Meeting Minutes - September 1999
Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Regents of the University System of
Georgia
Held At 270 Washington St., S.W., Atlanta, Georgia
September 7 and 8, 1999
CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia met on Tuesday, September 7 and Wednesday, September 8, 1999 in the Board Room, room 7007, 270 Washington St., S.W., seventh floor. The Chair of the Board, Regent Kenneth W. Cannestra, called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7. Present on Tuesday, in addition to Chair Cannestra, were Regents Connie Cater, Joe Frank Harris, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., George M. D. (John) Hunt III, Edgar L. Jenkins, Charles H. Jones, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Elridge W. McMillan, Martin W. NeSmith, Joel O. Wooten, Glenn S. White, and James D. Yancey.
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The attendance report was read on Tuesday, September 7, 1999 by Secretary Gail S. Weber, who announced that Vice Chair J. Tom Coleman, Jr. and Regents Thomas F. Allgood, Sr. and Juanita P. Baranco had asked for and been given permission to be absent on that day. Chair Cannestra noted that Vice Chair Coleman's wife had passed away. Regents Howell, Leebern, NeSmith, and White attended the funeral, as well as Chancellor Portch, Senior Vice Chancellor for Capital Resources Lindsay Desrochers, Senior Vice Chancellor for Human and External Resources Arthur N. Dunning, Secretary to the Board Gail S. Weber, and Vice Chancellor for Facilities William K. Chatham.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion properly made and duly seconded, the minutes of the Board of Regents meeting held on August 10 and 11, 1999 were unanimously approved as distributed.
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COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS, "COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE"
Chair Cannestra next convened the meeting of the Committee on Finance and Business Operations as a Committee of the Whole. He explained that at this meeting, the Board would review and approve the fiscal year 2001 budget. He then turned the chairmanship of the meeting over to Regent White.
Chair White noted how the approval of the budget signals that fall is right around the corner. At this meeting, the Board would be hearing a presentation by the Chancellor and his staff. Chair White asked that the Regents hold their questions and comments until the end of the presentation.
Regent Cannestra noted that there were extra copies of the budget available for the Regents in case they had not brought their own.
Chair White stated that the budget is the culmination of a great deal of hard work. The process begins with the presidents of the institutions who work with Senior Vice Chancellor for Capital Resources Lindsay Desrochers and her staff. Chair White recognized Associate Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs William R. Bowes and Budget Director Shelley Nickel, who had worked very hard to create the budget. They began their work in May, because it is not an easy task to have the budget completed by September. At this meeting, the Board would be reviewing the budget that will be sent to the Governor for him to review and hopefully present to the legislature in January 2000. Chair White remarked that he worked very closely with Dr. Desrochers and the Chancellor in the creation of the budget and he felt that it was well done and represents the Chancellor's best judgements about important budget themes and strategies as they relate to the overall strategic plan of the Board. He was satisfied that the recommendations that would be presented at this meeting were thoroughly researched and analyzed. With that, he turned the meeting over to Chancellor Portch.
Chancellor Portch explained that there would be several people involved in this budget presentation to the Board, including Dr. Desrochers; Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs James L. Muyskens; Presidents Lisa A. Rossbacher (Southern Polytechnic State University ["SPSU"]), Carlton E. Brown (Savannah State University ["SSU"]), and Peter J. Sireno (Darton College ["Darton"]); Dr. Karen Holbrook, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost (the University of Georgia ["UGA"]); Dr. Matthew K. Kluger, Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies (the Medical College of Georgia ["MCG"]); and Student Advisory Council ("SAC") President John M. Fuchko III. The various people involved in this presentation were indicative of the team approach the staff used in creating the budget.
For the benefit of the new Regents in particular, the Chancellor wanted to explain the budget cycle. At this meeting, the Board is to review and approve the fiscal year 2001 budget request to be forwarded to the Governor's Office. In January 2000, the Governor will recommend the budget request to the General Assembly. The Chancellor noted that during the process with the legislature, there is a great deal of give and take in the form of appropriations committees hearings and subhearings. In January and February, the System budget staff will have discussions with the System institutions. In March, the legislature will approve the fiscal year 2001 State budget. In April, the Board will approve the fiscal year 2001 budget allocations of State appropriations to the institutions. Finally, in June 2000, the System's fiscal year 2001 budget recommendations will be approved by the Board. Between June and September, the budget staff will again develop the next fiscal year's budget.
The membership of the Presidential Advisory Committee is rotated every year to get the best representation of the System, explained Chancellor Portch. This year's Committee includes Presidents Hugh C. Bailey, Valdosta State University ("VSU"); Clifford M. Brock, Bainbridge College; Carl V. Patton, Georgia State University; Oscar L. Prater, Fort Valley State University ("FVSU"); Lisa A. Rossbacher, SPSU; and Peter J. Sireno, Darton. The staff rely on the presidents to help them forge both the budget entities and strategies. After the staff has met with the Presidential Advisory Committee, they meet with all of the presidents, usually sometime in July, and have discussions, agreeing to speak with one voice for the System's budget.
Chancellor Portch remarked that the budget process is a lot like white water rafting, because just as the Board finishes in June 2000 with the budget it is working on at this meeting, the following week, a new group of presidents will be named to serve on the next Presidential Advisory Committee. So, it truly is a continuous annual cycle, but this is the first, most important formal step in the process. The major themes and issues in this budget include maintaining the momentum, enhancing the System's regional and national competitive position, exploring the educational use of technology, cultivating the System's role in economic development, and attracting and serving under-represented populations. The action that the staff were requesting that the Board take after this presentation was Item 1 on the agenda of the Committee on Finance and Business Operations (page 17). It is the approval of the fiscal year 2001 operating budget and capital budget requests and the fiscal year 2000 supplemental budget request. The Chancellor explained that the Governor and State officers are typically conservative with revenue projections each budget year in case there is an economic downturn. So, the first thing that will happen in the session will be an analysis of how much money is available, how much the estimate was under last year, and how much is available for the supplemental budget. The supplemental budget contains one-time expenditures that must be expended in this fiscal year. In a downturned economy, the State would not have a supplemental budget but, at the same time, might be able to negate how much negative impact there would be from a downturned economy. So, this is a wise strategy from the State's point of view and that is why there is a supplemental budget request as well. Next, the Chancellor called upon Dr. Desrochers to discuss the specifics of the budget.
Dr. Desrochers thanked Chancellor Portch. She also thanked Chair White for his time in reviewing the budget and asking complex questions. She then thanked Regent Cannestra, whose leadership of the Board will be greatly cherished just as his leadership of the Committee on Finance and Business Operations was cherished for many years. Dr. Desrochers also recognized Mr. Bowes and Ms. Nickel, who put the budget together for the Board. She thanked Ms. Sherea Timmons, Senior Administrative Coordinator, who had put together the budget PowerPoint presentation for the Board. Finally, Dr. Desrochers thanked the presidents of the institutions, who had worked as a team in the budget process.
In her presentation, Dr. Desrochers would be discussing formula funding, the redirection strategy, the enhancement strategy, the fiscal year 2000 supplemental budget request, the capital outlay budget, the major capital projects, the minor capital projects, and payback projects. She explained that the Regents' notebooks contained a detailed summary of the budget document. Every year, the System begins with a budget base in the amount of the previous year's budget, in this case, $1.4 billion. Governor Barnes, like Governor Miller before him, has established certain guidelines for budget creation. One guideline is that 5% of the base budget should be used for redirection within the System or possibly out of the System. The budget staff asked the institutions to examine all of their priorities and to identify 5% where they can redirect funds. She said that the System hopes to be able to preserve its full 5%, $70 million, within its budget.
Another element of the budget is formula adjustment, explained Dr. Desrochers. This year, there is a formula adjustment of approximately $16 million, which includes health insurance, other fringe benefits, major renovation and rehabilitation ("MRR") funds, new space funds, and a few other items. The health insurance item requires a $2.8 million increase, and in October, the Board will be seeing the items related to that increase in terms of health insurance for the System's employees. Also included in the formula adjustment is $5.8 million for fringe benefits, such as FICA and workers' compensation. The rates for these particular fringe benefits are set by the Department of Administrative Services, which gives the staff the data with which to create these figures. Within the $16 million is also an increase of $1.5 million for MRR. Dr. Desrochers explained that it has been a particular concern of this Board to see that amount grow and aid the institutions to repair the basic infrastructure and buildings they already have. Additionally, about 760,000 square feet of space have been added in the System in the last year. As a result, the System needs an additional $3.4 million based on the formula to perform the daily maintenance and upkeep of this space to prevent the long-term problems that result from lack of upkeep. Adding the $16 million adjustment to approximately $33 million in budget enhancements brings the total requested budget increase to approximately $49 million. The enhancements section of the budget would be further explained by Dr. Muyskens and a number of presidents and a vice president who were involved in the budget process. Dr. Desrochers noted that the Governor's second guideline, in addition to the 5% redirection, is that the System is permitted to ask for up to 4% of its base budget for enhancements, enrichment, strategic initiatives, etc. This year, the total enhancement request of $33 million is only 2.4% of the base budget. So, it is a modest request. The base budget of $1.4 billion plus the requested increase of $49 million brings the total fiscal year 2001 budget request to approximately $1.45 billion. Dr. Desrochers then turned the floor over to Dr. Muyskens.
Dr. Muyskens thanked Dr. Desrochers. He reminded the Regents that the theme of the budget is to continue the momentum as well as make good investments. This theme is most vividly illustrated by the items in the budget enhancements: technology (Global Learning Online for Business & Education ["GLOBE"], technology master planning, Connecting Students & Services, Georgia Library Learning Online ["GALILEO"], Electronic Crossroads, Connecting Teachers & Technology), the Georgia Eminent Scholars Program, investing in historically black universities, investing in UGA and MCG biomedical sciences, Intellectual Capital Partnership Program ["ICAPP"] rural economic development, South Georgia's regional engineering programs, and the Hispanic Task Force recommendations. Dr. Muyskens then called upon President Rossbacher to discuss technology.
