Meeting Minutes, May 18, 2007

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Creator: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
Subjects: Administration, Board of Trustees, BOT Minute Books
Date: May 18, 2007
Format: Text/pdf
Original Format: Computer file
Resource Identifier: MAY 18 2007.pdf
Collection Number: UA 1
Language: English
Rights Management: Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Contributing Institution: Offices of Board of Trustees and President; University Archives & Historical Collections; MATRIX
Contributor: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
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Transcript:
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

May 18, 2007

President Simon called the meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 9:40 a.m. in the Board Room.

Trustees present: Joel Ferguson, Melanie Foster, Dorothy V. Gonzales, Colleen McNamara, Donald W. Nugent, Faylene Owen, George Perles and Scott Romney via telephone.

University officers present: President Simon, Provost Wilcox, Vice President Poston, Secretary Barber, Vice President and General Counsel Noto, Vice Presidents Denbow, Gray, Hudzik, Webster and Webb, Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell, and Acting Executive Director Beekman. Faculty liaisons present: Kathleen Payne, Jim Potchen, Michael Moch and Catherine Yansa. Student liaisons present: Jarrod Morrice, Eric Hinojosa, and Michael Leahy.

All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.

1. On a motion by Trustee Owen, supported by Trustee Nugent, the BOARD VOTED to approve the agenda.

Trustee Romney joined the meeting via telephone subsequent to the vote.

2. President Simon noted that the approval of the minutes of the April 13, 2007 Board meeting is to take place at the June 15, 2007 Board meeting.

3. President’s Report

A. Economic Activity in State Related to MSU’s Operations

President Simon said that a study conducted by Anderson Economic Group estimated the economic benefit to the State of Michigan from MSU’s activities was over $3 billion in 2005. Michigan residents are more than $2 billion richer annually as a result of the operational expenditures of MSU.

Anderson Economic Group was selected to conduct the study expressly because of its propensity to be conservative and rigorously fact based in its assessments of economic impact. In terms of range of economic impact that can be attributed to an institution, it tends to err on the low side. The figures in the report are solid, and it is likely that MSU has even greater positive economic impact in real terms.

B. First MSU Woman Elected to National Academy of Science

President Simon announced that Professor Pamela Fraker of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Food Science and Human Nutrition has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. She is the first woman from MSU to be elected into the Academy.

C. MSU Education Professor Earns Prestigious Award

President Simon said that Professor Robert Floden, of the College of Education has been selected for membership in the National Academy of Education. Professor Floden has been part of the College of Education for over 30 years and is the Director of the Institute for Research on Teaching and Learning.

D. Joel Ferguson Earns Freedom and Justice Award

President Simon recognized Trustee Ferguson as one of the two recipients of the Freedom and Justice Award from the Detroit Chapter of the NAACP. The annual award is given to those who go above and beyond what is expected in order to help people in their community. Trustee Ferguson received this award with his co-honoree, Federal Judge Anna Diggs-Taylor, in front of a crowd of 10,000 people at Cobo Hall in Detroit. President Simon congratulated Trustee Ferguson for the wonderful honor.

E. George Perles Enters Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame

President Simon congratulated Trustee Perles on his induction into the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame on May 5, 2007. Trustee Perles was recognized for his many contributions to football.

F. Hockey Recognition

President Simon introduced the regional representative for Senator Stabenow’s office, Chong-Anna Canfora, to present Senate Resolution 144 honoring the MSU Ice Hockey team, and Lisa Majors, representative from Congressman Mike Rogers’ office, to present House Resolution 325 honoring the MSU Ice Hockey Team. Coach Rick Comley received the recognitions.

Coach Comley thanked both Ms. Canfora and Ms. Majors. He also thanked President Simon and Intercollegiate Athletics Director Ron Mason for their support. Coach Comley said that he enjoyed watching his team develop over the season and is proud to represent MSU.

