MINUTES

 

Regular Board Meeting

Friday, November 30, 2007, 9:00 a.m.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Conference Center, Redbud Hall

Weatherford, Oklahoma

 

I.      ANNOUNCEMENT OF FILING MEETING NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETING ACT

 

         The Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma met in regular session at 9:00 a.m., Friday, November 30, 2007, in Redbud Hall, Conference Center, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma. Notice of the meeting had been properly filed with the Secretary of State on September 17, 2007.

 

II.      CALL TO ORDER AND REGENTS’ ROLL CALL

 

Belva Howard, Chair, Position 2

Joe Anna Hibler, Vice Chair, Position 3

Jan Gordon, Secretary, Position 4

Harold Jackson, Regent, Position 1

Richard Ryerson, Regent, Position 6

Ann Holloway, Regent, Position 7

Mark Stansberry, Regent Position 8

        

         Chairman Howard called the meeting to order. Roll call established the presence of a quorum with seven regents present.

 

R. #158  EXCUSE ABSENT REGENTS

 

         Regent Ryerson made the motion, seconded by Regent Gordon, to excuse Regent Sandy Garrett and Regent Connie Reilly from the meeting.

 

         Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

         Voting against the motion: None

 

Vice Chair Joe Anna Hibler recognized those in attendance:

        

         University Presidents

 

   Kim Cherry, Acting President, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma

   Janet Cunningham, President, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva, Oklahoma

   John Hays, President, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma

         Richard Rafes, President, East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma

   Jesse Snowden, Interim President, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, Oklahoma

         Roger Webb, President, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma

 

         Regional University System of Oklahoma Administrative Staff

 

         Sheridan McCaffree, Executive Director

         Charlie Babb, General Counsel

         Lynn Griswold, Finance Officer

         Lauren Eichinger, Executive Assistant

 

         Others in attendance

        

   Brian Adler, Director of Public Relations & Marketing, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma

   Radwan Al-Jarrah, Dean of College of Arts & Sciences, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma

   Duane Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma

   Randy Beutler, Assistant to the President for Strategic Operations Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma

   Tom Fagan, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma

   Steve Kelley, Legislative Liaison, Kelley and Associates, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

   David Pecha, Vice President for Administration, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva, Oklahoma

   Raquel Schmitz, Chief of Staff, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, Oklahoma

         Emily Sims, Weatherford Daily News, Weatherford, Oklahoma

   Blake Sonobe, Provost, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma

   Michael Turner, President Designate, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, Oklahoma,

   Steve Turner, Vice President for Administration and Finance, East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma

Others in attendance (continued)        

 

Jim Waites, Assistant to the President for Institutional Advancement Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma

Kyle Wright, Web & Graphics Designer/Photographer, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma

 

 III.      CONSENT DOCKET

 

Regent Gordon made the motion, seconded by Regent Stansberry, to approve the following items on the consent docket.

 

            A.   MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

               

                   Minutes of Regular Meeting, October 25, 2007

           

B.   ACADEMIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT

                     (Attachment A, Pages 32-96)

 

1.   R. #159  Northeastern State University

                        

a.   PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS:

 

·  English, B.A. Ed.

·  Finance, B.B.A.

·  Business Administration, M.B.A.

·  Music, B.A.

·  Music, B.M.E.

·  Speech Education, B.A. Ed.

·  Science Education, B.S. Sci. Ed.

·  Speech Language Pathology, M.S.

 

2.   R. #160 Southwestern Oklahoma State University

                                                                                   

a.   PROGRAM MODIFICATION

 

      A Program Modification Request for a change of program name and/or degree designation for the Master of Education in School Counseling (see attached information).

