MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
DECEMBER 13, 2013
1. Roll Call
Present- Mr. Stephen Bough, Governor
Mr. Joe Carmichael, Governor
Ms. Carrie Carroll, Governor
Ms. Virginia Fry, Governor
Mr. Peter Hofherr, Governor
Mr. Stephen B. Hoven, Governor
Ms. Paige Jenkins, Student Governor
Mr. Orvin Kimbrough, Chair (by conference call)
Ms. Beverly Miller, Vice Chair
Mr. Kendall Seal, Governor
Also
Present- Clifton Smart III, President
Drew Bennett, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus
Frank Einhellig, Provost
Dee Siscoe, Vice President for Student Affairs
Ken McClure, Vice President for Administrative and Information Services
Jim Baker, Vice President for Research, Economic Development, and International Programs
Kenneth Coopwood, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
Stephen Foucart, Chief Financial Officer
Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement
Penni Groves, General Counsel
John McAlear, Secretary of the Board
2. Presiding --- The presiding officer for the meeting was Ms. Beverly Miller, Vice Chair of the Board of Governors. She called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. in the Traywick Parliamentary Room in the Plaster Student Union on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
3. Approval of Minutes:
a. Board of Governors Meeting --- Ms. Miller mentioned that the first item of business was the approval of the minutes for the 8:00 a.m. open and closed meetings of October 18, 2013, and the 1:00 p.m. open meeting of October 18, 2013. Mr. Bough so moved, receiving the second of Mr. Hofherr.
Motion passed 9-0.
4. Consent Agenda --- Ms. Miller noted that the next item of business on the agenda was the approval of the Consent Agenda for this meeting. The items included in the Consent Agenda are:
Executive Committee Meeting Held on December 4, 2013
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for October 12, 2013, through November 25, 2013 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 396-13).
Approval of an amendment to the Fee Schedule regarding SOAR fees (Fees No. 141-13).
Improvements to the athletic and recreation fields on the Springfield campus (Bids & Quotations No. 1448-13); DeWitt and Associates, Inc., low bid of $21,824,600 for the base bid plus alternates 1, 2, 4, 6A, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12; total project budget set at $25,097,000.
Approval to increase the project budget for replacement of the pool HVAC system at Hammons Student Center (Bids & Quotations No. 1449-13); this $5,000 increase brings the new total project budget to $480,000.
Professional services in conjunction with the renovation of Kentwood Hall, Hammons House, and Hutchens House (Architects & Engineers No. 695-13); Butler Rosenbury & Partners, for a fixed fee of $162,000 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $40,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
Professional services in conjunction with the renovation of the third floor of Plaster Student Union (Architects & Engineers No. 696-13); Buxton Kubic Dodd Creative, for a fixed fee of $78,400 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $25,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
Grant a license agreement with Greenwood Laboratory School PTA in Springfield to allow the installation of modular playground equipment to serve Greenwood Laboratory School (Agreement No. 335-13).
Acceptance of real estate gift from the Missouri State University Foundation and name property The Woodlands (Gifts No. 161-13).
Professional services in conjunction with the design of a new occupational therapy facility (Architects & Engineers No. 697-13); Cannon Design, for a fixed, not-to-exceed fee of $1,337,000 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $50,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
West Plains Campus
Approval of Activity Report dated December 13, 2013 (West Plains Campus Activity Report No. 104-13).
Approval of actions concerning West Plains Campus academic employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 361-13).
Approval of actions concerning West Plains Campus non-academic employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 362-13).
Springfield Campus Purchases/Contracts
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for the period October 3, 2013, through November 25, 2013 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 397-13).
Facilities and Equipment
Approval of Activity Report for the month of September 2013 (Activity Report No. 250-13).
Approval of Activity Report for the month of October 2013 (Activity Report No. 251-13).
Grant a license agreement with Pinnacle Sign Group in Springfield to allow the installation of a new advertising panel at the John Q. Hammons Arena (Agreement No. 336-13).
Grant permission to the City of Springfield to allow the installation of an extension of The Link on Missouri State University property south of Grand Street (Land No. 108-13).
Human Resources Items
Actions concerning academic employees (Human Resources No. 1445-13).
Actions concerning non-academic employees (Human Resources No. 1446-13).
Approval of amendment to Employee Handbook for Administrative, Professional and Support Staff Employees and related policies (Board Policies No. 84-13).
Approval of premium payment plan for voluntary products for the employees of Missouri State University (Human Resources No. 1447-13).
Ms. Fry made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, receiving a second from Mr. Kimbrough.
