COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President’s Board Room

College of Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina

January 24, 2003

8:30 a.m.

Others in attendance:  President Lee Higdon, Drs. Andrew Abrams, Jeri Cabot, William Lindstrom, Amy McCandless, Peter McCandless, Susan Morrison, Sue Sommer-Kresse; Messrs. Jerry Baker, Fred Daniels, Daniel Dukes, Sam Jones, John Kresse, Tom Langley, Gary McCombs, Scott Ranger,and Mike Robertson; Mses. Priscilla Burbage, Beverly Diamond, Virginia Friedman, Elizabeth Kassebaum, Chris Schlosser, and Monica Scott, also Dr. Hugh Wilder, Speaker of the Faculty; Glen Brown, representative from the Alumni Association; Bill Scarborough, representative from the College of Charleston Foundation; and Ms. Alicia Lea Scherini, President of the Student Government Association; and the three Arena consultants:  Ian Vingoe, Myles Glick, and John McClendon.

(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 Small.

Chairman Small called for approval of the minutes.  It was moved (McMaster) and seconded (Land) that the minutes of the November 15, 2002, Board of Trustees special meeting be approved.  All in favor.

Chairman Small announced that Larry Miller and Annaliza Moorhead were joining the meeting on a conference call because of bad weather they are unable to attend the meeting.  It was moved (Johnson) and seconded (Land) that Mr. Miller and Mrs. Moorhead be allowed to participate in the meeting electronically.  All in favor. 

Chairman Small introduced three guests:

(1) Dr. Tom Langley, Chairman of the Physical Education and Health Department;

(2) Mr. Mike Robertson, the new Director of Media Services. He is in charge of media relations at the College of Charleston.  Mike previously was the Public Information Director at DHEC/Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.  Prior to working in Public Relations, Mike was News Director at WTMA Radio in Charleston.  He has won over 30 journalism awards in his 16 years in the news business.

(3) Ms. Sherry Dunbar, the new volleyball coach at the College of Charleston, is a graduate of Ball State and is the fifth head coach in the College’s volleyball history.  Sherry served as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee the past six seasons and during her tenure helped produce 35 all-SEC Academic Award honorees, 14 all-SEC awards winners and three all-region honorees.  The team also earned a NCAA tournament bid in 2000, with a 23-10 record.

Chairman Small asked to suspend the order of the agenda and begin with the Arena Report.

President Higdon agreed to begin the meeting with the Arena Report presentation.  He noted that the analyses conducted through the consultant have been beneficial to the College.  The report was a useful exercise, and we’re pleased with the Board’s directive that we look at the depth toward this arena.  He introduced one of the consultants, Ian Vingoe.  

Mr. Vingoe noted that at the last meeting the Board reached the decision to build on site.  Today they must decide on the size.  The process the consultants used to decide on the size included:  (1) Arena Sizing Analysis, (2) Neighborhood Input, (3) Conceptual Options and Budgets, and (4) Decision Criteria.

They interviewed NCAA officials and athletic directors and collected data from thirteen comparable schools – five Southern Conference schools and eight Other Mid-Major schools -- looking for relevant relationships using an unbiased approach.  They generally reviewed new arena stories in past years – some had smaller and some had larger arenas.  They reviewed what happened to the schools over the past 25 years.  They reviewed average attendance trends in the Southern Conference schools and other Mid-Major schools.  Generally, it is a declining trend over 25 years.  The College of Charleston demonstrates an upward trend which is more reflective of a successful Mid-Major program.  Six schools had increasing attendance and two schools had decreasing attendance.  The winning percentage of the programs is important for prospective attendance.  The College of Charleston is at the low end of the market range for ability to draw an audience.  A large school doesn’t always translate into a packed arena.

Research focused mostly on interesting arena case studies.  Every story is unique, attendance may be “optimistic” in some cases, and reflects the need for larger and smaller arenas.

1. Arena Sizing Analysis:

Case Studies:

(1) Appalachian State in Boone, North Carolina:  Population:  45,000.  This is the only facility in Boone.  It was selected because it was a new arena in the Southern Conference.  The new arena with 2,000 additional seats hasn’t had a big impact on attendance.  It started at 12,000, but shrunk.  It was too large for the market, but season ticket sales have increased dramatically.   

