Present:
Mona D. Albertine, Rector
Randall R. Eley
Elizabeth F. Foster
Benjamin W. Hernandez
Elizabeth S. Hughes
Martha K. Leighty
J. William Poole
Karen C. Radley
Patricia B. Revere
Nanalou W. Sauder
Daniel K. Steen
Fred D. Thompson, Jr.
Also Present:
Rosemary Barra, Vice President for Academic Affairs
William M. Anderson, Jr., President
Meta R. Braymer, Vice President for Graduate and Professional Studies
Gail D. Brooks, College of Graduate and Professional Studies Faculty Representative
Mary Randolph Corbin, Executive Assistant to the President
Richard V. Hurley, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Terry L. Luttrell, Clerk of the Board
Denis Nissim-Sabat, Mary Washington College Faculty Representative
Frank Puleo, Student Government Association President
Ronald E. Singleton, Senior Vice President for Advancement and College Relations
The Rector, Ms. Albertine, convened the meeting of the University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors at 8:43 a.m. on Friday, September 16, 2005, in the Minor Board Room of the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. She thanked President Anderson and the staff for the exceptional groundbreaking event at the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and for dinner on Thursday evening. She welcomed the three new Board members to the meeting: Betty Foster, Ben Hernandez, and Dan Steen.
Academic Affairs Committee
Ms. Nanalou Sauder, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, introduced the following presenters:
Dr. Debra J. Schleef, Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, presented information on her Jepson Fellows project titled “Latinos in Dixie: Class and Assimilation in Richmond, Virginia.” She involved the help of the students in her survey methodology class to prepare the questions, do phone interviews, and chart the data results.
Dr. Denis Nissim-Sabat, Professor of Psychology and President of the Faculty Senate, reported on issues discussed at the September Faculty Senate and Faculty Affairs Committee meetings. Topics included were: faculty and classified employee salaries, childcare, identity of Mary Washington College, an administrative assistant for the Faculty Senate president, and inclusion of the faculty representative to the Board at to the Board’s planning retreat. Dr. Nissim-Sabat distributed mean salaries of state colleges and universities and UMW peer institutions. Mr. Eley requested a cost-of-living comparison.
Dr. Martin A. Wilder, Jr., Vice President for Enrollment, Admissions, and Financial Aid, and Dr. Rita S. Thompson, Assistant Dean of Admissions presented a Fall 2005 admissions report. With 914 students, this is the largest freshman class in the institution’s history. Dr. Wilder noted the strong academic profile of the class and the significant growth in the number of transfer, minority and out-of-state students.
Dr. Rosemary Barra, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, and Dr. JoAnn M. Schrass, Associate Dean of Academic Services reported on the success of the new web registration implemented at the summer Preview, and shared a copy of the new Freshman Advising Portfolio, designed to help freshmen in their first weeks of school with a survival guide, a CD, and information for mandatory meetings with their advisors.
Dr. John T. Morello, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, distributed the 2005-2007 academic catalog for the College of Arts and Sciences and reported on the impact of the initial “15 to 1 Plan” faculty hires. He reviewed the plan’s goals to increase support for faculty sponsorship of individual studies and internships and the availability of courses, and to decrease the size of classes.
Ms. Sauder postponed discussion of the Personnel Docket until Saturday morning.
Buildings and Grounds Committee
Mr. Randall Eley, Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, introduced the following presenters:
Mr. Richard V. Hurley, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, reported on the convocation center project, stating that the cost had increased to $45 million due to higher construction rates. He then introduced Mr. Erik Kocher of Hastings and Chivetta and Mr. George Nasis of Moseley Architects, who gave a PowerPoint presentation on the goals and objectives of the project, including schematics and cost comparisons. Mr. Kocher explained that the goals and objectives of the original concept were to create a performance/convocation venue and accommodate simultaneous team practices in phase I, and to build a natatorium with a 50-meter swimming pool in phase II. Since the associated costs have escalated to $30M for the first phase and $15M for the second, President Anderson ordered a review of the project to ensure that the scope and cost are appropriate for an institution of 4,000 students with a Division III athletic program. Thus Mr. Nasis presented a revised concept that would reduce the cost of phase I to $20M and still accommodate athletic practices as well as performances for audiences up to 2,600.
