The official minutes of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees are maintained by the Secretary of the Board. Certified copies of minutes may be requested by contacting the Board of Trustees’ Office. Electronic or other copies of original minutes are not official Board of Trustees' documents.
Board of Trustees
February 8, 2002
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met on Friday, February 8, 2002, at 3:30 p.m. in the Carolina Plaza Board Room.
Members present were: Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr., Chairman; Mr. Herbert C. Adams, Vice Chairman; Mr. Arthur S. Bahnmuller; Mr. James Bradley; Mr. A.C. Fennell, III; Mr. Samuel R. Foster, II; Mr. Alexander English (via telephone); Mrs. Helen C. Harvey; Mr. William C. Hubbard; Mr. Toney J. Lister; Mr. Miles Loadholt; Mr. Robert N. McLellan; Mr. J. DuPre Miller; Ms. Darla D. Moore; Mr. M. Wayne Staton; Mr. John C. von Lehe, Jr.; and Mr. Othniel H. Wienges, Jr. Trustees absent were: Dr. C. Edward Floyd; Mr. Michael J. Mungo; and Mrs. Inez M. Tenenbaum. The faculty representative, Professor Robert Wilcox, and the student representative, Mr. Corey Ford, were both present.
Others present were: President John M. Palms; Secretary Thomas L. Stepp; Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jerome D. Odom; Vice President and Chief Operating Officer J. Lyles Glenn; Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Richard W. Kelly; Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer William F. Hogue; Vice President for Human Resources Jane M. Jameson; Vice President for Student and Alumni Services Dennis A. Pruitt; General Counsel Walter (Terry) H. Parham; Vice Provost and Executive Dean for Regional Campuses and Continuing Education Chris P. Plyler; Chancellor of USC Spartanburg John C. Stockwell; Associate Chancellor for Business and Finance, USC Aiken, Virginia S. Steel; Dean of USC Beaufort Jane T. Upshaw; Dean of USC Salkehatchie Ann Carmichael; Dean of USC Sumter C. Leslie Carpenter; Dean of USC Union James W. Edwards; Dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology Ralph E. White; Dean of the Graduate School Gordon B. Smith; Interim Dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications Henry Price; Assistant Treasurer Susan D. Hanna; Executive Director of the Alumni Association, Division of Student and Alumni Services, Marsha A. Cole; Assistant to the Vice President, Office of Business and Finance, Ken Corbett; Director of the Department of Internal Audit Alton McCoy; Director of Planning Services, Facilities Planning and Construction, Donna Collins; Director of Facilities Planning and Construction and University Architect Charles G. Jeffcoat; Director of Student Life, Division of Student and Alumni Services, Jerry T. Brewer; Director of Student Development and University Housing, Division of Student and Alumni Services, Gene Luna; Director of the Business Office, USC Beaufort, Leslie Brunelli; Chairman of the Lancaster County Commission for Higher Education W.L. McDow; co-chairs, Beaufort Citizens Task Force for the Establishment of a Four-Year Degree Granting Institution, Richard Stewart and Wes Jones; wife of Trustee Miles Loadholt, Ann Loadholt; husband of Trustee Helen C. Harvey, William B. Harvey; University Legislative Liaison John D. Gregory; Bond Counsel: Robert Galloway of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA; Brent Jeffcoat of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, L.L.P; Ray Jones of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, L.L.P; and Dianne McNabb of A.G. Edwards and Sons; retiring faculty members Carolyn Matalene, Patricia Matsen, Margit Resch, and John MacNicholas of the College of Liberal Arts; Baptist Campus Minister, Baptist Student Union, Jane Poster; and Director of the Office of Public Affairs Russell McKinney.
Chairman Whittle stated that notice of the meeting had been posted and the press notified as required by the Freedom of Information Act; the agenda and supporting materials had been circulated to the members; and a quorum was present to conduct business.