(2) Furman in Greenville, South Carolina:  Population:  972,000.  This arena is in the Southern Conference.  The new arena was built to accommodate 4,800, but it did not have a dramatic influence on attendance.  It is difficult to sell season tickets if walk-up tickets are available. 

(3) Gonzaga in Spokane, Washington:  Population:  422,000.  Mid-Major Program.  It was selected because it is a model program – building a new arena.  The arena accommodates 6,000 seats.  Consistent 75% to 90% winner.  Philip Bell asked what % of students go to games? Consultant responded that student availability average is 790 seats (4,500 students).  Bobby Marlowe asked  how big? – 4,500 students.  Season ticket demand is solid, even with higher ticket prices.  They have a 12,000-seat Spokane Arena as a fallback.  Due to strong demand, the new arena is anticipated to open with strong attendance.   

(4) Delaware in Newark, Delaware:  Population:  592,000.  Mid-Major Program.  It was selected because it is a model program – new arena.  Due to funding, it shrank from 10,000 to 5,000.  It took seven years to reach 5,000.  It is the largest arena in Delaware.  They like the current size, but foresee a larger arena in the future.  The new arena and winning have impacted attendance.  They were advised to build slightly larger than average attendance.

(5) UNC-Wilmington in North Carolina:  Population:  238,000.   Largest arena in town.  They decided to keep their seats at the current level and try to sell out every game.   Winning had a lot to do with attendance.  They were advised to build 4,000 to 6,000 seats.

(6) Kent State in Kent, Ohio:  Population:  698,000.  Mid-Major Program.  They have a good winning program, but they do have a percentage of empty seats.

Philip Bell asked questions about the number for Convocation, December Commencement, and May Commencement.  President Higdon responded 2,000-2,500 for the Convocation.  For December Commencement, the North Charleston Coliseum had 4,000-4,500 attendance range, but for May Commencement we’d need the space to teleconference the ceremony to areas from the Cistern.  President Higdon emphasized that the arena is not required for graduation.  We foresee it as a back-up rain site for graduation.

(7) Creighton in Omaha, Nebraska.  Population:  723,000.  Model program.  They are moving into a brand new 15,000 total seat arena in 2004.  They have been a consistent 65% to 75% winner for the last five years.   

(8) Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia:  Population:  1,579,000.  They will move into a new arena with 7,500 seats this season.  They currently have 4,800 seats.  Average attendance is 4,500.  

(9) Virginia Commonwealth in Richmond, Virginia:  Population:  1,006,000.  They built a smaller new arena from 12,000 to 7,800 seats.  The new arena had little impact on attendance.  Winning is probably the key.

(10) William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia:  Population:  1,579,000.  They have a 8,500-seat arena.  Attendance of 2,200 to 3,000 – not a winning program.  Their current facility is too large.  They would build a smaller arena.  They believe they have no home court advantage.

The more wins, the fuller the arena.  The recommendation is to do what it takes to win – winning fills seats.  It does not take a big facility to help win, but rather a full one.

Reasons to Build Larger:

(1) Excitement of new arena/”Build it and they will come”

(2) 100+ occupancy currently

(3) Increasing attendance trends

(4) Program gaining in stature

(5) Some other schools have larger arenas/”Keep up with Jones’”

(6) Recruiting tool

(7) Already a winning program, so build on that tradition

(8) Multi-purpose uses

Reasons to Build Smaller:

(1) Maintain home court advantage

(2) Priority is basketball only, i.e., no “trade shows”

(3) Some other schools have larger arenas, giving the College of Charleston home team

advantage of a full house

(4) Desire to maintain 100% occupancy/demand (impacts season ticket sales)

(5) Long-term historical trends suggest small growth in ticket sales

(6) No-growth campus policy

(7) Recruiting tool

(8) Other athletic directors with larger arenas wish they had fewer seats for basketball

(9) Already a winning program, so can’t expect a large attendance upswing from “turning the program around”

(10) Have North Charleston Coliseum as a fallback

Recommendation:

4,000 – 5,000 seats.  If build 4,000 seats, it may take a few years to fill; if build 5,000 seats, it will take longer to fill.  Most important aspect is to be able to consistently play a full house.

(1) Maintain winning percentage with home court advantage (sold out games)

(2) Basketball focus (sizing not dependent upon market or operating financial concerns related to concerts, family shows, tradeshows, etc.)

