Meeting Minutes, April 12, 2002
BackCreator: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
Subjects: Administration, Board of Trustees, BOT Minute Books
Date: April 12, 2002
Format: Text/pdf
Original Format: Computer file
Resource Identifier: APRIL 12 2002.pdf
Collection Number: UA 1
Language: English
Rights Management: Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Contributing Institution: Offices of Board of Trustees and President; University Archives & Historical Collections; MATRIX
Contributor: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
Text File: Download (73.47 KB)
Transcript: MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
April 12, 2002
The Trustee Finance Committee and Trustee Policy Committee meetings were held in the Board Room of the Administration Building beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday,
April 12, 2002. Minutes of the meetings are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
President McPherson called the meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 9:43 a.m. in the Board Room.
Trustees present: Dolores M. Cook, Joel I. Ferguson, Colleen M. McNamara,
Donald W. Nugent, Randall L. Pittman, David L. Porteous, and G. Scott Romney.
Trustee absent: Dorothy V. Gonzales.
University officers present: President McPherson, Provost Simon, Vice President Poston, Secretary Carter, Vice President and General Counsel Noto, Vice Presidents Denbow, Greenleaf, Huggett, June, and Webb, Executive Director Williams, and Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell. Faculty Liaisons present:
Norman Abeles, Robert Bonner, Jonathan Hall, Linda Lou Smith, and Ted Tims. Student Liaisons present: Charles Beachnau, Matthew Clayson, Marisa Cruz, and
Sam Howerton.
All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.
1. On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Ferguson, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the amended agenda. The agenda was amended to include a resolution honoring the MSU Debate Team.
2. On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Ms. McNamara, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the minutes of February 13 and February 26, 2002.
3. Trustee GPA Award Recipients
Chairperson Nugent and President McPherson presented Trustee GPA Awards for Spring Semester 2002 to the graduating seniors listed below.
Karen T. Ives and Jennifer M. Schlegel were unable to attend the meeting.
Bryan A. Corpus Psychology 4.00000 Grade Point
Paula L. Crouse Botany & Plant Pathology 4.00000 Grade Point
Michael P. Divita Urban & Regional Planning 4.00000 Grade Point
Patrick W. Gallagher Computer Science 4.00000 Grade Point
Benjamin T. Gielda Lyman Briggs Physiology 4.00000 Grade Point
Karen T. Ives Civil Engineering 4.00000 Grade Point
Jennifer M. Schlegel Zoology 4.00000 Grade Point
Joshua P. Spaete Zoology 4.00000 Grade Point
Brandon J. Verhougstraete Biological Science 4.00000 Grade Point
Sarah M. Zagata Ag. & Nat. Res. Comm. 4.00000 Grade Point
and International Relations
4. President's Report
A. President McPherson noted that following the Board meeting, the new $93 million, 362,000 square foot Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building would be dedicated. He said that the building is very impressive.
B. President McPherson commented on the recent national rankings of university development programs. He said that MSU ranked in the top 20 nationally among all universities, and ranked number 10 among all public universities. Mr. McPherson congratulated Vice President Chuck Webb and the Development staff on this achievement, and added that this could not have been accomplished without the help of the faculty, deans, and department chairs.
C. President McPherson congratulated Camilla Smith and Robin Stein, both members of the Honors College, who received scholarships to study at Cambridge University. Ms. Smith is a recipient of the Churchill Scholarship, and Ms. Stein is a recipient of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Both students were also recipients of National Science Foundation fellowships.
D. President McPherson thanked outgoing student Board liaisons Marisa Cruz and Sam Howerton, and wished Matt Clayson and Quinn Wright luck in their bids for re-election within ASMSU.
5. Public Participation on Items Germane to the Agenda
There were no requests to address the Board of Trustees on issues germane to the agenda.
6. Personnel Actions
A. Appointments
Provost Simon, Vice President Poston, and General Counsel Noto presented the following personnel actions:
1) Sambamurthy, Vallabhajosyula, AY-Professor, Department of Accounting and Information Systems, $210,000, with Tenure, effective August 16, 2002.
2) Pope, Malcolm H., AN-Professor, Walter F. Patenge Chair of Osteopathic Medicine, Departments of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine; Radiology, $180,000, with Tenure, effective July 1, 2002.
3) Strauss, Eric James, AN-Professor, Department of Geography, $110,000, with Tenure, effective July 1, 2002.
4) Comley, Richard B., AN-Head Coach-Hockey, Intercollegiate Athletics, $150,000, Subject to Contract, effective
April 15, 2002 to June 30, 2006.
B. Other Personnel Actions
1) Strampel, William D., AN-Acting Dean and Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine; Department of Internal Medicine, for a change in title to Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine and for a change in salary rate to $180,000, effective
April 15, 2002.
2) Poterala, Michael R., AN-Assistant General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, for a change in title to Associate General Counsel and for a change in salary rate to $98,000, effective April 1, 2002.
On a motion by Ms. McNamara, supported by Ms. Cook, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
Dr. Simon commented on the appointment of Vallabhajosyula Sambamurthy, who comes to MSU from the University of Maryland. His research includes organizational structures for leveraging information technology. This will coincide with the overall e-business component of the College of Business, Provost Simon said.
Malcolm Pope, Dr. Simon indicated, is a native of Scotland, and comes to MSU from the University of Iowa. He is a professor of mechanical engineering and preventative medicine, and serves as director of the Spine Research Center at the University of Iowa. He is a world expert in neuromuscular skeletal medicine, she said, and will teach in MSU’s departments of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Radiology.
Professor Eric Strauss will become the director of the Urban and Regional Planning Program, Provost Simon said. He was a visiting professor and became interested in staying at MSU.
Regarding the change in title for William Strampel, Dr. Simon said that the widespread view was that he should be appointed as Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine in order to sustain momentum in the College.
Vice President Poston commented on the appointment of Richard Comley as the head coach of ice hockey. Dr. Poston pointed out that Mr. Comley comes to MSU from Northern Michigan University, and has a strong commitment to students and academics, in addition to winning hockey games.
Vice President Noto said that in his seven years at MSU, he has had the opportunity to work with two wonderful associate general counsels, Sally Harwood and Michael Kiley. Mr. Noto recommended the promotion of Michael Poterala to associate general counsel as well. He has been at MSU for more than three years, and provides legal support for the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, as well as for other departments.
7. MSU Debate Team Resolution
On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Mr. Romney, THE BOARD VOTED TO approve a resolution honoring and congratulating the MSU Debate Team on its recent national championship.
Debate Team coach Jason Trice said that the team won three major competitions at Northwestern University, Fullerton University, and the University of Kentucky. He noted that the MSU team had the best season of any debate team in the country.
