, more detailed 
information will be submitted to the Commonwealth later in the summer. The plan 
follows state guidance on requesting equipment funds for projects approved in the 
General Obligation Bond referendum and the 21st Century Bond Program. On motion 
made and seconded, the Board approved the 2006-2012 Six-Year Capital Plan as 
presented.
    Mr. Rosenthal reported for the Academic and Health Affairs Committee. A 
proposal to establish a Department of African American Studies was presented. The 
College of Humanities and Sciences requests a change in the organizational structure so 
the African American Studies Program becomes the Department of African American 
Studies. VCU received SCHEV approval for an undergraduate B.A. in African American 
Studies in academic year 2002-03. The first two B.A. degrees in African American 
Studies were awarded at the May 2004 graduation. A third degree was awarded during 
the summer of 2004. Departmental status will bring greater recognition and increase 
student interest. As students learn that a student can major in or hold a dual major with 
African American Studies, the College anticipates a steady increase in the number of 
majors in the discipline. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee 
recommended to the full Board the approval of the proposal to establish a Department of 
African American Studies.
    A proposal to establish a Department of Forensic Science was presented. The 
College received SCHEV approval for a new undergraduate B.S. in Forensic Science 
degree program in academic year 2001-02. In 2003-04, VCU received SCHEV approval

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to "spin-off' the forensic science track with the M.S. degree program in Criminal Justice
to a M.S. degree program in Forensic Science. Currently there are 485 undergraduate 
majors and 26 graduate students. The graduate program is lab intensive and very 
selective, admitting only 12 students per academic year. Nine graduate students and 19 
undergraduate students graduated in May 2004. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy 
Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the proposal to establish a 
Department of Forensic Science.
    A proposal to create a Post-baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate in Health 
Sciences was presented. The certificate program is designed to provide students that 
have earned a baccalaureate degree an opportunity to build the credentials necessary to 
enter graduate professional programs in the health sciences. The proposal was 
formulated because a "certificate" is a standard of practice for degree holders pursuing 
admission into health science programs at competing institutions. The creation of a 
certificate program also provides a structure for the resources that VCU currently 
provides to adult students preparing for careers in the health professions. The Academic 
and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the 
proposal to create a Post-baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate in Health Sciences.
    A proposal to create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Gender Violence 
Intervention was presented. The proposed Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate 
program in Gender Violence Intervention is designed to enable current practitioners in 
community agencies to acquire additional knowledge and skills in sexual and domestic 
violence intervention, prevention and service management/administration without 
necessarily pursuing a graduate degree, and provide marketable job/career skills specific

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in the area for graduate degree-seeking students in sociology or other graduate programs. 
Because the proposed certificate program involves a limited number of credit hours and 
includes courses that overlap with the required or identified courses as electives in other
programs, the certificate may be pursued simultaneously with such programs as 
sociology, social work, criminal justice, public administration, social policy and urban 
services. At the same time, individuals seeking more limited, specialized training may 
pursue the certificate independently. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy 
Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the proposal to create a Post- 
baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Gender Violence Intervention.
    A proposal to create a Strategic Public Relations Track in the M.S. in Mass 
Communications was presented. The proposed track is intended for practicing public 
relations professionals to develop the knowledge and skills to function at the highest 
levels of management and apply sophisticated strategic thinking to accomplish 
organizational objectives. Patterned as an executive program for professionals that have 
at least two years of relevant experience and an academic background in public relations, 
the 30-credit program of study is taught to a cohort group of students during intensive 
weekend sessions over an 11-month period. The first cohort of students will enter in 
summer 2006. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the 
full Board the approval of the proposal to create a Strategic Public Relations Track in the
M.S. in Mass Communications.
    A proposal to create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Historic 
Preservation Planning was presented. The proposal will provide specialized training in 
the techniques and processes of historic preservation and planning. The 18-credit

