Improve the state’s return on invested funds from 25.1 to 27.8 graduates per $1 million of taxpayer funds, even after increasing the quality and accessibility of the system.
After some brief questions and discussion Chairman Thrasher thanked Mr. Heel and Mr. Lacher for the excellent substantive presentation.
7. Consent Items
Trustee Smith made a motion to approve the consent items. Trustee Eady seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. The following items were approved in this motion:
1. Report on Tenure
2. Change of degree name and CIP Code from Information Studies (11.0401) to Information Technology (11.0103)
3. Change of department name from Chemical to Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
4. Approval to Explore B.A. in French and Francophone Studies
5. Approval to Explore M.S. in Biostatistics
6. Approval to Explore B.S. in Science of Earth's Environment
7. M.A. in American Dance Studies - Change of CIP Code
8. Studio and Related Studies - New Major in Dance
9. Computational Structural Biology - New Major in Biology
Ph.D
10. Lambda Rail Financing - Mr. John Carnaghi
11. Vendor Prompt Payment Policy/Rule – Mr. John Carnaghi
8. Legislative Report
Kathleen Daly discussed the Legislative outcome from the 2004 Session. Funding was provided for the Mag Lab, PECO projects, a tuition increase, School of Chiropractic, Ringling Museum, Appleton transfer, major gifts matching, and the Florida Center for Reading Research. Chairman Thrasher thanked Kathleen Daly and President Wetherell for their successful lobbying efforts.
9. Committee Reports:
Finance and Business Committee
Chairman Thrasher recognized Mr. Carnaghi, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, for a discussion of the Action and Information Items. Mr. Carnaghi began by explaining the FY 2004-05 tuition policy proposal. The Legislature required mandatory tuition increases 7.5% for in-state undergraduates and 12.5% for graduates. The option of imposing up to a 2.5% increase atop the 12.5% increase is not proposed. Trustee Knowles made a motion to approve the 2004/2005 tuition policy. Trustee Ford seconded the motion, which passed on a vote of 11 to 1, with Trustee Eady opposed.
Mr. Ralph Alvarez, Associate Vice President of Budgeting, Planning, and Financial Services, presented the tentative 2004-05 operating budget and Direct Service Organization budgets for approval. Trustee Eady made a motion to approve the tentative 2004-05 operating budget and Direct Service Organization budgets with delegated authority to the President or his designee to make any other changes during the year within available resources. Trustee Ford seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Alvarez presented the FY 2005-2006 Legislative Budget Request Issues. He said the issues add up to $31.8 million. Trustee Ford made a motion to approved the FY 2005-2006 Legislative Budget Request issues. Trustee Smith seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. John Carnaghi presented the fiscal year 2005-2006 Fixed Capital Outlay Budget Request. Trustee Duda made a motion to approve the fiscal year 2005-2006 Fixed Capital Outlay Budget. Trustee Ford seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Carnaghi explained the proposed Capital Improvement Trust Fund Allocation. Each student pays $4.76 per credit hour into the fund. There is $16.7 million available to the University. The plan is to expand Intramural Fields near the golf course and develop another Student Activities facility for volunteer programs as well as for Career Services Programs at the University. Trustee Smith made a motion to approve the Capital Improvement Trust Fund allocation. Trustee Marshall seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Carnaghi discussed the facilities and equipment fees, including the Use of Equipment Fee for Medical School Technology, Musical Instruments, Nursing Equipment and Underwater Forensics. The FSU Card Fee was deferred from the Committee. Chairman Thrasher summarized the four fees for the Board: 1) For the College of Medicine, the adoption of a equipment use fee of $500 per year per student for laptops, PDA’s, software; 2) For the School of Music, the adoption of an instrument equipment use fee of $90 per semester per student; 3) For the School of Nursing, the adoption of a equipment fee in the amount of $10; and 4) For the Panama City campus, the adoption of an equipment fee in the amount of $90 per student per semester enrolled in the Underwater Crime Scene Certification Program. Trustee Ford made a motion to approve the Facilities Use and Equipment fees. Trustee Auzenne seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Carnaghi explained the $30 orientation fee to the Board. Currently students pay $25, so it is an increase of $5 to cover escalating costs. Trustee Smith made a motion to approve the increase in the orientation fee. Trustee Ford seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Carnaghi asked for approval of the Parking & Transportation Services fee increase. It would be implemented in 2005 and consist of an increase from $4.90 per credit hour to $6.00 per credit hour. Trustee Smith made a motion to approve the Parking & Transportation Services fee increase. Trustee Ford seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Ms. Cheryl Gonzalez, Associate Director for Human Resources, provided an overview of the Equity Accountability Program Report. She said that of all Universities, Florida State University was ranked 19th last year with 2004 rankings to be published soon. Hispanic Magazine ranked Florida State one of the top 25 colleges for Latinos. Among only public colleges and universities, Florida State ranked eleventh. It moved up higher. Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education ranked FSU 45th in the nation in terms of number of Bachelor’s Degrees awarded to Hispanic Students. Ms. Gonzalez said that FSU has a strong record of excellent progress. She asked the Board of Trustees for their approval of the report. Trustee Knowles thanked Mr. Carnaghi, Ms. Gonzalez and Mr. Alvarez for briefing him on these issues in detail. Trustee Furlow made a motion to approve the Equity Accountability Program Report. Trustee Auzenne seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Carnaghi discussed several information items. First, he said that several fees were being explored such as an email transfer fee and computer lab-printing fee. The FSU card fee was put on hold in the Finance and Business Committee after lengthy discussion. Chairman Thrasher emphasized the importance of a technology fee to the University.
