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
April 16, 2003
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 1:00 p.m. in the Carolina Plaza Board Room.
Members present were: Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr., Board Chairman; Mr. Herbert C. Adams, Board Vice Chairman; Mr. Arthur S. Bahnmuller; Mr. James Bradley; Mr. Mark W. Buyck, Jr.; Dr. C. Edward Floyd; Mrs. Helen C. Harvey; Mr. William C. Hubbard; Mr. John S. Long; Mr. Robert N. McLellan; Ms. Darla D. Moore; Mr. Michael J. Mungo; Mr. James A. Shuford, III; Mr. John C. von Lehe, Jr.; and Mr. Othniel H. Wienges, Jr. Trustees absent were: Mr. Samuel R. Foster, II; Mr. Miles Loadholt; Mr. M. Wayne Staton; and Mrs. Inez M. Tenenbaum. The faculty representative, Professor Robert Wilcox, and the student representative, Mr. Ankit Patel, were present.
Others present were: President Andrew A. Sorensen; Secretary Thomas L. Stepp; Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jerome D. Odom; Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Richard W. Kelly; Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer William F. Hogue; Interim Vice President for Research and Dean of The Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health Harris Pastides; Vice President for Human Resources Jane M. Jameson; Vice President for Student and Alumni Services and Interim Vice President for Development Dennis A. Pruitt; Vice President for University Advancement T.W. Hudson Akin; Vice Provost and Executive Dean for Regional Campuses and Continuing Education Chris P. Plyler; Chancellor of USC Aiken Thomas L. Hallman; Chancellor of USC Beaufort Jane T. Upshaw; Chancellor of USC Spartanburg John C. Stockwell; Dean of USC Lancaster John Catalano; Dean of USC Sumter C. Leslie Carpenter; Dean of USC Salkehatchie Ann Carmichael; Dean of USC Union James W. Edwards; Dean of The Darla Moore School of Business Joel A. Smith; Dean of the College of Education Les Sternberg; Dean of the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies Charles Bierbauer; Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine Larry R. Faulkner; Interim Dean of the College of Social Work Leon Ginsberg; Assistant Treasurer Susan D. Hanna; Acting Chair of the Department of Retailing, College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management, C.R. Brasington; Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, The Darla Moore School of Business, Rodney L. Roenfeldt; Director of Student Development and University Housing, Division of Student and Alumni Services, Gene Luna; Director of Facilities Planning and Construction and University Architect Charles G. Jeffcoat; Director of Undergraduate Education, College of Education, Margaret Gamble; Professor in the Department of Instruction and Teacher Education, College of Education, Ed Dickey; Associate Professor in the Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, School of Medicine, Kennerly M. McLendon; Director of the Budget Office William P. Bragdon; Assistant to the Vice President, Office of Business and Finance Ken Corbett; Director of Periodicals, University Publications, Chris Horn; Bond Counsel Dianne McNabb of A. G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.; Father Aris P. Metrakos of the Greek Orthodox Fellowship, Greek Orthodox Church; Director of the Office of Public Affairs Russell McKinney; and members of the media.
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 to introduce themselves. He particularly welcomed Mr. Mark W. Buyck Jr. to his first meeting of the Board of Trustees as Governor Sanford's designee and recognized his previous service on the Board. Mr. McKinney introduced members of the media who were in attendance. At Chairman Whittle's invitation, Father Aris Metrakos delivered the invocation.
Chairman Whittle stated that there were personnel matters with respect to honorary degree nominations, honorary faculty titles, appointments with tenure, transfers of academic appointments with tenure and contractual matters with respect to South Carolina Higher Education Relationships which were appropriate for discussion in Executive Session. Mr. Bradley moved to enter Executive Session, and Mr. McLellan seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Return to Open Session
There were no additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes; therefore, they stood approved as distributed.
The Fiscal Policy Committee had met on Thursday, March 20, 2003.
Mr. McCoy reviewed the Audit Tracking Report. The College of Social Work had corrected more than 30 findings. Two findings concerning Rental Property will be resolved in the near future. The Internal Audit Office was also working closely with the Institute of Public Affairs' business manager to reconcile its accounts on a regular basis. And, finally, the Legal Department was in the process of settling the matter of unpaid travel advances from former Athletics Department employees.
