Board of Visitors Meeting September 13, 2007 - DRAFT

The Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University met on September 13, 2007, in the Board Room of the David Student Union with Rector Claude S. Hornsby, III presiding.

Rector Hornsby welcomed everyone and thanked President Trible for giving the Board a tour of the library.

President's Report  

President Trible introduced the newest member of the Board, Ann Hunnicutt , who replaced Doug Duncan. President Trible shared his appreciation for Doug Duncan's service on the Board and Mike Martin moved to have a Resolution prepared to thank Mr. Duncan for his service. Ms. Hoinkes seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

President Trible then reported on the status of admissions. For incoming freshmen, the average GPA is 3.5 and SAT approaches 1200. He said that the efforts of faculty and staff to increase student success are paying off with retention rates of freshmen to sophomores is at 82 % and which puts CNU in the company of finest schools in America . Because CNU is doing a better job of instructing and inspiring students, the graduation rate is at 52 % and he predicts it will be in the 60's very quickly.

President Trible noted that admissions process is going well and this year students from Ohio will be recruited. He told the Board that the SAT is now optional for those students who have demonstrated the ability to achieve academic success. Students who are in the top 10 % of their class or have a 3.5 GPA will not have to submit SAT or ACT test scores. However, for the Leadership and Honors programs SAT and ACT scores will be required.

The athletic teams continued to do well with 3 teams ranked in top 10 in the nation, football is ranked 20th , women's soccer ranked 7th and women's filed hockey is 9th. President Trible invited the board to attend the football game against Rowan in Texas and encouraged everyone to attend Homecoming.

He reported that the Ferguson Center continues to do well and draw large crowds. There were 80 performances scheduled from September to May.

President Trible noted that the economy remains slow which will affect CNU's budget. However the shortfall in state funds has been anticipated and provisions have been made in shaping CNU's budget. The 5 % cut will mean $1.4 million for CNU and a total of $90 million for all Virginia schools. There is a rainy day fund to replace these dollars but hopefully that will not be necessary.

Finance and Audit Committee Report

Mr. Joseph reported that the Finance Committee reviewed in detail the year end numbers and the budget is balanced. The shortfalls resulting from the start-up costs of the student union were offset by a very successful year in university housing.

Mr. Brauer reported that the Ferguson Center continues to be a success. To date over $7 million in tickets sales have occurred with over 100,000 people in attendance. Demographically the audience is drawn largely from the Peninsula but more and more from the Southside and 7 % of the ticket sales are from out of state.

Mr. Brauer reviewed Resolution 1: Debt Resolution . He explained that whenever the university issues debt for its auxiliary operations, the Board approves a loan agreement which delegates authority to the university for issuance of the loan and the execution the necessary documents related to that process. This project is for the expansion of the Freeman Center which has $26.1 million in appropriated authority. Resolution 1 authorizes $7.4 million at this time and the Board will be asked to authorize the remaining balance in the future. Vice Rector Joseph said this Resolution comes to the Board at the recommendation of the Finance Committee.

Mr. Brauer then explained Resolution 2: Reimbursement Resolution which also relates to the expansion of the Freeman Center . It is required by the IRS so CNU can spend its funds prior to the issuance of tax exempt debt. Vice Rector Joseph said that Resolution 2 comes to the Board at the recommendation of the Finance Committee.

Rector Hornsby called for discussion and questions. Both resolutions were then passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

Academic Affairs Committee

Ms Hoinkes reported that the committee reviewed the good efforts of the university to introduce new students to CNU and to help create ways for their learning success and what effects these efforts are having on improving retention rates. The committee spent time getting to know the new Provost Mark Padilla and they were introduced to his colleagues. Provost Padilla said he was delighted to be at CNU and looks forward to working with the Board.

Student Life Committee Report

Mr. Martin reported that CNU has received the largest number of applications in its history – 7,405 -- over 1,000 more than last year. Minority enrollment rose from 16 percent to 18 percent which reflects a large number of Asian Americans. He said that applications to the President's Leadership Program continue to grow with over 600 students applying. Of those admitted, 50% chose to enroll. The majority of the meeting was a discussion with Chief Brown regarding campus security. Mr. Martin commended CNU on the safety program that has been implemented.

Mr. O'Connell introduced Chief Jeff Brown who reviewed with the Board the Comprehensive Safety and Security Plan for CNU. The executive summary of the plan is attached to the minutes. Chief Brown thanked the Board for supporting their budget requests which allowed the expansion of the number of emergency lines to the police department and other state of the art equipment to respond to emergencies. Additionally a telephone system that records telephone and radio communications has been installed. The salaries for the police department have been raised and the department is staffed at 100 %.

Mr. Martin asked SGA President Andrew Lundstun to address the Board Mr. Lundstun reported that the SGA is exploring ways to restructure the organization and is focusing on the needs of the student body. The students are focusing on technology trends and communication as well as having an eco-friendly campus. The SGA would like to see ways to improve avenues for students to double major by offering more classes that overlap. The SGA continues to review and discuss the alcohol policies on campus specifically as they relate to east campus and tailgating. The SGA will continue to look at the restructuring and its mission and bring ideas to the administration and Board.

Gary Whiting, President of the Faculty Senate, shared a vision statement with the Board that is currently under review with the Faculty Senate. The objectives of the vision statement are to enhance student learning, innovative scholarship and service significant to the community. The faculty will dedicated themselves to initiatives that will strengthen teaching, scholarship, academic programs and disciplines as CNU continues along the path of a preeminent public liberal arts and sciences university. The Faculty Senate is also working on ways to increase and enhance faculty development and research opportunities and ways for faculty members and students to obtain grants.

Mr. Michael Koontz, President of the Alumni Society, reported that the Alumni Society continues to work on a long-term strategic plan which is nearing the final stages. The Society is restructuring its organization of members and committees. The Society will hold its annual meeting during Homecoming weekend and there will be alumni activities throughout the entire weekend. He said that the Society is trying to get the alumni from different areas together to build chapters in Northern Virginia and Richmond . There was discussion on ways to communicate more effectively with the alumni.

At 1:40 p.m. Rector Hornsby called for a motion to enter closed session under Freedom of Information Acts , Section 2.2-3711 (a)1 Personnel; (a)3 Real Estate; (a)(6) Investments; (a)(7) litigation and (a)(8) gifts, bequests and fundraising. The motion was provided by Mr. Heath, seconded by Ms. Hoinkes and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

At 2:10 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 motion by which the executive or closed meeting was called. Board members Ms. Budlong, Ms. Crittenden, Mr. Heath, Ms. Hoinkes, Mr. Joseph, Ms. Luter, Mr. Martin, Ms. Hunnicutt and Rector Hornsby certified to the above.

Rector Hornsby stated that Resolution 3: Settlement Resolution was discussed in closed session and was recommended for approval by the Finance Committee. There being no further discussion, Resolution 3: Settlement Resolution was passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

Rector Hornsby called for a motion to approve the increase in President Trible's salary of 4% in accordance with his contract and which is the same raise being given to all instructional faculty. Ms. Hoinkes provided the motion, seconded by Mr. Heath and passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

____________________________ ________________________________

Deborah Budlong, Secretary Beverley Mueller , Administrative Assistant

to the Board

______________________________

Claude S. Hornsby, III, Rector

Finance and Audit Committee Report

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