MINUTES

 

TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS

 

REGULAR  SESSION

 

December 2, 2005

 

 

The Tennessee Board of Regents met in regular session on December 2, 2005.  The meeting was held in Morristown, Tennessee, and was hosted by Walters State Community College. Vice Chair Fran Marcum presided and called the meeting to order.  Upon instruction from the Vice Chair, the Board Secretary called the roll.  The following members were present:

 

Dr. Amiri Al-Hadid

Mr. Frank Barnett

Ms. Agenia Clark

Mr. Noble Cody

Ms. Judy Gooch

Mr. Jonas Kisber

Ms. Fran Marcum

Ms. Leslie Parks Pope

Dr. Richard G. Rhoda

Mr. Howard Roddy

Mr. J. Stanley Rogers

Mr. Robert Thomas

Mr. William Watkins

Ms. Sondra Wilson

 

A quorum was present.   Members that were not available to attend the meeting were Governor Phil Bredesen, Commissioner Ken Givens, Commissioner Lana Seivers and Regent Maxine Smith.

 

I.          MINUTES OF PAST MEETINGS

 

The Minutes of the September 30, 2005 Quarterly Session and Minutes from the Special Called Session on October 31, 2005 were submitted to all members of the Board.  Regent Clark moved for adoption of the Minutes.  Regent Rogers provided a second to the motion.  The motion was carried.

 

 

II.         INTERIM ACTION REPORT

 

Vice Chair Marcum called upon Chancellor Manning who presented to the Board for approval the Interim Action Report.  The report serves as a record of business transacted by the Office of the Chancellor since the previous meeting of the Board.  Chancellor Manning requested approval of the report.  Regent Thomas moved for the motion to accept the report.  Regent Kisber provided a second to the motion.  The motion passed.  A copy of the Report is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix A.

 

III.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES

 

A.     COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

 

The Committee of the Whole met in regular session on December 1, 2005, at Walters State Community College.

           

The Committee received a report on the System Strategic Plan for 2005 – 2010 that was presented by Vice Chancellor Paula Myrick Short.  Regent Thomas moved for the acceptance of the Strategic Plan 2005 – 2010.  The motion was seconded by Regent Al-Hadid.  The motion was carried.

 

Vice Chair Marcum thanked the members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Strategic Planning, Vice Chancellor Short and members of the Chancellor’s Senior Staff who worked so diligently on this document. 

 

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

 

Regent Roddy moved for the adoption of the report and was seconded by Regent Thomas.  The motion was carried. 

 

B.     COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

 

The Committee on Academic Policies and Programs met in regular session on December 1, 2005 at Walters State Community College.

 

Vice Chancellor Paula Myrick Short presented seven agenda items to the Committee.

 

The first item of business was the presentation of the Academic Excellence Award to Southwest Tennessee Community College Mid-State Productivity Center in recognition of their outstanding contributions and accomplishments both locally and internationally. MSPQC-The Quality Center was established in 1987 as a partnership of the Memphis Regional Chamber and the former State Technical Institute at Memphis and is also a Center of Emphasis for the Tennessee Board of Regents.  The Quality Center offers outstanding and innovative programs through the Baldridge Assessments, Six Sigma, benchmarking and consulting, and training programs like the Process Activated Training System® (PATS).  The Center works with businesses across the globe and also has worked directly with school systems to improve quality.

 

The second item of business was the approval of proposals for four new degree programs.

 

The Regents Online Degree Program (RODP) Master of Professional Studies is an interdisciplinary graduate degree program in the social sciences and the profession.  The 33-hour MPS program is designed for working adults who wish to pursue graduate professional studies.  Eleven new online courses will be developed.  All TBR Universities sponsored this proposal.  The Committee approved this proposal.

           

The Committee approved Middle Tennessee State University’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Global Studies.  The objectives of this interdisciplinary degree program are to prepare students to make effective decisions as global citizens; induce and nurture global and international perspectives in students as they pursue various academic majors and career goals; and increase academic opportunities for undergraduate students.

