MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE BOARD OF VISITORS OF
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
November 16, 2006

            A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University was held on Thursday, November 16, 2006, at 9 a.m. in the Richmond Salons located in the University Student Commons at 907 Floyd Avenue. 

            Present were Drs. Bersoff, Doswell, Romano and Shapiro; Messrs. Axselle, Baldacci, Broaddus, Hurtado, Jackson, Robertson, Rosenthal, Sherman, Siegel and Snead; and Mesdames Lambert and Rhodes.  Also present were Drs. Trani, Gottfredson, Huff, Kirkpatrick, Macrina, Retchin, Rhone and Toscan; Messrs. Bennett, Bunce, Gehring, Ohlinger, Ross and Wyeth; and Mesdames Balmer, Chinnici, Lepley and Messmer.  Philip Yeager, student representative to the Board, and Ashley Bacon-Ward, alternate student representative to the Board, were also present.

            Dr. Bersoff called the meeting to order.  Dr. Bersoff presented an overview of a trip to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Durban, South Africa on November 5-11, 2006.  Dr. Bersoff accompanied Dr. Peter Kirkpatrick, Executive Director, Office of International Education. The trip was primarily for meetings with faculty and staff to discuss possibilities for future collaborations between UKZN and VCU.  An agreement was signed making UKZN officially one of VCU’s International Partnership Universities.  A delegation from South Africa is expected to visit VCU in March 2007.

            The President’s report followed.  An Enrollment Update was presented for information.  The presentation included a comparison of Student Enrollment from Fall 1996 to Fall 2006; an overview of first time freshman admissions and student demographics for Fall 2006 Census II.  A report on VCU and International Partnerships and the Higher Education Restructuring Act of 2005 were also presented for information.

            Mr. Rosenthal reported for the Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee.  The Committee met with members of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.  Faculty members present were:  Drs. Simons, Pitts, Canfield, Brookman, and Lewis; and Ms. Donnell.  The discussion included a concern for inadequacy of classroom teaching space and an interest in hiring more tenure track faculty versus part-time, collateral and adjunct faculty.

            The Proposal to Establish an Employee-Student Consensual Relationship Policy was presented.  VCU is committed to maintaining learning and work environments as free as possible from conflict of interest, exploitation and favoritism.  Therefore, employees, whether faculty or staff, shall not engage in consensual relations with students whenever the employee has a “position of authority” with respect to the student in such matters as teaching or in otherwise evaluating, supervising, or advising a student as part of a school program or employment situation.  The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to Establish an Employee-Student Consensual Relationship Policy, as amended.

            The Proposal to Change the Name of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion to the Department of Social and Behavioral Health was presented. The name change is requested to provide the department with a name that will reflect the department’s research direction and reflect a broader scope than just health promotion.  The department’s mission will be to understand the fundamental social, psychological and cultural processes that contribute to the health of populations and individuals.  As a research-driven department, faculty will be recruited who have theoretical training in the social and behavioral sciences and whose research interests span the spectrum of health care from primary prevention to end-of-life care.  The goal is to build a premiere department that provides outstanding graduate education opportunities and works across the University with multiple disciplines to conduct research that can make a difference to the health of people in Virginia and across the nation.  The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to Change the Name of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion to the Department of Social and Behavioral Health.

            A Proposal to Rename the Department of Biochemistry to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology was presented.  The name change is requested to reflect the current focus of the department and is more reflective of the future direction of departmental research and instruction.  The change will enhance the recruitment of graduate students desiring training in molecular biology, and will facilitate the recruitment of top faculty members to a modern broad-based department that includes a clear focus on molecular biology.  The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to Rename the Department of Biochemistry to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 

            The Proposal to Create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate Program in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness was presented.  The ability of the public and private sector to deal with natural or man-made disasters has become a crucial public policy issue in the 21st century.  A major target audience for the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (HSEP) graduate level education is working managers and officials from widely diverse academic and professional backgrounds, many with dated undergraduate degrees, and even graduate level degrees.  A graduate level certificate provides an opportunity for them to pursue graduate level education focused on HSEP core competencies that does not require the initial time and financial commitment required for a full time graduate level degree.  The proposed graduate certificate program is 15 credit hours, comprised of five three-credit hour courses delivered through a combination of on-line technology and one three-day campus session.  The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to Create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate Program in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

