Board of Visitors Meeting February 23, 2007

The Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University met on February 23, 2007, in the Board Room of the David Student Union with Rector Claude S. Hornsby presiding.

Rector Hornsby welcomed everyone acknowledging special guests, Assistant Attorney General Anthony Meredith, Dr. Nicole Guajardo, and Dean of Students, Donna Eddleman. Rector Hornsby called for a motion to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2006 meeting. The motion was made by Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Martin and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

At 12:10 p.m. Rector Hornsby then called for a motion to enter into closed session under the Freedom of Information Act Section 2.2-3711(a)7- Litigation. The motion was made by Ms. Budlong and seconded by Ms. Frank and passed unanimously.

At 1:15 p.m. the Board returned to open session and Rector Hornsby asked for a roll call certifying that only public matters were discussed that were identified in the public motion by which the executive or closed meeting was called. Board members Ms. Budlong, Ms. Crittenden, Ms. Frank, Mr. Heath, Ms. Hoinkes, Mr. Holloman, Mr. Joseph, Ms. Luter, Mr. Martin, Mr. Passaro, Mr. Wilson and Rector Hornsby certified to the above.

Rector Hornsby moved to review the University's non-discrimination policy at which time Mr. Heath made the motion to amend the university's non-discrimination policy to read as follows:

Christopher Newport University does not discriminate in admission, employment or any other activity, on the basis of race, gender, color, age, religion, veteran status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The University complies with all applicable state and federal constitutional provisions, laws and regulations concerning discrimination.

The motion was seconded by Ms. Frank and Rector Hornsby asked for any further discussion at which time Ms. Molly Buckley asked to speak on behalf of the student body as President of the Student Government Association.

Ms. Buckley thanked the Rector and the Board of Visitors for the opportunity to speak as well offering her words on behalf of the student body. Ms. Buckley presented the students positive position in regard to adding sexual orientation to the university's non-discrimination policy. Rector Hornsby asked for any further discussion, there being none, the motion passed by unanimous vote of the Board. President Trible applauded the students for engaging and advocating a policy which is complex and controversial in a statesman like way.

President's Report  

President Trible noted that CNU recently held its largest open house with nearly 1000 guests coming from all over Virginia as well as 8 other states. He told the Board that over 6,400 applications have been received and another 1,000 were expected and the number of admitted students are up 10%. The SAT for admitted freshmen is up approximately 17 points over last year. He told the Board that CNU continues to recruit around the state hosting events in Richmond and Northern Virginia. In addition, nearly 500 applications have been received from Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Of the applications received to date, 25.6% are from minority students.

President Trible told the Board that there were 4 legislative priorities in the General assembly this year - three of which have been accomplished. The library will cost $3.52 million more than anticipated due to the soaring cost of construction. Both the House and Senate passed budgets containing the $3.52 million in the General Fund for the library. In addition, CNU was given non-general fund authority, for the new residence hall in the amount of $32.6 million and $26.2 million for the expansion of the Freeman sports and convocation center. Funding had been requested for the design of CNU's new integrated science center and the Governor had approved $4.125 million in his budget, but the House and Senate removed all funding for new projects.

In regard to athletics, President Trible reported that CNU continues to win. However, the men's basketball team lost at the first round of the tournament but the women are still playing. He told the Board that men's lacrosse will become the 22 nd intercollegiate sport offered at CNU and the first game is on Sunday against Marymount. The Ferguson Center is continuing to attract large crowds with ticket sales up by 7,000 from last year. He noted that last year 52% of the ticket sales were from the Peninsula and this year 54% of the tickets are purchased from people from beyond the Peninsula.

President Trible announced to the Board that Dr. Tracey Schwarze will receive the Governor's Outstanding Faculty Award. Only 12 outstanding faculty members from Virginia's public and private colleges and universities receive this prestigious award and CNU is very proud of Dr. Schwarze.

President Trible said the Board will review the format and timing of future Board meetings and committee meetings, perhaps eliminating the November meeting and said that Vice Rector Joseph would follow up in this regard.

He reported on meetings held with Newport News School Superintendent Ashby Kilgore in which they discussed ways to work together to expand the Captains for Excellence Program. Dr. Kilgore also indicated she would like CNU to host a summer leadership institute involving community service, outdoor adventure and serious time in the classroom studying leadership. At the end of the program the students would earn 3 hours of college credit.

In terms of capital construction, the library is moving forward on schedule and the General Assembly is providing the necessary funding. President Trible thanked the Board for their naming the library for Rosemary and him and stated it is the greatest honor they have ever received. Construction of Madison Residence Hall is moving forward and will be ready for students in the fall. He reported that the new liberal arts building is taking shape and will be sited where the old student center is located. Construction will begin late summer or early fall and will house most all of the liberal arts.

President Trible reported on CNU's good progress in improving the participation of Small and Women Owned and Minority companies doing business with CNU.

A search is underway for the new provost. He noted that great success has been seen with the new curriculum and Dean Gordon will address the Board. He also told the Board that CNU is moving toward a 4-3 teaching load.

