Meeting Minutes, September 15, 2006
BackCreator: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
Subjects: Administration, Board of Trustees, BOT Minute Books
Date: September 15, 2006
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Original Format: Computer file
Resource Identifier: SEPTEMBER 15 2006.pdf
Collection Number: UA 1
Language: English
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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
September 15, 2006
Trustee Finance and Audit Committee and Trustee Policy Committee meetings were held in the Board Room of the Administration Building beginning at 9:40 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 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 9:44 a.m. in the Board Room.
Trustees present: Dolores Cook, Joel I. Ferguson, Melanie Foster, Dorothy V. Gonzales, Colleen M. McNamara, Donald W. Nugent, G. Scott Romney, and David L. Porteous.
University officers present: President Simon, Provost Wilcox, Vice President Poston, Secretary Barber, Vice President and General Counsel Noto, Vice Presidents Denbow, Gray, June, Webster and Webb, Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell, and Acting Executive Director Beekman. Faculty liaisons present: John Dirkx, Linda Lou Smith, Johannes Bauer, Catherine Yansa, and Jim Potchen. Student liaisons present: Rachael Grear, Brad Love, Eric Hinojosa, and Roger Ludy.
All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.
1. On a motion by Trustee Cook, supported by Trustee McNamara, the BOARD VOTED to approve the agenda with the understanding that the resolution on which action was postponed at the July 17 meeting regarding support for employees on investment advice be considered at this meeting.
2. On a motion by Trustee Foster, supported by Trustee McNamara, the BOARD VOTED to approve the minutes of the Board meetings of June 16, 2006 and July 17, 2006.
3. President’s Report
A. Start of School
President Simon said that the University Convocation was one of the highlights of Welcome Week. Jeanette Walls was a featured speaker. A number of community members came to the Convocation for the first time along with many retired faculty members. Convocation is the formal welcome of the freshman class to the University. It includes the outlining of academic expectations. Welcome Week included an interesting blend of move-in activities, academic and college based programs and Spartan Spirit.
B. Community Relations
President Simon noted that the quarterly meetings with East Lansing leadership are producing dividends for MSU. It is very positive that the University has reached out to the community and listened to a number of community concerns. There have been many positive comments regarding the first community-student liaison, Rachelle Woodbury. This will be a good link with the City of East Lansing.
C. MSU Connectivity
President Simon commented that the 21st Century Jobs Fund awards have been announced in the media. All of the proposals submitted by MSU came from ongoing research. The proposals that were funded were highly recommended by a peer review panel made up of experts from around the country.
MSU was involved with approximately $30 million in successful proposals, approximately $13 million indirectly as grant and contract awards, and $17 million through partnerships from around the State.
D. MSU Research Excellence
President Simon noted that MSU research has recently received positive media coverage. Subjects included the bio-economy, ethanol, op-ed pieces by Professor Bruce Dale, Professor Jose Cibelli’s research on the creation of stem cells without the use of fertilized eggs and water quality work by Professor Joan Rose have all been prominently featured in the media. Faculty in almost every part of the University are making significant contributions and having them recognized in the popular press.
E. California Alumni Event
President Simon asked Trustee Cook to comment on their recent trip to California.
Trustee Cook said that it was a privilege to travel with President Simon to California, along with Vice President Webb and Dr. James Forger from the School of Music. The largest group of alumni outside the State of Michigan, the West Coast Council, is found in southern California. Their goal has been to hold a significant event to honor the Sesquicentennial at MSU.
The event that the West Coast Council hosted was a performance by students and faculty from the School of Music in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This was a wonderful showcase of their combined talent. Although land-grant institutions have not always been recognized for cultural and artistic endeavors, MSU not only hit a home run with this performance, it hit the ball out of the park. All who watched the students and faculty felt immense pride and admired their expertise in an environment where the bar is set very high.
President Simon thanked Trustee Cook for her comments. All of the Trustees spend an incredible amount of time on behalf of the University. Trustees Nugent and Foster recently spent time in Washington D.C. attending an investment portfolio workshop. All of this time is greatly appreciated.
F. Hispanic Heritage Month
President Simon noted that September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. This is an opportunity for MSU to celebrate the many contributions of Hispanic Americans and to learn more about culture. The University looks forward to celebrating with the broader international community.
4. There was no Public Participation on Issues Germane to the Agenda.
5. Personnel Actions
Provost Kim Wilcox presented the following personnel actions:
Appointments
Lovejoy, Stephen B., AN-Professor, MSUE Director’s Office; Department of Agricultural Economics, $155,000, with Tenure, effective August 1, 2006.
Li, Guofang, AY-Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education, $72,000, with Tenure, effective August 16, 2006.
DeJoy, Nancy C., AY-Associate Professor, Department of Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures, $75,000, with Tenure, effective August 16, 2006.
Hegg, Eric L., AY-Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Dean’s Office, College of Veterinary Medicine, $88,000, with Tenure, effective August 16, 2006.
Meerschaert, Mark M., AY-Professor, Department of Statistics and Probability, $120,000, with Tenure, effective August 1, 2006.
Trustee Porteous moved to approve the recommendations, with support from Trustee Cook.
Provost Wilcox said that Dr. Lovejoy received his Ph.D. from Utah State University in 1980, has been on the faculty at Purdue since 1995 in the Department of Agricultural Economics and has also served as Associate Director of Purdue’s Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Program in Natural Resources and Environmental Science.
Dr. Li received a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000 and has been on the faculty at the State University of New York at Buffalo as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Learning and Instruction. Dr. Li’s research interests include second language literacy education, family and community literacy and multi-cultural education.
Dr. DeJoy received her Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1993 and has served on the faculty at Nazareth College of Rochester and Milliken University and for the last year an Associate Professor in English at the State University of New York in Binghamton. Dr. DeJoy works in the area of alternative rhetoric critical pedagogy, feminism, service learning and composition.
Dr. Hegg received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1996, was a research fellow at the University of Minnesota for three years and since 1999 has been on the faculty of the University of Utah. Dr. Hegg’s work focuses on the roles of metal ions and various biological processes.