 

The Associate of Science in Teaching Degree (A.S.T.) is intended to facilitate entry of transfer students from community colleges into university teacher education programs.  A common curriculum applicable to all community colleges and acceptable to all TBR universities is prescribed.  All TBR Community Colleges sponsored this proposal.  The Committee approved this proposal.

 

At Jackson State Community College, the Committee approved the establishment of a new associate degree program (A.A.S.) in Occupational Therapy Assistant.  This program will expand JSCC’s commitment to providing highly qualified and ethical health care professionals by delivering a theoretical and skilled based education to prepare students to become competent entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistants.

 

The third agenda item was final approval of the Institutional Strategic Plans for 2005-2010.  Institutions have spent considerable time over two years developing outstanding plans and have set strategic directions based on the four key priorities of leadership, access, quality, and resourcefulness.  The Institutional Strategic Plans were approved. 

 

The fourth agenda item was a report to the Committee on Campus Strategic Plans 2000-2005.  This was an information only item.  

           

The fifth agenda item was Committee approval of a new Board policy on Student Academic Bill of Rights.  The policy was approved.

 

Approval of the minutes of the Ad Hoc Committee on International Education meetings September 12 and November 9, 2005 was the sixth item of business. The Committee approved the minutes.  Vice Chancellor Short also presented the results of a survey of TBR institutions regarding campus activity and effort towards international education.  This report previously had been presented to the Ad Hoc Committee on International Education.

 

Access Priority was the final business item.  This included a report on fall enrollment and student retention, an update on nursing initiatives, and a new Policy Brief on Access.

 

There being no further business to bring before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC POLICIES AND

PROGRAMS

 

Regent Roddy moved for adoption of the report.  Regent Thomas provided a second.  The motion carried.  Copies of the proposed new degree programs are attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix B.  A copy of the new Board policy on Student Academic Bill of Rights is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix C.  Copies of the September 12, 2005 and November 9, 2005 Minutes of the Ad Hoc Committee on International Education are attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix D.

 

C.     COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS

 

The Committee on Finance and Business Operations met in regular session on December 1, 2005, at Walters State Community College. 

           

As the first item of business, the Committee reviewed a report on the October 31, 2005, revisions to the consolidated 2005-2006 operating budgets of the Tennessee Board of Regents institutions.  The Committee recommended approval of the October revised budget totaling $1,891,771,200 as summarized in Attachment A to the official copy of this Report.

 

As the second item on the agenda, the Committee reviewed and approved revisions to Tennessee Board of Regents Policy 1:03:02:10 – Approval of Agreements.  The revisions (1) align TBR policy with recent changes in state law and (2) increase the Chancellor’s ability to designate his authority.

 

The next item on the agenda was review of proposed revisions to Policy 4:03:03:00 – General Travel.  The Committee approved the revisions which incorporate the State CONUS (Continental United States) rates by reference so that changes in the CONUS rate table do not require policy revisions in the future.

 

The fourth agenda item was review of Tennessee Board of Regents Policy 4:07:00:00 – Business Meals.  The Committee approved the revisions which outlined how institution funds may be used for recognition, appreciation and/or retirement events and renaming of the policy to “Business Meals and Recognition Events.”

 

The next agenda item was presentation of the East Tennessee State University out-of-state tuition fee proposal.  The Committee approved the proposal as presented.  A copy of the proposal is included as Attachment B to the official copy of this Report.

 

The final agenda item was presentation by Vice Chancellor Adams of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission five-year tuition model which was developed to project potential undergraduate tuition increases at public institutions of higher education.  This item was for information purposes only and required no action.

 

As an item of new business, Regent Watkins requested information regarding the status of the consolidation initiative of the Ad Hoc Committee on Information Technology.  Chancellor Manning stated he has talked to the presidents on the most efficient implementation strategies for information technology.  The general policy direction is incorporated in the strategic plan.  He added that the next stage will be on implementation strategies.  He also pointed out the Northeast Academic Node could be looked at as an example of how consolidation could occur.  Mr. Watkins stressed that the presidents need to understand the interest of the Board in this initiative.

