May 13, 2010

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

MAY 13, 2010

12:00 p.m.

1. Roll Call

Present- Ms. Elizabeth Bradbury, Governor

Mr. Michael Duggan, Governor

Mr. Gordon Elliott, Governor

Mr. Brian Hammons, Chair of the Board

Ms. Ashley Hoyer, Student Governor

Mr. Orvin Kimbrough, Governor

Ms. Cathy Smith, Governor

Ms. Mary Sheid, Governor

Ms. Phyllis Washington, Vice-Chair of the Board

Mr. John Winston, Governor

 

Also

Present- John McAlear, Secretary of the Board

2. Presiding --- The presiding officer for the meeting was Mr. Brian Hammons, Chair of the Board of Governors. He called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. in Plaster Student Union Room 308 on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.

3. Closed Meeting --- It was determined that the Board of Governors needed to meet in a closed session to consider items of business provided in the Revised Statutes of Missouri. Mr. Hammons asked if a resolution authorizing a closed meeting of the Board was prepared. Thereupon, the following resolution was presented for consideration:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Governors for Missouri State University that a closed meeting, with closed records and closed vote, be held immediately following this May 13, 2010, meeting of the Board of Governors to consider items of business pursuant to:

a. R.S.Mo. 610.021 (1). “Legal actions, causes of action, or litigation involving a public governmental body…”

b. R.S.Mo. 610.021 (3). “Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body…”

c. R.S.Mo. 610.021 (13). “Individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment…”

Mr. Winston moved the approval of the resolution and Ms. Sheid seconded the motion.

A roll call vote on the motion was as follows: those voting in favor – Governors Bradbury, Duggan, Elliott, Hammons, Kimbrough, Sheid, Smith, Washington, and Winston; those voting against the motion – none.

Mr. Hammons declared the resolution passed unanimously.

4. Adjournment--- Mr. Hammons adjourned the meeting at 12:05 p.m. on the motion of Ms. Bradbury, the second of Mr. Winston, and the unanimous approval of the Board.

 

John W. McAlear

Secretary

 

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

MAY 13, 2010

3:00 p.m.

 

1. Roll Call

Present- Ms. Elizabeth Bradbury, Governor

Mr. Michael Duggan, Governor

Mr. Gordon Elliott, Governor

Mr. Brian Hammons, Chair of the Board

Ms. Ashley Hoyer, Student Governor

Mr. Orvin Kimbrough, Governor

Ms. Mary Sheid, Governor

Ms. Cathy Smith, Governor

Ms. Phyllis Washington, Vice-Chair of the Board

Mr. John Winston, Governor

 

Also

Present- Michael Nietzel, President

Drew Bennett, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus

Earle Doman, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Ken McClure, Vice President for Administrative and Information Services

Belinda McCarthy, Provost

Nila Hayes, Chief Financial Officer

Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement

Clifton Smart, General Counsel

John McAlear, Secretary of the Board

2. Presiding --- The presiding officer for the meeting was Mr. Brian Hammons, Chair of the Board of Governors. He called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.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’ Meetings --- Mr. Hammons asked for a motion for the approval of the minutes for the open and closed meetings of March 31, 2010 and April 9, 2010. Ms. Bradbury so moved, receiving the second of Mr. Kimbrough.

 

Motion passed 9-0.

4. Consent Agenda --- Mr. Hammons 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:

West Plains Campus

Approval of Purchasing Activity Report dated April 26, 2010 (West Plains Campus Purchasing Activity Report No. 28-10).

Approval of actions concerning West Plains Campus academic employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 309-10).

Approval of actions concerning West Plains Campus non-academic employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 310-10).

Springfield Campus Purchases/Contracts

Approval of Procurement Activity Report for the period April 9, 2010, through April 29, 2010 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 346-10).

Facilities and Equipment

Approval of Activity Report for the month of March 2010 (Activity Report No. 208-10).

