MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
OCTOBER 18, 2013, 1:00 P.M.
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
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 Mr. Orvin Kimbrough, Chair of the Board of Governors. He called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. in the Traywick Parliamentary Room in the Plaster Student Union on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. He first welcomed two new governors attending their first meeting – Ms. Virginia Fry and Mr. Kendall Seal.
3. Approval of Minutes:
a. Board of Governors Meeting–Mr. Kimbrough mentioned that the first item of business was the approval of the minutes for the open and closed meetings of August 1, 2013. Mr. Hofherr so moved, receiving the second of Ms. Carroll.
Motion passed 7-0-2 (Ms. Fry and Mr. Seal abstained).
4. Consent Agenda–Mr. Kimbrough 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 August 21, 2013
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for July 13, 2013, through August 16, 2013 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 392-13).
Approval of Amendments to the Memorandum of Agreement between Missouri State University and Teamsters Local Union No. 245 (Agreement No. 331-13).
Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement for Law Enforcement Services between Missouri State University and the City of Springfield, Missouri, for Fiscal year 2014 (Agreement No. 332-13).
Approval of Revision to G2.02 Possession of Firearms Policy (Board Policies No. 81-13).
Stage lift replacement at Craig Hall (Bids & Quotations No. 1443-13); Carson-Mitchell, Inc., low bid of $292,800 for the base bid plus alternate two; total project budget established at $375,000.
Professional services in conjunction with the planned Athletic and Recreation Field improvements (Architects & Engineers No. 690-13); Hastings + Chivetta, for a fixed fee of $1,252,140 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $80,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
Professional services in conjunction with the partial renovation of Pummill Hall (Architects & Engineers No. 691-13); Dake Wells Architecture, for a fixed fee of $395,000 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $50,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
Executive Committee Meeting Held on September 18, 2013
Approval of revision to G1.03 Officers of the University Policy (Board Policies No. 82-13).
Approval to add an athletics program – Women’s Tennis (Student Policies No. 108-13).
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for August 17, 2013, through September 13, 2013 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 393-13).
Renewal of Service Agreement with Downtown West Plains, Inc., d/b/a Ozarks Small Business Incubator (West Plains Agreement No. 35-13).
Approval to increase the project budget for the vivarium addition at Temple Hall (Bids & Quotations No. 1444-13). This $137,000 increase brings the project budget to a new total of $3,337,000.
Approval of apartment lease contract for International Faculty Housing with Elm Apartments, LLC., (Agreement No. 333-13).
Executive Committee Meeting Held on October 16, 2013
Approval of new program for Masters of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) (Curriculum No. 357-13).
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for September 14, 2013, through October 11, 2013 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 394-13).
Approval of changes to the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts surcharge (Finance No. 1031-13).
Approval of lease agreement for the lease of apartments at 305 Aid Avenue, West Plains, Missouri (West Plains Agreement No. 36-13).
Carpet replacement at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts (Bids & Quotations No. 1445-13); Flooring Systems, Inc., low bid of $264,620 for the base bid plus alternates one and two; total project budget established at $330,000.
The central chilled water system connection to Meyer Library (Bids & Quotations No. 1446-13); Mechanical Services, Inc., low bid of $168,000; total project budget set at $215,000.
Modifications to Garnett Library, West Plains campus (Bids & Quotations No. 1447-13); Feller Construction, low bid of $25,674.54 for the base bid plus alternate one; total project budget set at $150,000.
Professional engineering services in conjunction with the electrical distribution study for the Springfield campus (Architects & Engineers No. 692-13); BRiC Partnership, LLC, for a fixed fee of $95,000 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $15,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
Professional services in conjunction with the dedicated transitway on John Q. Hammons Parkway and the acceleration lane at the William H. Darr Agricultural Center (Architects & Engineers No. 693-13); TranSystems for a cost plus fixed fee not to exceed $134,500 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $25,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
Approval to increase the additional services allowed for the consultant in conjunction with the renovation of Pummill Hall (Architects & Engineers No. 694-13) by an amount of $50,000.
