COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President’s Board Room
College of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
January 9, 2004
8:30 a.m.
Presiding:
Robert S. Small, Jr., Chairman
Members of the Board Present: Mr. Donald H. Belk, Mr. J. Philip Bell, Mrs. Charlotte L. Berry, Dr. L. Cherry Daniel, Mr. James F. Hightower, Mr. William D. Johnson, Mrs. Marie Land, Mr. Robert W. Marlowe, Mr. F. C. McMaster, Mr. Lawrence R. Miller, Mrs. Annaliza Oehmig Moorhead, Mr. Y. W. Scarborough, III, Dr. Sam Stafford III, and Mr. Joseph F. Thompson, Jr.
Trustee Emeriti Present: Mr. Joe E. Berry, Jr. and Dr. Gordan B. Stine
Trustees Absent: Mr. Joel H. Smith
(In accordance with requirements of the S. C. Freedom of Information Act, news media was notified of the time, location, and agenda for this meeting).
The regular meeting of the College of Charleston Board of Trustees was called to order at 8:40 a.m. by Chairman Small.
Chairman Small called for approval of the minutes. It was moved (Berry) and seconded (Hightower) that the minutes of the October 24, 2003, Board of Trustees meeting be approved. All approved.
Mid-year graduation was held on Sunday, December 21, 2003. About 510 undergraduate and 70 graduate degrees were awarded. Everyone appreciated Dr. Kenneth Olden’s Commencement Address. Approximately 7,500 people attended the ceremony at the North Charleston Coliseum. This number is close to the total attendance at the May Commencement Ceremony held on the Cistern, including the satellite areas.
Enrollment Report: Applications are strong – about 500-600 ahead of last year. We have admitted between 200-250 more students than we admitted last year by this time and the quality is higher. It is still early. We must focus on the admissions front in terms of recruiting the best and are now getting there. Applications for Fall 2004 are currently ahead by approximately 4%. There also is a substantial increase in the SAT scores of the applicants for freshman admissions. We are greatly encouraged by the quality of the students who have applied and will monitor the number of applicants to see if more students are applying or if they are just applying earlier.
Four hundred sixty families attended the Fall Family Weekend on November 7-9, 2003, compared to 354 families in 2002.
The date for completion of the new library is March 30, 2004. This does not include landscaping. It is estimated that the new library will be fully operational by the end of July or early August. The opening ceremony will be held on Friday, October 29, 2004, at 4:00 p.m.
The Guy Beatty Family addition to the School of Business is progressing quite well. The scheduled completion date is December 2004. Groundbreaking for the School of the Arts building is scheduled for Spring 2004. Groundbreaking for the School of Education building is scheduled for Fall 2004.
The opening ceremony of the new tennis center next Friday, January 16, 2004, will celebrate what is unquestionably one of the finest tennis centers in the country. The building of new batting cages for men’s and women’s baseball and softball will be finished in the spring. Soccer field drainage problems will be corrected by the end of this month.
The College is the host sponsor institution for the outstanding literacy piece Crazy Horse. An article from the most recent edition of Crazy Horse has been reprinted in the January 2004 issue of HARPER’S MAZAGINE, and the College will, of course, be recognized as the original publication of the piece, “Son of Mr. Green Jeans, Alphabetically Arranged.”
A list of core values for the College was adopted by the Long Range Planning Committee as part of the Strategic Plan in November 2001. It is important that we publicly affirm these values in order to draw people who share those values to the College. In order to manage and grow, our goals and objectives must be considered in light of those values that are most important to us as a community. A representative focus group consisting of both faculty and staff, many of whom participated in the development of our Strategic Plan, met several times over the course of the last two months to formally draft a list of core values. The meetings were facilitated by Elise Jorgens and Andy Abrams. Chris Schlosser has been assisting them. After completion of this process, the Board will be asked to officially adopt the Core Values at the April or July Board meeting.
