Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
September 17, 2015
The Council of Trustees met on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in Stratton Administration
Center, room 301.
PRESENT:
Dr. Charles Blocksidge ................................................................................. McKees Rocks
Mr. Dennis Giorno (via telephone) ........................................................... New Cumberland
Mr. Thomas H. Heck, Secretary .................. …………………………………Wyomissing
Mr. James Ludlow ............................................................................................. Fogelsville
Mr. Guido Pichini ………………...…………………………………….Wyomissing Hills
Mr. Roger Schmidt ................ …………………………………………………….Leesport
Mr. John Wabby, Chairperson .............................................................................. Pottsville
ABSENT:
Mr. Mr. Anthony Iannelli………………………………………………………... Macungie
Ms. Dianne Lutz ..............................................................................................Wernersville
ALSO PRESENT:
Mr. Andrew Arnold, Department Chair, History
Mr. Matt Delaney, Acting Assistant Vice President for Administration and Finance
Mr. John Green, Associate Vice President, Communication, Marketing and External Affairs
Mr. David Johnson, University Relations
Ms. Jessica Kolvites, Student
Mr. Jesus Peña, Esq., Deputy to the President for Compliance, Equity and Legal Affairs
Mr. Waskar Paulino, Student Trustee Nominee
Dr. Paul Quinn, APSCUF President
Mr. Ed Ricmond, Chief Financial Officer, Kutztown University Foundation
Mr. Matt Santos, Director of University Relations
Dr. Jennifer Schlegel, University Senate President
Mr. Joseph Scoboria, President, Student Government Board
Mr. Jerry Silberman, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Ms. Carol Sztaba, University Architecht
Ms. Tracey Thompson, Executive Director, KU Foundation
Mr. Bob Watrous, Associate Provost & Dean of Students
Dr. Carole Wells, Vice Provost & Dean of Graduate Studies
Dr. Anne Zayaitz, Acting Provost
1.
Call to Order
At 3:00p.m., Chairperson Wabby called the meeting to order; a quorum being present.
2.
Remarks by the Council Chairperson
Mr. Jack Wabby welcomed the new University President, Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson to his first
Council of Trustees meeting. He also congratulated Mr. Guido Pichini on being re-elected as
chairmain of the Board of Governors.
Mr. Wabby asked Dr. Blocksidge to provide a brief update report on the Presidential Transition
Team. Dr. Blocksidge reported that the transition team is evolving into the Presidential
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Inauguration Planning Team. The Presidential Inauguration will be held on Friday, April 15,
2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Schaeffer Auditorium.
Mr. Wabby informed the Council that the Celebration of Life for the late Delight Briedegam will
be held on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Kutztown University in the O’Pake
Fieldhouse.
3.
Remarks by the Student Government Board President
Mr. Joseph Scoboria welcomed the Council of Trustees. He informed the Council of the goals
and intiatives that the Student Government Board would like to accomplish during the 2015-16
academic year.
The SGB is currently at full capacity membership as upon completion of elections all freshman
positions were filled.
The SGB will establish an ad-hoc committee which will focus on the preparation for the
Presidential Inauguration. This ad-hoc committee will work with the sub-committee on the
transition team in order to coordinate student participation.
The Board of Student Government conference will be held the first weekend in October at East
Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. This is a conference where student leaders from all
fourteen universities come together to network and coordinate events throughout the year.
4.
Remarks by Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, University President
Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson provided an update on the many intitiatives and highlighted some of the
exciting events that have occurred this year.
He provided an update on the enrollment. Our current student enrollment is 9,000 (8,283
undergraduate and 707 graduate students). Our retention rate is 73% and our continuation rate is
64%. Dr. Hawkinson informed the Council that he will begin a search for a new Vice President
of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
United States Senator Bob Casey came to visit Kutztown University on August 18 to promote the
campus sexual violence elimination act which went into effect on July 1, 2015.