President Anderson noted his concern about rising student costs and other priorities over the next decade such as faculty salaries, explaining that the recent charter legislation gives the Board flexibility in setting tuition and the opportunity to consider budgets holistically. Therefore, he recommended referring the convocation center discussion to the Finance Committee. A motion was made by Ms. Leighty and seconded by Ms. Sauder to defer the discussion to the Finance Committee for a recommendation at the Board meeting in November. All Board members were in favor. Ms. Albertine requested that a tour of Goolrick Hall be scheduled on Saturday.
Mr. John Wiltenmuth, Associate Vice President for Facilities Services, gave a brief update on campus construction projects, noting that the Belmont Studio renovation has a scheduling delay due to noncompliance of custom hardware with the state fire code.
Alumni and University Relations Committee
Ms. Betsy Hughes, Chair of the Alumni and University Relations Committee, introduced the following presenters:
Ms. Cynthia L. Snyder, Director of Alumni Relations, reported for the Alumni Association on recent activities including the biennial leadership conference, the fall Board meeting, and chapter events.
Dr. Ronald E. Singleton, Senior Vice President for Advancement and University Relations, reported on UMW Foundation fund-raising efforts, stating that a new record was set in total giving in 2004-05, and that the endowment total increased from $20.5M to $24.5M. He mentioned that Goodman and Company is in the process of auditing the Foundation.
Mr. Jeff Rountree, Vice President for University Development, reported on the Alvey Scholars program for out-of-state students and new Heritage Society gifts, and presented four resolutions for endowed scholarships to the Board for their approval.
Ms. Anna B. Billingsley, Director of University Publications, presented information by PowerPoint on the various publications that her office creates, including the President’s Message and Annual Report, UMW Today, the Grapevine, and the Weekly Digest. She noted that the Publications Office has retained its mission, but added a new look to the quarterly and annual publications that is bolder and more vibrant with full color.
Historic Properties Committee
Ms. Karen Radley, Chair of the Historic Properties Committee, introduced the following presenters:
Mr. John Pearce, Director of James Monroe Museum, distributed a postcard announcing an exhibit
titled “Highlights from the Collection of the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library” at the Ridderhof Gallery through October 14. He presented a draft Strategic Plan for 2006-2011, and reported on activities at the Museum through a PowerPoint presentation, including proposals for the accession of a Monroe item and the deaccession and sale of a furniture collection that has no connection to James Monroe, the Monroe era or the mission of the Museum. Mr. Pearce reminded the Board that according to policy, the proceeds of the sale can be used only for addition to or conservation of the existing Museum collection.
Mr. David Berreth, Director of Belmont, gave a PowerPoint presentation on current activities at the Gari Melchers Estate and reported that the studio pavilion will have a delayed opening due to construction issues. He also presented a new graphic logo for Belmont with Gari Melchers’ home and studio that may be applied to stationery and cards, noting that the University of Mary Washington will be included at the bottom on printed items.
Following lunch, Mr. Bill Poole shared a video of the President’s Travel Club at the Munro Castle in Scotland.
Audit and Finance Committee
Mr. Fred Thompson, Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, noted that the audit report was mailed to all Board members, and reported that Ms. Helen Vanderland was attending a conference. In response to questions and requests concerning the audit plan for 2005-06 by Mr. Steen, Ms. Albertine suggested that he and Mr. Thompson meet with Ms. Vanderland and the Audit Committee, and then report back to the Board.
Mr. Thompson introduced the following presenters:
Ms. Erma Baker, Assistant Vice President for Business Services, presented information by PowerPoint on the UMW online textbook sales policy in response to recent State legislation.