Right now we have a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism that we want to take to a major. The College is not a culinary school, but from a management standpoint, we feel that this fits very well with our institution. We have been having conversations with key legislators and have been receiving a good reception to the possibility of a major.
We have just received information on our Fall 2003 dismissals and probationary status. The numbers for both areas are the lowest in ten years. The 4CI and some of the programs we put in for are having an impact on retention.
Work has begun to upgrade the Craig Cafeteria, and it is hoped that the work will be finished by the time students return later in January.
This has been a good year for the Annual Fund. We are still counting checks/money – about $1.4 million has been raised in 2003 vs. $1.1 million in 2002. The goal of $1,276,000 has been exceeded by a great deal. The 1770 Society has 183 founding members. The overall fundraising for 2003 is slightly behind last year in total numbers -- $4,349,000 at December 26, 2003 vs. $4,762,000 at December 31, 2002. The 2003 figures do not include gifts received after December 26. Gifts are still being posted.
President Higdon noted that his article entitled “Making the Team,” was published in The Chronicle of Higher Education, December 5, 2003. The article discusses management in higher education. The Chronicle has the widest circulation in higher education publications. The Fall 2003 issue of The American Council on Education’s magazine, The Presidency, published another article regarding issues that affect higher education. Before Christmas, The State newspaper published yet a third article regarding a liberal arts education.
President Higdon noted that we are making an effort to get the word out about the College in various ways throughout the state.
Men’s basketball is doing very well. We are all pleased to have Nancy Wilson as the coach of women’s basketball.
President Higdon noted that Bill Medich was introduced yesterday, but he thanked Mr. Medich for the Carolina First reception hosted for the Foundation.
Chairman Small congratulated Sue Sommer-Kresse on how far we have come with the Annual Fund. Sue noted that we have set some goals to double this fund in five years. With Bill Scarborough’s help, goals have been set to increase the fund by $250,000 - $300,000 each year. We are on our way to get it close to that $2 million mark. That is restricted and unrestricted. Credit is given to the Calling Center. Mr. Small noted that the Annual Fund is very important, and he’s pleased to see it growing so fast.
Chairman Small mentioned that an article about the College of Charleston will appear in The Greenville News next Sunday. He noted that President Higdon is expected to be on the front of the Business Journal Section. It will be a great article, and he thinks it will get a lot of attention. He feels that having an admissions officer in the upstate also is having an impact.
Chairman Small asked Jerry Baker to pass along a message to Coach Herrion. He is off to a good start and is doing a great job.
Trustees Larry Miller (chair), Annaliza Moorhead, Bill Scarborough and Joe Thompson attended the Finance Committee meeting. They were joined by members of the Business Affairs Staff -- Gary McCombs, Priscilla Burbage, Sam Jones and Ruby Flateau. Others included Andy Abrams, Daniel Dukes, Eric Forsberg, Elise Jorgens, Marcia Moore, Michelle Smith, and Hugh Wilder.
Mr. Miller reported that Elise Jorgens reviewed a comprehensive list of scientific equipment from the Dean of Sciences and Mathematics. This was presented as an example of the types of needs for both scientific and instructional equipment that in prior years was purchased with year-end funds available as a result of growth. Given the decision to stabilize enrollments, this source of funding is no longer available. Consideration will need to be given to earmarking recurring funds to address these expenses as future budgets are developed. The recurring amount to be budgeted for both scientific and instructional equipment should be in the neighborhood of $1,000,000.
Mr. Abrams addressed a similar discussion related to IT expenditures. Examples of the types of items to be replaced on 3-5 year cycles are servers, network upgrades and PC’s. These would require an annual recurring budget of $1,100,000. Additionally, the replacement of the College’s administrative computer systems and software will need to occur within the next 4-7 years. As a result, the College needs to begin setting aside $750,000 to $1,000,000 per year for the next three to four years in order to generate the capital necessary to fund this purchase and conversion to the new system.
