Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
Decmeber 11, 2014
The Council of Trustees met on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 4:05 p.m. in Stratton Administration
Center, room 301.
PRESENT:
Dr. Charles Blocksidge (via conference call) ............................................... McKees Rocks
Ms. Letecia Garcia ....................................................................................................Topton
Mr. Dennis Giorno ............ ………………………………………………...…...Harrisburg
Mr. Anthony Iannelli…………………………………………………… .... …... Macungie
Mr. James Ludlow ............................................................................................. Fogelsville
Ms. Dianne Lutz ..............................................................................................Wernersville
Mr. Roger Schmidt ................ …………………………………………………….Leesport
Mr. John Wabby, Chairperson .............................................................................. Pottsville
ABSENT:
Mr. Thomas Heck, Secretary ............................................................................ Wyomissing
Mr. Guido Pichini ………………...…………………………………….Wyomissing Hills
ALSO PRESENT:
Mr. Ron Devlin, Reading Eagle Reporter
Dr. Darrell Garber, Dean, College of Education
Mr. John Green, Associate Vice President, Communication, Marketing and External Affairs
Mr. David Johnson, University Relations
Mr. Andrew Lee, CliftonLarsonAllen
Dr. James Mackin, Acting Provost
Mr. Peter Njuguna, Student Presenter
Mr. Jesus Peña, Esq., Associate Vice President for Equity and Compliance
Mr. A. Stephen Rosa, CliftonLarsonAllen
Mr. Matt Santos, Director of University Relations
Mr. Joseph Scoboria, President, Student Government Board
Mr. Jerry Silberman, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Ms. Tracey Thompson, Executive Director, KU Foundation
Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto, Acting President
Mr. Bob Watrous, Dean of Students
Dr. Anne Zayaitz, Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
1.
Call to Order
At 4:05p.m., Chairperson Wabby called the meeting to order; a quorum being present.
2.
Remarks by the Council Chairperson
Mr. Wabby remarked about commencement. The fall commencement ceremony will be held on
Saturday, December 13 and is an event that he looks forward to each semester because it reminds
us of why we are all here – to see students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. There
are 515 students graduating, 470 undergraduate and 45 graduate students.
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Dr. Deryl Johnson, professor of Communication Studies will give the commencement address.
The students speakers are Ms. Lisa Cronk, a graduate student receiving a Master of Education in
Secondary Education; and Ms. Jacqueline Vanessa Cortes, an undergraduate student receiving her
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Social Work. He wished everyone a happy holiday.
3.
Remarks by the Student Government Board President
Mr. Scoboria summarized the Fall 2014 accomplishments of the Student Government Board. He
spoke about Homecoming, voting initiatives including coordinating transportation and a march to
the polls. He also noted that the Berks County District Attorney attended an SGB meeting. In
Spring 2015, SGB will advocate for students and higher education funding at Advocacy Days in
Harrisburg. He also noted that he applied for the position of student representative on the State
System’s Board of Governors. Mr. Scoboria is looking forward to continuing the Presidential
Search process and wished everyone a happy holiday.
4.
Remarks by Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto, University Acting President
Dr. Vargas noted several University accomplishments.
Kutztown University was notified by the Corporation for National and Community Service that
we have been selected to receive the Presidential Distinction for the 2014 President’s Higher
Education Community Honor Roll for General Community Service. The President’s Honor Roll
recognizes higher education institutions whose community service efforts achieve meaningful
outcomes in their communities. This distinction is the highest federal recognition that colleges
and universities can receive for community service, service-learning, and civic engagement.
Last month, Kutztown University was selected to appear on The Military Times' Best for Vets
list. This recognition acknowledges KU's commitment to providing opportunities for America's
veterans. “Best for Vets: Colleges 2015” is an independent news project that evaluates the many
factors which make an organization a good fit for service members, military veterans and their
families. KU was one of only 100 higher education institutions chosen to appear on the list.
