2011
Minutes of the Meeting of November 4, 2011
The November 4, 2011 meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents was called to order at the appointed time and place by Mr. Mike McCullough, Board Chair and Presiding Officer. Present were Mr. McCullough, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, Dr. Ann Scanlon McGinity, Mr. George Schrader, Dr. Melissa Tonn, Ms. Christina Wagoner, and Mrs. Mary Wilson, constituting a quorum.
Mr. McCullough announced that the Board would adjourn for Executive Closed Session regarding real estate, litigation, or personnel matters, under V.T.C.A. Government Code Sections 551.072, 551.071, and 551.074, respectively. At the conclusion of the Executive Closed Session, the Chair again called the meeting of the Board to order, a quorum being present.
The Board considered approval of the minutes of the meeting of the Board of August 19, 2011 and the Board teleconference meeting of August 29, 2011. Upon motion by Mrs. Wilson and second by Mrs. Gibson, these minutes were unanimously approved.
Mr. McCullough noted that no registrations of public testimony items were received for this Board meeting.
Next, Mr. McCullough called for consideration of the Finance and Audit Committee items. Mr. Schrader made a motion for approval of the personnel report (Exhibit 2157), the acceptance of grants (Exhibit 2158), and the contracts and agreements (Exhibit 2159). The motion was seconded by Dr. Scanlon McGinity and all voted in favor. A motion was made by Mrs. Gibson for approval of the TWU Investment Policy (Exhibit 2160), which was seconded by Dr. Tonn and unanimously approved. Mrs. Gibson made a motion for approval of the TWU Endowment Investment and Distribution Policy (Exhibit 2161). The motion was seconded by Dr. Scanlon McGinity and all voted in favor. Mr. McCullough noted that Item V.D. of the Agenda was withdrawn from the Committee and will not be considered at this time. After motion by Mrs. Wilson and second by Mrs. Gibson, the Board voted unanimously for approval to give a one-time $500 payment prorated by full-time equivalent to all permanent full-time and part-time faculty and staff members, this money to come from current operating funds and paid on December 1, 2011 payroll, this being for a legitimate public purpose.
Mr. McCullough then called for consideration of the Institutional Development Committee items. Mrs. Gibson made a motion, seconded by Dr. Tonn, for acceptance of the gifts to TWU (Exhibit 2162). All voted in favor.
Mr. McCullough then called for Academic Affairs Committee items. After motion by Mrs. Wilson and second by Mrs. Gibson, the Board voted unanimously for approval of a proposal to move the current Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program to distance delivery (Exhibit 2163).
Mr. McCullough noted that Item VIII.A. and VIII.B. of the Agenda were withdrawn from the Committee and will not be considered at this time.
In the report from the Chancellor and President, Dr. Ann Stuart said that, in continuing with former Board Chair Harry Crumpacker’s visionary approach that encouraged everyone to look at the University and see where changes are needed in an effort to better position the University in the future, the Campus Master Plan is being studied to consider build-out space. Dr. Stuart stated that Dr. Brenda Floyd, Vice President for Finance and Administration, is in charge of this endeavor and that the needs of and input from students, faculty, staff, and the administration will be considered. She said that Dr. Floyd will present the recommendations to the Board at the February meeting, which will be held at the Denton Campus. Dr. Stuart commented that being on the Denton Campus will give the Regents an idea of what the campus needs are and will provide a concept of the space utilization on campus and where the University must go in an effort to meet its needs in the future.
Regarding Information Technology, Dr. Stuart stated that, with the retirement of Mr. Bill Palmertree, Vice President for Technology Information Services, and a couple of associate vice president vacancies in Institutional Research and Lifelong Learning, study groups have been formed to determine what needs to be done in these areas in an effort to provide continuous services. She informed the Regents that Dr. Floyd and Dr. Bob Neely, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, are in charge of developing the goal of the “Technology Plan,” which is to determine how best the Information Technology and Instructional Support Services departments can service the diverse needs of the University community. Dr. Stuart stated that an independent outside consultant will be utilized to conduct a baseline audit of the processes being utilized at TWU and to provide guidance on the future mission and structure of the department based on what the leaders in the industry are doing with regard to higher education.