Mr. McCombs informed the committee that while they should have received notification by the State Auditor’s Office that the College’s Audited Financial Statements are available on-line at their web site, a hard copy of the Audit will be distributed to each Board member at the Board meeting tomorrow.
Mr. McCombs reviewed with the committee the facility needs that will require bond funding in the next six months. He will bring a resolution to the Board in April. The facilities are as follows:
School of the Arts Addition $13,750,000
Stern Center Renovation $ 5,000,000
McConnell Residence Hall $ 2,000,000
Craig Residence Hall $ 1,250,000
_________
Total $22,000,000
Mr. McCombs reviewed with the committee the proposed Housing and Food Service Fee rates for 2004-2005. It was noted that the rates for both had been moderated in the prior two years given the need to increase the tuition and fees by such large percentages. For the proposed Housing fees, the increases in Tiers 1 and 2 are partially the result of the additional capital being spent to renovate and improve the facilities. Proposals to amend the application fee and eliminate the damage deposit were also presented. In addition to the 2004-2005 fee structure for Food Services, it was also proposed that a mandatory meal plan go into effect for freshmen living in College of Charleston housing.
Mr. McCombs provided the Board with details of the proposals as presented behind Tab III of the Board Booklet. He explained that Tiers 1 and 2 housing would be a 10% increase in the current rate and Tier 3 housing would be a 5% increase in the current rate. We’re putting renovation money in Tiers 1 and 2 housing and are trying to bring the rates up to market level. The on-line application fee would increase from $20 to $30 or $50 for a paper application and the $50 damage deposit for residence halls would be eliminated. The cost for 21, 15, and 10 meal plans will be the same – the only difference would be adding dining dollars to each plan. We are proposing for the first time that freshmen living in residence halls be required to choose one of these meal plans.
The Finance Committee moves that the 2004-2005 Housing and Food Services Fee Proposal be approved as presented. This includes the change in the Housing Application Fee and Damage Deposit. Additionally, it includes the creation of a mandatory Meal Plan for freshmen living in College of Charleston housing. All in favor.
Mr. Abrams reviewed with the committee the “Impact of Funding and Enrollment Trends on Tuition Pricing” memo that was sent to the Board in late December. Discussion by the committee included topics of in-state/out-of-state mix, tuition pricing differential, and an examination of the College’s budget to assess whether or not additional cuts could be sustained.
Mr. Dukes reported to the committee that revenue projections for the current year are approximately 1% ahead of schedule. The outlook for next year is still bleak. While the revenue may actually increase, Federal funding was used to supplement programs which will not be available for 2004-2005. As a result, more State dollars must be allocated to those areas, which will result in additional appropriation reductions to other State agencies.
Facilities Committee:
Trustees Creighton McMaster (chair), Dwight Johnson, and Bobby Marlowe attended the committee meeting. Also attending were Monica Scott and Susan Morrison, along with Fred Daniels and the Physical Plant personnel – Jim Shumate and Dennis Foster, and Ken Foreback. Mr. Gene Sessoms, Director of Campus Recreation Services, also attended the meeting.
Mr. McMaster asked Mr. Marlowe to present the committee’s report.
Mr. Marlowe reported that the first item is the resolution of the library dispute. We are in the process of negotiating with the contractor to close the number of days for the project. The 81 vs. 145 days is still there, but the dollar amount per day continues to rise. Negotiation continues.
The Facilities Committee moves to approve the final estimated cost of $2,500,000 for work to be done at Craig Residence Hall to improve the facility. The increase is the result of the extensive work required on the HVAC system. Mrs. Scott noted that the cost was originally $1,600,000, but now would be $2,500,000 because cleaning the HVAC system won’t work for Craig like it did for Berry Residence Hall. All in favor.
The Facilities Committee moves to approve $700,000 for improvements to be made at the College Lodge as we have determined that we must keep it open for three or four more years because of the demand for campus housing. Mrs. Scott noted that the cost was originally $500,000, but now would be $700,000 to replace the individual HVAC units. All in favor.
