June 10, 2016
Members present: Karl Folkens, Glenn McCall, Susan Smith-Rex, Jane LaRoche, Janet
Smalley, Tim Hopkins, Don Long, Randy Imler, Donna Glenn Holley, Ashlye Wilkerson,
Tim Sease, Julie Fowler, and Dan Mahony (ex officio).
Members absent: Kathy Bigham, Scott Talley, Scott Middleton
Representatives present: Ray McKetty, Student Representative; John Bird, Faculty Representative
Representatives absent: None
Others present: Bristow Marchant, The Herald; Mike Crowder, WRHI, members of Winthrop
faculty and staff
The Board of Trustees met on Friday, June 10, 2016 on the campus of Winthrop University,
Rock Hill, SC.
Public Comment
There were no requests for public comment.
Call to Order
Vice Chair Folkens called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. He welcomed all present.
Approval of Minutes
Don Long moved to accept the minutes from the meeting of March 11, 2016. Tim Sease
seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor of the minutes as submitted.
Executive Session
Glenn McCall moved with a second from Sue Smith Rex to move into executive session
pursuant to South Carolina Ann. 30-4-70(a)(1) and (2) for the purposes of discussion
of employment matters involving certain current and former university employees and
for a discussion of proposed contractual arrangements. The vote was unanimous in favor
of the motion.
Jane LaRoche moved with a second from Ashlye Wilkerson to end the executive session
and return to public session. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Report of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Board
In Kathy Bigham's absence, Vice Chair Folkens delivered the report of the Executive
Committee. He began by asking for motions to consider three resolutions.
Resolution to Honor Ray McKetty for Meritorious Service to the Board
Tim Hopkins moved with a second from Ashlye Wilkerson to honor Ray McKetty's service
to the Board of Trustees in his role as president of the Council of Student Leaders
in academic year 2015-16. Ray used his concern for his fellow students and his skill
as a student leader to ensure that Winthrop University continues its tradition of
outstanding service to students. Ray's thoughtful advice and counsel from the perspective
of a student was particularly helpful to the Board. The vote was unanimous in favor
of the motion.
Resolution to Honor Scott Talley for Meritorious Service to the Board
Donna Glenn Holley moved with a second from Jane LaRoche to honor Scott Talley for
his six years of service to the Board as the representative from Congressional District
Four. Scott's participation on the Board on a variety of committees including the
presidential search committees and as chair of the Committee on Student Life and Athletics
have been characterized by his dedication to excellence and his high level of commitment
to education. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Resolution to Honor Tom Hickman for Meritorious Service to the University
Tim Sease moved with a second from Don Long to honor Tom Hickman upon the occasion
of his retirement from Winthrop after serving the university for twenty seven years
with twenty of those years as athletic director. Tom provided oversight to more than
$20 million in facility upgrades, the addition of women's soccer, women's lacrosse
and men's and women's indoor track and field, the creation of the Winthrop Athletics
Hall of Fame. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Mr. Folkens reported on the Executive Committee's annual evaluation of President Mahony.
The Executive Committee met on June 9 to review the Agency Head Performance Evaluation
Goals and Objectives. Each of the six objectives was determined to be met at the Exceeds
Expectations level and the overall evaluation was also at the Exceeds Expectations
level. The survey of Trustees as mandated by the Agency Head Salary Commission resulted
in an aggregated score of 4.45 on a scale with a range of 1 to 5 with 5 being the
best score.
Agency Head Salary Commission Goals and Objectives for Academic Year 2016-17 will
be presented at the August 2016 meeting.
Report from the Committee on Compensation
Chair Janet Smalley reported on the activities of the university as they relate to
compensation. Over the past year the competitive compensation committee identified
a broad comparison group of colleges and universities and other relevant data sources
in order to arrive at median salaries by which to compare the salaries at Winthrop.
While unable to move every employee to the median as that would cost about $4 million
in salaries and benefits, 200 employees will share the $200,000 recurring monies included
in the 2015-16 fiscal year budget.