Chairman Whittle welcomed everyone and invited Board members and members of the University family to introduce themselves. He introduced the retiring faculty members who were present and asked them to step forward to the podium. Chairman Whittle explained that they had been awarded honorary faculty titles at the previous Board meeting. President Palms and Chairman Whittle congratulated each of the faculty members while the Board of Trustees acknowledged their efforts with a round of applause. Chairman Whittle thanked them for their service to the University of South Carolina.
At Chairman Whittle's invitation, Ms. Poster delivered the Invocation.
Chairman Whittle stated that there were naming opportunities which were appropriate for discussion in Executive Session. Mr. Hubbard moved to enter Executive Session, and Mr. Loadholt seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
The following persons were invited to remain: Dr. Palms, Mr. Stepp, Dr. Odom, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Kelly, Dr. Hogue, Ms. Jameson, Dr. Pruitt, Dr. Plyler, Mr. Parham, Dr. Stockwell, Ms. Hanna, Mr. Gregory, Mr. McKinney, Ms. Steel, Mr. Robert Galloway, Mr. Brent Jeffcoat, Ms. Dianne McNabb, Mr. Ray Jones, Mr. Ken Corbett, Mr. McCoy, Ms. Tweedy, and Ms. Warren.
Return to Open Session
There were no additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes; therefore, the minutes stood approved as distributed.
The Ad Hoc Committee on Advancement met earlier today and discussed the Status Reports of the Bicentennial Campaign. Mr. Bob Staton displayed a graph illustrating fiscal year monthly comparisons of the monies raised for the Bicentennial Campaign from July 1, 2000, through December 31, 2001. Additional charts graphed current and endowed funds which had been raised in specific areas during that time frame. Annual goals for each unit from July 1, 2001, through June 30, 2002, were compared to the year-to-date results during that period.
Mr. Staton reported that the face value of the deferred planning funds raised as part of the overall campaign from July 1, 1995, through December 31, 2001, was $445,553,773; the present value was $376,351,019. The overall campaign goal remained $500,000,000. He also reviewed a report which outlined current figures, endowments, capital, and other components of the campaign as of December 31, 2001.
Mr. Staton noted that Dr. Palms had placed 34 calls to individuals in various states including California, Texas, and Pennsylvania, between September 6 and December 21, 2001.
The Buildings and Grounds Committee met earlier today and discussed the following items:
Project Status Report: Several campus projects were currently under construction or in the planning phase. The Strom Thurmond Fitness/Wellness Center was scheduled for completion later this year. The proposed new South Campus Housing - Phase III project was in the planning phase and construction was scheduled to begin in June, 2002. The basketball arena was progressing well and four of the Greek Village houses were currently under construction. The renovation of Callcott which housed the Department of Geography was scheduled to be completed in February; the department planned to return to the facility in May, 2002.
A designated site for the new School of Law had been selected on Senate Street; previously, the Columbia Art Museum had been located on the property. Mr. Chuck Hulstrand, an architect for the Boudreaux Group, updated the Committee regarding the planning of this project. The Law School project was currently in the conceptual design phase of planning; additional planning would not continue until funding was available.
Mr. Wienges suggested that it would be in the University's best interest to remain the only resource for law school education in the state; consideration of this issue should be an integral part of any future project planning for the new law school.
The Committee also heard a proposal from USC Spartanburg to construct Phase I of new campus housing on Hodge Drive adjacent to the existing University Commons housing facility. Construction of a 96,720 square foot facility consisting of one "L" shaped building facing Hodge Drive with a rear courtyard and adjacent recreational areas had been proposed.
This facility would provide 292 private student rooms in a suite configuration on four levels with a separate common living area on each floor. A ground floor, containing 13,280 square feet, would provide space for housing offices, laundry facility, computer/learning area, and a community recreational space with outside patio.
Administrative Budget Increases:
Administrative approval was obtained to increase the budget for the Bates House Renovation project by $100,000. The increase was required to fund additional work in the equipment room to replace failed valves and to add additional isolation valves. The $100,000 increase was funded from Housing Funds and resulted in a total project budget of $2,150,000 funded with Housing Funds.