Trustee Cook said that in the mid 1980s, she traveled to a competition in Cleveland with then-coach, Jim Roper. She said that he reinvigorated the debate program and it was an extraordinary effort to coach the team to the successes and recognition it now achieves.
President McPherson commented that there is a broader need to put endowments and scholarships in place in order to support a full generation of champion debate teams.
8. Gift and Grant Acceptance
A. Gifts, Grants and Contracts
Vice President Huggett presented the Gift, Grant and Contract Report for the period of January 23, 2002 through March 21, 2002. The report is a compilation of 320 Gifts, Grants and Contracts, 160 Consignment/Non-Cash Gifts, and 1 Consignment/Non-Cash Loan with a total value of $62,135,827.66. The Gift, Grant and Contract Report
is included with the agenda materials in the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the Gift, Grant and Contract Report.
B. General Motors Corporation Patent Gift
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees accept from General Motors Corporation the donation of all its right, title, and interest in U.S. Patents 5,739,794 and 5,083,135 and in the European Patent EP0486081. The patents deal with transparent film antennas for automotive vehicle windows.
On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
C. Delphi Technologies, Inc. Patent Gift
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees accept from Delphi Technologies, Inc., the donation of all its right, title, and interest in U.S. Patents 5,739,794 and 5,083,135 and in the European Patent EP0486081. The patents deal with transparent film antennas for automotive vehicle windows.
On a motion by Mr. Ferguson, supported by Mr. Nugent, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
9. The Trustee Finance Committee report and recommendations were presented by Committee Chairperson Nugent.
A. Bids and Contract Awards
1) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $2,547,000 be awarded to Kares Construction Co., Inc., of Lansing, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $3,250,000 be established for the project entitled: New Track and Turf at Ralph Young.
2) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $556,800 (Base Bid: $470,000, plus Alternate No. 1: $29,500, plus Alternate No. 2: $27,700, plus Alternate No. 3: $29,600) be awarded to W.P.M., Inc., of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $705,000 be established for the project entitled: Brody Hall - Lot 65 Reconstruction, Phase IV.
3) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $146,800 be awarded to J. Perez Construction, Inc., of Flint, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $490,000 be established for the project entitled: Bessey Hall – Alterations to Rooms 201–203, 205, 209, and 215.
4) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $356,900 be awarded to Kares Construction Co., Inc., of Lansing, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $530,000 be established for the project entitled: Intramural Sports Circle - Barrier Free Alterations.
5) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $887,000 be awarded to Moore Trosper Construction Company, of Lansing, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $1,200,000 be established for the project entitled: Engineering Building –Alterations to Rooms 2125 and 2135.
6) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $221,979 (Base Bid: $205,553, plus Alternate No. 1: $2,966, plus Alternate No. 5: $1,360, plus Alternate No. 6: $960, plus Alternate No. 8: $2,450, plus Alternate No. 11: $8,690) be awarded to Wedeven Bros. Construction Co. of Hamilton, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $252,000 be established for the project entitled: Trevor Nichols Research Complex - Conference Room Addition.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Ferguson, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
Regarding item number 1, New Track and Turf at Ralph Young, Vice President Fred Poston commented that an artificial turf field would be placed in the center of the new track to provide a place to play women’s field hockey.
B. Appointment of Construction Manager
1) It was recommended that the Christman Company of Lansing, Michigan, be appointed as the construction manager for the project entitled: Cyclotron Building – Office Expansion, and that construction proceed at an estimated cost of $4.3 million.
2) It was recommended that Clark Construction Company of Lansing, Michigan, be appointed as the construction manager for the School of Music’s Community Music School and that construction proceed at an estimated cost of $300,000.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
Regarding item number 2, the School of Music’s Community Music School, the University will lease space from the East Lansing Public School system for 10 years with the option of a 10-year lease extension.
C. Appointment of Architect/Engineer
1) It was recommended that HarleyEllis of Southfield, Michigan, be appointed as the architect/engineer for the project entitled: Biochemistry – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Modifications.
2) It was recommended that Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc., of Detroit, Michigan, be appointed as the architect/engineer for the project entitled: Chemistry – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Modifications.
3) It was recommended that Peter Basso Associates, Inc., of Troy, Michigan, be appointed as the architect/engineer for the project entitled: Food Science – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Modifications.
4) It was recommended that DiClemente Siegel Design, Inc., of Southfield, Michigan, be appointed as the architect/engineer for the project entitled: Regional Chilled Water Plant – Chiller Replacement.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
D. Fiscal Year 2002-2003 Housing Rate Recommendations
It was recommended that the Board adopt the basic residence halls room and board rate of $2,466 per semester effective fall semester 2002 and the basic University apartments rates of $506 per month for a remodeled, one-bedroom apartment and $560 per month for a remodeled, two-bedroom apartment effective August 1, 2002.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Ferguson, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
Vice President Poston indicated that 2.2% of the 5.4% increase in residence hall rates will be dedicated to the major renovation and replacement fund. 1.3% of the 6.0% increase in university apartment rates will be dedicated to major renovation and replacement.
Trustee Ferguson commented that the Board is very happy with the way that University Housing is operated and maintained. He said that it is important to keep the residence halls current and up to standards. If money is not spent to make the halls a place where students want to live, he explained, then that leads to vacancies and those who stay in the halls will have to pay more. Mr. Ferguson complimented Chuck Gagliano and his staff for the outstanding work they do in University Housing.
Trustee Porteous said that the University has been a great steward of room and board dollars for many years. He noted that MSU’s housing rate is one of the lowest in the Big Ten and in the State of Michigan. This increase recognizes the critical responsibility of the Board to help assure continued quality of housing facilities. Mr. Porteous added that this summer, the Board would be discussing short-term and long-term plans for residential living on campus.
Trustee Nugent said that Trustees Ferguson and Porteous explained very well the reason why the Board has to raise rates at a level greater than inflation. It is most important, Mr. Nugent emphasized, to have reserves in order to maintain the already-high quality of MSU’s housing system.
President McPherson commented that since all the bonds on residence halls have been paid off, the rate increase represents a depreciation account for renovation of the buildings.
Trustee Romney pointed out that money that goes into housing stays in housing, and it is not applied to other areas of the University.
E. Homer Nowlin Endowment Fund Redistribution
It was recommended that the Homer Nowlin Endowment Fund be redistributed in order to (1) strengthen the University’s capacity in consumer responsive product agriculture, and (2) establish a multidisciplinary partnership that will focus on creating a sustainable future for Michigan.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
Trustee Nugent said that Mr. Nowlin passed away in 1979 and left the University his estate, which is now worth about $10 million. Mr. Nugent indicated that Mr. Nowlin was pleased with the work of the MSU extension, and this was the reason for his generosity.
Trustee Pittman asked whether this redistribution goes against the wishes of Mr. Nowlin’s estate and the original endowment. Dr. Poston said that this action follows the guidelines of the original gift, which the University received in 1981.
