WASHBURN UNIVERSITY OF TOPEKA
BOARD OF REGENTS
MINUTES
September 20, 1995
________________________________________________________________________________
I. Chairperson Roth called the meeting to order in the Kansas Room of the Memorial
Union at 7:06 p.m.
II. Present were: Mr. Dick, Mr. Felker, Mr. Kimbrough, Mrs. Porter, Mr. Roth and Mr.
Sabatini.
III. Approval of Minutes
It was moved and seconded to approve the Minutes of the July 26, 1996 meeting as
circulated. Motion passed.
IV. New Business
A. Center for Learning and Academic Support Services
Dr. Floyd Goodwyn, Director of the University's Learning Enhancement Center,
made a presentation on the Center for Learning and Academic Support Services.
As outlined by Dr. Goodwyn in his presentation, the Center for Learning and
Academic Support Services is comprised of four operational units -- academic
advising, counseling and testing, career placement, and learning enrichment -- all
working together to ensure the success of students. Among the programs
outlined by Dr. Goodwyn were a number of programs specifically designed to help
students ensure their academic success in terms of tutoring programs, learning
and studying skills, counseling sessions, intrusive advising, and learning
enhancement study groups. Dr. Goodwyn also outlined the advising programs as
they relate to freshmen students, undeclared majors, undeclared probationary
students, at-risk students, and students enrolling again at the institution under the
Washburn Academic Fresh Start Program.
Mrs. Parks arrived at 7:29 p.m.
* Michael Dritlein Football Scholarship Fund
President Thompson introduced Michael Dritlein, Interim Athletics Director Janet
Degginger, Head Football Coach Tony DeMeo, and Sports Information Director Mary
Beth Brutton. It was moved and seconded to recognize Mr. Dritlein's academic and
athletic contributions to Washburn University of Topeka, to authorize the
administration to accept and endow the $25,000 from Burger King in the Michael
Dritlein Football Scholarship fund, and to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Michael Dritlein was named September 14, 1995 as the NCAA
Division II Burger King Scholar-Athlete for the week; and,
WHEREAS, Michael Dritlein has excelled in his educational pursuits at Washburn
University as a biology major and on the football field in his three years as a
Washburn student-athlete; and,
WHEREAS, Washburn University, by virtue of Mr. Dritlein's selection as Burger
King Scholar-Athlete, is the recipient of a $25,000 award from Burger King to be
used for scholarships;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Washburn University Board of
Regents that the Burger King grant award to the University be used to establish
and endow the Michael Dritlein Football Scholarship in recognition and honor of
Mr. Dritlein's academic and athletic contributions to the University and his
selection as a 1995 NCAA Division II Burger King Scholar-Athlete.
Motion passed unanimously.
B. Neighborhood Redevelopment
President Thompson began discussion on the item by noting that last year the
Washburn University Board of Regents took a tour via trolley of the contiguous
neighborhood and that following that he had meetings individually with members
of the Board who individually and collectively have indicated that the University
should take a leadership role in neighborhood redevelopment. He indicated that
he brought the item to the Board to learn how and what the Board expectations
are with respect to specific activities they would expect in providing leadership in
this area.
He indicated that there have been parcels of property available in the area to the
East of the campus and that the University has had no funds with which it could
acquire any of them. He has visited with developers and with the Washburn
Endowment Association. He did indicate that the list of priorities provided to the
Washburn Endowment Association did not include an indication of setting aside
funding for property acquisition. He asked whether the Board would want the
Washburn Endowment Association to set aside dollars for that purpose.
Mayor Felker noted that he recently has been in the news in conjunction with the
proposal made to have a "swap" between the City of Topeka and USD 501
concerning three school buildings of the Topeka Public Schools being vacated. He
indicated that he is not in favor of residence halls across the street, but noted that
the current family housing units at the southeast corner of the campus are aging,
still being used, but there will be a time in the not too distant future when it will
need to be replaced. He suggested that perhaps the institution would want to
have married students live in the neighborhood with student housing on campus.
He noted that parents still want students to be provided housing on campus. Mr.