G. Odyssey of the Mind

President Simon announced that MSU will be hosting the Odyssey of the Mind competition May 23-36, 2007. This brings outstanding young people into competition in academic events. Students select a problem, create a solution and present it to a panel of judges. More than 8,000 students will be on campus to participate. President Simon noted that Trustee Nugent would be giving the opening remarks at the event and asked him to comment.

Trustee Nugent said it was great fun to watch the students problem solve. He urged everyone to attend the competition.

4. Public Participation on Issues Germane to the Agenda.

A. Macomb County Commissioner’s Office

Mr. Paul Gieleghem, Macomb County Commissioner, said he and his colleagues from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, along with representatives from Congresswoman Candice Miller’s office and Congressman Sandy Levin’s office, were proud of the proposal regarding Macomb County’s role in the proposed expansion of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. He said that the group appreciated the Trustees visiting the Macomb Community College facilities and urged the Trustees to invest in Macomb County. Like many communities throughout the State of Michigan, Macomb County is fighting for its survival. In order to be successful, a significant higher education component is needed. Mr. Gieleghem said that he looked forward to working with MSU in the future.

5. Personnel Actions

Provost Kim Wilcox presented the following personnel actions:

Gow, Hamish Rafe, AY—Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, $100,000, with Tenure, effective August 16, 2007.

Swanson, Janice C, An—Professor, Departments of Animal Science; Large Animal Clinical Sciences, $146,000, with Tenure, effective July 1, 2007.

Leach, Richard E., AN—Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, $280,000, with Tenure, effective June 1, 2007.

Brandt, Danita S., AY—Associate Professor, Department of Geological Sciences, $70,000, with Tenure, effective January 1, 2007.

Kirkpatrick, R. James, AN—Professor and Dean, College of Natural Science; Department of Geological Sciences, $250,000, with Tenure, effective August 1, 2007.

Trustee Owen moved to approve the recommendations, with support from Trustee Romney.

Provost Wilcox said that Professor Gow has a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University and has been an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign since 1999. Her research interests include inter-organization business relationships, trade credit and rural finance, food safety governance systems and public and private partnerships.

Provost Wilcox stated that Dr. Swanson has a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in Animal Science and Applied Animal Ethology. She served as a Technical Information Specialist for the US Department of Agriculture from 1987 to 1992. Dr. Swanson has been at Kansas State University since 1992 as an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and as Associate Director of the International Meat and Livestock Program.

Provost Wilcox said Professor Leach has a medical degree from Wayne State University. He completed residencies in Obstetrics and Gynecology at William Beaumont Hospital and a Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Leach was on the faculty at Wayne State University from 1990-2004 and has since been a Professor and Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinios-Chicago.

Provost Wilcox said Dr. Brandt has a Ph.D. from Yale University. She has served on the faculty of Eastern Michigan University and the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Brandt has been at MSU since 1991 as an Academic Specialist and Associate Professor. This action adds tenure to that appointment.

Provost Wilcox stated that Dr. Kirkpatrick has a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. He has served in many capacities—as a Senior Research Geologist for the Exxon Corporation, a Research Fellow at Harvard University, and an Assistant Research Geologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He has been at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign since 1978 in positions including Head of the Geology Department and, most recently, Executive Associate Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dr. Kirkpatrick has great administrative credentials and a stellar research profile, including work on high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computational molecular modeling in geology and geochemistry.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the appointments.

President Simon presented the following personnel action:

Rakan, Susan M. (Suzy Merchant), Head Coach—Women’s Basketball, Intercollegiate Athletics, $225,000, subject to contract, effective April 29, 2007 to June 30, 2012.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Owen.

Trustee Nugent commented that Coach Merchant was going to be a wonderful addition at MSU.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the appointment.

6. Finance Committee

Trustee Nugent presented the Trustee Finance Committee Report and recommendations.

A. Revised Investment Policy Statement

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt the revised Investment Policy Statement. (Appendix A)

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Romney.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

B. New Investment Managers

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees select DSM Capital Partners LLC as a US equity manager.

