Thursday, April 5, 2018
Evans Room, DiGiorgio Campus Center
Winthrop University
Members present:Karl Folkens, Glenn McCall, Kathy Bigham, Janet Smalley, Tim Hopkins,
Don Long, Julie Fowler, Randy Imler, Ed Driggers, Ashlye Wilkerson, and Dan Mahony
(ex officio).
Members absent:Scott Middleton, Donna Glenn Holley, Sandra Stroman, Jane LaRoche,
Tim Sease
Representatives present:Tadean Page, Student Representative; Michael Lipscomb, Faculty
Representative
Representatives absent:None
Others present:Various faculty and staff of Winthrop University
Call to Order
Chair Folkens called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m.
The Board of Trustees began their meeting on Thursday, April 5, 2018 with a presentation
on national tuition models given by President Dan Mahony, Vice President of Finance
and Business Affairs Justin Oates, and Vice President of Enrollment Eduardo Prieto.
The presentation began with general assumptions of tuition models such as models that
reduce or hold tuition are not being accomplished with significant reductions in operating
expenditures, most universities have been trying to cut expenditures since the mid-2000s
with public universities particularly hard hit since 2007; net revenue reductions
would most likely negatively impact educational quality, and universities are faced
with increasing expenditures such as health care and retirement costs.
The nine tuition models presented were a. High Tuition, High Discount model, b. "Truth
in Advertising" model, c. "Free" College model, d. Low Tuition Set model, e. Charge
Per Credit Hour model, f. No Tuition Increase for One Year or More model, g. Cap Tuition
for Four Years model, h. Predetermined Tuition Escalation model, i. Significantly
Reduce Tuition while Also Significantly Reducing Discounting model, and j. High Tuition,
High Discount model that Winthrop has used for a number of years.
Moving forward, as the various tuition models are considered for use at Winthrop,
it is critical to examine the components that comprise net tuition and fees. Those
components are full-time tuition & fees Fall & Spring revenue (in-state & out-of-state),
summer school tuition & fee revenue, Information Technology fee revenue, lab fee revenue
(i.e., Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Visual & Performing Arts, and University
College), student activity fee, dual enrollment program fee revenue, on-line revenue
share from Wiley, and financial aid expense.
From 2015 to 2017, the net tuition as a percentage of tuition and fees has dropped
from 59% to 56%.
The meeting was recessed until Friday afternoon.
The meeting was resumed at 1:34 p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018 in the Gold Room of
the DiGiorgio Campus Center.
Members present:Karl Folkens, Tim Sease, Glenn McCall, Kathy Bigham, Janet Smalley,
Tim Hopkins, Don Long, Julie Fowler, Randy Imler, Ed Driggers, Ashlye Wilkerson, Sandra
Stroman, Jane LaRoche, and Dan Mahony (ex officio).
Members absent:Scott Middleton, Donna Glenn Holley
Representatives present:Tadean Page, Student Representative; Michael Lipscomb, Faculty
Representative
Representatives absent:None
Others present:Various faculty and staff of Winthrop University
Public Comment
There were no requests for public comment.
Approval of Minutes
Don Long moved to accept the minutes as written from the meeting of February 2-3,
2018. Tim Sease seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor of the minutes
as amended.
Report of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Board
As per Article III, Section B of the Board bylaws, Chair Karl Folkens appointed from
among the voting members of the Board the members of a Committee on Nominations. Chair
Folkens appointed Mr. Tim Sease as chair of the committee, with Dr. Jane LaRoche and
Dr. Julie Fowler as the remaining two members. Randy Imler made a motion to accept
the nominations. Kathy Bigham seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
As noted in the bylaws, the committee will notify the full Board of their slate of
nominees for chair and vice-chair within 30 days of the next meeting which in this
academic year will be May 21, 2018.
Chair Folkens concluded his report by commending the Compensation Committee for their
extra called meetings to review personal actions related to a salary offer of $100,000
or more.