The $200,000 was allocated between faculty and staff based on the proportion of the
$4 million needed to bring everyone in each group to the median. Eligible staff members
received about two-thirds of the $200,000 and eligible faculty members received about
one-third. Every permanent staff member with a salary below the median and below an
annual salary of $30,000 received an $800 salary increase. Every faculty member with
a nine-month salary at or below 90 percent of the median and below a base salary of
$100,000 received an $800 salary increase. Using this allocation directs the faculty
share to those farthest from the median and who are not the highest paid.
The competitive compensation committee will continue to assess compensation matters
at the university and develop plans to allocate additional monies as they become available.
Effective July 1, 2016, all fulltime employees will receive a state mandated salary
increase of 3.25%. However, that increase will be offset by an increase of 0.5 % in
required retirement fees.
Report from the Committee on Academic Quality
Resolution to Confer Emeriti Faculty Status
Chair Sue Smith Rex brought forth a resolution from the Committee conferring emeriti
faculty status to Dr. Irene Boland, Professor of Geology (posthumous); Dr. Charlie
Bowers, Professor of Exercise Science; Dr. Tim Boylan, Professor of Political Science;
Dr Gary Brooks, Professor of Mathematics; Dr. Mark DeWalt, Professor of Education;
Dr Caroline Everington; Mr. Paul Martyka, Associate Professor of Fine Arts (posthumous);
Dr. Pedro Muñoz, Professor of Spanish; Dr. William Naufftus, Professor of English;
and Ms. Mary Watson, Instructor, Macfeat Early Childhood Laboratory School. Their
combined service to Winthrop totals 275 years.
As this resolution was from the Committee, no second was needed. Vice Chair Folkens
called for a vote. It was unanimous in favor of the resolution.
Resolution to Establish Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
Chair Rex brought forth a resolution from the Committee to establish a Bachelor of
Science in Human Development and Family Studies to replace the existing program in
Family and Consumer Sciences. The program in Human Development and Family Studies
is designed as a strong interdisciplinary program that includes coursework spanning
the ten Family Life Education Content Areas established by the National Council on
Family Relations. This curriculum will allow graduates of the program to be eligible
to receive Certified Family Life Educator certification.
Needing no second, Vice Chair Folkens called for a vote. The vote was unanimous in
favor of the resolution.
Dr. Rex concluded her report with an update on the status of online course development
and implementation including a video by Dr. Seth Jenny and Dr. Kimarie Whetstone showing
the benefits and challenges of online learning.
Report from the Committee on Enrollment and Retention
Chair Folkens reported on the information presented related to our marketing efforts
including the use of billboards throughout the state as well as radio advertising.
Winthrop will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a marketing consultant in
the near future with intent to award a contract in July. Based on the consultant's
input, a new branding, marketing, and advertising program will be developed including
a redesign of the website.
The Committee heard a report on the importance of transfer students and how Winthrop
Admissions staff are working to attract increasing numbers of transfers.
An emphasis on transfer recruitment is because transfer enrollment decreases the reliance
on flattening numbers of first-time, full-time students, transfers can potentially
fill vacancies in upper level courses caused by attrition, transfers represent an
average tuition revenue per student increase greater than first-time students due
to lower amounts of institutional aid, and transfers have a greater likelihood of
retaining and graduating, increasing the rates of both metrics.
Winthrop has in place a bridge program with nearby York Technical College. Students
initially apply to and enroll at York Technical College and pay a $150 participation
fee each semester giving them access to Winthrop facilities and events. Students receive
joint academic advising and a Winthrop student mentor to ensure a smooth transition
to Winthrop. A reception is held each semester on the Winthrop campus to introduce
York Technical College students to the program. Students may select courses in the
University Studies Certificate program at York Technical College and expect to transfer
31-32 hours to Winthrop. The program has been well received by students currently
enrolled in it and we expect the program to grow.
Report of the Committee on Institutional Advancement and Development
Chair Tim Hopkins reported on a number of activities within the Division. During President
Mahony's first year at Winthrop, 23 events held were introducing over 1,000 alumni
to the President. Donations to the University increase to a total of $1,099,027 by
May 2016 and the Winthrop Fund total for 2016 is is $194,966. The Alumni giving rate
is 8.42%. The new alumni directory is complete and will be disseminated in the next
few weeks.