Dr. Stuart then talked about the vision and strategic plan underway for the University. She said that the whole University community will be involved in this effort, including the Board, to determine the size of the University in the next ten years and whether the facilities on TWU’s three campuses will be adequate as well as planning for services on all three campuses and determining course offerings for the future. Dr. Stuart commented that Dr. Neely will be looking at what disciplines will be offered in the future, what should be added, and how should these degrees/programs be delivered, e-learning or blended or face-to-face. She noted that the University as a whole has to think it through, taking into consideration staffing, resources, and outside factors.
In conclusion, Dr. Stuart mentioned that the administration is preparing written testimony to be submitted to Joint Interim Higher Education Committee, which is co-chaired by Senator Judith Zaffirini and Representative Dan Branch, and that she and Mr. McCullough will be giving testimony at the Committee’s Hearing on November 18 in Austin. She explained that the Committee is most concerned about how the University informs the Board about what is going on at the University; how the administration and the Board develop and implement major policy decisions, including the impartiality and adequacy of processes; and other matters, such as training of Regents and the length of Regents’ terms. Dr. Stuart assured the Board that they will be kept informed. Mr. McCullough stated that Dr. Stuart is always open with the Board and Dr. Scanlon McGinity commented that Dr. Stuart is well-prepared all the time.
As he brought the meeting to a close, Mr. McCullough thanked everyone for attending and participating in today’s meeting. He noted that the next Board meeting will be in February.
There being no other business, the meeting concluded.
Minutes of the Telephone Conference Call Meeting of August 29, 2011
The August 29, 2011 meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents was called to order by its Chair at the appointed time and place.
The Chair, Mr. Mike McCullough, Ms. Lola Chriss, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, Dr. Ann Scanlon McGinity, Mr. George Schrader, Dr. Melissa Tonn, Ms. Christina Wagoner, and Mrs. Mary Wilson were present by telephone, constituting a quorum.
The Secretary to the Board, Mr. Lawhon, began with the following: “I am John Lawhon, Secretary to the Board. The date is August 29, 2011 and the time is 9:05 a.m. This is a special called telephone conference call meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents, immediate action being required and the convening at one location of a quorum of the governing board being difficult. The meeting is being held at the 16th Floor of the ACT building at TWU, the location where meetings of the governing board are normally held. This conference call is being recorded in the Board of Regents Room in Denton, as required by state law. Therefore, will each participant please identify yourself early in your remarks so that the record will reflect who is speaking. We will call the roll at this time to determine who is present on the telephone.” Responding that they were present were Regents Chriss, Gibson, McCullough, McGinity, Schrader, Tonn, Wagoner, and Wilson.
Regent McCullough then said, “I call the Board of Regents meeting to order and note that a quorum is present. He called upon Mr. Lawhon, who said, “The motion to be considered today is for approval of the TWU Voluntary Separation Program for Tenured Faculty.” Mr. Lawhon then introduced Dr. Bob Neely, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, who discussed the proposed motion. Mr. McCullough asked, “Do I hear a motion to approve and a second?” After a motion to approve was made by Regent Wilson and seconded by Regent Chriss, the Chair said, “Is there any discussion?” Their being none, the Chair said, “All in favor say ‘aye’,” upon which all Regents said “aye.” The Chair then said, “All opposed say ‘no’,” upon which no Regents said “no.” The Chair announced that the motion passed.
The Chair thanked the Regents for their participation and said, “There being no further business the meeting is adjourned.”
Minutes of the Meeting of August 19, 2011
The August 19, 2011 meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents was called to order at the appointed time and place by Mr. Mike McCullough, Board Chair and Presiding Officer. Present were Mr. McCullough, Mrs. Sue Bancroft, Ms. Lola Chriss, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, Dr. Ann Scanlon McGinity, Dr. Cecilia Moreno, Mr. George Schrader, Dr. Melissa Tonn, Ms. Christina Wagoner, and Mrs. Mary Wilson, constituting a quorum.
There was no executive session.
The Board considered approval of the minutes of the joint meeting of the Finance and Audit Committee and the Board of May 20, 2011 and the Board meeting of June 3, 2011. Upon motion by Mrs. Wilson and second by Mrs. Bancroft, these minutes were unanimously approved.
