Board of Visitors Meeting November 10, 2006

The Board of Visitors Executive Committee of Christopher Newport University met on November 10, 2006, at the Ferguson Enterprises Corporate Office with Rector Claude S. Hornsby III presiding.

Vice Rector Joseph called the meeting to order and announced that the meeting would begin with a presentation by the Student Government Association President Molly Buckley regarding the University's non-discrimination policy. Ms. Buckley began her presentation by stating that in 2004, the Student Government Association and Faculty Senate passed a resolution to add the phrase “sexual orientation to the Christopher Newport University non-discrimination policy. Stating that despite strong support from students and faculty, the resolution was tabled by the Board.

Ms. Buckley then proceeded to present research supporting the action, listing colleges and universities around the country, as well as other organizations and businesses, that have included the same phrase in their non-discrimination policies. Ms. Buckley stated that the addition of this language would allow students and employees to feel safe and secure when they are at school and work. Following her presentation, Ms. Buckley handed each Board member a copy of the proposal and supporting documentation.

Vice Rector Joseph thanked Ms. Buckley for making the proposal stating that one of the things that Christopher Newport University strives for is having the students feel a freedom to pursue things they believe in. Vice Rector Joseph stated that in order for the proposal to be discussed at a future meeting, a motion would be necessary to un-table the motion, at which time it could then be placed on a future agenda.

Ms. Frank, addressed the Vice Rector requesting that Board of Visitors un-table the motion and address this matter by placing it on the agenda for the February 2007 meeting. Vice Rector Joseph called for a second which was given by Ms. Frances Luter. Calling for discussion, there was none, thus Vice Rector Joseph called for the vote and the motion was passed by a unanimous vote. Vice Rector then stated that the Board would not table the motion and would take action this academic year.

The Vice Rector then called for a motion to approve the minutes of the September 22, 2006 meeting. Mr. Heath provided the motion, seconded by Mr. Duncan. There being no discussion the minutes were approved by unanimous approval.

Vice Rector Joseph then called for a motion to approve the minutes of the November 3, 2006 Executive Committee Meeting. Ms. Hoinkes provided the motion, seconded by Ms. Luter. There being no discussion the minutes were approved by unanimous approval.

President's Report

President Trible reported that in his position as Chairman of the Council of Presidents he participated in a conference call earlier in the day with the members of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. At that time he shared his thoughts on the state of higher education in Virginia and how it relates to CNU. In summary, he reported that in Virginia there are 16 public colleges and universities governed by boards appointed by the governor. Individually and collectively these schools represent one of America 's preeminent systems of higher education.

He noted that a couple of years ago, Don Finley and the Virginia Business Higher Education Counsel, compared individual performance against peer public institutions. In every case, Virginia's public colleges and universities were first in performance and last in state funding.

He stated that if Virginia wants to pursue and sustain excellence, Virginia must increase its investment in higher education and make higher education a priority in the Commonwealth.

He stated that by 2012 Virginia's colleges and universities have promised to:

• enroll 60,000 more students.
• award 8,000 more college degrees.
• expand important programs like teaching, engineering and the sciences to meet the demands of our 21 st century world.
• conduct almost $500 million more in externally funded research.
• hold down rising costs of tuition.

And in return the Commonwealth of Virginia promised to free higher education, through the restructuring process, of the heavy bureaucracies and red tape, restore lost funding and increase its investment in higher education going forward.

In the next session of the General Assembly, the second year of the biennium Virginia 's higher education institutions seek:

• $111.7 million in base adequacy funding
• $43.1 million in student aid.
• $12.8 million in faculty salaries to move toward the 60 th percentile.

And in capital, an additional:

• $72.1 million to equip new/renovated buildings.
• $112 million to cover the increased costs of projects underway.

President Trible stated that in the future, the State must provide over $4 billion for other capital projects that are priority initiatives and this should be done through a multi-billion dollar capital bond initiative and referendum.

Next President Trible reported that Madison Residence Hall, which was destroyed by fire, had been demolished and will be reconstructed and ready for the start of classes next year.

