Meeting Minutes, November 10, 2006
BackCreator: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
Subjects: Administration, Board of Trustees, BOT Minute Books
Date: November 10, 2006
Format: Text/pdf
Original Format: Computer file
Resource Identifier: NOVEMBER 10 2006.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
November 10, 2006
Trustee Finance and Audit Committee and Trustee Policy Committee meetings were held in the Board Room of the Administration Building beginning at 11:38 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2006. Minutes of the meetings are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
President Simon called the meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 11:40 a.m. in the Board Room.
Trustees present: Dolores Cook, Joel I. Ferguson, Melanie Foster, Dorothy V. Gonzales, Colleen M. McNamara, Donald W. Nugent, and David L. Porteous.
Trustees absent: G. Scott Romney
University officers present: President Simon, Provost Wilcox, Vice President Poston, Secretary Barber, Vice Presidents Denbow, Gray, June, and Webb, Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell, and Acting Executive Director Beekman. Faculty liaisons present: Catherine Ernst, Kathleen Payne and Jim Potchen. Student liaisons present: Rachael Grear, Brad Love, and Eric Hinojosa.
All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.
1. On a motion by Trustee Porteous, supported by Trustee Nugent, the BOARD VOTED to approve the agenda.
2. President Simon noted that the approval of the minutes of the October 20, 2006 Board meeting is to take place at the December 8, 2006 Board meeting.
3. President’s Report
A. Post Election Observations
President Simon said that we live in a world that requires greater understanding and a greater sense of our connections as human beings and as cultures. This is a time when the people of Michigan have spoken on a variety of different ballot initiatives. President Simon noted that her personal stance throughout the election process and in the meetings with students at the beginning of the school year was relatively simple, to vote no and to vote in a way that reinforced the collective value of inclusion as a University community.
Inclusion is a difficult topic because it is not a word that is often used but it was a key word in the Value Statement for the institution. Its use was designed to move the discussion to a new level so that continued progress could be made within the community. We must recognize that the macro as well as micro inequities in our society must be addressed.
When one thinks about land-grant accessibility, one thinks about not simply being at MSU, but being successful at MSU. One also thinks about an institution that has done everything it could do over a long period of time to meet its commitments. Many questions have emerged in the post-election environment. There is a lot to be sorted out. That sorting must be done with the context of MSU values. It is recognized that MSU will need to find a way in which it can be the model for inclusion, as is our desire to move from land-grant to world-grant.
President Simon said that while many individuals may have wished for a different outcome on Tuesday, MSU will work within the law but will also work to interpret the law in a way that promotes MSU’s values.
B. Grand Rapids Update
President Simon said that a property acquisition in Grand Rapids is on the Finance Committee agenda as an action item. But, an update report on the College of Human Medicine’s expansion to Grand Rapids will provide context. She introduced Marsha Rappley, Dean of the College of Human Medicine, who presented a brief overview of the project in west Michigan.
Dean Rappley described key features included in the Proof of Concept endorsed by the MSU Board of Trustees and the stakeholders group in November 2005. They involved a long-term commitment from community stakeholders contributing eight to nine million dollars annually to the CHM to develop and operate a West Michigan medical school.
Dean Rappley reported on the community support for MSU fund raising efforts for facilities in Grand Rapids. It is expected that a building will be constructed and occupied by 2010. The Dean’s office and headquarters of the College of Human Medicine will be located in Grand Rapids. The West Michigan Medical School will have a faculty of over 50 new researchers and 400 students by 2014.
Dean Rappley reported that since the April 2006 Board of Trustees authorization of project implementation, contracts have been finalized with Spectrum Health, Van Andel Research Institute and St. Mary’s Health Care. After working closely with the President of Grand Valley State University, MSU will soon execute a memorandum of understanding with GVSU about the areas in which they might work together. Consistent with the 2005 Proof of Concept and stakeholder report shared with the Board, CHM remains committed to using funds generated in West Michigan only for the West Michigan Medical School. CHM thus is developing a new, separate faculty practice plan for the West Michigan Medical School faculty, as a part of the project implementation.