Provost Simon read from a newspaper article written at the time of the donation of the property. It stated that Mr. Nowlin had only an 8th grade education, but had great respect for learning, was well spoken and well read. To Mr. Nowlin, Michigan State University meant education and agriculture.
F. Bond Authorization
It was recommended that the Board approve the resolution authorizing a general revenue bond financing to finance all or a portion of certain capital expenditures of or for the benefit of the University.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
Vice President Poston said that it is financially advantageous to issue this bond as variable rate debt, with the option to swap the variable rates to fixed rates in the future.
G. Investment Restructuring
It was recommended that the Board approve the investment of $10 million to the Tucker Anthony Private Equity Fund IV, LP.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
10. The Trustee Policy Committee report and recommendations were presented by Committee Chairperson McNamara.
A. Revision of University Ordinances
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees amend University Ordinance 18.02 to include biological and radioactive materials, to renumber Ordinance 2.04 as 2.05, and to insert new Ordinance 2.04 as indicated below:
2.04 Exceptions to section 18.00 of these ordinances must be made by written authorization of the Police Chief and Director of the Department of Police and Public Safety.
On a motion by Ms. McNamara, supported by Mr. Romney, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
In light of recent events, Provost Simon explained, the University Committee on Faculty Affairs, along with other governance committees, believed that biological and radioactive materials should be added to the list of prohibited items under University Ordinance 18.02.
Jim Dunlap, Assistant Police Chief, commented on the change to University Ordinance 2.00. He said that waivers must sometimes be granted to departments that would need tranquilizer or stun guns in the course of their research. This change allows for Police and Public Safety to grant waivers where there had been no opportunity to do so in the past.
B. Notice of intent to negotiate the following contracts was given to the Board of Trustees. Board approval for these agreements will be requested at a subsequent meeting.
1) A software license agreement with StrobLink.
Dr. David Strobl, a member of the faculty in the Department of Internal Medicine, and Mr. Chad Link, a graduate student in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and their families each cumulatively own or have options to buy an equity interest of more than 5% of the company. Both Dr. Strobl and Mr. Link are officers of the company.
2) A technology license agreement with Preservation Specialties, LLC. Mr. Peter Ocello, a support staff member in the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, and his family cumulatively own or have options to buy an equity interest of more than 5% of the company.
3) A technology license agreement with Bio Plastic Polymers and Composites, LLC. Dr. Ramani Narayan, a member of the faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering, and his immediate family cumulatively own or have options to buy an equity interest of more than 5% of the company. Dr. Narayan is also an officer of Bio Plastic Polymers and Composites, LLC.
C. Faculty Conflict of Interest
It was recommended that the Board approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of an option agreement with Claytec, Inc., consistent with earlier public notice given at the
February 13, 2002 Board meeting, and with the applicable “Option Term Sheet.”
On a motion by Ms. McNamara, supported by Mr. Romney, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
D. Affirmative Action Report
Paulette Granberry Russell, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance and Monitoring, presented the annual Affirmative Action report.
Ms. Russell said that the fulfillment of MSU’s commitment to diversity could not be done without the help of those at the Board table, in the gallery, and throughout the MSU community.
It is clear, she commented, that MSU’s response to the events of September 11 was shaped by work that had already been accomplished before the tragedy. She said the University knew how to respond to the needs of students, faculty and staff on campus. The Muslim community was especially grateful for MSU’s response. Out of that experience, Ms. Russell said, she learned that there is much more the University can do to educate the community.
Ms. Russell explained that this year’s report reflects an increase of 5.3% in total domestic minority enrollment over the previous year. 16.1% of the total MSU student population is minority. Women students represent 54% of the total student population, which is also an increase from the previous year. For the second consecutive year, she noted, the total enrollment of minority freshmen increased to a historic high of 20% of the freshman class.
Among the support staff, the numbers of minority men and women are also up from the previous year. Even though the overall number of tenure-system faculty members declined, the numbers of women and minorities continued to increase. There is a steady increase, she said, in the representation of women and persons of color on campus.
Where there have been decreases, Ms. Russell pointed out, the causes have been identified and steps have been taken to eliminate further decline.
Within the CIC, MSU’s numbers of women faculty and faculty of color compare quite favorably with other institutions, and also nationally. In the CIC, only one institution had a higher percentage of women faculty. Seven institutions were below MSU’s total minority representation of 15.5% of tenure-system faculty, and only two institutions had more minority faculty members.
The issue of faculty diversity is a national problem and not unique to MSU. But what is unique to MSU, she said, is the effort to increase faculty diversity on campus, and MSU is considered one of the best among peer institutions in this regard. Efforts have produced continued growth in numbers of women and minorities both within employment ranks, as well as within the student body.
Campus programming over the last year also reflects a responsiveness to the needs of an increasingly diverse community. Human Resources continues to collaborate with the office of Affirmative Action to emphasize proactive recruitment to achieve increases in the diversity of faculty and staff, and the retention of minorities and women within the community. Ms. Russell said that the University is more aggressively recruiting strong, diverse candidates for employment among faculty and staff.
Programs in Student Affairs and Services to build relationships based on multiculturalism within the entire MSU community are significant. And the MSU Extension staff, to remain current and relevant, staff must achieve and maintain competencies in multicultural awareness.
During the 2000-2001 academic year, there were more than 17,000 visits to the Multicultural Center, an increase of more than 4,000 from the previous year.
The Purchasing Department’s Supplier Diversity Program also continued to expand, providing economic growth for local minority and women-owned businesses. That process is also being regarded within the Lansing community as one of the best practices that is being modeled by other employers.
Ms. Russell said that there is a tremendous amount of good work going on, and it gives great meaning to the commitments of the Guiding Principles and the MSU Promise.
11. Chairperson's Report and Trustees' Comments
A. Chairperson's Report
Chairperson Nugent commented that the Diversity Awards ceremony the previous day was very nice. He said that it gets better every year, and the projects and contributions from the MSU community are amazing.
Trustee Nugent said that on the previous evening, the Board attended Ron Mason’s final hockey banquet as head coach. Mr. Nugent noted that Ron has distinguished himself above others, and congratulated him on his extremely successful career as head coach. Mr. Nugent said he looks forward to working with Ron in his new role as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, and congratulated Clarence Underwood on his retirement.
Trustee Nugent pointed out that it is a huge milestone for the University to dedicate its new Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building. The impact of this building will be long-lasting for the University and for the State of Michigan.
Trustee Nugent said that he enjoys commencement very much, and hopes that newspapers are correct in their speculation that Vice President Dick Cheney will be the undergraduate convocation speaker.
Trustee Nugent commended the Board of Trustees for its hard work. He said that members do not always agree completely on everything, but agree to disagree. With this kind of discussion, the right decisions will be made, he said.