West Campus Property Acquisition - (Greek Village) As work had progressed on the Greek Village, coordination of work associated with the construction of the Wellness Center had been required. To prevent future disturbance of the site, the contractor performing the site improvements for the Greek Village had been authorized to perform additional work which involved the installation of power conduit for the Wellness Center.
To expedite the completion of the site work in the area immediately adjacent to the Greek Village, the contractor had also been authorized to complete a portion of the work planned for the second phase of site improvements. This included providing power to the ball field and future signs, and the installation of the parking lot near Blossom Street.
Administrative approval had been obtained and the $240,000 increase had been funded with a transfer of Institutional Capital Project Funds from the Strom Thurmond Fitness and Wellness Center project. This increase had resulted in a total budget of $10,090,000 funded with $4,924,000 in Housing Funds and $3,666,000 in Institutional Capital Project Funds, and $1,500,000 in Institutional Funds (Carolina Plaza Rent Account).
The following items required consideration by the Board today:
The Hodge Center Roof Replacement project, also funded with Institution Bond Funds, was nearly completed. Due to a low bid, that budget carried a substantial balance. USC Spartanburg had requested that these funds be added to the Administration Building project to provide funding for additional deferred maintenance including window replacement, removal of the abandoned chiller and cooling tower, column repairs and roof repairs.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval to increase the budget for the Administration Building Deferred Maintenance project by $149,000 to be funded with Institution Bond Funds transferred from the Hodge Center Roof Replacement project. This increase would result in a total project budget of $349,000 funded with USCS Institution Bonds as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Lister seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
In December, 2001, the project budget had been increased with administrative approval. An increase of $100,000 had been required to fund additional work in the equipment room for replacement of failed valves and the addition of isolation valves. The increase had resulted in a project budget of $2,150,000 funded with Housing Funds.
When detailed planning had begun, the project scope had been revised to include data wiring, electrical upgrades and the upgrading of the community baths on each floor. The currently-approved budget was sufficient to fund the first two phases. Additional funds would be required to fund the work in Tower C scheduled for the Summer of 2003.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval to increase the budget for Phase III of the Bates House Renovation by $1,400,000 to accommodate the increased scope of the project. This increase would result in a total project budget of $3,550,000 funded with Housing Funds as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. von Lehe seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval of the establishment of a project to replace the roof of Thornwell College with a budget of $700,000 funded with Housing Funds as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Staton seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval of the establishment of a project to renovate the interior of Patterson Hall with a budget of $1 million funded with Housing Funds as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Fennell seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
To allow for the continuing implementation of this project, additional funding was required for the work scheduled for the Summer of 2004 and 2005, which involved sprinkler installation in Patterson Hall, The Roost Dormitory, and Columbia Hall.
Approval was requested to increase the project by $2 million to be funded with Housing Funds. The total project budget would be $9.8 million funded with $9.4 million in Housing Funds, $300,000 in Renovation Reserve Funds, and $100,000 in Auxiliary Funds.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval to increase the budget for the Housing Facilities Code Compliance project by $2 million to be funded with Housing Funds. This increase would result in a total project budget of $9.8 million funded with $9.4 million in Housing Funds, $300,000 in Renovation Reserve Funds, and $100,000 in Auxiliary Funds as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Approval, contingent upon the approval and availability of County Bond Funds, was requested to increase the project budget to $12,877,500 and to change the funding sources to $4 million of Capital Improvement Bonds and $8,877,500 of County Bond Funds.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval to increase the budget for the New River Campus project to $12,877,500 and to change the funding sources to $4 million of Capital Improvement Bonds and $8,877,500 of County Bond Funds contingent upon approval and funding availability as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mrs. Harvey seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
To expedite the completion of the site work in the area immediately adjacent to the Greek Village and to prevent future disturbance of the site, a portion of the work originally planned and budgeted for Phase II had been included in the scope of work to be performed by the contractor of the Greek Village site improvements.