Dean Rappley noted that as the CHM expands to West Michigan, some have questioned whether CHM’s historic commitment to diversity will be sacrificed. The decision has been made to strengthen the wording in the mission statement regarding diversity, not only to acknowledge its importance, but to promote it actively through the student body, faculty and research. At a time when MSU is challenged, the challenge will be met.
President Simon observed that the CHM decision reflects the spirit of discussion that has taken place across campus since Tuesday. These are the kinds of basic, day-to-day discussions that promote diversity on campus.
4. There was no Public Participation on Issues Germane to the Agenda.
5. Finance and Audit Committee
A. Purchase of Grand Rapids Property
It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that the University purchase approximately 1.5 acres in the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan for $4,287,500, upon such terms and conditions as may be acceptable to the Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Cook.
Trustee Foster said that the Board looked at various pieces of property and saw the significance of the Michigan Avenue location.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
B. Budget Increase, Inclusion of Bid Alternates—Chemistry—Alterations to Various Rooms and Laboratories
It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that the project budget be increased from $1,600,000 to $2,040,000 for the project entitled Chemistry—Alterations to Various Rooms and Laboratories to include the bid alternates.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Foster.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
C. Project Approval—Authorization to Proceed—Footprint Change—Physical Plant Storage Building No. 209—Addition
It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it authorize the administration to proceed with modifications that will result in a material change to the campus footprint for the project entitled Physical Plant Storage Building No. 209—Addition.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Cook.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
6. Trustee Comments
Trustee Ferguson noted that it was an interesting election. The passing of Proposal 2 was a huge disappointment. MSU, while not having huge rallies or meetings, still has the same commitment as those that held large rallies. MSU will work extremely hard to make certain that the impact of this proposal does not adversely affect the students.
Trustee Ferguson continued to say that while there may not be a huge number of people standing behind the Board while it works, work will be done. President Simon is committed and able. MSU, under her leadership, is going to be working very hard to minimize the impact of the election.
Trustee Gonzales said that she echoed Trustee Ferguson’s comments.
Trustee Nugent said that he was sure there would be more discussion at the next meeting regarding Trustee Porteous and Cook. Both have given a tremendous amount of time, effort and resources for the betterment of MSU over many years. He regrets that they were not successful in being re-elected to the Board. They will both be missed deeply.
Trustee Nugent commented that Saturday, November 11 is Autumn Fest. He encouraged everyone to visit the Pavilion for the event.
7. Public Participation on Other Issues
A. Proposal 2
Claudia Gonzales, MSU student, said that she was upset with the reaction from President Simon and the University regarding the passing of Proposal 2. The University of Michigan President, Mary Sue Coleman, has publicly denounced the approval of Proposal 2 and has stated that the University of Michigan will do everything possible, including filing lawsuits, to oppose the amendment to the constitution. Ms. Gonzales said that it is upsetting that President Simon has not done the same. She feels that President Simon needs to publicly defend the rights of women and people of color.
Male student #1 said that the students have a plan of action to defend their rights. He asked that the Board stop patronizing and taking students for granted and listen to the voice of the students. He stated that it is a critical juncture in Michigan history right now. The citizens in Michigan have voted in favor of banning affirmative action. This is an issue that educators need to confront. Male student #1 asked for reassurance that the President would be with the students in this struggle.
Male student #2 said that he questioned President Simon’s integrity and urged her to stand firm for what she believes in. He asserted that students have a right to understand what is going on and what actions will be taken in defense of the passing of Proposal 2. He stated that students should be the number one priority at MSU.
Female Student #2 said that the post-election remarks given by President Simon were inadequate. She said that the students deserve to have a comment from the President and to know that she is behind the students.
Cyrus McNeal, MSU student, said that the group of students are concerned, confused and fearful of what will happen in the coming months and years. He said that the students want to work with the President and the Board in efforts to overturn the amendment or somehow soften the damage it can do.
Male Student #3 said that the students at the meeting are very passionate about the issue. He urged the students present to look to the President and the Board as advocates. The President and the Trustees are the people that will help students now and in the future. He pointed out that all the students were gathered for one reason only, the benefit of all students at MSU. He suggested that this is not a racial issue but an “us” issue and urged his fellow students to be passionate and to voice their opinions but to be respectful at the same time.
