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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
NOVEMBER 20, 2008
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:
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Richard Hilinski, Secretary
R. Lee James, Chairperson
James Kifer
Kyle McMunn
Howard Shreckengost, Vice Chairperson
The following trustees were absent from the meeting:
Dr. Syed Ali-Zaidi
Mrs. Susanne Burns
Mr. H. John Drayer
Mr. Jeffrey Szumigale
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 Assistant
Vice President for International Programs
Dr. Joseph Grunenwald, President
Dr. Valentine James, Provost and Academic Vice President
Mr. Harry Tripp, Vice President for Student and University Affairs
Dr. Grunenwald explained that due to the lack of the required quorum, the
meeting would be restricted to the presentation of information items.
Members agreed to convene a special meeting of the Council of Trustees via
conference call on Monday, November 24, at 5:00 p.m. to consider the
action items. The meeting will be advertised per the state’s Open Meeting
Law.
995
II.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2008
Approval of the minutes was postponed until the special meeting of the
Council of Trustees on November 24, 2008.
III.
COMMUNICATIONS
A.
Public Comments – None
B.
Report of Student Senate
Student Senate President Brian Perkins reported on activities of his
group, including its sponsorship of the annual Social Equity banquet; a
voter registration drive; changes to the policy for Recognized Student
Organizations (RSO’s); review of funding for Recognized University
Organizations (RUO’s, including Athletics, Marching Band, University
Theatre); allocation of approximately $10,000 for student participation
in a national conference on student leadership; and review of the
Clarion Student Organization/Campus Life policy and procedures book.
Mr. Perkins indicated that Student Senate oversaw a budget of $1.4
million. Dr. Grunenwald commended the current Student Senate
leadership for taking on several important policy issues.
C.
Report of Faculty Senate – No report.
D.
Council Chairperson’s Report
Mr. James thanked trustees Hilinski and McMunn, who joined him in
attending the 14th Annual Equity Dinner and Awards Ceremony on
November 12. Mr. James reminded trustees that Winter 08
Commencement was scheduled for Saturday, December 13, at 2:00
p.m. in the Waldo Tippin Gymnasium.
IV.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT
A.
President
Information Items
1.
State System Update
Dr. Grunenwald provided an update on State System initiatives,
including the development of a governance structure and
996
procurement process for a new student information system;
provision of legal counsel training for campus personnel in
matters related to criminal investigation and changes to the
state’s Right to Know Law; creation of task forces to review
class size, professional doctorates, and the System’s
Performance Indicators; and the vote by the Board of Governors
to give back to Governor Rendell 4.25% of the System’s
appropriation in light of declining state revenues. Dr.
Grunenwald indicated that despite the giveback, Clarion
University would continue to move ahead with filling mission
essential and public safety essential positions.
2.
Enrollment
Dr. Grunenwald indicated that applications for Spring 09 were
up by 50, while deposits were up by 10 over the prior year. For
Fall 09, Dr. Grunenwald noted increases in both applications
and deposits of 34.7% and 37%, respectively.
B.
Academic Affairs
Information Items
1.
International Collaboration and Partnerships
Dr. James shared that he had met with officials of Sanda
University in Shanghai, China, and that the university’s
agreement with that institution was almost finalized. Additional
agreements being explored by Dr. James include a partnership
with Beijing Forest University and faculty/student exchanges at
institutions in Africa.
2.
Faculty Appointments and Grants
Dr. James noted faculty appointments and funded grants listed
in the agenda.
3.
Moratorium
Dr. James reported that the Special Education/Rehabilitative
Sciences dual major would be put in moratorium, effective
December, 2008, due to new PA Department of Education
standards and low enrollment.
997
4.
Amendment to Academic Calendar for 2009-2010
Dr. James introduced Ms. Lisa Hepler, Registrar, to discuss the
need to amend the Academic Calendar for 2009-2010
previously approved by the Council of Trustees. Ms. Hepler
distributed handouts with the revised calendar information,
noting that a change was needed in order to align the
university’s Mid-Semester Fall 09 break with the new date for
Homecoming 09. Approval of the action item will be postponed
until the Council’s special meeting on November 24, 2008.
C.
Finance and Administration
Information Items
1.
Budget Update
Mr. Bylaska reported that the university was in a watchful mode
regarding its FY09-10 budget. He noted increased enrollment
appropriation and reserves in FY08-09 had placed the university
in a better budget position than in previous years.
2.
Status of Facilities Report
Mr. Bylaska highlighted projects on the Status of Facilities
Report, including the South Campus Parking Lot, due to open
November 24; the new dining facility slated to open in January
09 and demolition of Chandler Dining Hall during Summer 09;
and the completion of the West End Pond and other work at
Venango Campus.