Mr. McCullough noted that no registrations of public testimony items were received for this Board meeting.
Next, Mr. McCullough called for consideration of the Finance and Audit Committee items. Mrs. Bancroft made a motion for approval of the personnel report (Exhibit 2147), the acceptance of grants (Exhibit 2148), and the contracts and agreements (Exhibit 2149). The motion was seconded by Mrs. Wilson and all voted in favor. After motion by Mrs. Bancroft and second by Ms. Chriss, the Board voted unanimously for approval of the FY 2012 Budget as presented to the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Regents on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 (Exhibit 2150). Dr. Scanlon McGinity made a motion for approval to distribute an amount equal to four (4) percent of the University Endowment Corpus, which is approximately $400,000, to the TWU Endowment Distribution Accounts, this money to come from investment earnings and/or Board Designated Tuition. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bancroft and all voted in favor. A motion was made by Ms. Chriss for approval to sell a lot at 1303 Austin Street, Denton, Texas at a price not less than the current appraised value, this lot being outside of the TWU Master Plan (Exhibit 2151), which was seconded by Mrs. Wilson and unanimously approved. A motion was made by Mrs. Bancroft and seconded by Dr. Scanlon McGinity for approval to increase the budget for the Dallas Parking Garage Project from $7,943,000 to $9,243,000, an increase of $1,300,000, this money to come from Designated Tuition and this request being a result of unanticipated demolition and construction requirements. All voted in favor. Mr. McCullough noted that Item V.F. of the Agenda was withdrawn from the Committee and will not be considered at this time. Dr. Moreno made a motion for approval of the FY 2012 Annual Audit Plan of the Office of Internal Audits (Exhibit 2152). The motion was seconded by Mrs. Wilson and unanimously approved.
Mr. McCullough then called for consideration of the Institutional Development Committee items. Ms. Chriss made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Gibson, for acceptance of the gifts to TWU (Exhibit 2153). All voted in favor.
Mr. McCullough then called for Academic Affairs Committee items. After motion by Dr. Moreno and second by Mrs. Bancroft, the Board voted unanimously for approval of a name change from the Department of Chemistry and Physics to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Exhibit 2154).
Mr. McCullough called for consideration of Student Life Committee items. A motion was made by Mr. Schrader for approval of a policy regarding emergency loans in compliance with Texas Education Code Section 56.053(a) as amended by HB 3578, the policy set out in Exhibit 2155, which was seconded by Mrs. Bancroft, and all voted in favor. Mr. Schrader made a motion for approval of a policy regarding guidelines for awarding Texas Public Education Grants as authorized by the Texas Education Code Section 56.031-039, et seq., the policy set out in Exhibit 2156. The motion was seconded by Dr. Moreno and unanimously approved.
In the report from the Chancellor and President, Dr. Ann Stuart, continuing with the theme of letting the Regents know about the University’s achievements, brought their attention to several items that they, as Regents, may share with others in their communities since they are the University’s spokespersons. She talked about an article in the Summer 2011 edition of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) publication that featured an article entitled, A Humble Southern Gentleman, which was written by Ms. Louise Ritter, a former TWU student and three-time gold medalist at the Seoul Games, about Dr. Bert Lyle, a former TWU faculty member, track and field coach, and the first Director of Athletics. Dr. Stuart commented that the unexpected article talked about Dr. Lyle’s coaching at TWU as well as Ms. Ritter’s experience as a student at TWU. Dr. Stuart then stated that new news about TWU was in an article currently being featured in Forbes 2011. She announced that she is proud that TWU was listed among America’s Best Colleges, mentioning that she was delighted with this kind of opportunity to have the University’s name in a national forum. Next, Dr. Stuart brought attention to a brochure that is currently being used in freshman recruiting, explaining that it also is included in packets for transfer and graduate students. She said that, as Regents, they may be interested in the materials that are being used as recruiting tools. Dr. Stuart acknowledged Ms. Carolyn Barnes, Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communication, and her whole staff for the marvelous job in producing material that is not only competitive, but also attractive. She then stated that she is pleased to announce that Monday will be the day for the much anticipated Faculty Assembly at the Denton Campus, with the Houston and Dallas Centers joining. Dr. Stuart commented that Dr. Bob Neely, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, has planned a good “kick off” day for the academic year and stated that she is excited about his leadership. She said that Representative Dan Branch will be the keynote speaker at the Faculty Assembly and that Representative Myra Crownover will also attend, stating that it was nice to have this kind of legislative support. Dr. Stuart noted that Regent Bancroft will be attending and hosting that day. In conclusion, Dr. Stuart informed the Regents that she underlined and highlighted some sections of an article featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education, which referred to new and interesting skill-sets among new university administrators and faculty and where they are going to take higher education in America. For example, she said, the efforts of Mr. Gary Ray, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, in recruitment and Provost Neely’s mindset and approach in leading the University are the new skills that are being valued and that these are the kinds of people the University needs. Dr. Stuart stated that TWU is off to a wonderful year and that the commitment to the Regents of a well-run University continues.