Mr. McCoy had also reviewed the following four internal audits: College of Library and Information Sciences; Purchasing Department; Accounting Services; and USC Lancaster.
Mr. McCoy reported that the College of Library and Information Sciences audit had revealed various credit card violations. He was confident that these findings would be resolved through the new credit card training process which will begin in the near future.
During the Purchasing Department audit, a number of procedural problems concerning the on campus VISA card system had been reviewed. As a result, the University had instituted a new credit card system. This policy incorporated various techniques which will resolve the procedural problems. In the future, all department chairs or equivalent supervisory persons will be responsible for verifying credit card accuracy.
A minor exception had been found during the Accounting Services audit. Individuals other than the travelers themselves had signed travel reimbursement vouchers. He stressed the importance of the traveler's signing the form attesting to the fact that the reimbursement information was legitimate.
And, finally, Mr. McCoy reported that Dean Catalano had resolved the few minor USC Lancaster audit findings.
Secretary Stepp summarized a draft of the fraud policy for the University. Currently this draft was being presented to members of the administration and faculty for consideration; a final document for formal approval was anticipated when the Committee met in June.
Secretary Stepp explained that this policy defined the meaning of dishonest acts and fraud. It promoted high and positive standards and advised University community members of their responsibility to behave in such a fashion. It outlined various disciplines which would result from committing dishonest acts or fraud or for not reporting such acts. The Internal Audit Department would hold the role of principal investigator unless law enforcement activities or Human Resources and the Legal Department were required.
Mr. McCoy also furnished to the Committee the 2003 SEC and ACC endowment report. Dr. Susie VanHuss, Executive Director of University Foundations, distributed additional information about peer institution endowment activities.
Chairman Whittle presented the Executive Committee report.
During the Executive Committee meeting earlier today, the Committee had approved a contract with Commemorative Brands for class rings. In addition, the following committee assignments had been approved for Mr. Mark Buyck, Governor Sanford's designee to the Board of Trustees: Buildings and Grounds Committee; Health Affairs Committee; and Student-Trustee Liaison Committee.
The following five items were approved for recommendation to the Board:
Mr. Bradley moved to approve a resolution authorizing President Andrew A. Sorensen and Treasurer Thomas L. Stepp to sign on behalf of the University of South Carolina in its fiduciary capacity and to engage in other financial activities and transactions on behalf of the University of South Carolina as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Mungo seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Mr. Hubbard moved to approve the appointment of Charlton DeSaussure to the Development Foundation Board as recommended by the Executive Committee. Mr. von Lehe seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Dr. Floyd moved to approve the appointment of John von Lehe as recommended by the Executive Committee earlier today. Mr. Bahnmuller seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Mr. Bradley moved to approve the Parking Revenue Bond Resolution in the amount of $5,500,000 as presented. Mr. Mungo seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried. [Exhibit A]
In July 2003, the University issued an interim BAN for $13,800,000 for these projects. The amount of this bond resolution was $32,700,000 which included provision for Bond Anticipation Notes. The University, with the approval of the State Treasurer, was proposing the use of one-year Revenue Bond Anticipation Notes to lower the cost of interest and avoid arbitrage payments to the IRS.
Mr. Bradley moved to approve the Housing Revenue Bond Resolution in the amount of $32,700,000 which also included provision for Bond Anticipation Notes as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Mungo seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried. [Exhibit B]
Ms. Moore moved to approve the Moore School of Business graduate program fee changes as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Shuford seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
At this time, Vice Chairman Adams presided for the remainder of the meeting.