(3) Comparable program attendance indicates that successful programs get 4,000 to 5,000 – any more and vacancy becomes an issue.

(4) Keep demand for tickets high

(5) Have North Charleston Coliseum as a fallback

(6) Getting those last few people into the game is not as important as consistently playing to a full house.

Chairman Small opened the floor to questions.  Mr. Small noted that a much larger program is not significant.  The consultant noted that the College is already a leader in the Southern Conference, and he doesn’t think it is going to take a much larger arena to be adequate.  He rates the College of Charleston with other Mid-Major schools and thinks the College needs an arena of that size.

Joel Smith asked about the College’s attendance trend analysis of when we’d get a full arena with 5,000 seats.  The consultant stated that there were cycles in all of these schools, and they did not dig into the last five years for trend lines.  He did reference the Delaware program.  Mr. Smith thinks it looks like it will still take ten years to get to 5,000.

Chairman Small introduced Myles Glick for the next segment.

2. Neighborhood Input:

Mr. Glick discussed Community Relations and Community Reaction with City of Charleston officials and Neighborhood Associations.

In accordance with the Zoning Code, the difference between 3,200 and 6,500 seats in terms of parking is that one parking space per eight seats requires 413 additional parking spaces.   The City doesn’t see the need for any other parking garages because of the availability and quantity of parking spaces within a five-to-eight minute walk to the arena site.  We could go up to 6,500 seats with no requirement of increase in parking spaces.  The surrogate garages could accommodate increased need.

The consultant firm spoke with community leaders such as Ms. Caroline Cleveland, President, Ansonborough Neighborhood Association; Mr. Keith Kirkland, President, Downtown Neighborhood Associations; Mrs. Yvonne Evans, City Councilwoman, City of Charleston; Mr. Henry Fishburne, City Councilman, City of Charleston; and Dr. Cleave Ham, President, Harleston Village Neighborhood Association.  They are opposed to 6,500 seats because they are concerned about traffic and parking in their neighborhoods.  Ansonborough would  be impacted most. They feel that 4,500 seats is reasonable.

Bobby Marlowe noted that there is plenty of parking in the garages, but the neighborhoods still feel impacted.

Mr. Glick pointed out the natural impulse to park closer.  People will park on George Street rather than walk an additional four minutes to the garage.  He stated that one issue for the neighborhoods is control.  A potential way to help is to provide parking in the garages for season ticket holders.

Chairman Small said that parking is one thing, but the other aspect of neighborhood issue is traffic.  This was the other big analysis point made. 

Bobby Marlowe noted that we are only looking at 15 days/year for two hours in the evening.  Spoleto has more traffic impact, but we wouldn’t propose a ban for the Spoleto Festival. 

Joel Smith stated that the neighborhoods’ reactions and their perception are important because they affect our ability to get necessary zoning approvals in a timely fashion.

Mr. Glick noted that all other neighborhoods will support Ansonborough, not to mention those neighborhoods being directly affected by more traffic.

Mr. Vingoe discussed the next segment:

3. Conceptual Options and Budgets:

Three options:

A1:  Renovate John Kresse Arena – 4,300 seats

A2:  New Arena and Renovate Johnson Center -- 4,500 – 5,000 seats

A3:  New Facility and Demolish all of Johnson Center -- 6,500 seats 

Keep in mind we have to buy the surface parking lot on Burns Lane to accommodate Options A2 and A3.  Option A1 does not require the purchase of this land.

With Option A3, PE & Health must be moved out of the Johnson Center, keep Silcox Center and make the new arena parallel to Silcox Center and Johnson Center.  The facility would not be available for two years.

With Option A1, demolition is non-structural.

Cherry Daniel asked if that option increased or decreased the available teaching space.

With Option A1:  4,300 seats -- bleachers on each end and seats on each side.  2,300 bleacher seats, the rest with seat backs.  Every three bleacher seats become two chairs.

With Option A2:  5,000 seats.  Place new arena on tennis courts, but this option has not been passed by the State Engineer.

Mr. Small asked about the seating mix.  Mr. Vingoe explained about bleachers on ends and chairs everywhere else -- % of bleachers is less.  Approximately 3,500 chairs and 1,500 bleachers.

In addition, with Option A2, the entrance would be moved to Meeting Street and the lobby would become the Hall of Fame area.

