MINUTES
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA SYSTEM
December 3, 1999 Thibodaux, LA
The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System met in regular session on Friday, December 3, 1999, in the University Student Union Cotillion Ballroom, at Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, Louisiana.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Carl Shetler at 11:00 a.m. and opened with a prayer by Dr. Smith. The following roll call was recorded:
PRESENT: ABSENT:
Mr. Carl Shetler, Chairman Mr. Winfred F. Sibille Mr. Andre G. Coudrain, Vice Chairman Mr. David Wright Dr. Edward B. Anders Mrs. Elsie P. Burkhalter Mr. Robert C. Davidge Mr. T. L. “Teddy” Duhé Mr. Herman Gesser, Jr. Mr. Tex R. Kilpatrick Mr. Gordon A. Pugh Mr. TiJean Rodriguez Dr. Eunice Wicker Smith Mrs. Carroll W. Suggs Mr. Michael H. Woods
Chairman Shetler stated that Mr. Wright and Mr. Sibille were granted excused absences for this meeting.
Mr. Shetler, on behalf of the Board, thanked President Donald Ayo, and Nicholls State University’s faculty, students, staff, administration and the Nicholls’ family for their hospitality and assistance in hosting the Board meeting.
President Ayo welcomed Board members, System staff, and System Institutions’ administration and guests to Nicholls State University and explained that the University is celebrating fifty years of operation. Dr. Ayo introduced Dr. Alfred N. Delahaye, author of Nicholls State University, The Elkins-Galliano Years 1948-1983, who spoke on the history of Nicholls State Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes December 3, 1999 Page 2
University, and Mr. Jared McGlocklin, Student Government Association President and the newly appointed student member to the Board of Regents, who welcomed the Board to the campus and explained why Nicholls is so special to students and their needs.
Dr. Alice Pecoraro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, also welcomed the Board and introduced Dr. Carol Ronka, Director of the Center for Dyslexia, who explained the services provided by the Center and narrated a video highlighting the purpose of the Center for Dyslexia.
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On motion of Mr. Gesser, seconded by Mrs. Burkhalter, the Board unanimously approved the October 29, 1999 minutes.
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REPORT OF THE ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Dr. Smith, Chairman of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, presented the Committee’s report.
On motion of Dr. Smith, seconded by Dr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee and took the following action:
Agenda Item E.1.
Approved Grambling State University’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science degree program in Management through distance learning technologies.
Agenda Item E.2.
Approved Grambling State University’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Information Systems through distance learning technologies.
Agenda Item E.3.
Approved Nicholls State University’s request to award, posthumously, an Associate of Science degree program in Petroleum Services to Mr. Morrison Plaisance, Jr.
Agenda Item E.4.
Approved Northwestern State University’s request to offer an Associate of Arts degree program in Criminal Justice through distance learning technologies. Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes December 3, 1999 Page 3
Agenda Item E.5.
Approved Southeastern Louisiana University’s Letter of Intent for a Master of Arts degree program in Organizational Communication.
Agenda Item E.6.
Approved University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Letter of Intent for a Ph.D. degree program in Applied Language and Speech Sciences.
REPORT OF THE ATHLETIC COMMITTEE
Mr. Duhé, Chairman of the Athletic Committee, presented the Committee’s report.
Agenda Item F.1.
Mr. Duhé reported that the committee received the reports from System Institutions’ Athletic Directors.
REPORT OF THE FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE
Mr. Gesser, Chairman of the Facilities Planning Committee, presented the Committee’s report.
On motion of Mr. Gesser, seconded by Mr. Duhé, the Board unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the Facilities Planning Committee and took the following action:
Agenda Item G.1.
Approved McNeese State University’s “Grant of Servitude” with the City of Lake Charles granting permanent utility and drainage easement north of Sale Road and further requested that legal counsel ensure that all documents conform to statutory and administrative requirements.
Agenda Item G.2.
Approved Nicholls State University’s request to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Thibodaux and Thibodaux Regional Medical Center to fund and construct a water line and install a gas line and further requested that legal counsel ensure that all documents conform to statutory and administrative requirements.
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Agenda Item G.3.