Second, Mr. Carnaghi updated the Board on the President’s House Committee progress. He said that five to seven sites were being explored.
Third, Mr. Carnaghi provided an update on Direct Service Organization (DSO) relationships. He said there are eight university DSOs. All the DSO’s operations are tied to the University’s business organization and everything seems to be going well.
Fourth, Mr. Alvarez presented a report on the university bonding process. He explained the approval process and funding sources for bonds. The University has no authority to issue bonds. Instead, bonds are issued by the State Board of Education on behalf of the University. However, Direct Service Organizations may issue their own bonds. By statute, bond issues must be approved by the Board of Trustees, the State Board of Education, the Board of Governors, the State Board of Administration, the Division of Bonding and Finance, and the Department of Education. He explained which funds could be used for bonds. Trustee Knowles said that the only issue that came up that was not disposed of at the Finance Committee meeting was the issue of diversity on the management team. He said that he recognized that DSO’s are seldom self-contained entities, but they report to the Board of Trustees and their mission is in support of the University.
He asked Mr.Carnaghi’s office to follow up and ensure that there is diversity on the management team when and if there are bond issues.
Academic Affairs Committee
Dr. Robert B. Bradley, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented the strategic plan update and a proposed 10-Year Enrollment Plan. First, the Board of Governors is putting together their Strategic Plan. He said that at this point they have come up with something called the Y-axis, which is their plan at the State level, and they have three major goals: A. Access to and production of degrees; B. Meeting Statewide Professional and Workforce needs; and C. Building a World Class Academic and Programs Research Capacity. Those are the three goals that the Board has been formulating and they’re coming up with measures on each one of those. Second, the Administration put three options before the Academic Affairs Committee, which selected option two which Trustee Marshall will explain. Trustee Marshall said that the Academic Affairs Committee requested support from the Board of Trustees for an enrollment plan that would include an additional 800 undergraduate FTE’s and 200 Graduate FTE’s for 2005/2006 and thereafter increased the plan by 1% at the Undergraduate Level and 2% at the Graduate Level. Trustee Marshall made a motion that the Board approves the 10-Year Enrollment Plan. Trustee Brooks seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Ms. Joyce Ingram, Associate Vice President for Human Relations, presented a union update. She said that since the last update in January there was an additional representation election and subsequent certification by perk of the Florida Nurses Association bringing the total number of certified bargaining units on campus to five. UFF represents the faculty and the teachers at the Developmental Research School. The PBA represents the law enforcement officers. AFSCME represents the operational services employees that are based in facilities and housing primarily, and FNA represents the nurses. There have been 18 UFF sessions and approximately 30% of the contract has been completed having reached tentative agreement on ten of the 31 articles on the table. We are scheduled to meet again in July at which time we will continue our negotiations and discussions regarding the non-economic issues and we’ll also continue our discussions regarding the economic issues where we’ve already talked about preliminarily. Next, as it relates to UFF negotiations for the Developmental Research School of particular notice that PERC has ruled that we are a joint employer with FSU Inc. until such time that such a transition to sole public employer status occurs on behalf of FSU Inc. We’re in the process of developing our proposal and plan to present that proposal to UFF in July. Next, the University has been in negotiations with FPBA since January of this year. There have been four bargaining sessions in January through March and 98% of all non-economic issues have been completed. Next, AFSCME was certified as the Bargaining Agent for these operational services employees in September of last year. Discussions will be on July 2, 2004 to commence negotiations. Of particular note is the fact that the First District Court of Appeals has ruled in the University’s favor indicating that the Board of Trustees is still the public employer for collective bargaining. Last, the FNA was certified in March and the University is waiting to hear from their representative to commence negotiations. In conclusion, the goal is to continue to move forward in a collaborative manner and negotiate contracts that will balance the needs of the employees with the needs of the University.