Dr. Meerschaert received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1984 in Mathematical Statistics, has served on the faculty at Albion College and was a Visiting Professor at MSU in 1992 and 1993. Since 2005, he has been the Chair of Applied Mathematics at the University of Otago in New Zealand. Dr. Meerschaert’s current research interests include limit theorems and parameter estimations for infinite variance probability models, continuous time-random walks, derivatives and fractional partial differential equations.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the appointments.
Vice President Poston presented the following personnel actions in Athletics:
Comely, Richard B., AN-Head Coach-Hockey, Intercollegiate Athletics, Subject to Contract, effective July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.
Izzo, Thomas, AN-Head Coach-Basketball, Intercollegiate Athletics, Subject to Contract, effective July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2013.
Mason, Ronald H., AN-Director, Intercollegiate Athletics, Subject to Contract, effective July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008.
Vice President Poston said that Coach Richard Comley has a rolling contract. Extension of his appointment is subject to the approval of the Board each year. The same is true of Coach Izzo.
Ronald Mason, Director of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, has a contract that will end June 30, 2007. The Administration is recommending that the Board extend his appointment to June 30, 2008.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendations, with support from Trustee Porteous.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the appointments.
Provost Wilcox presented the final personnel action:
Rappley, Marsha D., AN-Professor and Acting Dean, College of Human Medicine; Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, for a change in title to Dean and for a change in salary rate to $300,000, effective September 1, 2006.
Provost Wilcox said that Dr. Rappley received an M.D. from MSU in 1984 and has been an Assistant, Associate and full Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at MSU. Dr. Rappley served as Acting Chair of the Department and then as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2002-2005. She has been Acting Dean of the College of Human Medicine for the past year. Dr. Rappley is a national expert in behavioral disorders in children, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She has worked to position MSU for the future through continuing efforts in East Lansing and serving the clinical medical education needs of the State of Michigan. Dr. Rappley has worked to broaden the University’s research profile and been a key person in facilitating the expansion of the medical school to west Michigan.
Trustee Porteous moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Foster.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the appointment.
6. Gifts, Grants, and Contracts
Vice President Gray presented the Gifts, Grants, and Contracts Report for the period May 27, 2006 through August 31, 2006. The total value for this period is $106,463,137.58.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the report, supported by Trustee Gonzales.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the Gifts, Grants, and Contracts Report.
Vice President Gray said that research efforts of MSU continue to improve and continue to receive national recognition. The 21st Century Jobs Fund competition is an example of the determination of the Associate Deans and Deans to get faculty to seek external support. This demonstrates the level of commitment to the research enterprise at MSU.
The growth of research activities at MSU depends on the quality of faculty. It also depends on the quality of infrastructure provided to faculty. MSU has invested heavily in research infrastructure to allow faculty to compete on a level playing field. The Research Excellence Fund program, containing about 10 centers of research excellence, is one such investment. Vice President Gray introduced Dr. Martha Mulks, Professor, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, to discuss one of the centers.
Dr. Mulks thanked Dr. Gray for the opportunity to talk about the research center and present its research program to the Board of Trustees. The Center for Microbial Pathogenesis was formed two years ago as one of the new research excellence fund centers on campus. The Center is a cross-disciplinary, cross-collegiate center with connections to 14 different departments, five colleges and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.
Faculty asked for a research program that built upon the strengths on campus and allowed them to address the ‘big picture’ questions regarding microbial pathogenesis. The center needed to be multi-disciplinary to bring faculty together to do comparative science. Having the Colleges of Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture on campus is a strength. Building upon the internationally prominent Center for Microbial Ecology is another strength.
Four areas of research were chosen: the microbial ecology of infectious diseases, genetic adaptation of pathogens, common virulence of pathogens, and host specificity of microbial pathogens. Dr. Mulks described research agendas for each of these areas.
Vice President Gray thanked Dr. Mulks for the presentation and noted that it is important that scholarly environments are created for faculty and students to interact.
7. Finance and Audit Committee
A. Fund Functioning as an Endowment—
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled the Barbara J. Guthrie/Gale Sanborn Fund for Cancer Research.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled the Dr. Richard I. Jackson—Department of Chemistry Discretionary Fund.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled the Henry-Lane Scholarship Fund.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled the Elsie Rosselit Fund.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendations as a group, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
B. Investment Education/Advice for Participants in Retirement Plans
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the resolution that the Vice President for Finance and Operations (“VPFO”) be authorized to develop (a) enhanced programs of investment education for participants (“Participants”) in the University’s retirement plans under Sections 401(a), 403(b), and 457(b) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (“Plans”); and (b) opportunities for Participants to contract, at cost-effective rates, for independent and unbiased advice regarding the investment of their Plan account balances. It was further recommended that the VPFO, with the assistance of Human Resources, submit periodic reports to the Board regarding the Plans and the investment education program and investment advisory opportunities authorized by the Resolution. Appendix A.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Romney.
Trustee McNamara stated that she felt it was important that the Retirement Investment Advisory Committee described in the Background statement submitted with the resolution (See Appendix A) include at least one member outside of MSU. This individual would sit on the committee for a fixed term and would help ensure that there was an independent view.
Trustee Nugent said that it is a good idea to have a fixed term for individuals any time there are outside representatives involved on committees or subcommittees.
Trustee McNamara asked for a show of support for this recommendation, in the form of an amendment to the Background statement. The amended section of the statement would read as follows:
the establishment of a retirement investment advisory committee which will include at least one outside University member for a fixed term, chaired by the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources to advise the VPFO on Plan investments generally, including the implementation of these new initiatives;
Trustee McNamara moved to approve the amendment, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the amendment.
President Simon noted that since the last Board meeting, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 has been passed by Congress and signed by President Bush. She asked that Vice President Noto inform the Board of any effect that the Pension Protection Act would have on this action.
Vice President Noto said that the Pension Protection Act included a number of amendments to various tax statutes, including ERISA. One of the purposes of the ERISA amendments was to facilitate the offering of investment advice to employees who participate in retirement plans. The amendments created safe harbors under which employers can implement investment advice programs relating to retirement plans with less risk of liability than they would previously have had.