As he brought the meeting to a close, Mr. McCullough thanked everyone for attending and participating in today’s meeting. He commended Dr. Stuart and all of the administration, faculty, and staff for the wonderful job they do for the University and for making the Board of Regents’ meetings successful.
There being no other business, the meeting concluded.
Minutes of the Meeting of June 3, 2011
The June 3, 2011 meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents was called to order at the appointed time and place by Mr. Mike McCullough, Board Chair and Presiding Officer. Present were Mr. McCullough, Mrs. Sue Bancroft, Ms. Lola Chriss, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, Dr. Ann Scanlon McGinity, Dr. Cecilia Moreno, Mr. George Schrader, Dr. Melissa Tonn, Ms. Christina Wagoner, and Mrs. Mary Wilson, constituting a quorum.
Mr. McCullough announced that the Board would adjourn for Executive Closed Session regarding real estate, litigation, or personnel matters, including faculty for promotion, tenure, emeritus, and development leave, under V.T.C.A., Government Code Sections 551.072, 551.071, and 551.074, respectively. At the conclusion of the Executive Closed Session, the Chair again called the meeting of the Board to order, a quorum being present.
The Board considered approval of the minutes of the Board meeting of February 18, 2011 and the Board teleconference meetings of April 8, and May 5, 2011. Upon motion by Mrs. Bancroft and second by Mrs. Wilson, these minutes were unanimously approved.
Mr. McCullough noted that no registrations of public testimony items were received for this Board meeting.
Next, Mr. McCullough called for consideration of the Finance and Audit Committee items. Mrs. Wilson made a motion for approval of the personnel report (Exhibit 2137), the acceptance of grants (Exhibit 2138), and the contracts and agreements (Exhibit 2139). The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bancroft and all voted in favor. After motion by Mr. Schrader and second by Mrs. Bancroft, the Board voted unanimously for approval of the TWU Investment Policy (Exhibit 2140) and the TWU Endowment Investment and Distribution Policy (Exhibit 2141). A motion was made by Mrs. Bancroft for approval for the Chancellor and President to develop specific policies for the disposition of surplus or salvage property as provided by Texas Government Code Section 2175.304(b), which was seconded by Mrs. Wilson, and all voted in favor. Mrs. Wilson made a motion for approval to authorize the Vice President for Finance and Administration to enter into an agreement with Red River Royalties, Inc. for a five (5) year lease of approximately 111.75 net mineral acres located in Love County, Oklahoma, the money from this lease to be used to fund scholarships as required by the Rebecca Thayer Trust (Exhibit 2142). The motion was seconded by Dr. Tonn and unanimously approved.
Mr. McCullough then called for consideration of the Institutional Development Committee items. Mrs. Bancroft made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Gibson, for acceptance of the gifts to TWU (Exhibit 2143). All voted in favor.
