COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President’s Board Room

College of Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina

October 15, 2002

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, and Gary McCombs; Mses. Priscilla Burbage, Virginia Friedman, Elizabeth Kassebaum, 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.

  (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 8:35 a.m. by Chairman Small.

Chairman Small made the motion to approve the minutes of the July 2002 Board of Trustees meeting after former Board member Anne Sheppard’s name is removed from the list of attendees, and Joe Thompson seconded.

All in favor.

Chairman Small turned the meeting over to President Higdon. 

President’s Report:

President Higdon noted that it has been a year since he came to the College and reported that he continues to be impressed with the College’s commitment to excellence and the liberal arts.  Being a “student-centered” institution certainly rings true for the College of Charleston.  He feels that we have the opportunity to carve out a unique identity as a public institution.

Much praise has been received from parents who moved their kids into the dorms.  The opening of school was the smoothest move-in process in the College’s history. 

Very high praise was received for the Convocation ceremony and speaker.  This is the right way to begin the school year, and we are hard at work on next year’s program.

Enrollment figures are not official until the last week in October when they are sent to the Commission on Higher Education.  However, the preliminary information, especially for undergraduates, is pretty firm.  We have 50 more undergraduates and 87 more graduate students in 2002 than in 2001, for a total of 137 students or a little over one percent increase. 

SAT scores are up 20 points in one year.

We continue to work diligently on the 4^th Century Initiative and will focus on an update of the plan in January, including all its aspects – students, programs, facilities, etc.

When the arena report has been discussed, reviewed and a decision released to the media, Virginia Friedman will assist in finalizing a communication strategy for the media that may include fewer editorial board meetings than originally proposed and more focus on the President’s first year accomplishments and goals.  Efforts are being made to see if  stories about the presidency one year later can be included in the three media papers.  

The new semester brings 38 new faculty members to the College.  This includes 18 tenure-track appointments, 2 tenured, 4 non-tenured track instructors and 14 visiting faculty.  Eighteen of these are in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, 12 are in the School of Science and Mathematics, 4 are in the School of Education, 2 are in the School of Business and Economics and 2 are in the School of the Arts.  The English Department had the largest number of new faculty – 5.  This group of 38 faculty earned their graduate degrees from 33 different universities.

Construction of the library is on track for completion by January 2004.

December 2002 graduation is on Sunday, December 15, 2002, and the speaker is Padgett Powell.  Professor Powell graduated from the College of Charleston, Class of ’74, with a degree in chemistry.  He is an author and writer who is currently the professor of English at the University of Florida.

Upcoming activities include:

(1)Family Weekend is scheduled on November 8-10, 2002.

(2)The first Black Alumni Weekend will be October 25-26, 2002.  Alumni will be coming from all over the country.

(3) Alumni Fall Festival and Homecoming will be November 15-16, 2002.

We plan to submit two technology proposals totaling approximately $2 million to the Commission on Higher Education.  These proposals include infrastructure and faculty support for the integration of technology in the classroom.  The IT Steering Committee has been looking at this.  On a broader level, a community-wide committee will be established to further develop our Information Technology strategy and to integrate the overall institution’s strategic plan.  We should know by February whether these proposals have been accepted.

Funding has been received for the grant proposal written by Angela Cozart and Mutindi Ndunda of the School of Education.  The approximately $1 million U. S. Department of English Bilingual Education-Professional Development grant will enable the School of Education to develop on-line English courses for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), offer tuition-free courses to ESOL teachers, develop an ESOL course for non-ESOL teachers, develop and deliver several ESOL workshops throughout the state for teachers’ assistants, and offer summer institutes for ESOL teachers.  Frank Dirks of the Development Office submitted this grant proposal.

The men’s soccer team is significantly better this year with a record of 6-4-1 and 2-1 in the conference.  The women’s soccer team has a record of 3 and 6 and 1 and 3 in the conference.  The volleyball team’s record is 12-5 and 5-2 in the conference.  The men’s golf team finished second in the Macon-Randolph Tournament in Nashville and first in the Cleveland Golf/Kiawah Island Intercollegiate. They were ranked #6 in the country, but they moved up to #3 this week.  We don’t want to single out the golf team because all of the athletes are phenomenal.  The women’s golf team has participated in the tournaments and finished 17^th, 8^th and 1^st in the Cougar Fall Tournament.  Both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams have competed in four races and have identical best showings of third.  Varsity in track will be coming up next year.  Athletics has done extremely well this year.