We kicked off our Sesquicentennial Celebration on August 20 with the unveiling of the
“Celebrating 150 years of Music Through Public Art Mural” by KU student Ben Hoffman. The
mural is on display in Schaeffer Auditorium outside of the Wells Rehearsal Studio.
Activities continued with our Opening Day Celebration, a successful move-in day on Saturday
with Cabinet members, and convocation on Sunday. On September 1, we unveiled the Celebrate
KU Chalkboard project near the McFarland Student Union, which attracted approximately 500
students.
KU has again been named a "Best in the Northeast" by the Princeton Review. In addition, KU has
been ranked once again in the first tier in the northeast by U.S. News and World Report.
In the sports arena, the Golden Bear football team is 1-1 after a 34-33 win at IUP on Saturday. It
was the first time KU has ever won at IUP, and they did it in memorable fashion. Down 27-6 in
the third quarter, our team rallied to record the biggest comeback in the 100-season history of the
program.
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KU alumnus Neekoo Krooger, who played for our men’s rugby club, has been named to the 31man team representing the United States in the Rugby World Cup 2015 England.
Avalanche, the KU mascot, was honored publicly at halftime of the home football opener by the
State System for winning the inaugural mascot madness competition between the 14 schools last
spring.
The KU Foundation and Alumni Relations Office was the driving force behind a very exciting
intiative in the Arts. Shifting Paradigms opened in the Marlin & Regina Art Gallery. Several
successful, well-known, KU alumni artists were featured in the show. The art auction held in the
President’s Home raised $13,200 for the Fine Arts Department. This event also featured an
outstanding musical performance by KU music professor Maria Asteridou and her husband, Kurt
McKennan. The event was followed by a public performance by Philip Glass in Scaheffer
Auditorium.
Fundraising is going very well in the KU Foundation. We’ve received a number of large gifts
and established several new scholarships including a signed gift agreement for $200,000 endowed
scholarship. We’ve raised more than $44,500 in corporate sponsorships and $11,000 for the new
150th Anniversary scholarship fund. The Year to date fundraising including gifts and pledges is
over $900,000. Last year at this time we had 813 donors and this year we have 1, 057 donors.
Within the Department of Communications, Marketing and External Affairs the major hub of
activities has been around the Sesquicentennial Celebration and all of the planning for upcoming
events. The Alma mater is being added to the Old Main Clock Tower chimes to ring every day
just past the noon.
Athletics have started and are in full swing. All of our teams are wearing 150 logos on their
uniforms and the Football team is also celebrating the 100-years of KU football by adding the 100
year logo on their helmets.
The Conference Services department finished their very busy summer camp season where they
managed and provided customer service to approximately 19,500 conference guests.
The KU Presents! season has kicked off with a sold out performance by Trombone Shorty. Our
next two shows are also sold out.
Sesquicentennial Celebration activities continue in the weeks ahead with the Fall SportsFest this
weekend, the debut of the Academic Sesquicentennial Series on Wednesday, the 5K run and 150yard Cub Dash on October 2, and October 3 Family Day activities including the Spirit Strut,
activity tent, and the football game vs. Millersville, which will be followed by a grand 11-minute
150 celebration fireworks display.
Heemet Fescht is set for September 26 at the Pennsylvania German Heritage Center from 10 a.m.
until 4 p.m.
Lastly, plans are being finalized for homecoming the weekend of October 23-24, 2015.
5.
Public Comments
None
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6.
Approval of Minutes, June 11, 2015
Upon motion duly made by Mr. Heck seconded by Mr. Ludlow the minutes of the June 11, 2015
meeting were approved.
7.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on University Relations and Advancement
Mr. Schmidt reported on committee discussions.
He informed the Council that the launch of the Sesquicentennial Celebration during Opening Day
was covered on the front page of the Reading Eagle newspaper. The Sesquicentennial Committee
established a group called Difference Makers which is made up of faculty and staff members
who have made a difference in the lives of KU alumni. This will be launched on the KU website
homepage. He mentioned that there will be a fireworks display at the end of the Family Day
football game on October 3.
