April 24 Board of Governors Report to the Senate
Verna Gibson read the BOG resolution honoring and recognizing the successful and inspiring Marshall career of Dr. Sarah Denman, Provost.
Academic Committee Action Item included in the Agenda:
1. Some of the program reports had a few issues that are outlined in the report provided; several members of the board participate in the review process.
2. The BOG approved the program reviews with the following amendment for Family and Consumer Science: The Academic Committee requested that FSC provide a follow-up report by the end of the fall 2008 term to include:
o a review of the BA curriculum with a comparison to other successful FSC programs at other institutions;
o a justification for the differences in the MU program; and
o a report on the electives vs. the required course with a revision to the electives list.
The MCTC President’s report was provided by Dr. Keith Cotroneo
The MCTC committee provided the following action items included in the Agenda packet:
1) The MCTC program reviews were conducted - approved
2) The MCTC proposed additional fees - approved
3) The MCTC proposed salary increases - approved
Dr. Stephen Kopp provided a the University President’s report to the BOG:
· 07-08 was a very active Legislative session with excellent and effective outcomes for us; several key bills were passed; and the Legislature approved and funded a 3% salary increase for higher education employees.
o The state appropriation was increased slightly from last year; however, the budget is still tight
o There was an addition to the MUSOM budget
o The WV research trust fund bill was the most significant in recent memory allowing the establishment of the trust fund for dollar-for-dollar match to support research at MU (our goal is 20 million)
· Noteworthy bill action: HB4623 moves cap on retirement limit for employee contributions; HB3215 provided CTC independence; SB535 established a blueprint for WV education by 2020 which includes a comprehensive plan for K-12 and higher education that was signed into law; and SB476 establishes a fund at state auditor level for cashing-out sick leave for state employees.
· Construction projects: the softball facility was dedicated March 15; team rooms/offices will be done in June; the student housing construction is on schedule and slated for an August opening; the student recreation center is underway; scheduled for a February 1 opening; the engineering lab building is progressing ad set for a fall completion; interiors/furnishings will be provided by major gifts; the Memorial fountain renovation is complete and the Spring-Hill memorial was also rededicated and refurbished thanks to a generous gift from a benefactor; the Welcome center dedication and naming was completed in April; the Alumni foundation center will break ground soon; the Forensic sciences edition is underway pending BOG approval for a Cabell County Commission bond; and the MSC renovation is complete.
· Other items:
o Dr. Kopp announced that 11 million has been raised in the Bridge program to date.
o Recruitment efforts for the fall class continue; our aggressive efforts may yield a 2-3% increase in full-time freshmen this fall and 25% of our student population is made up of non-residents.
o The Appalachian scholarship program was established. This program parallels the current border scholarship program and increases our base to include all of the states in Appalachia.
o The E-course program continues to grow thanks to IT support and faculty participation; the university will continue make appropriate investments back into this program.
o The President is continuing his high school visits which are very well received by the teachers/counselors etc. they have talked to 30+ high schools so far.
o There are several ongoing searches; Dr. Sherri Clarke will begin June 1 as VP of Multicultural affairs; Dr. David Pittenger will assume the COLA dean position July 1; and the Provost search is progressing.
o Dr. Kopp is working with the COEHS to create a tri-state initiative to support the STEM academy that will provide opportunities for students in WV, OH and other states.
Finance Committee Action Items also included in the Agenda:
1) HR 11 policy change was presented - approved
2) 2008-09 budget was presented – approved
a.Includes 3% salary increase for employees—they approved a 3% salary pool that will follow the MU salary policies
b. The employee salary increase was fully funded by Legislature
3) SB603 requires quarterly financial statements that were provided – approved
4) Annex to Forensic Science Center construction contract and financing resolution for a three million dollar bond via Cabell County Commission were presented – approved
5) The quarterly investment earnings report was provided – approved