Felker noted that the institution does have to be a "player" in neighborhood
redevelopment so that the University can control its own destiny. He said that
we ought to be able to work with the Topeka Turnaround Team, the
Neighborhood Improvement Associations and the Washburn Endowment
Association to come up with a cooperative program but noted that it will require
University funding.
In response to a question about the status of the search for the half-time position
associated with neighborhood redevelopment, Dr. Cohen noted that in the next
two weeks three candidates, each of whom will meet with, among others, city
planners and officers of the area neighborhood improvement associations. He
also noted that the Topeka Turnaround Team's consultants will be coming up
with a plan within the next two months concerning the neighborhood areas to the
north, northeast and east of the campus.
Faculty representative, Dr. Dunwell, asked that, as there are obvious financial
implications associated with whatever role the University might play in the
neighborhood redevelopment, these financial implications be specified when the
proposal comes forward.
Chairperson Roth noted that residence halls are not part of this issue; rather,
that's a different item for the future. He said he had never envisioned that a half-
time position would be devoted to this, thinking instead that the institution would
determine an amount of money it would like to have available to it to purchase
neighborhood property to build a "buffer zone." He also thought that the city
might be more of a leader in this area than we. Dr. Cohen noted that the half-
time director does more than attend meetings on neighborhood redevelopment,
indicating that position would also help coordinate volunteer efforts to do
improvement projects in the neighborhood. He said this is an interactive volunteer
program with the neighborhood improvement associations.
Vice President for Administration and Treasurer, Mr. Mosiman, said that everyone
knows there is much social and educational good that the University could do
were there sufficient funds. He reported the Budget Committee is presently
working on analysis of the FY '96 Budget in light of the enrollment shortfall, news
related to budget cuts in FY '96 by Governor Graves, and 2% cut further in FY
'97. He said there are a lot of fiscal problems coming up in the future and there
are a large number of competing priorities and that the Board should hear all of
these various priorities in one sitting.
Chairperson Roth indicated he would be meeting with Vice President Mosiman
following the meeting to suggest the contents of a report to be made to the Board
of Regents at its October meeting on these priorities. He asked that if there was
information that other members of the Board of Regents would want that they call
either Mr. Mosiman or Mr. Hackler directly. He said it would be helpful if all the
information gathered in response to these issues could be mailed out before that
October meeting.
C. University Relations
Chairperson Roth indicated that, though the requested action indicates approval is
being sought, the item is for discussion purposes only. President Thompson said
he would pick up where Mr. Mosiman left off and said that he thought that he
needed to get direction from the Board on two issues. First, he said that with the
current fiscal constraints, enrollment shortfall, that the task to the Budget
Committee has been to come forth with a balanced budget for the remainder of
fiscal 1996 without dipping into reserves. He inquired whether this is what the
Board wants or whether it would want to consider utilization of reserves. Mr.
Dick indicated that it was his belief that reserves are intended to be used for
smoothing out the bumps, but that we're not dealing with the bumps in this
instance; rather, we are dealing with a long term trend. He said he need to find
ways to get things done within our existing resources.
President Thompson said the second issue has to do with not only the University
Relations Director position outlined in the agenda item, but also the two security
positions for which WEA had been requested to provide funding for this fiscal
year. His question was whether his understanding that these security positions
would become "contractual" items for inclusion in the FY '97 Budget is correct or
whether the Board expected the Washburn Endowment Association to provide
funds for continuing those positions in the future.
Faculty representative, Dr. Blumberg, indicated he was not sure from the
discussion where the President was, noting that if the funding for the University
Relations position director as outlined in the item were to be from new money it
would require an additional $1 more tuition per credit hour. He questioned
whether there was a need for the position and had questions about the financial
impact of such a position. He said it looks to him like another level of
management, not another worker.
President Thompson said that based upon the discussion of the items that it
looked like the consensus of the Board was: that the University should operate
with a "balanced budget" for the remainder of fiscal year 1996, not relying upon
reserves built up; that philosophically any contractual items such as a security
position or the proposed University Relations position should be a contractual item
included in future fiscal year budgets; and, that the administration should come
back to the Board at its next meeting with priorities, both short term and long
term, including how these might impact enrollment and revenues for the
University and revenue from the WEA. No action was taken.