 

3.   R. #161 Northwestern Oklahoma State University

                                         

                              a.   NEW PROGRAM REQUEST

 

                                   Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Education

 

                    4.   R. #162 East Central University

                        

                           PROGRAM REQUIREMENT CHANGE

 

                           a.   Program requirement change in the BS in Medical Technology degree

 

                           b.   Program requirement change in the BS in Environment Health Science degree

 

c.   Program requirement change in the Music Minor degree

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

         Voting against the motion: None

 

 IV.      REPORT OF RUSO COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS

 

 A.   BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT – Chair Richard Ryerson

                    (Attachment B, Pages 97-135)

                   

Regent Ryerson made the motion, seconded by Regent Stansberry, to approve the following items on the Building Committee Report.

 

                     1.   East Central University

 

a.   We are providing information regarding bonded indebtedness as requested at the October meeting.

 

b.  As requested at the October meeting, the student fee schedule is attached.

 

c.  We have received a private pledge of $150,000 to construct a steel framed (brick veneer) athletic fitness center adjacent to the football stadium.  The center will include a weight room, welcome center, two offices and other amenities. A map is enclosed.

 

2.   Northeastern State University

 

       a.   Northeastern State University requests approval to projects as follows:

 

1) R. #163 PROJECT #4850045 –

RENOVATION AND REPAIR OF CLASSROOMS AND BUILDINGS

 

       Approval to award contacts for renovation of the Education building in the amount of $2,051,374.00.  The contracts include Roofing, Truss, Electrical, Mechanical, Sprinkler System, Fire Alarm, Doors/Frames/Hardware, Elevators, Plumbing and other specialty crafts as indicated on the attached schedule.  The bid recap sheets are also attached. This project will be administered through the Nabholz Construction Management agreement and will be funded through the 2005 State Higher Education Bond Issue.

 

2)   R. #164 PROJECT #4850058 –

      ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT CENTER

 

            Ratification of approval granted November 9, 2007 by Building Committee Chair Richard Ryerson for a change order in the amount of $218,820.00 to Boldt Construction on the Enrollment Management Center project.  This change order will allow for the complete replacement of the metal roof decking system rather than a repair.  This project is funded through the 2005 State Higher Education Bond Issue.

 

3.   Southeastern Oklahoma State University

         

a.  R. #165 Project #660-0801 – Durant Campus

Request was deferred at the request of Interim President Snowden.

 

b.  R. # 166 PROJECT #660-0700 – NEVCO SCOREBOARD SYSTEM

 

     Approval to authorize the President or his designee to execute an agreement with the Durant Community Facilities Authority, subject to the Regional University System of Oklahoma General Counsel, to fund the purchase of a Nevco Scoreboard System for the Arena, Conference & Community Center for an amount not to exceed $406,040.50.  Reimbursement of the funding will come from the revenue generated by twenty-two (22) advertisement spaces with an annual revenue ranging from $68,000 - $80,000.  (Funding: 700 Special Agency)

 

                        4.   University of Central Oklahoma

                              

a.   Request approval for funds for projects as follows:

 

                                     1)  R. #167 RESIDENCE HALL IMPROVEMENTS - PROJECT # 120-1012

 

       Fund, design, bid and award contract for the Broncho 1 and 2 Demolition project to the lowest responsible bid(s) presented for the work.  The work includes both ACM removal and demolition of the structures. The project budget is $350,000. (Housing Funds, Auxiliary Funds and E&G Funds)

 

2)     R. #168 PARKING, SIDEWALKS, LIGHTS & LANDSCAPING - PROJECT #120-0013

 

Fund, design, bid and award contract to the lowest responsible bidder for the Chowning Street parking lot. The project budget is $450,000. (Auxiliary Funds and E&G Funds)

 

3)    R. # 169 FORENSIC SCIENCE BUILDING PARKING LOT –

PROJECT# 120-0065

 

Approve an increase to the project budget for the Parking Lot on Baumann Street in the amount of $75,000 for a revised budget of $375,000.  The Board approved the project June, 2006. (R#381) (OCIA Bond Funds 2006 Issue)

 

       b.   Change Order Report:

 

1)     R. # 170 PARKING, SIDEWALKS, LIGHTS &

 LANDSCAPING- PROJECT # 120-0013

 

Parking Lot Improvements – Parking Lot 10 & 11

Diversified Construction of Oklahoma, Inc.  Change Order # 1 in the amount of $23,166.36 for retaining wall work, additional parking lot work and safety fencing.  The Board approved the project May 2006. (R# 341)  (Auxiliary Funds)

                                   

c.   Ratification Items:

 

1) R. #171 WELLNESS CENTER WATERFRONT SPORTS FACILITY – PROJECT# 120-0044.