President Rossbacher thanked Dr. Muyskens. She remarked that the Board of Regents' guiding principles address issues of quality in and access to the University System. The Board has also adopted technology principles as a vehicle to accomplish the Board's vision for the System. The principles are categorized to address expanding access, enhancing learning, enriching opportunities, and effective financing and innovative governance. These principles guide the System's fiscal year 2001 budget request in the area of technology. The budget proposals were developed through numerous conversations with System presidents and information technology staff both on the campuses and at the Central Office. President Rossbacher explained that the extent of the impact of the technology projects will range in scope from global, such as GLOBE, to the individual campuses as local networks are upgraded to become more effective and efficient. The entire technology plan for the next year begins with the technology master plan. It takes advantage of the economy of scale, coordination, and the collective wisdom of the University System in planning for the common technological future. It will not only provide a plan for the System, but it will also be linked to and coordinated with specific academic, fiscal, and physical plans on each campus. President Rossbacher asserted that the most important thing in technology today is bandwidth. She explained that a proper analogy to bandwidth is pipelines. A small cottage in the country probably only needs a very narrow diameter pipeline for water and sewage. However, a huge community with a very dense population needs a much larger diameter pipeline to meet the demand. Bandwidth is the electronic equivalent of that pipeline. As the System increases its use of technology, it needs to increase its capability. So, this is an important consideration for the System. The technology initiative for increased bandwidth is listed in the Regents' budget as the Campus Electronic Crossroads and Local Campus Network Upgrade. This capability is needed throughout the System to fully use available resources and to expand its capability to provide distance education. GALILEO is an ongoing effort to increase the availability of information through access rather than through ownership. The next phase for fiscal year 2001 is a digital collection of frequently used materials to provide a strong support for instruction throughout the System. Supporting GLOBE provides direct savings to students as the University System increases access online for full-fledged degree programs. An aspect of GLOBE that is needed for its full success will be providing student services online. The full range of support for students online will mean that they have access to everything they need on campus without having to actually come to the campus. Another piece of the technology master plan is instructional technology development for faculty and staff. This will be an important contribution to the quality of students' educational experience whether it is happening on campus or at a distance. In closing, President Rossbacher reiterated that all of the initiatives address the technology principles that the Board approved in April 1999.
Dr. Muyskens added that the Board would be discussing the technology master plan the next day at the full Board meeting. He would now be discussing the Georgia Eminent Scholars Program, which was established by the General Assembly in 1986. The objective of the program is to provide funding for endowed chairs under the University System of Georgia Eminent Scholars Trust Fund. The program has experienced enormous success in bringing exceptional talent to the System, he stated. It matches private funds raised by the institutions with State funds, making it possible for the System to have endowed chairs. The total amount for any endowed chair must be $1 million. This time around, 15 institutions have raised the funds for their chairs. Dr. Muyskens referred to the full list of these chairs in the Regents' budget materials and remarked that it is very impressive. He further remarked that this is a remarkably effective investment and a great partnership between the System and the State, and he stressed the long-term effect the program will have on the various departments at the institutions. In closing, Dr. Muyskens introduced President Brown of SSU, who would be discussing investing in historically black institutions.
President Brown thanked Dr. Muyskens and explained that this budget enhancement item is a strategic investment in the three historically black institutions in the System to enable them to reposition themselves for the future and to provide a greater level of service and marketability within the State. The investment would take place in basically three categories: star academic programs, institutional infrastructure, and capacity building. Star academic programs are strategic efforts to enhance and develop academic programs within each of the institutions that will also lead them to higher levels of professional accreditation at both the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as some enhancements in science and engineering. In the category of institutional infrastructure, several issues are related to the upgrade of technology and upgrading institutions' capacity to utilize and advance their own technology needs for the improvement of student services. In capacity building, the effort is about broadening and diversifying markets and increasing the attractiveness of the institutions to a greater diversity of students. There is also some effort to enhance the capacity to secure external funding and to improve the level of student services as well as to address a number of the pipeline issues. Additionally, for FVSU, which is the only historically black land grant institution in the System, this initiative includes a $1.5 million match of the federal investment. All of this is benchmarked very heavily, and each aspect of this program is laid out with distinct goals and clear outcome measures. The institutions will use these efforts to diversify the student populations and to achieve the institutional enrollment targets. In closing, President Brown thanked the Regents.
Dr. Muyskens explained that the next item on the enhancements list is a partnership between UGA and MCG. Dr. Muyskens acknowledged that President Michael F. Adams of UGA and President Francis J. Tedesco of MCG were present at the meeting. He noted that this particular initiative came out of the efforts of the Blue Ribbon Commission of MCG. He then called upon President Tedesco to introduce someone to the Board.
President Tedesco introduced Dr. Kluger to the Regents and remarked that the UGA-MCG biomedical sciences initiative, which followed the Blue Ribbon Commission's recommendation on promoting inter-institutional research within the University System, will enhance existing research strengths by combining faculty in areas of mutual strength and interest, which could potentially result in higher federal and other non-federal funding opportunities in the future.
Dr. Muyskens thanked President Tedesco and then called on Dr. Holbrook to speak.
Dr. Holbrook remarked that health is one of the most important social concerns of the nation and the State. This is underscored by the level of federal funding for health-related research. Over the past several years, the National Institute of Health ("NIH") has increased its budget to nearly $16 billion. The percentage of that budget that comes to the State of Georgia, however, could possibly be increased by developing a partnership between these two strong research institutions to go forward in collaboration in biomedical research. The mission of the cooperative biomedical and health sciences initiative is that it will bring together basic scientists, social scientists, and clinicians from UGA and MCG to carry out research directed toward understanding, recognizing, treating, curing, and preventing human disease. The partnership will foster, nurture, and advance research, teaching, and service in areas related to the health and welfare of the citizens of the State and at national and international levels. The program will be very comprehensive beginning at the very basic level of biomolecular sciences where both institutions already have very strong programs and proceeding to an area where the institutions will develop a number of programs in public health and health policy. The initiative will work in both the biomedical arena and the public health arena, bringing in behavioral and social sciences in addition to core laboratory sciences. This initiative will be more than just a partnership between two institutions. It will be a Statewide network including other entities such as the State and federal governments and private industry. The program will be strengthened by taking advantage of these entities and collaborative projects. So, while the initiative will begin as a partnership, it will ultimately become a network. It will also ultimately have a technology transfer component and help in the economic development of the State. The kinds of mechanisms that have been or will be put in place for the institutions to work together are a interdisciplinary, inter institutional grants program; a dual mentorship graduate program; a postdoctoral program; joint lectureship symposia/workshops; teaching exchanges scholar-in-residence programs; an undergraduate research program; a technology transfer liaison; and strategic faculty recruitments. In closing, Dr. Holbrook stated that both institutions look forward to this partnership and to reaching out to others in a network environment.
President Sireno next approached the Board. He explained that he chaired the ICAPP subcommittee on rural economic development. The rural counties in Georgia do not enjoy the same economic opportunities as the metropolitan areas experience, and they lag in several economic indicators. For example, they have the largest number of single-parent households, they have the largest percentage of unemployment, and their per capita income is way below the State average. To address this problem, the subcommittee proposed five rural economic development programs that will complement the Rural Economic Development Commission's strategies, that will best utilize the University System's assets, and that will bring together the resources of Georgia's business, government, and academic sectors, as well as the communities and citizens while utilizing the most efficient and effective technology available. The first program is the Jumpstart Program, which the Board approved last year as a pilot program. The enhancement budget is requesting $336,000 for continuation of this program. The program provides laptop computers, software, and one year of training for the lead economic development agency within rural counties. Last year, 10 of 53 tier one counties were served by the program. This year, the other 43 counties will be served. The Georgia Institute of Technology as well as UGA teamed in this proposal. The second program is a companion program called E-Commerce/E-Business in Rural Georgia. It is a one-year project that will built E-commerce capabilities among Georgia's businesses, and it will build upon the partnerships that the System already has with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism, and the Department of Technical and Adult Education. President Sireno stated that this program will help provide a level playing field for the small businesses that compete with larger businesses. The third program is marketing for the Georgia Career Information System ("GCIS"), which was developed but has not been utilized to its full potential. The purpose of this enhancement request is to market GCIS to more businesses, educators, and citizens so they will be aware of the system and the job opportunities available through it. The fourth program is the ICAPP Rural Economic Development Program ("REDP") and its leadership initiative. This program will provide funding to support the REDP and to develop Southwest Georgia's leaders and utilize Atlanta's leadership institute model. The fifth and final program is the ICAPP Rural Economic Development Region Pilot Project, for which the request is $945,000. It is a pilot program designed to leverage the assets of the System to benefit rural economic development in one of Georgia's rural regions. That region will be selected based on a competitive process and will be selected on criteria that will determine how much collaboration is occurring, the partnerships that are being developed, and what proposal is the most effective and most efficient with regard to the results-oriented process within the proposal. President Sireno then stepped down.
Dr. Muyskens stated that the next item to be discussed was South Georgia's regional engineering initiative. He reminded the Regents that in June 1998, they charged the staff with creating this program, and so much has happened since then. Phase I has essentially been completed in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration. In the budget request, the initiative is being moved into phase II. In particular, this means renovating and providing computing equipment for labs at Georgia Southern University, SSU, and Armstrong Atlantic State University.
The last initiative in the enhancements that Dr. Muyskens wanted to discuss came from the "Report of the Hispanic Task Force" and its recommendations, which the Board adopted in August 1999. He noted that both President Rossbacher and Senior Vice Chancellor for Human and External Resources Arthur N. Dunning were present at the meeting and would be happy to answer any questions the Regents might have. The funds being requested in the budget enhancements are for preparing more teachers, social workers, and counselors with language skills and cultural understanding so that they can work with the growing population of Latino students in the State. Cultural and language training is also planned for University System personnel to enhance their ability to work in the Hispanic community. Finally, outreach activities will be funded, including a marketing program to encourage young Latinos to stay in high school and to consider post-secondary education. Dr. Muyskens then turned the floor over to Dr. Desrochers.
Dr. Desrochers explained that there were two final elements to the budget presentation: the supplemental budget and the capital budget. There are four basic components to the supplemental budget. The first component follows what Dr. Muyskens and President Rossbacher had said with respect to technology; those costs that are one-time costs that the System could request the State to fund in the current budget year are categorized under instructional technology in the supplemental budget request and are detailed in the Regents' budget document. The next item was a very important piece relating to the fiscal issues at the MCG hospital and clinics. It is a one-time request for $5 million to ensure that the hospital and clinics have adequate operating funds. The third component of the supplemental budget relates to UGA. There are a number of issues regarding environmental hazardous sites; two of them are on track for remediation. Within the supplemental budget request, $3.4 million is allotted to those sites at UGA. Dr. Desrochers asserted that this is a wise strategy to aggressively address this situation. The fourth and final component is equipment for six major capital projects. Last year, when the legislature and Governor funded the System's major capital projects, they chose to fund the construction but not the equipment. In the supplemental budget, the System is requesting approximately $13 million to equip those buildings, which will be built in the next year to 18 months.
Next, Dr. Desrochers discussed the capital budget request for fiscal year 2001. In June 1999, the Board heard presentations by the System presidents and voted on the major capital projects to be submitted to the State in this budget. They also voted on the payback projects to be submitted. The third item in the capital budget request is the minor capital projects list. Dr. Desrochers remarked that the minors list is a very important part of the overall capital budget, and there are great advantages to doing these projects, which range between $1 million and $5 million and include renovations and infrastructure issues. The minors list was detailed for the Regents in their budget document, but she highlighted a few projects as examples. For instance, Georgia College & State University has a need for a major central chiller plant replacement, a $3.9 million project. Also, in the acute category, VSU's Nevins Hall renovation project can add significant upgraded space for instruction at $4.5 million. Finally, the C list includes a number of projects, such as Atlanta Metropolitan College's performing arts and continuing education building construction and South Georgia College's ("SGC") classroom gymnasium facilities renovation. The latter project is related to the goal of the Board to help SGC create a better environment for students at that campus. Dr. Desrochers noted that the gymnasium dates to 1936. She then turned the floor back to the Chancellor.