8. Request to Adjourn
On a motion by Trustee Ferguson, supported by Trustee Cook, THE BOARD VOTED to adjourn at 12:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alison E. Barber, Ph.D.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Request a ReproductionMINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
November 10, 2006
Trustee Finance and Audit Committee and Trustee Policy Committee meetings were held in the Board Room of the Administration Building beginning at 11:38 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2006. Minutes of the meetings are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
President Simon called the meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 11:40 a.m. in the Board Room.
Trustees present: Dolores Cook, Joel I. Ferguson, Melanie Foster, Dorothy V. Gonzales, Colleen M. McNamara, Donald W. Nugent, and David L. Porteous.
Trustees absent: G. Scott Romney
University officers present: President Simon, Provost Wilcox, Vice President Poston, Secretary Barber, Vice Presidents Denbow, Gray, June, and Webb, Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell, and Acting Executive Director Beekman. Faculty liaisons present: Catherine Ernst, Kathleen Payne and Jim Potchen. Student liaisons present: Rachael Grear, Brad Love, and Eric Hinojosa.
All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.
1. On a motion by Trustee Porteous, supported by Trustee Nugent, the BOARD VOTED to approve the agenda.
2. President Simon noted that the approval of the minutes of the October 20, 2006 Board meeting is to take place at the December 8, 2006 Board meeting.
3. President’s Report
A. Post Election Observations
President Simon said that we live in a world that requires greater understanding and a greater sense of our connections as human beings and as cultures. This is a time when the people of Michigan have spoken on a variety of different ballot initiatives. President Simon noted that her personal stance throughout the election process and in the meetings with students at the beginning of the school year was relatively simple, to vote no and to vote in a way that reinforced the collective value of inclusion as a University community.
Inclusion is a difficult topic because it is not a word that is often used but it was a key word in the Value Statement for the institution. Its use was designed to move the discussion to a new level so that continued progress could be made within the community. We must recognize that the macro as well as micro inequities in our society must be addressed.
When one thinks about land-grant accessibility, one thinks about not simply being at MSU, but being successful at MSU. One also thinks about an institution that has done everything it could do over a long period of time to meet its commitments. Many questions have emerged in the post-election environment. There is a lot to be sorted out. That sorting must be done with the context of MSU values. It is recognized that MSU will need to find a way in which it can be the model for inclusion, as is our desire to move from land-grant to world-grant.
President Simon said that while many individuals may have wished for a different outcome on Tuesday, MSU will work within the law but will also work to interpret the law in a way that promotes MSU’s values.
B. Grand Rapids Update
President Simon said that a property acquisition in Grand Rapids is on the Finance Committee agenda as an action item. But, an update report on the College of Human Medicine’s expansion to Grand Rapids will provide context. She introduced Marsha Rappley, Dean of the College of Human Medicine, who presented a brief overview of the project in west Michigan.
Dean Rappley described key features included in the Proof of Concept endorsed by the MSU Board of Trustees and the stakeholders group in November 2005. They involved a long-term commitment from community stakeholders contributing eight to nine million dollars annually to the CHM to develop and operate a West Michigan medical school.
Dean Rappley reported on the community support for MSU fund raising efforts for facilities in Grand Rapids. It is expected that a building will be constructed and occupied by 2010. The Dean’s office and headquarters of the College of Human Medicine will be located in Grand Rapids. The West Michigan Medical School will have a faculty of over 50 new researchers and 400 students by 2014.
Dean Rappley reported that since the April 2006 Board of Trustees authorization of project implementation, contracts have been finalized with Spectrum Health, Van Andel Research Institute and St. Mary’s Health Care. After working closely with the President of Grand Valley State University, MSU will soon execute a memorandum of understanding with GVSU about the areas in which they might work together. Consistent with the 2005 Proof of Concept and stakeholder report shared with the Board, CHM remains committed to using funds generated in West Michigan only for the West Michigan Medical School. CHM thus is developing a new, separate faculty practice plan for the West Michigan Medical School faculty, as a part of the project implementation.
Dean Rappley noted that as the CHM expands to West Michigan, some have questioned whether CHM’s historic commitment to diversity will be sacrificed. The decision has been made to strengthen the wording in the mission statement regarding diversity, not only to acknowledge its importance, but to promote it actively through the student body, faculty and research. At a time when MSU is challenged, the challenge will be met.