Alumni visits have been set for Columbia in early December and Charlotte in February. President Higdon has met with Jim Barker at Clemson.  Visits with other presidents will be scheduled, including Sorenson after January 1, 2003.  There will be a President’s Retreat in November, which will include the four-year teaching sector.

The College is working with MUSC and The Citadel to look at ways that the schools might be able to save money by sharing resources.  Areas of interest include technology, purchasing, printing, shuttle bus services, etc.   Data is being compiled to make sure these savings can be achieved before proposals are submitted to the proper authorities.  

We are trying to get the word about the College to the media.  Our expertise is being recognized.  For example, from the end of June to the beginning of this month, there seems to be an increase in the number of faculty members who have been quoted in numerous newspapers around the country.

Finance Committee:

Board members Larry Miller, Joe Thompson, Annaliza Moorhead, Tim Dangerfield and Tex Small, along with staff members Gary McCombs, Priscilla Burbage, Sam Jones, Jan Brewton and Daniel Dukes attended the committee meeting.  Dr. Peter McCandless, a member of the Faculty Budget Committee, also attended the meeting. 

Mr. Miller gave an update on the Stern Student Center Food Court Project.  Funding is in place, and the grand re-opening is scheduled for January 8, 2003.  The renovated space will include a Chick-Fil-A, Burger King, a small Java City, and possibly a Sushi Bar. 

In light of the expected mid-year reduction (possibly $2.3 million to $3.2 million range) in state appropriations, the administration has started looking at areas in the budget to enhance revenue and to cut expenses. 

Referring to the fold-out sheet at Tab III of the Board Booklet, Mr. Miller noted some amendments to the budget.  These are normal adjustments made during the course of the year:

(1)$4.7 million for the tuition rebate

(2)$89,000 – An additional appropriation received from the state to annualize the funding of the health insurance increase for Fiscal Year ’02

(3)Revenue of $56,000 received from The Citadel and MUSC in the Lowcountry Graduate Center

Mr. Miller made the motion on behalf of the Finance Committee that the adjustments to the budget, as presented at Tab III of the Board Booklet, be approved.  All in favor.

Facilities Committee:

Board members F. C. McMaster (chair), Dwight Johnson, Bobby Marlowe and Laurie Thompson, along with staff members Virginia Friedman and Monica Scott, attended the committee meeting.  Dr. Hugh Wilder, Speaker of the Faculty, also attended the meeting. 

In Mr. McMaster’s absence at the Board meeting, Monica Scott gave an update on current projects. 

The new library construction is on schedule for late Fall 2003, with substantial occupancy to be completed by Spring Semester 2004.

Heery International is completing a comparative economic/architectural feasibility study of the expansion and renovation of the Kresse Arena versus construction of a new multi-purpose facility on upper Meeting Street.  The study should be completed by the end of November.  The results of the study will be discussed in a special meeting of the Board of Trustees.

The renovation of the Early Childhood Development Center is complete, and they moved into the new facility about three weeks ago.  The building will be officially dedicated on November 1.

The firm of Stevens and Wilkinson has completed the programming and schematic design phase of the Simons Center.  The consultants have begun the design development phase of the project.  It is anticipated that the project will be under construction by August 2003.  We will go to the Board of Architectural Review for approvals next week.

The agreement to sublease land at the Patriots Point Golf Course for a golf practice facility has been terminated.  The College, the owners of the golf course, and Patriots Point Development Authority were unable to reach an agreement on the terms of the sublease, primarily as it related to indemnification clauses.  It is uncertain if the project will move forward in the future since the golf course currently is for sale.    

The design consultants are proceeding with design development drawings for the tennis center.  The project is scheduled to be completed by August 2003.

No news about the Science Center expansion/renovation since the last meeting.  Because the project is a high priority at the State level, additional State money is anticipated when there is a bond bill.

Construction of the School of Business is on schedule.  The College has received approval from the City’s Board of Architectural Review to demolish the former Arcade property on Liberty Street.  The target completion date is Spring 2004.

All required state approvals to purchase the property at 207 Calhoun Street have been received.  Closing on the sale has been completed.  The College currently is working with Glenn Keyes Architects to plan for the renovation of the facility as a multi-cultural center.  The estimated completion date is Spring 2003.

