MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE BOARD OF VISITORS OF
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
November 16, 2006
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University
was held on Thursday, November 16, 2006, at 9 a.m. in the Richmond Salons located in
the University Student Commons at 907 Floyd Avenue.
Present were Drs.. Bersoff, Doswell, Romano and Shapiro; Messrs. Axselle,
Baldacci, Broaddus, Hurtado, Jackson, Robertson, Rosenthal, Sherman, Siegel and
Snead; and Mesdames Lambert and Rhodes. Also present were Drs. Tram, Gottfredson,
Gehring, Ohlinger, Ross and Wyeth: and Mesdames Balmer, Chinnici, Lepley and
Huff, Kirkpatrick, Macrina, Retchin, Rhone and Toscana; Messrs. Bennett, Bunce,
Messmer. Philip Yeager, student representative to the Board, and Ashley Bacon-Ward,
alternate student representative to the Board, were also present.
Dr. Bersoff called the meeting to order. Dr. Bersoff presented an overview of a
trip to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Durban, South Africa on November
5-11, 2006. Dr. Bersoff accompanied Dr. Peter Kirkpatrick. Executive Director, Office
of international Education. The trip was primarily for meetings with faculty and staff to
discuss possibilities for future collaborations between UKZN and VCU. An agreement
was signed making UKZN officially one of VCU's international Partnership Universities.
A delegation from South Africa is expected to visit \'CU in March 2007.
The President's report followed. An Enrollment Update was presented for
information. The presentation included a comparison of Student Enrollment from Fall
1996 to Fall 2006; an overview of first time freshman admissions and student
demographics for Fall 2006 Census II. A report on VCU and International Partnerships
and the Higher Education Restructuring Act of 2005 were also presented for information.
Mr. Rosenthal reported for the Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee.
The Committee met with members of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee. Faculty
members present were: Drs. Simons, Pitts, Canfield, Brookman, and Lewis; and Ms.
Donnell. The discussion included a concern for inadequacy of classroom teaching space
and an interest in hiring more tenure track faculty versus part-time, collateral and adjunct
faculty.
The Proposal to Establish an Employee-Student Consensual Relationship Policy
was presented. VCU is committed to maintaining learning and work environments as
free as possible from conflict of interest, exploitation and favoritism. Therefore,
employees, whether faculty or staff, shall not engage in consensual relations with
students whenever the employee has a "position of authority" with respect to the student
in such matters as teaching or in otherwise evaluating, supervising, or advising a student
as part of a school program or employment situation. The Academic and Health Affairs
Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to
Establish an Employee-Student Consensual Relationship Policy, as amended.
The Proposal to Change the Name of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and
Health Promotion to the Department of Social and Behavioral Health was presented. The
name change is requested to provide the department with a name that will reflect the
department's research direction and reflect a broader scope than just health promotion.
The department's mission will he to understand the fundamental social, psychological
and cultural processes that contribute to the health of populations and individuals. As a
research-driven department, faculty will be recruited who have theoretical training in the
social and behavioral sciences and whose research interests span the spectrum of health
care from primary prevention to end-of-life care. The goal is to build a premiere
department that provides outstanding graduate education opportunities and works across
the University with multiple disciplines to conduct research that can make a difference to
the health of people in Virginia and across the nation. 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 Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion to the
Department of Social and Behavioral Health.
A Proposal to Rename the Department of Biochemistry to the Department of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology was presented. The name change is requested to
reflect the current focus of the department and is more reflective of the future direction of
departmental research and instruction. The change will enhance the recruitment of
graduate students desiring training in molecular biology, and will facilitate the
recruitment of top faculty members to a modem broad-based department that includes a
recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to Rename the Department
clear focus on molecular biology. The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee
of Biochemistry to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
The Proposal to Create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate Program in
Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness was presented. The ability of the
public and private sector to deal with natural or man-made disasters has become a crucial
public policy issue in the 21'' century. A major target audience for the Homeland
Security and Emergency Preparedness (HSEP) graduate level education is working
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managers and officials from widely diverse academic and professional backgrounds,
many with dated undergraduate degrees, and even graduate level degrees. A graduate
level certificate provides an opportunity for them to pursue graduate level education
focused on HSEP core competencies that does not require the initial time and financial
commitment required for a full time graduate level degree. The proposed graduate
certificate program is 15 credit hours, comprised of five three-credit hour courses
delivered through a combination of on-line technology and one three-day campus session.