Approved Nicholls State University’s revision to the reservations in the 1980 cash sale to improve the land utilization on campus and to recover property that is currently a servitude and further requested that legal counsel ensure that all documents conform to statutory and administrative requirements.
Agenda Item G.4.
Approved Northwestern State University’s request to renew the Lease with Milam Street, LTD. for the Child and Family Network within the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and further requested that legal counsel ensure that all documents conform to statutory and administrative requirements.
Agenda Item G.5.
Approved Northwestern State University’s request to renew the sublease with England Economic and Industrial Development District for Building No. 3506 for use as the Alexandria Child Development Center and further requested that legal counsel ensure that all documents conform to statutory and administrative requirements.
Agenda Item G.6.
Approved Northwestern State University’s request to renew the Lease with England Economic and Industrial Development District for Building Number 1103 for Aviation Science and further requested that legal counsel ensure that all documents conform to statutory and administrative requirements.
Agenda Item G.7.
Approved Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for a lease for space with Medical Center East in Baton Rouge to establish a Child Welfare Resource Center and further requested that legal counsel ensure that all documents conform to statutory and administrative requirements.
Agenda Item G.8.
Approved University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s request, subject to concurrence with the Finance Committee, to approve the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Lease Revenue Bonds (University of Louisiana at Lafayette Cajundome Convention Center Project) Series 1999 and further requested that legal counsel ensure that all documents conform to statutory and administrative requirements.
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Agenda Item G.9.
Approved University of Louisiana at Monroe’s request to change the name of Ewing Coliseum to Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
Agenda Item G.10.
Received University of Louisiana System Office’s Policies and Procedures Memorandum on draft Bond Policy for information and review.
Agenda Item G.11. a. & b. – Other Business
On motion of Mr. Coudrain, seconded by Dr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to amend its agenda to include the following items of other business to be presented by the Facilities Planning Committee:
On motion of Mr. Gesser, seconded by Mr. Coudrain, the Board unanimously accepted the recommendation of the Facilities Planning Committee and approved the following items: a. Nicholls State University’s request to amend their FY 2000-01 Capital Outlay to substitute the Land Acquisition project for their Beauregard Hall Renovation project. b. Northwestern State University’s Cooperative Agreement with the National Park Service, and further requested that legal counsel ensure that this act conforms to statutory and administrative requirements.
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Mr. Woods, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the Committee’s report.
On motion of Mr. Woods, seconded by Dr. Smith, the Board unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee and took the following action:
Agenda Item H.1.
Approved Louisiana Tech University’s Memorandum of Agreement between the University and the Louisiana Tech Research Foundation.
Agenda Item H.2.
Nicholls State University’s request to proceed with the purchase of a fifty-five (55)-passenger diesel bus was withdrawn at the request of President Ayo. Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes December 3, 1999 Page 6
Agenda Item H.3.
Approved Northwestern State University’s request to name an existing College of Education scholarship, the Honorable Everett G. Doerge Scholarship.
Agenda Item H.4.
Approved Southeastern Louisiana University’s Affiliation Agreement with the SLU Alumni Association.
Agenda Item H.5.
Received and adopted Southeastern Louisiana University’s Fiscal Year 1999 Financial and Compliance Questionnaire.
Agenda Item H.6.
Approved University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s request for a student referendum for an SGA Day Care Center assessment.
Agenda Item H.7.
Approved, in concurrence with the Facilities Planning Committee, University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Lease Revenue Bonds (University of Louisiana at Lafayette Cajundome Convention Center Project) Series 1999 and further requested that legal counsel ensure that all documents conform to statutory and administrative requirements.
Agenda Item H.8.
Approved University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s request to establish the following BORSF Eminent Scholar Endowed Chairs: a. Gene Brauns Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship b. Dr. Ray P. Authement Endowed Chair in Computational Mathematics
Agenda Item H.9. – Other Business
Mr. Woods stated that Mr. McDaniels gave a status report on System Institutions’ audit reports.
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REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Mr. Kilpatrick, Chairman of the Personnel Committee, presented the Committee’s report.
On motion of Mr. Kilpatrick, seconded by Mr. Coudrain, the Board unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the Personnel Committee and took the following action:
Agenda Item I.1.