D. Board of Visitors
Chairperson Roth indicated that the item had been removed from the agenda.
E. Stone Nature Center Proposal
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Sheley, outlined the proposal for the use
of The Villages' Stone Nature Center by Washburn University. Dr. Sheley noted
that the financial pro forma provided by Mr. Mosiman and him is based on real
income but may be a little highin terms of expected expenditures.
Dr. Cohen indicated he is in support of the program, though he has not been
involved in it, noting that it fits the University's urban mission as it has a high
potential for serving youth and nature in the community. He echoed the comment
that the budget is built on real dollars and noted it does not include potential
grants that might come in.
Professor Boyd from the Biology Department indicated the project could be a good
recruitment and retention tool serving also as free advertising as all the literature
announcing or advertising the Stone Nature Center and its programs would
include a reference to the University.
Regent Dick said he found it to be an exciting project with no University out-of-
pocket expenditures contemplated for at least five years. He said he would like to
see, however, some historical information concerning the operation and also an
indication how the Center could be operated without an eroding away of the grant
money so that it would not get down to the $100,000 level.
Marty Birrell, who is the education coordinator of the Stone Nature Center
program, reported they have had in the past five year plans which contemplated
the draw-down of the W. Clement Stone "grant" money and that they have
exceeded their expectations in terms of the non-utilization of that money. Some
of the things included in the ideas she and others have had in that area include
the expansion of the number of community programs, noting that they have
expanded the number approximately 25% per year, increasing revenue sources;
that opening the building on the property to be able to house indoor programs
which might otherwise be cancelled because of inclement weather would enhance
income; and that surveys of other successful not-for-profit nature centers have
indicated that approximately 10%-15% of their revenues comes from a "friends"
group and an additional 15% or so from operations of a gift shop. She said the
Center is not looking solely for Washburn to support the Nature Center in the long
term; rather, they look for the entire community to support. She said that not
only does the Stone Nature Center have a lot to offer the University's education
and biology departments, but also they have had discussions with the Washburn
Alumni Association and athletics program to use the "challenge course" as
training also.
In response to a query from Chairperson Roth, Rosemary Menninger from The
Villages indicated that The Villages is interested in pursuing this project because it
is the belief of The Villages board of directors that the Stone Nature Center no
longer fits well with the overall mission of The Villages and that The Villages, like
a lot of other entities, is in the process of downsizing, trying to do more with less.
Mayor Felker indicated that the project proposed in this instance is not too unlike
the gift of the McClendan property to the State of Kansas which is the location
for Cedar Crest, suggesting that it might very well be possible for there to be a
cooperative effort with the City of Topeka for utilization of the Stone Nature
Center area for programs operated by the City's Parks and Recreation Department
as well as the University's NYSP program and other University programs.
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Sheley, reported that the University has
already visited with the superintendent of the Topeka Public Schools, Dr. Weaver,
concerning the proposed project and whether the Topeka Public Schools might
have an interest in participating on a financial basis. He said at this juncture the
school district, like a lot of other public entities, doesn't have the funding, at least
as earlier considered. He suggested, however, that the school district might have
an interest in the project in conjunction with the science magnet school to be
opened in the near future. He said he would visit again with Dr. Weaver.
Dr. Sheley said also that he would get from The Villages a five-year history of the
revenue and expenses of the Center; that in conjunction with the Stone Nature
Center and the Biology Department, he would develop a five-year proforma of
potential extra income beyond that which is identified in the existing pro forma
reflecting potential grant funds (to the extent possible the information would also
include requirements of such grants specifically whether matching grant funds
may be required); and documentation on improvements to make the house
handicapped accessible with respect to the restroom facility and the ramp to the
entrance.
F. Policies
1. Revisions to Business and Financial Affairs Handbook
It was moved and seconded to approve the revisions to I.3.3.1. of the
Business and Financial Affairs Handbook as outlined in the agenda item, and
the revisions to the University Cafeteria Plan also outlined in the agenda item.