Chancellor Portch remarked that the Board had heard from presidents and staff during the course of this presentation, but he had also invited Mr. Fuchko, Chair of SAC, to give a student's perspective on this budget request. Because it is fundamentally for the students that the Board makes the budget request, the Chancellor thought it was appropriate to hear from a student representative.
Mr. Fuchko thanked Chancellor Portch and greeted the Regents. He had looked over the budget document and wanted to emphasize the issue of technology. He stressed that this is something that students take advantage of all the time in computer labs and other places. He thanked the Regents on behalf of the students for the support they have given in this area. When the budget is presented to the legislature, the SAC is committed to helping support the Board, particularly because of its emphasis on technology.
The Chancellor remarked that he felt the students should have the last word in this presentation to the Board.
Chair White asked whether the Regents had any questions or comments.
Regent Leebern asked Dr. Holbrook and President Tedesco what they expect in leveraging the cooperative agreement they have.
President Tedesco responded that UGA does very well in the area of research, despite the competitive disadvantage that UGA does not have a medical school or an engineering school. Currently, the NIH is the biggest source of funding available. As a cooperative effort, MCG and UGA could see a significant increase in research funding. Even a small percentage increase would translate into a great increase in monies to Georgia, and that does not include the spin-off money that could be anticipated from that increased funding. This funding would be the basis for an economic spin-off in the start up companies and collaboration this initiative would create. This would have a tremendous effect on the State as well, he said, in terms of infrastructure for new jobs.
Dr. Holbrook added that a key word in all of this is inter-disciplinary. She noted that inter disciplinary projects often win funding from the NIH. That means that molecular biologists will be working with mathematicians, engineers, social biologists, and ethicists to solve problems together quickly in a collaborative effort. It is important for the System to put money into leveraging this kind of initiative by putting together these inter-disciplinary teams. While UGA has the basic scientists, social scientists, and mathematicians, it does not have the clinicians. The interdisciplinary approach is what this initiative is about.
Chancellor Portch noted that another exciting element of this initiative is that it involves undergraduates in this research. For UGA to have the opportunity for honors students to work in a lab with someone working on a cutting-edge medical research project is a tremendous opportunity that most undergraduates do not have and it gives them an advantage when they go on to graduate school. In that way, this is not just a research project, but also an undergraduate education experience as well.
Chair White asked if there were any further questions, and there were none. He commended the staff and the presidents for their hard work on the budget. He then asked for a motion to approve the fiscal year 2001 operating and capital budget request as well as the supplemental budget request.
Regent Leebern made the motion, and Regent Jones seconded it. Chair White then took a vote. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved the budget requests.
Seeing that there was no further business to come before the Committee, Chair White recessed the meeting of the Committee on Finance and Business Operations as a Committee of the Whole.
Chair Cannestra remarked that the meeting was very good and thanked everyone involved in the budget process. He then recessed the Board into its regular Committee meetings. After Committee meetings, the Board would be recessed until 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 8.
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CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia met again on Wednesday, September 8, 1999 in the Board Room, room 7007, 270 Washington St., S.W., seventh floor. The Chair of the Board, Regent Kenneth W. Cannestra, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Present on Wednesday, in addition to Chair Cannestra, were Regents Connie Cater, Joe Frank Harris, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., George M. D. (John) Hunt III, Edgar L. Jenkins, Charles H. Jones, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., Elridge W. McMillan, Martin W. NeSmith, Joel O. Wooten, Glenn S. White, and James D. Yancey.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given on Wednesday, September 8, 1999 by Regent Donald M. Leebern, Jr.
RESOLUTION
Next, Chair Cannestra asked that a resolution be added to the minutes to Vice Chairman J. Tom Coleman upon the death of his wife, Mary Coleman, on Wednesday, September 1, 1999. With motion properly made, duly seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved the addition of this resolution, which reads:
On behalf of the entire Board of Regents, Tom Coleman's second "family," I would like Regent Coleman to know that we grieve with him at this time and offer our heartfelt and sincere condolences to him and his family.
s/ _______________________________
KENNETH W. CANNESTRA
Chair, Board of Regent
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The attendance report was read on Wednesday, September 8, 1999 by Secretary Gail S. Weber, who announced that Vice Chair J. Tom Coleman, Jr. and Regents Thomas F. Allgood, Sr. and Juanita P. Baranco had asked for and been given permission to be absent on that day.
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INTRODUCTION OF NEW PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Chair Cannestra next called upon Chancellor Portch to introduce the new president of Georgia Southern University ("GSOU").
The Chancellor first thanked Dr. Harry S. Carter, the new Provost and Academic Vice President at the Citadel, for his former role as Acting President of GSOU. He was also Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at GSOU for many years. He is an alumni of GSOU, and his family has given generously in the creation of an eminent chair. He actually had two stints as Acting President over a decade apart. Dr. Carter was always a good citizen of the University System. He could be relied upon to do Systemwide projects and to bring a System prospective to some complex tasks. Last year's service as Acting President was one of special importance. Dr. Carter brought the campus and the community together, and he positioned GSOU superbly for a new president. Chancellor Portch remarked that Dr. Carter is one of the "truly good soldiers of the System" as well as a product of the System. He asked the Board to join him in thanking Dr. Carter for all he has done for the System.
Chancellor Portch remarked that the search for a president was an extremely successful one done in a very open climate to bring the community and the campus together in the process. The GSOU Presidential Search Committee was chaired by Dr. Luther T. (Trey) Denton, Associate Professor of Marketing at GSOU. The Chancellor remarked that marketing is an extremely good background to bring to a search process. Too often, search and screening committees spend all of their time screening candidates and not much time searching for candidates, whereas the search part is actually more important. Dr. Denton was involved in a marketing plan for GSOU and is heading up the university's strategic planning efforts this year, and his focus has been on marketing the institution, the region, and the opportunity. That special perspective was enormously important, said the Chancellor. Dr. Denton has received awards for his excellence in instruction, he lived in Hong Kong from 1989 to 1991, and international marketing is a particular area of his expertise. Chancellor Portch lauded his job chairing the Committee. He added that Dr. Denton's wife, Kathryn, is the education coordinator of the Raptor Center and that the Dentons have three children, four horses, one cat, three dogs, two snakes, and two red-tailed hawks. He then asked the Regents to join him in thanking Dr. Denton for chairing the Committee.
President Bruce F. Grube comes with a strong academic pedigree with degrees from the University of California - Berkeley and the University of Texas at Austin, two very fine institutions. He served as President of St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, Provost of the University of Southern Colorado, and Provost and Academic Vice President of California State Polytechnic University, where he had also served as Associate Vice President of Planning and a Faculty Member. The Chancellor remarked that his experience was a case study for his new position. He brings expertise and strength, as well as a commitment to being part of the System team. GSOU has a great opportunity going forward to create its identity for the future and to market that identity. The Chancellor remarked that the theme for his presidency has been well set by the football coach. The team had a 76 to 0 victory the past weekend, and when asked about it, the coach remarked, "We've got to get better. If we are going to compete in the leagues we have to compete in, we have to improve in specific areas." Chancellor Portch said that this is the challenge for President Grube at GSOU. It is a fine institution, but it must improve and keep growing in quality and service to the region, and President Grube has the ability to accomplish this. The Chancellor noted that on his visit to St. Cloud, he met with Mrs. Grube and could see that her contributions both to the community and the institution were enormous. She was the "secret weapon" in recruiting President Grube, as the Committee talked mainly to her about climate, sailing, and other good Southern qualities, because she is a Southerner herself. He welcomed her to the University System as well and then called upon President Grube to address the Board.
President Grube greeted the Regents and stated that it was a pleasure and a privilege to address the Chancellor and the Board. The University System of Georgia is now recognized as one of the best in the nation, and that recognition was one of the most attractive things about this opportunity. This decade has brought a fortunate confluence of the right leadership in the System, the legislature, and the Governor's Office to move higher education in Georgia to its rightful place in the national forefront. President Grube said it is now his good fortune to move to his next level of professional experience in the University System. He stated that there was nowhere else he would rather be and nowhere else he would rather go. In the next decade, the System will see even greater things, he added. President Grube was honored and humbled that the Board sees him as a president who can contribute to the quest for excellence that the System has set before itself. He pledged to honor the Regents' confidence by doing his utmost to follow their example at GSOU. His vision, he said, is completely congruent with the Board's. He wants to take GSOU to its next level of excellence, ranked as one of the best comprehensive regional universities in the nation, benefitting one of the best university systems in the country. It was inconceivable to him that other Southern states would have comparably comprehensive universities in the top tier of national rankings, such as Virginia's James Madison University and North Carolina's Appalachian State University, and yet Georgia would have none. He asserted that Georgia should be there, GSOU will be there, and it will be there in the next decade. His game plan for the institution is to work hard with the University System, the Board, the Chancellor, and other institutions. GSOU will be a team player, the position will be comprehensive regional university, and it will strive to become a national all-star playing that position in the University System of Georgia. After two months and one week on the job, President Grube was satisfied that GSOU has the assets to be that rising star. It has the comprehensiveness of programs, the critical mass of students to support those programs, the array of national accreditations to demonstrate quality, an outstanding faculty with a strong teaching ethic and genuine devotion to the students' success, a growing base of private funding that is building the endowment of the university that is absolutely essential to realize the margin of excellence in the next century, a commitment to uplifting the region, and a dedication which grows from its heart and history as a rural South Georgia university that achieves Statewide success beyond the dare of dreams. These great dreams are embraced on one of the most naturally beautiful campuses anywhere, he added. President Grube acknowledged that GSOU has a great deal of work ahead in preparation for the future. As president, his challenge is to organize its considerable assets in a plan that is both strategic and systematic in advancing the university in the direction of quality. That begins with the academic profile of the student body. In the first phase of his administration, President Grube has identified six platforms upon which to build a comprehensive strategic plan: academic distinction; a continued strong emphasis on student-centered values; cutting-edge technology; international, multicultural opportunities for students; productive public and private partnerships, including active participation in economic development; and continuing to build the physical environment that provides the best possible place for people to teach and to learn. He added that these themes are currently being developed in campus discussions, but that he hoped to have other opportunities to elaborate in greater detail at a later date. In closing, President Grube said, "No institution, no university ever became great without expecting to be great, and we have great expectations for Georgia Southern University." GSOU expects to bring great pride to the System, the State, and the citizens of Georgia. He thanked the Regents for the opportunity to be a part of a system that is greater than the sum of its parts and said he was honored by the confidence they have given him to contribute to the System through GSOU.