D.
Student and University Affairs
Information Items
1.
Certification of Foundation Compliance with Board of Governors
Policy 1985-04, University External Financial Support
Mr. Tripp distributed information providing an accounting of
$277,944 in university support to the Clarion University
Foundation, Inc. for FY07-08, along with information on a total
of $4,031,500 in Foundation support to the university for the
same time period. Approval of the certification of Foundation
Compliance with Board of Governors policy on financial support
998
was postponed until the Council’s November 24, 2008 special
meeting.
2.
Fund-raising Report
Mr. Tripp reported that a little over $1.3 million in private
support has been raised so far for the fiscal year. The funding
includes a $400,000 challenge grant from the Kresge
Foundation and a gift of $1.2 million from retired faculty
member Dr. Gregory Barnes to name a new student apartment
building at Venango Campus and the Biotechnology Business
Development Center.
VI.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
A.
Executive Committee
Mr. James reported that the Executive Committee had met on
November 11, 2008.
B.
Finance Committee
Approval of the Finance Committee’s report for September 9 to
October 14, 2008, was postponed until the Council’s special meeting
on November 24, 2008.
C.
Naming Committee
Mr. James reported that the Naming Committee had met on November
11, 2008, to review two proposals. He noted that one proposal
recommended the naming of the main dining room in the new dining
facility the “Paul G. Chandler Dining Room” in honor of former Clarion
University President Paul G. Chandler, while the other proposal
outlined naming opportunities for the university’s new Science and
Technology Center. Mr. Tripp reviewed details of both proposals and
noted that the Naming Committee had endorsed their presentation to
the full Council of Trustees. Review and approval of the proposals
was postponed until the Council’s special meeting on November 24,
2008.
999
D.
Honorary Degree Committee
Mr. James indicated that the Honorary Degree Committee had met on
November 12, 2008, to review five nominations for the honorary
degree. He further indicated that the committee had endorsed the
nominations of Dr. John Gardner, Mr. Neil Todhunter, and Mr. David
Paterson and had forwarded them to President for recommendation to
the full Council. The review and approval of honorary degree
nominations was postponed until the Council’s special meeting on
November 24, 2008.
VII.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
VIII.
NEW BUSINESS - None
IX.
ADJOURNMENT
Respectfully submitted
_________________________
Richard Hilinski, Secretary
Council of Trustees
1000
CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
NOVEMBER 20, 2008
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:
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Richard Hilinski, Secretary
R. Lee James, Chairperson
James Kifer
Kyle McMunn
Howard Shreckengost, Vice Chairperson
The following trustees were absent from the meeting:
Dr. Syed Ali-Zaidi
Mrs. Susanne Burns
Mr. H. John Drayer
Mr. Jeffrey Szumigale
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 Assistant
Vice President for International Programs
Dr. Joseph Grunenwald, President
Dr. Valentine James, Provost and Academic Vice President
Mr. Harry Tripp, Vice President for Student and University Affairs
Dr. Grunenwald explained that due to the lack of the required quorum, the
meeting would be restricted to the presentation of information items.
Members agreed to convene a special meeting of the Council of Trustees via
conference call on Monday, November 24, at 5:00 p.m. to consider the
action items. The meeting will be advertised per the state’s Open Meeting
Law.
995
II.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2008
Approval of the minutes was postponed until the special meeting of the
Council of Trustees on November 24, 2008.
III.
COMMUNICATIONS
A.
Public Comments – None
B.
Report of Student Senate
Student Senate President Brian Perkins reported on activities of his
group, including its sponsorship of the annual Social Equity banquet; a
voter registration drive; changes to the policy for Recognized Student
Organizations (RSO’s); review of funding for Recognized University
Organizations (RUO’s, including Athletics, Marching Band, University
Theatre); allocation of approximately $10,000 for student participation
in a national conference on student leadership; and review of the
Clarion Student Organization/Campus Life policy and procedures book.
Mr. Perkins indicated that Student Senate oversaw a budget of $1.4
million. Dr. Grunenwald commended the current Student Senate
leadership for taking on several important policy issues.
C.
Report of Faculty Senate – No report.
D.
Council Chairperson’s Report
Mr. James thanked trustees Hilinski and McMunn, who joined him in
attending the 14th Annual Equity Dinner and Awards Ceremony on
November 12. Mr. James reminded trustees that Winter 08
Commencement was scheduled for Saturday, December 13, at 2:00
p.m. in the Waldo Tippin Gymnasium.
IV.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT
A.
President
Information Items
1.
