COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President’s Board Room
College of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
October 29, 2004
8:30 a.m.
Presiding:
Robert W. Marlowe, Chairman
Members of the Board Present: Mr. Donald H. Belk, Mr. J. Philip Bell, Mrs. Charlotte L. Berry, Mrs. Demetria Noisette Clemons, Dr. L. Cherry Daniel, Mr. James F. Hightower, Mr. William D. Johnson, Mrs. Marie Land, Mr. F. C. McMaster, Mr. G. Lee Mikell, Mr. Lawrence R. Miller, Mrs. Annaliza O. Moorhead, Mr. Y. W. Scarborough, III, Mr. Robert S. Small, Jr., Dr. Sam Stafford III, and Mr. Joseph F. Thompson, Jr.
(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 8:30 a.m. by Chairman Marlowe.
Chairman Marlowe called for approval of the minutes. It was moved (Thompson) and seconded (Berry) that the minutes of the September 27-28, 2004, Board of Trustees Retreat be approved. All in favor.
President Higdon began his report by noting the recent outstanding faculty publications and the students’ quarterly magazine.
His Athletics Report included updates on the volleyball team, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, cross country, and the women’s crew team.
President Higdon reported that Life Sciences Phase II involves more collaboration with MUSC – joint degree programs as well as research opportunities. An update will be provided at the January Board meeting.
President Higdon asked Andy Abrams to report on the Communications Museum. Mr. Abrams reported that a campus committee is reviewing a new location for the Museum, and he will report back in the spring.
President Higdon reported that continuing student retention is up about one and a half points. According to Noel-Levitz it is, in many ways, a cultural change. Our graduation rate is in the 58-59% range, close to 60% which would be a major milestone. We are moving in the right direction, and we are hiring two new people to assist in this area.
President Higdon reported that last year we put more resources in an Enhanced Internship Program. With the help of a number of people, spearheaded by Chris Schlosser, we have a greater number of internships. We are using technology to facilitate the program and have coordinated this in all schools.
President Higdon reported that the search for a new Dean of Residence Life is moving ahead.
Virginia Friedman will co-chair a search committee to hire a Senior Diversity Administrator. This person will report to President Higdon and will work with recruitment and retention.
President Higdon reported that John Kresse will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in March 2005 at the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship in Kansas City. This is in recognition of his exemplifying the highest ideals of intercollegiate athletics.
President Higdon reported that the Concert Choir has been selected for a performance at the 2005 American Choral Director’s Association Convention in the spring in Los Angeles. We are proud of the School of the Arts and what they have accomplished.
President Higdon reported that fundraising is ahead of last year, but there is still work to be done on the Annual Fund. The Parents’ Fund is doing well. Mrs. Berry will give the specifics about fundraising when she presents the Institutional Advancement Committee Report.
President Higdon reported that Professional Development in the School of Education is doing well. Enrollment stands at 928. This shows that focus can do a lot in an economic climate. This is a solid plan that specifies our priorities.
President Higdon reported that Dr. Chris Starr, chair of the committee, is working with Provost Elise Jorgens and Mr. Andy Abrams on the Strategic Technology Plan. The College is rated #27 in the top wireless campuses. This plan will be discussed in greater detail with the Board of Trustees in the future
President Higdon informed the Board that he has another opinion piece that highlighted the information that despite the fact that the College is not a research university, it is important to understand that we are trying to support this state in its economic agenda. He will speak publicly about this in the future.
Also, he has another article that will appear in the Liberal Education magazine.
President Higdon noted that it is important to be very public about these core values. We are now going out to the campus, reviewing the values, and asking for feedback. The feedback will be taken to the senior staff level for discussion. We need a consultant to assist us in how best to get these messages across. Specifically, to look at our resources. We can’t do it with the resources we have. We must recognize that we need more resources. Virginia Friedman is chairing the selection committee to choose a marketing consulting firm. Over the next several months we will write the RFP and select a firm. We know what we must address, and we have a plan to address those issues.