The new 536-bed McAlister Hall was completed for Fall Semester occupancy.  The College purchased the facility in August.  Additionally, the College acquired the existing Kelly House Suites (± 250 beds) in June.  All city approvals for the garage have been obtained.  Construction is scheduled to begin momentarily, with completion scheduled for July 2003.

Construction on the Jewish Studies Building is complete.  The Jewish Studies Program is housed in part of the facility.  The College has leased the remaining space for offices for other programs in the Humanities and Social Sciences.  The building was officially dedicated on October 13.

The consultants for the Facilities Master Plan and the College held the kick-off meeting on October 7 and 8.  The process is estimated to take 12-18 months to complete.  Space, deferred maintenance, etc. will be included in this study.

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 church has expressed an interest in selling the property.  The property has been appraised for $262,000.  The College is waiting on the church to respond to its offer of purchase.

The College never completed the final phase of renovation of the Avery Research Center.  The work will include the renovation of the main auditorium and an archive storage area on the third floor.  The College proposes to use Glick Boehm and Associates, architects who will design this final phase. 

The College currently is securing estimates to do major renovations to Berry Hall and McConnell Hall in the Summer 2003.  Both facilities have been in constant use for years and need infrastructure and cosmetic upgrades.  The renovation of these major facilities is part of the College’s overall analysis and plan to upgrade and increase its campus housing inventory.  The quality and quantity of its residence halls are an integral part of the success of the 4^th Century Initiative.    President Higdon noted that we are looking at both residence halls on a short-term and long-term basis and how residence life integrates into the student experience.  He indicated that we are looking to have a more direct connection with the residence life experience and academic programs.  In the short-term, we have to look at major renovations to Berry and McConnell Halls as well as renovations to Craig Dorm, an older dorm in need of some work – new roof, HVAC, etc.  McConnell Hall needs more cosmetic work.  We are looking to bring several construction firms in to look at this situation.  We are looking at the Lodge – can we take the Lodge down at the end of the summer and start all over since it does not have lasting value?  You will hear more updates on major renovations to Berry and McConnell Halls and our ability to achieve them during the summer.  Also you will hear about the Lodge and long-term planning on that project. 

The College closed on the acquisition of 84/86 Wentworth Street and 14 A/B St. Philip Street property on April 1, 2002.  The College has completed a feasibility study to consolidate the School of Education in this new facility.  They presently are in six different locations, making operational administration of the school difficult.  The consultants have estimated the project will cost $4,715,960 based on their preliminary study.  The College is asking the Facilities Committee and the Board to approve its proceeding further with the financing, design and construction of the School of Education on the designated Wentworth/St. Philip Street site in accordance with the program and estimated cost determined by the feasibility study.  It was moved  (Marlowe) that the Board accept the recommendation of the Facilities Committee on the construction and design of the School of Education at a cost of $4,715,960.  No second is necessary in this case.  Monica noted that Yo Burrito, the current tenant in the building, has eight years left on their lease.  Andy Abrams is working with Monica to try to find a way for them to vacate the building sooner.  Bobby Marlowe noted that the property is less than 6,000 square feet.  Andy noted that the lease between the College and Yo Burrito was originally with the Beach Company and that the College potentially is responsible for the market value of the lease, as well as the cost of moving (should not be significant).  All were in favor of the College going forward with this project.

Student Affairs Committee:

Trustees Marie Land (chair), Cherry Daniel, and Don Belk were joined by Acting Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, Jeri Cabot, at the committee meeting.

Mrs. Land reported that the committee reviewed and approved the committee’s charter as presented at Tab V of the Board Booklet.

They established an agenda timeline for recurring Student Affairs related events.  For example, meeting with student representatives in October and April; update on relevant fees in January and April; update on allocation of student activity fees and residence life and housing issues in April and July.

The committee agreed that relevant materials should be distributed to the members of the Student Affairs Committee at least one week in advance of the next scheduled meeting.

The hours at the Center for Student Wellness have been extended because of a shortage of space.  Students are responding favorably to the additional two hours of operation, Monday through Thursday.

The South Carolina Grant on Alcohol Abuse Prevention – “Better Things to Do” Campaign addresses concerns of underage drinking, excessive use of alcohol, and drug abuse.  Information on the grant can be found at Tab V of the Board Booklet.