State System Update
Dr. Grunenwald provided an update on State System initiatives,
including the development of a governance structure and
996
procurement process for a new student information system;
provision of legal counsel training for campus personnel in
matters related to criminal investigation and changes to the
state’s Right to Know Law; creation of task forces to review
class size, professional doctorates, and the System’s
Performance Indicators; and the vote by the Board of Governors
to give back to Governor Rendell 4.25% of the System’s
appropriation in light of declining state revenues. Dr.
Grunenwald indicated that despite the giveback, Clarion
University would continue to move ahead with filling mission
essential and public safety essential positions.
2.
Enrollment
Dr. Grunenwald indicated that applications for Spring 09 were
up by 50, while deposits were up by 10 over the prior year. For
Fall 09, Dr. Grunenwald noted increases in both applications
and deposits of 34.7% and 37%, respectively.
B.
Academic Affairs
Information Items
1.
International Collaboration and Partnerships
Dr. James shared that he had met with officials of Sanda
University in Shanghai, China, and that the university’s
agreement with that institution was almost finalized. Additional
agreements being explored by Dr. James include a partnership
with Beijing Forest University and faculty/student exchanges at
institutions in Africa.
2.
Faculty Appointments and Grants
Dr. James noted faculty appointments and funded grants listed
in the agenda.
3.
Moratorium
Dr. James reported that the Special Education/Rehabilitative
Sciences dual major would be put in moratorium, effective
December, 2008, due to new PA Department of Education
standards and low enrollment.
997
4.
Amendment to Academic Calendar for 2009-2010
Dr. James introduced Ms. Lisa Hepler, Registrar, to discuss the
need to amend the Academic Calendar for 2009-2010
previously approved by the Council of Trustees. Ms. Hepler
distributed handouts with the revised calendar information,
noting that a change was needed in order to align the
university’s Mid-Semester Fall 09 break with the new date for
Homecoming 09. Approval of the action item will be postponed
until the Council’s special meeting on November 24, 2008.
C.
Finance and Administration
Information Items
1.
Budget Update
Mr. Bylaska reported that the university was in a watchful mode
regarding its FY09-10 budget. He noted increased enrollment
appropriation and reserves in FY08-09 had placed the university
in a better budget position than in previous years.
2.
Status of Facilities Report
Mr. Bylaska highlighted projects on the Status of Facilities
Report, including the South Campus Parking Lot, due to open
November 24; the new dining facility slated to open in January
09 and demolition of Chandler Dining Hall during Summer 09;
and the completion of the West End Pond and other work at
Venango Campus.
D.
Student and University Affairs
Information Items
1.
Certification of Foundation Compliance with Board of Governors
Policy 1985-04, University External Financial Support
Mr. Tripp distributed information providing an accounting of
$277,944 in university support to the Clarion University
Foundation, Inc. for FY07-08, along with information on a total
of $4,031,500 in Foundation support to the university for the
same time period. Approval of the certification of Foundation
Compliance with Board of Governors policy on financial support
998
was postponed until the Council’s November 24, 2008 special
meeting.
2.
Fund-raising Report
Mr. Tripp reported that a little over $1.3 million in private
support has been raised so far for the fiscal year. The funding
includes a $400,000 challenge grant from the Kresge
Foundation and a gift of $1.2 million from retired faculty
member Dr. Gregory Barnes to name a new student apartment
building at Venango Campus and the Biotechnology Business
Development Center.
VI.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
A.
Executive Committee
Mr. James reported that the Executive Committee had met on
November 11, 2008.
B.
Finance Committee
Approval of the Finance Committee’s report for September 9 to
October 14, 2008, was postponed until the Council’s special meeting
on November 24, 2008.
C.
Naming Committee
Mr. James reported that the Naming Committee had met on November
11, 2008, to review two proposals. He noted that one proposal
recommended the naming of the main dining room in the new dining
facility the “Paul G. Chandler Dining Room” in honor of former Clarion
University President Paul G. Chandler, while the other proposal
outlined naming opportunities for the university’s new Science and
Technology Center. Mr. Tripp reviewed details of both proposals and
noted that the Naming Committee had endorsed their presentation to
the full Council of Trustees. Review and approval of the proposals
was postponed until the Council’s special meeting on November 24,
2008.
999
D.
Honorary Degree Committee
Mr. James indicated that the Honorary Degree Committee had met on
November 12, 2008, to review five nominations for the honorary
degree. He further indicated that the committee had endorsed the
nominations of Dr. John Gardner, Mr. Neil Todhunter, and Mr. David
Paterson and had forwarded them to President for recommendation to
the full Council. The review and approval of honorary degree
nominations was postponed until the Council’s special meeting on
November 24, 2008.
VII.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
VIII.
NEW BUSINESS - None
IX.
ADJOURNMENT
Respectfully submitted
_________________________
Richard Hilinski, Secretary
Council of Trustees
1000