MSU, as a public body, is not subject to ERISA. While designing the proposal for the investment education programs and investment advice opportunities, however, the University consulted outside counsel, who advised using ERISA as a best-practices model for their establishment and administration. According to outside counsel, the initiatives described in the resolution, with modest adjustments, can be made to conform to the safe harbor provisions in the Pension Protection Act. Therefore, Mr. Noto concluded, the Pension Protection Act is relevant to the Board’s action in two ways. First, the safe harbors created by the new law open the door for employers subject to ERISA to move in the same direction the University would go under the resolution. Second, though the new law does not directly affect the risks assumed by the University in moving forward with the proposal because the University is not subject to ERISA, The federal government’s action suggests that the University would be acting reasonably in implementing the new initiatives and modeling them on ERISA.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the amended resolution.
C. Authorization to Plan—Recycling Center
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Recycling Center.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
Vice President Poston said that this project is part of the Environmental Stewardship Initiative from Boldness by Design. A research project was commissioned last year that focused on the current recycling practices on campus. MSU recycles some of the more difficult items to recycle but has traditionally been remiss in recycling the more common items. Fundamental to that process is the establishment of a recycling center.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
D. Authorization to Plan—Mary Mayo Hall—Renovation
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Mary Mayo Hall—Renovation.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, supported by Trustee Porteous.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
E. Authorization to Plan—Brody Hall Renovations
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Brody Hall Renovations.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Porteous.
Chuck Gagliano, Assistant Vice President, Housing and Food Services, said that Brody Hall is in the center of the complex and the infrastructure building for all the services, academic offices, classrooms and administrative offices for the buildings that surround it. Brody Hall cannot be closed while the work is being done.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
F. Authorizations to Plan—
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled IM Sports West—Indoor Pool Maintenance & Repairs.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Natural Science Building—Window Replacement.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Erickson Hall—Exterior Restoration.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendations as a group, with support from Trustee Romney.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
G. Authorization to Proceed—Red Cedar/Wilson Road Intersection Reconstruction
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to proceed with the project entitled Red Cedar/Wilson Road Intersection Reconstruction.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Gonzales.
Trustee McNamara noted that in many areas traffic circles are becoming more popular, while on campus they are being removed.
Vice President Poston said that this project is the product of discussions that emerged from the 2020 Campus Master Plan. The other traffic circles, particularly the one at Bogue and Shaw had a long history of accidents. Rebuilding and redesigning the Bogue, Shaw traffic circle caused a dramatic drop in the accident rate there. But, this particular circle would be extraordinarily difficult to maintain as a circle because of the traffic levels coupled with pedestrian traffic.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
H. Authorization to Proceed—Jenison Fieldhouse—Indoor Pool Maintenance & Repairs
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to proceed with the project entitled Jenison Fieldhouse—Indoor Pool Maintenance & Repairs.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
I. Authorization to Proceed—Clinical Center—Parking Lot 100 Expansion—footprint change
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to proceed with modifications that result in a material change to the campus landscape and footprint for the project entitled Clinical Center—Parking Lot 100 Expansion—footprint change.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
8. Policy Committee
Trustee McNamara presented the Trustee Policy Committee Report and recommendations.
A. Approval of Contract Terms and Conflict of Interest Management Procedures
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of a license agreement with Biophotonic Solutions, Inc., consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting and with the “License and Term Sheet” presented to the Board for inclusion in its minutes. Appendix B.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of an amendment to a license agreement with Healthtreat, Inc., consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting and with the “License Amendment Term Sheet” presented to the Board of Trustees for inclusion in its minutes. Appendix C.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of a license agreement with MetagenX, LLC, consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting and with the “Research Contract and Option Term Sheet” presented to the Board for inclusion in its minutes. Appendix D.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of a license agreement with XG Sciences, Inc., consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting with the “Option Agreement Term Sheet” presented to the Board for inclusion in its minutes. Appendix E.
Trustee McNamara moved to approve the recommendation as a group, with support from Trustee Nugent.
Vice President Noto said that XG Sciences is a renamed company whose previous name was XG-Nano. When notice of the pending license agreement was given at an earlier Board meeting, the name of XG-Nano was used.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
B. Opening of the Academic Year
Provost Wilcox introduced Dr. June Youatt, Senior Associate Provost, to discuss the opening of school this fall.
Dr. Youatt said that it was a very successful opening to the school year. Dave Byelich, Director of Planning and Budgets, discussed initial enrollment numbers for Fall Semester.
Director Byelich said that the enrollment number for last year was 45,166. This year it is anticipated to be around 45,450. MSU demonstrates a strong commitment to serve students from the State of Michigan, as 89 percent of MSU students come from Michigan. Approximately 80 percent are undergraduate students, with the remainder graduate and graduate professional students. The entering class is at approximately 7,250, which is slightly over target.
9. Chairperson’s Report
Trustee Porteous said that one of the most significant responsibilities that any Board has is the hiring and evaluation of the President. Each year, at the retreat, MSU’s Board of Trustees talks with the President and reviews not just the past year, but the past several years and also talks about the future.
Trustee Porteous noted that he had the opportunity to visit with faculty, students, stakeholders in and around the MSU community and a number of senior staff leading up to President Simon’s evaluation this year. The input that he received mirrored the feelings of the Board, that President Simon is doing an exceptional job.
Some goals were set for President Simon early in her Presidency. The first was to develop and implement an effective strategy for strategic positioning using the Sesquicentennial as a platform. Boldness by Design is what came from that goal. Boldness by Design has established and set out a very effective vision for the future at MSU. Land Grant to World Grant is something that is not just being talked about at MSU. Political leaders are talking about it as they look to the future of Michigan.
The second goal was to bring the Capital Campaign to a successful conclusion. MSU has reached one billion dollars and is closing in on the goal of $1.2 billion. MSU is one of only three universities without an academic medical center to have raised one billion dollars in a capital campaign. President Simon has been very successful with her leadership in this area.
The third goal included developing a strong leadership team and a better performing organization. It is very evident when talking with senior staff that President Simon’s strong leadership style is one that is well received and that has allowed staff to achieve more than some of them even thought possible.
The fourth goal was to continue to strengthen the stewardship of MSU’s financial, human and physical assets. Whether it is academic governance, facilities or infrastructure, President Simon in conjunction with Team MSU has done many things that have been important in this area.