Next, Mr. McCullough called for Academic Affairs Committee items. After motion by Dr. Moreno and second by Dr. Tonn, the Board voted unanimously for approval of the proposed University Mission Statement (2144). A motion was made by Dr. Moreno for approval of faculty development leaves (Exhibit 2145), which was seconded by Mrs. Wilson, and all voted in favor. After motion by Dr. Moreno and second by Mrs. Bancroft, the Board voted unanimously to amend the Faculty Senate Constitution to revise that certain sentence in Article IV, Section 5 from “A member may be reelected for one consecutive term, except in voting units requiring rotation as identified in Article I, Section 7e.” to “A member may be reelected for two consecutive terms, except in voting units requiring rotation as identified in Article I, Section 7e.” and to revise that certain sentence in Article VI, Section 4 from “Officers of the Senate may be reelected for only one additional term (one year).” to “Officers of the Senate, so long as they are sitting Senators, may be reelected annually.” Mr. McCullough then called upon Dr. Bob Neely, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, who read the list of faculty applicants for promotion, tenure, and emeritus status who were recommended by the Chancellor. Dr. Moreno then made a motion, seconded by Dr. Tonn, to approve the recommendations of the Chancellor of faculty for promotion and tenure (listed in Exhibit 2146). All voted in favor. Regent Schrader requested that this record reflect that his vote would reflect the Provost’s assurance that normal and appropriate procedures were utilized during the promotion and tenure process and that the proper faculty committees and administrators were consulted. Mrs. Bancroft made a motion for approval of the recommendations of the Chancellor for emeritus status for the retiring faculty listed in Exhibit 2146. The motion was seconded by Dr. Moreno and unanimously approved.
In the report from the Chancellor and President, Dr. Stuart thanked the Regents for a good meeting. She called the Regents’ attention to the handout placed at their seats entitled, Texas Woman's University, Our Latest Accolades. Dr. Stuart stated that this handout focused on recent student and faculty achievements. She added that the Spring 2011 edition of the TWU Times had been mailed to each of the Regents and recognized Ms. Amanda Simpson, Director of News and Information in the Office of Marketing and Communication, for an absolutely amazing job in preparing both of these documents. In conclusion, Dr. Stuart announced that TWU won three awards during the 2011 CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) District III and IV Joint Conference. She said that the Spring 2010 edition of the TWU Times received a Silver Award in the newsletters/tabloids/newspapers category, beating The University of Texas. Dr. Stuart added that the TWU Alumni Decal Program also received a Silver Award in the best new alumni program category and a Bronze Award in the best low cost alumni program category for the TWU Alumni Decal Program.
As he brought the meeting to a close, Mr. McCullough thanked everyone for attending today’s meeting and welcomed new Regents Gibson, Tonn, and Wagoner. He said that he looks forward to the August Board meeting.
There being no other business, the meeting concluded.
Minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Board and the Finance and Audit Committee of May 20, 2011
The Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents and Finance and Audit Committee met at the appointed time and place at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011, in Room 2502 at the TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences-Dallas Center. Present were Mr. Mike McCullough, Board Chair; Mrs. Sue Bancroft, Finance and Audit Committee Chair; Mrs. Mary Wilson, Finance and Audit Committee Vice Chair, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, and Dr. Melissa Tonn, constituting a quorum of the Board and the Finance and Audit Committee.
The meeting was called to order. The Board heard an update on the TWU FY 2012 Budget, followed by informational items on the activities of the Office of Finance and Administration.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Minutes of the Telephone Conference Call Meeting of May 5, 2011
The May 5, 2011 meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents was called to order by its Chair at the appointed time and place.
The Chair, Mr. Mike McCullough, Mrs. Sue Bancroft, Ms. Lola Chriss, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, Dr. Cecilia Moreno, Mr. George Schrader, Dr. Melissa Tonn, and Mrs. Mary Wilson were present by telephone, constituting a quorum.
The Secretary to the Board, Mr. Lawhon, began with the following: “I am John Lawhon, Secretary to the Board. The date is May 5, 2011 and the time is 9:01 a.m. This is a special called telephone conference call meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents, immediate action being required and the convening at one location of a quorum of the governing board being difficult. The meeting is being held at the 16th Floor of the ACT building at TWU, the location where meetings of the governing board are normally held. This conference call is being recorded in the Board of Regents Room in Denton, as required by state law. Therefore, will each participant please identify yourself early in your remarks so that the record will reflect who is speaking. We will call the roll at this time to determine who is present on the telephone.” Responding that they were present were Regents Bancroft, Chriss, Gibson, McCullough, Moreno, Schrader, Tonn, and Wilson.
