A meeting of the Marshall University Board of Governors was held on April 23, 2008, at the Marshall University Campus in Huntington, WV.
 

I.       Call to Order

Chairman Bob Shell announced a quorum was present and called the meeting to order. Judge Dan O’Hanlon did the swearing in of Mike Sellards as a new Board of Governor member.

II.      Minutes

Upon a motion by Gary White, seconded by Virginia King, the minutes of the January 23, 2008 meeting were unanimously approved.

III.    Sarah Denman Presentation

Mr. Shell asked Verna Gibson to read a citation regarding Sarah Denman and roses were presented to her by the board. Sarah Denman gave a brief summary and farewell speech about her many years at Marshall.

IV.    Academic Committee

To the participants on the Board that participate in the Program Reviews, a huge thank you was expressed by Sarah Denman and Verna Gibson. The Board approved the Program Reviews with the following amendment for Family and Consumer Science: The Academic Committee requested the FSC provide a follow-up report by the end of the fall 2008 term to include:

a) A review of the BA curriculum with a comparison to other successful FSC programs at other institutions;
b) A justification for the differences in the MU program; and
c) A report on the electives vs. the required course with a revision to the electives list.

Upon a motion by Mrs. Gibson, seconded by Mrs. Chafin, the program reviews and the amendment to this specific program were approved.

V.      Athletic Committee Report

In the absence of Mike Farrell, Kristina Fueyo presented the agenda items from Athletics. Kristina discussed naming opportunities and apologized that the names were already on the rooms, but that the Athletic Department didn’t realize they needed board approval for them. The rooms were named for: Niday, Light, and Salvatore. A letter of apology was passed through the board. After a question from Mr. Hess regarding financial obligations, and being told that they were satisfied, upon a motion by Mr. Marsteller and Mrs. King, the naming opportunities were approved.

VI.     MCTC President’s Report, Keith Cotroneo, Ed.D.

The MCTC update was given by Dr. Keith Cotroneo. He discussed several items:

• Update on 10 year accreditation, which is not yet final and they are waiting for the report.
• New AAS program in Bio Medical Technician.
• Commencement is May 9 at the Keith Albee
• Gave handouts for listings of graduates by program
• Discussed degrees or certificates/compilation of the various groups (AAS, C, AA), noting that 12 are General Study Programs that will transfer to the University
• Senate Bill 3215 – they are reviewing
• Developing more workforce programs
• Barriers

VII.    Marshall University President’s Report, Stephen J. Kopp, Ph.D.

The University report update was given by Dr. Stephen Kopp. He discussed:

• The Legislative session, noting it was a very active session with effective outcomes for us. He noted several key bills were passed including a 3% salary increase for all higher education employees.
• He thanked Bill Burdette and Bill Bissett for their dedication and for keeping him informed during the session. He also thanked our legislative officials and the work they do in Charleston.
• Key legislation was:

a) The state appropriation was increased slightly from last year, however, the budget is still tight;
b) There was an addition to the MUSOM budget
c) The WV Research Trust Fund Bill was the most significant in recent memory allowing the establishment of the trust fund for dollar-for-dollar match to support research at MU (our goal is $20 million)
d) HB423 moves cap on retirement limit for employee contributions
e) HB3215 provided CTC independence;
f) SB535 established a blueprint for WV education by 2020 which includes a comprehensive plan for K-12 and higher education;
g) SB476 which establishes a fund at state auditor level for cashing out sick leave for state employees

• Construction updates on campus: the softball facility was dedicated March 15th, the team room/clubhouse are expected to be completed in June; the student housing is on schedule; the Recreation Center is projected to open February 2009; the Engineering lab building will be complete and open in August 2008 noting that fixtures and equipment are to be provided by gifts or the MUF line of credit; the Memorial Fountain and cemetery renovations are complete and beautiful thanks to a generous gift; the Joseph M. Gillette Welcome Center’s grand opening was April 12th; Neighborgall Construction will break ground on the Alumni/Foundation Center this summer, the Forensic Sciences Annex is pending with a Cabell County Commission Bond and the MSC renovation is complete.
• The Bridge Campaign is at $11 million to date;
• Student Recruitment is active and a 2-3% increase is anticipated in full time freshmen this fall. He noted that 25% of undergraduates will likely be non-residents and we are anticipating recruiting out of state students more aggressively;
• Establishing Appalachian scholarship program is under consideration. This program parallels the current border scholarship program and increases our base to include all states in Appalachia;
• The E-Course program continues to grow;
• Dr. Kopp continues to visit high schools, and has visited 30 thus far;
• Searches: Dr. Sherri Clarke will begin June 1st as VP of Multicultural Affairs; Dr. David Pittenger will begin July 1st as the COLA Dean; and the Provost search is progressing;
• STEM Academy – working with COEHS to support and create a tri-state initiative for students in WV, OH and other states;
• Drinko memorial service;

VIII. Finance, Audit & Investment Committee

The Finance, Audit & Investment Committee was reported on by Virginia King. The following items were approved:

• Rescind Policy HR-11/Alternative Dispute Resolution for Statutory Grievances.
   
  Resolved that the Board of Governors hereby rescinds Board policy HR-11, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for Statutory Grievances, due to a change in the WV State Code section governing the grievance process. Upon a motion by Gary White, seconded by Tish Chafin, this item was unanimously approved.
   
• Proposed MU Tuition and Fees, per semester, for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 and Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
  
  Resolved that the Marshall University Board of Governors approve the proposed Marshall University Tuition and Fees, per semester, for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 and approves the proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. Upon a motion by Brent Marsteller, seconded by Tish Chafin, this item was unanimously approved.
   
• Quarter and 6 months ending December 31, 2007, Financial/Budget Report.
  
  Resolved that the Board of Governors receives the Financial/Budget Report for the quarter and six months ending December 31, 2007. Upon a motion by Gary White, seconded by General Mooney, this item was unanimously approved.
   
• School of Medicine-Forensic Science Annex Construction Contract Award.
  Resolved, that the Marshall University Board of Governors approves the award of the construction contract to Neighborgall Construction Company of Huntington, the low bidder, in the amount of their base bid of $4,197,000. Upon a motion by Brent Marsteller, seconded by Verna Gibson, this item was unanimously approved.
   
• Investment Earnings Update
  
  Resolved, that the Marshall University Board of Governors receives the Investment Earnings Report for the quarter and six months ending December 31, 2007. Upon a motion by General Mooney, seconded by Monica Brooks, this item was approved.
   
• Internal Audit Update. A report was given as an update.

IX.     Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
 

Verna Gibson, Secretary