Rector Hornsby stated that he and Vice Rector Joseph had been working with President Trible on a ten-year plan and stated that President Trible had begun to share his vision and that of his colleagues with the Board. Rector Hornsby encouraged the Board members to review those statements and get an idea of what CNU will look like in 10 years if it is "wildly successful."

Finance and Audit Committee Report

Vice Rector Jay Joseph reported that the committee reviewed the universities' financial statements. He stated that in review they were unexceptional commenting that we are working through the first year absorption of the additional debt service and overhead for the dining service in the new student union building. He also stated that Mr. Brauer introduced Bill Cole, the new Senior Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance. He noted searches were still underway for internal auditor, comptroller and Associate Vice President for Human Resources.

Mr. Brauer explained Resolution 1 - Authorized Banking Signatures. He noted this was an update to add Bill Cole''s name as the new Senior Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance. The motion came from the committee, requiring no second and Rector Hornsby called for a vote from the Board. The resolution was approved unanimously.

Mr. Brauer explained Resolution 2 - Cancellation of Account Receivable Considered Uncollectible stating that this resolution asks the Board to write off the amount of debt that they consider currently uncollectible. However, he noted that collection efforts do not stop at the passing of the resolution. A vote was called for approval of Resolution 2 by Rector Hornsby and it was passed unanimously.

Academic Affairs Committee

Ms. Hoinkes asked Dean Gordon to make his presentation to the Board on the Liberal Learning Core Curriculum. Following Dean Gordon's presentation, Ms. Hoinkes updated the Board on the status of CNU's accreditation with SACS, stating that the process is coming toward the end. The effort began approximately two years ago and has been overseen by Dr. Doolittle, Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Studies. The visiting committee is expected to visit campus during the third week in March and will review a few areas of interest following the first review. Out of 75 areas of compliance which are tested, there were eight on which they had any questions at all.

Dr. Nicole Guajardo, Associate Professor - Psychology, discussed the 3-4 teaching load and shared with the Board the Faculty Senate's resolution to implement this change. She stressed that each of the aspects of the resolution emphasized an opportunity for faculty - student engagement which is truly characteristic of a reputable liberal arts and science university. Based on Dr. Summerville's research, this resolution puts CNU in the right direction of where it needs to be in the next 10 years.

Dr. Summerville reviewed with the Board Resolution 3 - Annual Plan of Compensation. He stated that Board action is required annually by the Governor and outlines the compensation for the faculty in the upcoming academic year. Ms. Hoinkes said that the Resolution comes as a recommendation of the Academic Affairs Committee. Rector Hornsby called for discussion and the resolution then passed by unanimous approval.

Ms. Hoinkes called for approval of:

• Resolutions 4-6: Promotions of Instructional Faculty
• Resolution 7: Tenured appointments of Instructional Faculty
• Resolution 8: Probationary Appointment of Instructional Faculty
• Resolution 9: Leave of Absence for Instructional Faculty
• Resolution 10: Sabbatical Leaves for 2007-2008; and
• Resolutions 11-15: Award of Emeritus Status, which includes Provost Summerville,

All of the above Resolutions were discussed at the committee meeting. Mr. Martin seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

Student Life Committee Report

Mr. Holloman reported that the committee discussed admissions and heard from Molly Buckley on the sexual orientation issue. Mr. Holloman then asked Dean Eddleman to report on the alcohol policy. The Alcohol Task Force Recommendations were distributed and reviewed with the Board by Dean Eddleman. She noted that some policies remain in effect as currently written while some additional policy recommendations were asked to be considered. Mr. Holloman noted these recommendations go before the President and no action is required by the Board.

Alumni Society Report

President Mark Bernecker reported on the fundraising and membership drive efforts of the Alumni Society and told the Board of a new faculty award they are establishing.

At 3:05 p.m. Rector Hornsby called for a motion to enter a closed session under the Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3711 (a)1 Personnel; (a)3 Real Estate; (a)(7) litigation; (a)(8) gifts, bequests and fundraising; and (a) (10) honorary degrees. The motion was provided by Mr. Heath, seconded by Ms. Crittenden and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

The Board returned to open session at 3:25 p.m. and Rector Hornsby asked for a roll call certifying that only public matters were discussed that were identified in the motion by which the executive or closed meeting was called. Board members Ms. Budlong, Ms. Crittenden, Ms. Frank, Mr. Heath, Ms. Hoinkes, Mr. Holloman, Mr. Joseph, Ms. Luter, Mr. Martin, Mr. Passaro, Mr. Wilson and Rector Hornsby certified to the above.

Rector Hornsby called for a motion to approve and adopt the employment contract between President Trible and CNU and the CNU Real Estate Foundation. Ms. Hoinkes provided the motion, seconded by Ms. Frank and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

Mr. Joseph provided a motion to award honorary degrees the commencement speaker Tim Sullivan and his wife Anne. The motion was seconded by Mr. Heath and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

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Ms. Deborah Budlong, Secretary to the Board                      Beverley Mueller, Administrative Assistant to the Board

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