President Higdon reported that since the last Board meeting in July, our faculty has been featured or quoted three times in the Atlanta Journal/Constitution, three times in USA Today, twice in the New York Times, once on the BBAC, CNN Headline news, National Public Radio, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Taiwan News, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Mrs. Friedman reported that three firms will visit the campus. After that, we will write the RFP. We know what International Herald Tribune in France. We track the number of media stories on a regular basis, and Mike Robertson does a very good job.
President Higdon reported that Dr. Richard Bodek of the History Department is hard at work assisting students in scholarship and fellowship applications after they graduate. Specifically, graduate students who would like to take a year or more in a scholarship or fellowship experience. Dr. Bodek is talking to students and faculty to make sure they are familiar with this program. Seventy-six countries are represented. About 3% of our student body is international students.
Audit Committee:
Trustees Philip Bell (chair), Bobby Marlowe, Marie Land, and Joe Thompson attended the meeting. President Higdon also attended the meeting. Mr. Eric Forsberg, Internal Auditor, was unable to attend the meeting.
Mr. Bell reported that the committee reviewed five internal audit reports and found everything in order. It was a very short meeting. The school is very well run and in good shape.
Finance Committee:
Trustees Joe Thompson (chair), Bobby Marlowe, Creighton
McMaster, and Bill Scarborough attended the committee meeting. Others in attendance
included Priscilla Burbage, Daniel
Dukes, Elise Jorgens, Gary McCombs, and Bob Mignone.
(1) Mrs. Burbage gave the committee a report on the September 30, 2004 Financial Statement with Budget Adjustments. The items presented can be found on the fold-out sheets behind Tab III of the Board Book:
Items 4 through 7 and Item 10 detail the distribution of funds down to the operational divisions for the previously approved pay increase ($1,468,385).
Items 8 through 9 show the non-recurring sweep into a central account of these funds made available from vacancy and turnover. Funds are returned to a department as needed when the vacancy is filled by either a permanent or temporary employee, but only in the amount needed for the balance of the fiscal year.
Item 11 shows the first round of funding to support the faculty compensation merit/equity study that was previously approved by the Board ($650,373).
Item 18 reflects an adjustment to both the revenue and operating budget finalizing the carry forward amount which was estimated when the budget was approved by the Board at the July 1 meeting.
Item 40 shows the College’s portion of the increase in the employer’s contribution to the health plan ($38,142 for one half the year). The full amount approximating $76,284 will be annualized in next year’s budget.
Item 41 adjusts both the revenue and expenditure budget to reflect the State’s contribution to the mandated pay increase ($787,993) which represents 54% of the total increase) and the State’s contribution to the health insurance increase ($76,283).
The Finance Committee moves that the Board approve the September 30, 2004 Financial Statements and budget adjustments as presented behind Tab III of the Board Book. All in favor.
(2) Mrs. Burbage reviewed with the committee two Memoranda of Understanding for an endowed professorship program in Applied Marine Genomics. The first is between the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina whereby MUSC will transfer to the College $1 million in State matching funds from the South Carolina Center of Economic Excellence Endowed Professorship program. The second is between the College of Charleston and the College of Charleston Foundation whereby the College will “loan” to the Foundation the $1 million from MUSC to be invested along with $1 million in endowed funds on deposit at the Foundation to support the endowed professorship program in Applied Marine Genomics.
The Finance Committee moves that, in accordance with Part II, Section 9, of the 1998-99 Appropriations Act, amending the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 59-101-401, this Board of Trustees authorize the College to lend the $1 million transferred from MUSC to the Foundation whereby the State funds and non-state matching funds shall be administered and utilized in accordance with the terms and conditions provided by the South Carolina Centers of Economic Excellence Endowed Professorship Program Guidelines. All in favor.
(3) There was an informal discussion related to the increased demand for on-campus student housing, the local housing market, and the study done recently related to this subject.
(4) There was a discussion about the possibility of the Finance Committee having a preliminary budget presented at the April meeting, but accepting that this budget would be subject to change before the June/July meeting at which it would be approved.