The Foundation Board continues to work with the University administration to reallocate
the management fees from 6% to the current 3.5% with plans to further reduce the fee
paid from the Foundation to the University. The Foundation is conducting an RFP for
investment advisors for the upcoming calendar year. A $1.2 million annuity and estate
gift of an additional $1.8 million will be received in coming weeks. This $3 million
gift represents the largest single gift in Winthrop history.
The Committee received a power point presentation regarding the activities of the
University Communications and Marketing division.
Report of the Committee on Student Life and Athletic
In the absence of Chair Scott Talley, Tim Sease led the Committee and provided a report
to the Board. Mr. Sease summarized the presentation on the Fraternity and Sorority
Affairs program at Winthrop. Four new fraternities/sororities are being added this
year to bring our total to 19 active organizations on campus.
President Mahony attended the Committee meeting in order to present the Football Feasibility
Study and discuss the findings with the Trustees. Overall findings suggest an overall
football interest in the region that is above the national average. However, student
survey results show interest in attending football games, but they are not willing
to subsidize a program. Of students surveyed fully 93% would be willing to add only
$100 or less per year to their student fees for football, and 50% reported they would
oppose paying anything. By way of comparison, UNC-Charlotte has added fees of $320
per year to support football, with a much larger student body.
An alumni survey indicated support for football, with 54% agreeing that football would
be a good idea. The most frequent reason offered for supporting football was that
it would increase revenue to Winthrop. Of the one-quarter who opposed football, the
most frequent reason offered was that it would be expensive and erode academics.
Faculty and staff were more likely to oppose football. Of those surveyed 42% don't
think football is a good idea, while one-quarter do. Faculty and staff do recognize
that football could have positive impacts (e.g. greater student involvement, increased
donations, improved community relations), but believe resources directed to football
would be better spent elsewhere on campus.
An analysis based on data derived from other colleges and universities suggests that
a football program may increase male applications and result in increased full-time
freshmen enrollment.
Yet, the analysis predicts that retention would be reduced and overall undergraduate
enrollment would not improve. In addition to retention declines, the difference between
the impact on freshman and the impact of overall enrollment is likely due to the fact
the former ignores transfers, a growing population at Winthrop and many other universities.
Total start-up costs for the years before the teams begin competition are estimated
to be $4-5 million for football and additional women's sports combined. In addition,
there are estimated facility costs of $11.31 million. These estimates are based on
playing at District 3 stadium with only minimal upgrades. Start-up costs for a marching
band would add an addition $170,000. Annual costs for a non-scholarship football program
are estimated at $3.18 million. A scholarship football program would have additional
personnel and operating expenses along with the financial aid, for a total of $4.77
million. These projections do not include the likely need for additional faculty,
tutoring services, housing, and other related costs.
Due to Title IX imbalances resulting from additional male athletes playing football,
Winthrop would have to add several female sports in order to equal or exceed the large
size of the football roster. The ongoing costs of these women's programs are difficult
to determine at this time because it is not clear which sports we would add.
Based on the study findings and the President's recommendation, Don Long made a motion
that Winthrop not begin a football program at this time. Randy Imler seconded the
motion. Vice Chair Folkens called for a vote. It was unanimous in favor of the resolution.
Report from the Committee on Finance
Chair McCall conveyed the compliments by the external auditing firm led by Ben Kochenower
of Winthrop's budget and finance staff noting their exceptional work.
The Committee reviewed the 2015-16 budget as well as projections for the 2016-17 budget
including proposed increases to the tuition and fee schedule. Mr. McCall emphasized
the intent of the Committee to keep tuition and fees increase as low as possible.