Approved Louisiana Tech University’s request to appoint Mr. Jim King as Vice President for Student Affairs effective January 1, 2000.
Mr. Jim King thanked the Board for approving his appointment.
REPORT OF SYSTEM OFFICE BUSINESS
Agenda Item J.1.
On motion of Mr. Duhé, seconded by Mr. Coudrain, the Board unanimously approved the personnel actions as amended.
Agenda Item J.2. System President’s Report
Mr. Jindal made the following announcements for Board information or consideration:
1. Mr. Jindal thanked Mr. Douglas Lee and the System staff who assisted in the work done on the bond policy.
2. Mr. Jindal explained that the “A Process for Evaluation of Institution Presidents” packet was included in the Board folders for review and approval by the Board.
On motion of Mr. Coudrain, seconded by Mrs. Burkhalter, the Board unanimously approved the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System “A Process for Evaluation of Institution Presidents.”
3. Mr. Jindal thanked President Ayo and Nicholls State University’s faculty and staff, especially Ms. Stephanie Caballero and Ms. Brenda Haskins-Dial, for their assistance and for hosting the meeting.
4. Mr. Jindal also announced that President Lawson Swearingen extended an invitation to the Board to hold its March meeting at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes December 3, 1999 Page 8
5. Mr. Jindal reported that he had successful visits with Ford Motor Company’s Chief Financial Officer and the Vice President for Human Services, and other companies, and reported that many companies were interested in sponsoring internships for System Institutions’ students. Based on the success of the internships, additional funding for research and other academic activities might be provided.
6. Mr. Jindal indicated that he had talked with officials at Johnson and Johnson, who have expressed an interest in sponsoring biological research and in assisting System Institutions in applying for Health Excellence Funds. He also plans to meet with the Senior Vice President for Research to discuss joint research projects.
7. Mr. Jindal also announced that Computer Associates is ready to sign contracts with three of our System Institutions to sponsor Computer Science Departments by providing software and training for faculty and providing opportunities for students for employment before and after graduation.
8. The National Association of Manufacturers is interested in partnering with System Institutions in offering online courses. This information has been shared with the Presidents’ Council who will provide additional information regarding this partnership offer at a later Board meeting.
9. Mr. Jindal indicated that the Governor and the Louisiana Legislature have committed to making Economic Development a priority for the higher education community and have asked that we address the issue.
10. Mrs. Elsie Perrero is celebrating her birthday today, and the Board and System staff wished her a Happy Birthday.
11. Mr. Jindal asked President Sally Clausen to discuss the Literacy Project and the Literacy Center in Livingston Parish.
President Clausen explained the Literacy Center in Livingston Parish as a program that will provide funds to educate the children of plaintiffs in ongoing litigation. As a result, the University received $4.5 million to develop a Center for Technology, Science and Literacy on land located in Livingston Parish and provided by the Livingston Parish School Board. The University welcomed the partnership efforts and will make annual progress reports to the Courts and will provide status reports to the Board.
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12. Mr. Jindal explained the joint efforts of the Louisiana State University Health Science Center (formerly the Medical Center) in New Orleans and the System Institutions in providing an opportunity to address the severe physician and allied health shortages. An Agreement has been made to send two students from each System Institution to conduct research, and to expose them to the medical school and to facilities not available at System Institutions. System Institutions are also seeking joint faculty opportunities for summer and/or semester research training with the LSU Medical School. He also introduced Dr. Roger Beuerman, who presented an overview of the partnership project.
Dr. Roger Beuerman explained the LA-SOUL project and distributed publications highlighting this program, other faculty cooperative programs, and funding options to finance a joint program and expressed enthusiasm for working with System Institutions.
Mr. Duhé expressed support for this joint project. He explained that Nicholls State University and Terrebonne General are participating in a fiber optic technology program.
Mr. Jindal thanked Dr. Beuerman for sharing this information with the Board of Supervisors and the Presidents’ Council.
13. Mr. Jindal introduced Ms. Nettie Daniels, the newly appointed Institutional Researcher for the System staff.
REPORT OF THE BOARD CHAIRMAN’S BUSINESS
Agenda Item K.1. Board Chairman’s Report
Chairman Shetler made the following announcements for Board consideration and information:
1. Mr. Shetler, on behalf of the Board and the System staff, expressed deepest sympathy to President Ray Authement and his family for the passing of his daughter, Kathy Authement Prouet.