            The Proposal to Establish a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) was presented.  The Department of Nurse Anesthesia is building on the existing graduate program, history, and expertise of the faculty by offering a post-master’s doctoral degree, the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP).  The 33-credit, 12-month program will be a collaborative effort between the Department of Nurse Anesthesia and faculty from the Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences.  The purpose of the DNAP is to prepare Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to assume leadership roles in education, management, and patient care by offering an innovative curriculum.  The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to Establish a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice.

            The Proposal to Establish a Ph.D. Degree Program in Design Environments was presented.  The program is founded upon the strategic planning ideals of the University.  The program consists of 45-54 credits:  30 credits of core courses, 6 credits of electives, and 9-18 dissertation credits.   The program will provide opportunities for students to enhance leadership skills, to have lectures taught by experts, and to have interdisciplinary workshops and case study analysis as part of graduate seminars.  The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to Establish a Ph.D. Degree Program in Design Environments. 

            The Proposal to Establish a B.A. Degree Program in Film was presented.  The B.A. in Film supplements the existing Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree programs in the Department of Photography and Film and the Department of Kinetic Imaging.  The degree offers international opportunities including internships at the Cannes Film Festival in collaboration with the Office of International Education at VCU.  The B.A. in Film is a three-year, 120 credit hour liberal arts degree with two required summer semesters that provides a broad general education as well as opportunities for creative expression with a focus on narrative short digital films.  Students can undertake a recommended second B.A. or B.S. major and graduate after three years plus one summer of full-time study.  The Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposal to Establish a B.A. Degree Program in Film.

            The following items were presented for information:  Report on the College of Humanities and Sciences; Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Financial Statement Summary Fiscal Year 2006 – Three Months Ending September 30, 2006; a Report on Under-represented Minority and Disadvantaged Students:  Opening Pathways for Health Sciences Careers; Board Governance Project:  Draft Survey for the Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee; and the Report of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

            Dr. Doswell reported for the Audit Committee.  The Proposed 2007 Audit Workplan was presented.  The audit plan is supported by two key planning documents: 1) the Summary of Critical Issues and Risk Management Considerations and 2) the Four Year Core Audit Plan for Risk-Based Audits.  In addition to the risk-based audits, the 2007 Plan includes time for annual projects requested by the Audit Committee and senior management as well as time for special projects.  The Audit Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Proposed Annual Audit Workplan.

            The Executive Director of Assurance Services reviewed the proposed Board Survey process and presented the Audit Committee survey for the Committee’s review and comment.  Any revisions will be incorporated into the individual Committee surveys, and the surveys will be administered in the Spring of 2007. 
Mr. Robertson reported for the External Relations Committee.  The following items were presented for information:  the Government Relations and Health Policy Report, the Marketing and Media Report, the Advancement Division Reports and the Board Governance Project:  Draft Survey for the External Relations Committee.
Mrs. Rhodes reported for the Finance, Investment and Property Committee.  The Budget Request Submitted to the Department of Planning and Budget for the 2007 Session was presented.  For 2006, the University was required to submit a summary of proposed budget amendments to the Secretary of Education by September 29, 2006.  On October 6, 2006, the Secretary provided the University with guidance as to which of the proposed amendments could be developed and submitted as formal budget requests.  A summary of the University’s preliminary submission to the Secretary was provided with an indication of the items included in a formal request to the Department of Planning and Budget on October 18, 2006.  The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Budget Request Submitted to the Department of Planning and Budget for the 2007 Session.

            Summer 2007 Tuition and Fees were presented.  Approval of the 2007 summer term tuition and fees rates is required in November in order to provide sufficient time to update publications and billing tables in advance of registering for summer classes, which begin in May 2007.  The 2007 summer term tuition and fee rates reflect the same percentage increase as the 2006-07 academic year rates previously approved by the Board.  The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Summer 2007 Tuition and Fees.