B. Trustees' Comments
1) Trustee Porteous commented that recently, President McPherson chaired a committee on the charter school issue. This is an example of the land grant mission to provide assistance and spend time working on a very challenging issue. Mr. Porteous said that the committee will issue a very thoughtful report that will be helpful for people across the State.
Mr. Porteous complimented Trustee Ferguson on his appointment by Governor Engler to the Broadband Authority. He said it was a tremendous compliment to Mr. Ferguson and his ability to work through difficult and very important issues.
Mr. Porteous said that it does not seem as though four years have passed since he moved his daughter into Case Hall. He commented that MSU continues to have an extraordinary impact on his parents, as well as on himself and his wife. It is wonderful, he remarked, that in a couple weeks he would see his daughter graduate from MSU. He said that his daughter will have wonderful memories of Michigan State University.
Trustee Porteous said that it will be an extraordinary commencement if Vice President Cheney is able to attend as speaker.
2) Trustee Romney said that it is a wonderful privilege to be on the Board with other terrific Trustees. He congratulated members of the Board for their efforts in moving the University forward.
Trustee Romney thanked Trustee Emeritus Robert Weiss for his contributions, and welcomed Trustee Pittman to the Board.
Trustee Romney said that the University’s product is students, and it invests in them for the future. He noted that recently there has been recognition of great students, from the MSU Debate Team, to the Diversity Awards, to the Hockey Banquet, as well as the recipients of the Trustee GPA Awards. Trustees are charged, he said, with investing funds from the State and from tuition dollars in the highest quality education possible. He emphasized that this is an important responsibility, and leads the University into its upcoming capital campaign to invest in students who will go out to improve society.
3) Trustee Cook offered her condolences to Trustee Gonzales, whose grandmother recently passed away. Ms. Cook said that Trustee Gonzales’ grandmother was very influential in her life.
Trustee Cook pointed out that she appreciates the Board’s relationship with faculty and student liaisons. She said that they provide an important perspective and exchange ideas in a very candid way. She said it is extraordinarily beneficial, especially during times of financial stress, to hear directly the problems that the faculty face. There is a sense of trust that is a part of those discussions. Ms. Cook added that the student liaisons are extraordinarily bright young people who take time from their busy schedules to represent their constituencies to the Board of Trustees.
Trustee Cook said that commencement validates the work of the Board and every decision that is made is pointed toward the goal of turning out well educated, bright young citizens of Michigan and the world. The best part, she said, is watching the faces of students and their families. Trustee Cook pointed out that MSU has often produced the first member of families to get a college education, and that is a great accomplishment.
Trustee Cook said she looks forward to the possibility of a visit by Vice President Cheney at commencement.
4) Trustee Pittman commented that he had recently attended a breakfast kicking off the University’s annual campaign. He thanked President and Mrs. McPherson for hosting a very nice event. He said that a number of faculty members made positive remarks about initiatives and a long-term vision for the University. He said that the faculty and staff are leaders in terms of development, and thanked them for contributing their own resources back to the University. It is not easy to raise money, he said, but the progress that has been made is a positive reflection on the faculty, staff, President McPherson, and the administration.
Trustee Pittman said that he is very interested in the sciences, and is excited about the dedication of the Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building. MSU, he said, impacts the world through research and discoveries such as the cancer drug, Cisplatin. The new building is an opportunity to train future researchers and to expand efforts critical to Michigan and the whole world. Mr. Pittman asked whether the University could afford a project as large as the science building today, and said that we must be prepared to handle short-term budget problems with a long-term perspective. He said he believes that this Board and administration have the ability to lead effectively to work through problems.
5) Trustee Ferguson said that he recently received an e-mail questionnaire regarding Trustees’ duties and their annual salaries. He responded that Trustees do not receive a salary, and must therefore be underpaid. He added that the person doing the research for the questionnaire must be overpaid as they thought that Board members received a salary of $175,000. Mr. Ferguson said that those who run the University daily, from the President down, are underpaid for the contributions they make to the people of Michigan. It is a labor of love, he said, for both members of the Board, and for everyone who works at the University.
12. Public Participation on Issues Not Germane to the Agenda
A. Marianne Dunn, an MSU alumna and a representative of parents of blind children, addressed the Board in support of the visual impairment teacher training program in the College of Education. She said that there is a shortage of teachers in Michigan and across the country. Ms. Dunn indicated that teachers in Michigan have an average of 50 visually impaired students in their classrooms, and the majority of those teachers will be retiring in seven to 10 years. She said that closing the program is unwise considering the number of teachers that are needed around the State. Ms. Dunn emphasized that the issue should be reviewed by the Board, and urged that the program not be closed.
B. Fred Wurtzel, President of the Michigan Federation of the Blind, told the Board that he is a graduate of the Michigan School for the Blind, and was fortunate to be able to go on to college. He said he was prepared to succeed in college because he had been taught by a teacher who attended MSU. He said that he and his classmates were successful because they had teachers who prepared them well. Mr. Wurtzel noted that other universities offer training for teachers of the blind, but doubts that any other university can provide the quality of training that MSU has traditionally provided. There is a 70% unemployment rate among blind people, he pointed out, because they have not had educational opportunities to allow them to excel. He said that the program is valuable to blind people, to Michigan State University, and to the citizens of Michigan. He asked the Board to reconsider the decision to close the visual impairment program.
C. Daniel Furton, an student, said that over they last year, he randomly asked students if they would support a tuition increase of two to three dollars per semester to support faculty in the visual impairment program. Not once, he said, did he receive a negative response to the question. Mr. Furton indicated that he was told that the University intends to hire more faculty in higher-population programs. He commented that taxpayers are losing because blind people will not be able to maximize their individual potential and will be a burden to taxpayers as recipients of social security, welfare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Parents of the visually impaired are also damaged because they cannot find appropriate schooling for their children. He said that other universities around the State are keeping their programs open, and MSU should do so as well.
D. Jessica Goodkind, a graduate student in the Psychology Department and President of the Graduate Employees Union, said that she is pursuing her Ph.D. at MSU because she cares about the field of psychology and improving lives. She said that she has taught many classes at MSU, and has worked hard to ensure that students were actively involved in those classes. Ms. Goodkind indicated that teaching assistants bring a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and dedication to the classroom. Teaching assistants are also employees of the University and take their jobs very seriously. She commented that teaching assistants are overworked, underpaid, and have severely inadequate health insurance, the biggest concern of most teaching assistants. She said that their insurance is designed for undergraduate students who are also covered by their parents’ insurance, and that teaching assistants are asking for real health care coverage for themselves and affordable coverage for partners and dependents. Ms. Goodkind explained that for many teaching assistants, the cost of living is greater than their take-home pay. She asked that the Board take seriously the requests of the Graduate Employees Union.