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program includes graduate courses in historic preservation, architectural history, 
preservation analysis and methods, building reuse, and the rules of the public and private
sectors in implementing proposals. The program meshes nine credits of existing urban 
planning courses and nine credits of existing architectural history courses into a new 
professional program. The Urban and Regional Planning program and the Department of 
Art History offer the required courses for the certificate. The Academic and Health 
Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the proposal to 
create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation Planning.
   A proposal to create a Ph.D. Degree Program in Media, Art and Text was 
presented. The Department of English, the School of the Arts, and the School of Mass 
Communications request approval to create an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Media, Art, and 
Text. Building on nationally recognized strengths in the participating units, the proposed
Ph.D. will offer an advanced interdisciplinary degree designed to answer the need for 
innovative, non-traditional programs in the arts and humanities, while meeting the 
practical, intellectual, and theoretical challenges posed by today's multimedia 
environment. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the 
full Board the approval of the proposal to create a Ph.D. Degree Program in Media, Art 
and Text.
   A proposal to change the Photography Track in the M.F.A. in Design to the 
Photography Track in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts was presented. The masters-level 
program in photography and film is a track in the Master of Fine Arts degree program in 
Design. The degree designation was established when photography was part of the 
Department of Communication Arts and Design. A separate department in Photography

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and Film was established several years ago, but the photography and film program 
retained the M.F.A. in Design degree designation. The word "Design" for the degree 
causes recruitment and retention problems because "Design" inaccurately describes the 
program. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full 
Board the approval of the proposal to change the Photography Track in the M.F.A. in 
Design to the Photography Track in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts.
    A proposal to create a Bachelor of Science - Masters of Environmental Studies 
Program was presented. The proposal will enhance VCU's academic offerings by 
providing advanced undergraduates the opportunity to obtain the professional M. Envs. 
Degree in an accelerated time frame. The degree reflects the need within the 
environmental community for highly trained environmental professionals that may not 
need extensive research-oriented training. The degree will also provide an efficient 
method for students considering further education to prepare for the possibility by 
concentrating upon research-oriented electives. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy 
Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the proposal to create a 
Bachelor of Science - Masters of Environmental Studies Program.
    A proposal to create an M.S. in Information Systems Fast-track was presented. 
The new track will operate in parallel with the Fast-Track M.B.A. program in as many 
ways as possible, including modularized sessions, administration, scheduling, tuition, and
budget. The new track requires foundation preparation in core business topics and 
information technology topics. Students lacking sufficient preparation will be required to
attend one or more training sessions to remove any deficiencies. The new track requires 
ten courses (30 credit hours) that cover what is normally required in a master's degree

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     program in information systems, as promoted by various professional and accrediting 
     organizations. Courses in the program are new and roughly match courses taught in the 
     regular M.S. in Information Systems program. Relative to the existing M.S. in 
     Information Systems program, there will be more emphasis throughout on the managerial 
     aspects of information systems, rather than the technical aspects. The Academic and 
     Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the 
     proposal to create an M.S. in Information Systems Fast-track.
        A proposal to change the name of the Department of Chemical Engineering to the 
     Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering and change the B. S. Degree in 
     Chemical Engineering to the B.S. Degree in Chemical and Life Science Engineering was 
     presented. The proposed department and program name, "Chemical and Life Science 
     Engineering," more accurately reflects current and planned educational and research 
     components of the department. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee 
     recommended to the full Board the approval of the proposal to change the Name of the 
     Department of Chemical Engineering to the Department of Chemical and Life Science 
     Engineering and change the B. S. Degree in Chemical Engineering to the B.S. Degree in 
     Chemical and Life Science Engineering.
        A proposal for a Dual Degree Program: M.P.H. - M.S. Degree in Nursing 
     (Community Health Nursing) was presented. The program is designed to prepare 
     students with skills, knowledge and competencies necessary to conduct needs assessment      of populations; perform program planning and evaluation; to understand the effects of 
     of populations; perform program planning and evaluation; to understand the effects of 
     contemporary issues and health policies on the public's health; and provide care and 
     services in order to prevent disease and promote and preserve the health of populations.
.
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The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the 
approval of the proposal for a Dual Degree Program: M.P.H. - M.S. Degree in Nursing 
(Community Health Nursing).
   A proposal for a Dual Degree Program: M.H.A.-J.D. was presented. The purpose 
of the proposal is to add a new partner, Washington and Lee University School of Law, to 
the existing dual degree program between VCU and the University of Richmond. The 
expanded program will lead to an award of both the Master of Health Administration 
(M.H.A.) degree from VCU and the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Washington and Lee 
following the satisfactory completion of four and one-half years of study. Students in the
program will have the advantage of combining a three-year law degree plus a three-year 
M.H.A. degree into four and one-half years of study. The Academic and Health Affairs 
Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the proposal for a Dual 
Degree Program: Masters of Health Administration from VCU Juris Doctor from 
Washington and Lee.
   A proposal to establish new Departments in the School of Public Health: the 
Department of Behavioral Science and Health Promotion, the Department of 
Environmental and Occupational Health, and the Department of Public Health 
Management and Policy was presented. The purpose of the proposal is to request the 
establishment of three new academic departments as part of VCU's School of Public 
Health effective July 1, 2005. The proposal involves an organizational change permitting 
the addition of the three new departments. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy 
Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to Establish New 
Departments in the School of Public Health: the Department of Behavioral Science and