Report from the President
President Mahony began his report by announcing the selection of Dr. Robin Lammi,
professor of chemistry, as the 2018 winner of the Award of Excellence. The award recognizes
an individual who has excelled in implementing the Winthrop Plan and has demonstrated
extra effort and made remarkable progress in transforming the university's shared
vision into reality. Dr. Lammi was chosen for her leadership in undergraduate research.
The president gave an update on the State Budget. The Senate Finance Committee gave
final approval to the budget on Wednesday. In their version of the budget, Winthrop
received $569,515 in recurring revenue for "Access and Affordability for In-State
Students- Tuition Mitigation Funding." The Senate Finance Committee added an additional
$$19.9 million for deferred maintenance that will be distributed by formula by the
Commission on Higher Education. The Senate Finance Committee also funded $8 million
in the Lottery Technology proviso. The Senate Finance Committee kept the House appropriations
in the Capital Reserve Bill where Winthrop received $3.3 million in non-recurring
revenue for maintenance.
Vice President for Student Affairs —Nearly 100 applications were received for the
position. Four candidates have been invited to campus to for interviews in the next
two weeks. They are Parris Carter, Becky Spurlock, Gigi Secuban, and Shelia Burkhalter.
The president congratulated the work of the selection committee led by Dr. Meg Weber
for the depth and experience of the candidate pool.
Korn-Ferry Employee Satisfaction Survey--513 responses were received for 51% response
rate. We partnered with Korn Ferry to ensure your responses were kept strictly confidential,
and the results we received were in the aggregate and did not include individual responses.
Sixty-one percent of respondents were satisfied "overall" with working at Winthrop.
Though a different survey, the "Let Your Voice Be Heard" results compare favorably
to the 51% overall satisfaction percentage reported by our employee satisfaction work
group survey from the 2015-16 academic year. This result has exceeded the goal of
the Strategic Plan. Moving forward, the goal will be increased.
The Korn Ferry results indicate Winthrop employees are proud of the work they do and
the services Winthrop provides. They feel Winthrop provides a high quality educational
experience and is student focused. Employees also report that they have a good understanding
of the direction and goals within their work groups and how they align with Winthrop's
direction and goals. Ours is a respectful environment, employees say, with the accessibility
of supervisors receiving the highest overall favorable rating.
The results also show where employees are not satisfied and where we have opportunities
for improvement. Employees do not feel they are compensated fairly compared to other
organizations — pay-related responses received the lowest overall ratings. Employees
also report they do not feel there is clear link between performance and compensation.
A larger number of answers were given to the open ended questions. Those answers will
take some time to analyze. Results will be shared once the analysis is completed.
Knowledge Park-- has been under development for a number of years. It is now a multi-faceted
concept meant to transform Rock Hill as a walkable, urban business district, a strategic
approach to building a modern economy, and a way of reinventing the original heart
of Rock Hill. Knowledge Park's boundaries are flexible and ever-expanding, with the
core of the district stretching from Winthrop University to Fountain Park.
Currently the City of Rock Hill is working on the Knowledge Park Action Plan. The
goal is to establish 5-Year goals and work programs for Knowledge Park that have input
from all parts of the community including Winthrop, that are supported by community
leadership, and that serve as the basis for activities and investments by the City,
RHEDC, and their allies in Knowledge Park.
Eight planning committees (Action Teams), under the direction of Rock Hill Economic
Development Corporation (RHEDC), will lead the process. Each planning committee will
be asked to Identify and describe up to 5 priority projects, programs or investments
that could be achieved during the next 5 years which would help to ensure Knowledge
Park's success.
The action teams are: Jobs & Business Growth, Talent Development & Attraction, Marketing
& Communications, Connectivity, Inclusiveness, Development, Placemaking, and Tourism.
Winthrop faculty and staff have joined these groups.
Report from the Committee on Finance
Chair Randy Imler updated the Board on current plans to explore options to self-develop
and finance a new residence hall. University leadership has been working on a 5-year
financial plan to balance need for new residence halls and the upkeep and repairs
of current halls. Current estimates are $10.8M for deferred maintenance and an estimated
$26M for a new residence hall.