The City of Charleston’s Livability Court could have a great impact on the students.  The fines are much greater (over $1,000 for a single noise violation) and the strict enforcement of more consistent codes.  Noise and parking will probably create the greatest impact.  Because harboring a nuisance is another code that could have an impact, landlords may be more responsive to the pressure from neighbors to oversee the activities of their student-tenants.  This may take some of the pressure off of the College.  Hopefully, the Noise Ordinance will help the students learn about responsibility. 

The committee discussed the degree of student and staff frustration due to the elimination of printed copies of complete class schedules and also comparative prices for textbooks at the College of Charleston Bookstore and University Books.  They plan to study these matters further.

Institutional Advancement Committee

Board members Charlotte Berry (chair), Philip Bell, Vincent Price and Joel Smith were joined by Institutional Advancement staff members Cindy Johnson, Karen Jones and Sue Sommer-Kresse, and Y. W. Scarborough, III, Foundation Board member, at the committee meeting.

The committee agreed that the Board of Trustees’ By-Laws should be reviewed at the next regular meeting of the Board. 

Mrs. Berry informed the Board of the Foundation Board’s goals over the next five years:

(1) To double the annual unrestricted funds to $2 million

(2) To double the endowment to $58 million

(3)To increase Foundation Board membership with nationally prominent individuals

The Foundation’s year-to-date fund raising totals through September 30, 2002, are moving very well, and the Annual Fund is on target to reach its goals.

Two new positions, Senior Liaison and Technology Coordinator, have been allocated to the Alumni Office as part of the 4^th Century Initiative.  This is a very important phase to increase the College’s visibility.

Mrs. Berry asked for 100% participation from the Board of Trustees for fund raising.

Mrs. Berry announced that the Columbia Area Alumni Party will be held on December 3, 2002, at the Columbia Museum of Art (Hampton and Main Streets) from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  President Higdon will speak about his outlook for the College.  Members of the Alumni Association and the Board of Trustees will be invited. 

Since the Board of Visitors is no longer active, their function should be reviewed.  It is felt that a Board of Visitors could help with their fund raising.

Mrs. Berry passed out a Strategic Information survey to the members of the Board and asked them to fill it out and return to Sue Sommer-Kresse in a week.  It will be extremely helpful to know of any connections to funding sources that may be available.   Many of us have companies throughout the state, and we will be asking them for money.  Board members are expected to point out big donors.       

Academic Affairs Committee

Board members Cherry Daniel (chair) and Donald Belk were joined by Susan Morrison, Amy McCandless, Hugh Haynsworth, Bill Lindstrom, Hugh Wilder and Don Griggs at the committee meeting.           

Since Bill Lindstrom and Don Burkard made a PowerPoint presentation (report attached as part of minutes) giving an overview of undergraduate enrollment and retention at the College of Charleston, including the future direction set forth under President Higdon’s 4^th Century Initiative at a special luncheon on Monday, October 14, Mr. Lindstrom only talked briefly about the Enrollment Report as presented at Tab VII of the Board Booklet.  Official enrollment figures for Fall 2002 will not be available until November 1.  Enrollments are expected to be only slightly above those of Fall 2001.  The average SAT score was up 20 points.

Dr. Lindstrom reported that the Life and Palmetto Scholarships are funded from State appropriations as well as from Lottery monies; Hope Scholarships (new this year) are funded entirely from the Lottery.  Almost 92 percent of incoming freshmen are on one of these three scholarships.  It is expected that the number will continue to grow percentage wise.  Scholarship retention for Fall 2002 is 77.9%; up from 58.2% in Fall 2001.

The Academic Affairs Committee reviewed minor changes in the Post-Tenure Review Policies.  Dr. Daniel made the motion on behalf of the Academic Affairs Committee for the Board of Trustees to approve the minor amendments to the Post-Tenure Review Policies as presented at Tab VII of the Board Booklet.  All in favor.

Athletics Committee

Board members Philip Bell (chair), Dwight Johnson, Bobby Marlowe, and Vincent Price were joined by staff members Monica Scott and Jerry Baker at the committee meeting.           

Mr. Bell reported that the proposed new charter for the committee was unanimously approved.

The committee requested that a proposal for the Graduate Assistantship Program be prepared.  The Board also would like a breakdown of scholarships per team as compared to each team schedule.  Jerry Baker will look into these issues.

A consultant was hired to review the Title IX status.  President Higdon reported that the consultant’s report is quite lengthy.  We are in (or nearing) compliance in all of the noted areas and are making real progress.  The Athletics Committee needs to monitor the situation and report back to the Board on a regular basis.