Chair Cannestra thanked President Grube and welcomed him to Georgia and the University System.
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INTRODUCTION OF COMMISSIONER RUSS HINTON, STATE AUDITOR
Chair Cannestra remarked that the Regents certainly remember former State Auditor Claude Vickers, particularly those who served on the Audit Committee, as well as the fine contributions he made and the strong relationship that was established. At this meeting, Chair Cannestra had the pleasure of introducing Mr. Vicker's successor, Mr. Russ Hinton. Mr. Hinton was appointed to the position of State Auditor by Governor Roy Barnes in June 1999. Chair Cannestra wanted the Regents to have the opportunity to meet him and hear a few words from him. The Department of Audits and Accounts (the "Department") has expanded in both size and responsibility to include financial, performance, and specialized audits for Georgia's State agencies, colleges and universities, and local boards of education. Prior to his appointment as State Auditor, Mr. Hinton served as the director of the Professional Practice Division of the Department. Mr. Hinton is a native Georgian who graduated with honors from the University of Georgia in 1974. In closing, Chair Cannestra welcomed Mr. Hinton to this meeting of the Board of Regents.
Mr. Hinton thanked the Regents for the opportunity to speak to them and said that he looks forward to a continued and prosperous coordination of efforts with the Board working through the Audit Committee. For several years, the Department has been very closely aligned with work that Assistant Vice Chancellor for Internal Audit Ron Stark has done in putting his internal audit plan together, and the Department coordinated its efforts with the audit efforts of the Board of Regents to come to agreements on audit findings. The Department has some particular challenges ahead with the proposal by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board ("GASB") that they are going to change the accounting model for colleges, and that comes at a particularly inopportune time in that the Board of Regents is now moving to a new accounting system throughout the University System. Mr. Hinton has been very pleased to work with Senior Vice Chancellor for Capital Resources Lindsay Desrochers since his appointment with regard to working out positions to make their feelings known with regard to the new accounting model to GASB. In closing, Mr. Hinton stated that he looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the Board of Regents.
Chair Cannestra thanked Mr. Hinton for speaking and stated that the Board also looks forward to working with him.
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PRESENTATION OF 35-YEAR UNIVERSITY SYSTEM SERVICE AWARD TO JUDY WILDER
Chair Cannestra next called upon Chancellor Portch to make a special presentation.
The Chancellor said, "Mr. Chairman, Chancellors come and Chancellors go, but underneath Chancellors are always people who give tremendous service." He stated that the support staff do not get heralded often enough, but at this meeting, he wanted to recognize an employee who has been with the University System for 35 years. Ms. Judy Wilder graduated in 1964 from West Georgia College, which is now the State University of West Georgia ("SUWG"). She began her career with the University System of Georgia in July 1964 at SUWG and then joined the Board of Regents facilities office staff in July 1971. She assumed the position of Contracts Administrator in November 1989 and was promoted to Senior Contracts Administrator in June 1998. Judy's daughter, Sheree Srader, was a HOPE Scholar and is a recent graduate of SUWG. She, too, is currently employed in the Board of Regents Central Office in the Office of Human and External Affairs. The Chancellor stated, "We will have many more Chancellors come and go while there are Wilders at work in the System." In closing, he asked Ms. Wilder to come forward to be recognized for her quality of service as well as her length of service.
Next, Chancellor Portch introduced Dr. Madlyn Hanes, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor. He reminded the Regents that Drs. Sidney Bremer, Sharon James, and Martha T. Nesbitt had formerly consecutively been in this position. For the last two years, he has not had anyone in this capacity because he was waiting for the opportunity to bring Dr. Hanes on board. She has an enormous reputation and degrees from the University of Florida. She has been a tenured faculty member in speech pathology and campus executive officer of the Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies. The Chancellor expressed that he was especially pleased to welcome her to his office and asked her to stand and be recognized. He noted that Dr. Hanes is married to President Michael L. Hanes at Georgia Southwestern State University.
Finally, the Chancellor introduced Dr. Daniel S. Papp, Director of Yamacraw Educational Programs. Dr. Papp is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Dartmouth College with a doctorate from the University of Miami. In 1973, he joined the faculty of the Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT") and has served in several senior administrative positions there. He was also selected as a Distinguished Professor at GIT and also served as Interim President at Southern Polytechnic State University. Chancellor Portch explained that the Yamacraw Project, Governor Barnes' high-technology initiative, is vitally crucial to the new knowledge economy of the State, to the success of the Barnes administration, and to the System. So, the project required someone of Dr. Papp's skills to head up the effort. He has already made tremendous strides in working with the institutions involved in the project. The Chancellor remarked that he feels very confident about the success of the Yamacraw Project under the leadership of Dr. Papp. He then asked Dr. Papp to stand and be recognized.
The Board then moved on to the Committee reports.
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AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee met on Tuesday, September 7, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. in room 7005. Committee members in attendance were Chair Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Vice Chair George M. D. (John) Hunt III, and Regents Connie Cater, Edgar L. Jenkins, Martin W. NeSmith, Glenn S. White, and Joel O. Wooten. Mr. Larry Whitaker, Deputy Director of Financial Audit Operations at the State Department of Audits also attended this Committee meeting. Chair Howell reported to the full Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed five items, none of which required action. One item was withdrawn from the agenda before the meeting. Those items were as follows:
1. Historical Overview
Senior Vice Chancellor for Capital Resources Lindsay Desrochers presented a historical overview of the Audit Committee for the benefit of its new members. In 1995, Chancellor Portch and Dr. Desrochers discussed strengthening the audit function of the University System with the Regents' leadership. In 1996, the Committee was established during Regent Juanita P. Baranco's tenure as Chair of the Board of Regents. The University System Audit Charter was adopted by the Board. In 1997, the audit staff developed its annual plan concept based on risk analysis. In 1998, the Committee approved the audit plan for fiscal year 1999 based on risk assessment and priorities. In 1999, a new University System auditor was recruited, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Internal Audit Ron Stark. Mr. Stark emphasized refining audit findings, and he developed the code rating system to improve the reporting of audit findings.
Dr. Desrochers also explained that the audit function of the University System is a three-way partnership between the campus auditors, the Board of Regents auditors, and the State auditors. The goals of the audit function are to improve the financial and other business practices within the System; to give the Board, the Chancellor, and the Senior Vice Chancellors a window on management at different levels within institutions; and to uncover fraud, theft, or other illegal behavior in relation to System business. Through systematic and risk-based auditing, the System can reduce the likelihood of the latter. Audits examine Board policy compliance; State, federal, and other rules, regulations, and laws' compliance; relevant Government Accounting Standards Board's accounting requirements; conformance with generally accepted best business practices; and internal controls for financial integrity.
2. Fiscal Year 2000 Audit Plan
Mr. Stark reported to the Committee on the development of the annual audit plan. During phase I, the staff select the institutions to be audited. In phase II, the staff determine the scope of the audit coverage. In phase III, the audit resources are allocated. Mr. Stark discussed the specifics of the audit plan and explained which institutions would have audits, as opposed to reviews, to ensure that the staff examine carefully all of the high-risk areas.
In addition to auditing, the staff also perform advisory services. For instance, this year, they are performing a special review of the year 2000 ("Y2K") computer problem and the System's compliance with Y2K standards. The System is also contracting with consulting companies in this effort.
3. Summary of Audit Findings Database
Mr. Stark explained that the staff have created a database of all audit findings of the System beginning with fiscal year 1999. This will allow the staff to monitor audit findings and observe changes in them to ensure that the issues brought to the Board are accurately represented and have proper follow-up.
4. Update on State Audit Findings, Savannah State University
Withdrawn.
5. Update on State Audit Findings and Outside Consultant Study, Fort Valley State University
Mr. Stark updated the Committee on the audit findings at Fort Valley State University, which was ranked a Code 5 in fiscal year 1999. Code 5 indicates that there were several significant findings or one or more major findings. It could also indicate that there are poor internal controls, significant risks for noncompliance with regulations, and/or serious violations of laws. As a result of the audit findings that were presented to the Committee in May 1999, an independent consultant was hired to review the function of the financial aid office and other controls. The report from the consultant is anticipated to be presented at the next Committee meeting in November 1999. The Office of the Inspector General is also reviewing the case.
6. Update on State and Board of Regents Audit Findings, Southern Polytechnic State University
Mr. Stark updated the Committee on the audit findings at Southern Polytechnic State University, which was ranked a Code 4 in fiscal year 1999. Code 4 indicates that there were several notable findings or few significant findings and no major findings. It also indicates that controls were weak in one or more areas and that noncompliance with regulations may put the institution at risk. While Code 4 indicates that there may have been a violation of laws, this violation is not deemed serious. Mr. Stark noted that there had been improvement in reconciling accounts receivable and that President Lisa A. Rossbacher has been personally involved in rectifying the situation.
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COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
The Committee on Finance and Business Operations met on Tuesday, September 7, 1999 at approximately 1:55 p.m. in the Board Room. Committee members in attendance were Chair Glenn S. White, Vice Chair Hilton H. Howell, Jr., and Regents Connie Cater, George M. D. (John) Hunt III, Charles H. Jones, Donald M. Leebern, Jr., and James D. Yancey. Chair White reported to the Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed three items, one of which was reviewed by the Committee of the Whole and all of which required action. Four agenda items regarding health insurance were withdrawn before the meeting. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:
1. Fiscal Year 2001 Operating and Capital Budget Request
Approved: The Board of Regents approved the fiscal year 2001 operating and capital budget request. (The budget request document is on file with the Office of Capital Resources.)
This item was considered by the Committee on Business and Finance Operations as a Committee of the Whole. (See pages 2 to 9.)
2. Acceptance of Gifts, Kennesaw State University
Approved: The Board accepted on behalf of Kennesaw State University ("KSU") gifts-in-kind of $1,100,000 from the following donors:
| Donor | Amount | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Goldkist | $ 100,000 | Mathematics/Science |
| Ann and John Clendenin | $1,000,000 | Mathematics/Science |
Background: KSU received notification of two gifts, both intended for use in connection with construction of the new computer science and mathematics building. The agenda for the Committee on Real Estate and Facilities contains two items related to these donations. One concerns the expansion of the project scope to take advantage of donated funds, the other concerns naming of the facility itself. Board policy requires that any gift to a University System of Georgia institution with an initial value greater than $100,000 must be accepted by the Board of Regents.
3. Approval of Tuition for the Executive Master of Science in International Logistics at the Georgia Institute of Technology
Approved: The Board approved the tuition for the proposed executive master of science in international logistics at the Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT") at $50,000 for the 18-month program.
Background: Pending approval from the Committee on Education, Research and Extension, the 18 month, 30-semester-hour executive master of science in international logistics is proposed to come online in January 2000. The requested tuition is $50,000. This fee will support the following expenses: instruction costs, administration of the program, equipment and facility costs at GIT and abroad in Europe and Asia, course materials (books, cases, software, etc.), room and board expenses for the 5 two-week residences, and a portion of the travel expenses associated with the foreign residences. It is estimated that first-year enrollment will be 30 students and total tuition revenue will be $1,500,000.
