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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
ROBERT W. RHOADES CENTER AUDITORIUM
VENANGO CAMPUS, OIL CITY, PA 16301
7:00 P.M.
I. RECORDING OF ATTENDANCE
The meeting was called to order by Mr. James, Chairperson, with the following
Trustees present:
Mrs. Susanne Burns
Mr. R. Lee James, Chairperson
Mr. James Kifer, Vice Chairperson
Mr. Christopher Myers
Ms. Donna Oberlander
Mr. Larry Pickett
Mr. Jeffrey Szumigale
The following trustees were absent from the meeting:
Dr. Syed Ali-Zaidi
Mr. Ross Cioppa
Ms. JD Dunbar
Mr. Howard Shreckengost, Secretary
The following members of the University administration attended the meeting:
Mr. Paul Bylaska, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Dr. Jocelind Gant, Assistant to the President for Social Equity and Associate Vice
President for International Programs
Dr. Valentine James, Provost and Academic Vice President
Dr. Christopher Reber, Executive Dean, Venango Campus
Mr. Harry Tripp, Vice President for Student and University Affairs
Dr. Karen Whitney, President
1071
II.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF July 15, 2010
A motion was made by Mr. Kifer, seconded by Mr. Szumigale, that the
minutes of the July 15, 2010 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
1.
Venango Student Senate
Venango Student Senate Vice President William Price highlighted
activities of his group including elections for new officers, Discovery
Weekend efforts to welcome new students, upcoming open forum
with President Whitney, lunches with Executive Dean Chris Reber,
and service projects, including the preparation of gift packages for
veterans in area nursing homes and assisted living centers.
2.
Clarion Student Senate
In the absence of Clarion Student Senate President Ben Sturtz,
Student Trustee Chris Myers delivered a report on a September
11th training retreat to educate new Senate members, formation of
various Student Senate committees, freshman elections slated for
September 22-24, and the Social Equity Dinner and Awards
scheduled for November 17.
C.
Report of Faculty Senate
1.
Venango Forum
Venango Forum Chairperson Dr. Ellen Foster highlighted news of
the campus, including programming that had been offered during
the summer and ongoing efforts to build new degree programs.
2.
Clarion Faculty Senate
Clarion Faculty Senate Chairperson Dr. Todd Pfannestiel reported
that his group had held its first meeting of the Fall 2010 semester
and was engaged in filling its various committees. He indicated that
the improvement of campus communication would be an area of
emphasis for the current academic year.
1072
D.
Council Chairperson’s Report
Mr. James thanked Executive Dean Chris Reber and the Venango
Campus staff for hosting the Council of Trustees dinner and meeting. He
also acknowledged members of the Venango Campus Advisory Council
who were on hand.
Mr. James thanked trustees Ali-Zaidi, Myers, and Pickett for their
participation in the August 30th University Convocation to welcome new
students. He also reminded the trustees that the Fall Pennsylvania
Association of Councils of Trustees (PACT) Conference would be held
October 13-14 and hosted by Kutztown University.
V.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT
A.
President
Information Items
1.
Enrollment Management
Dr. Whitney indicated that for Fall 2010, the university had not
achieved its goal of a 2% increase in overall enrollment and had,
instead, experienced a 0.7% decrease. She noted that she was
working with the Provost and deans to understand the reasons for
the loss and to plan strategies going forward. She further noted that
Provost James and Dean of Enrollment Management Bill Bailey
would be sharing details about enrollment in the Provost’s section
of the agenda.
2.
State System News
Dr. Whitney reported on items of discussion at an August 2010
PASSHE Presidents’ Retreat, including the establishment of a
policy on the use of public funds, changes to the criteria for
allocating Performance Funding, and negotiations with various
bargaining units representing PASSHE employees.
1073
3.
Hitting the Ground Listening
Dr. Whitney shared that she had given out close to 1,000 special
university lapel pins as part of her “Hitting the Ground Listening”
effort in which she has committed to spending her first 90 days in
office in meeting members of the university and larger communities
and learning their views on directions for Clarion University’s future.