 

Ratify award of contract to Nashert Constructors, Inc., in the amount of $1,103,000 for the Base Bid and add Alternate #2.  A total of five bids were received on November 8, 2007, however, two bids were rejected as non responsive.  Three responsive bids were received and Nashert Constructors, Inc., presented the apparent low bid for the project.  A tabulation of bids is attached.  The Board approved the project March, 2007.  (R# 208)  (Student Facility Fee Bond Funds, Private Funds, E&G Funds, and City of Edmond Funds)

 

2)   R. 172 FORENSIC SCIENCE BUILDING PARKING LOT–

PROJECT# 120-0065

 

Ratify award of contract to Connelly Paving Company in the amount of $348,880. One bid was received on November 8, 2007 and Connelly Paving Company presented the apparent low bid for the project.  A tabulation of the bid is attached.  The Board approved the project June, 2006.  (R# 381)  (OCIA Bond Funds 2006 Issue)

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Holloway, Hibler, Gordon, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

Voting against the motion: None

   

            B.    AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT – Chair Joe Anna Hibler

                     (Attachment C, Pages 136-138)

              

                     1.      R. #173 FY 2007 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

                     Regent Hibler made the motion, seconded by Regent Holloway, to accept the FY 2007 audited financial statements.

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

Voting against the motion: None

 

                     2.      R. #174 DISSOLVING INTERNAL AUDIT DEPARTMENT DATE

                    

                     Regent Hibler made the motion, seconded by Regent Gordon, to change the date of dissolving the internal audit department from December 31, 2007 to January 4, 2008.

 

                     Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

                     Voting against the motion: None

 

 

3.      R. #175 OUTSOURCE INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION TO   EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

                     Regent Hibler made the motion, seconded by Regent Gordon, to delegate authority to issue Requests for Proposals to outsource the internal audit function to Executive Director with approval of General Counsel.

 

                     Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

            Voting against the motion: None

 

            Mike Gibson of Cole and Reed will assist with the preparation and issuance of the Request for Proposals.

 

            C.    SYSTEM ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT –

         Chair Mark Stansberry (Attachment D, Pages 139-140)

 

                  1.   Discussion of Legislative Agenda for FY 2008.

 

                        R. #176 AMENDING THE STATUTORY DEADLINE

 

                  Regent Stansberry made the motion, seconded by Regent Gordon, to direct Steve Kelley to request a bill number by the December 7, 2007 deadline to move forward on amending the statutory deadline for submitting audited financial reports.

 

                           Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

                  Voting against the motion: None

  

                  Regent Stansberry reported that the Committee will continue to develop the Legislative Agenda for FY 2008.

 

                     2.   Report on follow-up event to the Best of the Best event.

 

                        The Committee recommends having a RUSO spring reception at the Chesapeake Boathouse in Oklahoma City April 2, 2007 for Legislators and State Regents.

 

3.   Discuss updating RUSO business cards.

 

The Committee will continue to work on the RUSO business cards and report at the next meeting.

 

4.   Discussion of Higher Ed Day.

 

The Committee will host a Higher Ed Day breakfast at the Capitol February 27, 2008. The format will be similar to last year’s program.

 

Regent Stansberry thanked Steve Kreidler for his work on helping to plan the spring reception.

              

         D.    PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT – Chair Harold Jackson

                  (Attachment E, Pages 141-142)

 

                  R. #177 PURCHASE OF SOFTWARE FOR ONLINE EVALUATIONS       

 

                  Regent Jackson made the motion, seconded by Regent Hibler, to approve the purchase of Inquisite software for online evaluations of   presidents and other university personnel to be implemented this Spring.