When compared with programs delivered in a similar format, such as Duke University's GEMBA program and other prestigious executive master of business administration ("M.B.A.") programs, tuition cost is consistent if not lower than such programs. Other executive M.B.A. programs in the University System include Georgia State University ($38,000) and Kennesaw State University ($26,500). However, of the 141 executive M.B.A. programs included in the 1997 Executive M.B.A. Council Membership Directory, 33 charged tuition of $45,000 or more. For example, Duke University's GEMBA program costs $85,000 per participant and follows a very similar international residence format.
4. Approval of Health Benefits Administrative Services Only Contract With Blue Cross Blue Shield
Withdrawn
5. Approval of the Dental Benefits Administrative Services Only Contract With Blue Cross Blue Shield
Withdrawn
6. Approval of Health Maintenance Organization Contracts
Withdrawn
7. Approval of Unicare Renewal Contract
Withdrawn
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COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE AND FACILITIES
The Committee on Real Estate and Facilities met on Tuesday, September 7, 1999 at approximately 2:05 p.m. in the Board Room. Committee members in attendance were Chair Charles H. Jones, Vice Chair Donald M. Leebern, Jr., and Regents Connie Cater, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., George M. D. (John) Hunt III, Glenn S. White, and James D. Yancey. Chair Jones reported to the Board on Wednesday that the Committee had reviewed 12 items, 10 of which required action. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:
1. Naming of Fred L. "Bud" Suddath Courtyard, Georgia Institute of Technology
Approved: The Board approved the naming of the west courtyard of the recently completed bioengineering and bioscience building at the Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT") the "Fred L. 'Bud' Suddath Courtyard" in honor of Fred L. "Bud" Suddath.
Background: The courtyard is a part of the bioengineering and bioscience building scheduled for opening October 12, 1999. The lease of this building was approved by the Board in August 1999.
Biography of the life and contributions of Fred L. "Bud" Suddath.
- Dr. Suddath received his bachelor's degree (1965) and doctorate (1970)
from GIT in chemistry.
- In 1985, he returned to GIT as Professor of Chemistry and Director of the
Supercomputer Support Group within the Office of Computing Services. His
efforts there ultimately led to a set of protein growth experiments aboard
the space shuttle in 1990.
- In 1989, Dr. Suddath accepted the position of Vice President for Information
Technology and maintained an active research group in the School of Chemistry
and Biochemistry. His administrative and technical success led to his selection
as Executive Assistant to the President in early 1992.
- Throughout his academic career, Dr. Suddath received accolades for his
teaching and student advising. His personality was just as important to his
success as his intellectual brilliance. His unassuming friendliness and sense
of humor gave him an air of approachability that made people want to be close
to him. His unselfishness and willingness to cooperate were worthy of special
remark. He personified the best of GIT: a strong work ethic, broad-based
intellectual leadership, and a concern for the well being of the institute
as a whole.
- Dr. Suddath was the recipient of numerous honors, awards, and recognitions.
He was a member of many professional and honor societies and sat on several
review panels.
- F. L. Suddath died June 17, 1992 at the age of 50.
2. Naming of the Ann and John Clendenin Computer Science and Mathematics Building, Kennesaw State University
Approved: The Board approved the naming of the computer science and mathematics building at Kennesaw State University the "Ann and John Clendenin Computer Science and Mathematics Building" in honor of Ann and John Clendenin.
Background: During his career of 41 years in the telecommunications industry, Mr. Clendenin worked for Illinois Bell, Pacific Northwest Bell, AT&T, Southern Bell, and, finally, for BellSouth, where he served as chairman and chief executive officer from 1984 through 1996 and as chairman through 1997.
With active spousal participation from Mrs. Clendenin, Mr. Clendenin was always involved in community affairs. During the 16 years they lived in Atlanta, he served variously as chairman of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the United Way Campaign and the United Way Board, chairman of the Woodruff Arts Center, president of the Atlanta Council of the Boy Scouts, and co chairman of the 1994 Atlanta Super Bowl.
On a national scale, Mr. Clendenin served as chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the National Alliance of Business, chairman of the Committee for Economic Development, national president of the Boy Scouts, national chairman of Junior Achievement, a member of the board of governors of the American Red Cross, and national chairman of the U.S. Savings Bonds Committee. In all of these involvements, Mrs. Clendenin played an active and visible support role.
Mr. Clendenin remains active in the business arena as a member of several corporate boards, including The Home Depot, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Equifax, National Service Industries, The Kroger Company, and Wachovia.
Ann and John Clendenin have created a charitable trust that focuses on supporting education.
3. Demolition of Buildings, Medical College of Georgia
Approved: The Board declared Building Numbers AN - Public Safety and HE - Print Shops, on the campus of the Medical College of Georgia ("MCG") to be no longer advantageously useful to MCG or other units of the University System of Georgia and authorized the demolition and removal of these buildings.
The Board requested that the Governor issue an Executive Order authorizing the demolition and removal of these buildings from the campus of MCG.
Background: Both buildings are vacant and described as follows:
| Bldg. No. and Name | Date Built/ Date Acquired |
Size / Type of Construction |
|---|---|---|
| AN - Public Safety | 1950 / 1976 | 4,500 sq. ft. Brick and Block |
| HE - Print Shops | 1941 / 1983 |
4,300 sq. ft. Brick and Block |
The services that were located in these buildings have moved to the newly renovated Annex II. Building AN is on the site of the proposed health sciences building which is #13 on the Regents' priority list. Building HE is of a size and age that the cost for renovation would be prohibitive.
The appropriate Phase I Environmental Report has been completed. An underground storage tank will be removed, and site remediation will be done by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority at no cost to MCG.
The cost estimate for the demolition of the two buildings, including removal of asbestos containing materials and lead-based paint abatement, is $51,000 to be paid from the institution's interest income.
After demolition, parking and landscaping improvements will be made.
4. Increase in Project Budget, Project No. I-56, "Classroom Expansion," Kennesaw State University
Approved: The Board authorized an increase in the project budget for Project No. I-56, "Classroom Expansion," Kennesaw State University from $4,050,000 to $5,150,000 using private funds.
Background: The Board approved this minor capital project at the September 8-9, 1998 meeting. The original project included 28,000 gross square feet at $107/sf. The project now includes 36,400 gross square feet at $107/sf.
Funding for the project includes the following: State funding, fiscal year 1999 supplemental budget - $150,000 (design funds); anticipated State bond funds fiscal year 2001 - $3,900,000; and private funds - $1,100,000.
The funding will allow for additional classrooms and offices for the Mathematics and Computer Science Departments. The funding will also be used to equip the building with modern classrooms and various instructional delivery systems.
The Mathematics Department is one of the largest on campus, while the Computer Science Department is one of the fastest growing programs at Kennesaw State University. The computer science classes have grown and are 92% filled each semester. The additional instructional demands will be accommodated in the space provided by the proposed funding.
5. Increase in Project Budget, Amendment of Architectural Contract, Project No. I-49, "Alumni Development Center," the University of Georgia
Approved: The Board authorized an increase in the project budget for Project No. I-49, "Alumni Development Center," the University of Georgia ("UGA"), from $23 million to $29 million using private funds.
The Board also authorized the execution of an amendment to architectural contract for Project No. I 49, "Alumni Development Center," the University of Georgia, increasing the stated cost limitation from $16,800,000 to $22,750,000.
Background: The Board originally approved this project at the September 8-9, 1998 meeting. The facility requested was to house the External Affairs Division, a multi-function alumni center, the administrative headquarters for the National Alumni Association, and the administrative headquarters of the UGA foundation. Many of these existing functions are housed in leased space, which will be terminated. Other functions will vacate spaces that are co-located with other university activities which will expand into the vacated space.
All funds for this project are from private sources.
The new administration has reassessed service capabilities and determined that better service to students can be provided if career planning and placement functions are part of the External Affairs Division. The program for the facility has been revised to include co-locating these functions with the remainder of the External Affairs Division. This will ensure that students, alumni, and recruiting employers have improved access to the career services that the university provides while fostering a lifelong relationship with alumni and their career development.
6. Authorization of Project No. BR-30-0001, "Renovation of Fulmer Residence Hall," the Georgia Institute of Technology
Approved: The Board authorized Project No. BR-30-0001, "Renovation of Fulmer Residence Hall," with a total project budget of $2 million from Georgia Institute of Technology auxiliary housing funds.
Background: The Georgia Institute of Technology's "Student Housing Comprehensive Plan - 1998" assumes one building a year will be renovated through fiscal year 2008. Eleven buildings were identified for renovation post-Olympics. These buildings did not receive upgrades prior to the Olympics. Harrison and Howell Halls were the highest priority projects and were approved in fiscal year 1998 and fiscal year 1999, respectively. The Fulmer Hall renovation is the next priority renovation project scheduled for construction in winter 2000.
Fulmer Hall was constructed in 1969. The project will involve the renovation of approximately 15,600 gross square feet. The facility has a total capacity of 60 beds. The scope of work includes mechanical, plumbing, and electrical system replacement, as well as interior finishes and furniture upgrades. The existing room style and ancillary area configuration will remain the same.
The total project cost is $2 million. The fund source is the Georgia Institute of Technology, auxiliary housing. The estimated construction cost is $1,539,000 ($98.61/gsf).
Staff, in conjunction with Georgia Institute of Technology, will proceed with design of the project with professional engineering consultants in accordance with the building project procedure of the Board of Regents.
7. Demolition of Buildings, Savannah State University
Approved: The Board declared Building Numbers 0108 - Wright Hall Dormitory, 0110 - Peacock Hall Dormitory, 0116 - Lester Hall Dormitory, 0123 - Lockette Hall Dormitory, and 0139 - Antonio Orsot Faculty Housing on the campus of Savannah State University ("SSU") to be no longer advantageously useful to SSU or other units of the University System of Georgia and authorized the demolition and removal of these buildings.
The Board also requested that the Governor issue an Executive Order authorizing the demolition and removal of these buildings from the campus of Savannah State University.
The demolition of these buildings is subject to completion of a Phase I Environmental Assessment indicating no significant issues. If any hazardous materials are identified, they will be properly abated prior to demolition.
Background: The buildings are described as follows:
| Bldg. No. and Name | Date Built | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0108 - Wright Hall Dormitory 0110 - Peacock Hall Dormitory 0116 - Lester Hall Dormitory 0123 - Lockette Hall Dormitory 0139 - Antonio Orsot Faculty Housing |
1955 1967 1962 1965 1979 |
38,000 gsf 36,000 gsf 22,000 gsf 36,000 gsf 11,000 gsf |
In February 1999, SSU presented to the Board a comprehensive student housing plan for the campus as an information item. This plan called for demolition of the four oldest of the existing seven housing facilities as part of the five-year phased plan.