           

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

                                                                       

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUSINESS

OPERATIONS

 

Regent Clark moved for the adoption of the report.  Regent Watkins provided a second to the motion.  A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried unanimously.  A copy of the revised budget is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix E.  A copy of the revised TBR Policy 1:03:02:10 – Approval of Agreements is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix F.  A copy of the revised TBR Policy 4:03:03:00 – General Travel is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix G.  A copy of the revised TBR Policy 4:07:00:00 – Business Meals is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix H.  A copy of the East Tennessee State University out-of-state tuition fee proposal is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix I. 

 

D.     COMMITTEE ON AUDIT

 

The Committee on Audit met in regular session on December 1, 2005, at Walters State Community College.

           

The first item of business was the review of audit reports issued by the Comptroller’s Office for Austin Peay State University, Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Dyersburg State Community College, Motlow State Community College, and Volunteer State Community College.

 

The next item on the agenda was a review of audits issued by institution internal auditors.  A list of these reports can be found as Attachment A to the official copy of this Report.

 

The third agenda item was a review of quarterly expenses of presidents and the Chancellor.  The reports were accepted as presented.

           

The next agenda item was a review of revisions to the annual system-wide audit plan. The Committee approved the revisions to the system-wide audit plan as presented.

 

The final agenda item was a review of the current staffing plan for the Office of System-wide Internal Audit.  This item was for information purposes only and required no action.

           

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                           

COMMITTEE ON AUDIT

 

Regent Watkins moved for the adoption of the report.  Regent Barnett provided a second to the motion.  The motion carried.  A copy of the report of audits issued by institution internal auditors is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix J.    

 

E.      COMMITTEE ON PERSONNEL

 

The Committee on Personnel met in regular session at Walters State Community College on December 1, 2005. 

           

As the first item on the agenda, the Committee considered approval of the new policy on Parental Leave, TBR Policy 5:01:01:08.  Regent Watkins made a motion to approve the new policy seconded by Regent Kisber. The Committee approved the new policy by voice vote.

 

As the second item on the agenda, the Committee reviewed and considered a revision to add the Immigration Expenses Allowance Agreement to the TBR General Travel Policy 4:03:03:00.  Regent Watkins made a motion to approve the revision to the TBR General Travel Policy seconded by Regent Roddy.  The Committee approved the policy by voice vote.

 

There being no further business, the Committee on Personnel was adjourned.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

COMMITTEE ON PERSONNEL

 

Regent Cody moved for the adoption of the report.  Regent Thomas provided a second to the motion.   The motion passed unanimously.  Copies of the revised policies are attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix K.

 

F.      COMMITTEE ON COMPENSATION

 

The Committee on Compensation met in regular session at Walters State Community College on December 1, 2005.  

           

As the first item on the agenda, the Committee heard a review of salary pay increases for TTU and ETSU.  Regent Roddy made a motion to approve the salary pay increases seconded by Regent Rogers.  The Committee approved the pay increases by unanimous roll call vote.

 

As the second item on the agenda, the Committee reviewed and considered revisions to the TBR Policy 5:01:05:00 Outside Employment and Extra Compensation.  Regent Rogers made a motion to approve the revisions seconded by Regent Pope.   The Committee approved the revision by unanimous roll call vote.

 

There being no further business, the Committee on Compensation was adjourned.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

COMMITTEE ON COMPENSATION

 

Regent Barnett moved for the adoption of the report.  The motion was seconded by Regent Watkins.   The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.  A copy of the revised TBR Policy 5:01:05:00 Outside Employment and Extra Compensation is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix L.

 

G.     COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

 

The Committee on Business, Community and Public Affairs met in regular session on December 1, 2005, at Walters State Community College.

           

As the first item of business, the Committee received a presentation from Vice Chancellor David Gregory on the 2005 system-wide legislative initiatives. The following items were presented for approval: 1) Tennessee Education Compact, 2) Regents Access Initiative, 3) Matching Grants for Research, 4) Capital Improvements.

 

The second item of business was an update given by Vice Chancellor Gregory for the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program. As of November 15, 2005 the total number of Hope Scholarship awards that have been paid to recipients is 43,812 for a total of $67,076,958. This item was presented for information purposes only and no action was required.

           

For the third item of business, Vice Chancellor David Gregory presented a follow-up report on the Smoking Policy.

