MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA JULY 16, 2009 ROOM 204 CARLSON LIBRARY, CLARION CAMPUS CLARION, PA 16214 7:00 P.M. I. RECORDING OF ATTENDANCE The meeting was called to order by Mr. James, Chairperson, with the following Trustees present: Dr. Syed Ali-Zaidi Mrs. Susanne Burns Ms. JD Dunbar Mr. R. Lee James, Chairperson Mr. James Kifer, Vice Chairperson Mr. Kyle McMunn Mr. Larry Pickett Mr. Howard Shreckengost, Acting Secretary Mr. Jeffrey Szumigale The following trustees were absent from the meeting: Mr. Ross Cioppa Ms. Donna Oberlander The following members of the University administration attended the meeting: Mr. Paul Bylaska, Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Brenda Dede, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jocelind Gant, Assistant to the President for Social Equity and Assistant Vice President for International Programs Dr. Joseph Grunenwald, President Mr. James welcomed and introduced four new members to the Council of Trustees. He indicated that Ms. Joy (JD) Dunbar and Mr. Larry Pickett were on hand for the meeting, while the Honorable Ross Cioppa and the Honorable Donna Oberlander had been unable to attend. Mr. James noted that Council looked forward to working with its new members. 1020 II. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 16, 2009 A motion was made by Mr. Shreckengost, seconded by Mr. Kifer, that the minutes of the April 16, 2009 regular meeting of the Council of Trustees be approved as distributed by mail. The motion carried unanimously. III. COMMUNICATIONS A. Public Comments - None B. Report of Student Senate Ms. Heather Puhalla reported that she had met with Senate advisor Shawn Hoke to lay out plans for the coming year. She indicated that Senate was looking for a location for its annual retreat. She also discussed a new town-gown initiative to be called “Your Friendly Neighbor” that will be launched to enhance relations and communication between Clarion University students and Student Senate and the local community. C. Report of Faculty Senate - None D. Council Chairperson’s Report Mr. James shared that with the departure of Council Secretary Richard Hilinski due to the expiration of his term on June 24, it was necessary to fill the vacancy in the secretary post. Mr. James noted that Howard Shreckengost had agreed to serve as Acting Secretary until an election could be held per Council by-laws. Mr. James asked for a motion to fill the vacant position. A motion was made by Mr. Szumigale, seconded by Ms. Dunbar, that Mr. Howard Shreckengost be elected Secretary of the Council of Trustees for 2009-2010 to replace Mr. Richard Hilinski. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. James called attention to a group of handouts at the trustees’ places, including a revised membership list, schedule for 09-10 meetings, list of committee assignments for 09-10, and a copy of the Council by-laws. 1021 IV. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT A. President Information Items 1. Enrollment Update Dr. Grunenwald reported that attendance at the university’s Freshman Orientation sessions had been solid and that paid deposits for Fall 09 were 4% ahead of last year. He also noted an increase of 1.5% in the registration for continuing students over last year and an increase in graduate applications of 20-25%, most for off-campus programs. He indicated that the university expected to make and possibly double its 1% enrollment growth target. Dr. Grunenwald noted that the academic profile of admitted students had remained consistent for the last nine years. He applauded the efforts of the Admissions and Financial Aid staff for their care and efficiency in processing applications for admission. 2. State System Update Dr. Grunenwald outlined the current Pennsylvania House and Senate FY09-10 budget proposals and their impact on funding for higher education. He noted that the Board of Governors had approved a tuition increase of 3.7% and a $25/year increase in the Tech Fee. Dr. Grunenwald indicated that under the scenario of a zero increase in state appropriation, Clarion would face a deficit of several million dollars, which would be addressed through a combination of cuts and revenue generation strategies. Among the cuts outlined by Dr. Grunenwald were the elimination of certain frozen non-teaching positions and cuts to student wages. He indicated that a faculty hiring freeze would remain in place until the state budget was approved. 3. Faculty Promotions and Tenure Granted Dr. Grunenwald called attention to the lists in the trustees’ agenda of faculty who were recently promoted and/or granted tenure. He expressed his pride in the faculty’s contributions in teaching, scholarship and service. 