The fifth goal involved federal relations. People are looking to President Simon not just for her leadership at MSU for but for the State of Michigan. The ideas and initiatives that many people are speaking of regarding economic development are the same ones that President Simon has been advocating for a long time. President Simon has been very generous in including everyone and engaging people so that they feel as if they are stakeholders in this process.
When the Board named Dr. Simon as President a number of high profile projects needed attention. The expansion in West Michigan as it related to the College of Human Medicine is something that President Simon has been exceedingly effective in moving forward.
President Simon recognized the realities in Washington and funding as it related to a project like the Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA), and looked at different approaches for keeping the Cyclotron world class.
President Simon has been extremely effective in economic development initiatives in mid-Michigan and throughout the State. When considering the bio-economy, it is hard to find any research university in the country better positioned to provide leadership than MSU.
An important task for any president at a major research university is to be the voice for the institution. President Simon has been traveling across the State, the country and out of the country to be an effective voice for MSU.
The last item is the oversight and leadership in intercollegiate athletics. MSU was not created for athletics, but it is part of the institution and it is critically important to have strong leadership from the President of the University as it relates to athletics. Whether it is compliance issues, finance or otherwise, President Simon has tackled the tough issues.
It is important for the MSU community to understand that the standards that President Simon has set for herself and that the Board has set for her have been tough and are able to be measured. The Board has been unanimous in conversations regarding how effective President Simon has been.
Trustee Porteous said that as a result of her superior performance, he is recommending to the Board that the contract between President Simon and MSU be amended to extend it for five years. The contract would end in September 2011, roughly five years from now.
Trustee Porteous moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
President Simon thanked Trustee Porteous for his comments. She stated that it is important that MSU achieve its place in international higher education, the place it deserves because of its faculty, staff and students, and also because of the contributions that MSU alumni have made around the world for a very long time. The accomplishments mentioned by Trustee Porteous are really the accomplishments of Team MSU.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
10. Trustee Comments
Trustee Ferguson said that he wanted to compliment Trustee Porteous on the work he is doing on behalf of the Board. Trustee Porteous has been outstanding as Chairman, one of the most outstanding that the Board has had. He spends many hours driving to MSU to speak at events and he calls Board members to keep everyone involved and communicating. The Board members work hard together and are able to work through issues in a bipartisan way.
Trustee Gonzales said that it has been wonderful working with President Simon and that she has always been a great role model.
Trustee Romney said that he enjoys the relationship among the Board members. The Board members have the best interest of MSU in mind and no other personal agendas with regards to decision-making. It is wonderful that the Board members can discuss issues with each other and respect and trust each other on issues that affect MSU.
Trustee Cook said that campus looks beautiful. The many projects of the summer have ended and the campus was put back together in time for classes to start. The new parking structure looks beautiful. Congratulations to the Board for caring about how that structure would look and fit into campus.
Trustee Cook also congratulated President Simon on a marvelous tenure in her presidency and thanked her for all her contributions to MSU.
Trustee Porteous said that he wanted to be clear that three items were amended in President Simon’s contract. The first amendment extended the term of the contract to September 2011. The second amendment was to have the contract reflect President Simon’s current salary, established by the Board a year ago. The third amendment states that President Simon will endeavor to give the Board 180 days notice instead of 90 days notice if she resigns her position.
Trustee Porteous noted that a Compensation Committee including Trustees Romney, Foster and Ferguson functions as an ad hoc committee for the Board. The committee will evaluate the President’s compensation and report to the Board at a later time.
11. Public Participation on Other Issues
A. Placement of MSU COM in Macomb County
Anthony F. Ognjan, D.O., Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mt. Clemens Regional Medical Center, said that he represents 450 osteopathic physicians in Macomb County. The group feels that the MSU extension of the College of Osteopathic Medicine to metropolitan Detroit area belongs in Macomb County. The extension should be placed in Macomb County because of the unique location. There are five osteopathic hospitals within 15 minutes of this location. No other place in Southeast Michigan has such a concentration.
Dr. Ognjan said that Macomb County has the hospitals to train people and prepare them nicely for the profession. Six thousand physicians will be needed in the State of Michigan by the year 2015. Macomb County can provide the location to meet the needs of MSU.
Dr. Ognjan noted that Macomb County is the smallest county in Michigan but has the third largest population and is the fastest growing county in Michigan. Students can live comfortably and safely in Macomb County.
B. ECO Student Group—Recycling on Campus
Ms. Ashley Miller, student member of ECO, said that there is much work to be done with regard to recycling. One issue that should be highlighted is game day waste. The tennis courts are a major problem, along with tailgating in general. Ms. Miller said that game day fans produce more than 400 cubic yards of waste. Ms. Miller suggested an ad campaign featuring Athletic Director Ron Mason, men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo and football coach John L. Smith to encourage fans to recycle at games.
Ms. Miller said that ECO wants to work with the Board of Trustees to keep students involved and supporting recycling efforts on campus.
C. Clerical Technical Union
Ms. Deb Bittner, President of the Clerical Technical Union (CTU) of MSU, said that the CTU Executive Board passed two resolutions, one in defense of affirmative action and the other in defense of domestic partner recognition. Ms. Bittner said that the CTU has a long supported using affirmative action as a tool with which to fight the inequality of employment opportunities for women and minorities that result from discrimination. Ms. Bittner commented that affirmative action could end in November if the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative is passed by voters.
Ms. Bittner said that the CTU represents all members, including lesbian and gay members. The union has traditionally supported equal benefits and recognition of families of all employees. Ms. Bittner noted that the CTU has worked to educate its membership and the community about the issue and have celebrated the inclusion of domestic partner benefits. Ms. Bittner said that a recent lawsuit against MSU threatens this.
Ms. Bittner said that the CTU believes in its collective bargaining process and will resist limitations being imposed by outsiders who are unaware of the historical development of relations between the administration and staff at MSU. It is now time for the CTU to maintain momentum. Ms. Bittner said that the CTU is urging everyone at MSU to work against these outside threats.