Approval of Jordan Valley Innovation Center Termination Agreement with Lockheed Martin Corporation (Agreement No. 334-13).
Approval authority for executing lease agreements, amendments, modifications, addendums, and terminations at Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development (Administrative No. 33-13).
Approval of Contract Amendment #1 with Mercy which revises or improves Medicare reimbursement rates for inpatient hospital claims (Purchase Approval No. 131-13).
Approval of renewal of reinsurance (stop/loss) provider for the University’s Employee Group Benefit Plan with UNIMERICA Insurance Company (Purchase Approval No. 132-13).
President
Ratification of employment contract for Michael Scott as Assistant Coach for Women’s Track and Field (Human Resources No. 1441-13).
West Plains Campus
Approval of Activity Report dated October 18, 2013 (West Plains Activity Report No. 103-13).
Approval of actions concerning West Plains Campus academic employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 359-13).
Approval of actions concerning West Plains Campus non-academic employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 360-13).
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding and approval to enter into an agreement with Southeast Missouri State University (West Plains Agreement No. 37-13)
Approval of revised Memorandum of Understanding and approval to enter into an agreement with the West Plains R-7 School District (West Plains Agreement No. 38-13).
Springfield Campus Purchases/Contracts
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for the period July 17, 2013, through October 2, 2013 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 395-13).
Facilities and Equipment
Approval of Activity Report for the month of July 2013 (Activity Report No. 248-13).
Approval of Activity Report for the month of August 2013 (Activity Report No. 249-13).
Human Resources Items
Actions concerning academic employees (Human Resources No. 1442-13).
Actions concerning non-academic employees (Human Resources No. 1443-13).
Ms. Miller made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, receiving a second from Mr. Hoven.
Motion passed 9-0.
5. President’s Report–President Clif Smart began his report by welcoming everyone to Homecoming weekend. He also welcomed Governors Fry and Seal to the Board. Both Governors Fry and Seal expressed looking forward to serving and giving back to the institution where they received their college degrees. President Smart then thanked Ms. Cathy Smith and Mr. Gordon Elliott for their long and dedicated service as board members at Missouri State.
President Smart next remarked that today, we honor the members of the Ad Team from the College of Business and under the direction and supervision of Dr. Melissa Burnett, marketing professor. In May 2013, the Missouri State University Ad Team won the AT&T Campus Challenge – in that competition, students were charged with creating and implementing a research and marketing plan for AT&T’s mobility services and its “It Can Wait” campaign to end texting and driving. Dr. Frank Einhellig, Provost, next introduced Brian Neyer and Stephanie French, members of the victorious Ad Team, who gave a short presentation on their winning ad campaign.
President Smart next stated that since the Board last met, the Legislative Veto Session was held – the big news for us was that the Governor’s veto of House Bill 253 was sustained. This resulted in the immediate release of the appropriations that had been restricted – for Missouri State, that was $3.1 million in base funding plus $1.3 million for the health program expansions on both the Springfield and West Plains campuses. We are beginning to work on our plans for the 2014 session – one of the major goals will be to have the elements of the COPHE funding model adopted by both the Governor and General Assembly.
He then presented a resolution (Awards No. 51-13) for the awarding of the 2013 Bronze Bear Award to Arthur L. Mallory, who became the fifth president of Missouri State University in 1964 and served until 1971. He served as Commissioner of Education in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the State of Missouri from 1971-87. Dr. Mallory returned to Missouri State University as the dean of the College of Education from 1991-1994. Moved by Ms. Carroll and seconded by Mr. Bough.
Motion passed 9-0.
President Smart ended his report by previewing the discussion on diversity which will take place at the end of this meeting. At the Board’s request, we are focusing on the diversity of our students, especially domestic diversity.