 

As a final item of business to come before the Committee, Helen and Jabie Hardin were recognized as recipients of the Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy.

           

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                            COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, COMMUNITY

                                                            AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

 

Regent Pope moved for the acceptance of the report.  Regent Thomas provided a second and the motion passed. 

 

H.  COMMITTEE ON TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY CENTERS

 

The Committee on the Tennessee Technology Centers met in regular session on December 1, 2005, on the campus of Walters State Community College.

           

As the first item of business, the Committee reviewed and approved the following seven

(7) program proposals:

 

• Modification of the statewide curriculum for Drafting and CAD Technology by adding a Drafting and CAD Technician Diploma exit level;
• Modification of the following programs at TTC Chattanooga by changing the award for completing the program from certificate to diploma:  Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Auto Body Repair, Automotive Technology, Business Systems Technology, Computer Operations Technology, Cosmetology, Diesel Equipment Mechanics, Industrial Electricity, Industrial Electronics, Industrial Maintenance Mechanics, Landscaping and Turf Management, Machine Tool Technology, Medical Assistant, Motorcycle and Marine Service Technology, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology and Welding.
• Modification of the Dietary Managers program at Elizabethton by increasing the program length from 648 to 864 hours to align with trimester conversion;
• Modification of the Information Technology program at Harriman by increasing the program length from 1,620 to 1,728 hours to align with trimester conversion;
• Modification of Data Processing program at Nashville by decreasing the program length from 972 to 864 hours to align with trimester conversion;
• Modification of the Heavy Equipment Repair program at Paris by placing the program on inactive status; and
• Implementation of a Motor Sports Vehicle Technology program at Chattanooga.

 

As the second item on the agenda, the Committee received an Enrollment Report for the Tennessee Technology Centers for year ending 2004-2005.

 

Next, the Committee received a report regarding the accreditation process for the Tennessee Technology Centers by the Council on Occupational Education, the accrediting agency for the Tennessee Technology Centers, for 2005.

 

As the last item of business, the Committee received a presentation on the Morristown Education Partnership.  Morristown City Councilman Frank McGuffin addressed the Committee.

 

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

           

Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                            COMMITTEE ON TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY

                                                            CENTERS

 

Regent Kisber moved for the adoption of the report.  Regent Gooch seconded the motion.  The motion passed.    

 

I.  AD HOC COMMITTEE ON GEIER

 

The first agenda item, an update on the status of Geier activities, was given by Wendy Thompson, Special Assistant to the Chancellor.  She explained where we are in the litigation process -that we are currently starting the last year of projects under the five year cycle and that the litigation will either end by agreement of the parties or an evidentiary hearing will be held and the court will determine whether the system is unitary.  It is hoped that the litigation will end on time and by agreement between the parties.

 

The last item on the agenda was an update on the Diversity and Access Initiative.  Ms. Thompson described again the three areas of focus for the initiative:  1) student financial assistance 2) student recruitment and retention 3) faculty and staff and campus wide initiatives.  Both the TBR and UT systems are focusing on these three areas. Ms. Thompson explained that this initiative is separate from the litigation and fits with the system’s strategic planning goal of increasing diversity and access, and it fits as well with the Governor’s focus on increased access.

 

Ms. Thompson then discussed how the initiative might be funded and the procedure for attempting to secure the funding.  She reported that funding of initiatives could be accomplished through the continuation of the annual appropriations that the state has invested in Geier.  There is support for having the monies previously appropriated for Geier continue so that diversity and access initiatives could be implemented.  The TBR presidents have requested that the system make it a priority to secure the funds that have been appropriated for Geier; the THEC budget (passed at its November, 17, 2005 meeting) contains a recommendation that the annual appropriation continue; the Tennessee Black Caucus filed an amendment to the appropriations bill last session recommending that the appropriation continue; the Education Task Force of the Black Caucus forwarded a resolution at the  2005 Legislative Retreat and Training Conference recommending that Caucus advocate for continuation of the annual appropriation during the upcoming legislative session; and TBR staff is recommending that continuation of funding be a part of the TBR legislative packet. 