The first phase includes the construction of housing on campus through a partnership with a private developer. As part of this project, Wright Hall would be demolished. The Orsot Faculty Housing structure would also be demolished, as it is on the site of the proposed private housing. The estimated costs for demolition and appropriate abatement are as follows: Wright Hall - $482,600, Peacock Hall - $457,200, Lester Hall - $279,400, Lockette Hall - $457,200, and Orsot Faculty Housing - $139,700.
Lester and Lockette Halls are on the site currently under consideration for the bond-funded housing project approved by the Board in June 1998, which received design funds in the fiscal year 1999 supplemental budget. Peacock Hall is the potential site for a future academic or housing facility.
8. Gift of Property, Georgia Southwestern State University
Approved: The Board accepted title to approximately 45 acres of land located to the east of the campus and commonly referred to as the Bowen property for the use and benefit of Georgia Southwestern State University ("GSSU").
The legal details involved with this gift will be handled by the Office of the Attorney General.
Background: The 45 acres of undeveloped land was acquired by the GSSU foundation in December 1997 as a gift. The campus intends to use the property as a protected nature preserve for the departments of biology, chemistry, and geology for the instruction and study of nature and environmental issues and understanding the impact of urbanization on a natural wetland. It is unlikely that this property can be economically developed due to the existing topography and wetlands.
A Phase I Environmental Assessment, dated November 1997 and updated in April 1999, has been completed by Catlin Engineers and Scientists, indicating no significant problems.
Appraisals of the property have been performed indicating a value of $132,000.
There are no restrictions or reversions on the gift by the donor. There are no known easements or restrictions on the property.
9. Exchange of Property, the Georgia Institute of Technology
Approved: The Board declared approximately .127 acre on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT") to be no longer advantageously useful to GIT or other units of the University System of Georgia and authorized the exchange of this property for approximately .1271 acre located on the southeast corner of Fifth Street and Techwood Drive, Atlanta, owned by Alpha Sigma Housing corporation, for the use and benefit of GIT.
The legal details involved with the exchange of this land will be handled by the Office of the Attorney General.
Background: GIT's campus master plan proposes improvements to the Fifth Street or east entrance to campus. An element of the proposed enhancement is the widening of Fifth Street to accommodate additional vehicle traffic and shuttle service as well as a properly designed bike lane. Property acquired from the Alpha Sigma Housing Corporation (appraised value of $80,000) will permit the widening of the street from the Interstate (I-75/85) and Techwood Drive.
The Kappa Alpha Sigma Fraternity house was located at 801 Techwood Drive (the southeast corner of Fifth Street and Techwood Drive). The previous house was built in 1955 and was demolished by the fraternity when it was deemed unsuitable for use. The Alpha Sigma Housing Corporation desires to replace the house for the Kappa Alpha Sigma Fraternity. The property acquired from the Board of Regents (appraised value of $43,000) results in a more effective design of the house and access to parking for members.
10. Information Item: Master Plan, Southern Polytechnic State University
Southern Polytechnic State University ("SPSU") and the Office of Facilities proposed a master plan for future development of the campus. Director of Planning Gita Hendessi presented an update of Systemwide physical master planning and introduced President Lisa A. Rossbacher, who presented the SPSU master plan to the Committee. Consultants reviewed five-year enrollment targets, the campus mission statement, the strategic plan, academic programs, support programs, and other variables. They met with the administration, faculty, senate, students, and community leaders to receive input and then presented planning concepts for facilities, parking/traffic patterns, student/pedestrian patterns, and campus beautification. Based on the consultants' findings, SPSU's master plan recommendations included the following:
- Utilize effectively the existing campus property and acquire additional
property contiguous with the main campus as the opportunity may arise
- Replace several of the original campus buildings with modern facilities
over time
- Preserve the existing character of the campus core and loop drive and improve
perimeter surface parking distribution
- Preserve environmentally sensitive wetlands and outdoor recreational spaces
- Create and enhance common outdoor areas and pedestrian circulation
11. Information Item: Bartow Center
Background: In 1972, the Board of Regents obtained approximately 300 acres of land in Cartersville, Georgia upon the dissolution of the Institute of Genetics. In 1995, approximately 50 acres south of Georgia Highway 20 was sold to JDN Development and is now the site of the Lowes and Walmart Shopping Center.
In September 1997, the master plan for Floyd College was completed. This master plan included a conceptual plan for the Bartow Center to be located on the Cartersville property after review of several potential sites. In December 1997, the Board approved the Bartow Center as an off-campus site. Bartow County is to provide funds for the buyout of the trust requirements, thus freeing up the Cartersville property for use by Floyd College.
The support and cooperation of Bartow County in establishing the Bartow Center at this location were discussed with the Board in September 1998. To enhance the site, Bartow County has pledged to relocate Cline-Smith Road and Roving Road. Additionally, Bartow County will provide an access road to the site of the Bartow Center. Bartow County also supports, and is helping to facilitate, the State Department of Transportation plan in relocating Georgia Highway 20 to provide enhanced utility to the Board of Regents property.
The staff updated the Committee on the further development of this center. While there was no action taken on this item, Chair Jones reported to the full Board on Wednesday that the Committee held the strong opinion that any commercial considerations that would entail the sale of any portion of the property be put on hold until the Board at some later date decides otherwise.
12. Authorization of Project No. BR-30-004, "#95 Pettit Building Cleanroom Addition," Georgia Institute of Technology
The Committee unanimously voted to add this item to its agenda during the Committee meeting. Approved: The Board authorized Project No. BR-30-004, "#95 Pettit Building Cleanroom Addition," Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT") with a total project budget of $1,500,000 from GIT and private/corporation research funds.
The project meets the current and future facility needs for the support of the Wafer Level Batch Packaging Research Facility (the "Facility"). The focus of these activities is high-quality technology research within the Facility, which will provide an interconnection frame work for integrated circuits ("IC") so that before dicing the wafer, each die has all the functions (e.g., external electrical contract encapsulation of the finished silicon) of a conventional, fully packaged IC. The success of the programs will yield multiple government and private industry developments, marketing and research programs, and contracts.
The project will involve the renovation of up to approximately 1,400 gross square feet of lab space into advanced cleanroom research facility. The additional facility will be an addition to the cleanroom facilities located at the Pettit Microelectronics Building located on GIT campus.
The total project cost is up to $1,500,000. The estimated construction cost is $1,259,955 ($900.00/gsf).
Upon Board of Regents approval of this renovation project, the contract process was initiated.
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COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, RESEARCH, AND EXTENSION
The Committee on Education, Research, and Extension met on Tuesday, September 7, 1999 at approximately 2:00 p.m. in room 7014, the Education Committee Room. Committee members in attendance were Vice Chair Elridge W. McMillan and Regents Joe Frank Harris, Edgar L. Jenkins, Martin W. NeSmith, and Joel O. Wooten. Vice Chair McMillan reported to the Board that the Committee had reviewed ten items, eight of which required action. Additionally, 301 regular faculty appointments were reviewed and recommended for approval. With motion properly made, seconded, and unanimously adopted, the Board approved and authorized the following:
1. Establishment of the Joint Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering With Emory University, the Georgia Institute of Technology
Approved: The Board approved the request of President G. Wayne Clough that the Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT") be authorized to establish the joint doctor of philosophy in biomedical engineering with Emory University, effective September 8, 1999.
Abstract: The proposed joint doctor of philosophy in biomedical engineering with Emory University is a concept developed upon the creation of the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering by the Board of Regents in March 1998. Then, GIT was granted approval to offer a joint doctorate of philosophy ("Ph.D.") in bioengineering with Emory University. The unique and innovative joint Ph.D. in biomedical engineering is the integration of engineering and biomedical sciences whereby a biomedical engineer has the skills to integrate knowledge into systems, whether at the cellular or organ levels. The discipline of biomedical engineering is based on quantitative approaches to the study of biology. The new degree program is not intended to replace the existing Ph.D. in bioengineering. The current bioengineering degree was designed for students with an engineering background who wish to apply engineering to biological problems. The Ph.D. in bioengineering is not as intensive in the biomedical sciences or the integration of biology and engineering as the proposed degree.
Need: The 1990 National Research Council Report entitled "Interdisciplinary Research: Promoting Collaboration Between the Life Sciences and Medicine and the Physical Sciences and Engineering" documented the increased demand for biomedical engineers with advanced degrees. The discoveries in the biological sciences in the past two decades have had a major influence on medicine and healthcare delivery and will be the science that drives future technological innovations. The call for proposals by the Whitaker Foundation addresses the need for graduates in biomedical engineering and heralds plans by the U.S. Congress to double the National Institute of Health's budget through the Bioengineering Consortium. In addition, Atlanta is becoming a focal point for biomedical technology and research. Examples are the activities involving the Centers for Disease Control and the American Cancer Society. The Georgia Research Alliance has an interest in biotechnology through its funding initiatives in terms of Biotechnology and telecommunications. Graduates from this program will be well qualified for positions in academe, the biomedical industry, policy/research think tanks, and government agencies at both the national and international levels.
Objectives: The general objectives of the proposed program are to position GIT and Emory University to play a proactive role in meeting the biomedical engineering labor needs of the State and to contribute to the discipline at an international level; to educate doctoral students who can promote research in biomedical engineering that will affect healthcare and the economic growth of the State and region in the field of biomedical technology; and to enhance the inter-university cooperation and collaboration between GIT and Emory as envisioned by the State and the Georgia Research Alliance. The fundamental basis of the graduate curriculum is the integration of life sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
Curriculum: The 48-semester-hour program incorporates a rigorous and innovative core curriculum that combines problem-based learning, new educational/learning technologies, and a wide spectrum of interdisciplinary research. The breadth and depth of the program will concentrate on five areas: cardiovascular biomechanics and biology, cellular and tissue engineering, neuroscience engineering, biomedical imaging, and biomedical modeling and computing. Thesis projects will involve faculty members from both institutions. Students with undergraduate degrees in engineering and/or the biomedical sciences will be recruited into the program. Course evaluations and enrollment data will be collected and reviewed as part of the ongoing assessment of the program.
Joint Delivery/Administration: The proposed program will be administered through the joint Department of Biomedical Engineering. The department chair will appoint an associate chair for graduate studies, a tenured biomedical engineering faculty member from either institution, to administer the program. The Ph.D. will be awarded jointly by the College of Engineering at GIT and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Emory. At Emory, the graduate program of the Joint Biomedical Engineering Department will be a freestanding division in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. There will be a biomedical engineering faculty member who will have responsibility for the administration of the curriculum and academic requirements of the program. The program faculty will elect a six-member graduate studies committee for a three-year term to administer the proposed degree program. The committee will have responsibility for decisions regarding admissions, reviewing programs of study, handling and acting on student petitions, appointing each student's qualifying exam committee, and approving the thesis committee based on recommendations from the thesis co-advisors. The biomedical engineering academic program will interact directly with other academic and administrative units/divisions at GIT and Emory University. The biomedical engineering courses will be team taught by faculty at both institutions. Responsibility for organizing the core courses will reside with the primary biomedical engineering department faculty and their teaching duties will be assigned by the chair and associate chair of the graduate studies committee. Teaching assignments for the other biomedical engineering program faculty will be coordinated by the graduate studies committee with appropriate schools and departments at GIT and Emory University.