13. An Executive Session was not requested.
14. On a motion by Mr. Ferguson, supported by Mr. Nugent, the Board voted to adjourn at 11:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
L. Susan Carter, J.D.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Request a ReproductionOF THE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
April 12, 2002
The Trustee Finance Committee and Trustee Policy Committee meetings were held in the Board Room of the Administration Building beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday,
April 12, 2002. Minutes of the meetings are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
President McPherson called the meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 9:43 a.m. in the Board Room.
Trustees present: Dolores M. Cook, Joel I. Ferguson, Colleen M. McNamara,
Donald W. Nugent, Randall L. Pittman, David L. Porteous, and G. Scott Romney.
Trustee absent: Dorothy V. Gonzales.
University officers present: President McPherson, Provost Simon, Vice President Poston, Secretary Carter, Vice President and General Counsel Noto, Vice Presidents Denbow, Greenleaf, Huggett, June, and Webb, Executive Director Williams, and Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell. Faculty Liaisons present:
Norman Abeles, Robert Bonner, Jonathan Hall, Linda Lou Smith, and Ted Tims. Student Liaisons present: Charles Beachnau, Matthew Clayson, Marisa Cruz, and
Sam Howerton.
All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.
1. On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Ferguson, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the amended agenda. The agenda was amended to include a resolution honoring the MSU Debate Team.
2. On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Ms. McNamara, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the minutes of February 13 and February 26, 2002.
3. Trustee GPA Award Recipients
Chairperson Nugent and President McPherson presented Trustee GPA Awards for Spring Semester 2002 to the graduating seniors listed below.
Karen T. Ives and Jennifer M. Schlegel were unable to attend the meeting.
Bryan A. Corpus Psychology 4.00000 Grade Point
Paula L. Crouse Botany & Plant Pathology 4.00000 Grade Point
Michael P. Divita Urban & Regional Planning 4.00000 Grade Point
Patrick W. Gallagher Computer Science 4.00000 Grade Point
Benjamin T. Gielda Lyman Briggs Physiology 4.00000 Grade Point
Karen T. Ives Civil Engineering 4.00000 Grade Point
Jennifer M. Schlegel Zoology 4.00000 Grade Point
Joshua P. Spaete Zoology 4.00000 Grade Point
Brandon J. Verhougstraete Biological Science 4.00000 Grade Point
Sarah M. Zagata Ag. & Nat. Res. Comm. 4.00000 Grade Point
and International Relations
4. President's Report
A. President McPherson noted that following the Board meeting, the new $93 million, 362,000 square foot Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building would be dedicated. He said that the building is very impressive.
B. President McPherson commented on the recent national rankings of university development programs. He said that MSU ranked in the top 20 nationally among all universities, and ranked number 10 among all public universities. Mr. McPherson congratulated Vice President Chuck Webb and the Development staff on this achievement, and added that this could not have been accomplished without the help of the faculty, deans, and department chairs.
C. President McPherson congratulated Camilla Smith and Robin Stein, both members of the Honors College, who received scholarships to study at Cambridge University. Ms. Smith is a recipient of the Churchill Scholarship, and Ms. Stein is a recipient of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Both students were also recipients of National Science Foundation fellowships.
D. President McPherson thanked outgoing student Board liaisons Marisa Cruz and Sam Howerton, and wished Matt Clayson and Quinn Wright luck in their bids for re-election within ASMSU.
5. Public Participation on Items Germane to the Agenda
There were no requests to address the Board of Trustees on issues germane to the agenda.
6. Personnel Actions
A. Appointments
Provost Simon, Vice President Poston, and General Counsel Noto presented the following personnel actions:
1) Sambamurthy, Vallabhajosyula, AY-Professor, Department of Accounting and Information Systems, $210,000, with Tenure, effective August 16, 2002.
2) Pope, Malcolm H., AN-Professor, Walter F. Patenge Chair of Osteopathic Medicine, Departments of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine; Radiology, $180,000, with Tenure, effective July 1, 2002.
3) Strauss, Eric James, AN-Professor, Department of Geography, $110,000, with Tenure, effective July 1, 2002.
4) Comley, Richard B., AN-Head Coach-Hockey, Intercollegiate Athletics, $150,000, Subject to Contract, effective
April 15, 2002 to June 30, 2006.
B. Other Personnel Actions
1) Strampel, William D., AN-Acting Dean and Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine; Department of Internal Medicine, for a change in title to Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine and for a change in salary rate to $180,000, effective
April 15, 2002.
2) Poterala, Michael R., AN-Assistant General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, for a change in title to Associate General Counsel and for a change in salary rate to $98,000, effective April 1, 2002.
On a motion by Ms. McNamara, supported by Ms. Cook, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
Dr. Simon commented on the appointment of Vallabhajosyula Sambamurthy, who comes to MSU from the University of Maryland. His research includes organizational structures for leveraging information technology. This will coincide with the overall e-business component of the College of Business, Provost Simon said.
Malcolm Pope, Dr. Simon indicated, is a native of Scotland, and comes to MSU from the University of Iowa. He is a professor of mechanical engineering and preventative medicine, and serves as director of the Spine Research Center at the University of Iowa. He is a world expert in neuromuscular skeletal medicine, she said, and will teach in MSU’s departments of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Radiology.
Professor Eric Strauss will become the director of the Urban and Regional Planning Program, Provost Simon said. He was a visiting professor and became interested in staying at MSU.
Regarding the change in title for William Strampel, Dr. Simon said that the widespread view was that he should be appointed as Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine in order to sustain momentum in the College.
Vice President Poston commented on the appointment of Richard Comley as the head coach of ice hockey. Dr. Poston pointed out that Mr. Comley comes to MSU from Northern Michigan University, and has a strong commitment to students and academics, in addition to winning hockey games.
Vice President Noto said that in his seven years at MSU, he has had the opportunity to work with two wonderful associate general counsels, Sally Harwood and Michael Kiley. Mr. Noto recommended the promotion of Michael Poterala to associate general counsel as well. He has been at MSU for more than three years, and provides legal support for the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, as well as for other departments.
7. MSU Debate Team Resolution
On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Mr. Romney, THE BOARD VOTED TO approve a resolution honoring and congratulating the MSU Debate Team on its recent national championship.
Debate Team coach Jason Trice said that the team won three major competitions at Northwestern University, Fullerton University, and the University of Kentucky. He noted that the MSU team had the best season of any debate team in the country.
Trustee Cook said that in the mid 1980s, she traveled to a competition in Cleveland with then-coach, Jim Roper. She said that he reinvigorated the debate program and it was an extraordinary effort to coach the team to the successes and recognition it now achieves.
President McPherson commented that there is a broader need to put endowments and scholarships in place in order to support a full generation of champion debate teams.