Also with these plans, there will be two office buildings with 20,000 square feet and 37 parking spaces across Meeting Street.

4. Decision Criteria:

Option A1 -- $31.4 million (4,300 seats)

Option A2 -- $43.8 million (4,500 – 5,000 seats)

Option A3 -- $58.8 million (6,500 seats)

It also was noted that Option A1 was originally announced as $26.7 million, but additional structural issues were discovered during this study, i.e., the Mitchell Johnson Center brick wall is not anchored by code and must be re-anchored, which adds final implications to the new Option A1 estimate bringing it to $31.4 million.

Also $31 million includes construction in 2004 with 3% rate of inflation factored in the total.

Mr. Vingoe noted that the neighborhoods were not asked about 5,000 seats – they are okay with 4,500 seats.  The balance could be added between seasons a bit later. 

Mr. Glick  recommends Option A1 and/or A2 range.

Chairman Small asked for any questions.  Do we want to proceed with discussion and vote or take a break?

10:25 a.m. – Ten minute break

10:45 a.m. – Meeting resumed

Floor open to discussion of Arena Report presentation.

After extensive discussion, the motion was made (Smith) and seconded (Johnson) that we move forward with the development of a 5,000-seat arena, keeping in mind the flexibility in size, at the George Street location, within a budget of approximately $36 million.  Motion passes.

Mr. McMaster abstains from voting.

Five-minute break at 11:50 a.m.  Meeting resumed at 12:00 noon.

Finance Committee:

Tim Dangerfield and Joe Thompson were on a conference call with Annaliza Moorhead and Larry Miller.  They were joined at the meeting by Gary McCombs, Priscilla Burbage, Sam Jones, Jan Brewton, Virginia Friedman, Peter McCandless and President Higdon.

In Mr. Miller’s absence, Mr. Dangerfield presented the committee’s report. 

Mr. Jones highlighted the financial statements.  He asked the Board to take a moment to look at the statements, but there were no questions.   

The Finance Committee moved that the budget adjustments shown on the December 31, 2002, Financial Statements found behind the Finance Committee Tab III, be approved as presented.  All in favor.

The Finance Committee moved that an increase of $1,750,000 in bond funding for the School of Business/Beatty Building and the new School of the Arts building be approved as presented behind the Finance Committee Tab III.  All in favor.

Mr. Dangerfield reported that the committee meeting adjourned, and they went into a joint meeting with the Facilities and Student Affairs Committees. 

The Finance Committee moved that the Initial Authorizing Resolution for Series 2003D (Parking Deck and Residence Life) be approved.

“Authorizing the Senior Vice President for Business Affairs of the College of Charleston to

 make arrangements necessary for the offering and sale of not exceeding $20,000,000

Higher Education Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2003D of the College of Charleston.” 

A copy of the Initial Authorizing Resolution can be found behind the Finance Committee

Tab III.  All in favor.

The Finance Committee moved that the 2003-2004 Proposed Housing and Food Service Fees found behind the Finance Committee Tab III be approved as presented.  All in favor.

Facilities Committee:

Trustees Creighton McMaster, Bobby Marlowe and Dwight Johnson attended the meeting, along with Monica Scott, Vice President for Facilities Planning.

Mr. McMaster reported that construction of the new library continues to progress. 

The College has $6,000,000 in state bond funds, $1,000,000 in private funds, and $13,000,000 in institutional bonds to fund the Simons Center Expansion and Renovation.   It is anticipated that the project will be under construction by November 2003.

The sale of Remley’s Point has made available the funds needed for the Tennis Center.  The bids will be completed in February.  The project is scheduled for completion by the Fall Semester. 

Construction of the School of Business is on track.  The groundbreaking was held yesterday.  The target completion date is Summer 2004.

The development plans for the new School of Education call for the demolition of 84 Wentworth and 14 A/B St. Philip Street, and the construction of a 36,000 square foot faculty office building that incorporates the historic building at 86 Wentworth Street.  The College has completed a feasibility study to consolidate the School of Education in the new facility.  All of their offices will fit in this site.  Architectural services will be advertised in the spring.

The College currently is working with Glenn Keyes Architects to plan for the renovation of 207 Calhoun Street as a multi-cultural center.  This is the building next to the new library.