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees select State Street Global Advisors as a fixed income manager.

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees select Avenue Capital Group as a distressed debt manager.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendations, as a group, with support from Trustee Foster.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.

C. Fund Functioning as an Endowment—Albert A. White Scholarship Fund

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled Albert A. White Scholarship Fund.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Owen.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

D. Approval and Authorization Regarding State Building Authority Financing for the Chemistry Building Renovations and Cooling Towers

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt the Resolution of the Board of Trustees of MSU Approving a Construction and Completion Assurance Agreement, a Conveyance of Property, a Lease and an Easement Agreement, if necessary, for the MSU Chemistry Building Renovations and Cooling Towers. (Appendix B)

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Gonzales.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

E. Authorization to Plan

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Spartan Village Apartments—Zone One Demolition—Phase II.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Owen.

Vice President Poston asked Angela Brown, Director of University Housing, to discuss the plan.

Ms. Brown explained that in 2002, 128 apartments were removed. The current proposal would remove an additional 380 apartments. Removal of the apartments will provide green space for tenants that could be reused in the future. As part of the planning process, town meetings will be held with the tenants and the community to determine usage needs and recommendations.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

F. Authorization to Plan—Spartan Stadium—East Upper Stand Maintenance

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Spartan Stadium—East Upper Stand Maintenance.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Owen.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

G. Project Approval—Authorization to Proceed—Breslin Center—Renovate Men’s and Women’s Basketball Locker Rooms

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it authorize the administration to proceed with the project entitled Breslin Center—Renovate Men’s and Women’s Basketball Locker Rooms and approve a budget of $2,600,000 for the project.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Foster.

Mark Hollis, Senior Associate Intercollegiate Athletic Director, said these areas within the Breslin Center have not been updated since the building was completed in the 1980’s. A lounge area will be created in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms where student- athletes can study and relax. There will also be teaching and dressing areas for the teams.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

H. Project Approval—Authorization to Proceed (Footprint Change)—Campus Donor Recognition Landscape Feature

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it authorize the administration to proceed with modifications that result in a material change to the campus footprint for the project entitled Campus Donor Recognition Landscape Feature.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Foster.

Vice President Chuck Webb said the plan calls for a benefactor’s plaza area located along the current pedestrian walkway adjacent to the old Horticulture Garden. This location is historic in nature and also helps fulfill the master plan for enhancing green space around campus. The columns will accommodate a flexible approach to recognizing major donors hierarchically and sequentially, based on the timing of the donation. The names from the current donor wall at the Kellogg Center entrance will be incorporated into this project.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

I. Project Approval—Authorization to Proceed—Plant and Soil Science—Elevator Replacement

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it authorize the administration to proceed with the project entitled Plant and Soil Science—Elevator Replacement and approve a budget of $1,000,000 for the project.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee McNamara.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

J. Bid and Contract Award—Old College Field—Renovations Phase I—Hitting Facility

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that a contract in the amount of $1,070,750 be awarded to Commercial Contracting Corporation for the project entitled Old College Field—Renovations Phase I—Hitting Facility.

Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Foster.

President Simon noted that this recommendation is for the low bidder on the project.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

K. 2007-08 Budget Planning

Dave Byelich, Assistant Vice President and Director of Planning and Budgets, reviewed the 2007-08 Budget Planning information which emphasized the need to preserve and build MSU as a critical asset for Michigan’s future. MSU’s status as one of the top 100 universities in the world—dedicated to Michigan’s future—was highlighted. MSU’s role in preparing students for the new economy, developing spin-off businesses and $3 billion economic impact were noted. The University has succeeded in maintaining access for Michigan students through innovative financial programming. Mr. Byelich noted the fragile status of the University due to State economic circumstances and alternative levels of appropriation support were identified as well as the associated impact on tuition policy for 2007-08. (Appendix C)

7. Policy Committee

Trustee McNamara presented the Trustee Policy Committee Report and recommendations.

