Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
April 23, 2015
The Council of Trustees met on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in Stratton Administration Center,
room 301.
PRESENT:
Dr. Charles Blocksidge ................................................................................. McKees Rocks
Ms. Letecia Garcia ....................................................................................................Topton
Mr. Dennis Giorno ………………………………………..Harrisburg (via conference call)
Mr. Thomas Heck, Secretary ............................................................................ Wyomissing
Mr. James Ludlow ............................................................................................. Fogelsville
Ms. Dianne Lutz ..............................................................................................Wernersville
Mr. Roger Schmidt ................ …………………………………………………….Leesport
Mr. John Wabby, Chairperson .............................................................................. Pottsville
ABSENT:
Mr. Anthony Iannelli…………………………………………………… .... …... Macungie
Mr. Guido Pichini ………………...…………………………………….Wyomissing Hills
ALSO PRESENT:
Mr. Terry Brown, Director of Facilities Project Services
Mr. Matthew Assad, Student Presenter
Mr. Matt Delaney, Senior Director of Budget and Business Services
Mr. Ron Devlin, Reading Eagle
Mr. Mitch Freed, Assistant Vice President of Information Technology
Dr. Martha Geaney, Associate Dean, College of Business
Mr. John Green, Associate Vice President, Communication, Marketing and External Affairs
Dr. James Mackin, Acting Provost
Mr. Jesus Peña, Esq., Associate Vice President for Equity and Compliance
Mr. Matt Santos, Director of University Relations
Mr. Joseph Scoboria, President, Student Government Board
Mr. Jerry Silberman, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Mr. Ken Steward, Associate Vice President of Academic Financial Management
Ms. Tracey Thompson, Executive Director, KU Foundation
Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto, Acting President
Mr. Robert Watrous, Associate Provost and Dean of Students
Dr. Carole Wells, Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies
1.
Call to Order
At 3:02 p.m., Chairperson Wabby called the meeting to order; a quorum being present.
2.
Remarks by the Council Chairperson
The KU mascot Avalanche won the first-ever State System Mascot Mania Contest on April 6.
After receiving a bye in the first round, KU edged out Bloomsburg and West Chester in the east
bracket before facing Slippery Rock in the final.
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Avalanche’s victory was featured in the Reading Eagle and on WFMZ Channel 69 the next day.
He will be honored by the chancellor in the coming months, most likely at the first home football
game.
This was a true display of KU pride! Despite having a smaller student body than some of the
competition and in some cases fewer followers on social media, the KU family stepped up
throughout the competition to help Avalanche win.
Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 9. I look forward to this event each semester.
Seeing our students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas reminds us of why we are all
here. There are 1,310 students receiving their undergraduate degree and 157 receiving graduate
degrees.
The ceremony for the Colleges of Business and Education will begin at 9:00 a.m.
The class of 1965 will also be celebrating its 50th Reunion at this ceremony, led by our own
Charles Blocksidge.
The ceremony for Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Visual and Performing Arts will
begin at 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Letecia Garcia, our student trustee is the undergraduate student speaker. Mr. Wabby noted
that this would be Letecia’s last meeting as the student trustee and thanked her for her service on
the Council and the student body.
3.
Remarks by the Student Government Board President
Mr. Scoboria congratulated Letecia and Matt for graduating from Kutztown this year and noted
that they will be missed. Mr. Scoboria noted that he has been reelected as president of Student
Government Board next year. Mr. Scoboria explained that he, along with his mentor Mr. Bob
Watrous, led KU’s advocacy team of 8 students during April 15 – 16 in Harrisburg. Fifteen
meetings with various legislators were held. Our team was given the opportunity to tell them
KU’s story and the story of our students. For our students to achieve their dream of graduating,
the advocacy team, implored the legislator to keep tuition as low as possible. Lt. Gov. Mike
Stack, Rep. Gary Day, and Sen. Judy Schwank were a few of the legislators that the advocacy
team had a chance to meet with. The final SGB meeting of the year is on Tuesday, April 28. The
group will be having a pizza party with Dr. Vargas at the meeting. Sen. Judy Schwank will be at
the last meeting to speak to the group. Saturday, April 25 will be fourth and final Accepted
Students Day. Mr. Scoboria expressed his gratitude for all of the SGB members who have been
participating in Accepted Students Day.
