March 6, 2008
A meeting of the University Council was held on Thursday, March 6, 2008, at 3 p.m. in the Theater of the Student Commons.
The following members and alternates were present:
Officers: Dr. Eugene P. Trani, Chair; Dr. Stephen D. Gottfredson, Vice Chair; Mr. David L. Ross, Parliamentarian, and Ms. Elaine S. Abernethy, Recording Secretary.
Administration: Dr. Beverly J. Warren, Ms. Cynthia H. Andrews, Mr. John M. Bennett, Dr. Laura J. Moriarty, Mr. Donald C. Gehring, Dr. Francis L. Macrina, Ms. Sue A. Messmer, Mr. Mark D. Willis, and Mr. John Ulmschneider.
Faculty: Dr. Amy J. Armstrong, Dr. Robert L. Andrews, Dr. Gina M. Pannozzo, Dr. Scott E. Ross, Dr. Linda Corey, Dr. Margaret Grimes, Mr. Daniel L. Ream, Dr. June O. Nicholson, Dr. Theodore D. Chung, Dr. Wesley J. Poynor, Dr. Evan M. Sisson, Dr. Melissa Abell, and Ms. Denise Branch.
Classified Staff: Mr. Stephen H. Fore and Ms. Lori A. Floyd-Miller.
Students: Ms. Jessica Lee, Mr. Srinath Adusumalli, Ms. Giza High, and Mr. Robert Oldham.
Guests: Dr. Jan Chlebowski, Mr. Carl Gattuso, Dr. Robert Holsworth, Dr. Thomas Huff, Dr. Charles Klink, Ms. Pamela D. Lepley, Dr. Joseph Marolla, Mr. Brian J. Ohlinger, Dr. Napoleon L. Peoples, Dr. Reuban Rodriguez, Dr. Laura Siminoff, Dr. Mark J. Schaefermeyer, Ms. Delores Taylor, and Ms. LaForest Williams.
Dr. Trani welcomed Council members.
The minutes of the February 7, 2008, University Council meeting were approved.
A Proposal to Establish a Ph.D. in Social and Behavioral Health was presented. Dr. Siminoff discussed highlights of the proposal and responded to questions. Dr. Gottfredson noted that this proposal has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate University committees as well as the University Council Academic Affairs Committee. A motion was made and unanimously approved to recommend the aforementioned proposal to the President.
An Admissions Report was presented. Ms. Taylor discussed enrollment statistics and noted that transfer applications have increased by 13 percent since this time last year. VCU is expecting more visits from high school students during the weeks of March 16 and March 23. Future events include an April 12, 2008, Block Party and Open House. Dr. Trani discussed the increase in applications from Fairfax County, noting the demand for VCU is “stunningly upward.” Dr. Gottfredson noted that graduate applications have increased across the board. Dr. Schaefermeyer informed Council members that the Banner process is moving along better than it did last year. A general discussion followed with Dr. Trani, Ms. Taylor, and Dr. Schaefermeyer responding to questions.
A Legislative Update was presented. Mr. Gehring informed Council members that the 2008 Legislative Session is winding down although some issues still need to be resolved, to include funding for the School of Medicine General Classroom and Massey Cancer Center projects. He also noted that VCU anticipates attaining Tier III status. A general discussion followed with Mr. Gehring responding to questions.
A Budget Update was presented. A general discussion followed with Mr. Bennett responding to questions.
A Report of the President was presented. Dr. Trani discussed capital construction projects to include: 1) Brandcenter (scheduled to open today); 2) School of Business/School of Engineering (new buildings are up and running); 3) Critical Care Hospital (scheduled to open in August 2008); 4) Music Center (roof and four walls are up-scheduled to open in fall 2008); 5) Franklin Terrace (ready for occupancy in May 2008); 6) Medical Sciences Building (ready for occupancy in September 2008); 7) MCV Campus Recreational Facility (Larrick Student Center to be torn down-scheduled for completion by late 2009); 8) Alley Closing (Green Alley building ready for occupancy in April 2008); and 9) Monroe Park Campus Recreational Facility (scheduled to open in June 2010). A general discussion followed with Dr. Trani responding to questions.
Dr. Trani discussed the recent letter from Ms. Jessica Lee regarding LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which refers to national certification with the U.S. Building Council. Mr. Ohlinger discussed various VCU buildings and their levels of LEED certification. Dr. Trani noted that a meeting will be held after Spring Break to discuss VCU’s participation in this initiative. Mr. Ohlinger informed Council members that VCU’s housekeeping department has transitioned to using green products over the last two years. In regards to energy efficiency, VCU has spent over $7 million to retrofit buildings, update toilet and sink fixtures as well as insulation, and changed mechanical systems. In terms of recycling, VCU utilizes the following on an annual basis and all are recycled: 5 tons of light bulbs, 25 tons of electronics, 21 tons of wood and 640 tons of paper. Ms. Lee commented that she is excited about the progress VCU has made and looks forward to the upcoming meeting. A general discussion followed with Mr. Ohlinger responding to questions.
A VCU Health System Update was presented. Mr. Gattuso discussed the move from semi-private to 75 percent private bed facility when the Critical Care Hospital is completed in August 2008. A general discussion followed with Mr. Gattuso responding to questions.
A 40th Anniversary Update was presented. Ms. Messmer informed Council members that a detailed update will be provided at the April 2008 Council meeting.
A Research Update was presented. Dr. Macrina noted that VCU is $1 million ahead in research awards compared to this time last year. A general discussion followed with Dr. Macrina responding to questions.
A University College Update was presented. Dr. Gottfredson informed Council members University College is going very well, noting that 94 percent of the students that began as freshman in fall 2007 continued into the spring 2008 semester. There is an 83 percent freshman to sophomore retention rate. A general discussion followed with Dr. Gottfredson responding to questions.
Dr. Trani informed Council members that VCU now owns the Cathedral properties, which will be the future home of some administrative offices and department chairs. VCU has also recently acquired property located at the site of the Baptist Student Union as well as the 500 space parking lot located past the Downtown Expressway. He discussed his recently finished book “Distorted Mirrors-Americans and Their Relations with Russia and China in the 20th Century,” which has been forwarded to publishers in Spain and China. He also discussed a book to be co-authored with Dr. Robert Holsworth regarding Universities and Economic Development which is scheduled for completion in September 2008. He informed Council members that he is scheduled to go on sabbatical June 15-August 15, 2008, at Harvard University.
Ms. Lee thanked the administration for the recent property acquisitions as well as the library laptop program. She discussed Monroe Park Campus SGA activities, to include work with advising on updating the advising portal and the Green Campaign. Ms. High discussed the April 19, 2008, Health Fair. Mr. Ream discussed the recent faculty senate meeting. Ms. Floyd-Miller discussed upcoming Staff Senate activities. Dr. Trani discussed the upcoming Men’s and Women’s CAA Basketball Tournaments.
The meeting adjourned at 4:08 p.m.
