2012

Minutes of the Meeting of November 16, 2012

The November 16, 2012 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. Adriana Blanco, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, Dr. Cecilia Moreno, Dr. Melissa Tonn, and Mrs. Mary Wilson, constituting a quorum.

There was no executive session.

Next, the Board considered approval of the minutes of the joint meeting of the Finance & Audit Committee and Board of August 10, 2012 and the Board meeting of August 17, 2012. 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.

Mr. McCullough then called for the Finance and Audit Committee items. Mrs. Gibson made a motion for approval of the personnel report (Exhibit 2194), the acceptance of grants (Exhibit 2195), and the contracts and agreements (Exhibit 2196). The motion was seconded by Dr. Moreno and all voted in favor. Mr. McCullough noted that Item V.B. of the Agenda had been withdrawn.

Mr. McCullough called for consideration of the Institutional Development Committee items. Mrs. Bancroft made a motion, seconded by Dr. Moreno, for acceptance of the gifts to TWU (Exhibit 2197). All voted in favor.

Mr. McCullough called for consideration of Student Life Committee items. After motion by  Mrs. Bancroft and second by Dr. Moreno, the Board voted unanimously for approval to authorize an increase in the FY 2013 budget limit for Food Services to the income amount for the fiscal year, resulting in an increase of $162,950, this change would be effective immediately (Exhibit 2198). Mr. McCullough stated that Items VII.B. and VII.C. had been removed from the Agenda and conserved for a later date.

In the report from the Chancellor and President, Dr. Ann Stuart began by asking Dr. Bob Neely, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, to distribute a handout entitled, A New Model Partnership Between TWU and UNT.  She indicated that she and University of North Texas System’s Chancellor Lee Jackson, had a meeting to look at an opportunity to jointly develop an inter-institutional collaboration between the two universities to enhance the reputations and directions of both institutions by sharing and expanding the ways that faculty and staff provide better academic and student services through coordinated resource allocation. Dr. Stuart noted that Chancellor Jackson is also presenting the proposed partnership today at their Board meeting. She assured the Regents that this was not some kind of merger, but rather a realistic solution to shrinking state funds and a chance for faculty and students from both universities to have a richer opportunity.  Provost Neely added that, coming from the northeast where multiple universities participate in inter-institutional collaborations, it seemed logical that two universities in the same town would consider the idea of exploring this type of partnership to develop goals and metrics of performance to measure the success in creating opportunities that are valued and utilized. A good example, he said, is the Federation. It allows access for TWU, UNT, and Texas A&M University – Commerce for certain classes at each of the institutions. Dr. Neely stated that the first step was to begin talking about how to move forward with this idea. Since faculty are instrumental in this process, he noted that the Faculty Senate Executive Committees from both institutions will be getting together to discuss ideas. Dr. Neely informed the Board that the process is in the “serious conversation” stage, but that all it is at this point is communication of intent. Dr. Stuart stated that it is an exciting idea, that she is looking forward to the development of this idea that will certainly be a win-win situation for both universities and the state, and that Board will be kept updated.

In closing, Dr. Stuart thanked each of the Regents for their support in the way she and the administrators manage the University and how they look for opportunities to better the University. She stated that it cannot happen without the Board’s encouragement, adding that TWU is blessed with Regents, present and prior, who always look for the best interest of the University. Dr. Stuart noted that three new Regents should be appointed in February, but that the Governor has not given any indication of the new appointees.

As he brought the meeting to a close, Mr. McCullough thanked Dr. Stuart for all that she has done for the University.

There being no other business, the meeting concluded.

Minutes of the Meeting of August 17, 2012

The August 17, 2012 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. Adriana Blanco, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, Dr. Ann Scanlon McGinity, Dr. Cecilia Moreno, and Mrs. Mary Wilson, constituting a quorum.

There was no executive session.