Student Affairs Committee
Dr. Mary Coburn, Vice President for Student Affairs, began by indicating that the University is very excited about the CITF release. She said the University was expecting about $8 million and to have it be $16.7 million is very thrilling. The Campus Recreation Board that is comprised primarily of students had been planning for the Intramural Fields Project for most of this year. About 40 acres west of Innovation Park has been identified to be the site of Intramurals and students are very pleased with the progress of this project.
10. Legal Report
Ms. Betty Steffens, University General Counsel, reported that the Risk Management case of the Estate of Devaughn Darling vs. the Trustees had been settled. Further, the settlement agreement had been approved by the presiding Judge. The terms of the agreement provide that: FSU will 1) place a memorial to Devaughn at the Athletic Center; 2) provide duplicates of photos; 3) have replicas made of rings awarded to Devaughn Darling; 4) implement or revise the scholarship endowment; and 5) execute a release and settlement agreement. In addition there is a consent judgment of $2 million. The Division of Risk Management will pay the first $200,000 of this amount pursuant to state laws governing sovereign immunity. The remaining $1,800,000 requires that a claims bill should be filed by the plaintiffs. Finally, there is an August 1 deadline for claims bills.
11. Presidential Evaluation
Chairman Thrasher discussed the presidential evaluation results. He said that on January 30, 2004, the Board of Trustees was given an evaluation form and asked to return the completed forms to the chair by February 13, 2004. He summarized the general results of the evaluation forms completed by the FSU Board of Trustees as follows:
1. Academic Management and Leadership. During the first year of Dr. Wetherell’s presidency, he faced many challenges. He set the direction for the University with a Five-Year plan. Dr. Wetherell was evaluated on eleven factors that measure leadership, including two statutorily mandated items: the accountability process (s. 1008.46, F.S.) and the employment equity accountability program (s. 1012.95, F.S.). All of the completed evaluation forms ranked Dr. Wetherell in the strongest possible terms on seizing opportunities to increase University resources and achieving performance goals established by the state university and accountability process. Most of the evaluation forms gave Dr. Wetherell the highest ranking for leadership, knowledge, work atmosphere, quality programs, and delegation of authority and responsibility to staff, concern for students, progress on the employment equity accountability program, and control over DSOs and athletics.
2. Administrative Duties. The job description of the President has many tasks in common across the state university system, although each University is unique. Dr. Wetherell was
evaluated on nine administrative factors. All of the completed evaluation forms ranked Dr. Wetherell in the strongest possible terms on promoting the University’s objectives, legislative advocacy, and accessibility. Most of the evaluation forms gave Dr. Wetherell the highest ranking for administering university budgets, successful fundraising, developing and executing plans and programs, representing the University on national councils and committees, and making presentations to academic community groups.
3. Personal Qualities. In addition to traditional assessment factors, the Board evaluated President Wetherell on eleven personal qualities. All of the completed evaluation forms ranked Dr. Wetherell in the strongest possible terms on enthusiasm and dedication to the job, personal honesty and integrity, and zeal for the position of President. Most of the evaluation forms gave Dr. Wetherell the highest ranking for being positive, accepting constructive criticism, being open-minded concerning suggestions for improvement, expressing ideas well, being articulate, encouraging input from the University community, and encouraging staff development and growth.