                      9
Health Promotion, the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and the 
Department of Public Health Management and Policy.
    A proposal for the Dual Degree Program: M.P.H. - Pharm.D. was presented. 
Virginia Commonwealth University has offered the Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) and 
the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees. In response to requests by practitioners and 
students, the School of Pharmacy and the School of Public Health, Department of 
Epidemiology and Community Health is proposing a dual degree program in Pharmacy 
and in Public Health (Pharm.D.- M.P.H.) with a focus in population and community- 
based practice. The program is designed to prepare pharmacists for careers that require 
expertise in both public health and advanced community pharmacy practices. Students 
enrolled in the dual degree program can earn both degrees in five years of full-time study.
The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the 
approval of the proposal for the Dual Degree Program: M.P.H. - Pharm.D.
    A proposal for a Dual Degree Program: M.S. in Genetic Counseling and Ph.D. in 
Human Genetics was presented. VCU has offered a Ph.D. in Human Genetics and 
Master of Science in Genetic Counseling for a number of years. The Ph.D. - Master of 
Science dual degree program is designed to prepare genetic counselors for careers that 
require strong clinical and counseling skills and the ability to carry out independent 
clinical research. The combined program will streamline the process for students 
interested in pursuing dual degrees. Students in the program will have the advantage of 
combining a two-year genetic counseling degree and a five-year Ph.D. degree into six 
years. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full


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Board the approval of the proposal for a Dual Degree Program: M.S. in Genetic 
Counseling and Ph.D. in Human Genetics.
    The following items were presented for information: renewal of Sole Source 
Contract: Educational Services from Inova Health Care Services; a report on the School 
of Social Work; Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Financial Statement 
Summary Fiscal Year 2005 - Eight Months Ending February 28, 2005; and a report of 
the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
    Dr. Doswell reported for the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee Charter 
and Meeting Planner - Annual Update was presented for information.
   Dr. Doswell reported for the External Relations Committee. The following items 
were presented for information: the Government Relations and Health Policy Report, the 
Marketing and Media Relations Report and the Advancement Division Reports.
    Mr. Slater reported for the Finance, Investment and Property Committee. The 
Architect Engineer Selection for the James W. Black Music Center Renovation was 
presented. The project will renovate selected areas of the existing building and demolish
the existing addition to allow construction of a new addition that will accommodate the 
Department of Music's instructional, rehearsal, and office needs. The construction 
budget is $2,600,000, with a total budget of $3,507,000. The recommended firm is 
Hanbury, Evans, Wright, Valattas + Company. The Finance, Investment and Property 
Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Architect Engineer 
Selection for the James W. Black Music Center Renovation.
    The Architect Engineer Selection for the Franklin Terrace Renovation was 
presented. The project will renovate the four-story, 30,700 GSF Franklin Terrace

