June 3, 2005
Dunlap-Roddey Room, Johnson Hall
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC
Minutes of Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Members present: Mary Jean Martin (Chair), Kathy Bigham, Larry Durham, Karl Folkens, Leland Cox, Janet Smalley, Glenda Owens, Polly Ford, Sanita Savage, Bob Thompson, Donna Tinsley, Skip Tuttle, Anthony J. DiGiorgio (ex officio)
Members absent: None
Representatives present: Rich Fowler, Student Representative; Marilyn Smith, Faculty Representative
Representatives absent: None
Others present: Faculty and staff of Winthrop University; Sue Smith Rex, Tim Daugherty and invited guests
The Board of Trustees met on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. in the Dunlap-Roddey Room of Johnson Hall on the campus of Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC.
Call to Order
Chair Martin called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. She welcomed Dr. Tim Daugherty
and Dr. Sue Smith Rex to the Board meeting as future faculty representative to the
Board and At-large Representative to the Board, respectively.
Approval of Board Minutes of April 8, 2005
Lee Cox moved, seconded by Bob Thompson, that the Board approve the minutes. This
motion was approved unanimously by voice vote.
Report of the Executive Committee
Chair Martin reported that the Executive Committee had met on campus on May 18, 2005.
Several matters were reviewed and discussed. The materials from the meeting have
been forwarded to each of members of the Board. Most of the issues that were discussed
will be or have already been a part of today's agendas.
The Executive Committee asked that the Board consider the following Resolutions:
A. Resolution Honoring Robert L. Thompson for Meritorious Service to Winthrop University
B. Resolution Honoring J. Marilyn Smith for Meritorious Service to Winthrop University
C. Resolution Honoring Richard B. Fowler for Meritorious Service to Winthrop University
D. Resolution Regarding 2004-2005 Performance Evaluation of President Anthony J. DiGiorgio
E. Resolution Regarding Contract of President Anthony J. DiGiorgio
All resolutions passed unanimously.
The Executive Committee also had an executive session for discussion of legal, personnel, and contractual matters. No action was taken in the executive session.
Report of the Academic Affairs Committee
Chair Thompson summarized the report from Vice President Tom Moore beginning with
a discussion the personnel changes about to take place including departure of Dr.
Andrew Svedlow, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts who will be replaced
by Dr. Don Rogers, chair of the Music Department as interim dean. Additional changes
include:
Dr. Joe Prus — New Chair of the Psychology Department
Dr. Gloria Jones — Chair of English Department (from Co-Chair)
Dr. Marge Tebo-Messina — Director, Teaching and Learning Center (from Co-Chair of the English Department)
Dr. Andrew Vorter-Brugge recently hired as chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance after the completion
of a national search.
Mr. Thompson gave the following overview of grants in progress:
a) TRIO — Received this grant which provides academic support for low income, first
generation, disabled students. A director and support staff are to be hired to
manage the program with its funds of $200,000 per year for four years.
b) INBRE — Waiting on final approval for the grant which amounts to $325,000/year
for five years.
He then discussed the upcoming AAC&U — Greater Expectations Institute which Winthrop has been invited to for the third time. Attendees will include:
Dr. Tom Moore, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Frank Ardaiolo, Vice President
for Student Life; Dr. Debra Boyd, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences; Mr. Brien
Lewis, Dean of University College; Dr. Adolphus Belk, Assistant Professor of Political
Science; and Dr. Anne Olsen, Assistant Professor of Computer Science.
Academic Unit Updates
College of Arts & Sciences: The committee reviewed the 2005 undergraduate research book of abstracts which covers
two-thirds of the research projects done over the past year.
College of Business Administration: it was noted that Winthrop was one of twenty-five participating institutions and
one of two schools invited to send its business students to the General Motors Institutional
Marketing program competition final round in Atlanta in addition to the Students in
Free Enterprise (SIFE) team that went to Kansas City for the national competition.The
College of Business Administration reported a successful new faculty recruitment period
which resulted in hiring five of six top choices this year leaving a failed search.