Therefore, the resolution brought forth by the Committee is for a 2.5 percent undergraduate
tuition increase for in-state and out-of-state students. Mr. McCall noted this is
the lowest increase in 17 years continuing the trend of the last three years of historically
low tuition increase. Prior to calling for a vote, Chair Folkens led a discussion
of the resolution. Individual Trustees inquired about the need to raise tuition and
fees each year and the possibility of no increases in the future. Both Mr. McCall
and President Mahony addressed the Trustees' concerns by stating the proposed increases
are modest as compared to national averages. Additionally, they pointed out the need
to look at overall cost of attendance at Winthrop. When families review the costs
of tuition, fewer fees, and lower housing costs both on and off-campus, as well as
the financial aid available to them, families will find the price of attending Winthrop
to be on par with other public comprehensive universities in South Carolina.
At the conclusion of the discussion Mr. Folkens called for a vote. The resolution
passed with 9 in favor of the resolution and 2 against.
As a result Winthrop in-state undergraduate students will pay $7,255 in the fall semester,
$177 more than in fall 2015. Out-of-state students will pay $14,045 this fall semester,
$343 more than a year ago. Graduate School tuition will increase by 3.5%, or $599
per credit hour, and out-of-state graduate students will pay $1,153 per credit hour.
Winthrop room and board fees, which vary according to type of housing and meal plan
chosen, are a 2% percent increase for housing and a 4.7% increase for board
Reports from the Representatives to the Board
Report from the Chair of Faculty Conference
Dr. Bird reported on the large number of curricular actions considered and approved
by Faculty Conference. These actions are resulting in stronger programs and will permit
students to more efficiently complete their degrees of study.
Throughout the year, a number of faculty were asked to serve on the Strategic Plan
Working Groups or tasked with research projects such as the Football Feasibility Study.
This has created a high level of interaction with the faculty and administration.
The president's willingness to share information in a straightforward manner has improved
faculty morale.
Faculty are glad to know the Competitive Compensation Committee's work resulted in
salary increases for nearly 200 employees. While that is a good start, faculty strongly
feel the work of the Committee should be continued and monies built into each year's
operating budget to ensure progress toward salary increases.
Report from the President of the Council of Student Leaders
Mr. Ray McKetty summarized the work of the Council over Academic Year 2015-16. Highlights
from the year include a panel discussion about sexual health for students, a Watch
Party held during the Democratic Forum for students unable to obtain tickets to attend,
a homecoming block party, student voter registration drive, MLK, Jr day of service
activities, CSL Day at the Statehouse, and successfully lobbied the Administration
to permit students to wear university-related stoles and cords during the entire commencement
ceremonies.
Mr. McKetty concluded his report by thanking the Trustees for the opportunity to serve
as the Student Representative to the Board. He did not seek reelection for a second
term as president but assured the Board he successor, Ms. Elizabeth West, will be
a great asset to the Board.
Report from the President
Dr. Mahony reported on the status of the Strategic Planning process. Several Working
Group reports have been submitted and a second draft of the Strategic Plan has been
developed. This is a revised draft of the one the Board reviewed at the previous Board
meeting. This newest draft of the Plan has been presented to both staff and faculty
conferences. It is now being shared with the campus, community, and alumni via our
webpage. We are in the process of seeking public input via our website.
Next steps in the process are to finalize metrics by which to measure progress toward
strategic goals, identify and prioritize actions to achieve strategic goals, establish
fundraising priorities based on strategic goals, and finally, to execute the strategic
plan.
In the meantime, a number of initiatives are already underway including the development
of new certificate programs and hiring of educational technical specialists who will
work with faculty to convert their classes to an on-line format.
Report of the Nominating Committee
As chair of the Nominating Committee, Mr. Tim Sease announced the recommendations
of the Committee regarding the chair and vice chair positions for Academic Year 2016-17.
Per Board bylaws, the Trustees were notified 30 days in advance of today's meeting
of the Committee's intent to nominate Mr. Karl Folkens as chair and Mr. Glenn McCall
as vice chair. Mr. Sease called for additional nominations from the floor. None were
made. The then called for the vote. The vote was unanimous in favor of Mr. Folkens
and Mr. McCall. They will take office on July 1, 2016.
New Business
There was no new business.
Adjournment
Janet Smalley moved to adjourn the meeting with a second from Randy Imler. The vote
was unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Kimberly A. Faust, Secretary to the Board