A. Revision to the MSU Tenure Policy

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it approve revised Operating Principle #7 of the Operating Principles of the Tenure System (“MSU Tenure Policy”). (Appendix D)

Trustee McNamara moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Owen.

Provost Wilcox explained that the MSU Tenure Policies require that a faculty member hold permanent legal status as a resident of the US or citizenship before the faculty member can be awarded tenure. It has become much more difficult to move through citizenship barriers in some cases; some faculty have achieved all of the measures for success for tenured appointment, but wait years for permanent legal status. The proposed change would allow faculty members to receive tenure before they become citizens or obtain permanent legal status as a resident. If they are not awarded citizenship or permanent legal status, however, this proposal also provides for the dissolution of their tenure and dismissal.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

B. Resolution Concerning Establishment of Education and Research Programs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it adopt the resolution to establish and develop MSU degree-granting programs and research activities in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, upon terms and conditions satisfactory to the President.

Trustee McNamara moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Foster.

Vice President Hudzik noted that MSU has a strong opportunity to expand its presence and positive impact in the Middle East. MSU would be the anchor US institution in Dubai International Academic City. Many strong indicators show that collaborations in research, teaching and service would benefit not only MSU, but businesses and institutions in Michigan.

Vice President Hudzik said that MSU would have full academic authority and quality control over courses and programs in Dubai. He believes that financial arrangements for the project are solid, with the potential for revenue enhancement.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

C. Naming Recommendation

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that the proposed plaza area that complements the renovations and additions to the Duffy Daugherty Football Building be named the George J. and Sally A. Perles Plaza.

Trustee McNamara moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Owen.

President Simon noted that this proposal was reviewed by the Naming Committee and is consistent with University policy.

Trustee Ferguson said that Trustee Perles has given much to MSU over the years. It is an honor to have him associated with the University. It is wonderful that students will be walking by the plaza every day that bears recognition to Trustee Perles and his wife Sally for all of their contributions.

Trustee Owen said that Trustee Perles loved Duffy Daugherty very much and that Duffy would be proud of what Trustee Perles has done for and given to MSU.

Trustee Perles thanked his colleagues for their kind words and said that it is a very special honor to be part of the facility dedicated to Duffy Daugherty.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation, with Trustee Perles abstaining.

D. Head Basketball Coach Appointments

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it clarify its intention that the reference to “Head Basketball Coach” in the Board of Trustees delegation of authority for personnel actions be interpreted to require that the appointments of the head women’s basketball coach and of the head men’s basketball coach be approved by the Board of Trustees in the future.

Trustee McNamara moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Romney.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

E. Notice of Intent to Negotiate Contracts

Pursuant to State law, the Chair of the Policy Committee gave public notice of the University’s intent to negotiate agreements with TurboVentures, Inc., a Michigan corporation in formation based in Haslett. Dr. Norbert H. Mueller, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and his immediate family cumulatively will own or have options to buy an equity interest which exceeds 5% of the company. Dr. Mueller will also be an officer in TurboVentures, Inc.

Pursuant to State law, the Chair of the Policy Committee gave public notice of the University’s intent to negotiate agreements with Katharos Research Technologies, Inc., a Michigan corporation based in Okemos. Dr. Lori Post, Assistant Dean for Research in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, and Robert Fulk, Chief Technology Officer in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences’ Office of Research, and their immediate families cumulatively own or have the option to buy an equity interest which exceeds 5% of the company. Dr. Post and Mr. Fulk are also officers of Katharos Research Technologies, Inc.

Pursuant to State law, the Chair of the Policy Committee gave public notice of the University’s intent to negotiate agreements with Falling Rock Café and Bookstore, Inc., a Michigan corporation in Munising. Dr. Jeffrey Dwyer, Acting Associate Dean for Research in the College of Human Medicine, and his immediate family cumulatively own or have the options to buy an equity interest of more than 5% of the company. Dr. Dwyer is also an officer of Falling Rock Café and Bookstore, Inc.