        

                  The cost of the survey and other services is not to exceed $6,000.

 

                  The Personnel Committee will begin reviewing sample questions for inclusion on the survey. A mock-up of the survey will be presented at the January meeting.

 

         Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

                  Voting against the motion: None

 

                     Regent Jackson provided each regent a copy of the Chronicle’s special report on executive compensation. 

 

E.    POLICY AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE – Chair Jan Gordon

                    

                        R. #178 RUSO Policy 5.4.2

 

                        Regent Gordon made the motion, seconded by Regent Ryerson, to approve the following amended RUSO Policy 5.4.2.

 

5.4.2 Retirement Annuity. Employing entities of the Regional University System of Oklahoma may participate in deferred compensation plans as defined by Internal Revenue Code Section 403(b). Effective January 1, 2008, none of the employing entities shall require employees to participate in such deferred compensation plans.

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

Voting against the motion: None

 

V.    PRESIDENTS’ RECOMMENDATIONS

        

         A.    R. #179 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

 

         Regent Hibler made the motion, seconded by Regent Stansberry, to approve the President’s Recommendations for the University of Central Oklahoma as presented by President Webb.

         (Attachment F, Pages 143-144)

 

         Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

               Voting against the motion: None

 

               President Webb reported that UCO economics professor Dr. Mickey Hepner was named Oklahoma Professor of the Year for 2007 by the U.S. Professor of the Year program which is sponsored by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

 

               President Webb also announced that UCO received the Vanguard Award at the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful awards recognition banquet. The award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that embraces innovative environmental technologies in support of a sustainable planet. UCO received the award because it has become completely green energy dependent through wind power, producing and using bio-diesel fuel, and making energy efficient improvements to the physical plant.

 

         B.    R. #180 NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

 

         Regent Gordon made the motion, seconded by Regent Holloway, to approve the President’s Recommendations for Northeastern State University as presented by Acting President Cherry.

         (Attachment G, Pages 145-149)

 

         Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

               Voting against the motion: None

 

               Acting President Cherry discussed the creation of the Diverse Educational Leadership Training Academy (DELTA) which provides students with leadership opportunities.

              

         C.     R. #181 SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

 

            Regent Stansberry made the motion, seconded by Regent Holloway, to approve the President’s Recommendations for Southeastern Oklahoma State University as presented by Interim President Snowden. (Attachment H, Pages 150-152)

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

               Voting against the motion: None

 

               Interim President Snowden expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work in the RUSO system. Regent Howard thanked him for everything he has done to serve Southeastern Oklahoma State University, particularly as Interim President.

 

D.     R. #182 SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

 

                  Regent Hibler made the motion, seconded by Regent Gordon, to approve the President’s Recommendations for Southwestern Oklahoma State University as presented by President Hays. (Attachment I, Pages 153-155)

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

               Voting against the motion: None

 

               President Hays announced the dedication of the Dr. Joe Anna Hibler Education Building on November 30, 2007 and invited everyone to the Ed and Winnie Berrong Music Hall dedication and music recital on December 9, 2007.

 

         E.     R. #183 EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

 

                  Regent Stansberry made the motion, seconded by Regent Gordon, to approve the President’s Recommendations for East Central University as presented by President Rafes. (Attachment J, Pages 156-172)

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

               Voting against the motion: None

 

               President Rafes announced the East Central tree lighting at the University Center on December 4, 2007and 1st Night Ada on December 31, 2007.

 

F.     R. #184 NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

 

Regent Hibler made the motion, seconded by Regent Stansberry, to approve the President’s Recommendations for Northwestern Oklahoma State University as presented by President Cunningham. (Attachment K, Pages 173-175)

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

               Voting against the motion: None

 

President Cunningham said the Ranger statue was unveiled November 13, 2007. Northwestern Oklahoma State University is looking for a date for the dedication of the Enid Ranger at the end of January or first part of February.