Renovation of the Duplex at the Mountain Grove Campus (Bids & Quotations No. 1320-10); Bales Construction Co., Inc., low bid of $240,847 for the base bid plus alternate numbers 1 and 2; total project budget set at $320,000.

Modifications to the Viticulture & Enology Center at the Mountain Grove Campus (Bids & Quotations No. 1321-10); Bales Construction Co., Inc., low bid of $125,898 for the base bid; total project budget set at $182,000.

Approval to increase the budget for additional services in conjunction with the Science Room addition to Greenwood Laboratory School (Architects & Engineers No. 655-10) – an increase of $60,000 for additional services provided by Butler Rosenbury & Partners brings the total additional services for this contract to $70,000.

Professional services in conjunction with the Laboratory Infill on the Second Floor of Buildings 3 & 5 at the Jordan Valley Innovation Center (Architects & Engineers No. 656-10); Ross & Baruzzini, for a lump sum fee not-to-exceed $70,500 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $10,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.

Human Resources Items

Actions concerning academic employees (Human Resources No. 1317-10).

Actions concerning non-academic employees (Human Resources No. 1318-10).

Ms. Sheid made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda receiving a second from Mr. Kimbrough.

Motion passed 9-0.

5. President’s Report --- Dr. Michael Nietzel, President, reported that the proposal that passed the Senate and was taken to the House for a merger of the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education has stalled in the House and there will not be anything taken to the voters of Missouri this Fall on this matter. A change to the Access Missouri program passed that will equate the scholarship awards, based on need, which the State grants to students, regardless of whether they attend a private or a public four-year institution. The maximum award will be $2,850 effective in the Fall of 2013. The maximum award for two-year institutions will be $1,300.

Dr. Nietzel next presented an overview of the recommended FY2011 Operating Budget (including auxiliaries but not the West Plains Campus). The entire budget will be presented to the Board at their June meeting for approval. Our agreement with Governor Nixon is still in effect – we will maintain tuition at the FY09 level and our appropriation will be cut 5.2%, or about $4.7 million. However, the Board did pass a $5 per-credit-hour increase for next year which is being waived. Dr. Nietzel added that FY11 is the last year the State of Missouri will have access to Federal Stimulus Package Stabilization Funds and Higher Education’s prorated share of the expected shortfall in FY12 could result in appropriation cuts in excess of 15%. The current budget conditions for this year are: 1) the $4.7 million state appropriation decrease; 2) necessary university wide cost increases of $1.7 million (mostly in employee benefits); and 3) slight revenue increases from a projected small enrollment increase and tuition increases for nonresident and graduate students. We did have 41 faculty members take the incentivized retirement package that was offered which will help as their replacement costs (those that were replaced) are quite a bit smaller. The four budget priorities for this year were: 1) maintain employment and salaries for current employees; 2) cover reduced appropriation and fund fixed cost increases and prior commitments through internal reallocations and enrollment growth; 3) fund necessary and high-priority one-time expenditures; and 4) increase fund balance for FY11. Our projected increase in net assets is about $800,000. The President’s Carry-forward fund is estimated to grow by about $1.6 million to approximately $15.9 million after allocating about $1.9 million for needed one-time expenditures in FY11. The projected increase in the net assets of our Auxiliaries is about $3.5 million. Dr. Nietzel reported that our medical/dental fund had a decrease in net assets of $1.3 million in calendar year 2009. The reserve balance at December 31, 2009, met the Board’s guideline but with expected medical cost trends in 2010 and 2011, the medical/dental fund needs to be addressed. Dr. Nietzel added $750,000 to the fund for FY11 and negotiations with St. Johns for some adjustments in their cost structure are ongoing. Additional medical and dental plan changes will be needed.

Mr. Elliott, Chair of the Board’s Finance Committee, commented that the committee has reviewed this proposal and feels it is a good plan to get through FY2011.