6. Academic Affairs:
a. Faculty Senate Report–Dr. Ryan Giedd, Chairperson of the Faculty Senate, first mentioned that, regarding a public affairs graduation requirement, it was decided in the general education review that was done last year to leave it up to each department to come up with something at the junior or senior level that gave them a way to insure that our students have competencies within their own major in the area of public affairs. The Faculty Senate Office has received stacks of departmental proposals for this graduation requirement. He next mentioned that the largest undertaking of the Faculty Senate this year is the Faculty Handbook revision process. They will be looking at seven years of amendments during this process. He ended his report by indicating that the Faculty Senate and the faculty, overall, are very pleased with the administration and the Board in taking up the issue of Sponsored Dependent Benefits. He added that a diverse campus is a strong campus.
b. Report from Provost–Dr. Einhellig first mentioned that Study Away is a possible option for departments for the Public Affairs capstone course that Dr. Giedd mentioned in his report. He next reported that we have worked closely with St. Charles Community College over the last year in helping with the transition of their students into our programs. We have signed four different transfer articulation agreements that will help in this endeavor. He next commented that it appears that, for last year, we have met all five performance measures mandated by the State for performance funding. He indicated that the Springfield campus Key Performance Indicators will be addressed at the March 2014 Board retreat.
Dr. Einhellig next reported that the six Missouri State University Foundation faculty award winners this year are: Teaching – Denise Cunningham and Michael Murray; Research – Sheryl Brahnam and Kevin Mickus; and Research – Carmen Boyd and Doug Gouzie.
7. Student Affairs:
a. Report from Student Body President–Mr. David Schneider, Student Body President, first reported that the West Plains Campus students have recently sponsored a blood drive with both community and university donors, as well as participated in the Stomp Out Hunger campaign. Regarding the Springfield Campus, they have been working on a reusable cup discount program within the Plaster Student Union. He indicated that we will find out the outcome of the Bear Fee vote that has been taking place this week in about four hours when the poll closes. He ended by announcing that there are more than 100 senators this year in Student Government when, in the past, they normally have had about 60-70 senators. They are very happy with the representation they have this year.
b. Report from Vice President for Student Affairs–Dr. Dee Siscoe, Vice President for Student Affairs, gave some highlights from the record enrollment numbers this Fall. Enrollment on the Springfield Campus is up 739 students with a total enrollment of 21,798 students. First-time college students represent 2,693 students, which is up 202 over last year. Considering there was a 2.2% decline in high school graduates in Missouri, this is a notable accomplishment. Transfer enrollment is also up this fall by 139 students over last year.
8. Staff Senate–Ms. Andrea Weber, Chairperson for the Faculty Senate, reported that their annual Denim Day project in support of breast cancer research raised over $2,000 this fall. She ended her report by stating that the Staff Senate Executive Board is proud to support the Sponsored Dependents program.
9. Financial–Mr. Steve Foucart, Chief Financial Officer, presented a resolution (Finance No. 1032-13) for the Declaration of Official Intent toward the Issuance of Auxiliary Enterprise System Revenue Bonds, and Reimbursement of Expenditures for Auxiliary Enterprise Facilities and Educational Facilities from Proceeds of Bonds. He indicated that this resolution was discussed in the Finance & Facilities Committee meeting earlier today.
Moved by Ms. Miller. Seconded by Mr. Hoven.
Motion passed 9-0.
10. Human Resources–Mr. Ken McClure, Vice President for Administrative and Information Services, presented a resolution (Human Resources No. 1444-13) approving changes to the University’s self-funded Employee Medical Insurance Plan. One change is a monthly $30 premium increase for the following tiers of coverage: employee and spouse, and employee and family. This is the first increase in this monthly premium since 2007. The resolution also institutes an open enrollment period that would run from November 1, 2013, through December 1, 2013. It has been discovered that spousal claims have exceeded employees’ contributions for spousal coverage by an average of approximately $1.3 million per year for the last three calendar years. This resolution recognizes that the university has been contributing $135 per month for spousal and family coverage and incorporates this subsidization into the budget.