The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the
approval of the Proposal to Create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate Program in
Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The Proposal to Establish a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice ([)NAP) was
presented. The Department of Nurse Anesthesia is building on the existing graduate
program, history, and expertise of the faculty by offering a post-master's doctoral degree,
the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). The 33-credit, 12-month program will
he a collaborative effort between the Department of Nurse Anesthesia and faculty from
the Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences. The purpose of the DNAP is to prepare Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to assume leadership roles in education,
management, and patient care by offering an innovative curriculum. The Academic and
Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the
Proposal to Establish a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice.
The Proposal to Establish a Ph.D. Degree Program in Design Environments was
presented. The program is founded upon the strategic planning ideals of the University.
The program consists of 45-54 credits: 30 credits of core courses, 6 credits of electives,
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and 9-18 dissertation credits. The program will provide opportunities for students to
enhance leadership skills, to have lectures taught by experts, and to have interdisciplinary
workshops and case study analysis as part of graduate seminars. The Academic and
Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the
Proposal to Establish a Ph.D. Degree Program in Design Environments.
The Proposal to Establish a BA. Degree Program in Film was presented. The
B.A. in Film supplements the existing Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree programs in
the Department of Photography and Film and the Department of Kinetic Imaging. The
degree offers international opportunities including internships at the Cannes Film Festival
in collaboration with the Office of International Education at VCU. The B.A. in Film is a
three-year, 120 credit hour liberal arts degree with two required summer semesters that
provides a broad general education as well as opportunities for creative expression with a
focus on narrative short digital films. Students can undertake a recommended second
B.A. or B.S. major and graduate after three years plus one summer of full-time study.
The Academic and I Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the
approval of the Proposal to Establish a B.A. Degree Program in Film.
The following items were presented for information: Report on the College of
Humanities and Sciences; Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Financial
Statement Summary Fiscal Year 2006 Three Months Ending September 30, 2006; a
Report on Under-represented Minority and Disadvantaged Students: Opening Pathways
for Health Sciences Careers; Board Governance Project: Draft Survey for the Academic
and I Health Affairs Policy Committee; and the Report of the Provost and Vice President
for Academic Affairs.
S
Dr. Doswell reported for the Audit Committee. The Proposed 2007 Audit
Workplan was presented. The audit plan is supported by two key planning documents:
1) the Summary of Critical Issues and Risk Management Considerations and 2) the Four
Year Core Audit Plan for Risk-Based Audits. In addition to the risk-based audits, the
2007 Plan includes time for annual projects requested by the Audit Committee and senior management as well as time for special projects. The Audit Committee recommended to
management as well as time for special projects. The Audit Committee recommended to
the full Board the approval of the Proposed Annual Audit Workplan.
The Executive Director of Assurance Services reviewed the proposed Board
Survey process and presented the Audit Committee survey for the Committee's review
and comment. Any revisions will he incorporated into the individual Committee surveys,
and the surveys will he administered in the Spring of 2007.
Mr. Robertson reported for the External Relations Committee. The following
items were presented for information: the Government Relations and Health Policy
Report, the Marketing and Media Report, the Advancement Division Reports and the
Board Governance Project: Draft Survey for the External Relations Committee.
Mrs. Rhodes reported for the Finance, Investment and Property Committee. The
Budget Request Submitted to the Department of Planning and Budget for the 2007
Session was presented. For 2006, the university was required to submit a summary of
proposed budget amendments to the Secretary of Education by September 29, 2006. On
October 6, 2006, the Secretary provided the university with guidance as to which of the proposed amendments could he developed and submitted as formal budget requests. A
proposed amendments could he developed and submitted as formal budget requests. A
summary of the University's preliminary submission to the Secretary was provided with
an indication of the items included in a formal request to the Department of Planning and
d
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Budget on October 18, 2006. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee
recommended to the full Board the approval of the Budget Request Submitted to the
Department of Planning and Budget for the 2007 Session.