A review of the current FY2018 Year-to-Date activity shows the university is on target
to meet both the operating revenue and expense budgets. VP Oates is planning 3rd quarter
meetings with all divisions on campus to ensure proper usage of funds in the 4th quarter
of the fiscal year.
Chair Imler noted the Committee reviewed the make-up of the $18.8M Unrestricted Net
Position and reported that the Net Position will likely go down by approximately $1M
in FY2018 based on projects previously approved by the Board of Trustees.
The Committee heard a report on the FY19 Planning activity to-date and the potential
expense increases that will need to be covered in the FY19 operating budget. The required
increases of $1.8M are associated with increases in pension costs, health care, master
Lease, and other programing costs across campus. There may be an additional $875K
of anticipated costs for FY19 that will need to be considered once the increases in
revenue projections are established.
Report from the Committee on Compensation
Chair Glenn McCall shared results from the Korn Ferry Hay Group employee satisfaction
survey. Full-time and part-time faculty, staff, and administrators participated in
the survey. The survey consisted of 74 questions with four open-ended questions. The
14 dimensions measured included areas such as employee engagement, pay and benefits,
confidence in leaders, training, and respect and recognition. The top three dimensions
scored favorably by employees were quality and customer focus; clear and promising
direction; and respect and recognition. The three dimensions scored the most unfavorable
by employees were pay and benefits; work, structure, and process; and training. The
overall satisfaction rate was 61%.
As a result of the survey there are a few initiatives already underway. Plans include
exploration of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide free services such
as mental health visits, financial counseling, legal and wellness assistance, and
other services. Staff are also researching other benefits such as long-term care and
short-term disability that could be made available for employees to purchase.
The Committee received a report from Vice President Lisa Cowart on the terms of the
university's directors' and officers' insurance. She noted that last year's insurance
renewal was a five-year contract with People's First Insurance in Rock Hill, which
began on March 1, 2017 and ends on March 1, 2022. While People's First Insurance is
not the actual provider, they are responsible for finding an insurance carrier and
ensuring coverage for the university for the five years. Last year's carrier was Allied
World whose coverage ended on March 1, 2018. The new coverage is with XL Catlin, which
began on March 1, 2018 and will end on March 1, 2019. The terms include a deductible
no greater than $50,000 per claim, a maximum limit liability no less than $2M each
policy year, and an annual premium of $37,768.86. The insurance covers all directors
and officers (past, present, and future), employees, volunteers, committee members,
committee chairs, and trustees.
Chair McCall reported the results of the Report to the General Assembly regarding
Winthrop's affirmative action goals for women and minorities. For the second year
in a row, Winthrop ranked #2 among the four-year state institutions, increasing our
goal attainment from 83.5% to 84.3%. Winthrop missed the #1 spot by one-tenth of a
point to the University of South Carolina.
Report from the Committee on Academic Quality
Chair Tim Hopkins brought forth two resolutions from the Committee for the consideration
of the Board.
Resolution to Establish Master of Education in Teacher Leadership--The proposed new
program in Learning Design and Technology will expand upon the existing concentration
to become a full thirty credit hour Master's degree program. It will prepare professional
educators in a variety of fields to create, analyze, deliver, and evaluate learning
materials and improve human learning and performance through the appropriate use of
learning theory and technology tools.
Additionally, it will provide degree candidates with a comprehensive study of the
field of learning design and technology and the appropriate tools and skills used
by professionals in the field; and will provide for professional preparation and career
advancement to educators working in traditional education environments, such as K-12
districts and schools and will serve the needs of professional educators working in
corporate, health care, government, military, nonprofit, and higher education environments.
As no second was needed, Chair Folkens called for a vote. The vote was unanimous in
favor of the first resolution.
Resolution to Establish Master of Education in Learning Design and Technologythe proposed
new program will modify the existing program in Curriculum and Instruction to reflect
the needs of school districts to develop educational leaders in teaching roles and
will meet the advanced educational needs of teachers who work in diverse educational
settings. The program's degree candidates will acquire the knowledge base and skills
needed in the areas of curriculum development and assessment, pedagogy, and leadership
so they can affect high-impact teaching and learning in their classrooms and positively
influence change in their schools.