The Facilities Committee moves to approve $3,000,000 for the renovation of McConnell Hall. The increase is the result of changes in the scope of work, including a sprinkler system, security upgrades, HVAC ductwork, electrical upgrades, adding hard ceilings, plumbing upgrades, etc. Mrs. Scott noted that the cost was originally $1,000,000, but now would be $3,000,000. The work will be done over the summer. All in favor.
Mrs. Land asked about the completion date for these projects. President Higdon answered by stating that all three projects would be completed this summer.
Mr. Marlowe called attention to the List of Projects that Mrs. Scott provided the Board and asked if anyone had any questions. He thanked Jimmy Hightower for asking for a one-page update on all facilities and thanked Mrs. Scott for providing them with the list.
Mr. Marlowe gave an update on the Intramural Field acquisition. He noted that at the last Board meeting, President Higdon asked him to chair a committee to identify intramural fields as the College doesn’t have any now. The committee met and began the search for property within six miles of campus. Mrs. Scott took on the responsibility of trying to find available private property and Mr. Dukes was to contact governmental agencies about property for disposal. Mr. Marlowe called Tom O’Rourk, Director of the Charleston Parks and Recreation Commission, who came back with a site a little less than five miles from the campus and located next door to James Island County Park. Mr. Marlowe distributed a camera topography of the area he received from Mr. O’Rourk. The property is 19 acres located next to James Island County Park Municipal Golf Course. Mr. Marlowe asked for the Board’s approval to continue negotiations with Mr. O’Rourk for this space. The Park would lease the property to the College at $1/year, but the College would be responsible for development of the property and then we would have shared use. The County Park has no use for the property during the time that the College would need it (Monday-Thursday). They would need the property on Friday and Saturday. On Sundays they would have some use for the property, and we would have no use for it until 7:00 p.m. that evening. We are planning to negotiate with them to share personnel, etc. Mr. Marlowe requested that he be allowed to pursue this, and eventually have a contract for the Board’s approval. Dr. Daniel asked how the students would be transported there. Mr. Marlowe responded “like we do at Patriots Point.” Mrs. Scott noted that we don’t transport the students now – they arrange their own transportation. President Higdon noted it would be a big advantage to avoid putting capital into the purchase of the land. He believes this concept does make sense and that the details must be finalized. He thanked Mr. Marlowe for bringing this information to the Board. Mrs. Scott noted an advantage to this property – we are already out there for other uses of the park. Chairman Small noted that no motion is needed, but asked them to go forward with the acquisition of this area and bring the Board a proposal that the administration supports.
Student Affairs Committee:
Trustees Marie Land (chair), Don Belk, Cherry Daniel, and Sam Stafford were joined by Jeri Cabot; Willette Burnham, Associate VP for Student Affairs; Nicholas Glover, President of the Student Government Association; Rhonda Walters, Intercultural Programs; and Allyson Bruce, Post and Courier reporter (attended the meeting for the tour of the Multicultural Center only).
Mrs.Land asked Don Belk to present the committee’s report.
Mr. Belk reported that the committee toured the Multicultural Center located at 207 Calhoun Street. The Office of Intercultural Programs and the Office International Education will share the facility. Besides office space for the two programs, the new center has space for small lectures, seminars, office space for visiting faculty, and study areas.
Update on Residence Life Housing Issues:
Currently, the College is housing over 2,500 students. For 2004-2005 we should increase the total number of available beds to 202. Warren Place will bring 287 beds minus the reduction in density in McConnell, Craig, and some of the historic houses.
The target for 2004-2005 is to house approximately 1,750 new freshmen and 1,025 upperclass students.
Proposed housing fees for the 2004-2005 academic year were discussed. Tiers 1 and 2 costs will increase 10% and Tier 3 costs will increase 5%.