Approval was requested to transfer $550,000 in Institutional Capital Project Funds from the Strom Thurmond Fitness and Wellness Center project to the West Campus Property Acquisition project to fund this revision in the phasing of the site development.
This transfer would increase the project budget for the West Campus Property Acquisition project to $10.4 million funded with $4,924,000 in Housing Funds, $3,976,000 in Institutional Capital Project Funds, and $1,500,000 in Institutional Funds (Carolina Plaza Rent Account).
The transfer would decrease the project budget for the Strom Thurmond Fitness and Wellness Center project to $48,824,000 funded with $3 million in Capital Improvement Bond Funds, $31,174,000 in Institution Bonds, $6,038,515 in Institutional Capital Project Funds, $4,611,485 in Bell Camp proceeds, and $4 million in grant funds.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval to transfer $550,000 in Institutional Capital Project Funds from the Strom Thurmond Fitness/Wellness Center project to the West Campus Property Acquisition project, to fund a revision in the phasing of the site development as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Hubbard seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
The Intercollegiate Activities Committee met earlier today. Dr. McGee summarized the various activities of the Athletics Department.
Secretary Stepp also read a resolution commending Coach Lou Holtz and the players and staff of the University of South Carolina Football Team for the 2001 season which the Committee had adopted unanimously and had recommended for full Board adoption. On behalf of the Intercollegiate Activities Committee, Mr. Lister read the following Resolution for full Board adoption:
WHEREAS, the University of South Carolina 2001 season football team is the first football team in the school's history to be nationally ranked in back-to-back seasons, to be nationally ranked throughout an entire season, and to win nine football games in one season; and
WHEREAS, the team's final national ranking of 13th is the highest football ranking for Carolina since 1984; and
WHEREAS, the team's two-year record of 17 wins and 7 losses is the best two-year record in the history of the University and the best two-year record of 10 wins and 6 losses for Carolina in the Southeastern Conference; and
WHEREAS, the Carolina football team appeared on television a school record six times in the 2001 season and averaged a record-breaking average home attendance of 82,614 fans per game (10th in the nation); and
WHEREAS, this team of excellent student athletes was recognized by more individual post season honors than any team in USC history;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees in session assembled on February 8, 2002, unanimously congratulates Coach Lou Holtz and the members of the USC Football Team on these accomplishments which also included Carolina victories in its last three bowl games, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board proudly recognizes that Coach Lou Holtz has won 12 bowl victories in his exhilarating career, a record which achieves a fourth place ranking on the all-time coaching list; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board is highly appreciative of the manner in which these Carolina coaches and players have represented the University; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Holtz and the players and staff of the University of South Carolina Football Team for the season of the University's Bicentennial Year Celebration -- 2001.
Presented this 8th day of February 2002 at Columbia, South Carolina
Chairman, Board of Trustees
President
Chairman, Intercollegiate Activities Committee
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Mr. Bahnmuller seconded the motion for the adoption of this resolution by the full Board. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
The following item had been approved for recommendation to the Board:
Proposed Football Ticket Price Increase: In a January 28, 2002, memorandum addressed to President Palms, Dr. McGee had recommended a $2.00 per University football ticket price increase effective beginning the 2002 season. The total with the increase would be less than ticket prices at many other schools in the Southeastern Conference, as well as Clemson University.
On behalf of the Intercollegiate Activities Committee, Mr. Lister moved approval of the University football ticket price increase of $2.00 per ticket for the 2002 season as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Bahnmuller seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
During the Executive Committee today, the various recommendations which the Strategic Directions and Initiatives (SDI) Committee had presented in a report to President Palms had been assigned to the appropriate Board Committees for review and consideration. There were 12 specific recommendations in the Executive Summary; those items will be reviewed and studied at the Board Committee level with the assistance of Mr. Adams, who was a member of the SDI Committee, and a yet-to-be-determined SDI faculty representative who will initially present each recommendation to the assigned Board Committee.