As no second was needed, Chair Folkens called for a vote. The vote was unanimous in
favor of the second resolution.
Each program is expected to enroll 20 to 25 new graduate students per year.
The Committee received a report from Dr. Robin Lammi, director of undergraduate research,
and Dr. Gloria Jones, dean of University College, on the role of undergraduate research
at Winthrop University. Every student at Winthrop has the opportunity to engage in
undergraduate research (UR) with a faculty mentor. The Committee received a history
of UR at Winthrop, goals of the UR Office, and information on the kinds of research
conducted and the venues where it is shared. After the presentation the Committee
visited the lobby of Sims Hall where five students shared their work in undergraduate
research.
The Committee also heard from Terri Wright, executive director of the Office of Sponsored
Programs and Research. This fiscal year, Winthrop received 35 awards and appropriations
totaling $17,360,936. The McNair Scholars Program has been awarded a new grant, beginning
FY 2019 for 5 years. This grant supports first generation, low income, and at-risk
students as they prepare for graduate education.
Provost Boyd updated the Committee on the Commission on Higher Education's review
of programs that do not meet the CHE Productivity Standards. Of the 19 programs on
Winthrop's list, four have already been "taught out," and will be terminated. One
degree program had already been revamped and modifications accepted by CHE. Three
programs will become concentrations instead of independent degrees, and the remaining
will either receive exemptions or will be modified to increase productivity.
Report of the Committee on Institutional Advancement and Development
Chair Janet Smalley summarized the report received from Jeff Perez, vice president
for university relations. University Events revenue from external clients has more
than doubled over the previous year and is near its year-end goal of $150,000 at the
end of the second quarter. University Communications and Marketing continues to work
on increasing Winthrop's profile regionally and nationally and generating revenue
for the university.
The Committee received a report from Mr. Neal Miller, director of university events,
explaining how the Office of University Events has been working to enhance Winthrop's
engagement with the community. Mr. Miller now sits on the boards of several tourism-related
activities in the region, and University Events has entered reciprocal partnerships
with local organizations to make Winthrop facilities available "at cost" in return
for the same consideration.
Ms. Ellen Wilder-Byrd, associate vice president for university communications and
marketing, presented an update on the university rebranding initiative. While the
new logo is important, she reminded the Committee that it is only one element of rebranding,
which includes refining the messaging on campus and creating a cohesive identify that
conveys Winthrop's strengths in a competitive higher education market.
Ms. Wilder-Byrd provided a summary of the four phases of Winthrop rebranding. In addition
to the logo, her staff will be working with offices across campus to update signage
and interiors, develop departmental co-branding, refresh bookstore merchandise and
roll out a new website.
Vice President of University Advancement, Evan Bohnen, briefed the Committee on the
DB Johnson Society event on April 4, 2018. It is a part of gift planning initiative
to reengage donors. A second event is scheduled for March 29, 2019.
The Committee learned 16.98% net of investment advisory fees were posted earnings,
there were reductions in advisory fees from 1% to .26% and in endowment management
from 3/5% to 2.25%. The endowment increased from $46,773,541 to $53,828,912 and scholarships
also increased by $1,120,149. There have been 49 new scholarship/departmental support
funds created in 2017.
Report of the Committee on Enrollment and Retention
Chair Julie Fowler presented information shared at the Committee meeting including
a follow up report to the February 2018 Board of Trustees meeting. This report sought
to explain three questions posed about Winthrop's admissions policies and factors
that impact student success. Three admissions options were presented to the Board
of Trustees. Statistical analysis and advantages and disadvantages were shared about
implementing a GPA-tied test optional admissions policy. Further research is recommended
to identify another data point, in addition to GPA, for the admissions criteria. The
second option was to modify the current admissions policy to include acceptance of
students who receive the South Carolina Life Scholarship but do not meet the requirements
for admittance to Winthrop. A number of other schools in the region apparently already
admit all SC Life eligible students. The third option, to keep the admissions criteria
as is, was discussed with supporting advantages and disadvantages to this option.
Additional information was discussed regarding the Winthrop Bridge Program and Winthrop
Dual Enrollment Program.