Next, Mr. McCullough called upon Chief John Erwin, Director of Public Safety, who introduced Lieutenant Elizabeth Pauley as the new “Chief.” He stated that, upon his retirement at the end of the month, Lt. Pauley will step into this position, adding that she is highly qualified, having served TWU in several positions within the Department for 13 years, and that this will be a positive change for the University.

Mr. McCullough announced that the Board would have lunch at this time. Lunch was provided to the Board of Regents at the University House at 610 East University Drive, Denton, Texas, which was followed by tours of the University House and the Gertrude Gibson Guest House at 1819 Bell Avenue, Denton, Texas. The Board, having returned to the Board Room in ACT, next considered approval of the minutes of the Board workshop and meeting of June 1, 2012. Upon motion by Dr. Moreno 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.

Mr. McCullough then called for the Finance and Audit Committee items. Mrs. Bancroft made a motion for approval of the personnel report (Exhibit 2184), the acceptance of grants (Exhibit 2185), and the contracts and agreements (Exhibit 2186). The motion was seconded by Dr. Scanlon McGinity and all voted in favor. A motion was made by Mrs. Gibson for approval of the FY 2013 Budget as presented to the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Regents on Friday, August 10, 2012, which was seconded by Mrs. Wilson and unanimously approved (Exhibit 2187). A motion was made by Mrs. Bancroft, seconded by Dr. Scanlon McGinity, and all voted in favor, for approval to distribute an amount equal to four (4) percent of the University Endowment Corpus, which is approximately $424,000 to the TWU Endowment Distribution Accounts, this money to come from investment earnings and/or from Board Designated Tuition. After motion by Mrs. Gibson and second by Dr. Scanlon McGinity, the Board voted unanimously for approval of the TWU Investment Policy (Exhibit 2188). Mrs. Bancroft made a motion for approval of the TWU Endowment Investment and Distribution Policy, which motion was seconded by Dr. Scanlon McGinity and unanimously approved (Exhibit 2189). Mrs. Wilson made a motion for approval for the Vice President for Finance and Administration to enter into a contract with BBVA Compass to serve as the University’s depository bank for a period of three (3) years with two (2) one (1)-year extensions. The motion was seconded by Dr. Scanlon McGinity and all voted in favor. Mrs. Bancroft made a motion for approval of the FY 2013 Annual Audit Plan of the Office of Internal Audits (Exhibit 2190). The motion was seconded by Dr. Moreno and unanimously approved.

Mr. McCullough called for consideration of the Institutional Development Committee items. Mrs. Gibson made a motion, seconded by Dr. Scanlon McGinity, for acceptance of the gifts to TWU (Exhibit 2191). All voted in favor.

Mr. McCullough next called for consideration of Academic Affairs Committee items. After motion by Dr. Scanlon McGinity and second by Mrs. Wilson, the Board voted unanimously for approval to eliminate the Course Fee and Distance Education Fee and to implement the Program Fee and Instructional Enhancement Fee at the rates shown in Exhibit 2192, to be effective Spring 2013. Next, Dr. Moreno made a motion to authorize the Provost to delegate signatory authority for adjunct faculty appointment letters to the deans. The motion was seconded by Dr. Scanlon McGinity and all voted in favor.

Mr. McCullough called for consideration of Student Life Committee items. After motion by Dr. Scanlon McGinity and second by Mrs. Gibson, the Board voted unanimously for approval to seek permission from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to charge nonresident tuition of $198 per semester credit hour for undergraduate students residing in Oklahoma, this being in the best interest of Texas Woman's University and not causing unreasonable harm to any other institution, and if the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board permission is granted the tuition rate would be effective Fall 2012 (Exhibit 2193).