Governmental Affairs Committee

Board members Joe Thompson (chair), Charlotte Berry, Tim Dangerfield and  Larry Miller were joined by Daniel Dukes at the committee meeting.  Ms. Alicia Scherini, President of the Student Government Association, also attended the meeting.

Mr. Thompson reported that the committee met and approved the legislative agenda for 2003.  Detailed information is located at Tab IX of the Board Booklet.  The committee would like to try to put together a legislator/friend/Board of Trustees database.

Daniel Dukes reported that the $2 million appropriation for the science center that passed the Senate Appropriations Committee is still pending on the Senate floor as part of the VA/HUD Bill. 

4^th Century Initiative and Strategic Planning Committee

Committee members Joel Smith (chair), Laurie Thompson, Marie Land, and Annaliza Moorhead were joined at the meeting by President Higdon, Andy Abrams and Christine Schlosser, the new Assistant to the President for Special Projects.

Mr. Smith noted that the committee discussed its proposed charter and unanimously agreed that the charge was appropriate and should be adopted as a framework for the committee’s activities and actions.  Detailed information is presented at Tab X.

The committee concluded that one of its primary roles should be that of a liaison between the Board and the College’s planning personnel and processes.  Additionally, the committee felt that it should act in an advocacy role for planning at the College and provide guidance and clarity for these processes by assuring that the Board’s policies are clearly articulated.

Andy Abrams briefed the committee about the history of planning, particularly strategic planning, at the College, with particular emphasis on the current strategic planning process and the 4^th Century Initiative.  The Board will receive a complete briefing on the status of the 4^th Century Initiative at its January 2003 meeting.  The strategic planning process is on track and a strong working consensus is developing on the College committee for an action-oriented, dynamic plan that will include a set of six goals and strategies and measures to accomplish these goals.  The present schedule is for the campus to receive the proposed document for discussion and feedback in January 2003.  The proposed document will be thoroughly discussed and revised to the extent necessary.  The document will then be transmitted to the committee for review and comment approximately one month before submission of the proposed document to the full board for  collective consideration at the July 2003 meeting.

Mr. Small is impressed with the amount of work and effort put into the admissions report, particularly the change in writing essays.  He hopes that the administration will look at providing enough resources this first time through for reviewing these essays.  If it means hiring outside people, he hopes we also will look at that.  President Higdon noted the Admissions staff is reviewing the applications and they may need some help. We are looking at a new software package that will require augmentation of the budget. 

New Business

Elizabeth Kassebaum gave an update on May Commencement.  The ceremony was beautiful, and it was a great success.  There were approximately 1,300 undergraduate participants.  It is probably time to look at three tickets per graduate instead of four or possibly split the ceremony.  We will keep one ceremony in May and will do whatever we can to accommodate the possible 1,450 or 1,500 graduates.  We need to look at ways to help shorten the ceremony which usually lasts from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. 

Ms. Kassebaum asked the Board if they would like to process in and sit on the front left row with department chairs or continue to sit on the stage.  Sitting on the front left row in the shade would be amenable to all of the Board members.  Mr. Miller pointed out that the important group on the stage is the graduates.  However, the general consensus of the Board is that the graduates be seated on the stage.  President Higdon noted that we will continue with one ceremony, but we will have to continue to review the situation every year.  This is the history and tradition of the ceremony, and students feel strongly about it.  The general consensus of the Board is to give the College flexibility in making these decisions.  President Higdon noted that we will work on this.  We are still working on a graduation speaker.  We have one person in mind, and we will keep you informed.

It was moved (Land) and seconded (Miller) that the Board take a break at 9:55 a.m., then go into Executive Session.

Meeting resumed at 10:45 a.m.  Chairman Small thanked everyone for their efforts.  He thanked President Higdon for the three days on campus.  Both dedications were fabulous, and the function last evening was excellent. 

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

All in favor.  Meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

Addendum to Minutes of October 15, 2002 Board of Trustees Meeting

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

TO THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President’s Board Room

College of Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina

October 14, 2002

12:30 p.m.

ADMISSIONS REPORT

Board members Philip Bell, Charlotte Berry, Don Belk, Tim Dangerfield, Cherry Daniel, Cheryl Hamilton, Dwight Johnson, Marie Land, Bobby Marlowe, Creighton McMaster, Larry Miller, Annaliza Moorhead, Vincent Price, Tex Small, Joel Smith, Joe Thompson and Laurie Thompson, were joined by President Lee Higdon and staff members Andy Abrams, Don Burkard, Fred Daniels, Virginia Friedman, Elizabeth Kassebaum, Bill Lindstrom, Gary McCombs, and Monica Scott at the meeting.