            Project Plans for the Youth Center were presented.  The Youth Center is a VCU Community Outreach Program, combining academic/life skills mentorship with tennis to serve at-risk, elementary students.  The facility will provide a computer lab, instructional space for mentoring the children, program staff offices, a storage room, and a boardroom for the organization’s leadership and fundraising purposes.  Two tennis courts are provided for outdoor programs.  The construction budget is $1,100,000, with a total budget of $1,502,900.  The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Project Plans for the Youth Center

            The Contract Amendment for the Pepsi Bottling Group was presented.   VCU Dining Services seeks to enhance beverage services, increase revenues, and amend the current agreement with the Pepsi Bottling Group.  VCU desires to extend the term of the agreement from August 15, 2009, to August 15, 2016.  The anticipated contract amount is $1.2 million annually in vending sales.  The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Contract Amendment for the Pepsi Bottling Group.

            The Debt Management Policy was presented.  The policy governs the use of debt to finance capital projects and provides a structured framework for approving and managing VCU’s existing debt portfolio, as well as future issuances.  Recognizing that financial resources are not sufficient to fund all capital projects, the University must allocate debt strategically.  The policy will attempt to impose discipline in the debt issuance and management process and aid the Board of Visitors in making high-quality debt management decisions.  The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Debt Management Policy.

            A Request for Proposals for Bookstore Management Services was presented.  VCU Retail Services seeks a contractor to provide for the management and operation of  the academic bookstores located on the Monroe Park Campus and the MCV Campus.  The intent is to solicit proposals establishing a contract through competitive negotiations with a firm to provide bookstore management services upon the termination of the current agreement.  The Finance, Investment and Property Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Request for Proposals for Bookstore Management Services.

            The following items were presented for information:
Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Financial Statement Summary
            Fiscal Year 2006 – Three Months Ending September 30, 2006
            Higher Education Restructuring Act – Level III Management Agreement
            VCU ACES Project:  Telecommunications Modernization Status Report
            Annual Report:  Cash Management Operating Pool
            Foundation Annual Reports
                        a.  VCU Foundation
                        b.  VCU Real Estate Foundation
                        c.  VCU School of Engineering Foundation
                        d.  VCU Alumni Association
                        e.  MCV Alumni Association
            University Quarterly Budget Performance Report:   September 30, 2006
            Notification of Contract Award:  MCV Campus Housekeeping Contract
            Capital Projects Status Report
            Board Governance Project:  Draft Survey - Finance, Investment and Property
                       Committee

             Dr. Romano reported for the Student Affairs Committee.  The Committee met with a group students.  The topics discussed included expanding the emerging leaders pilot program; services for parenting students, i.e., child care and family housing for married students; academic study space; VCU students becoming involved through community outreach and community engagement. The Chair suggested a meeting with students to discuss ideas to expand on community engagement; ideas were suggested for student involvement regarding “green” energy and environmental issues at VCU;  support for the Student Veterans Association; and safety related issues involving lighting for students with night classes and security in buildings.  The Vice President for the Student Government Association reported on projects underway by the students.  The Chair asked the students for feedback on the new University College.  Very favorable comments were expressed. 

            The Honor System Review Committee report was presented.  The Committee was charged to undertake a review of the VCU Honor System with the intent of establishing a policy that reflects the ideals of academic integrity, creating a process that is fair and equitable and outlining a procedure that is effective and efficient.  The proposed Honor system reflects the Review Committee’s effort to meet the charge.  Four major points distinguish the revised document from the current document: (1) Education:  Educating the VCU community is the key to the Honor System’s success (2) One System:  One system, with standard procedures and structures, meets the needs of VCU’s faculty and students; (3) Student and Faculty Involvement: Student and faculty interaction is crucial in sustaining a successful system; and (4) Academic Integrity Officer: The position is the key to providing consistency with the timing and adjudication of cases.  The Student Affairs Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the Honor System Review.

            The VCU Alcohol and Drug Policy Revisions were presented.  The recommendations are minor updates to the Policy in order to clarify terminology and definitions.  The meaning of the policy and how the policy can be applied will not change.  The Student Affairs Committee recommended to the full Board the approval of the revisions to the VCU Alcohol and Drug Policy.