In the report from the Chancellor and President, Dr. Ann Stuart began with the Alumni Relations Report, stating that a very collegial process was undertaken in assimilating the Former Students Association (FSA) and the Alumni Relations Office in an effort to become more aligned with the University. She said that considerations were taken into account to make FSA a chartered group, an independent group, or another way. Dr. Stuart then recognized Dr. Patricia Edwards as this year’s President of FSA and her guest, Ms. Mickey Faust, Membership Chair of FSA. She noted that, to her relief and joy, FSA agreed to become a charter group of the University, becoming a partnership; that this year is going to be a year of transition; and that this effort is part of the University Alumni Relations Strategic Plan. She then called upon Dr. Edwards, who addressed the Board and stated that the FSA Task Force on Reorganization was a committed group that met several times during the Summer and spent approximately 400 hours gathering and reviewing information and analyzing data as they made a sound recommendation to the FSA Board. Dr. Edwards stated that she was happy to inform the Regents that the FSA Board voted to become a Charter group and thanked the Board for the opportunity to present today. Dr. Stuart thanked Dr. Edwards for her report.

Dr. Stuart then reminded the Regents how Dr. Keith McFarland, former president of Texas A&M University – Commerce, “moaned and groaned” when TWU begged him to come out of retirement to serve as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She added that, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education, Dr. McFarland will now serve as interim president of Texas A&M University at Texarkana.

Next, Dr. Stuart thanked Facilities Management for the beautiful work in the renovation of the Board Room. She informed the Regents that the art around the room continues to be that of current students, faculty, or alumni, adding that plaques accompany each of the art pieces. Dr. Stuart also acknowledged the Library for the displays in the room, which are rich with history, both about the University and globally, making students and faculty aware of globalization and also being fun.

Dr. Stuart showed the Regents and commented on a TWU brochure entitled, education that WORKS, that featured Student Regent Blanco on the cover.

Dr. Stuart then informed the Board that retired Air Force Major General Mary Saunders, Executive Director of the TWU Leadership Institute, will be inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame. Mary, she said, is one of five women named as the 2012 inductees by the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women. Dr. Stuart stated that there is a wonderful editorial in the Denton Record Chronicle, which is a lovely tribute not only to Mary’s service but also as a role model for us all. She invited the Regents to attend the ceremony, which is hosted by TWU, and added that the Governor’s Commission for Women chose TWU as the permanent exhibit for the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame.

Best of all, Dr. Stuart announced that she and Dr. Richard Nicholas, Vice President for Student Life, have been working with The Terry Foundation, a Houston-based organization, in an effort to obtain a partnership. As of this morning, during a meeting with representatives of the Foundation, she said that they voted unanimously to accept TWU as a recipient for scholarship monies to benefit 16 students beginning the Fall 2013. Dr. Stuart then read the letter from the Foundation and called upon Dr. Nicholas to elaborate. Dr. Nicholas said that The Terry Foundation has had partnerships with several other Texas universities, beginning with such universities as The University of Texas and Texas A& M University, for many years and has made many gifts to universities. Its mission now, he noted, is to help students by providing scholarship to assist outstanding Texas high school graduates to obtain an undergraduate degree by providing four-year scholarships and to expand its partnerships, adding that TWU will join eight other universities to form partnerships with the Foundation. Dr. Nicholas said that 33 students from TWU were nominees for these full-ride scholarships and that 16 were selected. He commented that a living learning community, such as NET (Neighbors Educated Together), may be provided in the residence halls, noting that a housing committee has been discussing this possibility since by senior year approximately 64 Terry Foundation scholarship recipients will be on campus. Dr. Nicholas stated that The Terry Foundation Program is not just providing scholarship money, but also money to establish a plan to select nominees, including an interview process. He informed the Regents that Mr. Gary Ray, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services, is inviting top-notch students early by adding an evening event to let students know about this program. Dr. Stuart said that this partnership is another milestone for TWU and that it further marks the reputation of the University.

As he brought the meeting to a close, Mr. McCullough thanked everyone for the wonderful presentations during today’s meeting, thanked the Regents for their attendance, and stated that the next meeting will be in November.