The College never completed the final phase of the renovation of the Avery Research Center.  Unfinished is the archive storage room and the main auditorium on the third floor.  The College proposes to use Glick Boehm and Associates, architects for the last project, to design this final phase.  Past estimate for the work was $500,000, but this could increase based on the passage of time.  There is approximately $175,000 remaining in the project budget, and the College proposes to use institutional funds to fund the balance. 

The Parking Garage should be ready for the Fall Semester.  A motion was presented by the Finance Committee.

The Master Plan Update was provided to the Board during the special presentation on January 23, 2003.

209 Calhoun Street is a surface parking lot adjacent to 207 Calhoun Street.  It is owned by the United Bethel Methodist Church across the street.  The College is waiting on the church’s response to its offer of purchase.

Mr. McMaster noted that the Board received a 4^th Century Initiative Update dated January 2, 2003.

Monica Scott gave an update on the renovations of the residence halls.  McConnell Residence Hall will be renovated this summer.  Craig Residence Hall HVAC will be replaced in summer 2003 and the full facility will be renovated in summer 2004.  The College Lodge will be taken down in September 2003, and the footprint will be used for lay down space for the construction of the new School of the Arts Addition. After completion of the School of the Arts facility, an upperclassmen residence hall (tentative 100 beds) will be constructed.

Student Services areas (Registrar, Financial Aid, Disability Services, Advising, etc.). are now housed in fragmented locations and will be consolidated in the Conference Center.

Student Affairs Committee:

Trustees Marie Land, Don Belk and Cherry Daniel, along with Jeri Cabot, Alicia Scherini (SGA President) and Lauren Collier (Coordinator of Service Learning/Student Involvement) attended the meeting. 

Mrs. Land expressed excitement about having Lauren Collier as the new Coordinator of Service Learning/Student Involvement at the College.

Mrs. Land reported that the Registrar’s Office has developed an on-line version of the schedule of classes that is updated weekly and formatted just like the printed version.  The Registrar’s Office currently prints a 20-Page Guide to Using Cougar Trail with a final exam schedule.  Mr. Belk and Ms. Scherini recommended that hard copies be available at several key offices on campus to assist students and staff.  Mr. Belk requested also that hard copies of the on-line version be available for requests at a nominal fee of $1.00.

Lauren Collier presented the service learning report.  She establishes a clearing house for community service on campus and encourages faculty to incorporate this into their courses and create a new series of service learning opportunities.

When reviewing the Residence Life Policy, they looked closely at the visitation and alcohol policies.  In an effort to respond to students’ requests and to encourage upperclassmen to remain in the residence halls, new visitation policies were presented (extending hours for visitation on weekends) and were adopted in two of the residence halls -- McAlister (co-ed) and Craig (all male), and the historic houses.  All other stipulations remain in place in the residence halls (and houses when relevant) – guest sign-in, id card checked at desk, no cohabitation, roommate consent, and guests escorted by a host at all times.  This is a pilot program that will be reviewed at the end of the semester.  The Alcohol policy for those students over 21 in the residence halls was reviewed but will not be amended at this time.

Mrs. Land reported that the students are very pleased with the expanded food court and fitness center now open in the Stern Student Center.

Learning communities in the residence halls are taking root and new ones are to be launched in the Fall 2003.  There will be one area dedicated to French, Spanish, etc.

Cherry Daniel suggested having the Student Affairs Committee meeting in the Stern Center.  Chairman Small thought it was a good idea to have them meet there.

Mrs. Land distributed a copy of the Co-Curricular Transcript.  This is a good record which should encourage students to get involved in various activities.  (Copy attached as a part of the minutes).

Institutional Advancement Committee:

Trustees Philip Bell and Vincent Price attended the meeting, along with Cindy Johnson, Karen Jones, Sue Sommer-Kresse, and Foundation Board member, Y. W. Scarborough, III.

In Charlotte Berry’s absence, Mr. Bell presented the committee’s report.

Sue Sommer-Kresse gave an updated report on the Fourth Century Initiative.  She reported that the pool of incoming students meeting the criteria for scholarships has increased by more than 20%.

Cindy Johnson, Director of Major Gifts, reported that Institutional Advancement’s budget is down, but the prospects are good for more substantial gifts this year.

Sue Sommer-Kresse discussed personnel issues within Institutional Advancement.  Currently, there are nine vacant positions, four of which are 4CI positions.  They are looking at hiring a Vice President for Development.