Regent McCullough then said, “I call the Board of Regents meeting to order and note that a quorum is present. He called upon Mr. Lawhon, who said, “The motion to be considered today is for approval to award $1,000,000 in grants to TWU students to offset reductions in State financial aid funds, such funds to come from FY 2012 Budget.” Mr. Lawhon then introduced Dr. Richard Nicholas, Vice President for Student Life, and Dr. Brenda Floyd, Vice President for Finance and Administration to discuss the proposed motion. They each reviewed the materials provided to each of the Regents and answered questions regarding the TWU Passport Grant budget request and the Budget Assumptions for FY 2012. Mr. McCullough asked, “Do I hear a motion to approve and a second?” After a motion to approve was made by Regent Schrader and seconded by Regent Moreno, the Chair said, “Is there any discussion?” The Chair said, “All in favor say ‘aye’,” upon which all Regents said “aye.” The Chair then said, “All opposed say ‘no’,” upon which no Regents said “no.” The Chair announced that the motion passed.
The Chair thanked the Regents for their participation and said, “There being no further business the meeting is adjourned.”
Minutes of the Telephone Conference Call Meeting of April 8, 2011
The April 8, 2011 meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents was called to order by its Chair at the appointed time and place.
The Vice Chair, Mrs. Sue Bancroft, Ms. Lola Chriss, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, Dr. Ann Scanlon McGinity, Dr. Cecilia Moreno, Mr. George Schrader, Dr. Melissa Tonn, and Mrs. Mary Wilson were present by telephone, constituting a quorum.
The Secretary to the Board, Mr. Lawhon, began with the following: “I am John Lawhon, Secretary to the Board. The date is April 8, 2011 and the time is 9:01 a.m. This is a special called telephone conference call meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents, immediate action being required and the convening at one location of a quorum of the governing board being difficult. The meeting is being held at the 16th Floor of the ACT building at TWU, the location where meetings of the governing board are normally held. This conference call is being recorded in the Board of Regents Room in Denton, as required by state law. Therefore, will each participant please identify yourself early in your remarks so that the record will reflect who is speaking. We will call the roll at this time to determine who is present on the telephone.” Responding that they were present were Regents Bancroft, Chriss, Gibson, Moreno, Scanlon McGinity, Schrader, and Wilson.
Regent Bancroft then said, “I call the Board of Regents meeting to order and note that a quorum is present. She said, “The motion to be considered today is to approve and ratify the Housing Services Agreement between Scott Brown Properties, Inc. and Texas Woman's University dated April 1, 2011.” Mrs. Bancroft asked, “Do I hear a motion to approve and a second?” After a motion to approve was made by Regent Moreno and seconded by Regent Chriss, the Chair said, “Is there any discussion?” After a brief discussion between the Regents and Dr. Richard Nicholas, Vice President for Student Life, regarding the terms of the Agreement and the location and status of the actual apartment buildings, the Chair said, “All in favor say ‘aye’,” upon which all Regents said “aye.” The Chair then said, “All opposed say ‘no’,” upon which no Regents said “no.” The Chair announced that the motion passed.
The Chair thanked the Regents for their participation and said, “There being no further business the meeting is adjourned.”
Minutes of the Meeting of February 18, 2011
The February 18, 2011 meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents was called to order at the appointed time and place by Mr. Harry Crumpacker, Board Chair and Presiding Officer. Present were Mr. Crumpacker, Ms. Sarah Adams, Mrs. Sue Bancroft, Ms. Lola Chriss, Mr. Mike McCullough, Dr. Ann Scanlon McGinity, Dr. Cecilia Moreno, Mr. George Schrader, and Mrs. Mary Wilson, constituting a quorum.
There was no executive session.
Next, Mr. Crumpacker, on behalf of the Board, expressed a deep sense of appreciation for the service of Dr. Keith McFarland as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He said that Dr. McFarland’s willingness to extend his period of service was truly appreciated and that he did a wonderfully outstanding job for the University. Mr. Crumpacker asked that a copy of the minutes be sent to Dr. McFarland.
