DRAFT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON
JANUARY 23, 2015
The Board of Trustees of The University of North Carolina at Wilmington met
on January 23, 2015, in the Burney Center on the UNCW campus. At 8:40 a.m.,
Chairman Shivar called the meeting to order, began the meeting with a moment
of silent reflection, and read the required statement from the State Government
Ethics Act. No conflicts were identified.
ROLL CALL
Mr. Lanier, Assistant Secretary, called the roll and established that a quorum
was present. Members in attendance were: Dennis P. Burgard; Kenneth R.
Cameron, Jr.; Wilma W. Daniels; Michael R. Drummond; H. Carlton Fisher;
Gidget Kidd; Henry L. Kitchen, Jr.; C. Phillip Marion; Ronald B. McNeil; Wendy
F. Murphy; Tobi S. Polland; Michael B. Shivar; and Maurice R. Smith.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Kitchin and duly carried, the
minutes of the meetings of the Board of Trustees held on November 21, 2014, and
of the Executive Committee held on December 22, 2014, were approved as
distributed.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
AUDIT
Mr. Fisher, chair of the committee, reported that Vice Chancellor Whitfield
had briefed the committee on the FY2014 audited financial statements for the
Friends of UNCW and the 2014 NCAA Agreed-Upon Procedures report for
Athletics, with no exceptions or findings in either report. Chair Fisher said that
Dr. Whitfield also reviewed the FY2014 audited financial statements for UNCW,
noting the unqualified opinion of the State Auditor, no management letter
comments or findings, no material weaknesses in internal controls, and
continued growth in net position.
Mr. Fisher summarized the report on Internal Audit activity, including
reviews of Campus Life and distance education. He said that both areas were
working to resolve the findings of these reviews. Chair Fisher said that a followup review in regard to University Police had concluded that all previous audit
findings had been resolved and that the status of open audit findings in regard to
athletics would be discussed further at the next meetings. Mr. Fisher provided a
brief overview of other work by Internal Audit during the past quarter.
BUSINESS AFFAIRS
Mr. Marion, chair of the committee, reviewed the capital projects report
presented to the committee, including two action items. Mr. Kitchin indicated
that he had and would recuse himself from participation and voting on the two
items in order to avoid any potential conflicts. On behalf of the committee, Chair
Marion moved approval of the following ranking of architectural, engineering,
and design firms for negotiation of contract terms for the renovation of the Belk
and Graham-Hewlett residence halls: a) Bowman Murray Hemingway
Architects; b) HH Architecture; and c) McKim & Creed. The motion was duly
carried. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Marion moved approval of the
following ranking of architectural, engineering, and design firms for negotiation
of contract terms for the Softball and Baseball Hitting Facility, as sited previously
as part of the Outdoor Facilities Master Planning process: a) Corely Redfoot
Architects; b) Integrated Design; and c) Becker Morgan Group. The motion was
duly carried. Chair Marion summarized the remainder of the capital projects
report, including updates on the Social & Behavioral Sciences Building, the
Central Energy Plant, the Outdoor Enhancement Plan, and Randall Library.
Chair Marion reported that Vice Chancellor Whitfield had presented the
FY2014 audited financial statements for UNCW, with total revenues of $303.3
million, total expenses of $284.5 million, and total assets of $706.6 million. He
said that net position had increased by $18.8 million, or 4.4%. Mr. Marion said
that Dr. Whitfield had briefed the committee on: 1) the status of the tuition and
fees approval process; 2) continued development of a plan to self-fund the
broadband and information technology upgrade, in part through the Educational
and Technology Fee; and 3) potential debt refunding opportunities related to
student housing projects.
EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND PROGRAMS
Mr. Shivar, chair of the committee, recapped the committee’s meeting, stating
that Faculty Senate President, Dr. Gabriel Lugo, had expressed concern on behalf
of the faculty regarding the upcoming change in leadership of UNC and had
introduced the Senate President-elect, Dr. Stephen Meinhold. Chair Shivar
summarized the Provost’s report, including ongoing leadership recruitment
efforts within Academic Affairs, selected major initiatives, and recent notable
achievements. He said that the committee discussed issues related to the mission
statement and approval of academic programs and appreciated the in-depth
presentations on reappointment, tenure, and promotion and on the Online
Accelerated RN to BSN program.
