MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
SOUTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
MAY 12, 2005
1. Roll Call
Present-
Mr. Thomas Carlson, Governor
Mr. Michael Duggan, Governor (by conference call)
Mr. Gordon Elliott, Governor
Mr. Michael Franks, President of the Board
Ms. Carol Pinegar, Governor (by conference call)
Ms. Mary Sheid, Vice President of the Board
Ms. Phyllis Washington, Governor
Ms. Kelli Wolf, Student Governor
Also Present-
John Keiser, President
Kent Thomas, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus
Greg Onstot, Vice President for University Advancement
Bruno Schmidt, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Don Aripoli, Vice President for Student Affairs
Greg Burris, Vice President for Administration & Finance
Kent Kay, Associate Vice President for Finance
John Black, General Counsel
John W. McAlear, Secretary of the Board
2. Presiding --- The presiding officer for the meeting was Mr. Michael Franks, President of the Board of Governors. He called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. in the Traywick Parliamentary Room of the Plaster Student Union on the campus of Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
3. Minutes --- Mr. Franks noted that the first item of business on the agenda was the approval of the minutes submitted by the Secretary for the open meeting of April 15, 2005. Ms. Sheid moved to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Carlson seconded the motion.
Motion passed 7-0.
4. Report from the President --- Before Dr. Keiser was asked to give his report, Mr. Franks commented that he needed to present a resolution (Human Resources No. 1169-05) that was not in the agenda to the Board. He then read the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Dr. John H. Keiser served from 1993-2005 as the eighth President of Southwest Missouri State University; and
WHEREAS, during his 12 years as President, Dr. Keiser provided distinguished leadership marked by hard work, honesty, and integrity; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Keiser took a lead role in having the statewide mission in public affairs approved by the Missouri General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor, paving the way for SMSU to graduate citizen-scholars in all academic disciplines; and
WHEREAS, during Dr. Keiser's administration, approximately $160 million in new construction and renovation was completed, started or approved, including Strong Hall, the Plaster Student Union, the Darr Agricultural Center, the Physical Therapy Building, the Professional Building, Meyer Library Addition, Jane A. Meyer Carillon, Scholars House, Wehr Band Hall, the Park and Ride, and the Intermodal Transfer Facility on the Springfield Campus, Faurot Hall and Shannon Hall at SMSU-Mountain Grove, and Looney Hall, Melton Hall, Lybyer Hall, and Smith-London Bell Tower at SMSU-West Plains; and
WHEREAS, under Dr. Keiser's leadership, the academic programs at SMSU were enhanced through movement to selective admissions, revision of the General Education curriculum, doubling the number of graduate programs, establishment of the first stand-alone doctorate, and establishment of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center; and
WHEREAS, many special activities were initiated during Dr. Keiser's Presidency, including the acceptance of the license of Ozarks Public Television, the establishment of a branch campus and other relationships in China, the sculpting of two statues, and the year-long Centennial Celebration; and
WHEREAS, during Dr. Keiser's 12 years, the Bears and Lady Bears achieved national recognition in several sports, including appearing in the Women's NCAA Final Four and winning the WNIT, appearing in the NCAA Men's Sweet 16, and the NCAA College World Series; and
WHEREAS, with Dr. Keiser's leadership, the university's name change to "Missouri State University" was approved by the Missouri General Assembly and signed into law the university's Centennial Founders' Day, with the effective date of August 28, 2005; and
WHEREAS, President Keiser will be honored with the naming of the John H. Keiser Plaza and Amphitheater, with the dedication to be the morning of Friday, May 13, 2005;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Governors for Southwest Missouri State University thanks and commends Dr. Keiser for his 12 years of service, and grants and extends to Dr. Keiser, upon his retirement, the title of "President Emeritus."
Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Mr. Carlson.
Motion passed 7-0.
Dr. Keiser then gave his report that included a status of the negotiations with the Forest Institute that have been going on for almost a year. He indicated that due to operational and fiscal constraints, the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology and SMSU are not ready at this time to reach a recommendation and agreement regarding the operation of the Forest Institute within the SMSU infrastructure that furthers the mission of the respective parties. He added that the two institutions do wish to build on their affiliation agreement for enhanced collaborations.
He then presented a resolution (Board Policies No. 39-05) approving the institutional name change to Missouri State University effective August 28, 2005 and to authorize the University administration to take associated actions to implement the name change. He explained it is important for the Board to formalize the name change of the institution authorized by Senate Bill 98 and to authorize the University administration to conduct all activities and transactions necessary to effectively change the name of the University. He added that the legislation also adds two additional voting members to the Board of Governors as appointed by the Governor and ratified by the Senate. Moved by Mr. Elliott and seconded by Ms. Sheid.