Riley College of Education: the Teaching fellows program had an excellent experience in the Dominican Republic
which involved three faculty members and twenty-nine students. Five schools were
visited with focus on English as a second language. Secondary education enrollment
levels show increase and there has been a good response to new mid-level education
program.
College of Visual and Performing Arts: Along with the successful spring/summer productions from theatre and dance, the
college is looking forward to welcoming Dr. Andrew Vorter-Brugge as chair of Theatre
and Dance.
Dacus Library: the good news is that PASCAL was approved over the governor's veto. The use of
the PASCAL system has resulted in a large reduction in costs statewide for the inter-library
loan process.
University College: various personnel searches are underway for the upcoming year: TRIO director search; ACAD director search; International Center director; and Residence Learning Coordinators
Graduate Studies: Graduate program reviews are continuing.
Report of the Finance Committee
Chair Skip Tuttle reported on the following items:
Briefing by External Auditors on impact of Sarbanes-Oxley Act and SAS 99 by Wayde
Dawson, Cline Brandt Kochenower and Company, P.A. Mr. Dawson discussed various ways
in which the Board could prevent possible fraud. However, at this time, there have
been no cases of fraud on campus.
Review of 2004-2005 Allocation Status Report. VP McKee reported that the 2005 is expected to finish in the black. Housing revenues were as expected as were other indicators.
Review of 2005-2006 Allocation Status Report Projection: Salary improvements are
responsible for $2.6 million of the 2006 budget. It is important to note that the
state of South Carolina mandated that we increase our salaries by 4%, a total $1.6
million dollar amount. The state appropriations only amounted to $795,000, the remainder
to be funded by Winthrop.
Updates on Summer Projects: Mr. Manning Gibson updated the committee on various projects
on campus including the relocation of the D.B. Johnson Bust, the Sims Cold Room, plumbing
in Phelps, new study rooms in the residence halls, and the new classroom addition.
Report of the University Relations Committee
Chair Glenda Pittman Owens reported on the following items:
Intercollegiate Athletics
GPA: Overall, the athletic teams have had improved Spring 2005 GPAs as compared to
the Fall 2004 GPAs including a significant improvement in Men's Golf. Highlights
of the year in review included five conference championships that resulted in five
NCAA regional appearances, a regular season championship in softball, the most championships
in a single year, and a third place finish in the Sasser Cup competition.
Track Update: the track is to be completed by mid-July with a scoreboard and timing
system to be completed at a later time.
Division of University Advancement
Assistant Director of University Relations: Ms. Monica Bennett has recently been named
to this position. Ms. Bennett brings a wealth of information and experience to us
and is a welcome addition to our campus.
Update on Alumni Reunion Celebration weekend: reunion classes included those with
years ending in "5" and "0." Alumni and staff continue to discuss how to include
all classes reunions at Homecoming.
Update on Ring Ceremony: More than 90 students (of the 130 who purchased a ring) and
their families participated in the event.
Review of Winthrop website enhancements: new enhancements include an updated Farm
area map, Education by Design power point presentations, online version of Joel Nichols'
photography exhibition, and a Lois Rhame West center video cam to capture the progress
of the new building.
Division of Student Life
Admissions Report for Fall 05: applications are definitely higher than ever before.
However, many of those applications are administered by Royall company and are completed
on-line, therefore a yield rate is not known. Orientation deposits are lower than
expected but the staff is working to inform students about our new housing requirements.
Review of Residence Life Marketing Initiatives for Fall 05: The committee reviewed
the comprehensive marketing campaign to promote the many new programmatic and dining
options available to resident students this fallranging from free laundry and movies
to academic success floors.
Update on Recreational Sports Fields Construction: the construction of the two new
sports fields at the Farm is underway and use of those fields should be available
by the fall semester. Lighting and storage facilities will be addressed during the
fall semester.
Review of ACAD 350, the new Introduction to Peer Leadership Course: Nine students
participated in this class meant to be the basis for a distinctive leadership program
for Winthrop University. Dr. Ardaiolo designed the course to accommodate up to 18
students per semester.