Karen Jones, Director of Alumni Services, reported that a consultant is working with the Alumni Board to establish a strategic plan to connect students with alumni with the help of the new Associate Director.   

Sue Sommer-Kresse announced that due to plans to renovate the Sottile House, the offices housed there will be relocated to 284 King Street.

Cindy Johnson explained the details of the 1770 Society.  Donors will give a minimum of $1,000/year to the unrestricted fund. 

Sue Sommer-Kresse encouraged all Board members to attend the upcoming Greenville and Charlotte alumni receptions.

Mr. Bell asked the trustees to please fill out the survey for Institutional Advancement that Charlotte Berry distributed at the previous meeting.

Academic Affairs Committee:

Trustees Cherry Daniel and Don Belk attended the meeting, along with Dr. Amy McCandless, Dr. Susan Morrison, and Ms. Beth Murphy from Academic Affairs; Dr. Hugh Haynsworth from the Graduate School; Dr. John Newell from the Honors Program; and Dr. James Deavor, Provost Search Committee.

Cherry Daniel gave the following committee report:

Dr. James Deavor, Chair of the Provost Search Committee, reported that they are continuing the search for a provost and hope to bring three candidates to campus around Spring Break, and the new provost would start his/her work at the beginning of the fall semester.

Dr. John Newell, Director of the Honors Program, reported on Honors Program enrollments for Fall 2002.  Of the 192 students who were accepted into the program, 57% were in state and 72% were female.  Mrs. Land asked about the College’s goal for the number of Honors students. Sue Sommer-Kresse responded that we now have approximately 450 students in the Honors Program.  President Higdon said 5% of our current student body is a member of the Honors Program, but we could go up to 8%.  We have to review the impact on teaching faculty because honors students have a lower faculty/student ratio.  Cherry Daniel noted that we also have to review available scholarships.

Amy McCandless, Associate Provost, explained that the French campus in Annot has been suspended for the academic year 2003-2004 due to financial reasons.  Other arrangements have been made to ensure that our students and faculty will have the opportunity to study abroad.  Students and faculty will be provided with similar opportunities to study and live in France through a Consortium relationship with the University of Southern Mississippi.  It will not be impacted negatively.

Athletics Committee:

Trustees Philip Bell, Vincent Price, Dwight Johnson and Bobby Marlowe attended the meeting, along with Jerry Baker and Hugh Haynsworth.

Mr. Bell reported that Hugh Haynsworth talked about the status of Graduate Athletic Assistantships.

The new volleyball coach, Sherry Dunbar, will be introduced today at a press conference at 3:00 p.m.

The men’s tennis team had the highest Grade Point Averages (3.50 +) for varsity teams for the Fall 2002 Semester.  The average of all teams was a 2.92GPA.

Jerry Baker will review seating at Patriots Point.

 Governmental Affairs Committee:

Trustees Joe Thompson, Tim Dangerfield and Tex Small attended the meeting, as well as Daniel Dukes and President Higdon.

Mr. Thompson reported that the current economic forecast is that state government is expecting additional cuts for Fiscal Year 2003-04 – possible cuts of 5-7%. 

The College’s legislative agenda is to sustain the least cuts possible.  Therefore, we must make sure that there’s legislation passed giving tuition pricing flexibility and permission to hire enough FTE’s to carry out the Fourth Century Initiative.

The College’s biggest initiative for funding will be to try to maintain the lottery funding for technology infrastructure money.

There’s $2 million currently in the VA/HUD appropriation in Congress for the new science center.  It looks promising that all money will be appropriated in the next month or so.  This will be in addition to the $5.5 million that was appropriated last fiscal year.   Additional funding will be requested for the Science Center for FY 2003-04, and around $3 million will be requested for the renovation and expansion of the Grice Marine Lab.

 Strategic Planning Committee:

Present were Trustees Joel Smith and Marie Land, as well as Annaliza Moorhead via speakerphone due to inclement weather in the Upstate which prevented her from getting to Charleston.  Also present were Andy Abrams and Chris Schlosser.

Joel Smith reported that Andy Abrams briefed the committee on the Strategic Planning process and presented a general review of key recommendations in the proposed plan that has been distributed to the campus for comment. 