6. Academic Affairs:

a. Academic Affairs Committee Report --- Ms. Bradbury, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported that the bulk of their committee meeting today was on the topic of “student success” of graduate students, transfer students, student-athletes, internet students, and night program students. She added that it is hoped that the revisions to the general education requirement, including the financial responsibility course, will be brought to the Board early in the Fall semester.

b. Faculty Senate Report --- Dr. Margaret Weaver, outgoing Chairperson for the Faculty Senate, read three Faculty Senate Resolutions that have been passed by the Faculty Senate since the last Board of Governors meeting: 1) a resolution authorizing the appointment of an Ad-Hoc Committee on Faculty Unionization; 2) a resolution encouraging due process for shared governance; and 3) a resolution for shared governance on Faculty Handbook amendments.

New Chairperson for the Faculty Senate, Dr. Rebecca Woodard, next introduced the other new officers for the 2010/2011 academic year: Chair-elect – Dr. Terrel Gallaway; Secretary – Dr. Cynthia Hail; and Parliamentarian – Dr. Eric Shade.

c. Report from the Provost --- Dr. Belinda McCarthy, Provost, first presented Dr. Margaret Weaver with a plaque in recognition of her outstanding service to the Faculty Senate.

Dr. Mahua Barari Mitra, 2010 Provost Fellow for Public Affairs, reported on the very successful Public Affairs Conference entitled – The New Economy: Perils & Promises.

Dr. Gloria Galanes, 2011 Provost Fellow for Public Affairs, reported on the Public Affairs Conference theme for next year – Leading in a Global Society.

Dr. McCarthy then presented a resolution of appreciation for Dr. Margaret Weaver for her exemplary service as Chair of the Faculty Senate for the 2009-2010 academic year. Moved by Mr. Duggan and seconded by Mr. Kimbrough.

Motion passed 9-0.

7. Research and Economic Development --- Dr. Nietzel, in Vice President Jim Baker’s absence, reported that through March, we have submitted 194 proposals and been awarded $15.2 million.

8. West Plains Campus --- Dr. Drew Bennett, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus, reported that the West Plains Campus enrollment projection for Fall 2010 is 24% ahead of the same time last year which was a record-breaking year.

9. Student Affairs:

a. Report from Student Affairs Committee --- Ms. Cathy Smith, Chair of the Student Affairs Committee, reported that Dr. Doman gave the committee a Student Affairs division update.

b. Report from Student Body President --- Mr. Chris Polley, outgoing President of the Student Body, commented that it has been a pleasure to serve the students this academic year. He then introduced the newly elected Student Body President, Mr. Jacob Swett. Mr. Swett then introduced the newly elected Student Body Vice President, Mr. Justin Mellish. Mr. Swett then reported on some recently passed SGA resolutions, including a recommendation for the standardization of the University grading system and supporting the funding of lighting and security improvements on campus.

c. Report from Vice President for Student Affairs --- Dr. Earle Doman, Vice President for Student Affairs, reported that freshmen admits for the Fall semester are up about one percent when compared to last year at this time. We are up 10% in housing contracts and our SOAR reservations are way up compared to last year. He added that admitted transfer students are up 27%.

Dr. Doman next read a resolution to commend Ashley M. Hoyer for outstanding service as Student Governor for Missouri State University. Moved by Mr. Duggan and seconded by Ms. Sheid.

Motion passed 9-0.

Dr. Doman then introduced Mr. Brandt Shields, from St. Joseph, Missouri, who will become our next Student Governor after Ms. Hoyer graduates on Friday, May 14, 2010.

Dr. Doman next presented a resolution to commend Christopher W. Polley for outstanding service as Student Body President of Missouri State University from May 2009 through May 2010. Moved by Mr. Kimbrough. Seconded by Mr. Duggan.

Motion passed 9-0.

Dr. Doman then presented a resolution to commend Kristen E. Sanocki for outstanding service as Student Body Vice President from May 2009 through May 2010. Moved by Mr. Kimbrough and seconded by Ms. Sheid.

Motion passed 9-0.

He then presented a resolution (Awards No. 35-10) for the approval of former Missouri State University employees to be added to the Wall of Fame. Those named were Thomas Allen, Robert Flanders, Charles Hedrick, David Heinlein, and Reba Sims. Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Ms. Bradbury.