Mr. Hurley distributed and reviewed the University financial report for the period ending August 31, 2005, noting no unusual revenue or expense variances after two months into the new fiscal year. He also reported on the 2006-08 biennium operating budget request for new, additional funds for the following items: operation and maintenance funding for Lee Hall and the second building at the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, cost of living adjustment for all employees, support for increased fuel costs, and appropriation increases for FY2007 and FY2008 due to tuition and fee and auxiliary fee increases.
Mr. Hurley presented three additional resolutions to the Board for their approval: a transfer of consolidated general funds to the UMW Foundation; acquisition of property contiguous to Belmont; and a bond to finance the Seacobeck dining hall renovation.
Student Affairs Committee
Ms. Marti Leighty, Chair of the Student Affairs Committee, introduced the following presenters:
Mr. Frank Puleo, Student Government Association President, provided an update on SGA activities since the beginning of the semester, including new, late-night programming.
Mr. B-J Huff, Honor Council President, reported on the Honor Convocation for new students in August; the introduction of an interview for student advisors during the selection process in order to increase professionalism; and the review of the Honor Constitution chaired by Dr. Barra and Dr. Chirico. Mr. Huff promised to increase students’ involvement in the review this year so that they will be prepared to vote on any recommended revisions. He also explained a new procedure whereby the president of the Honor Council sets a hearing date and time as soon as the Honor Advisory Board determines there is enough evidence to do so in order to increase efficiency. Mr. Steen inquired about the length of time between an accusation in the spring and hearings in the fall.
Dr. Bernie Chirico, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, noted the importance of out-of-class experiences through student activities; commented on training and outreach by the Psychological Services Center; and reviewed the move-in for first-year students as the epitome of team effort across campus. The newly revised First-Year Experience program welcomed 45 new students to Mercer Hall where they will focus on leadership development.
Graduate & Professional Studies Committee
Mr. Bill Poole, Chair of the Graduate & Professional Studies Committee, introduced the following presenters:
Ms. Gail D. Brooks, Program Director for Computer Technology and Information Security and College of Graduate & Professional Studies Faculty Representative to the Board, reported on the hiring of four new members of the education faculty, a pilot program for online tutoring since both students and tutors work full time, and a new two-credit course on professional development to introduce new, adult students to the changes in education since they were last students. She noted that CGPS faculty are looking at opportunities to share academic resources between the two campuses since many CGPS students need undergraduate prerequisites.
Dr. Meta Braymer, Vice President for Graduate & Professional Studies and Dean of the Faculty, distributed the new, annual CGPS academic catalog and provided an update on enrollment figures for the fall semester and the work of the Honor Council, which is represented on this year’s Honor Constitution review committee.
The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. Following breakfast, the Rector reconvened the meeting on Saturday, September 17, 2005, at 9:10 a.m. She complimented the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the University Tennis Center and thanked President Anderson and the staff for the President’s Council dinner on Friday evening.
Mr. Hurley and Dr. Barra reported on the institutional Six-Year Academic and Financial Plan required by the charter legislation passed last spring. The plan, which must be submitted by October 1 to the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia, consists of three parts: a summary statement that includes the UMW Strategic Plan; an academic component in response to nine goal areas; and a financial plan in response to state-established goals. The Board can revise the UMW plan every other year.
On motion by Ms. Sauder, seconded by Ms. Radley, and agreed to by all Board members, they went into Closed Meeting pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) for Personnel. Everyone with the exception of President Anderson, Dr. Barra and Dr. Braymer left the room. At the end of the discussion, on motion by Ms. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Hernandez, and agreed to by all Board members, they came out of Closed Meeting.
In compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Mr. Eley made a motion, seconded by Ms. Revere, to adopt the Certification of Closed Meeting that was read and is attached to these minutes as Appendix A. Ms. Sauder called the roll to ascertain whether each member was in agreement with the Certification that the purpose of the Closed Meeting had been strictly adhered to. All members were in agreement.