Stern Center Renovation:
The timeframe of February 2004 to early January 2005 for the Stern Student Center renovation was discussed. Beginning in February, the architectural firm of LS3P will begin coordinating work on the ceiling over the pool and construction of a new entrance to the pool. The Stern Center will be closed from late May 2004 until January 2005 for renovations. The pool will reopen by August 2004. President Higdon reported that we are looking for alternate space for student life and staff offices during the renovation.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Challenge:
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Challenge will be held on January 19, 2004. Fourteen service projects have been identified, and project sites are scattered throughout the Charleston area. Approximately 100 students will participate, and 18 faculty/staff team leaders have been recruited. Each team will be given $75 to complete the identified service project within five hours. Teams will gather in the Cistern area later in the afternoon to celebrate and share their strategies. Mr. Belk is impressed with the way the College is finding ways to involve students in community service projects off campus.
Student Government Association Spring 2004 Agenda:
Mr. Glover shared with the committee the Student Government Association’s Agenda for Spring 2004. He reported that 28 SGA members will plan to attend Charleston City Council meetings regularly. He will give his “State of Student Body” Address on January 27. A new SGA website has been launched. Electronic voting has been proposed for April 2004 SGA elections. SGA Town Hall meetings have been scheduled.
New Internship Program in Career Services:
We are increasing the support for internship efforts in each of the schools trying to provide all of the infrastructure so we can prepare students for a good resume. We are planning to post all internships on line. Internships help make students more marketable after graduation. Mrs. Land asked if academic credit is received for internship programs. President Higdon responded that some do and some don’t. President Higdon noted that we must step up and proactively promote internships to our students because of their value even without academic credit.
Joint Meeting of the Institutional Advancement Committee and the Foundation Fund Raising and Advancement Committee:
Trustees Charlotte Berry (chair) and Philip Bell, along with Foundation Board members David Hay, Chairman of the Foundation Fund Raising Committee; Harry Lightsey; Bill Medich; Sallie Pritchard; John Rivers; Renee Romberger; and Tap Johnson, attended the meeting. They were joined by staff members Sue Sommer-Kresse, Greg Evans; Cathy Mahon, Director of Major Gifts; and Amy McCandless.
Mrs. Berry noted that one of the many great things about this committee is that it now meets with the Foundation Finance Committee.
Development Master Calendar:
The Development Master Calendar for 2004 was distributed and notes all major events, mailings, holidays, etc. and is coded for easier understanding for different group events.
Dixie Plantation:
Dixie Plantation has been added to the College of Charleston’s Master Plan adding additional space for academic and research programs. The Dixie Plantation Study is in its preliminary stages.
Fund Raising Initiative Updates:
(1) Business School – The chairman is William Finn. The goal is $2 million, and the first steering committee meeting is February 6.
(2) School of the Arts – The chairman is Ben Marino. The goal is $4 million.
(3) Athletics – The chairman is Edwin Pearlstine. The goal is $5 million, and the first steering committee meeting will be at the end of February.
(4) Education – Goal is to be determined.
(5) Sciences – Goal is to be determined.
Vincent Price Memorial Fund:
Funds received for the Vincent Price Memorial Fund will be used to include Mr. Price as a founding member of the 1770 Society, as well as an athletics scholarship in his name. Thank you to all Board members who supported this effort.
Fund Raising Report:
Mrs. Berry noted that President Higdon discussed the Fundraising Report earlier, but she reiterated his report:
(1) Annual Fund: The Annual Fund raised $1,392,000 in 2003 vs. $1,100,000 in 2002.
We feel we will surpass our fundraising goals.
(2) 1770 Society has 183 founding members.
(3) Overall Fund Raising 2002 vs. 2003: As of December 26, 2003, $4,349,000 has been raised. This does not include gifts received after December 26. Gifts are still being posted, and we hope to surpass last year’s total of $4,762,000 as of December 31, 2002.
Prospect Evaluation:
The Prospect Evaluation was conducted rating prospects for the fundraising initiatives. Volunteer input is most important, and we will continue the process.