12. Request to Adjourn
On a motion by Trustee Ferguson, supported by Trustee Cook, THE BOARD VOTED to adjourn at 12:35 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
September 15, 2006
Trustee Finance and Audit Committee and Trustee Policy Committee meetings were held in the Board Room of the Administration Building beginning at 9:40 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 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 9:44 a.m. in the Board Room.
Trustees present: Dolores Cook, Joel I. Ferguson, Melanie Foster, Dorothy V. Gonzales, Colleen M. McNamara, Donald W. Nugent, G. Scott Romney, and David L. Porteous.
University officers present: President Simon, Provost Wilcox, Vice President Poston, Secretary Barber, Vice President and General Counsel Noto, Vice Presidents Denbow, Gray, June, Webster and Webb, Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell, and Acting Executive Director Beekman. Faculty liaisons present: John Dirkx, Linda Lou Smith, Johannes Bauer, Catherine Yansa, and Jim Potchen. Student liaisons present: Rachael Grear, Brad Love, Eric Hinojosa, and Roger Ludy.
All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.
1. On a motion by Trustee Cook, supported by Trustee McNamara, the BOARD VOTED to approve the agenda with the understanding that the resolution on which action was postponed at the July 17 meeting regarding support for employees on investment advice be considered at this meeting.
2. On a motion by Trustee Foster, supported by Trustee McNamara, the BOARD VOTED to approve the minutes of the Board meetings of June 16, 2006 and July 17, 2006.
3. President’s Report
A. Start of School
President Simon said that the University Convocation was one of the highlights of Welcome Week. Jeanette Walls was a featured speaker. A number of community members came to the Convocation for the first time along with many retired faculty members. Convocation is the formal welcome of the freshman class to the University. It includes the outlining of academic expectations. Welcome Week included an interesting blend of move-in activities, academic and college based programs and Spartan Spirit.
B. Community Relations
President Simon noted that the quarterly meetings with East Lansing leadership are producing dividends for MSU. It is very positive that the University has reached out to the community and listened to a number of community concerns. There have been many positive comments regarding the first community-student liaison, Rachelle Woodbury. This will be a good link with the City of East Lansing.
C. MSU Connectivity
President Simon commented that the 21st Century Jobs Fund awards have been announced in the media. All of the proposals submitted by MSU came from ongoing research. The proposals that were funded were highly recommended by a peer review panel made up of experts from around the country.
MSU was involved with approximately $30 million in successful proposals, approximately $13 million indirectly as grant and contract awards, and $17 million through partnerships from around the State.
D. MSU Research Excellence
President Simon noted that MSU research has recently received positive media coverage. Subjects included the bio-economy, ethanol, op-ed pieces by Professor Bruce Dale, Professor Jose Cibelli’s research on the creation of stem cells without the use of fertilized eggs and water quality work by Professor Joan Rose have all been prominently featured in the media. Faculty in almost every part of the University are making significant contributions and having them recognized in the popular press.
E. California Alumni Event
President Simon asked Trustee Cook to comment on their recent trip to California.
Trustee Cook said that it was a privilege to travel with President Simon to California, along with Vice President Webb and Dr. James Forger from the School of Music. The largest group of alumni outside the State of Michigan, the West Coast Council, is found in southern California. Their goal has been to hold a significant event to honor the Sesquicentennial at MSU.
The event that the West Coast Council hosted was a performance by students and faculty from the School of Music in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This was a wonderful showcase of their combined talent. Although land-grant institutions have not always been recognized for cultural and artistic endeavors, MSU not only hit a home run with this performance, it hit the ball out of the park. All who watched the students and faculty felt immense pride and admired their expertise in an environment where the bar is set very high.
President Simon thanked Trustee Cook for her comments. All of the Trustees spend an incredible amount of time on behalf of the University. Trustees Nugent and Foster recently spent time in Washington D.C. attending an investment portfolio workshop. All of this time is greatly appreciated.
F. Hispanic Heritage Month
President Simon noted that September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. This is an opportunity for MSU to celebrate the many contributions of Hispanic Americans and to learn more about culture. The University looks forward to celebrating with the broader international community.
4. There was no Public Participation on Issues Germane to the Agenda.
5. Personnel Actions
Provost Kim Wilcox presented the following personnel actions:
Appointments
Lovejoy, Stephen B., AN-Professor, MSUE Director’s Office; Department of Agricultural Economics, $155,000, with Tenure, effective August 1, 2006.
Li, Guofang, AY-Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education, $72,000, with Tenure, effective August 16, 2006.
DeJoy, Nancy C., AY-Associate Professor, Department of Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures, $75,000, with Tenure, effective August 16, 2006.
Hegg, Eric L., AY-Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Dean’s Office, College of Veterinary Medicine, $88,000, with Tenure, effective August 16, 2006.
Meerschaert, Mark M., AY-Professor, Department of Statistics and Probability, $120,000, with Tenure, effective August 1, 2006.
Trustee Porteous moved to approve the recommendations, with support from Trustee Cook.
Provost Wilcox said that Dr. Lovejoy received his Ph.D. from Utah State University in 1980, has been on the faculty at Purdue since 1995 in the Department of Agricultural Economics and has also served as Associate Director of Purdue’s Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Program in Natural Resources and Environmental Science.
Dr. Li received a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000 and has been on the faculty at the State University of New York at Buffalo as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Learning and Instruction. Dr. Li’s research interests include second language literacy education, family and community literacy and multi-cultural education.
Dr. DeJoy received her Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1993 and has served on the faculty at Nazareth College of Rochester and Milliken University and for the last year an Associate Professor in English at the State University of New York in Binghamton. Dr. DeJoy works in the area of alternative rhetoric critical pedagogy, feminism, service learning and composition.
Dr. Hegg received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1996, was a research fellow at the University of Minnesota for three years and since 1999 has been on the faculty of the University of Utah. Dr. Hegg’s work focuses on the roles of metal ions and various biological processes.
Dr. Meerschaert received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1984 in Mathematical Statistics, has served on the faculty at Albion College and was a Visiting Professor at MSU in 1992 and 1993. Since 2005, he has been the Chair of Applied Mathematics at the University of Otago in New Zealand. Dr. Meerschaert’s current research interests include limit theorems and parameter estimations for infinite variance probability models, continuous time-random walks, derivatives and fractional partial differential equations.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the appointments.