Facilities Committee:
Trustees Jimmy Hightower (chair), Philip Bell, Lee Mikell, Bobby Marlowe, and Tex Small attended the committee meeting. Also attending were Sylvia Harvey, Trustee Emeritus; Jerry Baker; Lance Hagaman; Susan Morrison; and Monica Scott, along with Fred Daniels and the Physical Plant personnel – Dennis Foster, Joey Beck, Ken Foreback and Tim Summers. President Higdon joined the meeting.
Mr. Hightower commended the Physical Plant for their work with the following projects – Cougar Mall, Stern Student Center, and the Avery Institute and asked Monica Scott to give an update on facilities.
Ms. Scott gave the following facilities update:
The status of the Dixie Plantation effort, as well as a timeline for the Phase One development, will be reported at the January Board meeting.
The Addlestone Library project is complete. The move is scheduled beginning December 2004.
The Athletics Complex is under design and construction is scheduled to begin June 2005.
The anticipated bid date for the Simons Center is November 2004 with construction scheduled to begin February 1.
We will continue to work with Ballinger/Liollio on the Science Center project. A full report will be presented to the Board at the January 2005 meeting.
The Avery Research Center project is not completed yet.
President Higdon added some information:
The Science Center project is very complicated, especially trying to fit the program into a budget of about $36-$37 million. The new science building must be completed before the old science building can be renovated.
The School of Business (Beatty Center) was on target, but it is now about three months behind due to faulty insulating sheathing. The opening date probably will be March 1.
The School of Education project – We have received preliminary BAR approval. It will be bid before the end of the year. Construction will be delayed until March 1 because of the delay in the completion of the Beatty Center.
The Avery Research Center is not yet complete. The floors should be done shortly.
The architect did a cost estimate to replace the HVAC and remove asbestos from the Student Services Center and determined they are $1 million short in funding. The project has been increased by $1 million, and they are back on schedule. When renovating older buildings built in the 70’s, there are often unforeseen items.
Chairman Marlowe commended Fred Daniels for his efforts in dealing with the mold issues at the Beatty Center.
The Facilities Committee moves that the full Board approve their recommendation to move forward with the design of the Patriots Point Sports Complex with a projected budget under $2 million. The Athletics Committee seconds the motion.
Ms. Scott noted that they hope to begin the project in May, and it will take eight months. Five hundred (500) additional seats have been designed which takes the seating to 855 covered seats. Mrs. Land asked about funding. President Higdon noted that they could use Institutional Debt funding or other sources. Dr Stafford expressed excitement that the seats will be covered.
All in favor. Motion passed.
Joint Meeting of the Institutional Advancement Committee and the Foundation Fund Raising and Advancement Committee:
Trustees Charlotte Berry (chair), Demetria Clemons, Cherry Daniel, and Dwight Johnson, along with Foundation Board members David Hay, Chairman of the Foundation Fund Raising Committee; Bill Medich; Renee Romberger; and Tap Johnson attended the meeting. They were joined by staff members Sharon Chellis, Greg Evans; Sue Sommer-Kresse; Tom Maertens and Lori Miller, Major Gifts Officers.
Mrs. Berry welcomed Demetria Clemons, Cherry Daniel and Dwight Johnson as members of the committee. She introduced new staff members to the committee: Tom Maertens and Lori Miller, Major Gifts Officers.
Mrs. Berry gave the following committee report:
Mrs. Berry noted that the total fundraising for last year (2003) was $2,332,660 compared to $5,003,835 this year (2004).
Mrs. Berry described all of the Annual Fund appeals. The process will be simplified for the
next meeting. There will one sheet which will make it easier to understand.
Mrs. Berry noted that building initiatives go on year after year. She referred to the year-to-date fundraising report noting that the Foundation’s goal is $13,500,000 for various building initiatives.
Mrs. Berry stated that the Board of Trustees’ relationship to the Foundation Board is more and more important. She noted that the Trustees Rating Sheet (packets at their seats) is a very important way to reach top donors. She asked the Board members to take their sheets home and return them in about a month after they meet with Sue Sommer-Kresse, Greg Evans and Tom Maertens to go over the names on their list(s). They will provide additional information about each prospect when they meet with each trustee. The information provided by the Board members will assist the Development staff in their fundraising efforts. Mrs. Berry noted that this is just the beginning of something we will be doing for the next four to five years.