Mr. Smith reported that it is clear that the process is proceeding on schedule as a result of the hard work of a large cross-section of the campus.   Two campus forums will be held on February 12 and 13 for students, faculty and staff to give any feedback they would like the committee to consider before a final recommended plan is submitted later this spring.  He applauded President Higdon, Andy Abrams and the campus community for their leadership in this plan.  President Higdon added that Amy McCandless should be applauded as well.   

He asked the members of the Board to look especially at the Preamble, its specific goals, the performance indicators and the mission statement of the Draft Strategic Plan.

President’s Report:

President Higdon noted that at the last meeting, the Board approved awarding an honorary degree to Guy Beatty at the May Commencement Ceremony.

He asked the Board for approval also to award an honorary degree to Terry McGraw who will be the May Commencement speaker.   It was moved (Marlowe) and seconded (McMaster) that the Board approves the awarding of an honorary degree to Mr. McGraw at the May Commencement Ceremony.

Second semester classes began on January 8, and the undergraduate enrollment was up about 300 students because of better retention rates.  The graduate enrollment figures are incomplete and will be reported at the April meeting.

Undergraduate admissions is at a high level, but are down by about 8%.  At the same time, the SAT scores continue to hold at 30 to 31 SAT points higher than last year.  

He reported that the College is running into some scholarship money issues.  More students are being retained and the Honors Program is increasing.  Scholarship money has been stretched to the max.  There was a greater decline in in-state women than out-of-state women.  We are trying to bring students in who have a lot more alternatives. 

In the Fourth Century Initiative, a number of projects has been undertaken with immediate changes being noticed by the students and faculty.  Maybank Hall now has a different entrance with no vending machines.  It really sets the tone for the campus.  Also the Science Center has received some renovations.  President Higdon commended Fred Daniels and the Physical Plant for getting these changes done.  

Everyone is very enthusiastic about the Fall Family Weekend that brought approximately 412 different families to the campus for a wide range of activities. 

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education has notified the College that it has approved funding (from lottery funds) of our technology proposal.  The purpose of this project is to establish a technology institute to prepare mainstream faculty to use standard information technology tools in various teaching environments to improve student learning.  First, a faculty institute to train 25 faculty members will be established.  Second, to meet the increased demand for technology-rich learning environments, 23 new smart classrooms, three computer classrooms, course management software, networks and computers for faculty will be purchased and installed.  Third, WebCT courseware will be integrated with the SCT student information system to provide a course web page for all 2,200 courses each semester.  President Higdon noted that the College will continue to emphasize to the Legislature the importance of this money.

The women’s basketball team stands at 7-9 and 2-5 in the conference.  The men’s team is at 13-5 and 3-2 in the conference, having beaten Wyoming, Oklahoma State and Villanova to win the Alaska Shootout.  The softball and baseball teams have started practice and will open their seasons within the month.  The women’s swim team’s record is 1-5 and the men’s is 2-4.

President Higdon reported that David Owens, a College of Charleston professor and expert on turtles, was mentioned in prominent newspapers and TV reports, including The New York Times and Newsday.

College of Charleston graduate Alicia Valentino was featured in an article regarding Federal Government recruitment on campus, the College being mentioned in prominent newspapers and TV reports, including the Houston Chronicle, CNN, and ABC News.

On ABC’s Good Morning America, the College of Charleston’s Gospel Choir was broadcast live from the Dock Street Theatre in Charleston on Wednesday, November 13.

Chairman Small made the motion to go into Executive Session at 12:55 p.m.

Before going into Executive Session, the following items were mentioned:

Mrs. Land congratulated Charlotte Berry on being named “Humanitarian of the Year” for the United Way of the Midlands. 

Mr. Small announced that he received Tim Dangerfield’s official resignation from the College of Charleston Board of Trustees, effective at the end of this meeting.  Tim will assume a position with Nelson, Mullins, Riley and Scarborough to assist with their legislative agenda.  Tim has served on the Board since 1988.    Mr. Small thanked him for his service to the Board and asked him to stay in touch.

Chairman Small announced that Laurie Thompson has resigned from the College of Charleston Board of Trustees (he was a Governor’s Appointee to the Board).  He noted that he hasn’t heard anything from Cheryl Hamilton about when her resignation from the Board is coming (she was a Governor’s Designee to the Board).

Executive Session began at approximately 1:00 p.m.

There being no further business, it was moved (Belk) and seconded (Bell) that this meeting of the Board of Trustees be adjourned.

All in favor.  Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.