Vice President Poston presented the following personnel actions in Athletics:
Comely, Richard B., AN-Head Coach-Hockey, Intercollegiate Athletics, Subject to Contract, effective July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.
Izzo, Thomas, AN-Head Coach-Basketball, Intercollegiate Athletics, Subject to Contract, effective July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2013.
Mason, Ronald H., AN-Director, Intercollegiate Athletics, Subject to Contract, effective July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008.
Vice President Poston said that Coach Richard Comley has a rolling contract. Extension of his appointment is subject to the approval of the Board each year. The same is true of Coach Izzo.
Ronald Mason, Director of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, has a contract that will end June 30, 2007. The Administration is recommending that the Board extend his appointment to June 30, 2008.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendations, with support from Trustee Porteous.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the appointments.
Provost Wilcox presented the final personnel action:
Rappley, Marsha D., AN-Professor and Acting Dean, College of Human Medicine; Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, for a change in title to Dean and for a change in salary rate to $300,000, effective September 1, 2006.
Provost Wilcox said that Dr. Rappley received an M.D. from MSU in 1984 and has been an Assistant, Associate and full Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at MSU. Dr. Rappley served as Acting Chair of the Department and then as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2002-2005. She has been Acting Dean of the College of Human Medicine for the past year. Dr. Rappley is a national expert in behavioral disorders in children, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She has worked to position MSU for the future through continuing efforts in East Lansing and serving the clinical medical education needs of the State of Michigan. Dr. Rappley has worked to broaden the University’s research profile and been a key person in facilitating the expansion of the medical school to west Michigan.
Trustee Porteous moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Foster.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the appointment.
6. Gifts, Grants, and Contracts
Vice President Gray presented the Gifts, Grants, and Contracts Report for the period May 27, 2006 through August 31, 2006. The total value for this period is $106,463,137.58.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the report, supported by Trustee Gonzales.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the Gifts, Grants, and Contracts Report.
Vice President Gray said that research efforts of MSU continue to improve and continue to receive national recognition. The 21st Century Jobs Fund competition is an example of the determination of the Associate Deans and Deans to get faculty to seek external support. This demonstrates the level of commitment to the research enterprise at MSU.
The growth of research activities at MSU depends on the quality of faculty. It also depends on the quality of infrastructure provided to faculty. MSU has invested heavily in research infrastructure to allow faculty to compete on a level playing field. The Research Excellence Fund program, containing about 10 centers of research excellence, is one such investment. Vice President Gray introduced Dr. Martha Mulks, Professor, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, to discuss one of the centers.
Dr. Mulks thanked Dr. Gray for the opportunity to talk about the research center and present its research program to the Board of Trustees. The Center for Microbial Pathogenesis was formed two years ago as one of the new research excellence fund centers on campus. The Center is a cross-disciplinary, cross-collegiate center with connections to 14 different departments, five colleges and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.
Faculty asked for a research program that built upon the strengths on campus and allowed them to address the ‘big picture’ questions regarding microbial pathogenesis. The center needed to be multi-disciplinary to bring faculty together to do comparative science. Having the Colleges of Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture on campus is a strength. Building upon the internationally prominent Center for Microbial Ecology is another strength.
Four areas of research were chosen: the microbial ecology of infectious diseases, genetic adaptation of pathogens, common virulence of pathogens, and host specificity of microbial pathogens. Dr. Mulks described research agendas for each of these areas.
Vice President Gray thanked Dr. Mulks for the presentation and noted that it is important that scholarly environments are created for faculty and students to interact.
7. Finance and Audit Committee
A. Fund Functioning as an Endowment—
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled the Barbara J. Guthrie/Gale Sanborn Fund for Cancer Research.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled the Dr. Richard I. Jackson—Department of Chemistry Discretionary Fund.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled the Henry-Lane Scholarship Fund.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled the Elsie Rosselit Fund.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendations as a group, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
B. Investment Education/Advice for Participants in Retirement Plans
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the resolution that the Vice President for Finance and Operations (“VPFO”) be authorized to develop (a) enhanced programs of investment education for participants (“Participants”) in the University’s retirement plans under Sections 401(a), 403(b), and 457(b) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (“Plans”); and (b) opportunities for Participants to contract, at cost-effective rates, for independent and unbiased advice regarding the investment of their Plan account balances. It was further recommended that the VPFO, with the assistance of Human Resources, submit periodic reports to the Board regarding the Plans and the investment education program and investment advisory opportunities authorized by the Resolution. Appendix A.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Romney.
Trustee McNamara stated that she felt it was important that the Retirement Investment Advisory Committee described in the Background statement submitted with the resolution (See Appendix A) include at least one member outside of MSU. This individual would sit on the committee for a fixed term and would help ensure that there was an independent view.
Trustee Nugent said that it is a good idea to have a fixed term for individuals any time there are outside representatives involved on committees or subcommittees.
Trustee McNamara asked for a show of support for this recommendation, in the form of an amendment to the Background statement. The amended section of the statement would read as follows:
the establishment of a retirement investment advisory committee which will include at least one outside University member for a fixed term, chaired by the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources to advise the VPFO on Plan investments generally, including the implementation of these new initiatives;
Trustee McNamara moved to approve the amendment, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the amendment.
President Simon noted that since the last Board meeting, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 has been passed by Congress and signed by President Bush. She asked that Vice President Noto inform the Board of any effect that the Pension Protection Act would have on this action.
Vice President Noto said that the Pension Protection Act included a number of amendments to various tax statutes, including ERISA. One of the purposes of the ERISA amendments was to facilitate the offering of investment advice to employees who participate in retirement plans. The amendments created safe harbors under which employers can implement investment advice programs relating to retirement plans with less risk of liability than they would previously have had.