There being no other business, the meeting concluded.

Minutes of the Meeting of June 1, 2012

The June 1, 2012 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. Adriana Blanco, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, Dr. Cecilia Moreno, Mr. George Schrader, Dr. Melissa Tonn, 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, and emeritus status and extension of contract of Chancellor and President, 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 February 17, 2012.  Upon motion by Mr. Schrader and second by Mrs. Bancroft, these minutes were unanimously approved.

A motion was made by Mrs. Bancroft to extend the contract of the TWU Chancellor and President for a period of three years from June 1, 2012, it being in the best interest of the University, which was seconded by Mrs. Gibson and approved unanimously.

Mr. McCullough noted that no registrations of public testimony items were received for this Board meeting.

Mr. McCullough then called for the Finance and Audit Committee items.  Mrs. Wilson made a motion for approval of the personnel report (Exhibit 2175), the acceptance of grants (Exhibit 2176), and the contracts and agreements (Exhibit 2177).  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Gibson and all voted in favor.  A motion was made by Mrs. Bancroft for approval of a resolution amending authorized representatives to transact business with TexPool/TexPool Prime, a public funds investment pool, to include Brenda Floyd, Vice President for Finance and Administration; Kelly McCullar, Associate Vice President for Finance and Treasury; Pam Wilson, Associate Vice President for Finance and Budget; and Candace Eddington, Accounting Manager, which was seconded by Mrs. Wilson and unanimously approved (Exhibit 2178).   Mrs. Bancroft made a motion for approval of facilities projects to be funded from Fund Balance monies as listed in Exhibit 2179.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Gibson and all voted in favor.

Mr. McCullough called for consideration of the Institutional Development Committee items.  Mrs. Gibson made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bancroft, for acceptance of the gifts to TWU  (Exhibit 2180).  All voted in favor.

Mr. McCullough called for consideration of Academic Affairs Committee items.  After motion by Dr. Moreno and second by Mrs. Wilson, the Board voted unanimously for approval of the  faculty development leaves recommended by the Chancellor (Exhibit 2181).  Next, Dr. Moreno made a motion for approval of the proposal for the College of Nursing Center for Global Nursing Scholarship (Exhibit 2182).  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bancroft and all voted in favor.  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 that were recommended by the Chancellor.  After Mr. Schrader’s request to amend this Agenda item, Dr. Moreno did so and made a motion for approval of faculty for promotion and/or tenure and retiring faculty for emeritus status as listed in the report in Exhibit 2183, the University having followed the required process and having met and completed the required standards, and as being recommended by the Provost and Chancellor.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bancroft and unanimously approved.

A motion was made by Mrs. Wilson to eliminate the Information Services Committee of the Board of Regents due to the reorganization of the University, which was seconded by Dr. Moreno, and all voted in favor.

Mr. McCullough called for consideration of Student Life Committee items.  After motion by  Dr. Moreno and second by Mrs. Gibson, the Board voted unanimously for approval of an expenditure of up to $300,000 from the Pledged Auxiliary Fund Balance for the purchase of furniture for overflow housing.

In the report from the Chancellor and President, Dr. Ann Stuart thanked the Regents for participating in today’s meeting and assured the Board that staff is getting ready for efficiency in conducting future Board meetings as discussed earlier today.  She showed the Regents and commented on a brochure from the Texas Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. that featured a very nice paragraph naming Virginia and Roland Dykes as recipients of the Texas Certificate of Appreciation Award, adding that they are also nominees for the national award.

As he brought the meeting to a close, Mr. McCullough thanked everyone for a very productive and effective meeting.

There being no other business, the meeting concluded.

Minutes of the Meeting of February 17, 2012

The February 17, 2012 meeting of the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents was called to order at the appointed time and place by Mrs. Sue Bancroft, Board Vice Chair and Assistant Presiding Officer. Present were Mrs. Bancroft, Mrs. Debbie Gibson, Dr. Cecilia Moreno, Mr. George Schrader, Dr. Melissa Tonn, Ms. Christina Wagoner, and Mrs. Mary Wilson, constituting a quorum.