Motion passed 9-0.
5. President’s Report --- President Clif Smart began his report by welcoming everyone to the December Commencement weekend. Later today, we will graduate 1,379 students in two ceremonies at JQH Arena.
He then presented a resolution (Awards No. 52-13) approving the following students as Citizen Scholars for 2013-2014: Nii Abrahams, Mariah Gregg, Jared Horman, Kris Keilty, Walter Orr, and Paige Oxendine. Moved by Mr. Hoven and seconded by Ms. Fry.
Motion passed 9-0.
Dr. Dee Siscoe, Vice President for Student Affairs, next indicated that there were 23 students nominated for this outstanding award and after much deliberation, these six students were selected. Ms. Cathy Smith, former member of the Board of Governors and the subcommittee which reviewed the nominations, introduced each of the Citizen Scholars with the other members of the subcommittee, Ms. Beverly Miller, Ms. Paige Jenkins, and Mr. Steve Bough, presenting them with a crystal globe.
President Smart next commented on two significant announcements that were made this week at a news conference. First, Colin Powell will be the spring public affairs convocation speaker on Thursday, March 20, 2014, in JQH Arena. The second announcement was the inaugural inductees into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame – President Harry Truman (the legacy recipient), Senator John Danforth, and Dr. Donald Suggs. Senator Danforth and Dr. Suggs will be present for the April 11 induction dinner and ceremony, and President Truman’s grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, will be present to accept for his grandfather. President Smart then indicated that the key materials which will be used for this legislative session had been left at their chair. He next stated that Governor Nixon honored our university by making an announcement that he proposed increasing higher education funding by an average of 5% per institution in his FY15 budget at our campus on Wednesday of this week. Because we achieved all of our performance measures, our percentage increase will likely be greater than that – maybe in the 5.2—5.3 % range. Governor Nixon also challenged the universities to hold in-state undergraduate tuition flat. We will be discussing this proposal and other tuition and fee issues at our next finance committee meeting in February and at the Board retreat in March. President Smart ended his report by previewing the final item on today’s agenda – a discussion on First-Generation Students – a topic that the Board has asked to have a chance to discuss.
6. Academic Affairs:
a. Faculty Senate Report --- Dr. Ryan Giedd, Chairperson of the Faculty Senate, first presented a resolution (Awards No. 53-13), recommending that the honorary doctorate degree, Doctor of Public Affairs (A.P.D.) be conferred upon Mr. James B. Tatum at the Commencement Ceremony in May 2014 in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in the areas of public affairs. Moved and seconded, respectively, by Mr. Bough and Mr. Hofherr.
Motion passed 9-0.
Dr. Giedd next presented another resolution (Awards No. 54-13), recommending that the honorary doctorate degree, Doctor of Public Affairs (A.P.D.) be conferred upon Mr. John Rush at the Commencement Ceremony in May 2014 in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in the area of public affairs. Moved by Ms. Carroll and seconded by Mr. Hoven.
Motion passed 9-0.
b. Report from Provost --- Dr. Frank Einhellig, Provost, presented the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:
New program approval for Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) (Curriculum No. 358-13). The DNAP degree will replace the current advanced practice Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. It will be the university’s fourth clinical doctorate program.
New program approval for Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Studies (Curriculum No. 359-13). This is a terminal degree that will require 60 credit hours.
Moved by Ms. Fry and seconded by Mr. Bough.
Motion passed 9-0.
7. Student Affairs:
a. Report from Student Body President --- Mr. David Schneider, Student Body President, reported that he was proud and excited that the Bear Fee had passed. He next mentioned that they have been working on a car-sharing program on campus. The student Sustainability Commission has been researching this program that could lead to as many as 2-4 cars on campus to be shared by students. He added that they have a campaign in process seeking donations for the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines. He then stated that interviews have been held and three student names have been forwarded to Governor Jay Nixon for our next student governor. He ended his report by indicating that West Plains students collected 350 pairs of shoes for the Stomp Out Hunger Campaign. West Plains students also attended Fall Showcase and the Blake Mycoskie event.
b. Commendation --- Dr. Dee Siscoe offered a commendation for Paige Jenkins for her outstanding service as Student Governor for Missouri State University. Moved by Mr. Bough and seconded by Mr. Hofherr.
Motion passed 9-0.
8. Staff Senate --- Ms. Andrea Weber, Chairperson for the Faculty Senate, reported that the annual Denim Day collection totaled $2,100 this year. She also indicated that they have been working with the Bookstore to have “Proud to be Staff” shirts that can be personalized by department.