MSU, as a public body, is not subject to ERISA. While designing the proposal for the investment education programs and investment advice opportunities, however, the University consulted outside counsel, who advised using ERISA as a best-practices model for their establishment and administration. According to outside counsel, the initiatives described in the resolution, with modest adjustments, can be made to conform to the safe harbor provisions in the Pension Protection Act. Therefore, Mr. Noto concluded, the Pension Protection Act is relevant to the Board’s action in two ways. First, the safe harbors created by the new law open the door for employers subject to ERISA to move in the same direction the University would go under the resolution. Second, though the new law does not directly affect the risks assumed by the University in moving forward with the proposal because the University is not subject to ERISA, The federal government’s action suggests that the University would be acting reasonably in implementing the new initiatives and modeling them on ERISA.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the amended resolution.
C. Authorization to Plan—Recycling Center
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Recycling Center.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
Vice President Poston said that this project is part of the Environmental Stewardship Initiative from Boldness by Design. A research project was commissioned last year that focused on the current recycling practices on campus. MSU recycles some of the more difficult items to recycle but has traditionally been remiss in recycling the more common items. Fundamental to that process is the establishment of a recycling center.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
D. Authorization to Plan—Mary Mayo Hall—Renovation
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Mary Mayo Hall—Renovation.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, supported by Trustee Porteous.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
E. Authorization to Plan—Brody Hall Renovations
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Brody Hall Renovations.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Porteous.
Chuck Gagliano, Assistant Vice President, Housing and Food Services, said that Brody Hall is in the center of the complex and the infrastructure building for all the services, academic offices, classrooms and administrative offices for the buildings that surround it. Brody Hall cannot be closed while the work is being done.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
F. Authorizations to Plan—
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled IM Sports West—Indoor Pool Maintenance & Repairs.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Natural Science Building—Window Replacement.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to plan for the project entitled Erickson Hall—Exterior Restoration.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendations as a group, with support from Trustee Romney.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.
G. Authorization to Proceed—Red Cedar/Wilson Road Intersection Reconstruction
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to proceed with the project entitled Red Cedar/Wilson Road Intersection Reconstruction.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Gonzales.
Trustee McNamara noted that in many areas traffic circles are becoming more popular, while on campus they are being removed.
Vice President Poston said that this project is the product of discussions that emerged from the 2020 Campus Master Plan. The other traffic circles, particularly the one at Bogue and Shaw had a long history of accidents. Rebuilding and redesigning the Bogue, Shaw traffic circle caused a dramatic drop in the accident rate there. But, this particular circle would be extraordinarily difficult to maintain as a circle because of the traffic levels coupled with pedestrian traffic.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
H. Authorization to Proceed—Jenison Fieldhouse—Indoor Pool Maintenance & Repairs
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to proceed with the project entitled Jenison Fieldhouse—Indoor Pool Maintenance & Repairs.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
I. Authorization to Proceed—Clinical Center—Parking Lot 100 Expansion—footprint change
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize the administration to proceed with modifications that result in a material change to the campus landscape and footprint for the project entitled Clinical Center—Parking Lot 100 Expansion—footprint change.
Trustee Nugent moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
8. Policy Committee
Trustee McNamara presented the Trustee Policy Committee Report and recommendations.
A. Approval of Contract Terms and Conflict of Interest Management Procedures
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of a license agreement with Biophotonic Solutions, Inc., consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting and with the “License and Term Sheet” presented to the Board for inclusion in its minutes. Appendix B.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of an amendment to a license agreement with Healthtreat, Inc., consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting and with the “License Amendment Term Sheet” presented to the Board of Trustees for inclusion in its minutes. Appendix C.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of a license agreement with MetagenX, LLC, consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting and with the “Research Contract and Option Term Sheet” presented to the Board for inclusion in its minutes. Appendix D.
It was recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of a license agreement with XG Sciences, Inc., consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting with the “Option Agreement Term Sheet” presented to the Board for inclusion in its minutes. Appendix E.
Trustee McNamara moved to approve the recommendation as a group, with support from Trustee Nugent.
Vice President Noto said that XG Sciences is a renamed company whose previous name was XG-Nano. When notice of the pending license agreement was given at an earlier Board meeting, the name of XG-Nano was used.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
B. Opening of the Academic Year
Provost Wilcox introduced Dr. June Youatt, Senior Associate Provost, to discuss the opening of school this fall.
Dr. Youatt said that it was a very successful opening to the school year. Dave Byelich, Director of Planning and Budgets, discussed initial enrollment numbers for Fall Semester.
Director Byelich said that the enrollment number for last year was 45,166. This year it is anticipated to be around 45,450. MSU demonstrates a strong commitment to serve students from the State of Michigan, as 89 percent of MSU students come from Michigan. Approximately 80 percent are undergraduate students, with the remainder graduate and graduate professional students. The entering class is at approximately 7,250, which is slightly over target.
9. Chairperson’s Report
Trustee Porteous said that one of the most significant responsibilities that any Board has is the hiring and evaluation of the President. Each year, at the retreat, MSU’s Board of Trustees talks with the President and reviews not just the past year, but the past several years and also talks about the future.
Trustee Porteous noted that he had the opportunity to visit with faculty, students, stakeholders in and around the MSU community and a number of senior staff leading up to President Simon’s evaluation this year. The input that he received mirrored the feelings of the Board, that President Simon is doing an exceptional job.
Some goals were set for President Simon early in her Presidency. The first was to develop and implement an effective strategy for strategic positioning using the Sesquicentennial as a platform. Boldness by Design is what came from that goal. Boldness by Design has established and set out a very effective vision for the future at MSU. Land Grant to World Grant is something that is not just being talked about at MSU. Political leaders are talking about it as they look to the future of Michigan.
The second goal was to bring the Capital Campaign to a successful conclusion. MSU has reached one billion dollars and is closing in on the goal of $1.2 billion. MSU is one of only three universities without an academic medical center to have raised one billion dollars in a capital campaign. President Simon has been very successful with her leadership in this area.
The third goal included developing a strong leadership team and a better performing organization. It is very evident when talking with senior staff that President Simon’s strong leadership style is one that is well received and that has allowed staff to achieve more than some of them even thought possible.
The fourth goal was to continue to strengthen the stewardship of MSU’s financial, human and physical assets. Whether it is academic governance, facilities or infrastructure, President Simon in conjunction with Team MSU has done many things that have been important in this area.