Motion passed unanimously.
2.Telecommunications Use Policy
This item was presented to the Board of Regents by Vice President Sheley for
information only.
G. Proposal to offer a new retirement investment account with TIAA/CREF entitled
"Real Estate Account"
It was moved and seconded to adopt the proposed resolution set forth on page
four of the agenda item and to amend the University's retirement plan document
by the addition of the TIAA Real Estate Account to the list of funding vehicles in
Section IV.1. of said plan. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Academic Program
1.Family Law Concentration in the Juris Doctorate Degree Program
It was moved and seconded to approve the Family Law Concentration and
Juris Doctorate Program outlined in the agenda item. Motion passed
unanimously.
2.English Writing Program
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Sheley, presented this item for
information only. Chairperson Roth commended the committee which worked
on the proposal for its work.
I. Purchases over $25,000
1.PBS Program Assessment for FY 1996
It was moved and seconded to ratify the action of Chairperson Roth approving
the expenditure of $222,797 for payment of the PBS Program Assessment for
FY 1996. Motion passed unanimously.
2.Purchase of Carpet for the Alumni Convocation Center Building
It was moved and seconded to ratify the action of Chairperson Roth in the
approval of a change order with Murray & Sons Construction Co. as shown on
the agenda item increasing the total contract price by $6,281; award of a
contract to R. D. Marin Commercial Carpet Co. for carpet for the Alumni
Convocation Center in the amount of $37,494.84; and the award of a
contract to Connor Tile and Floor Covering in the amount of $7,400 for carpet
installation in the Alumni Convocation Center. Motion passed unanimously.
3.Karlyle Woods Biology Laboratory
It was moved and seconded to approve the contract with General Building
Contractors Inc. in the amount of $83,100 for construction of the field station
building and to contract with others for septic and heating systems providing
the total cost does not exceed the $96,000 budget for the biological field
station laboratory project for funds available in the account. Motion passed
unanimously.
4.General Assessment Services
It was moved and seconded to approve the payment of $98,705.97 to PBS
for the General Assessment Services for fiscal year 1996. Motion passed
unanimously.
J. Financial Reports
1.-2. It was moved and seconded to accept the Washburn Endowment -
Endowment Analysis and WEA Pooled Fund Investment Reports for Period
Ended June 30, 1995 as prepared by Shawmut Bank. Motion passed.
3.-6. It was moved and seconded to approve the Public Fund Investments,
Depository Security Transactions and Liquidated Claims Approval for July and
August, 1995 all as set forth in Items J.3. through 6 of the agenda. Motion
passed unanimously.
* K.Administrative Personnel
It was moved and seconded to approve the appointment of Meredith Kidd from
Associate Dean of Students to Dean of Students effective August 21, 1995 at an
annual basic salary of $46,020; and the appointment of James Coen to Database
Administrator/Analyst from Programmer/Analyst effective October 1, 1995 at an
annual basic salary of $32,000. Motion passed unanimously.
* Item(s) added to the agenda at the meeting with the consent of the Board.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved and seconded to recess to Executive Session for a period not to exceed five
minutes for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter related to non-elected personnel
and to reconvene in open session in the Kansas Room of the Memorial Union at the
conclusion thereof. Motion passed. The Board recessed to Executive Session at 8:55
p.m.
At 9:00 p.m. the Board reconvened in open session in the Kansas Room of the Memorial
Union. It was moved and seconded to recess to Executive Session for the purpose of
discussing a personnel matter related to non-elected personnel for a period not to exceed
15 minutes and to reconvene in open session at the conclusion thereof in the Kansas
Room of the Memorial Union. Motion passed. The Board recessed to Executive Session at
9:00 p.m.
At 9:13 p.m. the Board reconvened in open session in the Kansas Room of the Memorial
Union. It was declared that no decision/action had been taken in Executive Session.
It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Motion passed. The Board of Regents adjourned
at 9:13 p.m.
_____________________
Kenneth P. Hackler
Secretary, Board of Regents