This week we were notified that “Military Advanced Education” awarded KU the designation of
a Top School in its 2015 MAE Guide to Colleges & Universities, measuring best practices in
military and veteran education. The Guide presents results of a questionnaire of the militarysupportive policies enacted at more than 600 institutions including private, public, for-profit, notfor-profit, four-year, and two-year colleges.
Kutztown University's Counseling and Student Affairs Department has been awarded the
Pennsylvania Counseling Association's 2014 Outstanding Counselor Education Program of the
Year Award. This recognition is awarded annually to an outstanding professional counseling
program in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Kutztown University's (KU) Department of Social Work held its third annual conference, "Social
Work in the Global Environment: Institutions Responding to Human Needs," on Friday, Nov. 14.
Dr. Kelley R. Kenney, Professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs, has been
honored as the recipient of the Pennsylvania College Personnel Association (PCPA) 2014 Ronald
Lunardini Mentoring Award. Dr. Kenney has served on the KU faculty for nearly 30 years.
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5.
Public Comments
None
6.
Approval of Minutes, October 23, 2014
Mr. Schmidt noted an amendement to the October 23, 2014 minutes. Upon motion duly made by
Ms. Lutz seconded by Mr. Giorno the minutes of the October 23, 2014 meeting were approved as
amended.
7.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on Human Diversity
Ms. Lutz reported on committee discussions. Several events and programs were discussed
including Don’t Throw that Out, Gear Up, Next Steps Americorps, and the Social Justice for All
Conference. Ms. Garcia added that the students appreciate and take advantage of the
programming and events provided by the University.
Ms. Lutz informed the committee that Mr. Bob Watrous brought forth two policies: ProtectionSupervision of Minors Policy and Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Policy during their
committee meeting. Both policies are related to the recently adopted Board of Governor’s Policy
on the Protection of Minors which takes effect on December 31, 2014. Ms. Lutz asked Mr.
Watrous to explain the two policies.
Ms. Lutz moved to approve the Protection-Supervision of Minors Policy as presented. Mr. Giorno
seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit A)
Ms. Lutz moved to approve the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Policy as presented. Mr.
Schmidt seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit B)
8.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on University Relations and Advancement
Mr. Schmidt reported on committee discussions, noting the accomplishments of the Kutztown
University Foundation’s fundraising efforts and alumni outreach.
9.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on Academic and Student Affairs
Mr. Giorno reported on committee discussions and noted that Dr. Gil Clary gave a great
presentation regarding assessment. He asked Dr. Darrell Garber to introduce student presenter
Peter Njuguna.
10.
Student Presenter: Mr. Peter Njuguna, College of Education
Mr. Njuguna a senior Secondary/Special Education major presented on his experience at
Kutztown University. Peter is from Kenya and moved to the United States in 2009. He attended
Northampton Community College. He chose KU for its wonderful reputation in the education
department. Peter believes that good tearchers are superheros. He is a member of the
Presidential Ambassadors, Frederick Douglas Debate Club, and Pi Lambda Theta honor society.
Peter also volunteers at the Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading.
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11.
Candidates for Degree
Mr. Giorno presented the list of Candidates for Degree.
Mr. Giorno moved to approve the Candidates for Degree as presented. Mr. Ludlow seconded the
motion and it carried. (Exhibit C)
12.
Internship Agreements with various Institutions and Kutztown University
Mr. Giorno presented the list of Internship Agreements which establish a relationship whereby
students may participate in practical experience outside the traditional classroom setting.
Mr. Giorno moved to approve the Internship Agreements as presented. Mr. Schmidt seconded the
motion and it carried. (Exhibit D)
13.
Affiliation Agreements with School District/Non-School District and Kutztown University
Student Teachers
Mr. Giorno moved to approve the Affiliation Agreements as presented. Dr. Blocksidge seconded
the motion and it carried. (Exhibit E)
14.
Collaboration Agreement with Widener University and Kutztown University
Mr. Giorno moved to approve the Collaboration Agreement as presented. Ms. Garcia seconded
the motion and it carried. (Exhibit F)
15.