9. New Business:
a. Board Committee Structure for Calendar Year 2014 – Ms. Miller announced the 2014 membership of the Board’s committees: Finance and Facilities – Mr. Steve Hoven (Chair), Ms. Carrie Carroll, Mr. Joe Carmichael, Ms. Virginia Fry, and Ms. Bev Miller; Programs and Planning – Mr. Peter Hofherr (Chair), Mr. Steve Bough, Mr. Orv Kimbrough, Mr. Kendall Seal, and Ms. Paige Jenkins (or replacement).
Ms. Miller then proposed the 2014 Executive Committee as Ms. Carroll, Mr. Hofherr, Mr. Hoven, and herself. Moved by Mr. Carmichael and seconded by Mr. Bough.
Motion passed 9-0.
b. Discussion on First-Generation Students --- President Smart then began this discussion by providing that the nationally accepted definition of first-generation students is determined by the answer to this question: “Did either of your parents receive a bachelor’s degree?” If the answer is “no,” you are a first-generation student.
He stated that he wanted to make two points in this introduction to the discussion. First, the definition of first-generation students is at least a little confusing, and, the data we have is self-reported – we need to keep that in mind as we look at numbers and statistics. Second, we cannot put an “equal sign” between other categories and “first generation” – first generation is just one factor (granted, an important factor) but not the only factor we consider when assisting students.
Mr. Dennis Lancaster, Interim Dean of Academic Affairs on the West Plains campus, remarked that first-generation students are who the West Plains campus primarily serves. Using the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) data, it is estimated that about 60% of Fall 2013 degree-seeking undergraduates were classified as first generation. First-generation students have a greater financial need, are typically under-prepared, and have lower retention and graduation rates. Major initiatives to assist the West Plains students are: 1) their campus TRIO program; 2) the first-year experience program; 3) revamped IDS 110 student success course; 4) redesign of developmental math and English courses; and, 5) financial aid opportunities. West Plains students Leah Harris (2014 graduate) and Mariah Gregg (2012 graduate and now a senior at MSU-Springfield) both gave short talks on their challenges and the assistance of understanding faculty and staff.
Mr. Don Simpson, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, indicated, that depending on the measure, 35-42% of degree-seeking undergraduates on the Springfield campus are first generation. Like West Plains, retention and graduation rates are lower for first-generation students. Mr. TaJuan Wilson, Director of TRIO Programs, next gave a short background on the campuses’ TRIO programs – federal outreach programs designed to encourage the persistence and matriculation of low-income, first-generation and disabled students. TRIO Upward Bound is a pre-college program with a goal of successful completion of high school and postsecondary education. He indicated they are funded to work with 50 students and target schools include three Springfield high schools. Services provided include tutoring, mentoring, advising, counseling, as well as many others. These students have enrolled in many different universities with about 75% attending Missouri State University. Graduation and persistence rates of these students average, respectively, 92% and 93%. TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is their collegiate program where they are funded to work with 190 students. We have over served this past year and served 262 students. Just some of the services provided include academic advising, free tutoring, equipment lending, financial assistance, and a private computer lab. Likewise, graduation and persistence rates of these student average, respectively, 92% and 93%. He added that 89% of the students served in TRIO SSS are first generation. Three Springfield campus students – Terry Walls (former TRIO student and now a graduate student), Whitney Butrum (junior), and Demetria Green (current TRIO sophomore) each gave short presentations about their campus challenges and examples of services they have received to assist them. Mr. Walls and Ms. Green gave positive examples of the services received from the TRIO SSS program and Ms. Butrum reflected on the positive experience she had with the Jump START program.
The entire Board, along with others in attendance, next engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the challenges each of the students mentioned and how to build upon the successful programs already in place to assist students. Some thoughts from the discussion include:
- For better data, it has already been decided to require a response as to first-generation status on the enrollment application.
- The need to continue to stress student engagement as this is a critical component on whether a student is successful.
- To consider where one-stop shops to help ease new students into campus life might be realistic.
- To recognize the importance the family plays into student success, a new coordinator for family cultivation is already being considered.
- Plans already in place to make the library more of a blended building include the possibility of moving the TRIO program into the library which will improve the physical space needs of TRIO. To examine how we can better communicate some of the excellent student services we already have in place.
10. Date of Next Meeting --- The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting was set for Friday, February 7, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. on the West Plains Campus.
11. Adjournment--- Ms. Miller adjourned the meeting at 11:40 a.m., on the motion of Mr. Bough, the second of Ms. Fry, and the unanimous vote of the Board.
John W. McAlear