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building into instructional, office, and studio space for the School of the Arts. The 
project will comprehensively renovate the inadequate mechanical and electrical systems, 
add toilet facilities to correct building code deficiencies, and provide interior architectural
renovations that enhance functionality. The construction budget is $2,595,021 with a 
total budget of $3,660,000. The firm recommended is Little Diversified Architectural 
Consulting. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full 
Board the approval of the Architect Engineer Selection for the Franklin Terrace 
Renovation.
    The Architect/Engineer Selection for the Monroe Park Campus Addition Parking 
Deck and Student Housing was presented. The project, located in the block bordered by 
Cary, Canal, Jefferson, and Belvidere Streets, will add an 800-car parking deck for 
students, faculty, and staff. The majority of the parking deck will be underground with 
student housing and retail space above the deck. The parking deck will be complete 
when the School of Engineering and School of Business open in fall 2007 and will 
ultimately serve the entire Monroe Park Campus Addition. The housing component will 
be completed one year later. The design will be compatible with architecture in the 
immediate vicinity and consistent with the VCU 2020 Master Site Plan. The construction 
budget for the parking deck is $11,617,000, with a total budget of $14,000,000. The 
construction budget for the housing component is $17,000,000, with a total budget of 
$20,713,000. The recommended firm is Baskervill. The Finance, Investment and 
Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the 
Architect/Engineer Selection for the Monroe Park Campus Addition Parking Deck and 
Student Housing.

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     The project plans and proposed change in the project budget for the 8th Street 
Parking Deck were presented. The project will add 1,000 spaces to the MCV Campus 
parking inventory to serve students, faculty, and staff. At six levels and 328,000 GSF, 
the new deck will help resolve the parking shortfall on the MCV Campus. The original 
construction budget is $11,233,000, with a total budget of $13,200,000. During the soil 
boring and testing phase, a deep ravine on what is now the 8th Street Deck site was 
discovered. Further investigation revealed that early in the 1900s, the site was filled with 
debris and unsuitable soil material, and the material will not support the weight of the 
deck as originally designed. The solution for building on the site is to install an extensive
caisson foundation system to offset the poor soils. The design change increases the total 
project budget to $17,900,000. On motion made and seconded, the Finance, Investment 
and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the addition of 1,000 parking 
spaces to the MCV Campus parking inventory and authorization for the University to 
take steps necessary to identify appropriate fund sources and to seek state approval to 
infuse $4.7 million into the project budget.
   Project plans for the Hibbs Building Renovation were presented. The Hibbs 
Building has been a workhorse academic and dining facility since construction in two 
phases in 1962 and 1968. In response to the building's antiquated state, two separate 
projects were planned to transform the Hibbs Building into an up-to-date and functional 
teaching facility. The first project included modernization of the classrooms. The second 
project improved major building systems and renovated space vacated by Dining 
Services when Dining Services moved into the new Shafer Court Dining Facility. The 
renovation combines the two projects for a comprehensive modernization of the Hibbs

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Building. The construction budget is $7,485,000, with a total budget of $10,622,000. 
The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the 
approval of the project plans for the Hibbs Building Renovation.
    Project plans for the Hunton Hall Renovation were presented. The MCV Campus 
student body has a need for better and more varied space to accommodate certain student 
services functions, including a learning resource center. The project will renovate 24,991
GSF of space in Hunton Hall for use as a student services and learning resource center in 
response to the needs articulated by the student representatives in meetings and surveys.
The project includes the replacement or upgrade of antiquated building systems; 
compliance with accessibility requirements and building codes; renovation of food 
services space; and creation of a student lounge, computer stations, research and study 
space, meeting and group study rooms, offices, and related support space. All students 
on the MCV Campus will be able to take advantage of the proposed renovation of 
Hunton Hall. The construction budget is $3,500,000, with a total budget of $5,000,000. 
The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the 
approval of the project plans for the Hunton Hall Renovation.
    Project plans for the School of Nursing were presented. The project is a new 
four-story, 70,000 GSF structure that will relocate the VCU School of Nursing from the 
current quarters in the Nursing Education Building on Broad Street, to a modern, state-of-
the-art teaching and research facility north of Leigh Street. The existing Nursing 
Education Building will be demolished to make way for Medical Sciences Building II in 
response to the University's growing research program. The construction budget is 
$12,600,000, with a total budget of $16,929,000. On motion made and seconded, the