1022 B. Academic Affairs Information Items 1. Assessment Update Reporting for Provost Valentine James, Dr. Brenda Dede, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, indicated that the Provost had formed an Assessment Committee to be chaired by Dr. Jamie Phillips, Professor of Philosophy. The group representing all academic units has been charged with gaining insight and experience in conducting academic program and educational outcomes assessment, defining learning objectives, reviewing assessment techniques, and understanding assessment data. 2. Academic Strategic Plan Dr. Dede reported that the Provost had formed a committee to develop an Academic Strategic Plan, with work to begin in the Fall 09 semester. Task forces will be formed to address issues related to students, faculty, delivery of education, information technology, academic program development, academic facilities, and Division of Academic Affairs goals and objectives for 2010-2015. 3. Communication Surveys Dr. Dede shared information about surveys conducted by the Provost’s Office related to faculty and staff communication/job satisfaction and to graduating baccalaureate students. Ms. Dunbar asked if the data would be shared with trustees. Dr. Grunenwald noted that a workshop to discuss the survey findings could be explored. 4. Sustainability Institute Dr. Dede reported that the Provost had developed a draft proposal to establish a Sustainability Institute that would be presented to the President in early Fall. 5. Engagement Academy Dr. Dede indicated that Provost James had developed an action plan for Clarion University engagement with its communities. The draft will be discussed with the University President, Deans’ Council, and the faculty union APSCUF. 1023 6. Departmental Name Change Dr. Dede noted that the Department of Mass Media Arts, Journalism, and Communication Studies would revert back to its former name of “Department of Communication,” effective with the Fall 2009 Semester. C. Finance and Administration Information Items 1. Budget Update Mr. Bylaska indicated that he had no further information to add to the President’s comments about the university’s FY09-10 budget. He noted, however, that for FY08-09 a small surplus might be available. 2. Status of Facilities Report Mr. Bylaska highlighted items on the July 16, 2009 Status of Facilities Report. He indicated that the demolition of Chandler Dining Hall should be completed in September 09 and that renovation of the Peirce Planetarium was underway. Dr. Ali-Zaidi praised the new Science and Technology Center and asked if it might be approved for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED ) certification at the Gold level. Mr. Bylaska noted that while the facility had been designed for Silver LEED certification, it might have a chance at achieving Gold. Mr. McMunn asked if the roadway through campus (Page Street) would be re-opened following the Chandler demolition. Mr. Bylaska indicated that in keeping with the university’s Facilities Master Plan, which calls for restrictions on vehicle traffic in the center of campus, the roadway would not be re-opened. He added that pedestrian traffic would be enhanced with the road’s closure. D. Student and University Affairs Information Item 1. Fund-raising Report Reporting for Mr. Tripp, Dr. Grunenwald noted that unaudited figures showed total private support for FY08-09 of $2.893 million. The figure includes $400,000 in estate gifts. Dr. Grunenwald 1024 further noted that pledges and gifts totaling $3.4 million had been raised to meet the Kresge Challenge goal of $3 million for the new Science and Technology Center. He applauded the efforts of the Advancement staff. VI. REPORT OF COMMITTEES A. Executive Committee Mr. James reported that the Executive Committee had met on July 7, 2009, and that copies of the minutes from that session would be mailed to trustees. B. Approval of Finance Committee Report A motion was made by Mrs. Burns, seconded by Mr. McMunn, that the following resolution be approved. The motion carried unanimously. RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees, Clarion University, approve the Finance Committee report for February 10 to April 14, 2009. C. Approval of Facilities Committee Report Facilities Committee Chairperson Kifer reported that the trustees’ annual review of university facilities had included five buildings, the new Science and Technology Center, Tippin Gymnasium and Natatorium, Gemmell Student Center, McEntire Facilities Maintenance, and Planning and Central Services. He commented on some of the innovative features of the new science facility, the needs and problems of Tippin Gym, and the work underway to address HVAC issues in Gemmell. He thanked Vice President Paul Bylaska and Director of Facilities Planning Jim Stockman for their efforts in planning and conducting the facilities tour. A motion was made by Ms. Dunbar, seconded by Dr. Ali-Zaidi, to approve the following resolution. The motion carried unanimously. RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees, Clarion University, approve the 2009 Annual Facilities Report. D. Approval of Honorary Degree Candidates As chair of the Honorary Degree Committee, Mr. James reported that the committee had met on April 16, 2009, and reviewed nominations that had been submitted by members of the university community. The committee’s recommendations were then forwarded to the President who endorsed two names—Dr. Condoleezza Rice and Dr. Arthur Steffee—for 1025 presentation to the full Council. Mr. James noted that background information on both candidates had been attached to the trustees’ agenda. A motion was made by Mr. Szumigale, seconded by Dr. Ali-Zaidi, to approve Dr. Condoleezza Rice for the honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Ms. Dunbar, seconded by Mrs. Burns, to approve Dr. Arthur Steffee for the honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. The motion carried unanimously. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolutions of Appreciation A motion was made by Mr. McMunn, seconded by Mr. Kifer that the following resolution of appreciation be approved. The motion carried unanimously. WHEREAS, Mr. Richard R. Hilinski served Clarion University of Pennsylvania as a member of its Council of Trustees from February 8, 2000, until June 24, 2009; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hilinski, during his more than nine years on Council, served as its Secretary (2005-2009); representative to Clarion University Foundation, Inc. (2000-2009); and representative to the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees (2000-2004); and WHEREAS, Mr. Hilinski, in addition to his leadership roles as a Council officer and representative, served as a member of the Council’s Facilities Committee (2000-2002 and 2005-2009), Finance Committee (2005-2009), Naming Committee (2005-2009), and its Presidential Leadership Review Committee (2005-2009); and WHEREAS, Mr. Hilinski has been an active participant in the life of the university, faithfully attending annual events, such as Freshman Convocation, Commencement, and the Equity Dinner and Awards Ceremony, where he was honored in 2005 with the Equity Award, as well as numerous other special events and celebrations; and 1026 WHEREAS, Mr. Hilinski has been a strong supporter of the Clarion University Libraries, donating over 200 books on a wide range of topics of benefit to the university and larger communities; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hilinski, through his unwavering loyalty and dedication to the Council of Trustees and to Clarion University, has contributed to the institution, its students, and its faculty and staff; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees and the President of the University express their deepest appreciation of Mr. Richard R. Hilinski and his service to the University; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be made a part of the Council of Trustees minutes of the meeting of July 16, 2009, with copies delivered to Mr. Hilinski and another placed in the permanent archives of Clarion University of Pennsylvania. A motion was made by Mr. McMunn, seconded by Mr. Pickett, that the following resolution of appreciation be approved. The motion carried unanimously. WHEREAS, Mr. H. John Drayer served Clarion University of Pennsylvania as a member of its Council of Trustees from December 5, 1995, until June 24, 2009; and WHEREAS, Mr. Drayer, during his tenure on Council, served as its Vice Chairperson (1997-1999) and its Chairperson (1999-2003), providing thoughtful leadership for initiatives including the Presidential Search of 2002-2003; and WHEREAS, Mr. Drayer, in addition to his officer roles, served as a member of the Council’s Finance Committee (1999-2000), Naming Committee (1996-1998), Nominating Committee (1996-1998 and 2003) and its Presidential Leadership Review Committee (1999-2000); and WHEREAS, Mr. Drayer, a Clarion University alumnus, was a strong advocate for the needs and interests of his alma mater and its students, while helping to ensure its responsibility and accountability to the larger public good; and WHEREAS, Mr. Drayer, through his distinctive service to the Council of Trustees and to Clarion University, contributed to the institution, its students, and its faculty and staff; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees and the President of the University express their deepest appreciation of Mr. H. John Drayer and 1027 his service to the University; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be made a part of the Council of Trustees minutes of the meeting of July 16, 2009, with copies delivered to Mr. Drayer and another placed in the permanent archives of Clarion University of Pennsylvania. ______________________________________________________________________ The trustees entered into executive session at 9:00 p.m. to discuss personnel issues and returned to public session at 9:18 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________ IX. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Shreckengost, seconded by Mr. McMunn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted _________________________ Howard Shreckengost, Secretary Council of Trustees 1028