8. Gift and Grant Acceptance
A. Gifts, Grants and Contracts
Vice President Huggett presented the Gift, Grant and Contract Report for the period of January 23, 2002 through March 21, 2002. The report is a compilation of 320 Gifts, Grants and Contracts, 160 Consignment/Non-Cash Gifts, and 1 Consignment/Non-Cash Loan with a total value of $62,135,827.66. The Gift, Grant and Contract Report
is included with the agenda materials in the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the Gift, Grant and Contract Report.
B. General Motors Corporation Patent Gift
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees accept from General Motors Corporation the donation of all its right, title, and interest in U.S. Patents 5,739,794 and 5,083,135 and in the European Patent EP0486081. The patents deal with transparent film antennas for automotive vehicle windows.
On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
C. Delphi Technologies, Inc. Patent Gift
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees accept from Delphi Technologies, Inc., the donation of all its right, title, and interest in U.S. Patents 5,739,794 and 5,083,135 and in the European Patent EP0486081. The patents deal with transparent film antennas for automotive vehicle windows.
On a motion by Mr. Ferguson, supported by Mr. Nugent, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
9. The Trustee Finance Committee report and recommendations were presented by Committee Chairperson Nugent.
A. Bids and Contract Awards
1) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $2,547,000 be awarded to Kares Construction Co., Inc., of Lansing, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $3,250,000 be established for the project entitled: New Track and Turf at Ralph Young.
2) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $556,800 (Base Bid: $470,000, plus Alternate No. 1: $29,500, plus Alternate No. 2: $27,700, plus Alternate No. 3: $29,600) be awarded to W.P.M., Inc., of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $705,000 be established for the project entitled: Brody Hall - Lot 65 Reconstruction, Phase IV.
3) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $146,800 be awarded to J. Perez Construction, Inc., of Flint, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $490,000 be established for the project entitled: Bessey Hall – Alterations to Rooms 201–203, 205, 209, and 215.
4) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $356,900 be awarded to Kares Construction Co., Inc., of Lansing, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $530,000 be established for the project entitled: Intramural Sports Circle - Barrier Free Alterations.
5) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $887,000 be awarded to Moore Trosper Construction Company, of Lansing, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $1,200,000 be established for the project entitled: Engineering Building –Alterations to Rooms 2125 and 2135.
6) It was recommended that a contract in the amount of $221,979 (Base Bid: $205,553, plus Alternate No. 1: $2,966, plus Alternate No. 5: $1,360, plus Alternate No. 6: $960, plus Alternate No. 8: $2,450, plus Alternate No. 11: $8,690) be awarded to Wedeven Bros. Construction Co. of Hamilton, Michigan, and that a budget in the amount of $252,000 be established for the project entitled: Trevor Nichols Research Complex - Conference Room Addition.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Ferguson, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
Regarding item number 1, New Track and Turf at Ralph Young, Vice President Fred Poston commented that an artificial turf field would be placed in the center of the new track to provide a place to play women’s field hockey.
B. Appointment of Construction Manager
1) It was recommended that the Christman Company of Lansing, Michigan, be appointed as the construction manager for the project entitled: Cyclotron Building – Office Expansion, and that construction proceed at an estimated cost of $4.3 million.
2) It was recommended that Clark Construction Company of Lansing, Michigan, be appointed as the construction manager for the School of Music’s Community Music School and that construction proceed at an estimated cost of $300,000.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
Regarding item number 2, the School of Music’s Community Music School, the University will lease space from the East Lansing Public School system for 10 years with the option of a 10-year lease extension.
C. Appointment of Architect/Engineer
1) It was recommended that HarleyEllis of Southfield, Michigan, be appointed as the architect/engineer for the project entitled: Biochemistry – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Modifications.
2) It was recommended that Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc., of Detroit, Michigan, be appointed as the architect/engineer for the project entitled: Chemistry – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Modifications.
3) It was recommended that Peter Basso Associates, Inc., of Troy, Michigan, be appointed as the architect/engineer for the project entitled: Food Science – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Modifications.
4) It was recommended that DiClemente Siegel Design, Inc., of Southfield, Michigan, be appointed as the architect/engineer for the project entitled: Regional Chilled Water Plant – Chiller Replacement.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
D. Fiscal Year 2002-2003 Housing Rate Recommendations
It was recommended that the Board adopt the basic residence halls room and board rate of $2,466 per semester effective fall semester 2002 and the basic University apartments rates of $506 per month for a remodeled, one-bedroom apartment and $560 per month for a remodeled, two-bedroom apartment effective August 1, 2002.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Ferguson, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
Vice President Poston indicated that 2.2% of the 5.4% increase in residence hall rates will be dedicated to the major renovation and replacement fund. 1.3% of the 6.0% increase in university apartment rates will be dedicated to major renovation and replacement.
Trustee Ferguson commented that the Board is very happy with the way that University Housing is operated and maintained. He said that it is important to keep the residence halls current and up to standards. If money is not spent to make the halls a place where students want to live, he explained, then that leads to vacancies and those who stay in the halls will have to pay more. Mr. Ferguson complimented Chuck Gagliano and his staff for the outstanding work they do in University Housing.
Trustee Porteous said that the University has been a great steward of room and board dollars for many years. He noted that MSU’s housing rate is one of the lowest in the Big Ten and in the State of Michigan. This increase recognizes the critical responsibility of the Board to help assure continued quality of housing facilities. Mr. Porteous added that this summer, the Board would be discussing short-term and long-term plans for residential living on campus.
Trustee Nugent said that Trustees Ferguson and Porteous explained very well the reason why the Board has to raise rates at a level greater than inflation. It is most important, Mr. Nugent emphasized, to have reserves in order to maintain the already-high quality of MSU’s housing system.
President McPherson commented that since all the bonds on residence halls have been paid off, the rate increase represents a depreciation account for renovation of the buildings.
Trustee Romney pointed out that money that goes into housing stays in housing, and it is not applied to other areas of the University.
E. Homer Nowlin Endowment Fund Redistribution
It was recommended that the Homer Nowlin Endowment Fund be redistributed in order to (1) strengthen the University’s capacity in consumer responsive product agriculture, and (2) establish a multidisciplinary partnership that will focus on creating a sustainable future for Michigan.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
Trustee Nugent said that Mr. Nowlin passed away in 1979 and left the University his estate, which is now worth about $10 million. Mr. Nugent indicated that Mr. Nowlin was pleased with the work of the MSU extension, and this was the reason for his generosity.
Trustee Pittman asked whether this redistribution goes against the wishes of Mr. Nowlin’s estate and the original endowment. Dr. Poston said that this action follows the guidelines of the original gift, which the University received in 1981.
Provost Simon read from a newspaper article written at the time of the donation of the property. It stated that Mr. Nowlin had only an 8th grade education, but had great respect for learning, was well spoken and well read. To Mr. Nowlin, Michigan State University meant education and agriculture.