Dr. Whitney also reported that she had held an open forum for
faculty, staff and students on the Clarion campus and would be
doing the same on the Venango campus. She indicated that she
would use the feedback from these discussions and from her online
survey to generate a report that would be shared with the trustees.
4.
Venango Campus Update
Dr. Whitney turned the podium over to Executive Dean Chris
Reber, who reported on accomplishments at the Venango campus,
notably its selection in April 2010 as the first recipient of the
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce “Partner in Business
Award,” recognizing the campus’s close partnership with the
business community as a means to achieve its mission. Additional
highlights reported by Dr. Reber included the completion of $3.5
million in major construction projects, national accreditation of the
Industrial Technology and Respiratory care programs, appointment
of Dr. Sharon Falkenstern as Director of the School of Nursing and
Allied Health, ongoing fundraising for a new state-of-the-art Nursing
and Allied Health Simulation Lab, several academic program
proposals, Fall 2010 enrollment increase of 1.8%, and a number of
cultural and educational community events. Dr. Reber introduced
Ms. Patty Feroz, Chair of the Venango Campus Advisory Council,
noting that Ms. Feroz had replaced Ms. Libby Williams who had
provided many years of service in that role. Ms. Feroz introduced
new Advisory Council members and commented on the simulation
lab project and upcoming cultural events.
1074
B.
Academic Affairs
Information Items
1.
Middle States Self-Study
Dr. James noted that the design for the university’s 2010-2011
Middle States Self-Study was almost completed. He commended
Middle States Steering Committee Chair Dr. Colleen McAleer and
her committee for their work on the design. He also called the
trustees’ attention to information at their places on the goals for the
self-study, the structure of eight task forces that will undertake the
study, and a timeline for their work.
Noting the importance of the university’s Middle States
reaccreditation effort, Dr. Whitney shared that trustees were
needed to serve on three task forces:
a.
b.
c.
Task Force 1: Mission, Goals, and Integrity
Task Force 2: Planning, Resources, and Institutional
Renewal
Task Force 3: Leadership, Governance, and Administration
Dr. Whitney indicated that trustees would be reminded through an
email about the need for volunteers for these committees.
2.
Middle States Monitoring Report
Dr. James reminded the trustees that the university had been
asked to submit to Middle States by October 1, 2010, a report
documenting evidence of its use of assessment data to improve
teaching, learning, and institutional effectiveness. He noted that a
third draft of the monitoring report was just about ready for review.
3.
Analysis of Fall 2010 Enrollment and Strategies for Fall 2011
Dr. James introduced Mr. Bill Bailey, Dean of Enrollment
Management, who reviewed the university’s enrollment growth
since 2005 and shared reasons for level enrollment for Fall 2010.
Among the reasons cited by Mr. Bailey were declines in high school
enrollments within the university’s feeder counties, the existence of
the smallest population base within a one-hour drive of any
PASSHE university in Western PA, larger graduating classes in
May and Summer 2010 than the previous year, a decline in yieldrates for transfer students who are presenting courses from more
and different colleges and shopping for the best transfer deal,
1075
limited new program development due to budget restrictions, and
Admissions staffing issues. Mr. Bailey shared an outline of new and
revitalized actions for achieving Fall 2011 enrollment goals that
focused on the areas of marketing and communication, increased
planning, new program development, and retention.
C.
Finance and Administration
Action Item
1.
Annual Budget
In follow up to the presentation of detailed information at an
afternoon budget workshop for trustees, Mr. Bylaska reported that
the university had ended FY09-10 with a surplus of approximately
$280,000, despite a mid-year budget cut. He noted that Auxiliaries
had ended the year with a $1.9 million surplus and that the General
Operating Reserve stood at $2.5 million compared to $1.8 million
for the previous year. He further noted that total university reserves
amounted to $14.8 million.