Summer 2007 Tuition and Fees were presented. Approval of the 2007 summer
term tuition and fees rates is required in November in order to provide sufficient time to
update publications and billing tables in advance of registering for summer classes, which
begin in May 2007. The 2007 summer term tuition and fee rates reflect the same
percentage increase as the 2006-07 academic year rates previously approved by the
Board. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board
the approval of the Summer 2007 Tuition and Fees.
Project Plans for the Youth Center were presented. The Youth Center is a \'a)
Community Outreach Program, combining academic 'life skills mentorship with tennis to
serve at-risk, elementary students. The facility will provide a computer lab, instructional
space for mentoring the children, program staff offices, a storage room, and a boardroom
for the organization's leadership and fundraising purposes. Two tennis courts are
provided for outdoor programs. The construction budget is S1,100,000, with a total
budget of $1,502,900. The Finance, investment and Property Committee recommended
to the full Board the approval of the Project Plans for the Youth Center.
Dining Services seeks to enhance beverage services, increase revenues, and amend the
The Contract Amendment for the Pepsi Bottling Group was presented. VCU
agreement from August 15, 2009, to August 15, 2016. The anticipated contract amount is
current agreement with the Pepsi Bottling Group. VCU desires to extend the term of the
S1.2 million annually in vending sales. The Finance, Investment and Property
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Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Contract Amendment for
the Pepsi Bottling Group.
The Debt Management Policy was presented. The policy governs the use of debt
to finance capital projects and provides a structured framework for approving and
managing VCU's existing debt portfolio, as well as future issuances. Recognizing that
financial resources are not sufficient to fund all capital projects, the University must
allocate debt strategically. The policy will attempt to impose discipline in the debt
issuance and management process and aid the Board of-Visitors in making high-quality
debt management decisions. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee
recommended to the full Board the approval of the Debt Management Policy.
A Request for Proposals for Bookstore Management Services was presented.
Retail Services seeks a contractor to provide for the management and operation of
the academic bookstores located on the Monroe Park Campus and the MCV Campus.
The intent is to solicit proposals establishing a contract through competitive negotiations
with a firm to provide bookstore management services upon the termination of the
current agreement. The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to
the full Board the approval of the Request for Proposals for Bookstore Management
Services.
The following items were presented for information:
Fiscal Year 2006 - Three Months Ending September 30, 200(i
VCU ACES Project: Telecommunications Modernization Status Report
Annual Report: Cash Management Operating Pool
Virginia Commonwealth University I Health System Financial Statement Summary
Foundation Annual Reports
a. VCU Foundation
h. VCU Real Estate Foundation
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Higher Education Restructuring Act - Level III Management Agreement
c. VCU School of Engineering Foundation
d. VCU Alumni Association
e. MCV Alumni Association
University Quarterly Budget Performance Report: September 30, 2006
Notification of Contract Award: MCV Campus Housekeeping Contract
Capital Projects Status Report
Board Governance Project: Draft Survey - Finance, Investment and Property
Committee
Dr. Romano reported for the Student Affairs Committee. The Committee met
with a group students. The topics discussed included expanding the emerging leaders
pilot program; services for parenting students, i.e., child care and family housing for
married students; academic study space; VCU students becoming involved through
community outreach and community engagement. The Chair suggested a meeting with
students to discuss ideas to expand on community engagement; ideas were suggested for
student involvement regarding "green ' energy and environmental issues at
support for the Student Veterans Association; and safety related issues involving lighting
for students with night classes and security in buildings. The Vice President for the
Student Government Association reported on projects underway by the students. The
Chair asked the students for feedback on the new University College. Very favorable
comments were expressed.
The Honor System Review Committee report was presented. The Committee was
charged to undertake a review of the VCU Honor System with the intent of establishing a
policy that reflects the ideals of academic integrity, creating a process that is fair and
equitable and outlining a procedure that is effective and efficient. The proposed Honor
system reflects the Review Committee's effort to meet the charge. Four major points
distinguish the revised document from the Current document: (1) Education: Educating
the VCU community is the key to the Honor System's success (2) One System: One
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system, with standard procedures and structures, meets the needs of VCU's faculty and
students; (3) Student and Faculty Involvement: Student and faculty interaction is crucial
in sustaining a successful system; and (4) Academic integrity Officer: The position is the
key to providing consistency with the timing and adjudication of cases. The Student
Affairs Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Honor System
Review.