Alumni Survey:
There needs to be more personal contact with the alumni throughout the country. The Strategic Plan will address this issue, and a final report will be ready in March.
Academic Affairs Committee:
Trustees Cherry Daniel (chair), Don Belk, Creighton McMaster, and Sam Stafford attended the meeting, along with Drs. Elise Jorgens, Susan Morrison and Amy McCandless from Academic Affairs. Others in attendance included Drs. Andy Felts, Director of the Riley Institute; Andrew Lewis, Director of the Professional Development Program in the School of Education; Hugh Haynsworth, Dean of the Graduate School; Frances Welch, Dean of the School of Education; and Hugh Wilder. Also attending for the compensation discussion were President Higdon, Andy Abrams, Marie Land, and Annaliza Moorhead.
Development of New Majors and Minors:
Dr. Morrison presented to the committee a flowchart (can be found behind Tab VII of the Board Booklet) that outlines the process for developing a new major or minor. Majors will be presented to the Board of Trustees and approved and inventoried by CHE. All proposals require budgetary oversight by the Business Affairs Office. The process takes approximately one year. The need is gauged by surveys of interest and professional opportunities. Other factors that must be addressed in addition to curriculum are staffing, budget, and administration of the program.
Professional Development Program Update:
Dr. Daniel commended Dr. Lewis for the great job with the Professional Development Program. Courses in the program are designed for individuals from school districts and agencies who want to renew their certification or take a service course. K-12 programs are under severe budget cuts.
Dr. Lewis presented the committee with a report on Fall 2003 activities. His office developed a strategic plan, updated its course review system, and worked to expand its service areas.
The office also introduced a highly successful incentive plan. During the Fall 2003 school districts were billed $74,185 for professional development courses and awarded incentive refunds totaling $1,890.
Graduate School Enrollments Update:
Dr. Haynsworth presented the committee with figures on graduate enrollments for Fall Semester 2003 and preliminary figures for Spring Semester 2004. For Fall 2003, enrollment was up 15% for degree students and 52 percent for non-degree students (the latter due to increases in numbers of contract courses). A great job has been done in recruiting students from the undergraduate program to the graduate program.
Low Country Graduate Center:
By-laws have been prepared and will be discussed at the Center’s next board meeting. The board will review systematically graduate offerings for the Low Country; some needs indicated by the Chamber of Commerce surveys include doctoral programs in education and master level programs in engineering. A proposal for funding has been presented to the Legislature.
Faculty Compensation Committee Report:
The 2003 Strategic Plan calls for a high quality and diverse faculty and mandates a comparative Faculty Compensation Study as well as initial implementation of a new Salary Initiative in support of this goal. The study has now been completed and the results are presented in this report. Over 85% of the faculty are earning less than their predicted salary relative to the faculty at peer institutions, and only 15% of the faculty are at or above their predicted salary. The average faculty salary at The Citadel is more than 10% higher than the average faculty salary at the College of Charleston. We are trying to close the gap that exists in faculty salaries as part of the Fourth Century Initiative. The goal is to raise salaries to the average, with increases based on merit.
President Higdon emphasized that when we did the comparative study of public institutions in the Southern Conference, the College was ranked 19 out of 20. It is important for the Board to recognize that when we recruit nationally, one half of the searches fail. As a result, we must hire adjuncts or visiting faculty because we can’t fill the positions with a tenure-track hire. This is not about raises – the key is getting good faculty.
Chairman Small commended the committee for its work and noted that this sends a very important message that based on merit, we are trying to take care of this issue.
Institutional Core Values:
Dr. Jorgens described to the committee the process by which various constituent groups of faculty, administrators, and staff were consulted to develop a draft of core values. President Higdon noted that once these values are fully discussed by the campus community and approved by the Board, they will be used to examine our goals and objectives. A final draft of the Core Values can be found behind Tab VII of the Board Booklet.
Athletics Committee:
Trustees Philip Bell (chair), Jimmy Hightower, Dwight Johnson, and Bobby Marlowe attended the committee meeting, along with Jerry Baker and Basketball Coach Tom Herrion.
Coach Herrion gave the committee an update on the team. They’re 10-2, losing only to Auburn and Wisconsin. The next basketball game is Saturday against Furman. Coach Herrion reported a good year in recruiting. There is good chemistry among the team members, and they also are good in the classroom. The team has three new recruits: Jahron Wilson, Josh Jackson, and Chris Brown.
Jerry Baker gave the committee an update on athletic programs. There are 341 student athletes. For the second time in history, all teams achieved an average GPA of 3.03 for Fall 2003. Of those student athletes, 205 (or 60%) achieved athletic honors of 3.0 or above and 21 achieved 4.0 GPA. Thirteen teams earned GPAs above the college undergraduate GPA average of 2.88 for Spring 2003.
Volleyball scored a big win in recruiting Tiffany Blum, an incoming student from Iowa.
Sherry Dunbar, head women’s volleyball coach, was named Southern Conference Coach of the Year. Ms. Dunbar, in her first season at the College, led the Cougars to their third consecutive SoCon regular season championship. The team finished the season at 26-5 overall.
Stephanie Ballard was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America University Division Women’s volleyball first team in December. The senior has a cumulative 3.97 GPA and led the Cougars in kills this past season.
Angelo Anastopoulo, women’s tennis coach, has been named State Collegiate Coach of the Year by the South Carolina Tennis Association. The tennis courts at the new tennis complex at Patriots Point will host their first match on January 17.
Design Strategies of Greenville has been selected as the architect for the Athletics Complex.
Five new members were inducted into the College’s Athletic Hall of Fame: Steven Johnson, men’s basketball; Lisa Washington, women’s basketball; Mike Pinkney, sailing; and Matt Willson and Eric Gerard, tennis.
Governmental Affairs Committee:
Trustees Joe Thompson (chair), Charlotte Berry, Larry Miller, and Bill Scarborough attended the committee meeting, along with Daniel Dukes, and Allyson Bruce from The Post and Courier.
Mr. Thompson gave the following committee report:
State Economic Forecast as it Relates to the State Budget:
State revenue collections for FY 03-04 are about 1% ahead of projections. Therefore, state agencies are not likely to receive any across-the-board cuts for the remaining months of FY 03-04.
Revenues for the FY 04-05 state budget currently as estimated by the Board of Economic Advisors, are built on a 2% growth rate over FY 03-04. However, if the General Assembly holds K-12, Medicare and Medicaid harmless from cuts (the General Assembly used federal one-time money and other state one-time money to avoid cutting these areas for this fiscal year) then state agencies would likely be cut around 10-12%.
Special Appropriation Requests for Several Projects:
The College of Charleston will seek special appropriations this legislative session for several projects. They include:
1. Continued state funding for the Avery Research Center and the Governor’s School.
2. A new request of $465,000 will be made on behalf of the Low Country Graduate Center for an upgrade to a major for our current Hospitality, Tourism, and Management concentration in the School of Business.
3. A request that the General Assembly continue funding for technology infrastructure projects out of lottery proceeds for the state’s public four-year teaching universities. The College of Charleston’s share of these funds for FY 03-04 was $1 million.
Legislation for the 2004 Legislative Session:
These are mostly issues that we have discussed at previous Board meetings. As we discussed at the last Board meeting, the Research University Bond Bill and the Regulatory Relief Bill are still on the Senate calendar and will be dealt with by the Senate in January. The Research University Bond Bill would give the three research universities special bond authority to build research facilities. The bond money would have to be matched by the research universities with private or other funds. The two-year and four-year non-research universities would receive $30 million to divide for maintenance needs. There is no match requirement for this money. The College of Charleston’s share of this money is about $2.7 million. The College is proposing an amendment to this bill that would give the non-research universities continuing authority in this bill. In other words, whenever bond funds are issued by the state, the non-research schools would be guaranteed funding. A bill to give all colleges some regulatory relief is also attached to the Research University Bond Bill. President Higdon is supportive of these bills, and we will work for their passage.