Reverse Transfer Agreement with Lehigh Carbon Community College
Mr. Giorno moved to approve the Reverse Transfer Agreement as presented. Dr. Blocksidge
seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit G)
16.
International Studies Agreement between International Studies Abroad (ISA) and
Kutztown University
Mr. Giorno moved to approve the International Studies Agreement as presented. Mr. Schmidt
seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit H)
17.
Summary of Committee Discussions -- Committee on Finance, Property and Audit
Mr. Ludlow reported on committee discussions.
18.
Consent Agenda Items
Mr. Ludlow reported that the committee thoroughly reviewed the consent agenda items.
Purchases and Contracts under $100,000
Mr. Ludlow moved that the Council approve the Purchases and Contracts under $100,000 as
presented. Ms. Garcia seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit I)
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Purchases and Contracts $100,000 and Over
2015-03
Facilities Construction, Renovation and Repair - General Construction (1 of 2)
2015-04
Facilities Construction ,Renovation and Repair - General Construction (2 of 2)
2015-05
Facilities Construction, Renovation and Repair - HVAC Construction (1 of 2)
2015-06
Facilities Construction, Renovation and Repair - HVAC Construction (2 of 2)
2015-07
Facilities Construction, Renovation and Repair - Plumbing Construction (1 of 2)
2015-08
Facilities Construction, Renovation and Repair - Plumbing Construction (2 of 2)
2015-09
Facilities Construction, Renovation and Repair - Electrical Construction (1 of 2)
2015-10
Facilities Construction, Renovation and Repair - Electrical Construction (2 of 2)
2015-11
Concrete Construction & Repair - (1 of 3)
2015-12
Concrete Construction & Repair - (2 of 3)
2015-13
Concrete Construction & Repair - (3 of 3)
2015-14
Paving Maintenance - (1 of 2)
2015-15
Paving Maintenance - (2 of 2)
2015-16
Interior & Exterior Building Painting - (1 of 2)
2015-17
Interior & Exterior Building Painting - (2 of 2)
2015-18
Sprayed Polyurethane Foam Roofing - (2 of 2)
2015-19
Sprayed Polyurethane Foam Roofing - (1 of 2)
2015-20
Campus Print Shop Operations
2015-21
Dining Services
2015-22
Purchase of 186 Electronic Journals for Rohrbach Library
Mr. Ludlow moved that the Council approve the Purchases and Contracts over $100,000 as
presented. Ms. Garcia seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit J)
19.
Audit Report on Financial Statements Presentation
Mr. Ludlow invited Mr. A. Stephen Rosa, CPA from CliftonLarsonAllen to discuss the audit
report on financial statements.
Mr. Ludlow moved to approve the Audit Report on Financial Statements as presented. Mr.
Giorno seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit K)
20.
Budget Amendment One
Mr. Ludlow moved to approve Budget Amendment One as presented. Mr. Schmidt seconded the
motion and it carried. (Exhibit L)
21.
Certification of External University Financial Support
Mr. Ludlow moved to approve the Certification of External University Financial Support as
presented. Ms. Lutz seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit M)
22.
Summer 2015 and Winter 2014/2015 Study Abroad
Mr. Ludlow reported on the Summer 2015 and Winter 2014/2015 Study Abroad and asked that
the fees for 2015 Summer Study Abroad Programs be brought forward for action. (Exhibit N)
Mr. Ludlow moved to approve the fees for 2015 Summer Study Abroad Programs as presented.
Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion and it carried.
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23.
Additional Action Items
There were no additional action items.
24.
PACT Update
Mr. Wabby had nothing new to report. He informed the Council that detailed minutes from the
last workshop will be emailed to all council members.
25.
Council of Trustees Plenary Session Schedule
Mr. Wabby recommended a change in start time of the Plenary Session of the Council of Trustees
Meeting.
Mr. Wabby motioned to change plenary session start time from 4:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mr.
Giorno seconded the motion and it carried.
26.
As May Arise
The meeting was adjourned at 4:52 p.m.
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Secretary
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Chair
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