Morning Session:
Attending:
Mr. Jay S. Poole, Rector
Mr. Stephan Q. Cassaday, Vice Rector
Mr. Frank Armstrong, III
Mrs. Mary Ann Hovis
Mr. R. Scott LaRose
Mrs. Barbara D. Turk
Dr. Douglas Covington, President
Ms. Cary McTeer, Executive Assistant to the President
Mr. David Burdette, Vice President for Business Affairs
Dr. Norleen Pomerantz, Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Warren Self, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Rick Slavings, Vice President for Planning and Research
Mr. Charlie Wood, Vice President for University Advancement
Ms. Debbie Brown
Welcoming remarks were given by Rector Jay Poole and Mrs. Barbara Turk, Chair of the Board Retreat Committee.
Opening remarks were given by Dr. Douglas Covington beginning with a review of the Retreat Agenda and materials to be discussed during the Retreat. He stated that restructuring at RU is an ongoing process aimed at adapting our programs and services to our financial resources and constraints. We must continue to work to move our Strategic Plan and Primary Objectives forward. The RU Mission has not changed considerably over the years – we are still a student-focused university.
In discussion of the RU Strategic Goals, Dr. Covington indicated that the current eight Strategic Goals are very similar to the original goals listed in the 1996 Strategic Plan. He indicated that the current goals put an emphasis on teaching and learning. There was discussion of the significance of the numbering and order of these goals. Revision of the RU Strategic Plan follows the guidelines established by the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV). The role of the internal governance system in the revision process for the Goals and the Strategic Plan was explained. The University community is involved in this process with the University Planning and Budget Committee identified as the point of intersection of all University constituent groups.
The RU Annual Goals 2002-2003 and the Primary Objectives 2002-2008 were presented in the Retreat Materials. Dr. Covington stated that the Annual Goals are actually performance objective for the year and that the Primary Objectives are a summary of the Strategic Plan. Discussion of the Primary Objectives occurred throughout the Retreat with each Vice President providing pertinent information on the Objectives for with they are responsible.
Norleen Pomerantz and Rick Slavings presented information regarding enrollment projections and institutional effectiveness ( graduation, retention, and job placement rates, etc.). They indicated that RU is admitting higher quality students each year and that we are serving our continuing students well. On-line registration was used for the first time this fall and was very effective. Student Affairs and Academic Affairs are working hard to protect programs that promote retention and progress to graduation including FIRST, SORTS, Quest and UNIV 100. It was explained that these activities are supported by a one-time student matriculation fee of $150 per student. Growth at RU needs to be carefully controlled in the immediate future, gauging that growth on the amount of State funding. Growth should not take place at the expense of quality.
David Burdette provided information on the University’s Resource Conservation Plan. He stated that RU was under-funded to begin with - we are dealing with a cumulative problem. A single increase in tuition cannot make up the difference. There is no prospect of additional money coming into RU in the near future. Effort and capacity need to be brought into balance. RU has the ability to grow (residence halls, class rooms, etc.) Should we market this to the Legislature? Other state schools don’t have the space or land to grow. RU could accept more students if the Legislature would provide adequate money to allow RU operate effectively. Details of the proposed budget reduction strategies, including the Workforce Transition Option, campus-wide furloughs and layoffs were also presented.
Afternoon Session:
Present:
All persons attending the morning session and Anthony Moore and Alison Landry
Mr. Burdette led a discussion regarding the proposed budget increases, including the various approaches used to determine the actual dollar amount. It was pointed out that students’ main concern in this matter is being able to get the classes they need, not the amount of the increase. Even with the proposed $250 increase, RU’s tuition will still be lower than it was in 1998 – still among the lowest in the state. The administration will develop a plan to implement future tuition increases. Mr. Burdette then presented an overview of the capital projects that will take place in the immediate future. Possible uses of the St Albans property were discussed.
On the topic of Institutional Governance, Board member and President of the RU Alumni Association, Mary Ann Hovis, presented the current work of the Alumni Association with its AAA Recruitment Committee. The most recent version of the BOV By-Laws was distributed, noting one change on page 9, line 17 regarding reduction of term of membership for an ex-officio member of the Board.
Warren Self addressed the issue of restructuring at RU. He stated that the intent of restructuring at RU is to strengthen our academic programs and to identify those programs that are our historic strengths and make them the best possible. In this process some programs may be eliminated or constrained. RU is working with VT to identify areas where we might “exchange” students and classes - an example cited was certain foreign languages that don’t attract large numbers of students. RU’s resources will go to the programs we can best deliver. We hope to attach a positive result to these efforts. An ad hoc task force is being created to deal with the restructuring process. This task force will be composed of representatives from various campus constituent groups and is expected to complete its work by April 2004.
Dr. Self presented an overview of the programs and current locations of the Centers of Excellence. He pointed out that these Centers were not created, they are emerging from our areas of strength. An example cited was the Center for Economic Development that is emerging from the creation of the Business Technology Park.
Charlie Wood reported that the Capital Campaign is well under way, Chairs have been named and the marketing plan is in progress. In spite of a poor economy, he stated that alumni giving is up this year. Following his remarks, the open session of the Retreat concluded and the Board members proceeded with the President’s Annual Evaluation. ______________________________
Doris M. Bratton, Secretary
Radford University Board of Visitors