Pursuant to State law, the Chair of the Policy Committee gave public notice of the University’s intent to negotiate agreements with Premium PC, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company based in Ovid. Mr. David Benjamin, Hardware and Software Coordinator in the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, and his immediate family cumulatively own or have options to buy an ownership interest which exceeds 5% of the company. Mr. Benjamin is also the sole member and manager of Premium PC, LLC.

F. Approval of Contract Terms

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of two contracts for the purchase of custom machine parts and fabrication services with Niowave, Inc., consistent with earlier public notice give at a Board meeting and with two Contract Term Sheets presented to the Board for inclusion in its minutes. (Appendix E)

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of a research subcontract with KTM Industries, Inc., consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting and with the applicable “Research Subcontract Term Sheet” as now presented to the Board for inclusion in its minutes. (Appendix F)

Trustee McNamara moved to approve the recommendations, with support from Trustee Gonzales.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.

G. Expansion of the College of Osteopathic Medicine to Southeast Michigan: Resolution

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it approve the resolution regarding the expansion of the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Southeast Michigan. (Appendix G)

Trustee McNamara moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Nugent.

President Simon noted that MSU, a land-grant university, now a world-grant university, has a historic commitment to every corner of the State of Michigan in assuring that the problems of today are dealt with and the issues of tomorrow are anticipated. The projected shortage of physicians and its effect on the quality of life of Michigan’s citizens and their access to health care are long-term issues that require MSU to meet its obligation to the State of Michigan.

President Simon stated that the spirit of MSU involves quality, inclusion and connectivity. MSU strives to bring the best quality to every aspect of its work while problem-solving in a way that is very inclusive, with opportunities for various communities to partner in positive ways. The proposed expansion of the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) to Southeast Michigan represents connectivity in keeping partners through COM’s statewide campus network. It is the hope that connectivity to other educational institutions will be mutually beneficial, not mutually exclusive, as partnerships are going to be key in the future in a resource constrained environment.

Provost Wilcox said he appreciated President Simon framing the issue around institutional values because that is how the campus approached the question. He complimented Dean Strampel for making sure that institutional values remained prominent, along with the commitment to the students.

Provost Wilcox explained that he wanted to address three prominent misunderstandings. First, the notion that the Board considered splitting investments in the Southeast Michigan region is not true. The initial target was adding 50 students in the first year in Southeast Michigan. As conversations continued, it became clear that Southeast Michigan could sustain a larger commitment and, moreover, that COM’s partners in that region wanted a greater investment. MSU is ready to recommend 100 first year COM students in Southeast Michigan. This is twice the initial commitment in numbers of students and one that recognizes urban and suburban opportunities for training medical students. Second, this has not been a political discussion. MSU has students in over 25 sites across the state and experience in managing a multi-campus and multi-environment educational system. This resolution will allow MSU to build on that tradition and have first and second year students engaged at multiple sites just as we have had the third and fourth year students at multiple sites for many years. Last, much has been said about MSU interfering with Wayne State University and becoming an impediment to development in Southeast Michigan. This is simply not the case. MSU operates a very different educational model that will complement but not replace activities already in place in Southeast Michigan.

Dr. William Strampel, Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, said that COM’s goal has been to enhance the student experience, enrich the community and increase research opportunities in different areas of the state of Michigan. The expansion to Southeast Michigan reflects MSU’s core values as a land-grant institution.

Dean Strampel explained that the model is very cost effective for expansion. MSU allows for curricular innovation in this kind of distributed campus. Having multiple campuses is not new to the COM. This model provides an environment for learning in urban and suburban areas. Approximately 90 percent of graduating students take their residencies in Michigan. This is in line with MSU’s values for quality, inclusion and connectivity.

Trustee Ferguson said that this program will be a win-win situation for all involved. He complimented the Trustees for their hard work on the resolution. MSU has found a way to become more involved in Macomb County and to be part of the rejuvenation of Detroit.