Student Affairs Committee:
Trustees Marie Land (chair), Don Belk, Annaliza Moorhead, and Sam Stafford were joined by Victor Wilson; Willette Burnham, Associate VP for Student Affairs; Eileen Baran, Director of C.A.R.E. (Crisis and Response Education); Tavia Sessoms, Acting Dean of Residence Life; and Susan Hartman, Administrative Coordinator, Student Affairs. Ms. Jillian Irizarry (representing Mr. Lance Hagaman, SGA President) also attended the meeting.
Mrs. Land gave the following committee report:
Eileen Baran reported to the committee that crime is down from 2003 in most areas. Public safety officers provide students, faculty and staff information about community alerts via e-mail.
Mrs. Land noted that the Residence Hall Visitation Policy is good. We just need to be clear about what the policy is.
Mrs. Land reported that students are happy with the residence hall renovations and that we have a “full house.”
Mrs. Land noted that everyone will be happy when the Stern Student Center renovation is finished.
Student Affairs held a “State of the Student Affairs Division Breakfast” to share their vision and plans for the year. The motto chosen for the division was “Student Affairs: Live, Learn, Grow.”
Candidates are being interviewed for Dean of Residence Life. An offer is in the process for the Technology Liaison. The Director of the Student Leadership Center is a newly funded position which will lead to funding for programming in the future.
Mr. Victor Wilson announced to the committee that they are looking for a naming opportunity for the Student Learning Center. They are talking to Institutional Advancement about a fundraising initiative.
Academic Affairs Committee:
Trustees Don Belk (chair), Demetria Clemons, Cherry Daniel and Sam Stafford attended the meeting, along with Drs. Elise Jorgens, Amy McCandless and Susan Morrison from Academic Affairs. Others in attendance include Drs. Hugh Haynsworth, Dean of the Graduate School; Sam Hines, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences; Valerie Morris, Dean, School of the Arts; Norine Noonan, Dean, School of Sciences and Mathematics; Frances Welch, Dean, School of Education; Chris Starr, Department of Computer Science; Carol Ann Davis, Department of English; and Bob Mignone; and Don Burkard, Associate Vice President for Admissions and Enrollment Planning.
Mr. Belk gave the following committee report:
Mr. Belk began the meeting by saying that he is happy to have Demetria Clemons and Cherry Daniel, with their education backgrounds, on the committee.
Dr. Jorgens gave the committee a brief overview of Academic Affairs initiatives underway
for the 2004-2005 academic year.
(a)Efforts to improve retention and graduation rates – Academic Affairs has been working with consultants from Noel-Levitz to devise a strategic plan for retention. Our goal is a 90% retention rate equivalent to that at highly selective institutions in the country.
(b)Academic Affairs is working with President Higdon to define our Institutional Distinctiveness. The Provost’s Office, in conjunction with the deans, has produced a working document focusing on the programs that set the College apart from other institutions. This will help determine the best ways to concentrate our resources.
(c)Dr. Jorgens has also initiated a review of the General Education curriculum. An ad hoc committee has been formed, chaired by the Provost, that will begin by focusing on learning objectives. Dr. Jorgens noted that she would be happy to have Board members as part of this discussion.
(d)The NCATE review of our School of Education begins on Sunday, and the accreditation team will be on campus next week. This has been an institutional undertaking, and we are confident our programs will meet the standards.
(e)Dr. Jorgens announced the selection of a new Associate Vice President for the Academic Experience. Dr. Kay Smith, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Appalachian State, will be joining the Academic Affairs team in January 2005. Among other first-year experience leadership roles, Dr. Smith was Director of Watauga College, Appalachian State’s premiere living-learning community. She will work to enrich the academic experience of all students at the College, and such improvements will contribute to increased retention rates.
(f)There has been discussion about restructuring a number of departments in the academic divisions. Any proposed new departments and/or departmental name changes will be reviewed by Academic Affairs and brought to the Board of Trustees for approval.