The following individuals would be awarded the title Distinguished Professor during their final year of service. That title would change to Distinguished Professor Emerita at their retirement:
The following individuals would be awarded the title Distinguished Professor during their final year of service. That title would change to Distinguished Professor Emeritus at their retirement:
The following individual would be awarded the title Emeritus Professor concurrent with his retirement:
The following individual would be awarded the title Emeritus Professor effective with his retirement:
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of these seven honorary faculty titles. Mr. Long seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of these six appointments with tenure as describe in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Mungo seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the transfer of Dr. Williams' academic appointment with tenure as presented. Mr. von Lehe seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the transfer of Dr. Peters' academic appointment with tenure as presented. Mr. Shuford seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the Baruch Institute name change request 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 Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the name change and change of responsibility for the Drug and Addictions Studies Program as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Wienges seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mrs. Harvey seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education program as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Mungo seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Middle Level Education program as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Dr. Floyd seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the Master of Retailing, College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Bahnmuller seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the program modification as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Shuford seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
The Health Affairs Committee had met on March 20, 2003 and had heard the following reports:
This organizational plan had many advantages including the opportunity for the University to become a more competitive research institution nationally, improve its ability to educate and provide outreach to South Carolina.
Recently, USC had received funding from the Nurse Faculty Workforce Initiative supported by the South Carolina Employment Security Commission. Five scholarships had been awarded to University BSN graduates who agreed to teach in South Carolina as clinical faculty members. The new Master's degree program in Nursing was designed to focus on Nursing Education; and USC will ask the Board of Nursing to increase the faculty-student ratio from 1-8 to 1-10 in South Carolina, the same as neighboring states.
Dean Parsons had discussed the Partnership for Education and Clinical Excellence (PEACE) Initiative. Dr. Sorensen was credited with bringing together the University, Palmetto Health Alliance, Midlands Technical College, Midlands area hospitals, and others in an effort to increase the number of nursing students and faculty.
The following agenda item was approved by the Committee and was presented to the Board for approval:
The Student-Trustee Liaison Committee had met on Thursday, March 20, 2003, with student representatives from a majority of the University's campuses in attendance.
Students summarized the many activities taking place on their respective campuses.
Dr. Sorensen had reported on the status of the University's budget. Beginning next fiscal year, there will be an additional $20 million budget cut for a total of $61 million in 12 months. Dr. Sorensen encouraged the student government associations on the campuses to get involved in talking with legislators. He also suggested that their SGA presidents schedule a meeting with him to discuss ways in which they could collectively influence the legislature to invest more funds in higher education institutions.
Dr. Sorensen addressed student concerns regarding the proposal to charge students per credit hour. It will hopefully discourage students from registering for more hours than they actually intend to take.
Mr. Brewer reported that Late Night Programming was a new initiative this semester at USC Columbia. Scott Sowell, the 2003 Homecoming Commissioner for Carolina Productions, reported that Late Night Carolina was a program of the Russell House University Union and the Alcohol and Drug Programs Department. Initially, it had been designed to offer students options to high risk behaviors and substance abuse. Students had enjoyed this program so much that they had requested its continuation. The average number of students attending Late Night Carolina in fall 2002 had been 354; recently, that figure had increased to more than 500 students.
The Association hosted Alumni Day at Sarge Frye Field on March 8; with an Alumni Association membership card, admission was $1. During this past weekend, the Association had hosted the 15th annual University Showcase on the Horseshoe; prospective students and the community had been invited and attendance was excellent.
On April 27, the Alumni Association will host a Ring Ceremony for May graduates as well as co-hosting the President's Reception for new graduates. In June, the Association will host a national Club Leadership Conference. And, finally, it will host the yearly Alumni University in the near future.
In addition, Pat Summerall Productions, a full service video and television production company, had selected the University of South Carolina as one of four universities to be included in a 30 minute program it would produce; the program was scheduled to air in October.
The individual who had been offered the position of Dean of the Law School had declined. President Sorensen and Provost Odom had received several suggestions regarding the appointment of an interim dean; an announcement would be forthcoming in the near future.
An enrollment management model was being developed for the entire University; by the end of April, Dr. Pruitt will have finalized a model to present for Board of Trustees' review. President Sorensen noted that the number of applications for admission was the highest in the history of the University; nearly 13,000 applications had been received. An average SAT score of 1140-1145 was projected as compared to 1120 for the previous year. Out of state admission had increased slightly. Currently, a 500-bed housing facility in the West Quadrangle was under construction; in addition, Dr. Pruitt will submit a proposal for another 800 beds. All incoming freshmen will have available guaranteed on-campus housing.