The following three items had been approved for recommendation to the Board:
Mrs. Harvey moved approval of USC Beaufort's revised mission statement as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. von Lehe seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Mr. Wienges moved approval of the proposed arena financing as stated by Mr. Kelly and recommended by the Executive Committee. Mr. Miller seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried. [Exhibit B]
Chairman Whittle reported that during the Executive Committee meeting earlier today a contract between the University and Columbia Hockey, LLC had been approved.
Mr. Hubbard thanked Board members for their patience and support as the committee executed this task on behalf of the University. He extended his appreciation to those Board members who were also members of the search committee -- Mr. Wienges, Mr. Foster, Mr. Adams, Mr. Loadholt, Mr. Corey Ford as the student representative, and Dr. Caroline Strobel as former Chair of the Faculty Senate. "This committee is diligent; it is conscientious; it has handled its duties with the highest level of professionalism."
At the conclusion of the University's Bicentennial Year of celebration, Mr. Fennell noted that the Alumni Association had never been stronger. The association currently boasted a membership in excess of 30,000 -- one of the fastest growing associations in the country and certainly the Southeastern Conference.
The construction of a new alumni center had been proposed. Mr. Fennell remarked that the envisioned 45,000 square foot facility would hopefully become the venue of choice for many notable events. It had been recommended to locate this center next to the Greek Village "as a bookend opposite the Wellness Center." Mr. Fennell anticipated the acquisition of private support funding in the near future to pursue the development of this project.
In June, the association would host the third Alumni University; association members would have the opportunity to attend various programs on campus presented by selected faculty who were considered experts in their respective fields. The Alumni Association also offered an educational component during Homecoming. During the "Back to Class" program, alumni scholars escorted association members to selected classes.
Several of the schools and colleges on campus were offering various seminars for their particular alumni; topics included financial planning and purchasing a home. In addition, student alumni members were given the opportunity to attend etiquette dinners and career panels.
Mr. Fennell noted that the travel program was gaining support. It was another educationally-focused association offering. A total of 13 trips had been scheduled for this year.
Mr. Fennell also reminded the Board that access to alumni information, programs, and gifts was available through the new website at www.carolinaalumni.org.
Mr. Fennell stressed that the future success of the Alumni Association depended upon the loyalty of today's students. Partnering with faculty, the various student life departments, and other areas of the University would ensure a positive experience for all of the students. For example, the Alumni Association hosted a party for graduating seniors. In addition, this organization sponsored Homecoming, the dance marathon, and other key events including the ring ceremony; during this family-centered ritual, the University president awarded graduating students their class rings. The most rewarding effort had been the student alumni membership program. Approximately 2,800 students were members of this largest campus organization.
Mr. Fennell explained that the Alumni Association was experiencing a record growth rate, unlike other associations in the Southeastern Association. Members had indicated that belonging to this organization offered great value; the number of tangible benefits had tripled in the last three years. For example, the "Show Your Card" program offered free admission to various events, entrance to the tailgate tent during home football games, and many gifts throughout the year. "Nothing motivates our involvement more than the opportunity to serve Carolina at the same time."
The Alumni Association had endowed two Carolina scholarships in addition to the association's alumni scholarship and legacy scholarship programs. Annually, these scholarships provided approximately $500,000 of direct funding to deserving Carolina students.
In conclusion, Mr. Fennell noted that achieving University goals required the "active and sustained involvement and support of our alumni." As the current Alumni Association president, Mr. Fennell was honored to play a part in generating this involvement and support.
At this time, Chairman Whittle welcomed Mr. Miller who had not been able to attend several meetings. Mr. Miller thanked Board members for their many expressions of support and offers of prayer during his recent illness.
Since there were no other matters to come before the Committee, Chairman Whittle declared the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas L. Stepp
Secretary