President Trible highlighted the admissions efforts noting that over 500 guests had attended regional receptions in Northern Virginia, Richmond , Fredericksburg and Charlottesville . The first two open houses brought over 900 guests to campus and nearly 300 registered for the first leadership and interview day. At the open house this weekend, there will be approximately 1,000 guests.

In an effort to enhance CNU's admissions publications, a new and expanded application, an updated view book, a new university DVD containing footage of the new CNU Village and the David Student Union have been produced. President Trible reported that as of this date, about 1,600 applications had been received and it is anticipated that in total 7,000 will be received for a class of 1,200.

CNU continues to work to increase the diversity of the freshman class. This year the number of African American students increased, the Hispanic students went up in number and overall there has been an increased number of minority students representing a total 13.4% of our freshman class compared to last year's 11.3%.

President Trible told the Board that three CNU athletic teams have participated in the first round of the NCAA post season tournament. Women's Field Hockey and Men's Soccer emerged victorious. In football CNU is 7:2 for the year. He said that if CNU is victorious against Ferrum on Saturday, they will advance to the NCAA national tournament for the 5 th time in 6 seasons. The Captains have won 17 straight conference home games at Pomoco stadium.

Addressing inquiries on graduation rates, President Trible informed the Board that the current graduation rate is 50.7% which is by far the highest in the history of CNU. He explained that this was for a six year period meaning these students came to CNU in 2000.

Ms. Perry was asked to report on the occupancy of students in the residence halls. She stated there for the fall there were 2,779 beds available without Madison Hall. There were 23 vacant beds, but 17 students chose to double up in some rooms so there were only 6 vacancies.

President Trible asked the Board for their insight and guidance for the scheduling of upcoming Board meetings. There was discussion concerning the format of the meetings and the meeting schedule. It was suggested that perhaps the November meeting could be eliminated, making the number of meetings per year 4 instead of 5 and scheduling meetings around campus activities. The Board concluded by agreeing to give some thought on what timing and format would work best for their schedules.

Vice Rector Jay Joseph commended the staff on the increased graduation rate and also commended them on the lottery process for housing.

President Trible then presented the board with a recent publication produced by the Virginia Higher Education Business Council regarding the importance of higher education in Virginia .

Vice Rector Joseph informed the Board that Rector Hornsby had been at earlier committee meetings, but had an unavoidable conflict for the full Board meeting. He told the Board that President Trible and the Rector were working on the vision for CNU and are putting words to that vision and are actively engaged.

Finance Committee Report

Vice Rector Joseph reported that at the Finance Committee meeting they were given an update on recruiting and staffing and he assured the Board that they were working hard to fill three vacant positions. He announced that during the committee meeting there was discussion of using the internal auditor to conduct an audit of the Educational Foundation. He then addressed the financial statements that were discussed and reviewed that morning. Vice Rector Joseph shared a few highlights from that report noting that the State encouraged moving the Ferguson Center from the Educational and General fund as a public service enterprise to auxiliary enterprises, requiring indirect cost recoveries which is somewhat of a disadvantage to CNU. Also, he noted the addition of the operation and debt service of the new student union. He pointed out the new capital projects report located at the end of the report.

Vice Rector Joseph then presented two resolutions as recommendations from the Finance Committee meeting. Resolution 1: Policy Addressing Textbook Sales and Bookstores . The Vice Rector explained the Resolution and called for discussion and questions. There being none, he called for the vote of the Board and Resolution 1 was passed unanimously. Secondly, Resolution 2: Ratification of Debt Resolution was presented. He explained that this Resolution was passed at the Executive Committee meeting and enables the state to borrow an additional $2.5 million for the Student Union. He noted the full Board needed to ratify this action and called for a motion to do so. Ms. Frank provided the motion, seconded by Heath and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

President Trible pointed out that the General Assembly had actually granted a total authority of $36,308,000 for the building of the student union. The additional $2.5M of additional bonds will bring the total expenditure to $34,008,000, which is $2.3M less than our total appropriation.