Projected Enrollment: It is anticipated that for the first three years of the program, student enrollment will be 6, 18, and 30.
Funding: The program will be established through the reallocation of existing funds. No new State allocation monies have been requested.
Assessment: The Office of Academic Affairs will work with the institution to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the proposed program. In 2002, the institution and the Central Office will evaluate this program in terms of quality, viability, centrality to both institutions, and cost effectiveness.
2. Establishment of the Executive Master of Science in International Logistics, the Georgia Institute of Technology
Approved: The Board approved the request of President G. Wayne Clough that the Georgia Institute of Technology ("GIT") be authorized to establish the executive master of science in international logistics, effective September 8, 1999.
Abstract: The School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at GIT requests approval for a new executive master of science in international logistics to help develop tomorrow's leaders in logistics. Globalization, electronic commerce, changing customer demands, and shorter product life-cycles have contributed to the new emphasis on logistics. An effective logistics strategy gives an organization competitive advantage by reducing transportation and inventory costs while providing better customer service. Customers in more diverse and distant markets are demanding a wider range of products. Product life cycles are shortening, while demands for high quality and low price are increasing. As electronic commerce grows, it continues to change the environment in which products are sold, produced, and delivered. Customization and the accompanying delivery demand will alter production scheduling and logistics strategies for meeting customer expectations.
Need: In October 1997, U.S. News and World Report's 1998 Career Guide identified supply chain/logistics management as "one of the 20 hot job tracks in the country." The executive master of science in international logistics program is consistent with the needs of Georgia's current and future industrial base. Atlanta is connected to many firms with logistics operations, including but not limited to, UPS, Siemens, Lucent Technology, the SABRE Group, the United States Postal Service, Hewlett-Packard, Michelin, Amazon.com, Ryder Integrated Logistics, IBM Corp., the American Red Cross, BellSouth Telecommunications, and the Georgia Freight Bureau.
Objectives: The program's objective is to prepare high-potential logistics practitioners for the responsibilities associated with building and managing a global supply chain. The program is designed to provide students with engineering skills required to design and operate supply and distribution systems capable of achieving strategic goals; tools for facing the logistics challenges resulting from the growth of electronic commerce; understanding of the economic and financial framework of the business organization; perspectives required to formulate effective logistics strategies; insight and understanding of cultural, commercial, political, and legal differences that influence regional and global logistics strategy development; vision to recognize mutually beneficial opportunities across organizations participating in the global supply chain; and the knowledge of the role of logistics in achieving and sustaining competitive advantage.
Curriculum: The 36-semester-hour program will be 18 months in duration, leading
to a master's degree conferred by the College of Engineering. It is administered
around 5 two-week residential modules in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Coursework
will follow several broad themes, including logistics issues related to manufacturing,
transportation, wholesaling, and retailing. Within each of these areas, coursework
will vertically integrate and explore the business environment (i.e., marketing,
finance, human resources, and strategy), provide analytical tools for developing
logistics strategy (i.e., supply chain engineering and logistics modeling),
and provide opportunities to synthesize learning through case studies. The
international residencies will expose participants to the realities of selling
and delivering products to a global market by learning about trade barriers,
international distribution, legal constraints, and cultural and infrastructural
differences.
Program Delivery and International Component: The three Atlanta residences
held on GIT's campus will be organized around three industry segments: manufacturing,
transportation, and wholesale/retail. Within each residence, one or two principal
courses integrate the topics required to provide an overall knowledge of the
industry. The two international residences (i.e., Asia and Europe) held in
conjunction with international universities offer participants the opportunity
to experience the legal, cultural, and infrastructural differences that influence
global supply chains. While in Europe, the focus will be on labor relations
and reverse logistics. In Asia, the emphasis will be on international trade
and freight management. Between residences, faculty will deliver additional
material via distance education media to maintain the coherence of the program
and to allow participants to master additional subject matter. Students will
also collaborate on cases during this time via the Internet, E-mail, and the
telephone while exploring the nuances of logistics strategy and operations
on each continent and globally. The program is designed to provide technical
professionals who possess at least three years of work experience with a concentrated
education in logistics. Participants are expected to continue working during
the program with the cooperation and sponsorship of their employers, who will
provide them with release time for classes and financial support for program
costs.
Projected Enrollment: It is anticipated that for the first three years of the program, student enrollment will be 30, 40, and 50.
Funding: The program will be established through the reallocation of existing funds. The program will also derive support from activities associated with the Logistics Institute (the "Institute") in partnership with the National Science Foundation. The Institute's purpose is to enhance the management and design of logistics operations through its three major programs: logistics learning center, leaders in logistics, and logistics research laboratories. To offer didactic instruction at an executive level and meet the standards of comparator institutions, a fee of $50,000 is intended to offset program costs.
Assessment: The Office of Academic Affairs will work with the institution to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the proposed program. In 2002, the institution and the Central Office will evaluate this program in terms of quality, viability, and cost-effectiveness.
3. Establishment of the External Master of Science in Nursing at Valdosta State University, Albany State University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Portia Holmes Shields that Albany State University ("ALSU") be authorized to offer the master of science in nursing ("M.S.N.") degree as an external degree in collaboration with Valdosta State University ("VSU"), effective September 8, 1999.
Justification: ALSU's request to establish the external master of science
in nursing degree with a family nurse practitioner track at VSU is cost-effective,
exhibits collaboration between System institutions, and meets regional needs.
The institutions are in a better position to offer requisite programming without
incurring the cost of facilities construction, personnel searches, and new
curricular design. The proposed program is also an example of inter-unit collaboration,
maximizing the use of innovative technology.
Offering the external degree complies with the University System of Georgia's Guiding
Principles for Strategic Action because it maximizes the economies of scale
and provides greater access to educational opportunities in the State.
Program: The M.S.N. degree is an advanced degree designed to prepare individuals who are highly knowledgeable in advanced clinical nursing and whose education will enable them to make significant contributions to healthcare. The M.S.N. with a family nurse practitioner track prepares registered nurses to meet the primary care needs of vulnerable communities. Graduates of the M.S.N. program deliver quality primary healthcare to individuals, families, and communities and provide basic healthcare to underserved populations in rural and urban settings. The major focuses of the family nurse practitioner track are health promotion, disease prevention, case management, and education.
Need: This program was established in 1994 and is presently attempting to expand to help meet a continuing severe shortage (40%)of primary care providers in southwest Georgia. The goal of the program is to improve the health of southwest Georgia residents by increasing the number of nurse practitioners providing community-based primary healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion in rural and urban underserved communities.
Objectives: The proposed program will enable qualified students from the Valdosta area to complete coursework that would lead to a master of science in nursing degree.
Curriculum: The proposed external degree curriculum will be the same as that offered on the campus of Albany State University. The program is currently housed in the College of Health Professions and Allied Health Sciences. The 44-semester-hour program leading to the M.S.N. degree (family nurse practitioner track) will be taught by regular full- and part-time graduate faculty at ALSU. The present faculty in the Department of Nursing provide concurrent interactive instruction in professional courses via distance education and with external site groups. The didactic courses will be offered via the Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System ("GSAMS") from ALSU to VSU. Laboratory and clinical experiences will be directed by ALSU faculty based at VSU. External site students will be encouraged to participate in selected interdisciplinary allied health courses. Two courses, Nursing Theory and Nursing Research, may be taken as transient courses from VSU faculty and will be accepted by ALSU as meeting the program requirements.
Projected Enrollment: It is anticipated that for the first three years of the program, student enrollment will be 5, 7, and 9. It is anticipated that nontraditional students who are currently employed will be enrolled in the program.
Funding: The program will be established through the reallocation of existing funds.
Assessment: The Office of Academic Affairs will work with the institution
to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the proposed program.
In 2002, the institution and the Central Office will evaluate this program
in terms of quality, viability, centrality to both institutions, and cost effectiveness.
4. Establishment of the Major in Women's Studies Under the Existing Bachelor of Arts Degree, University of Georgia
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Michael F. Adams that the University of Georgia ("UGA") be authorized to establish the major in women's studies under the existing bachelor of arts, effective January 2000.
Abstract: The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of
Georgia requests approval for a new major in Women's Studies under the existing
Bachelor of Arts degree. Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary enterprise
incorporating topics concerning women, gender, and difference in the humanities,
social sciences, and natural sciences. Coursework includes scholarship by and
about women of diverse backgrounds and identities in the arts, literature,
science, history, society, popular culture, politics and law.
Need: The bachelor of arts with a major in women's studies is a liberal arts
degree and as such will prepare students for many occupations including the
professions. There are over 700 U.S. colleges and universities with women's
studies programs whose offerings include certificates, minors, interdisciplinary
studies majors, and bachelor's degree programs (majors). Close to 150 programs
offer the major. Examples of degree-granting programs used for comparison in
this proposal are Ohio State University, the University of Wisconsin at Madison,
and the University of Washington. In addition, similar programs are offered
in neighboring states such as Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Luebke and Reilly's 1995 book, Women's Studies Graduates: The First Generation,
identified 142 bachelor's degree programs and studied the graduates of these
programs. A "first generation of women's studies majors has graduated
from U.S. colleges and universities and have pursued graduate education or
employment in positions ranging from 'aviator to union organizer'"
(Luebke & Reilly, p. 24). For example, students educated about the history,
status, and needs of women will be positioned to take advanced degrees in the
professions of law, education, social work, business and journalism, and research.
Employment opportunities in the public sector include the fields of health
education and promotion, protective and social services, women's arts and entertainment,
after-school programs, and international development agencies. Private sector
fields include human resources, management, marketing, advertising, public
relations, and publishing. UGA currently offers a certificate in women's studies
and a minor.
Objectives: The principal objectives of the bachelor of arts with a major in women's studies are to expose students to an interdisciplinary perspective on women, gender, sexuality, and difference and to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration on these subjects among faculties across departments; to enable students to study diversity in the lives of women in terms of race, ethnicity, sexuality, social class, and age; to educate students about the condition and experiences of women worldwide by providing them exposure to international experiences and faculty, thereby contributing to the university's stated goal of expanding students' international perspectives; to equip students with critical skills to analyze and evaluate prevailing theories, methods, and research of women's scholarship and experiences; to prepare students to enter graduate programs in women's studies or other fields or professional schools of journalism, social work, law, and public administration, where women's issues are increasingly being studied; and to provide the background for students seeking employment in the public and private sectors where women make up the majority of the customer base or clienteles, or in which gender is a key area of concern.