4.
Remarks by Mr. Gerald Silberman, Vice President for Administration and Finance for
University Acting President
Mr. Silberman reported that the University will present its annual Chambliss Academic Awards
to 12 very deserving students on April 24. Gold medals will be awarded to two-time national
wrestling champion Ziad Haddad and Katelyn M. Ciccozzi, who used the KU observatory to
conduct observations of two star systems before presenting at national meetings.
Kutztown University generates more than $550 million in economic activity, according to a study
released by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education last week. KU has the fourthlargest economic impact in the State System. It was the first economic impact study conducted
by the State System in 10 years. Study results indicate that for every $1 invested by the
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commonwealth in the State System, the return rate of that investment is nearly $11 in economic
impact. In addition, a Pennsylvania resident with a degree from a State System university earns
71 percent more than a high school graduate.
In an era of declining state appropriations, decreasing enrollments and budget deficits, Kutztown
University and East Stroudsburg University will enter into a shared service agreement in the very
near future. The purpose of this initiative is to achieve cost savings through the creation of a State
System regional procurement center. The center would identify collaborative opportunities and
leverage the combined purchasing power of both institutions.
At the exit 31 construction site on the Northeast Extension of the Turnpike, Professor Ed Simpson
and his team have worked with construction crews in uncovering several fossils dating back 220
million years ago to the latter half of the Triassic period. This was the geologic period that saw
the earliest dinosaur precursors, known as dinosaur morphs, before giving way to the Jurassic
period. The finds have been featured in the Lansdale Reporter this week.
Following Mr. Silberman’s comments, Chairman Wabby announced that the Council of Trustees
established a Transition Team and asked Dr. Charles Blocksidge, as the chair of the team to speak
about the group and their duties. Dr. Blocksidge noted that 17 individuals representing several
different constituencies are on the team. Their first meeting is scheduled on April 30. Dr.
Hawkinson is anticipating being on campus on June 11 – 12. The transition team will help Dr.
Hawkinson get acquainted with the university and the different constituencies will give him
needed information regarding the status of the university and help to make the transition smooth
before his arrival on July 1. Dr. Blocksidge will keep the Council posted with any new
information.
5.
Public Comments
None
6.
Approval of Minutes, March 26, 2015
Upon motion duly made by Mr. Ludlow seconded by Mr. Schmidt the minutes of the March 26,
2015 meeting were approved.
7.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on Human Diversity
Ms. Lutz reported on committee discussions.
Ms. Lutz noted the Clothesline Project and asked Ms. Garcia to explain the project. Ms. Garcia
explained that the purpose is to raise awareness of sexual assault, rape, sexual violence. In the
evening a Take Back the Night Event is held in conjunction with the project. The event is for
survivors of sexual assault, rape, and sexual violence to come together to share their stories and
stand in solidarity.
Ms. Lutz noted that on April 27 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Motivation Speaker, Peter Riffle, a
Kutztown University alumna will be presenting in the McFarland Student Union. Mr. Riffle is
recently retired and will be sharing his experience as a student with a learning disability as well as
an educator.
Ms. Lutz thanked Letecia for her participation on the Human Diversity Committee and Council of
Trustees and she wished her the best.
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8.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on University Relations and Advancement
Mr. Schmidt reported on committee discussions.
Mr. Schmidt noted that Softball Coach Judy Lawes won her 850th career game with a victory over
Lock Haven University on April 6.
The NCAA randomly drug tested 12 football and four baseball players on April 2. All results
were negative.