2. Mr. Shetler, on behalf of the Board and the System staff, expressed deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Robert Piper and the Grambling State University family for the passing of Mr. Piper, who served as Athletic Director at Grambling.
Agenda Item K.2.
Chairman Shetler asked Dr. Falcon to review the Board RULES revisions as submitted for review and approval.
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Dr. Falcon explained the following Board RULES revisions: a. CHAPTER II. STUDENTS. Section XX. Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures. b. CHAPTER II. STUDENTS. Section III. Transfer Admission. E. Academic Status. c. CHAPTER III. FACULTY AND STAFF. Section IX. Nepotism d. CHAPTER III. FACULTY AND STAFF. Section XV. Grievance Procedures. B. Board Review.
On motion of Mr. Coudrain, seconded by Mr. Rodriguez, the Board unanimously approved the Board RULES revisions b. and c. CHAPTER II. STUDENTS. Section III. Transfer Admission. E. Academic Status. and CHAPTER III. FACULTY AND STAFF. Section IX. Nepotism. (See Attachments 1 & 2)
On motion of Mr. Coudrain, seconded by Mr. Rodriguez, the Board unanimously voted to defer action on Board RULES revisions a. & d. CHAPTER II. STUDENTS. Section XX. Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures. and CHAPTER III. FACULTY AND STAFF. Section XV. Grievance Procedures. B. Board Review.
Dr. Falcon stated that three new Board RULES revisions listed below are included in the Board folders for review and possible approval at the January meeting:
1. CHAPTER III. – FACULTY AND STAFF. Section II. - Personnel Actions. A. Chief Executive Vacancies.
2. CHAPTER III. – FACULTY AND STAFF. Section IV. - Role, Contractual Arrangements, Benefits, and Expenses for Institution Presidents. B. Contractual Arrangements.
3. CHAPTER III – FACULTY AND STAFF. Section X. - Faculty Rank. E. Special Ranks.
Agenda Item K.3.
After discussion on the Tentative 2000 Board Schedule, the following action was recommended:
On motion of Mrs. Burkhalter, seconded by Mr. Gesser, the Board unanimously voted to defer adoption of the Tentative 2000 Board Schedule until the next meeting and voted to hold the next Board meeting on January 5, 2000.
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Chairman Shetler made the following announcement regarding his tenure as Chairman of the Board:
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“I would like to thank my fellow Board members, Mr. Jindal, Dr. Falcon and the System staff for making my tenure as Chairman truly enjoyable. This is my last Board meeting as Chairman, and I have sincerely appreciated the opportunity to Chair this Board. I am extremely proud of the System and all eight institutions and the roles they play in educating the citizens of our State. Because of the emphasis and focus Governor Foster places on education, this is a rewarding time to be a part of higher education in Louisiana. Once again I want to say thanks and I have enjoyed it.”
On motion of Mr. Gesser, seconded by Mrs. Burkhalter, the Board unanimously offered a Resolution thanking Mr. Shetler for his time of service as Chairman and congratulating him for his service to the Board.
REPORT OF THE 2000 NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Mrs. Burkhalter, Chairman of the 2000 Nominating Committee, presented the Committee’s report.
Agenda Item L.1.
On motion of Mrs. Burkhalter, seconded by Mr. Gesser, the Board unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the 2000 Nominating Committee and elected Mr. Andre Coudrain as Year 2000 Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
On motion of Mrs. Burkhalter, seconded by Mr. Gesser, the Board unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the 2000 Nominating Committee and elected Mr. Carl Shetler as Year 2000 Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
Mrs. Burkhalter announced that Mr. Shetler stated that he would serve as Vice Chairman for one year only and would not succeed appointment as Chairman at any time during this year.
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Mr. Duhé stated that members received handouts concerning the Nicholls State University Center for Dyslexia. He also urged members to read the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Centennial name change brochure. He announced that he received the Board of Regents information on the Rapides University Center. ------
On motion of Mrs. Burkhalter, seconded by Mr. Gesser, there being no further business, the Board adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
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