Board of Visitors Meeting June 15, 2007 - DRAFT

The Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University met on June 15, 2007, in the Board Room of the David Student Union with Vice Rector James R. Joseph presiding.

Vice-Rector Joseph welcomed everyone called for a motion to approve the minutes of the April 30, 2007 meeting. The motion was made by Mr. Duncan and seconded by Mr. Allen and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

President's Report  

President Trible recognized Provost Richard Summerville and Vice-Provost Virginia Purtle and thanked them for their tenure at CNU and congratulated them on their retirement.

Admissions Report

President Trible reported that 7,400 applications had been received for the freshman class and the average GPA is 3.5 and average SAT is 1170. He reported that CNU hosted the highest number of campus visitors this year with over 13,000 attending the Open House events. The President's Leadership Program has 198 students enrolled with an average GPA of 3.7 and an average SAT score of 1248. Additionally, there are 58 Smithfield and Goodwin scholars with an average GPA of 3.9 and an SAT of 1306. Four students were chosen to receive not only a $2,000 annual scholarship, but also a $3,700 stipend to travel with CNU's program at Oxford during the summer following their freshman year. These students have an average GPA of 4.3 and SAT of 1423.

He reported that 18% of the entering freshman class will be students of color which is up 2% from last year. The largest number of students planning on attending will come from Northern Virginia, followed by Richmond and the Peninsula.

Capital Update

President Trible then gave an update on capital projects stating that the construction of the library is now slated to be completed late fall This would allow use by faculty, staff and students by January, 2008. Next construction will begin on the Lewis Archer McMurran academic building. President Trible also updated the Board on the funding status for the planning of the new science building stating that the original $4.1 million appropriated by the Governor was later removed from the budget by the Senate and the House. However, with the help of Delegate Phil Hamilton $1 million was restored and planning can move forward. The integrated science center will be a $79 million or more project. President Trible noted that the Gary Whiting, the Faculty Senate President, has been working with a committee of 25 to help plan this building.

President Trible reported that he has been asked by the Council of Presidents to help shape a multi-billion dollar capital bond initiative and he will be meeting with the Governor and other members of the General Assembly over the next few months.

President Trible told the board that the statute of Captain Christopher Newport will soon be installed at the entrance of the campus. A computer generated picture was distributed showing the plan for the entrance of the University and a picture of the statue. The statue is a gift of Irwin Belk of North Carolina and the work of acclaimed sculptor John Hair. He noted the controversy that has arisen over the fact that the statute has two arms as opposed to one as some historians believe. Ms. Frank told the Board she is thrilled that Captain Christopher Newport is returning to Newport News and will make a great presence in this corridor and looks with great anticipation to his arrival. She did bring to the Board's attention an expression of concern from some members in the community of what they believe is a historical inaccuracy by portraying Captain Newport with two arms.

Athletics

The CNU athletic teams have won almost 70% of their games for the year, captured 10 USA South Athletic Conference Championships and produced 10 All-Americans. CNU earned the USA South Athletic Conference President's Cup for the most successful athletic program in the conference. In addition, he noted that the graduation rate of CNU's athletes is higher than the rest of the student body. He recapped the athletic achievements for the year.

The Ferguson Center had another successful year in which it hosted a total of 268 of university and community events with attendance of 186,511 people. Ticket sales were $3.4 million and since the opening of the FCA, ticket sales have totaled $7.2 million. A brochure for the new season was provided to all the Board members.

President Trible asked Vice President of Student Services, Maury O'Connell, to share with the Board the safety measures that have been put into place at CNU in light of the tragedy at Virginia Tech. Mr. O'Connell distributed a safety and security overview outlining the security procedures put in place. These include an enhanced telephone system in the emergency communication center, outdoor warning system and CNU alert website. These measures are outlined in the memo attached to the minutes. The Board was briefed thoroughly on CNU's safety measures followed by questions and discussion.

President Trible reported that the number of donors has increased to nearly 4,000 and the amount of cash and pledges have also increased. He noted that CNU is in the first of a three year silent campaign and would hope to celebrate the success of a$50 million campaign on the 50 th birthday of CNU in 2010.

Finance and Audit Committee Report

Mr. Heath reported that the committee met and reviewed the current financial statements. All liabilities are paid or are current and CNU is in compliance with state accounting policies. The majority of the meeting was focused on the proposed budget and he asked Ms. Perry to present the proposed budget to the Board.

Ms. Perry reviewed the Executive Summary of the budget and the proposed revenues and expenditures for 2007-2008. A total budget of $105,241,400 was presented of which $48,878,168 for Educational and General Programs; $3,612,576 student financial assistant; $48,800,436 auxiliary enterprises; $3,550,220 financial assistance for educational and general services and $400,000 in unrestricted. Following Ms. Perry's thorough review of the budget, Mr. Heath reported that the budget for 2007-2008 was recommended for approval to the Board by the Finance and Audit Committee. Vice Rector Joseph called discussion and questions following which the Board voted unanimously to approve the Budget as presented.

Academic Affairs Committee

Ms. Hoinkes said there was only one matter of business for the committee and their time was spent reflecting on Provost Summerville's tenure at CNU. She shared that the Board and University will deeply miss Provost Summerville's invaluable contributions to CNU and his principals and vision. The committee heard from Professor Rebecca Wheeler about her book on how to teach standard English and Ms. Hoinkes noted that it is exciting to learn the things faculty are doing and the contributions they are making. Provost Summerville provided some helpful insights as to the challenges in the future -- proportion of full professors to entire faculty body, issues of tenure, how Ph.D's are considered in the hiring process, the question of peer institutions, etc.

Provost Summerville Presented Resolution 2: Promotion of Faculty . Ms. Hoinkes noted that this comes to the Board as a recommendation from the Committee. Vice Rector Joseph called for discussion following which Resolution 2 passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

Student Life Committee

Mr. Holloman reported that committee reviewed the security protocols at the university as previously discussed. He noted that the efforts to increase minority enrollment are continuing to be successful. The number of black students actually doubled and similarly as well as the number of Asians. Dr. Purtle said that graduation rates among majority and minority students are comparable. Also that as a group, the highest GPA on campus is held by African American females. Dean Donna Eddleman also provided a year-end review of student activities. Mr. Holloman also noted that 183 freshman had indicated they were pursuing the 5-year Master of Arts in Teaching program. CNU is now producing more teachers than every before and they are better prepared under the new program. President Trible noted that CNU has focused the last several years on student success which in turn increases the graduation rates. Currently CNU is at 51% and retention rate is at 81%. It is projected this year the retention rate will be 90%.

Alumni Society

Michael Koontz reported to the Board they are putting together 10 year plan with the executive board. The Society is evaluating all the events they current organize and determining which should be kept or changed and how to make them more successful. Homecoming weekend hope to bring back many alumni over the state and looking at ways to improve that event as well. They are also working with Parents Council.

The Board reviewed the faculty and professional appointments. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

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Ms. Deborah Budlong, Secretary to the Board

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Beverley Mueller, Administrative Assistant to the Board

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