Moved by Ms. Carroll and seconded by Mr. Bough.
Motion passed 9-0.
He next introduced a resolution (Board Policies No. 83-13) approving amendments to Employee Handbook for Administrative, Professional, and Support Staff Employees. Changes include the revision to the University’s Firearms Policy, revision to Disciplinary Guidelines, addition of sponsored dependents, and other minor revisions. He remarked that this resolution was discussed earlier today in closed session to review its legal ramifications.
Moved by Ms. Miller, receiving the second of Ms. Carroll.
Motion passed 9-0.
11. New Business:
a. Election of Board Officers for Calendar year 2014–Mr. Kimbrough announced that it is at this meeting that a slate of officers for the next calendar year is presented. Mr. Bough moved that Ms. Beverly Miller be the Board’s next Chair and that Mr. Steve Hoven be the next Vice-Chair. Ms. Carroll provided the second to the motion.
Motion passed 9-0.
Ms. Miller commented that she is very honored to have this position and is looking forward to working with Mr. Hoven and the rest of the Board.
b. Discussion on Diversity–President Smart then began the discussion on diversity by commenting that increasing diversity and becoming more inclusive are important University goals – they are a key part of our long-range plan – and advancing diversity and inclusion is one of our eight specific goals for this year. We will focus on the domestic diversity of our students. Dr. Siscoe first showed the change in headcount enrollment of Underrepresented Students from Fall 2009 to Fall 2013. Underrepresented students include the following classifications: American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and more than one race. Underrepresented students (domestic students only) in this time period grew from 1,595 to 2,413 – a 51% increase. Underrepresented students were 7.7% of total enrollment in 2009 and 11.1% in 2013. Initiatives such as the addition of two new admissions counselors for diversity outreach and recruitment have been very positive. Dr. Coopwood next summarized the support services currently provided to students and new initiatives since the Diversity and Inclusion division was established. He shared that it is critical that underrepresented students be approached very early upon their arrival to campus to help with their transition and retention. They are looking at increasing the integration of all major student events (i.e. Welcome Week, Homecoming, and Public Affairs Week). Ms. Pauline Kayes, President, Diversity Works, Inc., next summarized the benefits of the Missouri State University Campus and Community Climate Study Project. She explained that undertaking this project demonstrates institutional commitment to equity and inclusion as an important aspect of recruitment and retention efforts. The study will also provide a benchmark for diversity strategic planning. She ended her talk by reviewing the timeline and deliverables of the project. She added that during their informal interviews with those in the community, people recognize that Missouri State has made a commitment to diversity through the new Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Four underrepresented students (Nii Kpapko Abrahams, senior communication major; Patricia Morales, undeclared freshman; Sonya Kilongkilong, junior kinesiology major; and Danny Perches, graduate student in psychology) then reflected, individually, on their own experiences on the Springfield campus.
The entire Board, along with others in attendance, next engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding what had been presented by all of the individual presenters. Those items discussed include:
Welcoming students before they arrive on campus - using alumni in the student’s hometown as host families to show that the student has made the correct choice in choosing Missouri State University.Focusing on making the first weeks of the school year a smooth and welcoming transition for all students.Educating faculty on what services are available to help students connect with others on campus, since they have frequent contact with their students, and have expressed the desire to be involved.Considering special programming to specifically address transfer students.Interacting with students to insure that students are connected and involved with others.
President Smart indicated that we can shape the next Board meeting’s discussion by continuing this discussion, but, refocusing it on first generation students.
12. Date of Next Meeting–The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting was set for Friday, December 13, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. on the Springfield Campus.
13. Adjournment–Mr. Kimbrough adjourned the meeting at 3:20 p.m., on the motion of Mr. Bough, the second of Ms. Miller, and the unanimous vote of the Board.
John W. McAlear
Secretary