In reviewing FY10-11, Mr. Bylaska noted a projected $1.5 million
deficit, at least half of which he indicated had been covered by
various cuts. He shared that the PASSHE had requested that its
member universities prepare budget scenarios for next year based
on minus 5%, minus 10%, and minus 15% cuts in state
appropriation.
A motion was made by Mr. Szumigale, seconded by Mrs.
Burns, that the following resolution be approved. The motion
carried unanimously.
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees, Clarion University,
approve the annual budget for 2010-2011 and its submission to the
State System of Higher Education.
1076
Information Items
1.
Status of Facilities Report
Mr. Bylaska reviewed elements of the Status of Facilities Report
attached to the trustees’ agenda. He noted that the loss of Key 93
funds to address deferred maintenance had resulted in the deletion
of several projects.
2.
Resident Tuition for Active Duty Military Personnel and Dependents
Mr. Bylaska noted the passage of legislation in July permitting PA
state-owned institutions of higher learning to charge in-state tuition
rates to active duty military personnel and their dependents taking
courses via the Internet. He indicated that Clarion University had
opted to implement the new pricing structure as part of its efforts to
recruit and retain military students.
D.
Student and University Affairs
Information Items
1.
Fundraising Report
Mr. Tripp reported that private support to the Clarion University
Foundation, Inc. was about $250,000 ahead of last year at the
same time. He also reported that former trustee and nine-year
employee of the Foundation Michael Keefer had been appointed as
its Chief Executive Director, effective September 1. Mr. Tripp added
that he would continue to serve the university and Foundation in his
role as the university's top advancement executive in addition to his
senior role in student and university affairs.
2.
Fall 2010 Housing Occupancy
Mr. Tripp provided a report on occupancy levels for Fall 2010 at the
university’s on-campus residence facilities as well as Reinhard
Villages. He noted that the availability of more single rooms this
year had helped to keep more upper class students on campus.
VI.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
A.
Executive Committee
1077
Mr. James reported that the Executive Committee had met on September
14, 2010, and that copies of the minutes from that session would be
mailed to the trustees.
B.
Finance Committee
A motion was made by Mr. Pickett, seconded by Mr. Kifer, that the
following resolution be approved. The motion carried unanimously.
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees, Clarion University,
approve the Finance Committee Report dated May 11, 2010.
Mr. Bylaska presented the trustees with a request to approve the printing
of 50,000 copies of the university’s viewbook for use by the Office of
Admissions for the low bid amount of $28,250.00 submitted by Laurel
Valley Graphics of Latrobe, PA.
A motion was made by Mrs. Burns, seconded by Mr. Myers, to
approve the printing of the viewbook for $28,250.00. The motion carried
unanimously.
C.
Facilities Report
Action Item
1.
Approval of the Annual Facilities Report
Mr. Kifer, Chair of the Trustees Facilities Committee, shared the
findings of the 2010 facilities inspection that had included five
university buildings on the Venango Campus and five student
residences in the nearby Clarion University Foundation student
housing complex. He noted that, in general, the buildings were in
very good to good condition. He cited renovation needs to
remediate water damage to the Montgomery Hall elevator and
stairwell and to some masonry in Suhr Library.
A motion was made by Ms. Oberlander, seconded by Mr.
Szumigale, that the following resolution be approved. The motion
carried unanimously.
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees, Clarion University,
approve the 2010 Annual Facilities Report.
VII.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
1078
VIII.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. James noted that the Council would be going into Executive Session to discuss a
matter of property acquisition and would return to public session to adjourn.
______________________________________________________________________
The trustees entered into executive session at 8:30 p.m. to discuss a matter of property
acquisition and returned to public session at 8:51 p.m.
______________________________________________________________________
IX.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Kifer, seconded by Ms. Oberlander, to adjourn
the meeting. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
_________________________
Howard Shreckengost, Secretary
Council of Trustees
1079
CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
ROBERT W. RHOADES CENTER AUDITORIUM
VENANGO CAMPUS, OIL CITY, PA 16301
7:00 P.M.