Curriculum: The proposed 120-semester-hour major will be offered by the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to core requirements, it will consist of nine hours (i.e., three courses) of foundation coursework at the 3,000 and 4,000 levels and 18 hours of major electives. Juniors will be required to take both a theory and a methods course. Seniors will be required to take a seminar or capstone course in which an integration of interdisciplinary content and methods will take place. Electives will include options for an international experience, a directed study or thesis experience, and an internship. The general electives comprise 33 hours of the overall program. All students will be required to select a minor in a single discipline to strengthen their expertise in the humanities and social sciences. Alternatively, students could double major in women's studies and another discipline.
Projected Enrollment: It is anticipated that for the first three years of the program, student enrollment will be 10, 18, and 25.
Funding: Program costs will be met through redirection of funds, fund-raising initiatives, and tuition income. The university can provide both expertise and structure for the major at no cost by using courses, faculty, library, computer facilities, and equipment already in place. No new State funding will be sought for this proposal.
Assessment: The Office of Academic Affairs will work with the institution
to measure the success and continued effectiveness of the proposed program.
In 2003, this program will be evaluated by the institution and the Central
Office to determine the success of the program's implementation and achievement
of the enrollment, quality, centrality, viability, and cost-effectiveness,
as indicated in the proposal.
5. Dissolution of the Department of Academic Foundations, Georgia State
University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Carl V. Patton to authorize
the dissolution of the Department of Academic Foundations, effective September
8, 1999.
Abstract: President Patton has requested that the Department of Academic Foundations, which provides learning support courses, be dissolved at Georgia State University ("GSU"). With the projected decrease of students that will require learning support courses, there are administrative and budgetary efficiencies associated with the proposed alternative to a separate department for learning support ("LS"). The proposed alternative provides services for the students and academic homes for the tenured faculty in the Departments of English, Mathematics, and Middle and Secondary Education.
Academic Foundations Realignment Plan: Due to the increase in admission standards
at research universities, GSU indicates that the number of students requiring
learning support courses has been reduced and will be reduced further by the
year 2001. Tenured faculty in the department are projected to devote a small
fraction of their efforts on LS courses and a larger percentage of time to
instruction in related departments such as English, mathematics, and middle
and secondary education. The academic benefit of transferring faculty into
these departments is the integration of faculty with their disciplinary colleagues.
Faculty members will be evaluated by their respective chairs and deans. All
continuing faculty members are tenured associate professors and professors.
Each of the three groups (i.e., reading, writing, and mathematics) will be
considered for promotion based on effectiveness in teaching, research, and
service. All tenured faculty members will be reassigned to either the reading,
writing, or mathematics departments.
The associate provost for academic programs will be responsible for administering
and coordinating the learning support program, following established guidelines,
and assessing the effectiveness of the curriculum.
6. Establishment of the W. E. Carter Eminent Scholar Chair in Business Administration, Georgia Southern University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Bruce F. Grube that Georgia Southern University ("GSOU") be authorized to establish the W. E. Carter Eminent Scholar Chair in Business Administration, effective September 8, 1999.
Abstract: President Grube has requested that the W. E. Carter Eminent Scholar Chair in Business Administration be established within the College of Business Administration. This chair will be funded by GSOU's foundation and State allocations in accordance with established guidelines. The total funding meets the minimum requirement of $1 million. In addition, the endowment will provide a $5,000 scholarship to an outstanding undergraduate who will study with the eminent scholar. The endowment will also provide $10,000 in travel and operating expenses for the eminent scholar and $5,000 for a graduate assistant.
The eminent scholar will serve in one of the following areas in business administration: management leadership, management information systems, or management science. The faculty member selected for this position will exhibit a commitment to teaching in both credit and continuing education, place a high value on the application of his/her discipline to solve problems in the region served by GSOU, and be an advocate for free enterprise to students, faculty members, and the external community.
Biography: The namesake of this endowed chair, W. E. Carter, is the father of former Acting President Harry S. Carter. Ms. Mildred Jenkins, Dr. Harry S. Carter's aunt and generous philanthropist, provided the requisite support which enabled GSOU to secure the funds according to established guidelines.
7. Establishment of the William A. Freeman Eminent Scholar Chair in Free Enterprise, Georgia Southern University
Approved: The Board approved the request of President Bruce F. Grube that Georgia Southern University ("GSOU") be authorized to establish the William A. Freeman Eminent Scholar Chair in Free Enterprise, effective September 8, 1999.
Abstract: President Grube has requested that the William A. Freeman Eminent Scholar Chair in Free Enterprise be established within the College of Business Administration. This chair will be funded by GSOU's foundation and State allocations in accordance with established guidelines. The total funding meets the minimum requirement of $1 million.
The eminent scholar will serve in one of the disciplines of the College of Business Administration. The faculty member selected for this position will exhibit a commitment to teaching, place a high value on the application of his/her discipline to solve problems in the region served by GSOU, and will act as an advocate for free enterprise to students, faculty members, and the external community.
Biography: The namesake of this endowed chair, William A. Freeman, is a 1957 graduate of Georgia Teachers College, which is now known as Georgia Southern University. As president, director, and stockholder of Watkins Associated Industries, Inc., a holding company in Atlanta, Mr. Freeman's business enterprises are extensive in transportation, commercial property, banking, and insurance.
Mr. Freeman received the honorary doctor of letters from GSOU in recognition of his personal and financial support of the university. Mr. Freeman is an honorary member of the GSOU chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, a national business honor society. He was the College of Business Administration Alumnus of the Year in 1991. Mr. Freeman serves on the Business Advisory Council of the College of Business Administration of GSOU and the Georgia Southern Boosters' board. In February 1999, Mr. Freeman was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association.
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8. Administrative and Academic Appointments and Personnel Actions, Various System Institutions
The following administrative and academic appointments were reviewed by Education Committee Chair Juanita P. Baranco and were approved by the Board. All regular appointments are on file with the Office of Academic Affairs.
CONFERRING OF EMERITUS STATUS: AT THE REQUEST OF THE PRESIDENTS OF VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, THE BOARD CONFERRED THE TITLE OF EMERITUS UPON THE FOLLOWING FACULTY MEMBERS, EFFECTIVE ON THE DATES INDICATED: (A) GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BURGESS, EDWARD M.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY, COLLEGE OF SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 15, 1999. HIGGINS, RICHARD J.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, EFFECTIVE SEP 15, 1999. KENAN, RICHARD P.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, EFFECTIVE SEP 15, 1999. (B) UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA FERREE, MAURICE EDGAR: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE OCT 1, 1999. HOWETT, CATHERINE M.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN, EFFECTIVE SEP 1, 1999. ISAAC, ROBERT ANTHONY: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, ASSOCIATE DEAN EMERITUS, DEPARTMENT OF CROP & SOIL SCIENCES, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE OCT 1, 1999. LAHIFF, JAMES MICHAEL: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR EMERITUS, DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, EFFECTIVE SEP 1, 1999. LANE, RONALD PATON: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR EMERITUS, DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 1, 1999. POMERANCE, CARL BERNARD: RESEARCH PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF MATHEMATICS, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS, FRANKLIN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 1, 1999. SKEEN, PATSY LOUISE: PROFESSOR EMERITA, DEPARTMENT OF CHILD & FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, COLLEGE OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 1, 1999. SMITH, JOSEPH OWENS: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR EMERITUS, SCHOOL OF MARINE PROGRAMS, FRANKLIN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 1, 1999. UZES, CHARLES A.: EMERITUS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SCIENCE, FRANKLIN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 1, 1999. WHEELER, JAMES ORTON: THE MERLE PRUNTY JR PROFESSOR EMERITUS, DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, FRANKLIN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 1, 1999. (C) GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY CALDWELL, SLOAN D.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 8, 1999. CHANDLER, VICTORIA: PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY, DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY, COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 9, 1999. HAWKINS, DAVID C.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE, COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 8, 1999. POWELL, KATHRYN T.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, JOHN H. LOUNSBURY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, EFFECTIVE SEP 9, 1999. SAYLES, JEREMY W.: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF LIBRARY SCIENCE, LIBRARY, EFFECTIVE SEP 8, 1999. TIPTON, CLYDE B.: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF MUSIC, DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC AND THEATRE, COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 8, 1999. (D) STATE UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA HUNSICKER, FRANK R.: PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS ADMIN AND CHAIR, DEPT OF MANAGEMENT/BUSINESS INFOR SYSTEMS EMERITUS, DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS SYSTEMS, ROY RICHARDS, SR. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, EFFECTIVE SEP 15, 1999. (E) ABRAHAM BALDWIN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AKIN, LEW SPARKS: PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF HUMANITIES, DIVISION OF HUMANITIES, EFFECTIVE AUG 12, 1999. COOPER, WAYNE LEONARD: DIVISION CHAIR AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION & RECREATION, EFFECTIVE SEP 2, 1999. DOSS, JEANIE: EMERITA, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES, DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESCOURCES, EFFECTIVE SEP 2, 1999. (F) SOUTH GEORGIA COLLEGE HINSON, PATRICIA M.: ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN EMERITA, EFFECTIVE SEP 15, 1999. LOTT, WILMA R.: PROFESSOR EMERITA OF MATHEMATICS, EFFECTIVE SEP 15, 1999. APPROVAL OF LEAVES OF ABSENCE: THE BOARD APPROVED THE FOLLOWING LEAVES OF ABSENCE AND THE SALARIES FOR THE PERIODS RECOMMENDED AT THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS: (A) GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY HAMPIKIAN, JANET M.: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, LEAVE FROM AUG 16, 1999 TO AUG 15, 2000, WITH PAY. (B) UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA CROW, SUSAN R.: PUBLIC SERVICE ASSISTANT, INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY & AREA DEVELOPMENT, VICE PRESIDENT FOR SERVICE, LEAVE FROM OCT 1, 1999 TO SEP 30, 2000, WITHOUT PAY. DOZIER, GEORGE STEPHENSON: LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM, COLLEGE OF JOURNALISM & MASS COMMUNICATIONS, LEAVE FROM AUG 19, 1999 TO DEC 17, 1999, WITH PAY. (C) GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY GILES, TIMOTHY D.: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF LEARNING SUPPORT, LEAVE FROM AUG 1, 1999 TO MAY 31, 2000, WITH PAY. (D) GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE LAHAISE, WILLIAM H.: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS (CLARKSTON), DIVISION OF SCIENCE (CLARKSTON), LEAVE FROM AUG 16, 1999 TO MAY 12, 2000, WITH PAY. APPOINTMENT OF FACULTY MEMBERS PREVIOUSLY RETIRED FROM THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: THE BOARD APPROVED THE FOLLOWING PART-TIME APPOINTMENTS OF FACULTY MEMBERS PREVIOUSLY RETIRED FROM THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: (A) GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY BATTEN, ROBERT W.: PROFESSOR EMERITUS, DEPARTMENT OF RISK MANAGE