Board Actions
Rector Albertine entertained a motion for approval of the minutes. On motion by Mr. Poole and seconded by Mr. Thompson, the minutes from the April 15-16, May 6, and July 15-17, 2005, Board meetings were approved as distributed. Ms. Foster, Mr. Hernandez, and Mr. Steen abstained on approval of the April and May minutes because they were not members of the Board at that time.
On motion by Mr. Poole and seconded by Ms. Sauder, the minutes from the July 29, 2005, Special Executive Committee Board meeting were approved as distributed.
On motion by Ms. Sauder and seconded by Mr. Poole, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the President is authorized to submit the University’s Six-Year Academic and Financial Pla
n to the State on or before October 1, 2005.
On motion by Ms. Sauder and seconded by Ms. Revere, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the Personnel Docket, Part I, dated September 17, 2005, is hereby approved.
On motion by Ms. Sauder and seconded by Ms. Foster, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the plan for equity salary adjustments is approved as presented and will be effective with the Merit Pay increases in December 2005.
On motion by Ms. Hughes and seconded by Mr. Eley, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the Hamlin A. Caldwell, Jr. Scholarship in History is hereby established. The selection of recipients will be guided by the following criteria:
Selection of Recipient
- This scholarship shall be awarded annually to a rising junior or senior student majoring in history who has a demonstrated record of distinguished academic achievement in history.
- This scholarship shall be renewable for a maximum of two years, provided the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Preference shall be given to students with an interest in public policy and legislative action relating to social justice and environmental issues.
- The Associate Dean for Financial Aid shall make the selection of the recipient, in consultation with the Chair of the Department of History and American Studies.
- In the event that no applicant completely meets the above criteria, the University shall be permitted to award the scholarship to the student most closely meeting the spirit of the criteria.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board wishes to express its appreciation to the family and friends of Hamlin A. (“Ham”) Caldwell for their generosity in establishing this scholarship in his memory. Ham Caldwell served for twelve years as an adjunct member of the faculty of the Department of History and American Studies at Mary Washington College before his death in 2005. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954, he served in the Navy as a lieutenant commander until 1965. He worked for a number of private and governmental agencies including the Naval Underwater Systems Center, and was the co-holder of three patents related to anti-submarine warfare, the most significant of which was for the free-floating linear passive acoustic array. In retirement he earned a master’s degree in history and advanced to candidacy for the doctorate in history at the University of Virginia. His family and friends remember him as deeply interested in a wide range of social justice and environmental issues and keenly committed to the free, open and intelligent discussion of public policies and legislative actions relating to those interests.
On motion by Ms. Hughes and seconded by Mr. Poole, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the Marguerite J. Helbush ’41 Scholarship is hereby established. The selection of recipients will be guided by the following criteria:
Selection of Recipient
- The scholarship shall be awarded annually to a student who has declared a major in English.
- Selection of the recipient shall be made by the Associate Dean for Financial Aid on the recommendation of the chair of the Department of English.
- In the event that no applicant completely meets the above criteria, the University will be permitted to award the scholarship to the student most closely meeting the spirit of the criteria.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board appreciates the generosity of Marguerite J. Helbush in establishing this scholarship through a bequest in her estate. Mrs. Helbush graduated from Mary Washington College in 1941 with a bachelor’s degree and went on to earn a master’s degree in social work in 1946 from the University of Pennsylvania. Her experience at MWC was the beginning of a fulfilling career as a social worker, and her bequest will assist future alumni to realize their goals as she did.
On motion by Ms. Hughes and seconded by Mr. Eley, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the Betty J. Thompson ’74 Scholarship is hereby established. The selection of recipients will be guided by the following criteria:
Selection of Recipient
- The scholarship shall be awarded annually to a student with demonstrated financial need.
- Selection of the recipient shall be made by the Associate Dean for Financial Aid.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board appreciates the generosity of Eleanor S. Thompson in establishing this scholarship through a bequest in her estate. Mrs. Thompson’s daughter Betty graduated from Mary Washington College in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in Modern European Studies and is now deceased. Mrs. Thompson’s bequest will pay tribute to Betty and will help future alumni realize their goals.