 

After discussion and questions, a motion was made by Regent Howard Roddy and seconded by Regent Jonas Kisber that the TBR Geier Ad Hoc Committee recommend that funding for the diversity and access initiatives be a part of this year’s TBR legislative package. The motion passed unanimously.

 

With no further action and discussion to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                            AD HOC COMMITTEE ON GEIER

 

Regent Roddy moved for the adoption of the report in the absence of Regent Maxine Smith, Committee Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Geier.  Regent Al-Hadid seconded the motion.  The motion passed.   

 

 

 

 

IV.       REPORT OF THE CHANCELLOR

 

Chancellor Manning began his report acknowledging the work of the community of Morristown and its interest in higher education.  He commended them on their efforts and their involvement to improve higher education within the community.

 

Next, he reported that the General Assembly would convene on January 10 and that they would be kept abreast of what is included in the Governor’s budget when Governor Bredesen delivers the state of the state address.

 

Chancellor Manning then reported on the 2005 – 2006 class of Maxine Smith Fellows.  This year’s members are:  Carolyn Beverly (TTC – Whiteville), Nicole Cardwell-Hampton (Walters State Community College), Shanna Jackson (Volunteer State Community College), Cecelia Johnson (Columbia State Community College), Jacqueline Johnson (Motlow State Community College), Keith Johnson (East Tennessee State University), Jerry Redmond (Southwest Tennessee Community College), Linda Theus (Jackson State Community College), and Jewell Winn (Tennessee State University).

 

Next, was an update on the Philanthropy Awards for 2006.  The Selection Committee on Donor Recognition has met and reviewed the award nominations.  The four recipients selected to receive the 2006 Regents Philanthropy Award are:  Scott Nicewonger as recommended by East Tennessee State University, FedEx Corporation and Fred Smith as recommended by the University of Memphis, Dr. Phil Roe as recommended by Austin Peay State University, and Baptist Memorial Health Care as recommended by Dyersburg State Community College.  The Committee also selected twelve (12) recipients for the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy.  These awards will be presented at honorary events which are hosted by the nominating institution.

 

As the last item of his report, Chancellor Manning provided a report on the appointment of the director at the Tennessee Technology Center at Oneida/Huntsville.  Chancellor Manning recognized Dwight Murphy, who was appointed during a Special Called Board meeting on October 31, 2005, as the next director of the TTC – Oneida/Huntsville. 

 

V.        REPORTS OF PRESIDENTS AND DIRECTORS

 

Director Bill Ray provided a report on recent activities that have taken place at the technology centers since the last quarterly Board meeting.   President Bill Locke presented the report for President Carl Hite on the events and activities for the two-year institutions since the last quarterly Board meeting, highlighting international education.  President Shirley Raines reported on events and activities concerning international education at the four-year institutions. 

 

VI.       UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

There was no unfinished business to come before the Board at this meeting.

 

VII.      NEW BUSINESS

 

Vice Chair Marcum called on Chancellor Manning for the first item under New Business – Consideration of the Proposed Criteria for the Selection of a President at Motlow State Community College.  Chancellor Manning presented the criteria and information concerning advertising of the position.  Regent Rogers moved for the adoption of the criteria as presented.  Regent Watkins seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

 

Next, Chancellor Manning presented the background information for the naming of the new Campbell County Building at the Campbell County Campus at Roane State Community College in honor of Ed F. Wheeler, Jr.  Regent Thomas moved for the approval of the naming and was seconded by Regent Cody.  The motion passed.  President Gary Goff provided comments of appreciation on the naming of the building.

 

As the last item of New Business, Regent Leslie Pope presented the information for the naming of the College Center at the Walters State Community College main campus in honor of President Jack E. Campbell.  Regent Pope moved for the approval of the naming.  Regent Cody seconded the motion.  The motion passed by unanimous vote.  President Jack Campbell expressed his appreciation on the naming of the building. 

 

In closing, Chancellor Manning and Vice Chair Marcum expressed their gratitude to Dr. Wade McCamey for the wonderful job in hosting the meeting. 

 

VIII.         ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING

 

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

________________________________

                                                            Christine Modisher, Secretary

 

 

 

_________________________________ 

Charles W. Manning, Chancellor

 

 

 

__________________________________

Fran F. Marcum, Vice Chair