Mrs. Bancroft 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 Vice 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 November 4, 2011.  Upon motion by Dr. Moreno and second by Mrs. Wilson, these minutes were unanimously approved.

Mrs. Bancroft noted that no registrations of public testimony items were received for this Board meeting.

Mrs. Bancroft called for consideration of Academic Affairs Committee items.  After motion by Dr. Moreno and second by Mrs. Wilson, the Board voted unanimously for approval of the revised Faculty Workload Policy (Exhibit 2164).  Next, Dr. Moreno made a motion for approval to amend the Mission Statement of Texas Woman's University by adding “graduate” immediately after the word “undergraduate” in the existing Statement.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Wilson and all voted in favor.  A motion was made by Mrs. Gibson for approval of the SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) Quality Enhancement Plan Recommendation (Exhibit 2165), which was seconded by Dr. Moreno and unanimously approved.

Mrs. Bancroft then called for the Finance and Audit Committee items.  Mrs. Gibson made a motion for approval of the personnel report (Exhibit 2166), the acceptance of grants (Exhibit 2167), and the contracts and agreements (Exhibit 2168).  The motion was seconded by Mr. Schrader and all voted in favor.  A motion was made by Mrs. Wilson for approval to increase Board Designated Tuition by $3.84 per semester credit hour from $118 per semester credit hour to $121.84 per semester hour, effective Fall 2012, which was seconded by Dr. Tonn and unanimously approved.  Mrs. Wilson made a motion for approval for the Vice President for Finance and Administration to have authority to enter into a contract with Cedar Crestone to upgrade the Oracle Financial System Software to Version R12, the cost not to exceed $993,483, and to fund this upgrade and the cost to hire a TWU project manager at $104,000 from Designated Tuition Fund Balance (Exhibit 2169).  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Gibson and all voted in favor.

Mrs. Bancroft 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 2170).  All voted in favor.

Mrs. Bancroft called for consideration of Student Life Committee items.  A motion was made by Dr. Moreno for approval of an expenditure of up to $47,000 from the Medical Services Fee Fund Balance to fund an integrated solution for electronic health compliance, which was seconded by Mr. Schrader, and all voted in favor.  Mrs. Gibson made a motion for approval of a name change from the Graduation Application Fee to the Graduation Fee.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Schrader and unanimously approved.  A motion was made by Dr. Moreno, seconded by Mr. Schrader, and all voted in favor, for approval of an increase in the Graduation Fee to $40, effective Fall 2012 (Exhibit 2171).  After motion by Mrs. Gibson and second by  Mr. Schrader, the Board voted unanimously for approval for the TWU Scholarship Committee to act on behalf of the governing body for awards from the Thayer Scholarship Fund (Exhibit 2172).  A motion was made by Mr. Schrader and seconded by Mrs. Gibson, and all voted in favor, for approval of an increase in the Housing Room Rates as set out in the corresponding Exhibit 2173, effective Fall 2012.  Mr. Schrader made a motion for approval of an increase in the Meal Plan Rates as set out in the corresponding Exhibit 2174, effective Fall 2012, which motion was seconded by Mrs. Gibson and unanimously approved.

In the report from the Chancellor and President, Dr. Ann Stuart provided the Board with information on the Chancellor’s Advisory Council and on TWU strategic marketing.

In conclusion, a Regents workshop was held at which Dr. Brenda Floyd, Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Mr. Robert Placido, Associate Vice President for Information Technology Services, presented a summary, including graphs, of the recent Blending Technology Boundaries Forum, focusing on the applicability for TWU.

As she brought the meeting to a close, Mrs. Bancroft thanked everyone for attending and participating in today’s meeting.

There being no other business, the meeting concluded.