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Mr. McNeill, chair of the committee, said that Vice Chancellor Stuart provided
an update on fundraising, introduced Ms. Christy Ward as the new associate vice
chancellor, and introduced Mr. Nick Dixon, a senior in the Cameron School of
Business, who spoke with the committee about the value of his numerous study
abroad and internship opportunities. Chair McNeill summarized the report
from Ms. Jenni Harris regarding UNCW’s Carnegie Foundation Community
Engagement Classification and the work of the Task Force on Regional
Engagement at a comprehensive public university.
Chair McNeill recapped Mr. Lanier’s government relations report, which
included: an update on federal issues; veteran’s education benefits; the UNC
policy agenda; and priorities from the UNC budget request. Mr. McNeill said
that support from members of the Board, at the appropriate time, would be
critical.
Mr. McNeill provided highlights from Ms. Iamunno’s report on university
relations, including a viewing of the new brand identity video, the UNCW
Magazine, SWOOP, and other mediums used in the messaging, marketing, and
branding of UNCW. He outlined ways in which Board members could assist,
including contribution of story ideas, suggestions for additions to distribution
lists, sharing stories via social media, and talking with friends about UNCW’s
stories.
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Chancellor Sederburg commented on Thursday night’s reception in McNeill
Hall, featuring the College of Health and Human Sciences and then introduced
Staff Senate Chair, Ms. Terry Ismert, who reported on the ongoing food drive,
by-law changes, and other activities of the Staff Senate. Dr. Sederburg called on
Mr. Hoon, general counsel, and Ms. Rebecca Caldwell, director of substance
abuse and violence prevention, for a presentation on Title IX and compliance.
The Chancellor reviewed enrollment for Spring 2015, saying that the year was
off to a great start, and commented on some of the leadership transitions that
would occur during the year. He congratulated Provost Battles on her selection
as President of SUNY Geneseo and introduced Dr. Marilyn Sheerer, the
incoming interim provost. He also welcomed: Dr. Kent Guion, chief diversity
officer; Ms. Christy Ward, associate vice chancellor for university advancement;
and Ms. Rosalynn Martin, associate vice chancellor for human resources.
Dr. Sederburg said that UNCW had engaged in more than 140,000 hours of
community service during the past year and commented on UNCW’s
classification as an Engaged University by the Carnegie Foundation. He said
that the Task Force on Regional Engagement would host two national leaders in
this area in early February.
Chancellor Sederburg commented on recent successes in athletics, including
the resurgence of basketball and a recent $1 million gift to baseball, and on
continued efforts in regard to the rightsizing of athletics. He outlined previous
steps to address the need for more adequate funding and numerous factors that
had been considered in the decision to reduce the athletic portfolio. He
expressed appreciation for the intensity of opinions on these issues and asked
that the Board and the community rally around UNCW athletics and move
forward in a positive direction.
CLOSED SESSION
On motion by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Fisher and duly carried, the
Board voted to convene in closed session, as allowed under the Open Meetings
Act, to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, condition of
appointment of a public officer or employee or prospective public officer or
employee; to establish or instruct the staff or agent concerning the negotiations of
the amount of compensation or other terms of an employment contract; and to
consult with our attorney to protect the attorney-client privilege.
RESUMPTION OF PUBLIC SESSION AND ACTION ON ITEMS
FROM CLOSED SESSION
On motion made by Mr. McNeill, seconded by Ms. Murphy, and duly carried,
the Board reconvened in public session. On motion by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by
Mr. Marion and duly carried, the personnel recommendations considered in
closed session were approved as presented.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Shivar reminded the Board that the next regular quarterly meetings
of the Board and its committees were scheduled for April 16 and 17, 2015. He
said that as much notice as possible would be provided if a special called
meeting was needed in advance of the next quarterly meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
____________________
Chairman
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Assistant Secretary