625 people were on campus for the following outside events: East Penn Manufacturing
Luncheon, Kutztown Optimist Club Fool’s Run, Big Springs High School Breakfast Meeting,
Social Security and Planning Workshops. All these outside groups coordinate their events on
KU’s campus through Conference Services. East Penn Manufacturing has been using our
facilities more frequently to host their larger events.
Conference Services also maintains the university’s reservation system. They have reviewed
approximately 4,000 reservations requests through the early reservation process.
On April 26, KU Presents! held their final performance of the year. Audra McDonald performed
to a sold out theatre. KU Presents! hosted a subscriber dinner prior to the show and a special
subscriber post performance reception with Audra McDonald.
The PA German Heritage Center hosted Easter on the Farm on March 28. This event is the
center’s largest annual free public event with over 1,100 people in attendance.
Mr. Schmidt also handed out the marketing update packet to the committee members.
The KU Foundation continues to celebrate philanthropy that makes a real difference for KU and
our students, and they are excited to report on a few recent gifts.
The recent trip to visit alumni in Florida yielded many positive results. One of our alumni donors
visited the KU campus a few weeks later and spoke to students in the College of Business. He
agreed to give a total of $50,000 to the Just in Time Student Emergency Assistance Fund.
The Berks County Foundation awarded the KU Foundation a $35,000 grant for campus
sustainability initiatives, thanks to the work of the Foundation’s new grant writer, hired last fall.
The funding will enable KU to install low-energy LED lighting in the O’Pake Field House and at
the tennis courts.
The Foundation surpassed this year’s stretch goal of $2.8 million dollars. Total gifts and pledges
raised through April 23 are $2,804,751. This success is the result of the hard work of the entire
KU Foundation & Alumni Relations team, combined with terrific support from the Foundation
Board, the Alumni Board, many KU faculty and staff, and our thousands of generous alumni
donors.
The Foundation hosted an extremely successful new alumni event on April 22. Two Foundation
board members sponsored the first AIM reception, bringing together KU alumni who were part of
the Applied Investment Management program, and current AIM students. More than forty people
attended. The current AIM students had a great opportunity to network with alumni who can help
them in their job searches and their careers.
During the next few weeks Alumni Relations will host events including: Happy Hours in
Philadelphia and Caldwell, New Jersey; the CRC Rugby tournament; the annual Vanguard
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Alumni Luncheon, the Ladies Spring Tea, Graduation Rehearsal, the Spring Emeriti Luncheon,
the 1965 50th Class Reunion and the inaugural KU Alumni Indulgence Tour. Great participation
is anticipated for these events.
9.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. Blocksidge reported on committee discussions.
Dr. Blocksidge noted that during the committee meeting Mr. Jerry Schearer, Associate Dean for
of Inclusion and Outreach gave an interesting presentation. Mr. Schearer oversees the Student
Outreach Center, Multicultural Center, Women’s Center, and the GLBTQ Resource Center.
Dr. Blocksidge invited Dr. Martha Geaney, Associate Dean of the College of Business to
introduce Mr. Matthew Assad, the student presenter. Dr. Geaney noted that Mr. Assad is
graduating in May 2015 with a degree in finance and welcomed him to speak.
10.
Student Presenter: Mr. Matthew Assad, College of Business
Mr. Assad thanked the trustees for allowing him to share his story. He noted that he is very
motivated and is ready to take on the business world thanks to the tools he has gained through his
education at Kutztown University. He explained how he appreciated the beauty and affordability
of KU. He is a member of the class whose freshmen move in day was during hurricane Irene.
Mr. Assad is the treasurer of SGB. Through this position he gained finance and budgeting skills.
He also worked in the financial aid office and had two part time jobs. He has made friends for
life through his experience at Kutztown.
11.
International Exchange Agreement between University of Macedonia, Greece and
Kutztown University
Dr. Blocksidge presented the Exchange Agreement between University of Macedonia, Greece
and Kutztown University.
Dr. Blocksidge moved to approve the Exchange Agreement as presented. Ms. Lutz seconded the
motion and it carried. (Exhibit A)
12.
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.
•
•
•
•
GM Junior Scouting, LLC, Chicago, IL – new
Reinsel Kuntz Lesher, Lancaster, PA – new
Diakon Child, Family and Community Ministries, Allentown, PA – new
Bogia Engineering Inc. (BEI), Wyomissing, PA – new
Dr. Blocksidge moved to approve the Internship Agreements as presented. Ms. Lutz seconded the
motion and it carried. (Exhibit B)
Candidates for Degrees
Dr. Blocksidge presented the list of Candidates for Degree.
Dr. Blocksidge moved to approve the Candidates for Degree as presented. Mr. Ludlow seconded
the motion and it carried. (Exhibit C)
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13.
Summary of Committee Discussions -- Committee on Finance, Property and Audit
Mr. Heck reported on committee discussions.
14.
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. Ludlow seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit D)
Purchases and Contracts $100,000 and Over
2015-28
Environmental Hazard Abatement (1 of 2)
2015-29
Environmental Hazard Abatement (2 of 2)
2015-30
PeopleSoft Student Information System Equipment Replacement
2015-31
ResNet and Academic Network Firewall Equipment Replacement
Mr. Heck asked Mr. Silberman to present the purchases and contracts of $100,000 or more. Mr.
Silberman spoke on the Environmental Hazard Abatement contracts and invited Mr. Freed to
discuss the PeopleSoft and ResNet Contracts. Mr. Freed gave information about 2015-30 and
2015-31.
Mr. Heck moved that the Council approve the Purchases and Contracts over $100,000 as
presented. Ms. Lutz seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit E)
15.
Auxiliary Budget
Mr. Heck noted that the Auxiliary Budget was discussed as an information item in the committee.
16.
Budget Update
Mr. Heck noted that the Budget Update was discussed as an information item in the committee.
17.
Miscellaneous Fees
Mr. Heck invited Mr. Penny to present information on Miscellaneous Fees as discussed in the
committee meeting. Mr. Penny explained that Miscellaneous Fees are for penalties and other
operational costs that the university must absorb.
Mr. Heck moved that the Council approve the Miscellaneous Fees as presented. Mr. Ludlow
seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit F)
18.
Winter Study Abroad
Mr. Heck invited Mr. Penny to explain the Winter Study Abroad program including London and
Mexico to the Council. Mr. Penny reviewed the program with the Council.
Mr. Heck moved that the Council approve the Winter Study Abroad program including London
and Mexico as presented. Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit G)
19.
Memorandum of Understanding with Kutztown University Foundation
Mr. Heck invited Mr. Silberman to discuss the Memorandum of Understanding with the
Kutztown University Foundation. Mr. Silberman reviewed the MOU with the Council.
Mr. Heck moved that the Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding as presented. Mr.
Giorno seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit H)
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20.
Additional Action Items
There were no additional action items presented.
21.
Proposed 2015-2016 Meeting Schedule
Mr. Wabby presented the proposed 2015-2016 Meeting Schedule for the members to review. It
will be voted on at the June meeting.
Mr. Wabby moved that the Council hold the next Council of Trustees meeting on June 11 instead
of June 18. Dr. Blocksidge seconded the motion and it carried.
22.
Appointment of Nominating Committee
The nomination committee was appointed. Ms. Lutz was selected to chair the committee. Mr.
Schmidt and Mr. Ludlow were selected to be members of the committee. The nomination
committee will present at the June 11 meeting.
23.
PACT Update
Mr. Wabby noted that he, Mr. Pichini, and Dr. Blocksidge attended the PACT Conference. He
noted that it was well attended by all of the universities and had valuable presentations. PACT
will send written documentation of the presentations to all Council members.
24.
As May Arise
Dr. Blocksidge noted that the Council of Trustees will be required to get a criminal background
check.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:52 p.m.
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