Motion passed 9-0.

Dr. Doman ended his report by presenting a resolution (Purchase Approval No. 119-10) for the approval of Wyrick fund expenditures passed by a student vote in April 2010 to be implemented in FY11. The student body voted to expend up to $15,500 for Wayfinding Signage; up to $43,861 for a Current Events Marquee; up to $19,586 for light pole banners/fence painting; and up to $74,704.70 for the Bear Park South Count System. Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Ms. Bradbury.

Motion passed 9-0.

10. Staff Senate --- Ms. Konya Knackstedt, Chairperson of the Staff Senate, reported that they have been working on a sick-day pool where staff members could donate sick time into a general pool or to another individual.

Mr. Ken McClure, Vice President for Administrative and Information Services, next read a resolution to commend Konya Knackstedt for her outstanding services as Staff Senate Chair for 2009-2010. Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Mr. Duggan.

Motion passed 9-0.

11. Finance:

a. Development Report --- Mr. Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement, reported that we had a very good month in April and we are now only $572,000 behind last year’s amount at this time.

b. Financial Report --- Ms. Nila Hayes, Chief Financial Officer, presented a resolution (Purchasing Activity Report No. 347-10) for the approval of purchasing activities from April 30, 2010, through May 12, 2010. Moved by Mr. Elliott. Seconded by Ms. Sheid.

Motion passed 9-0.

12. Facilities & Equipment --- Mr. Ken McClure, Vice President for Administrative and Information Services, presented the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:

FY2010 Classroom upgrades on the Springfield campus (Bids & Quotations No. 1322-10); Nabholz Construction, low bid of $615,250; total project budget set at $850,000.

Exterior repairs to Looney Hall at the West Plains campus (Bids & Quotations No. 1323-10); DeWitt & Associates, Inc., low bid of $194,000 for the base bid; total project budget set at $276,000.

Office infill on the second floor of Building 5 at the Jordan Valley Innovation Center (Bids & Quotations No. 1324-10); DeWitt & Associates, Inc., low bid of $110,410 for the base bid plus alternates one and two; total project budget set at $150,000.

Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Mr. Duggan.

Motion passed 9-0.

13. New Business --- Mr. Clif Smart, General Counsel, presented a resolution (Board Policies No. 62-10) revising the Governing Policy on Contract Authorization. Entertainment and Performance Contracts have been added, titles have been changed as necessary, and minor revisions have been made to bring the policy in line with current practice. Moved by Mr. Duggan. Seconded by Ms. Washington.

Motion passed 9-0.

14. Closed Meeting --- It was determined that the Board of Governors needed to meet in a closed session to consider items of business provided in the Revised Statutes of Missouri. Mr. Hammons asked if a resolution authorizing a closed meeting of the Board was prepared. Thereupon, the following resolution was presented for consideration:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Governors for Missouri State University that a closed meeting, with closed records and closed vote, be held immediately following this May 13, 2010, meeting of the Board of Governors to consider items of business pursuant to:

a. R.S.Mo. 610.021(1). “Legal actions, causes of action, or litigation involving a public governmental body…”

c. R.S.Mo. 610.021(3). “Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body…”

d. R.S.Mo. 610.021 (13). “Individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment,…”

Ms. Washington moved the approval of the resolution and Mr. Winston seconded the motion.

A roll call vote on the resolution was as follows: those voting in favor – Governors Bradbury, Duggan, Elliott, Hammons, Kimbrough, Sheid, Smith, Washington, and Winston; those voting against – none.

Mr. Hammons declared the resolution passed unanimously.

15. Date of Next Meeting --- The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting was set for Friday, June 18, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. on the Springfield Campus.

16. Adjournment--- Mr. Hammons adjourned the meeting at 5:05 p.m. on the motion of Mr. Elliott, the second of Ms. Bradbury, and the unanimous vote of the Board.

John W. McAlear

Secretary