President Simon observed that the CHM decision reflects the spirit of discussion that has taken place across campus since Tuesday. These are the kinds of basic, day-to-day discussions that promote diversity on campus.
4. There was no Public Participation on Issues Germane to the Agenda.
5. Finance and Audit Committee
A. Purchase of Grand Rapids Property
It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that the University purchase approximately 1.5 acres in the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan for $4,287,500, upon such terms and conditions as may be acceptable to the Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Cook.
Trustee Foster said that the Board looked at various pieces of property and saw the significance of the Michigan Avenue location.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
B. Budget Increase, Inclusion of Bid Alternates—Chemistry—Alterations to Various Rooms and Laboratories
It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that the project budget be increased from $1,600,000 to $2,040,000 for the project entitled Chemistry—Alterations to Various Rooms and Laboratories to include the bid alternates.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Foster.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
C. Project Approval—Authorization to Proceed—Footprint Change—Physical Plant Storage Building No. 209—Addition
It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it authorize the administration to proceed with modifications that will result in a material change to the campus footprint for the project entitled Physical Plant Storage Building No. 209—Addition.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Cook.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
6. Trustee Comments
Trustee Ferguson noted that it was an interesting election. The passing of Proposal 2 was a huge disappointment. MSU, while not having huge rallies or meetings, still has the same commitment as those that held large rallies. MSU will work extremely hard to make certain that the impact of this proposal does not adversely affect the students.
Trustee Ferguson continued to say that while there may not be a huge number of people standing behind the Board while it works, work will be done. President Simon is committed and able. MSU, under her leadership, is going to be working very hard to minimize the impact of the election.
Trustee Gonzales said that she echoed Trustee Ferguson’s comments.
Trustee Nugent said that he was sure there would be more discussion at the next meeting regarding Trustee Porteous and Cook. Both have given a tremendous amount of time, effort and resources for the betterment of MSU over many years. He regrets that they were not successful in being re-elected to the Board. They will both be missed deeply.
Trustee Nugent commented that Saturday, November 11 is Autumn Fest. He encouraged everyone to visit the Pavilion for the event.
7. Public Participation on Other Issues
A. Proposal 2
Claudia Gonzales, MSU student, said that she was upset with the reaction from President Simon and the University regarding the passing of Proposal 2. The University of Michigan President, Mary Sue Coleman, has publicly denounced the approval of Proposal 2 and has stated that the University of Michigan will do everything possible, including filing lawsuits, to oppose the amendment to the constitution. Ms. Gonzales said that it is upsetting that President Simon has not done the same. She feels that President Simon needs to publicly defend the rights of women and people of color.
Male student #1 said that the students have a plan of action to defend their rights. He asked that the Board stop patronizing and taking students for granted and listen to the voice of the students. He stated that it is a critical juncture in Michigan history right now. The citizens in Michigan have voted in favor of banning affirmative action. This is an issue that educators need to confront. Male student #1 asked for reassurance that the President would be with the students in this struggle.
Male student #2 said that he questioned President Simon’s integrity and urged her to stand firm for what she believes in. He asserted that students have a right to understand what is going on and what actions will be taken in defense of the passing of Proposal 2. He stated that students should be the number one priority at MSU.
Female Student #2 said that the post-election remarks given by President Simon were inadequate. She said that the students deserve to have a comment from the President and to know that she is behind the students.
Cyrus McNeal, MSU student, said that the group of students are concerned, confused and fearful of what will happen in the coming months and years. He said that the students want to work with the President and the Board in efforts to overturn the amendment or somehow soften the damage it can do.
Male Student #3 said that the students at the meeting are very passionate about the issue. He urged the students present to look to the President and the Board as advocates. The President and the Trustees are the people that will help students now and in the future. He pointed out that all the students were gathered for one reason only, the benefit of all students at MSU. He suggested that this is not a racial issue but an “us” issue and urged his fellow students to be passionate and to voice their opinions but to be respectful at the same time.
8. Request to Adjourn
On a motion by Trustee Ferguson, supported by Trustee Cook, THE BOARD VOTED to adjourn at 12:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alison E. Barber, Ph.D.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
