Christopher Newport University
Board of Visitors Meeting
November 14, 2003

The Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University met on November 14, 2003, in the President's Room of the Freeman Center with Rector Dr. H. W. Trieshmann presiding.

Rector Dr. Trieshmann welcomed all those present and entertained the Board with his Captain's poem. Rector Trieshmann asked for a motion to approve the minutes from The Board of Visitors Retreat on September 12 and 13. The motion was provided by Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Mottinger and passed by unanimous vote of the Board. Rector Trieshmann asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the October 20, 2003 meeting of the Executive Committee. The motion was provided by Mr. Mottinger, seconded by Mr. Joseph and passed by unanimous vote of the Board. 

Finance and Audit Committee Report

Mr. Brauer reported that there was not a meeting of the Finance and Audit Committee. However, Mr. Brauer asked the Board to ratify Resolution 1which was approved at the Executive Committee meeting on October 20 th . This Resolution authorizes the issuance of $1.3 million in 9(d) debt to support the Athletic Expansion capital project that includes the second phase of the football stadium, relocation of the tennis courts, baseball and softball fields and intramural/soccer practice field. He noted the Board already authorized CNU to issue $6 million for this project, however the Department of Treasury requires a second Resolution to support the final issuance of debt. Rector Trieshmann called for a motion to approve Resolution 1 . Mr. Mottinger provided the motion, seconded by Ms. Hoinkes and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.  

Academic Affairs Committee Report 

Mr. Thomas reported on the meeting of the Academic Affairs Committee. He noted that there was a very positive feeling among the faculty and the Faculty Senate is on course with the strategic planning efforts. The committee suggested that the Board members participate in some of the strategic planning sessions that are scheduled. He then asked Provost Summerville to report on the strategic planning progress. The Provost apprised the Board of their progress and told the Board that the strategic plan will be presented at the June meeting.  

Student Life Committee Report  

Ms. Ashley Boyd, President of the SGA, updated the Board on SGA activities. She reported that the SGA is anticipating ratification of its new constitution next week. The SGA has been involved in many activities including Virginia 21 which is a student group advocating students concerns in Richmond . They have also been involved with the Task Force on Curriculum and Academic Life giving their input on the future curriculum.  

Ms. Budlong reported on the recruitment efforts by the Admissions office. They will have visited 450 high schools in Maryland , Virginia , New York and New Jersey by the first of the year. The two fall open houses attracted over 1,077 guests and students have visited from 6 states outside Virginia and she noted that over 3,000 visitors have come to CNU since August 1st. 

Through the efforts of the Minority Task Force, CNU kicked off the Captains for Excellence program for nine local students. In addition on-line registration has begun and thus far 3,836 students have registered for classes. Ms. Budlong commented on the many activities on campus for the students and noted that there were many students from residence life who won several awards from across the state. 

Mr. Holloman reported on the minority recruitment efforts. The Captains for Excellence Program reception was held on November 5 th . This program was developed to help prepare high school students for college. There are year-long activities that include test preparation, financial aid planning, assistance with the application process, etc. In addition, the fall Minority Student Visit Program was held on November 7 th where the students were invited to spend the night on campus and this was very well received. He also shared some comments of the students.  

Mr. Holloman asked how CNU goes through the process of naming campus buildings. President Trible explained that it starts with potential donors -- some of whom like to remain anonymous while others want their generosity honored in some fashion. President Trible noted that the river theme came from the a residence hall that was built and named James River . In the absence of large donors, we continued with that theme. Mr. Holloman mentioned that he would like to see a building named in honor of the African-American community which originally owned a large part of the land on which CNU sits. President Trible noted that it is the intention to do so. In particular, he had spoken to Rev. Harris regarding a memorial for First Baptist Church Morrison. In addition, there will be many naming opportunities with the new Center for the Arts. 

President Trible reported that construction continues to move along on schedule and he presented to the Board the renderings for the library and student center. He noted these buildings will be completed in 2005.  

At 10:00 a.m. Rector Trieshmann called for a motion to enter closed session under Freedom of Information Act 2.2-3711(a)(1) Personnel, 2.2-3711(a)(3) Real Estate, 2.2-3711(a)(6) Investments, 2.2-3711(a)(7) Litigation, and 2.2-3711(a)(8) Gifts, Bequests and Fundraising. Mr. Heath provided the motion, seconded by Ms. Budlong and passed by unanimous vote of the Board. 

The Board returned to open session at 11:45 a.m. and the Rector asked for a roll call certifying that only public matters identified in the public motion by which the executive or closed meeting was called were discussed. Board members Mr. Thomas, Mr. Joseph, Mr. Holloman, Ms. Budlong, Ms. Ford, Mr. Heath, Ms. Conner, Mr. Mottinger, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Hornsby, Ms. Hoinkes and Rector Trieshmann certified to the above.  

Rector Trieshmann called for a motion to approve RESOLUTION 2: Promotion of Instructional Faculty and RESOLUTION 3: Leave of Absence for Instructional Faculty which were discussed in closed session. Mr. Heath provided the motion, seconded by Mr. Hornsby and passed by unanimous vote of the Board. 

Rector Trieshmann called for a motion to adopt the Executive Committee's recommendation that amends the President's contract to provide that his salary “shall increase from year to year by the greater of the percent increase for instructional faculty members at CNU or the percent increase designated by the General Assembly as the percent increase in salaries for public college and university presidents.” This action allows President Trible to receive the same 3.25% increase received by faculty and staff at CNU this year. The motion was provided by Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Hornsby and passed by unanimous vote of the Board. 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.  

Deborah L. Budlong,
Secretary

Beverley Mueller
Administrative Assistant To the Board
Approved: Rector H.W. Trieshmann, Jr.