I. RECORDING OF ATTENDANCE
The meeting was called to order by Mr. James, Chairperson, with the following
Trustees present:
Mrs. Susanne Burns
Mr. R. Lee James, Chairperson
Mr. James Kifer, Vice Chairperson
Mr. Christopher Myers
Ms. Donna Oberlander
Mr. Larry Pickett
Mr. Jeffrey Szumigale
The following trustees were absent from the meeting:
Dr. Syed Ali-Zaidi
Mr. Ross Cioppa
Ms. JD Dunbar
Mr. Howard Shreckengost, Secretary
The following members of the University administration attended the meeting:
Mr. Paul Bylaska, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Dr. Jocelind Gant, Assistant to the President for Social Equity and Associate Vice
President for International Programs
Dr. Valentine James, Provost and Academic Vice President
Dr. Christopher Reber, Executive Dean, Venango Campus
Mr. Harry Tripp, Vice President for Student and University Affairs
Dr. Karen Whitney, President
1071
II.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF July 15, 2010
A motion was made by Mr. Kifer, seconded by Mr. Szumigale, that the
minutes of the July 15, 2010 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
1.
Venango Student Senate
Venango Student Senate Vice President William Price highlighted
activities of his group including elections for new officers, Discovery
Weekend efforts to welcome new students, upcoming open forum
with President Whitney, lunches with Executive Dean Chris Reber,
and service projects, including the preparation of gift packages for
veterans in area nursing homes and assisted living centers.
2.
Clarion Student Senate
In the absence of Clarion Student Senate President Ben Sturtz,
Student Trustee Chris Myers delivered a report on a September
11th training retreat to educate new Senate members, formation of
various Student Senate committees, freshman elections slated for
September 22-24, and the Social Equity Dinner and Awards
scheduled for November 17.
C.
Report of Faculty Senate
1.
Venango Forum
Venango Forum Chairperson Dr. Ellen Foster highlighted news of
the campus, including programming that had been offered during
the summer and ongoing efforts to build new degree programs.
2.
Clarion Faculty Senate
Clarion Faculty Senate Chairperson Dr. Todd Pfannestiel reported
that his group had held its first meeting of the Fall 2010 semester
and was engaged in filling its various committees. He indicated that
the improvement of campus communication would be an area of
emphasis for the current academic year.
1072
D.
Council Chairperson’s Report
Mr. James thanked Executive Dean Chris Reber and the Venango
Campus staff for hosting the Council of Trustees dinner and meeting. He
also acknowledged members of the Venango Campus Advisory Council
who were on hand.
Mr. James thanked trustees Ali-Zaidi, Myers, and Pickett for their
participation in the August 30th University Convocation to welcome new
students. He also reminded the trustees that the Fall Pennsylvania
Association of Councils of Trustees (PACT) Conference would be held
October 13-14 and hosted by Kutztown University.
V.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT
A.
President
Information Items
1.
Enrollment Management
Dr. Whitney indicated that for Fall 2010, the university had not
achieved its goal of a 2% increase in overall enrollment and had,
instead, experienced a 0.7% decrease. She noted that she was
working with the Provost and deans to understand the reasons for
the loss and to plan strategies going forward. She further noted that
Provost James and Dean of Enrollment Management Bill Bailey
would be sharing details about enrollment in the Provost’s section
of the agenda.
2.
State System News
Dr. Whitney reported on items of discussion at an August 2010
PASSHE Presidents’ Retreat, including the establishment of a
policy on the use of public funds, changes to the criteria for
allocating Performance Funding, and negotiations with various
bargaining units representing PASSHE employees.
1073
3.
Hitting the Ground Listening
Dr. Whitney shared that she had given out close to 1,000 special
university lapel pins as part of her “Hitting the Ground Listening”
effort in which she has committed to spending her first 90 days in
office in meeting members of the university and larger communities
and learning their views on directions for Clarion University’s future.
