MU BOG Faculty Rep Blog

Board of Governors Report, Submitted by Dr. Monica Brooks, Faculty Representative 2007-09 September 25, 2008

Senate Executive Committee Request for Information

• As per the request made at the September 8 meeting, members of the Senate Executive Committee asked for answers to a few questions in preparation for the full Senate meeting. I spoke with Layton Cottrill, General Counsel, on 9/18, who indicated that inquiries for information are directed to his office; the decision on the sale of the property has not been made nor has a date been set; the second appraisal has not been completed yet; once the university has that information, the BOG will have to consider price in addition to other fiduciary responsibilities.
• During the fall faculty meeting on September 22, President Kopp provided additional details regarding the status of the University Heights property.

• The most recent meeting took place on Friday, August 29 via conference call in President Kopp’s office at 4:00 p.m. The agenda consisted of a brief discussion regarding the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) capital improvement list in which MU projects must be submitted prior to any initiative to seek funding or break ground in the future. The 2009-2014 submission included many “wish list” items that have no location or funding to date. In order for any of these to become a reality in future years, the university was required to make the HEPC aware they are on our long-range plan.
• The University Heights property was also discussed. A public meeting had been held earlier in the day to allow community members to voice concerns. The public was also made aware that both Prestera Center and the Cabell County Board of Education submitted bids; however, the board determined that more information was needed before any action could be taken. A second appraisal is required by state code; this appraisal is still pending.

• The weekend before school began I joined members of the MU BOG at the Board of Governors Summit meeting hosted by the WV HEPC at Stonewall Resort. John Hess, Virginia King, Sherri Noble, and Michael Sellards also attended the two-day meeting. Several BOG members and some presidents from the state’s public institutions participated representing Bluefield, Concord, Fairmont, Glenville, Shepherd, West Liberty, West Virginia State, the WV SOM, WVU Tech, and West Virginia U.
• In addition to member panel discussions on issues such as campus communication, funding, retention, and board responsibilities, members of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges and leaders in higher education provided sessions on ethics, finance, accountability, retention, and assessment. Governor Manchin was the keynote speaker, Chancellor Noland moderated, and Senator Plymale participated on the opening panel. The information, materials, and sessions presented provided the state’s BOG members with the opportunity to discuss state-wide higher education issues with other board members, lawmakers, AGB and HEPC officials. I felt it was a very worthwhile program that allowed for faculty board representatives to meet and share information.