4. General Comments. Several trustees provided additional comments on their evaluation forms, praising Dr. Wetherell’s leadership. Selected comments include: “Dr. Wetherell’s comments to the Faculty in the fall meeting were inspirational and his love for FSU is evident.” “It has been a pleasure to watch him assume the leadership of FSU and propel it toward greatness.” “I think President Wetherell is excellent for this University.” “I am pleased with the performance of Dr. Wetherell as the President of Florida State University.” “In my interaction with T.K. I have been impressed and pleasantly surprised with the great choice we made for our president.” “President Wetherell has done an outstanding job in his first year. He has the best interest of FSU on his mind always.” “The operation of the University and relationship President Wetherell has with the staff and students is outstanding.” “T.K. has done an extraordinary job in a very difficult time.” “T.K. Wetherell embodies all that a president of a University should be. He balances confidence in his own abilities to run an institution of higher learning with an open-mindedness to listen and value the opinions of those in a position to assist him in his goals. His vision and integrity are an inspiration and his love of Florida State University shines through in every task he undertakes. It has been a true pleasure to serve on the FSU Board of Trustees with T.K. at the helm of our university.”
Chairman Thrasher said that President Wetherell has done an outstanding job in his first year. He said that Dr. Wetherell’s vision and integrity are an inspiration and his love for Florida State University shines through in everything he undertakes. Trustee Eady thanked the President for including him on discussion of major issues.
Trustee Smith made a motion to approve the evaluation report, contract, and President’s performance in making progress in gender equity in athletics. Trustees Haggard seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Trustee Eady made a motion that the performance bonus in the contract will be effective at the same time as university employees receive their bonuses. Trustee Haggard seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
12. President’s Report
President Wetherell thanked the Board for the evaluation and complimented the University’s management team. He provided an update on three issues. First, the University will be up for final accreditation in Atlanta in December. Second, when students return, Florida State University will be a totally wireless campus. The goal is to look at a four-year program where students actually show up with laptops and have the whole thing wireless and ready to go. Third, the freshmen class this year was estimated to be about 5,900. The model suggested to get 5,900 we should admit 6,400. The average SAT for students admitted this year was 1200 the average G.P.A. is 3.8. Finally, promotion and tenure dollars are a priority. The University needs funds to reward and seek special faculty and staff that can bring national recognition. FSU will work with the faculty, and the other groups to make sure that we can put a comprehensive salary package on the table that not only rewards people for what they do when they do it well, but also keeps the institution moving forward.
13. Open Forum for Board Comments
Chairman Thrasher asked the Board of Trustees if they had additional comments. Trustee Brooks thanked the Board for accommodating meeting times and schedules in accordance with the limited free time he has September through January. He said it has been a pleasure. In the first year on board he has learned a lot, and there is still a lot yet to learn, but the foundation of learning is communication and the staff, the president’s staff, and the president do a good job of communicating and providing information in order to help me serve the university in a better capacity. Trustee Brooks provided an update on the project that he has personally taken on to draw more of former athletes back to the University family. He is seeking assistance from fellow athletes and moving along and hopefully by the next board meeting there should be a more specific report.
Trustee Auzenne thanked President Wetherell for his year of working with the faculty.
Trustee Ford said that even though he lives in New York, he is really proud of Florida State. He said that the board should give something back to the school, and so he will look forward to seeing everybody, but know that if he calls that that might be the reason. Trustee Ford said that for national ratings for colleges and universities, one of the factors is the percentage of the alumni that contribute back to the university. He said he hoped that as the board of governors takes a look at how they’re going to evaluate various universities, they’ll consider getting some feed back from the people that actually went to school here, whether they’re one year out, two years out, five years out, and that is one measure of getting that feedback might be how many of them contribute back to the university. Trustee Ford said that he thought the Council of 100 presentation was an excellent and very important.
Trustee Furlow said it has been her pleasure to be on the board as well.
Trustee Smith said that he thought this is one of the better meetings. He said that the Board should get behind that Council of 100 effort. Something should be done about Bright Futures and the pre-paid program or the universities are going to be in a pretty steep decline. He congratulated the President on a great year.
Trustee Eady thanked the Finance Committee for supporting his motion to re-visit the FSU card fee. That was really important to the students. He said when the Board considers proposals for tuition and increases for students, to please remember students as individuals and not abstract concepts or just numbers because they are people and individuals with lots of bills, Trustee Eady said that the President and administration are doing a great job of truly making the University a shining university.
Trustee Haggard complimented Chairman Thrasher for his leadership. He said Chairman Thrasher runs a meeting better than anybody, cares more about Florida State, is the most prepared man, and that the Board is extremely lucky to have John Thrasher as chairman.
14. Adjournment
Chairman Thrasher thanked everyone for attending the meeting and the meeting was adjourned at 4:47 P.M.
The Florida State University Board of Trustees approved the minutes on September 24, 2004.