Prior to the election of the Officers of the Board, Mr. Crumpacker stated that he wanted to take the opportunity to say that it has been a privilege and honor to serve on this Board, as a member, Vice Chair, and Chair. He added that his association with Board members, past and present, and Chancellor Ann Stuart has been rewarding and that the administration, faculty, staff, and students of TWU are an outstanding group of people. Mr. Crumpacker noted that the naming of the new Science Complex on the Denton Campus is a reflection of the Chancellor’s outstanding contributions at the University, in the community, and to the Legislature. He stated that the Regents unanimously and fully supported the naming of the building. Mr. Crumpacker then presented Dr. Stuart with a plaque containing the brochure of the “Dedication of the Texas Woman's University Ann Stuart Science Complex,” which was personally signed by each of the Regents. He told Dr. Stuart that the Board is very proud of her work. Dr. Stuart said that she was touched, honored, and sincerely moved by this gesture. She mentioned that her husband, Mr. Ray Poliakoff, would have been very proud of the decade of work for TWU. Dr. Stuart informed the Regents that Dr. Robert Neely, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, will reschedule the Science Academic Days and the Dedication Ceremony. Dr. Stuart then recognized Mr. McCullough for a presentation to the outgoing Chair. Mr. McCullough then thanked Mr. Crumpacker for his extraordinary service on the Board and presented him with a Resolution, signed by Governor Rick Perry, for his contributions as a TWU Regent and as Vice Chair and Chair. He added that Mr. Crumpacker’s perseverance, friendship, and guidance were a beacon to all. Mr. Crumpacker accepted the framed Resolution and said that he appreciated the opportunity to serve and that serving on this Board has been the highlight of his career. Mr. McCullough then read the Resolution and all the Regents applauded.
The next item of business was the election of Officers of the Board. Mr. Crumpacker nominated Mr. John Lawhon, General Counsel, as Secretary to the Board; Mr. Schrader nominated Mr. Mike McCullough as Board Chair and Presiding Officer; and Mr. McCullough nominated Mrs. Sue Bancroft as Board Vice Chair and Assistant Presiding Officer. After seconds, there being no further nominations, the nominees were unanimously elected by acclamation. Mr. Crumpacker handed the gavel to Mr. McCullough, who commented that it was an honor to serve this University and distinguished Board. He thanked Dr. Stuart, the administration, faculty, staff, students, and the outstanding former Chair, Mr. Crumpacker, for all of their efforts and stated that the success of TWU is because of the dedicated passion of all associated with the University.
The Board considered approval of the minutes of the Board meeting of November 5, and the Board Teleconference of December 6, 2010.Upon motion by Mrs. Wilson and second by Mrs. Bancroft, these minutes were unanimously approved.
Mr. McCullough noted that no registrations of public testimony items were received for this Board meeting.
Mr. McCullough called for consideration of the Finance and Audit Committee items. Mr. Crumpacker made a motion for approval of the Personnel Report (Exhibit 2126), which motion was second by Mrs. Bancroft, and unanimously approved. Next, Mrs. Bancroft moved for Acceptance of Grants (Exhibit 2127), which motion was second by Mr. Crumpacker, and all voted in favor. Contracts and Agreements (Exhibit 2128) were approved after motion by Mrs. Bancroft and second by Mr. Crumpacker. All voted in favor. After motion by Mrs. Bancroft and second by Mrs. Wilson, the Board voted unanimously for approval for the Vice President for Finance and Administration to enter into a contract with Yates Construction to demolish the Parkland Education Building and to construct a 600-space parking garage on that site for an amount not to exceed $7,943,000, the funds to come from Designated Tuition Fund Balance ($7,670,000) and the Dallas Building Fund Project ($273,000) (Exhibit 2129). A motion was made by Dr. Moreno for approval for the Vice President for Finance and Administration to enter into a contract with 2L Construction, LLC to construct a 175-space surface parking lot on the Denton Campus in an amount not to exceed $657,807, the funds to come from Auto Registration – Auxiliary Fund Balance (Exhibit 2130), which was seconded by Mr. Crumpacker, and all voted in favor. Mrs. Wilson made a motion for approval, effective June 1, 2011, that the Campuses of Texas Woman’s University located in Denton, Dallas, and Houston shall be designated “Smoke-Free” except in designated outdoor smoking areas on the Denton and Dallas Campuses, and that the Chancellor and President is authorized to develop specific policies and designated smoking areas to implement the “University Smoking Policy” (Exhibit 2131). The motion was seconded by Mr. Crumpacker and unanimously approved.