The fifth goal involved federal relations. People are looking to President Simon not just for her leadership at MSU for but for the State of Michigan. The ideas and initiatives that many people are speaking of regarding economic development are the same ones that President Simon has been advocating for a long time. President Simon has been very generous in including everyone and engaging people so that they feel as if they are stakeholders in this process.
When the Board named Dr. Simon as President a number of high profile projects needed attention. The expansion in West Michigan as it related to the College of Human Medicine is something that President Simon has been exceedingly effective in moving forward.
President Simon recognized the realities in Washington and funding as it related to a project like the Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA), and looked at different approaches for keeping the Cyclotron world class.
President Simon has been extremely effective in economic development initiatives in mid-Michigan and throughout the State. When considering the bio-economy, it is hard to find any research university in the country better positioned to provide leadership than MSU.
An important task for any president at a major research university is to be the voice for the institution. President Simon has been traveling across the State, the country and out of the country to be an effective voice for MSU.
The last item is the oversight and leadership in intercollegiate athletics. MSU was not created for athletics, but it is part of the institution and it is critically important to have strong leadership from the President of the University as it relates to athletics. Whether it is compliance issues, finance or otherwise, President Simon has tackled the tough issues.
It is important for the MSU community to understand that the standards that President Simon has set for herself and that the Board has set for her have been tough and are able to be measured. The Board has been unanimous in conversations regarding how effective President Simon has been.
Trustee Porteous said that as a result of her superior performance, he is recommending to the Board that the contract between President Simon and MSU be amended to extend it for five years. The contract would end in September 2011, roughly five years from now.
Trustee Porteous moved to approve the recommendation, with support from Trustee Ferguson.
President Simon thanked Trustee Porteous for his comments. She stated that it is important that MSU achieve its place in international higher education, the place it deserves because of its faculty, staff and students, and also because of the contributions that MSU alumni have made around the world for a very long time. The accomplishments mentioned by Trustee Porteous are really the accomplishments of Team MSU.
THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.
10. Trustee Comments
Trustee Ferguson said that he wanted to compliment Trustee Porteous on the work he is doing on behalf of the Board. Trustee Porteous has been outstanding as Chairman, one of the most outstanding that the Board has had. He spends many hours driving to MSU to speak at events and he calls Board members to keep everyone involved and communicating. The Board members work hard together and are able to work through issues in a bipartisan way.
Trustee Gonzales said that it has been wonderful working with President Simon and that she has always been a great role model.
Trustee Romney said that he enjoys the relationship among the Board members. The Board members have the best interest of MSU in mind and no other personal agendas with regards to decision-making. It is wonderful that the Board members can discuss issues with each other and respect and trust each other on issues that affect MSU.
Trustee Cook said that campus looks beautiful. The many projects of the summer have ended and the campus was put back together in time for classes to start. The new parking structure looks beautiful. Congratulations to the Board for caring about how that structure would look and fit into campus.
Trustee Cook also congratulated President Simon on a marvelous tenure in her presidency and thanked her for all her contributions to MSU.
Trustee Porteous said that he wanted to be clear that three items were amended in President Simon’s contract. The first amendment extended the term of the contract to September 2011. The second amendment was to have the contract reflect President Simon’s current salary, established by the Board a year ago. The third amendment states that President Simon will endeavor to give the Board 180 days notice instead of 90 days notice if she resigns her position.
Trustee Porteous noted that a Compensation Committee including Trustees Romney, Foster and Ferguson functions as an ad hoc committee for the Board. The committee will evaluate the President’s compensation and report to the Board at a later time.
11. Public Participation on Other Issues
A. Placement of MSU COM in Macomb County
Anthony F. Ognjan, D.O., Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mt. Clemens Regional Medical Center, said that he represents 450 osteopathic physicians in Macomb County. The group feels that the MSU extension of the College of Osteopathic Medicine to metropolitan Detroit area belongs in Macomb County. The extension should be placed in Macomb County because of the unique location. There are five osteopathic hospitals within 15 minutes of this location. No other place in Southeast Michigan has such a concentration.
Dr. Ognjan said that Macomb County has the hospitals to train people and prepare them nicely for the profession. Six thousand physicians will be needed in the State of Michigan by the year 2015. Macomb County can provide the location to meet the needs of MSU.
Dr. Ognjan noted that Macomb County is the smallest county in Michigan but has the third largest population and is the fastest growing county in Michigan. Students can live comfortably and safely in Macomb County.
B. ECO Student Group—Recycling on Campus
Ms. Ashley Miller, student member of ECO, said that there is much work to be done with regard to recycling. One issue that should be highlighted is game day waste. The tennis courts are a major problem, along with tailgating in general. Ms. Miller said that game day fans produce more than 400 cubic yards of waste. Ms. Miller suggested an ad campaign featuring Athletic Director Ron Mason, men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo and football coach John L. Smith to encourage fans to recycle at games.
Ms. Miller said that ECO wants to work with the Board of Trustees to keep students involved and supporting recycling efforts on campus.
C. Clerical Technical Union
Ms. Deb Bittner, President of the Clerical Technical Union (CTU) of MSU, said that the CTU Executive Board passed two resolutions, one in defense of affirmative action and the other in defense of domestic partner recognition. Ms. Bittner said that the CTU has a long supported using affirmative action as a tool with which to fight the inequality of employment opportunities for women and minorities that result from discrimination. Ms. Bittner commented that affirmative action could end in November if the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative is passed by voters.
Ms. Bittner said that the CTU represents all members, including lesbian and gay members. The union has traditionally supported equal benefits and recognition of families of all employees. Ms. Bittner noted that the CTU has worked to educate its membership and the community about the issue and have celebrated the inclusion of domestic partner benefits. Ms. Bittner said that a recent lawsuit against MSU threatens this.
Ms. Bittner said that the CTU believes in its collective bargaining process and will resist limitations being imposed by outsiders who are unaware of the historical development of relations between the administration and staff at MSU. It is now time for the CTU to maintain momentum. Ms. Bittner said that the CTU is urging everyone at MSU to work against these outside threats.
12. Request to Adjourn
On a motion by Trustee Ferguson, supported by Trustee Cook, THE BOARD VOTED to adjourn at 12:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alison E. Barber, Ph.D.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