In web communications,Mr. Schmidt reported that research has been completed and meetings
have been conducted to move forward with a responsive homepage which means that the
homepage will adapt to the size of the device that is being utilized to view the website.
In the area of Athletics, Mr. Schmidt reported 145 student-athletes have been named as a PSAC
Scholar Athlete which requires a 2.5 GPA. Over 250 KU student-athletes helped host the
inaugural Angel 34 Olympics in which they helped raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer
patients.
He mentioned that the KU Foundation is doing well in fundraising. The Alumni office has a full
events calendar in an effort to engage KU alumn.
8.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. Blocksidge reported on committee discussions.
He informed the Council that Ms. Grace Hill, Director of the Women’s Center, reported on the
services, programs and intiatives provided to the students.
9.
Student Presenter: Ms. Jessica Kolvites, College of Education
Ms. Kolvites is a senior majoring in Special Education with a specialization in Visual
Impairment. She has always had a passion to teach and help children. She volunteers for the
Kutztown Lyons Club Sight Program which tests young children for abnormal visual acquity.
She also volunteered at several conferences for the National Council of Exceptional Children
Division of Visual Impairment. Ms. Kolvites submitted a proposal to present at Council of
Exceptional Children Conference in San Diego, CA and it was accepted. Through her
experiences at the conference she has been asked to post a summary of her research online. She
has also been asked to serve as a student ambassador. She has also written an article that has
been published in the CEC Journal. Through theses experiences she made connections with
professionals in the vision field all over the country. Ms. Kolvites shared that she has applied to
the Masters Program at Vanderbilt University. Ms. Kolvites is thankful to have had many
rewarding experiences at Kutztown University.
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10.
Internship Agreements with various Institutions and Kutztown University
Dr. Blocksidge presented the list of Internship Agreements which establish a relationship
whereby students may participate in practical experience outside the traditional classroom setting.
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A.M.A. Counseling Services, LLC, Bethlehem, PA
Abington Community Library, Clarks Summit, PA
Albright Memorial Library, Scranton, PA
Allentown Public Library, Allentown, PA
All-Star Baseball Academy, Chadds Ford, PA
Bethlehem Area Public Library, Bethlehem, PA
Camp Lackawanna, Tunkhannok, PA
Camp May Fitness, Cape May, NJ
Delone Catholic High School, McSherrytown, PA
Dime Athletics, Newtown, PA
Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA
Family Service Association, Langhorne, PA
FASST, Easton, PA
Hatfield Township Parks and Recreation, Hatfield, PA
Hellertown Area Library, Hellertown, PA
IGNITE, Camp Hill, PA
In the Zone, Bath, PA
James A. Michener Art Museum, Doylestown, PA
Kempton New Church School, Kempton, PA
Kutztown Community Library, Kutztown, PA
Lancaster Historical Society, Lancaster, PA
Maple Grove Raceway, Mohnton, PA
New Jersey Jackels, Montclair, NJ
Overbrook Educational Center, Philadelphia, PA
Parisi Speed School, Downingtown, PA
Phillipsburg Free Public Library, Phillipsburg, NJ
Power Train Sports Institute, Manheim, PA
Professional Counseling, Consulting and
Human Services, LLC, Pottsville, PA
Reading Hospital, West Reading, PA
Southeast Steuben County Library, Corning, NY
SportPerformanceU, Norwalk, CT
Talamore Country Club, Ambler, PA
Tiger Woods Foundation, Norton, MA
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Leesport, PA
Valley Forge Military Academy and College, Wayne, PA
Vision Resource Center of Berks County, Reading, PA
World Amateur Baseball Series, Voorhees, NJ
YMCA of Lakeland Hill, Mountain Lakes, NJ
YMCA of Lower Bucks, Fairless Hills, PA
YSC Sports, Wayne, PA
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Dr. Blocksidge moved to approve the Internship Agreements as presented. Mr. Ludlow seconded
the motion and it carried. (Exhibit A)
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11.