F. Bond Authorization
It was recommended that the Board approve the resolution authorizing a general revenue bond financing to finance all or a portion of certain capital expenditures of or for the benefit of the University.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
Vice President Poston said that it is financially advantageous to issue this bond as variable rate debt, with the option to swap the variable rates to fixed rates in the future.
G. Investment Restructuring
It was recommended that the Board approve the investment of $10 million to the Tucker Anthony Private Equity Fund IV, LP.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
10. The Trustee Policy Committee report and recommendations were presented by Committee Chairperson McNamara.
A. Revision of University Ordinances
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees amend University Ordinance 18.02 to include biological and radioactive materials, to renumber Ordinance 2.04 as 2.05, and to insert new Ordinance 2.04 as indicated below:
2.04 Exceptions to section 18.00 of these ordinances must be made by written authorization of the Police Chief and Director of the Department of Police and Public Safety.
On a motion by Ms. McNamara, supported by Mr. Romney, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
In light of recent events, Provost Simon explained, the University Committee on Faculty Affairs, along with other governance committees, believed that biological and radioactive materials should be added to the list of prohibited items under University Ordinance 18.02.
Jim Dunlap, Assistant Police Chief, commented on the change to University Ordinance 2.00. He said that waivers must sometimes be granted to departments that would need tranquilizer or stun guns in the course of their research. This change allows for Police and Public Safety to grant waivers where there had been no opportunity to do so in the past.
B. Notice of intent to negotiate the following contracts was given to the Board of Trustees. Board approval for these agreements will be requested at a subsequent meeting.
1) A software license agreement with StrobLink.
Dr. David Strobl, a member of the faculty in the Department of Internal Medicine, and Mr. Chad Link, a graduate student in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and their families each cumulatively own or have options to buy an equity interest of more than 5% of the company. Both Dr. Strobl and Mr. Link are officers of the company.
2) A technology license agreement with Preservation Specialties, LLC. Mr. Peter Ocello, a support staff member in the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, and his family cumulatively own or have options to buy an equity interest of more than 5% of the company.
3) A technology license agreement with Bio Plastic Polymers and Composites, LLC. Dr. Ramani Narayan, a member of the faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering, and his immediate family cumulatively own or have options to buy an equity interest of more than 5% of the company. Dr. Narayan is also an officer of Bio Plastic Polymers and Composites, LLC.
C. Faculty Conflict of Interest
It was recommended that the Board approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of an option agreement with Claytec, Inc., consistent with earlier public notice given at the
February 13, 2002 Board meeting, and with the applicable “Option Term Sheet.”
On a motion by Ms. McNamara, supported by Mr. Romney, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
D. Affirmative Action Report
Paulette Granberry Russell, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance and Monitoring, presented the annual Affirmative Action report.
Ms. Russell said that the fulfillment of MSU’s commitment to diversity could not be done without the help of those at the Board table, in the gallery, and throughout the MSU community.
It is clear, she commented, that MSU’s response to the events of September 11 was shaped by work that had already been accomplished before the tragedy. She said the University knew how to respond to the needs of students, faculty and staff on campus. The Muslim community was especially grateful for MSU’s response. Out of that experience, Ms. Russell said, she learned that there is much more the University can do to educate the community.
Ms. Russell explained that this year’s report reflects an increase of 5.3% in total domestic minority enrollment over the previous year. 16.1% of the total MSU student population is minority. Women students represent 54% of the total student population, which is also an increase from the previous year. For the second consecutive year, she noted, the total enrollment of minority freshmen increased to a historic high of 20% of the freshman class.
Among the support staff, the numbers of minority men and women are also up from the previous year. Even though the overall number of tenure-system faculty members declined, the numbers of women and minorities continued to increase. There is a steady increase, she said, in the representation of women and persons of color on campus.
Where there have been decreases, Ms. Russell pointed out, the causes have been identified and steps have been taken to eliminate further decline.
Within the CIC, MSU’s numbers of women faculty and faculty of color compare quite favorably with other institutions, and also nationally. In the CIC, only one institution had a higher percentage of women faculty. Seven institutions were below MSU’s total minority representation of 15.5% of tenure-system faculty, and only two institutions had more minority faculty members.
The issue of faculty diversity is a national problem and not unique to MSU. But what is unique to MSU, she said, is the effort to increase faculty diversity on campus, and MSU is considered one of the best among peer institutions in this regard. Efforts have produced continued growth in numbers of women and minorities both within employment ranks, as well as within the student body.
Campus programming over the last year also reflects a responsiveness to the needs of an increasingly diverse community. Human Resources continues to collaborate with the office of Affirmative Action to emphasize proactive recruitment to achieve increases in the diversity of faculty and staff, and the retention of minorities and women within the community. Ms. Russell said that the University is more aggressively recruiting strong, diverse candidates for employment among faculty and staff.
Programs in Student Affairs and Services to build relationships based on multiculturalism within the entire MSU community are significant. And the MSU Extension staff, to remain current and relevant, staff must achieve and maintain competencies in multicultural awareness.
During the 2000-2001 academic year, there were more than 17,000 visits to the Multicultural Center, an increase of more than 4,000 from the previous year.
The Purchasing Department’s Supplier Diversity Program also continued to expand, providing economic growth for local minority and women-owned businesses. That process is also being regarded within the Lansing community as one of the best practices that is being modeled by other employers.
Ms. Russell said that there is a tremendous amount of good work going on, and it gives great meaning to the commitments of the Guiding Principles and the MSU Promise.
11. Chairperson's Report and Trustees' Comments
A. Chairperson's Report
Chairperson Nugent commented that the Diversity Awards ceremony the previous day was very nice. He said that it gets better every year, and the projects and contributions from the MSU community are amazing.
Trustee Nugent said that on the previous evening, the Board attended Ron Mason’s final hockey banquet as head coach. Mr. Nugent noted that Ron has distinguished himself above others, and congratulated him on his extremely successful career as head coach. Mr. Nugent said he looks forward to working with Ron in his new role as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, and congratulated Clarence Underwood on his retirement.
Trustee Nugent pointed out that it is a huge milestone for the University to dedicate its new Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building. The impact of this building will be long-lasting for the University and for the State of Michigan.
Trustee Nugent said that he enjoys commencement very much, and hopes that newspapers are correct in their speculation that Vice President Dick Cheney will be the undergraduate convocation speaker.
Trustee Nugent commended the Board of Trustees for its hard work. He said that members do not always agree completely on everything, but agree to disagree. With this kind of discussion, the right decisions will be made, he said.
B. Trustees' Comments
1) Trustee Porteous commented that recently, President McPherson chaired a committee on the charter school issue. This is an example of the land grant mission to provide assistance and spend time working on a very challenging issue. Mr. Porteous said that the committee will issue a very thoughtful report that will be helpful for people across the State.