On motion by Ms. Hughes and seconded by Ms. Revere, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the Thea K. Viadero ’98 Scholarship is hereby established. The selection of recipients will be guided by the following criteria:
Selection of Recipient
- The scholarship shall be awarded annually to a student enrolled in the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) degree program with a formally declared major in the Department of Art and Art History.
- If no student meets the criteria stated above, the scholarship may be awarded to a student enrolled in the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) degree program with demonstrated financial need.
- Selection of the recipient shall be made by the Associate Dean for Financial Aid in consultation with the chair of the Department of Art and Art History.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board wishes to express its appreciation to Roger C. Viadero and his children, Roger C. Viadero, Jr. ’93 and Emily T. Viadero for their generosity in establishing this scholarship in loving memory of their wife and mother. Thea Viadero was a dedicated mother who saw her son graduate from Mary Washington College in 1993 before returning to pursue higher education herself. She earned her Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from Mary Washington College in 1998, with a major in studio art. Her family created this scholarship to honor her memory and to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of students in the Bachelor’s of Liberal Studies program at the University.
On motion by Ms. Radley and seconded by Ms. Sauder, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the accession of the framed ribbon, printed for the occasion of the removal of James Monroe’s remains from New York to Richmond in 1858, is hereby approved.
On motion by Ms. Radley and seconded by Ms. Sauder, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the deaccessioning of the Barney Collection, the group of furnishings listed below, is hereby approved.
JM76.503 gilt folding screen
JM76.271.1-4 set of Louis XV reproduction seating furniture
JM76.565 Louis XV re
production tripod painted mahogany stand
JM76.269.1-3 Louis XV reproduction table and chairs of painted fruitwood
JM76.270.1-3 set of 18th century reproduction European gilt side chairs
JM76.512 side chair
JM76.507 side chair
JM76.513 gilt side table
JM98.5 Louis XV revival over mantle mirror, c1900
JM76.205.1-2 pair of Meissen vases
JM76.268.1-2 pair of Louis XVI reproduction style armchairs
JM76.272.1-2 Louis XVI reproduction style sofa and armchair
JM98.004 Louis XVI reproduction style gilt cabinet
On motion by Ms. Radley and seconded by Ms. Revere, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the staff plan to seek appropriate sale of the Barney Collection of reproduction furniture and other items, is hereby approved, pending approval by the Virginia Attorney General.
On motion by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Ms. Sauder, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the Audit Plan and Goals and Objectives for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2006, as presented, are hereby accepted, and that the Audit and Finance Committee will meet with the Internal Auditor to refine and further develop the Plan.
On motion by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mr. Poole, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the 2006-08 biennium operating budget request is approved as presented.
On motion by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mr. Eley, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that effective October 1, 2005, an amount of $56,200 be transferred from the Consolidated General Fund to the University of Mary Washington Foundation in the form of a gift to be used in support of previously approved annual expenditures.
On motion by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Ms. Radley, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the request to purchase the real property known as 244 Washington Street in Falmouth, Virginia, is approved as presented.
On motion by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Ms. Radley, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Mary Washington that the attached bond resolution relating to financing for the Seacobeck Renovation Project is approved as presented.
Board members toured Goolrick Hall to see the practice courts and swimming pool. The Audit and Finance Committee will meet to discuss the convocation center project and report to the entire Board at the November meeting.
President’s Remarks
Dr. Anderson thanked the Board for coming to the meeting and reiterated that the six-year academic and financial plan is a work-in-progress as presented.
Rector’s Remarks
Ms. Albertine thanked the Board for their time and mentioned that the Presidential Search Advisory Committee would be meeting on October 14 for their first review of submitted resumes for the position of president.
Adjournment
There being no further items on the agenda, in compliance with Article VI of the Bylaws, the Rector declared the meeting adjourned at 12:08 p.m.