The VCU Alcohol and Drug Policy Revisions were presented. The
recommendations are minor updates to the Policy in order to clarify terminology and
definitions. The meaning of the policy and how the policy can he applied will not
change. The Student Affairs Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of
the revisions to the VCU Alcohol and Drug Policy.
The following items were presented for information: Final Report on Fall
Enrollment; Fall Fest: Our New Tradition; the Board Governance Project: Draft Survey
for the Student Affairs Committee, and a Safety update.
On motion made and seconded, the following Consent Agenda Action Items were
approved as amended:
Board of Visitors
Minutes of a Meeting held August 24, 2006
Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee
Proposal to Establish an Employee-Student Consensual Relationship
Policy (as amended)
Proposal to Rename the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health
Promotion to the Department of Social and Behavioral Health
Minutes of a Meeting held August 23, 2006
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Proposal to Create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate Program in
Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Proposal to Establish a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
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Proposal to Establish a Ph.D. Degree Program in Design Environments
Proposal to Establish a B.A. Degree Program in Film
Audit Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held August 24, 2006
Proposed 2007 Audit Workplan
Executive Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held September 29, 2006
External Relations
Minutes of a Meeting held August 23, 2006
Finance, Investment and Property Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held August 23, 2006
Approval of Budget Request Submitted to Department of Planning and
Budget for the 2007 Session
Approval of Summer 2007 Tuition and Fees
Project Plans for Youth Center
Contract Amendment: Pepsi Bottling Group
Debt Management Policy
Request for Proposals for Bookstore Management Services
Student Affairs Committee
Minutes of a Meeting held August 23, 2006
Honor System Review
Alcohol and Drug Policy Changes
The Executive Director of Assurance Services reviewed the proposed Board
Survey process and presented the Board of Visitors survey for the Board's review and
comment Any revisions will be incorporated into the Board survey, and the survey will
he administered in the Spring of 2007.
On motion made and seconded, the Consent Agenda Information Items were
accepted.
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 departments or schools
of VCU where such matters regarding such individuals might he affected by such
evaluations, including issues related to the President in his official capacity and to discuss
the evaluation of his performance, and including the Faculty Appointments and Changes
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in Status and other Personnel Actions, and Executive Salaries and Continuing Faculty
Salaries; 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 (a) the concurrence with the acquisition of
property on or adjacent to the Monroe Park Campus and (h) the acquisition of property
on or adjacent to the Monroe Park Campus; and to consult with legal counsel pertaining
to actual and probable litigation, and other specific legal matters requiring the provision
of legal advice by counsel, including the Report of the General Counsel; to discuss
matters relating to gifts, bequests, and fundraising activities including the consideration
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 Special Awards Committee as authorized by Section
2.2-371 1 A(1), A(3), A(6), A(7), A(S) 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.
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Roll Call Vote
Ayes
Nays
Dr. Edward H. Bersoff, Rector
Mr. Ralph L. "Bill" Axselle, Jr.
Mr. David G. Baldacci
Dr. J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr.
Dr. John C. Doswell II
Mr. Arthur D. Hurtado
Mr. Brian K. Jackson
Ms. Lillian L. Lambert
Mrs. Anne J. G. "Panny" Rhodes
Mr. Richard T. Robertson
Dr. Michele A. Romano
Mr. Thomas G. Rosenthal
r. Carol S. Shapiro
Mr. John Sherman, Jr.
Mr. Stuart C. Siegel
Mr. Thomas G. Snead, Jr.
X
Left before voting
X
Left before voting
Left before voting
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Vote:
Ayes: 13
Nays: 0
ABSENT DURING MEETING:
0
ABSENT DURING VOTING:
3
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 Executive Salaries, as amended; approved the Continuing Faculty Salaries; approved
the Named Funds Report and Facility Naming Recommendations; concurred with the
Acquisition of Property by the VCU Real Estate Foundation on or Adjacent to the
Monroe Park Campus; approved the Acquisition of Property Adjacent to the Monroe
Park Campus; accepted the Closed Session Committee Reports; accepted the Report of
the General Counsel; and accepted the Report of the Presidential Evaluation Committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
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