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
June 29, 2001
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met Friday, June 29, 2001, at 10:20 a.m. in the Carolina Plaza Board Room.
Members present were: Mr. Herbert C. Adams, Vice Chairman; Mr. Arthur S. Bahnmuller (via phone); Mr. James Bradley (via phone); Mr. Alexander English (via phone); Mr. A. C. Fennell, III (via phone); Mr. Samuel R. Foster, II, (via phone); Mrs. Helen C. Harvey (via phone); Mr. William C. Hubbard (via phone); Mr. Toney J. Lister (via phone); Mr. Miles Loadholt (via phone); Mr. Robert N. McLellan (via phone); Mr. J. Dupre Miller (via phone); Ms. Darla D. Moore (via phone); Mr. Michael J. Mungo (via phone), Mr. John C. von Lehe, Jr. (via phone); and Mr. Othniel H. Wienges, Jr. (via phone). Members absent were: Dr. C. Edward Floyd; Mr. M. Wayne Staton; Mrs. Inez M. Tenenbaum; and Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr., Chairman.
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; Chancellor of USC Aiken Thomas L. Hallman (via phone); Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Richard W. Kelly; Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer William F. Hogue; Vice President for Student and Alumni Services Dennis A. Pruitt; Interim Vice Provost and Dean, Libraries and Information Systems, John N. Olsgaard; General Counsel Walter (Terry) H. Parham; Vice Provost and Executive Dean of Regional Campuses and Continuing Education Chris P. Plyler (via phone); Interim Budget Director Robert E. Bugbee (via phone); Director, Budget and Finance, Division of Student and Alumni Services, William P. Bragdon; Director of Governmental and Community Relations Shirley D. Mills; Chair of the Faculty Senate Caroline D. Strobel; President of the Student Government Association Corey Ford; Director of Periodicals, University Publications, Chris Horn; Director of Public Affairs Russell McKinney; and representatives from the media.
Vice Chairman Adams called the meeting to order and 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.
Vice Chairman Adams acknowledged the passing of Miss Myrtis Mungo, sister of Mr. Mungo, and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. Sympathy was expressed to Mr. Mungo and other family members on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Mungo thanked the Board.
Vice Chairman Adams asked if any members of the press had arrived. Mr. McKinney introduced a member of the press who was in attendance.
Mr. Mungo moved approval of the tuition decrease as recommended by the Executive Committee. Mr. Bradley seconded the motion.
Dr. Palms informed Board members that discussions had been held with the Legislature and the Governor in late December, as well as following initially- proposed budget cuts. He noted that the mobilization of our students, their families, and the business community had reflected the drastic consequences of those cuts; the response had been very encouraging. Dr. Palms stated that as recently as last week, the Governor had contemplated the changes and discussed the effects these drastic cuts would have in the higher education community.
When the Governor proposed vetoing the cuts to improve funding for higher education, it was understood that the University would reduce the cost to the students while maintaining a high level of programmatic quality. The 50 percent tuition reduction essentially accomplished this goal as well as reducing departmental cuts from 6 percent to 3 percent. The restitution of this money would allow reestablishment of the elements of programs which would guarantee continued quality for the next year. In addition, funding would be available to respond to the ongoing strategic planning process.
Dr. Palms was extremely pleased with this decision and stated that "this satisfied both the expectations of the trust of the University and the needs of the students as well as the quality of our academic programs."
Mr. Bradley commented that after the vote was taken, he wished to offer a motion.
Mr. Ford interjected that the student body would be extremely happy with this decision and thanked the Board for lowering the tuition. He also thanked Governor Hodges and those in the Legislature for their work with the budget.
There was no further discussion and Vice Chairman Adams asked Mr. Stepp to call the role. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Mr. Bradley moved approval to have the Secretary draw up an appropriate resolution of appreciation to the Governor for his leadership and to the General Assembly for making this action possible. Mr. Bahnmuller and Mrs. Harvey seconded the motion.
Rather than calling the roll, Vice Chairman Adams advised Board members to state their names and respond "No" if opposed. Hearing none, the motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas L. Stepp
Secretary