(g)The College will shortly sign the agreement creating a Joint MS in Historic Preservation with Clemson. The College will dedicate two new positions to this program, as will Clemson. The MS will be a free-standing program here in Charleston.
Mr. Belk reported that Drs. Valerie Morris and Frances Welch discussed a proposal under development for an MAT in Arts Education. There has been considerable public demand for such offerings since arts education is a critical needs area in South Carolina. Because the only MAT programs are at USC and Winthrop, there is no place in the Lowcountry where arts undergraduates can go to become teachers. Such a program would also provide advanced level courses for teachers who already have certification, as well as providing opportunities to acquire teaching certification for professionals who wish to start a second career. The program will go through the College review process and after Board of Trustees approval will be sent to the S. C. Commission on Higher Education. The anticipated start date is Fall 2006.
Mr. Belk reported that Drs. Sam Hines and Carol Ann Davis presented a proposal being developed for a Creative Writing Concentration in English. This concentration will take advantage of the opportunities associated with Crazyhorse, the nationally renowned literary journal housed at the College. It will allow students to have a creative writing avocation to develop vocational skills.
Mr. Belk reported that Drs. Norine Noonan and Chris Starr presented the final proposal for a major and minor is Discovery Informatics. This cutting edge interdisciplinary major will be the first of its kind in the U. S. and should attract mathematically-inclined individuals who might have chosen a technical institute to the College. Majors can choose from ten cognates in various fields such as biomechanics, e-commerce, economics, exercise physiology, molecular biology, sociology, etc. Approval by the Board of Trustees is the last internal step before the proposal is sent to the S. C. Commission on Higher Education. Implementation is expected in Fall 2005.
The Academic Affairs Committee moves to approve a major and minor in Discovery Informatics. Mr. Bell seconded the motion. All in favor.
Mr. Belk reported that Mr. Don Burkard presented the unofficial figures for Fall 2004 undergraduate enrollments. Because of a 1.28 percent increase in retention, headcount is slightly up from 2003 (from 9874 to 9918). The average SAT score for entering freshmen is 1208, up from 1204 in 2003. There were 10,096 undergraduate applications for Fall 2004, up 3.2 percent from 2003. The goal for next year is to increase our SAT average another four to five points. Mr. Burkard also talked about efforts to refine enrollment predictions in order to facilitate academic planning.
Mr. Belk reported that Dr. Hugh Haynsworth presented the Fall 2004 figures for graduate enrollments. He noted that degree-seeking and professional development enrollments were slightly down from 2003, but non-degree enrollment was up, resulting in a 1.2 percent increase in total enrollments over 2003. He attributed the decrease in degree enrollments to higher entrance standards, especially for education programs. Many non-degree students, however, will become degree-seeking students once they meet the new prerequisites.
Athletics Committee:
Trustees Dwight Johnson (chair), Philip Bell, and Jimmy Hightower attended the committee meeting, along Monica Scott; Jerry Baker; Laura Lageman, Associate Director of Athletics; Anita van de Erve, Executive Director of the Cougar Club; and Alys Anne Wiedeke, Administrative Assistant, as recording secretary.
Mr. Johnson gave the following committee report:
Committee Goals for 2004-2005: Mr. Johnson reported that since the July Board meeting, he and Jerry Baker decided on committee goals: (a) To inform the committee and Board members of what it takes to run the College’s Athletics Department overall; and (b) To be proactive in assisting the Athletics Department in its growth and advancement, working with Athletics administration to make progress in achieving its goals.
Concept Plan/Patriots Point Sports Complex: Ms. Scott and the committee discussed the concept plan completed by DesignStrategies for improvements to the baseball, softball and soccer facilities at the Patriots Point Sports Complex. The Facilities Committee has already approved the concept plan so it will present a motion to the full Board. The Athletics Committee supports the plan and will second the motion at the full Board meeting. The committee also discussed the timelines for completion of the project and its projected budget of $1,900,000.