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Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the 
approval of the Project Plans for the School of Nursing.
    Project plans for Sanger Hall Laboratory Renovations, Project 2: Building 
Systems Upgrade were presented. As the University continues to compete for National 
Institute of Health (NIH) research grants and construction renovation grants, the 
University must upgrade building systems to meet federal laboratory standards. The 
project upgrades the mechanical ventilation system in areas of Sanger Hall designated for 
future research laboratories. The construction budget is $1,700,000, with a total budget 
of $2,285,000. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the 
full Board the approval of the project plans for Sanger Hall Laboratory Renovations, 
Project 2: Building Systems Upgrade.
    The lease for 817 West Broad Street was presented. The lease is for 4,000 square 
feet of space to house VCU Student Media. VCU currently occupies space in the T. 
Edward Temple Building located at 901 West Main Street. Mass Communications and 
Chemistry require additional room for expansion. Student Media has been informed of 
the need to relocate. The proposed lease term is from June 1, 2005, to May 31, 2010, 
plus automatic one-year renewal options. The rental rate for the initial five-year term is
$244,220, plus $79,849 for expenses, with the first year of the term being $46,000. The 
rent will escalate three percent annually. The Finance, Investment and Property 
Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the lease for 817 West Broad 
Street.
    The lease for 1015 Floyd Avenue was presented. The lease is for a 925 square 
foot equipment shelter and antenna on the roof of 1015 Floyd Avenue to Nextel

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Communications of the Mid-Atlantic, Incorporated (Nextel). Nextel will erect, maintain, 
and operate a radio communications facility, including, without limitation, an air- 
conditioned equipment room in the building, utility and transmission lines, electronic 
equipment, radio transmitting and receiving antenna, and supporting equipment and 
structures. Nextel will lease the site from the owner for a five-year initial term, with five-
year renewals after the initial term of the lease. The rental rate is $125,000 for the initial
term of the lease. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the 
full Board the approval of the lease for 1015 Floyd Avenue.
    The Fiscal Requirements for the Schools of Business and Engineering were 
presented. These fiscal requirements address the amount of gifts and pledges necessary 
before issuing University debt for the property. The Finance, Investment and Property 
Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Fiscal Requirements for 
the Schools of Business and Engineering.
    The following items were presented for information: Virginia Commonwealth 
University Health System Financial Statement Summary Fiscal Year 2005 - Eight 
Months Ending February 28, 2005; University Quarterly Budget Performance Report: 
March 31, 2005; the Annual Report: VCU Cash Management Operating Pool; the 
Architect Engineer Selection for VCU Police Renovations - Grace Street; the 
Notification of Contract Award for West Hospital Improvements - Nurse Anesthesia 
Renovations; the Project Plans for Sanger Hall Emergency Power Distribution; and the 
Capital Projects Status Report.
    Ms. Riddick reported for the Student Affairs Committee. The Student 
Representation to the Board of Visitors was presented. Three options for student