Dr. Jack DeRochi, dean of the Graduate School, shared with the Committee a report
on the enrollment status of the online programs and the positive response in the market
about the programs offered. The degree completion programs are on schedule to be offered
starting Fall 2019 and are currently being reviewed by the Academic Counsel.
A review of applications to date shows an increase of 600 applications as compared
to last year but as of today, enrollments have not increased by as much.
Report of the Committee on Student Life and Athletics
Chair Tim Sease reminded the Trustees they had all received copies of the minutes
from the Committee on Student Life and Athletics and he encouraged them to thoroughly
read the minutes as they are detailed and informative.
Mr. Sease applauded the good work of the Athletics department regarding their efforts
at student success. Sherika Montgomery, associate athletic director for student success,
shared an overview of the operations by discussing the individual components that
support student success for athletes at Winthrop. Those areas are Compliance, Sports
Performance, Academic and Student Services, Athletic Training, Leadership Development,
Sports Performance Consultants.
The Committee also received a report from Dr. Casey Tullos. She presented an in-depth
review of the evolution of residence education moving from broad student development
practices to focused learning interventions. She covered four historical stages of
the past 60 years: psychosocial development (1960's), student engagement (1990's),
student success (2000's), and student learning today.
Report from the Chair of Faculty Conference
Dr. Lipscomb reported on the task force formed to assess and review guidelines for
pre-tenure, tenure, post-tenure, and promotion. Membership of the task force includes
representation from all academic units including both administrators and faculty members.
The Task Force on Tenure and Promotion Protocols is charged with reviewing all policies
and practices related to the tenure and promotion protocols as well as pre-tenure
and post-tenure review.
The Faculty Conference voted to create a Standing Committee on Academic Integrity
with a charge to propose and develop initiatives designed to help create and maintain
an expectation of academic integrity in the Winthrop University community. In addition
to a national search for the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Academic Affairs
also engaged in 35 searches for instructional faculty in 2017-18 with 27 of those
searches being tenure track positions. Additionally, five librarian faculty position
searches were done this year.
Dr. Lipscomb concluded his report by thanking the president and provost for working
with the chair of Faculty Conference and the Faculty Committee on University Priorities
to explore ways in which administration and faculty might work to address the threat
of faculty "burnout" related to workloads across the areas of teaching, service, and
scholarship.
Report from the President of the Council of Student Leaders
President Tadean Page had to temporarily step out of the meeting to attend a required
class. In his absence, Dr. Frank Ardaiolo, vice president of student life, reported
on the recent election for Academic Year 2018-19 Council of Student Leaders officers.
Nearly 200 Winthrop University students participated in the 2018 election process.
Ximena Perez-Velazco and Jared Garrett have been elected as the 2018-2019 Student
Body President and Vice President. Perez and Garrett will assume office on July 1,
2018, but will officially begin duties at the conclusion of May Commencement.
Executive Session
Tim Hopkins moved with a second from Jane LaRoche that the Board meet in executive
session pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. 30-4-70(a)(1) and (2) for the purposes of discussion
of employment matters involving certain current and former university employees as
well as discussion of a contractual matter regarding university property.
The vote was unanimous. Kimberly Faust was invited to remain for the entire session
while Michael Lipscomb and Tadean Page were invited to remain for a portion of the
executive session. Sandra Stroman moved the Board end executive session, Ashlye Wilkerson
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Return to Public Session
Upon returning to pubic session, Chair Karl Folkens brought forth a motion to approve
a resolution adopting the President's House policy. The policy will establish guidelines
for the design, décor, maintenance and improvement of the house while promoting a
system of oversight, efficiency and financial transparency. This will assist the Board's
desire to preserve, protect, maintain and enhance the house's historical heritage
and its use as an event venue for the University while accommodating the President's
use of the house as a home for the current and future Presidents' families.
Don Long moved to accept the motion as presented. Jane LaRoche seconded the motion.
The vote approved the motion.
Adjournment
Hearing no objections, Chair Folkens declared the meeting adjourned at 4:03 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Kimberly A. Faust, Secretary to the Board