Mr. Johnson reported that Mr. Baker and Ms. Lageman explained the 2004-2005 budgets. They discussed scholarship funding for individual sports and the status of fully- and partially-funds teams and planned improvements for specific sports. The Chairman asked for information about expenses in team operating budgets, specifically travel costs and how team budgets are allocated.
Mr. Johnson noted that the committee is interested in more fundraising.
Mr. Johnson discussed the great potential in naming opportunities for the enhanced facilities at the Patriots Point Sports Complex.
Mr. Johnson recommended the development of a long-range business plan to be presented to the Finance Committee with detailed requests and explanations of goals and objectives to be achieved through increased funding for the department.
Governmental Affairs Committee:
Trustees Bill Scarborough (chair), Bobby Marlowe, Lee Mikell, Larry Miller, and Joe Thompson attended the committee meeting, along with Daniel Dukes, President Lee Higdon, and Sylvia Harvey, Trustee Emeritus.
Mr. Scarborough gave the following committee report:
Mr. Scarborough reported that the committee discussed the legislative agenda for 2005:
(a)Recurring Appropriations – Requested recurring appropriations for the Tate Center Small Business Initiative - $591,500; and the PK-12 Continuing Education Appropriation Request - $501,800.
(b) Non-Recurring Appropriations - First priority is air conditioning remediation in the Science Center - $4.5 million; replace air conditioning system in Maybank Hall - $2 million; Robert Scott Small Library renovation.
Mr. Scarborough reported that the committee discussed plans for local legislative events:
(a) October 2005 Legislative Dinner
(b)Two dinners/receptions in Columbia next year – one for the House Ways and Means
Committee and one for the Senate Finance Committee in February or March 2005
Strategic Planning Committee:
Trustees Tex Small (chair), Charlotte Berry, Marie Land, and Annaliza Moorhead attended the meeting, along with President Lee Higdon, Andy Abrams; Pam Niesslein, Director of Assessment and Planning; and Lance Hagaman, SGA President.
Mr. Small gave the committee report:
Mr. Small noted that the meeting began with a presentation by Dr. Pam Niesslein regarding the SACS reaccreditation process. Dr. Niesslein and a group of faculty have begun the process, which will culminate in an on-site review in Spring 2007.
Mr. Small reported that Mr. Andy Abrams gave the committee an update on the progress of the implementation of the Strategic Plan. The President’s 4th Century Initiative is all but fully implemented and the College’s Strategic Plan is between 75-80% implemented. The committee is delighted with the progress that has been made and commends the President and Staff for the tremendous and rapid strides that have been made to make this plan a reality.
Mr. Small reported that the committee discussed Outcome Measures, sometimes referred to as “Dashboard Indicators.” Eight (8) key categories have been identified, as well as measures within each category, which the College will regularly evaluate to assess the health of the institution – Student Quality, Program Quality, Institutional Reputation, Student Satisfaction, Faculty Quality, Retention, Institutional Support, and Creativity. The committee was provided with samples of some of the measures that the College is using to measure outcomes in these areas. Regular updates on these measures will be provided to the committee and the full Board.
Chairman Marlowe called for a break at 10:35 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:55 a.m.
Old Business:
Mr. Bill Scarborough reported that he and Dr. Cherry Daniel represented the Board at the Lowcountry Graduate Center meeting. They have bylaws and recurring funding.
New Business:
It was moved (Land) and seconded (Bell) to replace two (2) sofas in President Higdon’s office, not to exceed $3,000. All in favor.
Mr. Small informed the Board that since the President’s 4th Century Initiative has been successfully completed, the 4CI/Strategic Planning Committee would like to modify its name to simply be the Strategic Planning Committee.
There being no further business, it was moved (Bell) and seconded (Berry) to go into Executive Session at 11:00 a.m. All in favor.
It was moved (Thompson) and seconded (Land) to come out of Executive Session.
It was moved (Small) and seconded (Berry) that honorary degrees be awarded to Nan Morrison, undergraduate Commencement Speaker; and Jim Micali, graduate Commencement Speaker, for the spring semester.
There being no further business, it was moved (Marlowe) and seconded (Miller) that this meeting of the Board of Trustees be adjourned. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon.