Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
March 27, 2014
The Council of Trustees met on Thursday, March 27, at 4:04 p.m. in Stratton Administration Building,
room 301
PRESENT:
Dr. Charles Blocksidge ................................................................................. McKees Rocks
Ms. Letecia Garcia ..................................................................................................Blandon
Mr. Dennis Giorno ……………………………………………………....New Cumberland
Mr. Thomas H. Heck ........................................................................................ Wyomissing
Mr. James Ludlow ............................................................................................. Fogelsville
Ms. Dianne Lutz ..............................................................................................Wernersville
Mr. Richard Orwig, Chairperson ............................................................................. Reading
Mr. Guido Pichini ………………...…………………………………….Wyomissing Hills
Mr. Roger Schmidt, Secretary …………………………………………………….Leesport
ABSENT:
Mr. Anthony Iannelli……………………………………………………… …... Macungie
Mr. John Wabby ................................................................................................... Pottsville
ALSO PRESENT:
Dr. F. Javier Cevallos, President
Ms. Elsa G. Collins, Chief of Staff
Mr. Matthew Delaney, Senior Director of Budget and Business Services
Ms. Brittney Eshbach, Student Presenter
Mr. John Green, Associate Vice President, Communication, Marketing and External Affairs
Mr. Jeffrey Grimm, Assistant Vice President, KU Facilities
Mr. Nicholas Imbesi, President Student Government Board
Mr. Brent Penny, Assistant Vice President, Administration and Finance
Mr. Jesus Peña, Esq., Associate Vice President for Equity and Compliance
Dr. Paul Quinn, APSCUF President
Mr. Edward Richmond, KU Foundation
Mr. Matthew Santos, University Relations Director
Ms. Kimberly Scranage, Vice President, Enrollment Management
Mr. Jerry Silberman, Vice President of Administration and Finance
Ms. Natalie Snow, Director of Institutional Research
Dr. Carlos Vargas, Provost
Dr. Carole Wells, Vice Provost
Dr. Anne Zayaitz, Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
1.
Call to Order
At 4:04 p.m., Chairperson Orwig called the meeting to order; a quorum being present.
2.
Remarks by the Council Chairperson
There were no remarks from the Chairperson
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3.
Remarks by the Student Government Association President
Mr. Nicholas Imbesi, President of the Student Government Board (SGB), noted that April is one
of their busiest months. He noted the Student Association met with Senator Judy Schwank to
discuss the budgetary issues and how they affect higher education funding. Mr. Imbesi noted that
representatives from SGB will be participating in PASSHE Advocacy Day on April 7 and 8, and
will be holding a SGB day on April 9 on campus.
Mr. Imbesi also mentioned that the Student Government Association approved their budget, with
a $1 fee increase.
Chairman Orwig commended SGB leadership for stepping up and recognizing the issues related
to the incident at Bloomsburg University. Mr. Imbesi noted that the actions from fellow students
were not appropriate and did not reflect the KU student body; he noted they held a fundraiser to
support the family.
4.
Remarks by the University President
Dr. Cevallos thanked SGB for their reaction to this tragic incident, in which Bloomsburg student
Jackie Lithgow was injured. Dr. Cevallos acknowledged that it will be a long way to his recovery
but the campus community wishes him well.
Dr. Cevallos was pleased to share that KU has a Division II Heavyweight Wrestling National
Champion, student Ziad Haddad; Dr. Cevallos also noted that KU has a new football coach, Jim
Clements, who comes from Delaware Valley College. We all look forward to having him on
campus and help our team succeed.
Dr. Cevallos mentioned our radio station, KUR, won the gold medal from the Intercollegiate
Broadcast Society for the best use of social media. Additionally, Dr. Cevallos noted that a new
Mobile App has been launched, to allow students administer their course load, to add and drop
courses.
Dr. Cevallos also mentioned that the wife of our University Relations Director, Cindy Santos,
was featured in the Today Show for donating a kidney to a kindergarten girl who she met while
substitute-teaching her class. Dr. Cevallos noted that although Cindy is not part of KU, she is a
part of our family, and our hearts.
5.
Public Comments
Dr. Paul Quinn, President of APSCUF, took the opportunity to thank the administration for the
openness they have showed to faculty over the last years, by sharing budget numbers, enrollment
projections, and the situation with the KU Foundation. He noted that faculty is very appreciative
of the effort as it is helpful to have the information when changes are occurring.
Dr. Quinn noted that with the presidential succession, it is evident that we will have a new era at
KU, and he was hopeful that faculty will be able to provide input to the Trustees and the Board of
Governors. Dr. Quinn mentioned that the unions’ concern is continuity, and noted that we are in
a “holding pattern.”
Dr. Quinn mentioned that he will give a letter to Mr. Richard Orwig, in which he states that
faculty is very supportive to have Dr. Carlos Vargas as the acting President while the presidential
search is underway.
Mr. Orwig thanked the input.
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6.
Approval of Minutes, February 7, 2014
Upon motion duly made by Mr. Heck seconded by Mr. Ludlow and carried, the minutes of the
February 7, 2014 meeting were approved.
7.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on Human Diversity
Ms. Lutz reported on committee discussions.
Ms. Lutz noted that a student advisory board called “Multicultural Fresh” has been established,
geared to freshman students. She noted that Mr. Peña shared with the committee all the training
that is currently underway related to the Violence Against Women Act, and also the change in our
policy to allow therapy and in-training animals on campus. Ms. Lutz noted policies are being
revised to reflect these changes.
Ms. Lutz shared that a search is in motion for the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment
Management; an Appreciation Reception will be held by Disability Services office to recognize
faculty who have been supportive of students with disabilities.
Ms. Letecia Garcia also noted her experience while attending the presentation of Benjamin
Jealous, former NAACP National President. She mentioned the presentation was very
inspirational and well attended.
Finally, they shared all the events that Multicultural Center is organizing to celebrate the
Women’s History Month.
8.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on University Relations and Advancement
Mr. Schmidt reported on committee discussions.
Mr. Schmidt shared with the Council that the KU Foundation has surpassed the Capital Campaign
goal of $15 million, now standing at $15,347,000. The campaign ends June 30, 2014.
The KU Foundation organized a visit to Florida, which was a great opportunity to reconnect with
alumni. The Foundation has several events scheduled for the upcoming days, such as the
Gathering of Gratitude and the Spring Ladies Tea.
Mr. Schmidt noted that 95 students who achieved Dean’s List status were honored during the
halftime of the women’s basketball game on February 19th. Mr. Schmidt mentioned that the area
of conference services is starting to plan for the summer season, to prepare to host several
thousands of students through external camps.
9.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. Blocksidge reported on committee discussions. Dr. Blocksidge mentioned that Mr. Jerry
Schearer, Associate Dean for Inclusion and Outreach, presented an overview on all the services
they provide to the students, through Multicultural Center, Women’s Center, GLBTQ Center, and
the Frederick Douglass Institute.
Dr. Blocksidge noted that letters of intent that have been submitted to PASSHE for new academic
programs, thanks to the changes in Act 188 that allow PASSHE universities to develop
professional doctorate programs.
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The programs are: Doctor of Social Work Leadership Education, which is a joint proposal with
Millersville; Bachelor in Art History; Master in Applied Digital Arts; and Master in Music.
10.
Student Presenter: Brittaney Eshbach, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Dr. Blocksidge asked Dr. Zayaitz to introduce our student presenter, Brittaney Eshbach. Dr.
Zayaitz noted that Brittaney is graduating in May, with a Major in History and Minors in Math
and Political Science. She was in the Honors Program, participated in study abroad, and she is the
only student from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to graduate in 4 years with a perfect
GPA.
Ms. Brittaney shared her experience at KU and noted she is planning to attend Law School at
Penn State in Carlisle.
11.
Internship Agreements with Various Institutions and Kutztown University
These agreements establish a relationship whereby students may participate in practical
experience outside the traditional classroom setting.
 Antique Automobile Club of America, Hershey, PA – Business Administration – new
 Borough of Lansdale, Lansdale, PA - Geography – new
 Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club, Cherry Hill, NJ – Sport Management – new
 Easton Area School District, Easton, PA Sport Management – new
 Ed Snider Youth Hockey, Philadelphia, PA – Sport Management – new
 GHB Inc., Pennsburg, PA – Business Administration – new
 Hidden Valley Golf Course, Pine Grove, PA – Sport Management – new
 Imhotep Charter High School, Philadelphia, PA – Sport Management – new
 Kutztown Area Historical Society, Kutztown, PA – new
 Lehigh Valley Magazine, Bethlehem, PA – Business Administration – new
 Marine Ingredients, LLC, Mt. Bethel, PA – Business Administration – new
 Pennsylvania Roar/Steam, Sinking Spring, PA – Sport Management – new
 Pottsgrove School District, Pottstown, PA – Sport Management – new
 Reading Hospital, Reading, PA – Academic Affairs – new
 Staples, Pottstown, PA – Business Administration – new
 T.W. Ponesa and Associates, Lancaster, PA - Counseling – new
 The Literacy Center, Allentown, PA Anthropology/Sociology – new
Dr. Blocksidge moved to approve the Internship Agreements as presented. Ms. Lutz seconded the
motion and it carried. (Exhibit A)
12.
Summary of Committee Discussions -- Committee on Finance, Property and Audit
Mr. Heck reported on committee discussions.
13.
Consent Agenda Items
Mr. Heck reported that the committee thoroughly reviewed the consent agenda items.
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 B)
Purchases and Contracts under $100,000
Purchases and Contracts $100,000 and Over
2014-42 Old Main B-Wing Heat Pumps Chassis Replacement
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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 C)
14.
Auxiliary Fees 2014-15
This item was presented for information purposes only, but the Committee suggested presenting it
for approval at this meeting.
As required by the Board of Governors Policy 1996-03, auxiliary enterprises must be designed to
be “self-supporting,” therefore requiring the university to adjust fees assessed to students in order
to cover inflationary and other incremental costs to operate the auxiliary.
For 2014-15, the university has maintained its fees for the Housing, Health Center, Student
Union, and Transportation Services auxiliaries and is proposing a minor increase for Student meal
Plans and Recreation Center fees. These fee levels reflect the university’s commitment to
maintain college affordability.
Mr. Heck moved that the Council approve the Auxiliary Fees for 2014-15 as presented. Ms. Lutz
seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit D)
15.
Revised Identity Theft Prevention Policy
This item was presented for information purposes only. Action will be taken at the next meeting.
This policy is to help protect employees, customers, university contractors and the university
from damages to the loss or misuse of sensitive information, and to comply with the rules issued
by the Federal Trade Commission pursuant to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act.
16.
Memorandum of Understanding with KU Foundation
This item was presented for information purposes only, but the Committee suggested presenting it
for approval at this meeting.
This memorandum of understanding purpose is to assist the foundation in meeting its fundraising
goal so that the university can benefit from the development of independent sources of financing
to increase Commonwealth funding and student tuition and fee revenues.
Mr. Heck moved that the Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding with KU
Foundation as presented. Mr. Pichini seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit E)
17.
Additional Action Items
Mr. Heck asked Mr. Jeff Grimm to provide a construction update. Mr. Grimm noted that a utility
upgrade to the electrical system will be implemented. This project will take up to a year to finish.
Two Residence Halls will be on renovation, Beck Hall will start this May; Schuylkill will be next.
Mr. Grimm noted that extensive upgrades to dining services will start soon, including the South
Dining Hall and the Student Union.
18.
PACT Update
The next PACT meeting will take place on April 8th and 9th at the Dixon Center, in Harrisburg,
and encouraged the Council to attend, as it is a great opportunity to meet PASSHE administrators.
This PACT will include the investiture of Chancellor Brogan, which would make it more
memorable to the Board.
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19.
As May Arise
Mr. Pichini noted that the Board of Governors is changing the policy on how to conduct
presidential searches, allowing the campus community to provide more input and giving the
Council of Trustees the ability to start the search. Mr. Pichini also noted the Chair of the Council
and the search committee chair will have the opportunity to participate in the Board of Governors
interviews with presidential candidates, as well as in the deliberations.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
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