Performance Funding/Higher Education Governance:
This is an ongoing issue. During last year’s legislative session, the three research universities were trying to break out from under the Commission on Higher Education and establish by legislation their own separate governing board. Many other colleges opposed this move, and to make a long story short, no new governance legislation passed last legislative session. The College has no new legislation to propose, but we have worked with the other colleges in our sector to prepare ourselves for any new governance legislation that may come up. We are working on legislation to eliminate performance funding with several other schools. Also, Dr. Festa, the new CHE director, is working with state colleges on this issue.
Request from Washington:
The omnibus appropriation bill includes $2.1 million for the College of Charleston’s science facilities and equipment. That bill should be passed this month.
For the upcoming session of Congress, we will request additional funding for the Science Center and an appropriation to renovate and expand the Grice Marine Laboratory in the amount of $3.7 million which will allow additional dormitory rooms at Grice and add a conference facility.
Mr. Dukes will be sending a summary of these issues to all Board members next week and encourages them to assist in our legislative efforts.
Strategic Planning Committee:
Trustees Marie Land and Annaliza Moorhead attended the meeting, along with Andy Abrams.
In Chairman Joel Smith’s absence, Mrs. Moorhead presented the committee’s report. She reported that all items were covered in the Finance Committee Report.
Dr. Daniel asked about the College’s plan for older computer equipment. Mr. Abrams responded that most are being cannibalized. Mr. Abrams is to call Dr. Daniel about ways the local public schools can use them.
Old Business:
Elizabeth Kassebaum asked the Board members about their business card and stationery orders.
She asked the Board members to review the 2004 Schedule of Events sheet that is included in their information packets.
She noted that it would be helpful for the Board of Trustees web page to include brief biographies of each Board member. A biographical information sheet was included in each Board member’s information packet.
New Business:
Upcoming Television Programs to Originate from the College of Charleston:
President Higdon announced that on January 15-18, ABC Family Television will be on campus to film an upcoming episode of the program “Switched”. During the time at the College, the film crew will follow College of Charleston student Samantha Kozub as she introduces her college life to a teenager from Portland.
On February 5, Stateline will broadcast live from Randolph Hall.
On February 6, An Evening at the College of Charleston will be a one-hour live broadcast from the Emmett Robinson Theatre. The program will showcase the talents of a variety of students and professors from the College of Charleston.
Parents Help Line:
Because of the increased interest and expectations of today’s parents, we must be cognizant of ways to serve as a resource for each other.
Election of Board of Trustees Secretary:
Chairman Small opened the floor for nominations for Secretary to the Board of Trustees, replacing Mr. Vincent Price. Mr. Marlowe nominated Mr. Johnson, and seconded by Mr. Miller. Mrs. Land nominated Mr. Bell, and seconded by Mr. Marlowe. It was decided that the selection would be made by secret ballot (ballots would be tallied during the break).
Chairman Small made the motion to take a break at 10:30 a.m. before going into Executive Session. All approved.
Meeting resumed at 10:50 a.m., and Chairman Small announced that the new secretary is Mr. Bell.
There being no further business, it was moved (Daniel), and seconded (Belk), to go into Executive Session at 10:50 a.m. All approved.
Executive Session ended at 11:30 a.m. It was moved (Belk), and seconded (Bell), to come out of Executive Session.
Chairman Small presented an information only item. Mr. Smith, Dr. Daniel, Mr. Johnson and Chairman Small attended the Republican Caucus. They are trying to do the same thing with the Democratic Caucus. Everything was well received. They spoke highly of the College and our leader. The College has a good rapport with that group.
Chairman Small thanked Mr. Marlowe for serving as chair of the Intramurals Committee.
There being no further business, it was moved (Cherry) and seconded (Thompson) that this meeting of the Board of Trustees be adjourned. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.