Motion passed 7-0.
Mr. Kent Kay, Associate Vice President, next was asked to provide a summary of where we are on the preparation of the FY06 operating budget. He explained that the increase in student fees for next year will generate an additional $4.7 million. Benefits will be going up next year by almost $2.6 million due to the increase in health care expenses and retirement fund contributions. The salary budget, with a 2% salary increase plus promotions and step increases, will increase by about $2.1 million. These increases were possible due to receiving a flat budget from the legislature.
Dr. Bruce Johnson, Faculty Athletics Representative, next distributed a progress report on the 21 goals set in the institution's most recent athletics certification self-study. The nine goals that he highlighted during his presentation dealt with gender equity, diversity, and academic integrity.
5. Educational:
a. Faculty Senate Report --- Dr. Lois Shufeldt, former Chairperson for the Faculty Senate, reported on three Faculty Senate meetings in April. She also introduced Dr. Mark Richter of the Chemistry Department as the Chair-elect of the Faculty Senate. Dr. Rhonda Ridinger of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation was reelected Secretary of the Faculty.
Dr. Art Spisak, new Chairperson of the Faculty Senate, next reported that the Faculty Senate officers will be researching sources of new money that could be used in raising faculty salaries. He added that one of his main goals is to develop a good working relationship with the administration as faculty morale has been low.
b. Report from Vice President for Academic Affairs --- Dr. Bruno Schmidt, Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented a resolution (Policies & Procedures No. 107-05) approving the policies, procedures, and fee structure for the Learning Diagnostic Clinic. Moved by Mr. Carlson and seconded by Ms. Sheid.
Motion passed 7-0.
He then presented the following resolutions for the Board's
consideration:
Establishing the Bachelor of Science in Socio-Political Communication (Curriculum No. 281-05)
Establishing the Bachelor of Science in Public Relations (Curriculum No. 282-05).
Moved by Ms. Sheid. Seconded by Mr. Elliott.
Motion passed 7-0.
Dr. David Hough, Dean of the College of Education, next presented some of the highlights of the College of Education during the past year.
6. West Plains Campus:
a. Report from the West Plains Campus --- Mr. Kent Thomas, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus, reported that 262 students will graduate in the graduation ceremonies Saturday on the West Plains campus. He then presented the following resolutions for the Board's consideration:
Architectural services in conjunction with the repairs to Shannon Hall, Garnett Library, Kellett Hall, and Richards House (West Plains Campus Architects & Engineers No. 54-05); Associated Design Group, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $9,680 plus reimbursable expenses.
Increase the amount for the "On-Call" engineering services of Scott Consulting Engineers, P.C., approved at the October 15, 2004 meeting from $10,000 to $20,000 (West Plains Campus Architects & Engineers No. 55-05).
Approval of change to RST 120 Basic Fee (West Plains Fees No. 11-05). This would be a reduction from $125 per hour to $97 per hour.
Approval of expenditures ($7,000) to implement the Capital Project proposal of an engraved brick walkway with the name of all 2004-2005 graduates at the Smith-London Centennial Bell Tower on the SMSU-WP campus (West Plains Campus Purchase Approval No. 31-05).
Approval of expenditures ($15,000) to implement the Capital Project proposal for the purchase and installation of five Utility Granville Lights (West Plains Campus Purchase Approval No. 32-05).
Approval of actions concerning academic employees of the West Plains Campus (West Plains Personnel No. 234-05).
Approval of FY2006 salary and benefits overview for the SMSU-West Plains Athletics' coaches (West Plains Personnel No. 235-05). The only change this year is the same 2% salary increase that will be proposed for all faculty and staff.
Moved by Ms. Sheid. Seconded by Ms. Washington.
Motion passed 6-0-1 (Mr. Carlson was out of the room).
7. Student Affairs:
a. Report from Student Body President --- Mr. Chris Curtis, former President of the Student Body, reported that in the recent student election, students voted to spend $75,000 of Wyrick fund reserve monies for a consultant regarding a student recreation center. He then announced that Mike Barnett and Scott Pierson were elected the new Student Body President and Vice President.