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representation were considered. The committee suggested the current system of student 
representation to the Board (Option 2), except changing the source of student 
representation, and providing that the selection committee be appointed by the Vice 
Provost for Student Affairs. The President will recommend one graduate/professional 
student and one undergraduate student to serve as either the student representative or the 
alternate from lists submitted by a selection committee that would include representation 
from the student governments on each campus of the University. The student 
representative and the alternate student representative to the Board of Visitors will be 
appointed for a one-year term effective July 1 of each year. The student representative 
and the alternate student representative will be nonvoting representative(s) and will not 
be allowed to attend closed sessions of the Board; and the student representative and the 
alternate student representative to the Board of Visitors will serve as nonvoting 
representatives to the Student Affairs Committee of the Board. The student 
representative and the alternate student representative will not serve as a representative to
any other Board Committee. The alternate student representative will not have official 
status, but will be invited to attend full Board meetings and the Student Affairs 
committee meetings with voice but no vote. The Student Affairs Committee 
recommended to the full Board the approval of the Student Representation to the Board 
of Visitors as presented. An overview of Student Affairs and Student Campus Activities 
and an Enrollment Report were presented for information.
    The policy Authorizing Certain University Officers and Employees to Execute 
Contracts and Other Documents - Revisions was presented. On motion made and


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seconded, the policy Authorizing Certain University Officers and Employees to Execute 

Contracts and Other Documents was approved as amended.

    Mr. Axselle reported for the Nominating Committee for Rector. Members of the 

committee are Mr. Axselle, Chair, Dr. Romano, Mrs. Rhodes and Mr. Slater. The 

committee recommended Dr. Edward H. Bersoff be re-elected as Rector of the Board 

effective July 1, 2005. On motion made and seconded, the Board approved the 
recommendation of the Nominating Committee for Rector.

    Dr. Bersoff appointed the following members of the Board to serve on the 

Nominating Committee for Officers and Executive Committee: Dr. Bersoff, Chair, Drs. 

Doswell and Romano, and Mr. Jackson.

    Dr. Bersoff appointed the following members of the Board of Visitors to serve on 
the VCU Health System Board of Directors: Dr. Bersoff to succeed himself for a three- 

year term effective July 1, 2005 and Dr. Doswell to succeed himself for a three-year term

effective July 1, 2005.

    Dr. Trani recommended Judith Lewis be reappointed as the non-voting Faculty 

Representative to the Board of Visitors effective July 1, 2005, and Kathryn Murphy-Judy 
be appointed as the alternate non-voting Faculty Representative to the Board of Visitors 

effective July 1, 2005.

    On motion made and seconded, the Board approved the following Consent 

Agenda Action Items as amended.

Board of Visitors
  Minutes of a Meeting held February 24, 2005 
  Minutes of a Retreat held April 14, 2005 
  Minutes of a Retreat held April 15, 2005 
  Resolution Regarding Faculty Salaries
  Proposed Dental Faculty Practice Earnings Increase 2005-06


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Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee
  Minutes of a Meeting held February 23, 2005
  Proposal to Establish a Department of African American Studies 
  Proposal to Establish a Department of Forensic Science
  Proposal to Create a Post-baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate in Health
    Sciences
  Proposal to Create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Gender 
    Violence Intervention
  Proposal to Create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Geographic 
    Information Systems
  Proposal to Create a Strategic Public Relations Track in the M.S. in Mass 
    Communications
  Proposal to Create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Historic 
    Preservation Planning
  Proposal to Create a Ph.D. Degree Program in Media, Art and Text 
  Proposal to Change the Photography Track in the M.F.A. in Design to the 
    Photography Track in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts
  Proposal to Create a B.S. M.Envs. Degree (Masters in Environmental 
    Studies)
  Proposal to Create an M.S. in Information Systems Fast-track
  Proposal to Change the Name of the Department of Chemical Engineering to 
    the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering and Change 
    the B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering to the B.S. Degree in Chemical 
    and Life Science Engineering
  Proposal for a Dual Degree Program: M.P.H. - M.S. Degree in Nursing 
    (Community Health Nursing)
  Proposal for a Dual Degree Program: MHA - JD (Washington and Lee 
    University)
  Proposal to Establish New Departments in the School of Public Health: the 
    Department of Behavioral Science and Health Promotion, the 
    Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and the 
    Department of Public Health Management and Policy
  Proposal for a Dual Degree Program: M.P.H. - Pharm.D.
  Proposal for a Dual Degree Program: M.S. in Genetic Counseling and Ph.D. 
    in Human Genetics
Audit Committee
  Minutes of a Meeting held February 24, 2005
Executive Committee
  Minutes of a Meeting held April 22, 2005
  Minutes of a Meeting held April 25, 2005
External Relations
  Minutes of a Meeting held February 23, 2005
  Minute of a Meeting held February 24, 2005






