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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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