Dr. Whitney also reported that she had held an open forum for
faculty, staff and students on the Clarion campus and would be
doing the same on the Venango campus. She indicated that she
would use the feedback from these discussions and from her online
survey to generate a report that would be shared with the trustees.
4.
Venango Campus Update
Dr. Whitney turned the podium over to Executive Dean Chris
Reber, who reported on accomplishments at the Venango campus,
notably its selection in April 2010 as the first recipient of the
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce “Partner in Business
Award,” recognizing the campus’s close partnership with the
business community as a means to achieve its mission. Additional
highlights reported by Dr. Reber included the completion of $3.5
million in major construction projects, national accreditation of the
Industrial Technology and Respiratory care programs, appointment
of Dr. Sharon Falkenstern as Director of the School of Nursing and
Allied Health, ongoing fundraising for a new state-of-the-art Nursing
and Allied Health Simulation Lab, several academic program
proposals, Fall 2010 enrollment increase of 1.8%, and a number of
cultural and educational community events. Dr. Reber introduced
Ms. Patty Feroz, Chair of the Venango Campus Advisory Council,
noting that Ms. Feroz had replaced Ms. Libby Williams who had
provided many years of service in that role. Ms. Feroz introduced
new Advisory Council members and commented on the simulation
lab project and upcoming cultural events.
1074
B.
Academic Affairs
Information Items
1.
Middle States Self-Study
Dr. James noted that the design for the university’s 2010-2011
Middle States Self-Study was almost completed. He commended
Middle States Steering Committee Chair Dr. Colleen McAleer and
her committee for their work on the design. He also called the
trustees’ attention to information at their places on the goals for the
self-study, the structure of eight task forces that will undertake the
study, and a timeline for their work.
Noting the importance of the university’s Middle States
reaccreditation effort, Dr. Whitney shared that trustees were
needed to serve on three task forces:
a.
b.
c.
Task Force 1: Mission, Goals, and Integrity
Task Force 2: Planning, Resources, and Institutional
Renewal
Task Force 3: Leadership, Governance, and Administration
Dr. Whitney indicated that trustees would be reminded through an
email about the need for volunteers for these committees.
2.
Middle States Monitoring Report
Dr. James reminded the trustees that the university had been
asked to submit to Middle States by October 1, 2010, a report
documenting evidence of its use of assessment data to improve
teaching, learning, and institutional effectiveness. He noted that a
third draft of the monitoring report was just about ready for review.
3.
Analysis of Fall 2010 Enrollment and Strategies for Fall 2011
Dr. James introduced Mr. Bill Bailey, Dean of Enrollment
Management, who reviewed the university’s enrollment growth
since 2005 and shared reasons for level enrollment for Fall 2010.
Among the reasons cited by Mr. Bailey were declines in high school
enrollments within the university’s feeder counties, the existence of
the smallest population base within a one-hour drive of any
PASSHE university in Western PA, larger graduating classes in
May and Summer 2010 than the previous year, a decline in yieldrates for transfer students who are presenting courses from more
and different colleges and shopping for the best transfer deal,
1075
limited new program development due to budget restrictions, and
Admissions staffing issues. Mr. Bailey shared an outline of new and
revitalized actions for achieving Fall 2011 enrollment goals that
focused on the areas of marketing and communication, increased
planning, new program development, and retention.
C.
Finance and Administration
Action Item
1.
Annual Budget
In follow up to the presentation of detailed information at an
afternoon budget workshop for trustees, Mr. Bylaska reported that
the university had ended FY09-10 with a surplus of approximately
$280,000, despite a mid-year budget cut. He noted that Auxiliaries
had ended the year with a $1.9 million surplus and that the General
Operating Reserve stood at $2.5 million compared to $1.8 million
for the previous year. He further noted that total university reserves
amounted to $14.8 million.