Report from Faculty Representative
Dr. Marilyn Smith reported on the following items in reference to the faculty at Winthrop
University. Faculty Conference met April 22. On or before the meeting, committees
for 05-06 were in place and had elected new chairs.
Academic Council reported on dropping the minor in Mass Communications and slight modifications to eight programs. In addition they brought forth the following items for faculty vote:
Dr. John Bird reported that the Faculty Concerns Committee had considered:
1) Winthrop's position in regard to faculty participation in controversial or partisan
issues
2) Questions about the workplace violence policy and process
3) The Smoke-Free campus proposal and policy
4) Administrators who had Faculty/Staff status
5) Concerns about identity theft in regard to using Social Security Numbers on forms
such as the Travel Reimbursements
6) The starting date of the spring semester
7) The perceived lack of management of the golf course
8) Parking
9) Faculty/Salary raises
In April, the Task Force on Academic and Institutional Integrity sponsored a Panel Discussion on Academic Integrity and a presentation on Academic Integrity by Dr. Dan Wueste, Director for the Rutland J. Center for Ethnics at Clemson University. This group has started some good and timely discussions on campus, and this work will continue in some way next year.
Report from the Student Representative
Council of Student Leaders President Richard Fowler reported the following to the
Board:
The Relay for Life has only been a part of Winthrop University for a few years but,
this year we did raise $24,000 for cancer research and the students are very proud
of their efforts.
Academic Integrity: The students have enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of this multi-year discussion and are looking forward to the panel presentation next week (which is a cultural event.)
Space Use Policy: Students are satisfied with the current space use policy however, they are looking forward to the time when the Campus center is available to them.
Homecoming: was popular again this year. Students were very involved and hope to
expand their involvement next year.
Report from the President
President DiGiorgio began his report by extending a welcome to Drs. Tim Daugherty
and Sue Smith-Rex as well as Mr. Willie Lyles, who will formally join the board in
Fall 2006.
President DiGiorgio then updated the Board on a number of issues related to the State Budget by discussing the budget as recently passed by the House and Senate.
No substantial cut in operating funds from last year and restoration of previous appropriations are not expectedtherefore, our operating budget will not be increased with no adjustment for inflation or our growth in student enrollment.
A 4% pay raise that will require $800,000 in Winthrop funds due to the State budget only providing $795,000 of the mandated pay increase.
The pool of lottery funds for technology needs is expected to be $100,000 less which
may impact our IT fees.
PASCAL funding has been increased for a second year. We have seen palatable savings
from this funding.
Appropriations of $1 million for construction of an auditorium for Winthrop's College
of Business Administration have been agreed upon. We will need to located additional
sources of funding for the remainder of the proposed project.
National Updates of Higher Education: trend is for community and junior colleges
(traditionally 2 year schools) to begin to offer 4 year degrees as did Trident Tech.
The state of Arizona has taken a stand to prevent this from happening. Florida is
in the decision-making stage and will soon make a decision on this matter.
Modified Summer Work Schedule: takes effect on June 2. Most offices will be staffed
8:00 am to 5:30 pm from Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 11:00 on Fridays.
This modified schedule will not be extended to offices that must be accessible to
the public such as the President's Office, Financial Aid, Cashier's Office, and Public
Safety.
Common Book and City of Rock Hill: Mayor Echols and the City Council have declared
the first week of classes at Winthrop University to be Common Book Week. All book
clubs in the area will receive information about our book, A Hope in the Unseen, for their members to adopt as a club selection. The York County Library also plans
to sponsor an event with Cedric Jennings, the subject of the book.
Old Business
There was no old business.
New Business
There was no new business.
Executive Session
Lee Cox, seconded by Janet Smalley, that the Board move into Executive Session for
discussion of legal matters. The motion was passed unanimously by voice vote. The
Executive Session was conducted and no actions were taken. Karl Folkens then moved,
seconded by Glenda Owens, that the Board go back into Public Session. The motion passed
unanimously by voice vote.
Adjournment
Bob Thompson moved, seconded by Kathy Bigham, that the Board adjourn. The motion
was passed unanimously by voice vote and the Board adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Kimberly Faust, Secretary to the Board for 2004-05.