Mr. McCullough then called for consideration of the Institutional Development Committee items. Ms. Chriss made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schrader, for acceptance of the gifts to TWU (Exhibit 2132). All voted in favor.
Next, Mr. McCullough called for Academic Affairs Committee items. After motion by Dr. Moreno and second by Dr. Scanlon McGinity, the Board voted unanimously for approval of the revised University Mission Statement (2133). A motion was made by Mrs. Wilson for approval for the distance delivery of the Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy degree (Exhibit 2134), which was seconded by Mrs. Bancroft, and all voted in favor.
Mr. McCullough called for consideration of Student Life Committee items. Mr. Schrader made a motion for approval of an increase in Board Rates as set out in the corresponding Exhibit 2135, effective Fall 2011, which motion was seconded by Mrs. Bancroft and unanimously approved.
Mr. McCullough called upon outgoing Student Regent Sarah Adams to give a report regarding her role as student regent since this is her last Board meeting. Ms. Adams made the following comments:
“I want to begin by saying how very grateful I am for the opportunity to serve as the TWU Student Regent this past year. This experience has taught me invaluable lessons that I will carry with me throughout my professional career. I want to thank Dr. Stuart and her staff, each Regent, Dr. Nicholas, and all the administrators for being so welcoming, kind, and helpful as you all took the time to guide me through all the decisions and issues that were faced throughout the past year. As this is my last meeting and opportunity to present to you as the Student Regent, I wanted to leave you with some final words. I have tried my best to listen to the voices of the students, and I believe that this brief list will address most directly their views of this past year and the future of TWU.
Over the past decade, this university has grown exponentially which is exciting not only for the administration but for the students as well. This past year, the students have been excited to see the opening of not one, but two new buildings that will offer to each of them a new facility with state-of-the-art technology in classrooms and labs that will serve to further the already high quality of education here at TWU. Added to that excitement is anticipation of the opening of the third facility, the new fitness and recreation center which will greatly benefit the students. With the advantages of a growing university must also come the additional struggles, and for students the joy of increasing enrollment also creates some concerns. The issues of parking availability, affordable housing at or around the campus, increasing class sizes, timely access to offices such as financial aid and student records, and access to faculty members are all of the current concerns of the student body. Texas Woman’s University has long been known for their excellent quality of education through their small class sizes, caring faculty members, supportive advising, and helpful student services. As current students and future alumni of this wonderful university it is our hope that all these coveted characteristics of TWU remain the same for future students since they are what make this university so unique and beloved by all who choose to earn degrees here and those who choose to teach and work here. We are confident that these views of the students of TWU will remain in your mind as future decisions are made.
I want to end by thanking everyone in this room for your dedication and commitment to the students of this university and for the wonderful experience that you have given me this past year.”
Mr. Schrader stated that Ms. Adams’ report had been received and accepted and, on behalf of the Board, thanked Ms. Adams for her service as a member of the Board, commenting that they had an admiration for her participation in Board discussions and enjoyed hearing her perspective as a student.
In the report from the Chancellor and President, Dr. Stuart thanked the Regents for the Dedication plaque. She stated that the grand opening of the TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute Health Sciences – Dallas Campus was a marvelous moment for TWU and expressed appreciation to everyone for a wonderful meeting. Dr. Stuart commended Mr. Crumpacker for his visionary approach that allowed the Board to become more distinguished and encouraged everyone to change the aspirations of TWU. She added that Mr. Crumpacker challenged us publicly and privately for the good of the University and acknowledged that the University is better because of his vision. Dr. Stuart then presented Mr. Crumpacker and Ms. Adams with a gift for each in appreciation for their service as members of the Board of Regents. In conclusion, she said that she looks forward to the Spring Board meeting and told the Regents that more information regarding the budget would be available then.
As he brought the meeting to a close, Mr. McCullough thanked everyone for attending today’s meeting. He said that the kind words in the Resolution presented to Mr. Crumpacker will be entered into the minutes as set out in the corresponding Exhibit 2136.
There being no other business, the meeting concluded.
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