Mr. Mike Barnett, newly elected President of the Student Body, reported the SGA will be looking to incorporate the public affairs mission more into the SGA activities. They will also be following up on Chris's goal of a Public Affairs minor for all graduates.
b. Report from Vice President for Student Affairs--- Dr. Don Aripoli, Vice President for Student Affairs, first reported that we are down about 259 first-time freshmen, but our SOAR numbers for first-time freshmen are up. He then presented the following resolutions:
Approving the expenditures to implement Wyrick Projects for FY2006 – the installation of a Veterans Memorial at the north end of Plaster Stadium in the amount of $22,000 (Purchase Approval No. 100-05)
Approving the expenditure of Wyrick funds to hire a consultant for an amount up to $75,000 to explore the possibility of a Recreation/Wellness Center (Purchase Approval No. 101-05)
Approving expenditures of up to $200,000 for 2005-2006 and subsequent years to support a program for incoming freshmen and returning sophomores, to provide grant aid, not to exceed $2,500 per year per student to assist Missouri student aid applicants (Finance No. 984-05). Mr. Franks had given approval of this program in advance of this meeting so award letters could be mailed to potential recipients.
Motion made by Ms. Shied receiving the second of Ms. Washington.
Motion passed 7-0.
He then offered a commendation to Lindsay M. Haynes for her services as Student Body Vice President for the 2004-2005 academic year. Moved by Ms. Sheid. Seconded by Mr. Carlson.
Motion passed 7-0.
He next offered a commendation to Christopher D. Curtis for his services as Student Body President for the 2004-2005 academic year. Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Mr. Elliott.
Motion passed 7-0.
8. Staff Senate Report --- Dr. Diana Garland, Chairperson of the Staff Senate, reported that staff representatives were along on the trip to visit some Recreation Centers at Oklahoma State and Tulsa.
9. Finance:
a. Development Report --- Mr. Greg Onstot, Vice President for University Advancement, presented the Development Report for the ten months ending April 30, 2005. He reported that we are down about 923 gifts and $411,000 for the year when compared to last year. Through the month of April, our capital campaign total is at $47.5 million of our goal of $50 million. The campaign for donations to help with name-change expenses is at $102,000.
b. Financial Report --- Mr. Kent Kay, Associate Vice President for Finance, presented the financial statements for the first ten months of the fiscal year – through April 30, 2005.
c. Purchases & Contracts --- Mr. Kay presented the following resolution for the Board's consideration:
Purchases exceeding $100,000 from April 14, 2005 through April 29, 2005 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 264-05).
Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Ms. Washington.
Motion passed 7-0.
10. Facilities and Equipment --- Mr. Greg Burris, Vice President for Administrative Services, first mentioned that the resolution approving the name change earlier in the meeting needs a correction. In the comments section of the resolution, it indicated that expenses that are unique to the name change and would not have been incurred at this time if the name change had not occurred would be funded by private gift monies. He added that the wording should read "… funded by private gift monies and auxiliary revenues." Mr. Franks asked if there was a motion to adopt this wording change. So moved by Mr. Carlson and seconded by Ms. Washington.
Motion passed 7-0.
He next presented the following resolutions for the Board's
consideration:
Approving the Activity Report for the month of April 2005 (Activity Report No. 149-05).
Consulting services in conjunction with the inventory and condition assessment of roofing systems (Architects & Engineers No. 610-05); Roofing Solutions, Inc., for a base fee not-to-exceed $52,000. Additional services of up to $10,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
Remodeling the third floor of Temple Hall (Bids & Quotations No. 1154-05); Bales Construction Company, Inc., only bid received of $84,000 for the base bid; total project budget established at $110,000.
Mechanical and electrical classroom upgrades (Bids & Quotations No. 1155-05); Bales Construction Company, Inc., only bid received of $153,900 for the base bid and alternate # 1; total project budget established at $208,000.
Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Ms. Washington.
Motion passed 7-0.
Mr. Burris next presented a resolution (Policies & Procedures No. 108-05) approving the updated and revised University Parking Policy. Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Ms. Washington.
Motion passed 7-0.
11. Human Resources --- Mr. Burris then presented the following resolutions for the Board's consideration:
Actions concerning academic employees (Human Resources No. 1170-05).
Actions concerning non-academic employees (Human Resources No. 1171-05).
Approving changes to the Employee Handbook regarding vacation accrual for classified staff (Human Resources No. 1172-05).
Moved by Ms. Washington. Seconded by Ms. Sheid.
Motion passed 7-0.
Mr. Burris next presented a report to the Board addressing Healthcare Guiding Principles. He explained that at the November 19, 2004 meeting, the Administration was directed to provide a report to the Board by the May 2005 meeting regarding the state of the University's employee healthcare insurance plans.
12. Date of Next Meeting --- The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting was set for June 17, 2005 on the Mountain Grove Campus.
13. Adjournment--- Mr. Franks adjourned the meeting at 3:45 p.m. on the motion of Mr. Elliott, the second of Mr. Carlson, and the unanimous vote of the Board.
John W.McAlear
Secretary