President Simon noted that MSU did not solicit institutions. When it became known that MSU was interested in expanding its College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dean Strampel was presented with proposals from many communities that wanted to be considered for the expansion.

Trustee Owen said she was very proud of the COM. Both sites will offer a wonderful learning experience for the students.

Trustee Foster thanked the Detroit Medical Center and Macomb University Center for their hospitality and tours of the facilities.

Trustee Romney said he was delighted with the program. He thanked the group from Macomb County for their presentation to the Board. This is a great opportunity for MSU to provide the primary care physicians that will learn their profession in Southeast Michigan and hopefully stay in Michigan to practice.

Trustee McNamara thanked the Trustees for the time they devoted to this issue.

THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

President Simon said it was a privilege to have the heads of the two partner organizations present at the meeting. Throughout this long process they stayed steadfast in what they wanted for their communities and from the nature of the partnership with MSU. President Simon asked Al Lorenzo, President of Macomb Community College, and Mike Duggan, President of the Detroit Medical Center, to say a few words regarding the resolution.

President Lorenzo thanked the Board. He was pleased the Board put the confidence in the Macomb University Center to deliver the kind of partnership the Trustees are envisioning. With the decision made, the focus can return to addressing the critical physician shortage in Michigan.

Mr. Duggan said the decision was important on many levels. The only D.O. training program in the city of Detroit is at Riverview Hospital, which is closing at the end of May. The city would have been left without a D.O. training presence had MSU not provided the opportunity to rebuild a great program.

8. Audit Committee

Trustee Perles reported that the Committee had reviewed the internal audit plan for 2007-08 and the status of the 2006-07 internal audit plan.

9. Boldness by Design—From Land-Grant to World-Grant

Vice President Gray presented a research report. (Appendix H)

10. Trustee Comments

Trustee Ferguson said the Board worked through the process and came to the right decision for the expansion of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is very proud to be part of Team MSU.

Trustee Nugent commented on the wonderful commencement ceremonies held earlier in the month. He congratulated Trustee Perles for his induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and thanked him and his wife Sally for their generous gift to MSU. It is wonderful to be moving forward with the expansion to Southeast Michigan and getting more doctors trained for the state of Michigan.

Trustee Romney congratulated Trustee Perles on his induction. MSU will be a great contributor to Southeast Michigan through the expansion of the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Trustee McNamara noted that the agenda was very full and it was an enjoyable meeting.

Trustee Perles thanked his colleagues for their kind words.

Trustee Gonzales said that she appreciated the gift from the Perles.

Trustee Foster said that the commitment to students was an important part of the expansion to Southeast Michigan. The Board has received hundreds of e-mails from students at Wayne State University concerned about MSU’s expansion to Southeast Michigan. It is unfortunate that students are fearful of MSU’s action because there is no intention of diminishing their clinical experiences or displacing them. MSU will respect their student experience while enhancing the experience for MSU students.

11. Public Participation on Other Issues

A. April 19 Speech by Chris Simcox

Fred Fico, Professor of Journalism and Advisor to the MSU College Republicans, thanked MSU for its commitment to the protection of the freedom of speech. Mr. Fico complimented the MSU Police Department for keeping order and safety during the event. Mr. Fico commended President Simon for her integrity in allowing speakers on campus and thanked the Board for supporting President Simon.

B. Proposition 2

Mr. Robert Kerr said that he would like the Board to review its policies in regard to Proposition 2. Mr. Kerr noted that the Women’s Study Program and women’s facilities exist on campus. Mr. Kerr stated that men should have a similar program and services. Mr. Kerr proposed that the Board review and possibly change the Women’s Study Program to the Family Study Program to be gender neutral.

12. Request to Adjourn

On a motion by Trustee Ferguson, supported by Trustee Nugent, THE BOARD VOTED to adjourn at 12:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,



Alison E. Barber, Ph.D.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
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