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Finance, Investment and Property Committee 

  Minutes of a Meeting held February 23, 2005

  Architect Engineer Selection for the James W. Black Music Center

    Renovations

  Architect Engineer Selection for the Franklin Terrace Renovations

  Architect Engineer Selection for the Monroe Park Campus Addition

    Parking Deck and Student Housing 



  Project Plans for the Hibbs Building Renovations 
  Project Plans for the 8th Street Parking Deck 
  Project Plans for the Hunton Hall Renovations 

  Project Plans for the School of Nursing

  Project Plans for Sanger Hall Laboratory Renovations - Project 2:

    Building Systems Upgrade

  Lease for 817 West Broad Street

  Lease for 1015 Floyd Avenue

  Fiscal Requirements for Schools of Business and Engineering

Student Affairs Committee

  Minutes of a Meeting held February 23, 2005 

  Student Representation to the Board of Visitors



    On motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the Consent Agenda 



Information items.



   On motion made and seconded, the Board convened into closed session to discuss 



certain personnel matters and matters relating to the appointment, promotion, 



performance and salaries of identifiable employees and faculty of VCU, including the 



Faculty Appointments and Changes in Status and other Personnel Actions, Promotion and 



Tenure Recommendations, the VCU Clinical Faculty Salaries for the School of Medicine 



for 2005-2006; and to discuss the evaluation of performance of departments or schools of 



VCU where such evaluations necessarily involve discussion of the performance of 



specific individuals, including Audit Reports of individually identified departments 



and/or schools; and to consult with legal counsel and receive briefings from staff 



members regarding certain legal matters and actual or probable litigation relating to the



aforementioned Audit Reports, where such consultation or briefings in open session









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would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating position of VCU; to discuss the 

acquisition or use of real property for public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly 

held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the 

bargaining position or negotiating strategy of VCU, including the acquisition of property 

on or adjacent to the Monroe Park Campus Addition; 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 meeting 

would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of VCU; to discuss matters 

relating to gifts, bequests, and fund-raising activities, including consideration of the 

Named Funds Report and Facility Naming Recommendations, and an update on the 

development activities as authorized by Section 2.2-3711 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

Dr. Edward H. Bersoff, Rector    X
Mr. Ralph L. "Bill" Axselle, Jr. X
Mr. David G. Baldacci            X
Dr. J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr.      X
Dr. John C. Doswell II           X
Mr. Brian K. Jackson             X
Mrs. Anne J. G. "Panny" Rhodes   X
Ms. E. Janet Riddick             X
Mr. Richard T. Robertson         X
Dr. Michele A. Romano            X


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Roll Call Vote                Ayes           Nays

Mr. Thomas G. Rosenthal       X
Dr. Carol S. Shapiro          X
Mr. John Sherman, Jr.         X
Mr. G. Bryan Slater           X
Mr. Thomas G. Snead, Jr.      X
Mr. Philip Thompson, Sr.      Absent

Vote:

Ayes: 15 
Nays: 0

ABSENT DURING MEETING: 1
ABSENT DURING VOTING:  1

  On motion made and seconded, the Board approved the Faculty Appointments and 

Changes in Status and other Personnel Actions as amended; accepted the Report of the

President; approved the Named Funds Report and Facility Naming Recommendations; 

approved the Promotion and Tenure Recommendations; approved the VCU Clinical

Faculty Salaries for the School of Medicine 2005-06; approved the Acquisition of 

Property Adjacent to the Monroe Park Campus Addition; accepted the Closed Session 

Committee Reports; accepted the Report of the General Counsel; and approved the 

extension of the President Trani's contract through June 30, 2010.

  The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.















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