            The following items were presented for information:  Final Report on Fall Enrollment; Fall Fest:  Our New Tradition; the Board Governance Project:  Draft Survey for the Student Affairs Committee; and a Safety update.
On motion made and seconded, the following Consent Agenda Action Items were approved as amended:
Board of Visitors
             Minutes of a Meeting held August 24, 2006
Academic and Health Affairs Policy Committee
            Minutes of a Meeting held August 23, 2006
Proposal to Establish an Employee-Student Consensual Relationship
            Policy (as amended)
            Proposal to Rename the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health
Promotion to the Department of Social and Behavioral Health
            Proposal to Rename the Department of Biochemistry to the Department of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
            Proposal to Create a Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate Program in
                        Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
            Proposal to Establish a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
            Proposal to Establish a Ph.D. Degree Program in Design
                        Environments
            Proposal to Establish a B.A. Degree Program in Film
Audit Committee
            Minutes of a Meeting held August 24, 2006
            Proposed 2007 Audit Workplan
Executive Committee
            Minutes of a Meeting held September 29, 2006
External Relations
            Minutes of a Meeting held August 23, 2006
Finance, Investment and Property Committee
            Minutes of a Meeting held August 23, 2006
            Approval of Budget Request Submitted to Department of Planning and
                          Budget for the 2007 Session
            Approval of Summer 2007 Tuition and Fees
            Project Plans for Youth Center
            Contract Amendment:  Pepsi Bottling Group
            Debt Management Policy
            Request for Proposals for Bookstore Management Services
Student Affairs Committee
      Minutes of a Meeting held August 23, 2006
            Honor System Review
            Alcohol and Drug Policy Changes

            The Executive Director of Assurance Services reviewed the proposed Board Survey process and presented the Board of Visitors survey for the Board’s review and comment.  Any revisions will be incorporated into the Board survey, and the survey will be administered in the Spring of 2007. 

            On motion made and seconded, the Consent Agenda Information Items were accepted.

            On motion made and seconded, the Board convened into closed session to discuss certain personnel matters and matters relating to the performance of identifi­able employees and faculty of VCU and to discuss the performance of departments or schools of VCU where such matters regard­ing such individuals might be affected by such evaluations, including issues related to the President in his official capacity and to discuss the evaluation of his performance, and including the Faculty Appointments and Changes in Status and other Personnel Actions, and Executive Salaries and Continuing Faculty Salaries; to discuss the acquisition or use of real property for public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held property, or of plans for the future of a state institution of higher education which could affect the value of property owned or desirable for ownership by such institution, including (a) the concurrence with the acquisition of property on or adjacent to the Monroe Park Campus and (b) the acquisition of property on or adjacent to the Monroe Park Campus; and to consult with legal counsel pertaining to actual and probable litigation, and other specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by counsel, including the Report of the General Counsel; to discuss matters relat­ing to gifts, bequests, and fundraising activi­ties includ­ing the consideration of the Named Funds Report and Facility Naming Recommendations and an update on the development activities; and to discuss matters relating to honorary degrees and special awards, including the Report of the Special Awards Committee as au­thor­ized by Sec­tion 2.2-3711 A(1), A(3), A(6), A(7), A(8) and A(10) of the Virgin­ia Free­dom of Informa­tion Act.

          Following closed session, on motion made and seconded, the following resolution was approved by roll call vote:

Virginia Commonwealth University hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed session meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed session meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Vote:

Ayes: 13
Nays: 0

ABSENT DURING MEETING: 0
ABSENT DURING VOTING: 3

            On motion made and seconded, the Board accepted the Report of the President; approved the Recommendations of the Special Awards Committee; approved the Faculty Appointments and Changes in Status and other personnel actions as amended; approved the Executive Salaries, as amended; approved the Continuing Faculty Salaries; approved the Named Funds Report and Facility Naming Recommendations; concurred with the Acquisition of Property by the VCU Real Estate Foundation on or Adjacent to the Monroe Park Campus; approved the Acquisition of Property Adjacent to the Monroe Park Campus; accepted the Closed Session Committee Reports; accepted the Report of the General Counsel; and accepted the Report of the Presidential Evaluation Committee.

            The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.