The meeting was called to order by Chair William Smith.

It was moved by Ms. Dennison, seconded by Mr. Vest, to approve the minutes of the previous board meeting. Motion carried to approve minutes as written.

Personnel
Dr. Riley introduced Sharon Wagoner, the new Executive Director for Workforce Development. She also told the groups that the MCTC Continuing Education Division was sponsoring a seminar and luncheon in honor of Administrative Professional’s Day and that board member Sharon Ambrose was one of the guest speakers for the event.

Tuition Increase
Dr. Riley informed the Board that the tuition increase of 3% was approved by the Board of Governors on April 12, 2004. The increase request will go to the West Virginia Community College Council on April 22 and then to the Higher Education Policy Commission on April 23. If this increase is approved, it will reflect an increase of $40 a semester and creates a $400 tuition differential with Marshall University.

Meeting Schedule
A discussion was held about scheduling future meetings. It was decided that if the need arose to urgently discuss one or two items, that the teleconference format was a good alternative. Dr. Riley suggested that future meetings be set directly preceding the Board of Governors meetings so that appropriate actions could be taken on important issues.

Faculty Salary Policy
Dr. Riley informed the Board that the MCTC Personnel Committee is working on the finalization of a faculty salary policy and merit plan. The College is required by the state to have it in place by fall of 2004. A discussion was held concerning the faculty merit increase system and its enhancement of accountability measures. Mr. Moses requested that the Board be able to meet with the Personnel Committee to discuss the plan after its completion.

Recognition of Board Member
Dr. Riley acknowledged student representative Matthew Maynard whose term ends on April 30, 2004.

Graduation Reminder
Dr. Riley reminded the Board about the MCTC Graduation Ceremony on May 7, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center.

A discussion was held about the ramifications of Senate Bill 448 and its effect on Marshall Community and Technical College. Dr. Riley informed the Board that SB448 was primarily a community college bill and that the West Virginia Community College Council (WVCCC) had been instrumental in this legislation.

One result of the bill is that the WVCCC no longer reports to the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC). In terms of governance, the WVCCC deals strictly with community college issues while the HEPC deals with four year universities and their issues. However there are certain areas where the two governing bodies will come together and jointly approve certain actions. The WVCCC will also approve any Associate Degree programs.

Dr. Riley informed the Board that another result of this legislation is that the Chairman of the Board of Advisors now sits as an ex-officio voting member of the Board of Governors and also serves on the Board of Governors’ Community College Committee.


There being no committee reports and no items from the floor, Mr. Weir made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Mr. Moses seconded it. The motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,


Jason Moses - Secretary


*Approval of action items completed through e-mail vote.