 

  VI.    PRESIDENTS’ COUNCIL REPORT – President Roger Webb and

 President John Hays

 

         President Webb announced that the Presidents’ Council met with the Commissioner of the Lone Star Conference, Steve Wagnon.


The order of the agenda has changed to Item VIII. 

 

         At the direction of the Chair, and with the agreement of the Board members, the order of business for the remainder of the meeting was altered to accommodate the schedules of individual Regents and the dedication of the Dr. Joe Anna Hibler Education Center.

 

VIII.    CHAIR’S REPORT – Regent Belva Howard

 

Regent Howard reported on the regional meetings with legislators which are being conducted by Chancellor Glen Johnson for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. She provided a schedule of the meetings and encouraged everyone to attend.

 

Regent Howard would like to continue to work on lowering tuition in Oklahoma to help students pay off student loans expeditiously.

 

The board declared a break at 10:37 a.m.

 

The meeting resumed at 10:50 a.m.

 

The order of the agenda has changed to Item XI.

 

XI.   EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

At 10:50 a.m., Regent Hibler made the motion, seconded by Regent Ryerson, to go into Executive Session to discuss the employment of the President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, Ryerson, and Stansberry

 

               Voting against the motion: None

 

Regent Stansberry departed the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

 

The Board reconvened in Public Session at 11:27 a.m. in order to attend the dedication of the Dr. Joe Anna Hibler Education Building.

 

The Board reconvened the meeting at 12:15 p.m.

 

The order of the agenda has changed to Item VII.

 

VII.    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Sheridan McCaffree

 

A.   R. #185 RENEW LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE POLICY

 

       Regent Gordon made the motion, seconded by Regent Hibler, to approve the renewal of the long term disability insurance policy with Standard Insurance Company for an additional year at the existing premium rate.

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, and Ryerson

 

            Voting against the motion: None

 

B.   R. #186  ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE LEASE

 

       Regent Gordon made the motion, seconded by Regent Holloway, to exercise the option to renew the administrative office lease.

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, Jackson, and Ryerson

 

            Voting against the motion: None

 

Regent Ryerson departed the meeting at 1:10 p.m.

 

The order of the agenda has changed to Item XI.  

 

 XI.    EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

At 1:46 p.m., Regent Gordon made the motion, seconded by Regent Hibler, to go into Executive Session pursuant to 25 O.S. 307 (B) (4) to discuss confidential communications with General Counsel concerning pending claims, and pursuant to 25 O.S. 307 (B) (1) to discuss:

 

                  1) the employment of the President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University; and

 

                   2)  evaluation and compensation of the Executive Director.

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, and Jackson

 

Voting against the motion: None

 

  XII.    RECONVENE IN PUBLIC SESSION

           

            The Board Reconvened in Public Session at 3:37 p.m.

 

            R. #187 EMPLOYMENT OF SEOSU PRESIDENT AND PENDING CLAIMS

 

            Regent Hibler made the motion, seconded by Regent Holloway, to change President Designate Michael Turner’s start date to December 31, 2007 and proceed as discussed in Executive Session.

 

            Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, and Jackson

 

Voting against the motion: None

 

            R. #188 EVALUATION AND COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

            Regent Jackson made the motion, seconded by Regent Hibler, to increase the annual salary of the Executive Director salary 4% effective July 1, 2007.

 

            Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, and Jackson

 

Voting against the motion: None

 

 

XIII.    R. #189 ADJOURNMENT

 

Regent Gordon made the motion, seconded by Regent Hibler, to adjourn the meeting at time p.m.

 

Voting for the motion: Regents Howard, Hibler, Gordon, Holloway, and Jackson

 

Voting against the motion: None

 

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted by:           

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________              ________________________________

Belva P. Howard                                                       Jan Gordon

Board Chair                                                               Secretary

 

 

Minutes approved by the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma this                 day of ___________, ______.

 

 

The next regular meeting of the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma is scheduled for 9:00 a.m., January 18, 2008, East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma.

 

Attachments to the Minutes