President Sorensen anticipated budgetary problems for the upcoming fiscal year. He stated that a one percent tuition increase would generate $840,000 for the Columbia campus; the budget for this year had already been reduced $31 million for the campus. In order to convey the magnitude of the problem, President Sorensen explained that tuition would have to be increased nearly 38 percent to offset this cut. It was estimated that an additional $14 million would be cut next year.
President Sorensen also referenced a proposal to withdraw the three research institutions from the Commission on Higher Education. Following this course of action, it was anticipated that these universities would enter into an institutional liaison called the Research Oversight Committee. In parallel, the 10 public four-year universities were developing a governance model; Chancellors Hallman, Upshaw, and Stockwell were intimately involved in that process.
And, finally, President Sorensen announced that the inauguration of the newly-elected Student Government Association officers was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. this afternoon in Rutledge Chapel; a reception would follow in McKissick Museum. All Board members had been invited to attend this event.
Mr. Mungo moved approval of the appointment of Mr. T.W. Hudson Akin as Vice President for University Advancement. Mr. Shuford seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Another possibility was under consideration: independently renovating LeConte College and Petigru College without constructing a connecting unit between the two buildings. Mr. Kelly was requesting Board endorsement of this redesign concept so that Dean Bierbauer and the Development Office could begin a campaign to raise the funding which would support this construction. The process of obtaining Buildings and Grounds Committee approval of the project and Architectural Design Review Committee approval of the design would be sought at the appropriate time.
Mr. Mungo moved approval of the redesign concept as presented. Mr. Buyck seconded the motion.
Mr. Bahnmuller asked whether this renovation would involve less money; Mr. Kelly projected approximately an equal amount or a marginal increase.
Mrs. Harvey asked why the original concept was no longer suitable. Mr. Kelly replied that after re-examining the renovation project, University officials had determined that the new design would more suitably addressed the needs of this college "and a better design for the historical significance of those buildings."
Responding to Mr. Buyck's inquiry about the estimated cost, Mr. Kelly explained that currently in the budget was $9.6 million for this renovation; an additional $20 million in the new bond bill before the General Assembly had been requested.
The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Mr. Shuford moved approval to adopt the Certificate of Appreciation for Mr. Ankit Patel as presented. Mr. von Lehe seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ResolutionWHEREAS, The Honorable Alexander English is one of the University of South Carolina's most renowned alumni and also served most ably as the Gubernatorial Designee on the Board of Trustees from June of 1999 until January of 2003;
WHEREAS, Mr. English served with distinction on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, the Fiscal Policy Committee, the Health Affairs Committee, the Student-Trustee Liaison Committee and the Intercollegiate Activities Committee of the Board;
WHEREAS, Alex English has distinguished himself as an American athlete of heroic proportions both at the University of South Carolina and as a professional basketball player with triumphs including being ranked tenth on the NBA all time scoring list, winning the 1983 NBA scoring title, serving on eight consecutive NBA All-Star Teams, holding the record as the Denver Nuggets all time leading scorer, and becoming the sixth player in NBA history to score 25,000 points;
WHEREAS, Alex English's sports management career includes serving as the Director of Player Programs for the NBPA, the Interim Director of the NBPA, a television basketball color commentator and CNN basketball color analyst, the former owner of Hooplife, a national basketball development league head coach, and assistant professional NBA coach;
WHEREAS, he is also the author of three published books of poetry, an actor in cameo and supporting television and video roles, a major motion picture star, and a successful entrepreneur in the sports management and food service fields; and
WHEREAS, he has served the University of South Carolina on the USC Educational Foundation Board of Directors, received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for Citizenship, and has received numerous community and citizenship awards for his service to the arts and cultural affairs including an Honorary Doctoral Degree from the University of Colorado;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees in session assembled this 16th day of April, 2003, expresses its sincere appreciation of Alex English for his contributions to the work of the Board and his support of the University; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to Alex English as a token of the high esteem in which he is held.
PRESENTED THIS 16TH DAY OF APRIL 2003 AT COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Board Chairman, Mack I. Whittle, Jr.
University President, Andrew A. Sorensen
Board Secretary, Thomas L. Stepp
Mr. Mungo moved to adopt this resolution honoring Mr. Alex English. Mr. Shuford seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Since there were no other matters to come before the Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman Adams declared the meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas L. Stepp
Secretary