In reviewing FY10-11, Mr. Bylaska noted a projected $1.5 million
deficit, at least half of which he indicated had been covered by
various cuts. He shared that the PASSHE had requested that its
member universities prepare budget scenarios for next year based
on minus 5%, minus 10%, and minus 15% cuts in state
appropriation.
A motion was made by Mr. Szumigale, seconded by Mrs.
Burns, that the following resolution be approved. The motion
carried unanimously.
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees, Clarion University,
approve the annual budget for 2010-2011 and its submission to the
State System of Higher Education.
1076
Information Items
1.
Status of Facilities Report
Mr. Bylaska reviewed elements of the Status of Facilities Report
attached to the trustees’ agenda. He noted that the loss of Key 93
funds to address deferred maintenance had resulted in the deletion
of several projects.
2.
Resident Tuition for Active Duty Military Personnel and Dependents
Mr. Bylaska noted the passage of legislation in July permitting PA
state-owned institutions of higher learning to charge in-state tuition
rates to active duty military personnel and their dependents taking
courses via the Internet. He indicated that Clarion University had
opted to implement the new pricing structure as part of its efforts to
recruit and retain military students.
D.
Student and University Affairs
Information Items
1.
Fundraising Report
Mr. Tripp reported that private support to the Clarion University
Foundation, Inc. was about $250,000 ahead of last year at the
same time. He also reported that former trustee and nine-year
employee of the Foundation Michael Keefer had been appointed as
its Chief Executive Director, effective September 1. Mr. Tripp added
that he would continue to serve the university and Foundation in his
role as the university's top advancement executive in addition to his
senior role in student and university affairs.
2.
Fall 2010 Housing Occupancy
Mr. Tripp provided a report on occupancy levels for Fall 2010 at the
university’s on-campus residence facilities as well as Reinhard
Villages. He noted that the availability of more single rooms this
year had helped to keep more upper class students on campus.
VI.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
A.
Executive Committee
1077
Mr. James reported that the Executive Committee had met on September
14, 2010, and that copies of the minutes from that session would be
mailed to the trustees.
B.
Finance Committee
A motion was made by Mr. Pickett, seconded by Mr. Kifer, that the
following resolution be approved. The motion carried unanimously.
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees, Clarion University,
approve the Finance Committee Report dated May 11, 2010.
Mr. Bylaska presented the trustees with a request to approve the printing
of 50,000 copies of the university’s viewbook for use by the Office of
Admissions for the low bid amount of $28,250.00 submitted by Laurel
Valley Graphics of Latrobe, PA.
A motion was made by Mrs. Burns, seconded by Mr. Myers, to
approve the printing of the viewbook for $28,250.00. The motion carried
unanimously.
C.
Facilities Report
Action Item
1.
Approval of the Annual Facilities Report
Mr. Kifer, Chair of the Trustees Facilities Committee, shared the
findings of the 2010 facilities inspection that had included five
university buildings on the Venango Campus and five student
residences in the nearby Clarion University Foundation student
housing complex. He noted that, in general, the buildings were in
very good to good condition. He cited renovation needs to
remediate water damage to the Montgomery Hall elevator and
stairwell and to some masonry in Suhr Library.
A motion was made by Ms. Oberlander, seconded by Mr.
Szumigale, that the following resolution be approved. The motion
carried unanimously.
RESOLVED, that the Council of Trustees, Clarion University,
approve the 2010 Annual Facilities Report.
VII.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
1078
VIII.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. James noted that the Council would be going into Executive Session to discuss a
matter of property acquisition and would return to public session to adjourn.
______________________________________________________________________
The trustees entered into executive session at 8:30 p.m. to discuss a matter of property
acquisition and returned to public session at 8:51 p.m.
______________________________________________________________________
IX.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Kifer, seconded by Ms. Oberlander, to adjourn
the meeting. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
_________________________
Howard Shreckengost, Secretary
Council of Trustees
1079