Academic Affairs Committee

Mary Lib Hoinkes was recognized for a committee report on academic affairs to which she stated that the committee did not have any action items. She also stated that in the morning meeting the Provost had invited Dean Douglas Gordon to speak on the liberal learning curriculum and she expressed her appreciation for that and the knowledge and understanding garnered by the committee as a result. Ms. Hoinkes reported that the presentation was fascinating and informative and suggested the Dr. Gordon make a presentation to the entire Board.

Student Life Committee Report

Maury O'Connell then presented the Student Life Committee report. In addition to the earlier reports regarding admissions efforts, two new officers had been hired including Mr. Fox for the President's Leadership program. Mr. O'Connell told the board that this year junior and senior PLP students are interviewing prospective students. At the committee meeting the Dean of Students reported on recent events including homecoming weekend and midnight pancakes– the night before exams began – where faculty and staff, including the President serve the students.

Faculty Senate Report

Vice Rector Joseph asked Dr. Vachris to address the Board on behalf of the faculty. She commended the working relationship that the faculty enjoys with the administration. She informed the Board that the faculty are looking at systemizing their sabbatical review process. She noted that the faculty are working with the administration in the search for the new provost. The primary focus for this year is to work with the President and the Provost to formulate a plan for the teaching load of the faculty that is more in concert with a premier liberal arts institution.

President Trible then informed the board that BB&T Bank had made a $250,000 commitment to CNU to support a faculty member who had a strong interest in capitalism in order to facilitate a program that would provide courses taught by the scholar teacher, but also bring to campus speakers who could address the moral foundations of capitalism. Acknowledging that Dr. Vachris is that teacher scholar, he asked for her to share more details on the program. Dr. Vachris stated that she is creating course work in exploring free markets in the moral foundations of capitalism. The course being taught this semester is Economics in Literature. In addition there is an outreach to the local community working with the local school system. She reported the students are very enthusiastic.

Alumni Society Report

Vice Rector Joseph asked Scott Millar, member of the Alumni Society for an update on their activities. Mr. Millar updated the Board on the car raffle stating that money was still being raised and the raffle would be held at this weekend's football game. He also announced that the alumni society had made a contribution of $12,500 to the Johnny Beesecker Memorial Scholarship. The money contributed was matched, doubling the contribution. The money for this scholarship comes from funds raised by various alumni activities including the recent $5K Race.

He also reported on the alumni house location on Prince Drew stating that the location has been used recently for a number of the alumni activities and the Alumni Society is working on establishing the alumni house as an alumni welcome center.

The Alumni Society is working with the faculty on establishing a teaching and mentoring award for faculty. The award would be presented during the graduation activities and the recipient would represent CNU at the state level competing for honors with other universities.

Mr. Millar also announced that on March 24, 2007 the Alumni Society along with the Advancement office would be hosting the Inaugural CNU Scholarship Golf Classic at The James River Country Club. All of the proceeds of this event will go to the CNU scholarship fund.

Finally, Mr. Millar encouraged the board members to involve themselves in the alumni program called Career Connections. This consists of workshops and lectures hosted on campus throughout the year on practical things that students need to know as they position themselves in the marketplace for the chosen career field. He announced that the next event would be held November 28 with Ferguson Enterprises.

At 1:40 p.m.Vice Rector Joseph called for a motion to go into closed session, under Freedom of Information Act Sections 2.2-3711(a)(1) Personnel, (3) Real Estate and (8) Gifts Bequests and Fundraising. Mr. Duncan provided the motion, seconded by Mr. Heath and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

The Board returned to open session at 2:45 p.m. and the Vice Rector asked for a roll call certifying that in addition to the public matters that were identified in the public motion by which the executive or closed meeting was called, the Board discussed Student Issues under Freedom of Information Act Section 2.2-3711(a)(2). Board members Mr. Duncan, Ms. Frank, Mr. Heath, Ms. Hoinkes, Vice Rector Joseph, Ms. Luter, Mr. Martin and Mr. Wilson certified to the above.

Vice Rector Joseph entertained a motion to grant President Trible a raise based on the average increase of returning instructional faculty effective November 25, 2006 of 5.1%. Ms. Frank provided the motion, seconded by Mr. Heath and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
______________________________    ___________________________________

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

______________________________

Claude S. Hornsby, III, Rector

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