President Higdon opened the meeting by stating that the issues will be presented to the Board and then they could ask any questions.  Our school is judged by the students that we attract to the institution.  One way to assess whether we are making success in obtaining our vision is to look at other schools and who we are competing with for our students.  He noted that there will be a significant reduction in the freshmen class this year. He turned it over to Bill Lindstrom to present an overview of undergraduate enrollment and retention at the College of Charleston, including the future direction set forth under the 4^th Century Initiative.

PowerPoint Presentation

Bill Lindstrom began the discussion by stating that Admissions is working on recruiting the class for next year.  He asked Don Burkard to talk about the numbers. 

Overall Goals:  Don Burkard reported that we hope to reduce undergraduate enrollments to 9,700 students by Fall 2006 by limiting the enrollment of new students while factoring in a 1.5% increase in retention over 2003-2005 to 5% in 2006.   We have set specific goals to enhance academic quality as measured by SAT, GPA and rank-in-class, to gain greater market share of top in-state students, and to advance diversity. 

Mr. Burkard noted some significant aspects:  We are trying to use the baseline headcount of 2,700 students that was established for this year.   The projected goal of 2,350 new students for Fall 2003 is 286 fewer students than Fall 2002.

Enrollment Comparison:  In Fall 2002 there was a decline in the number of freshmen accepted, bringing the acceptance rate down to 59%.  (See Appendix D2).  There are only about 25 public universities in the country that have this kind of acceptance rate.  We denied more applicants this year than we had in the applicant pool in 1987.  

Goals for 2003:  We expect that the middle 50% of accepted students in this small class will be ranked in the top 20% of their graduating class.  We anticipate that these students will earn a high school GPA of 3.3 to 3.7 and  SAT scores for in-state students will be within the range of 1080 to 1250 (this year) and out-of-state students within the range of 1120 to 1280.  The College has set a goal to have an overall average SAT score of 1200.  This is 219 points above the South Carolina average and 180 points above the National average.  Our Admissions Office also considers the required essay, leadership skills and letters of recommendation.  Mr. Burkard thanked everyone for their support in the admissions recruiting efforts.  We want the College to become the nationally preeminent institution that we are capable of becoming.

Average Combined SAT Scores:  We finished the year with an average of 1182 for combined SAT scores, which is above the national average.  This is over 200 points higher than the South Carolina average of 981.  (See Appendix E).  Based on junior year SAT scores in South Carolina, there are 1,271 students in this state who have SAT scores above 1200.  Only 49 of them are black students.  These numbers will increase some with senior year testing.  

Transfer Admissions Requirements:  As part of the increased admissions standards, the requirements for transfer students have been raised.  In order to be considered for transfer admissions next fall both in-state and out-of-state students will be required to have a higher cumulative GPA than in previous years.  In-state students must have a cumulative 2.6 GPA and out-of-state students must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA for all colleges previously attended.        

Five-Year Residency Comparison:  As we develop a national image, a greater percentage of the total applicants is likely to come from out-of-state.  Currently 56% of our applications are from out-of-state students.  We are committed to remaining within a 60% in-state, 40% out-of-state enrollment ratio, and we hope to improve the percentage of in-state students over time.  This presents numerous challenges to our recruiting efforts and exacerbates the importance of recruiting top applicants from South Carolina.  (See Appendix G).

College of Charleston – South Carolina’s First Choice, Recruitment Initiatives for South Carolina Students:  It will be important to attract a greater market share of top in-state students in order to raise academic standards and maintain the present undergraduate ratio of in-state to out-of-state students.  Greater numbers of the top South Carolina students will need to be recruited and retained in order to advance our academic reputation within the State.  Our Office of Admissions has developed a series of recruiting initiatives such as statewide guidance counselor breakfasts and statewide student/parent receptions.  Other initiatives include personal visits to 65 South Carolina high schools, tele-counseling efforts and on-line chats, Cistern Scholars Day, Preview Day for minority students, Scholars Experience Weekend, etc.  We have chosen to call this program, College of Charleston – South Carolina’s First Choice.  For a complete listing of “First Choice” recruiting strategies, see Appendix F.