International Study Abroad Agreements with various institutions and Kutztown University
Dr. Blocksidge presented the following Exchange Agreements which establish a relationship with
Kutztown University
•Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Haarlem, Netherlands
•University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
•Institute for Central American Development Studies (ICADS),
San Jose, Costa Rica
•Scuola Internazionale Di Grafica, Venice, Italy
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Dr. Blocksidge moved to approve the International Study Abroad Agreements as presented. Mr.
Pichini seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit B)
12.
Reverse Transfer Agreements with various institutions and Kutztown University
Dr. Blocksidge presented the list of Reverse Transfer Agreements which establishes a
relationship with Kutztown University.
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Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, PA
Lackawanna College, Scranton, PA
Dr. Blocksidge moved to approve the Reverse Transfer Agreements as presented. Mr. Giorno
seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit C)
13.
Bachelor of Art in Arts History
Dr. Blocksidge presented the Bachelor of Art in Arts History program.
Dr. Blocksidge moved to approve the Bachelor of Art in Arts History program as presented. Mr.
Ludlow seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit D)
14.
Summary of Committee Discussions -- Committee on Finance, Property and Audit
Mr. Heck reported on committee discussions.
15.
Consent Agenda Items
Mr. Heck reported that the committee thoroughly reviewed the consent agenda items.
Purchases and Contracts under $100,000
Mr. Heck moved that the Council approve the Purchases and Contracts under $100,000 as
presented. Mr. Pichini seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit E)
Mr. Pichini abstained from voting on the Security Guards, Inc. contract due to a conflict of
interest. Mr. Ludlow also abstained from the vote on Liquid Inc. due to a conflict of interest.
Purchases and Contracts $100,000 and Over
2015-45
Oracle America, Inc.
2015-46
Kutztown University Foundation, Inc.
2015-47
Kutztown University Foundation, Inc.
2015-48
Kutztown University Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Heck moved that the Council approve the Purchases and Contracts over $100,000 as
presented. Mr. Pichini seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit F)
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16.
Funding of Non-Need Based Scholarships
Mr. Heck moved that the Council approve to amend the funding sources of non-need based
Institutional Scholarships as presented. Mr. Ludlow seconded the motion and it carried.
(Exhibit G)
17.
Kutztown University Succession Plan
Mr. Wabby moved that the Council approve the Order of Succession Plan as required by the
Board of Governors’ Policy 1983-14-A: Appointing Interim and Acting Chief Executive Officers
as presented. Mr. Pichini seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit H)
18.
PACT Update
Mr. Wabby informed the Council that the PACT Executive Board and Council of Trustee chairs
met on July 29 in Harrisburg. Chancellor Brogan provided us with a very informative update on
System issues. In addition there was discussion of planning for the Fall Pact Conference.
There were several conference options discussed and the board unanimously agreed to a novel
approach. This approach will provide the opportunity to attend TWO conferences IN TWO days:
the traditional PACT conference plus access to a regional Association of Governing Boards for
Universities and Colleges (AGB) conference.
1. PACT Conference: The date for the Fall PACT conference is Sunday, November 8, 2015 from
9:00am-3:00pm. The conference will be held at the State System @ Center City facility, 701
Market Street. As usual PACT will cover overnight accommodations at a nearby hotel for the
evening of November 7, if needed to attend the PACT meeting. The topic of the conference will
focus on governance.
2. AGB Conference: The PACT conference will precede the November 8&9 regional conference
of the AGB, at the Loews Hotel, 1200 Market Street. AGB is the premier organization centered
on governance for higher education.
The AGB meeting focuses on "Strengthening Board Committees," and the PACT executive board
has agreed to cover the lodging and registration for one Council of Trustee representative from
each university. However, we do encourage each Council and university to send additional
representatives to this important conference.
Mr. Wabby thanked the Council for their support of the State System, PACT and the University.
19.
As May Arise
The meeting was adjourned at 3:52 p.m.
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Secretary
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