Mr. Porteous complimented Trustee Ferguson on his appointment by Governor Engler to the Broadband Authority. He said it was a tremendous compliment to Mr. Ferguson and his ability to work through difficult and very important issues.
Mr. Porteous said that it does not seem as though four years have passed since he moved his daughter into Case Hall. He commented that MSU continues to have an extraordinary impact on his parents, as well as on himself and his wife. It is wonderful, he remarked, that in a couple weeks he would see his daughter graduate from MSU. He said that his daughter will have wonderful memories of Michigan State University.
Trustee Porteous said that it will be an extraordinary commencement if Vice President Cheney is able to attend as speaker.
2) Trustee Romney said that it is a wonderful privilege to be on the Board with other terrific Trustees. He congratulated members of the Board for their efforts in moving the University forward.
Trustee Romney thanked Trustee Emeritus Robert Weiss for his contributions, and welcomed Trustee Pittman to the Board.
Trustee Romney said that the University’s product is students, and it invests in them for the future. He noted that recently there has been recognition of great students, from the MSU Debate Team, to the Diversity Awards, to the Hockey Banquet, as well as the recipients of the Trustee GPA Awards. Trustees are charged, he said, with investing funds from the State and from tuition dollars in the highest quality education possible. He emphasized that this is an important responsibility, and leads the University into its upcoming capital campaign to invest in students who will go out to improve society.
3) Trustee Cook offered her condolences to Trustee Gonzales, whose grandmother recently passed away. Ms. Cook said that Trustee Gonzales’ grandmother was very influential in her life.
Trustee Cook pointed out that she appreciates the Board’s relationship with faculty and student liaisons. She said that they provide an important perspective and exchange ideas in a very candid way. She said it is extraordinarily beneficial, especially during times of financial stress, to hear directly the problems that the faculty face. There is a sense of trust that is a part of those discussions. Ms. Cook added that the student liaisons are extraordinarily bright young people who take time from their busy schedules to represent their constituencies to the Board of Trustees.
Trustee Cook said that commencement validates the work of the Board and every decision that is made is pointed toward the goal of turning out well educated, bright young citizens of Michigan and the world. The best part, she said, is watching the faces of students and their families. Trustee Cook pointed out that MSU has often produced the first member of families to get a college education, and that is a great accomplishment.
Trustee Cook said she looks forward to the possibility of a visit by Vice President Cheney at commencement.
4) Trustee Pittman commented that he had recently attended a breakfast kicking off the University’s annual campaign. He thanked President and Mrs. McPherson for hosting a very nice event. He said that a number of faculty members made positive remarks about initiatives and a long-term vision for the University. He said that the faculty and staff are leaders in terms of development, and thanked them for contributing their own resources back to the University. It is not easy to raise money, he said, but the progress that has been made is a positive reflection on the faculty, staff, President McPherson, and the administration.
Trustee Pittman said that he is very interested in the sciences, and is excited about the dedication of the Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building. MSU, he said, impacts the world through research and discoveries such as the cancer drug, Cisplatin. The new building is an opportunity to train future researchers and to expand efforts critical to Michigan and the whole world. Mr. Pittman asked whether the University could afford a project as large as the science building today, and said that we must be prepared to handle short-term budget problems with a long-term perspective. He said he believes that this Board and administration have the ability to lead effectively to work through problems.
5) Trustee Ferguson said that he recently received an e-mail questionnaire regarding Trustees’ duties and their annual salaries. He responded that Trustees do not receive a salary, and must therefore be underpaid. He added that the person doing the research for the questionnaire must be overpaid as they thought that Board members received a salary of $175,000. Mr. Ferguson said that those who run the University daily, from the President down, are underpaid for the contributions they make to the people of Michigan. It is a labor of love, he said, for both members of the Board, and for everyone who works at the University.
12. Public Participation on Issues Not Germane to the Agenda
A. Marianne Dunn, an MSU alumna and a representative of parents of blind children, addressed the Board in support of the visual impairment teacher training program in the College of Education. She said that there is a shortage of teachers in Michigan and across the country. Ms. Dunn indicated that teachers in Michigan have an average of 50 visually impaired students in their classrooms, and the majority of those teachers will be retiring in seven to 10 years. She said that closing the program is unwise considering the number of teachers that are needed around the State. Ms. Dunn emphasized that the issue should be reviewed by the Board, and urged that the program not be closed.
B. Fred Wurtzel, President of the Michigan Federation of the Blind, told the Board that he is a graduate of the Michigan School for the Blind, and was fortunate to be able to go on to college. He said he was prepared to succeed in college because he had been taught by a teacher who attended MSU. He said that he and his classmates were successful because they had teachers who prepared them well. Mr. Wurtzel noted that other universities offer training for teachers of the blind, but doubts that any other university can provide the quality of training that MSU has traditionally provided. There is a 70% unemployment rate among blind people, he pointed out, because they have not had educational opportunities to allow them to excel. He said that the program is valuable to blind people, to Michigan State University, and to the citizens of Michigan. He asked the Board to reconsider the decision to close the visual impairment program.
C. Daniel Furton, an student, said that over they last year, he randomly asked students if they would support a tuition increase of two to three dollars per semester to support faculty in the visual impairment program. Not once, he said, did he receive a negative response to the question. Mr. Furton indicated that he was told that the University intends to hire more faculty in higher-population programs. He commented that taxpayers are losing because blind people will not be able to maximize their individual potential and will be a burden to taxpayers as recipients of social security, welfare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Parents of the visually impaired are also damaged because they cannot find appropriate schooling for their children. He said that other universities around the State are keeping their programs open, and MSU should do so as well.
D. Jessica Goodkind, a graduate student in the Psychology Department and President of the Graduate Employees Union, said that she is pursuing her Ph.D. at MSU because she cares about the field of psychology and improving lives. She said that she has taught many classes at MSU, and has worked hard to ensure that students were actively involved in those classes. Ms. Goodkind indicated that teaching assistants bring a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and dedication to the classroom. Teaching assistants are also employees of the University and take their jobs very seriously. She commented that teaching assistants are overworked, underpaid, and have severely inadequate health insurance, the biggest concern of most teaching assistants. She said that their insurance is designed for undergraduate students who are also covered by their parents’ insurance, and that teaching assistants are asking for real health care coverage for themselves and affordable coverage for partners and dependents. Ms. Goodkind explained that for many teaching assistants, the cost of living is greater than their take-home pay. She asked that the Board take seriously the requests of the Graduate Employees Union.
13. An Executive Session was not requested.
14. On a motion by Mr. Ferguson, supported by Mr. Nugent, the Board voted to adjourn at 11:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
L. Susan Carter, J.D.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
