Minutes

Board of Governors

April 3, 2007

1:30 – The Concord Room

201A Marsh Hall

Concord University

 

 

Members present:  Deborah Akers; Jesse Call, student representative; Joe Long, Vice Chair; Darrin Martin, faculty representative; Wayne Meisel, Ted Rogers, Chair; Margaret Sayre, Secretary

 

Members absent:  Lane Bailey; James Brown; Eugene Fife; Amy Pitzer, classified staff representative

 

Others present:  Jerry Beasley, President; Sharon Manzo, recorder; Loretta Young; Hugh Campbell; Greg Quick; Rick Dillon; Dean Turner; Joe Allen; John David Smith; Travis Prince; Bill O’Brien; Anita Moody; Michael Curry; Sean Noland; Jessica Cook; Jim Cannon; Edmund Amoye; Angelina Amoye

 

Call to Order:  A quorum being present, Chairman Rogers called the meeting to order.

 

Approval of the Minutes of the February 27, 2007 meeting:  Mr. Long moved the approval, Dr. Martin seconded, motion passed.

 

Committee Reports:

 

Academic Affairs:  Mrs. Sayre reported that the committee discussed and unanimously recommended continuation of the following programs:  biology, chemistry, computer information systems, and mathematics.

 

External Affairs:  Mr. Meisel reported good news and challenging news in terms of admissions and financial aid.  Applications are up, especially on-line applications.  The Banner system computer software upgrade presented problems for the two offices.  The committee discussed strategies to enhance enrollment in Beckley, including better advising and an increase in course offerings.  More money is needed to fund University Point, but a September or October start date is projected.   Total gifts to date are approximately $1.7 million lower than last year at the same time,  the result of a larger bequest received last year.

 

Finance and Facilities (attachment 01a):  Mr. Cannon said the committee discussed a proposed tuition and fee increase for FY ’07-08, the Rahall Center, and revised drawings from IKM, the University Point architects.  He distributed a document entitled Concord University Anticipated Changes in Operating Budget Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2007 (attachment 01b).  HEPC capped increases at 9.5 percent, and fee increases cannot exceed 7.5 percent over a four-year average.  An early poll of institutions by HEPC indicated proposed increases ranging from 5 percent to 9.5 percent.  Both SGA and Board of Governors had previously asked for no or as low as possible increase.  He said the committee recommends a 5 percent increase, which is the inflation higher education indicator at the national level.  The 5 percent would keep the institution even with cost increases, and this is as close to a no increase as we can come.  A 3.5 percent increase is being recommended for room and board.  Jessica Cook, SGA board member, distributed a document entitled Concord University Alternative Student Proposal Tuition and Fee Rates for Fiscal Year 2008 (attachment 01c).  Mr. Call stated students are opposed to the 5 percent increase mainly because they have not seen improvements that should coincide with previous increases.  They are not looking for a 0 increase, and they are willing to pay if they get something for it.  Students support a bond issue as the best choice rather than charging them.  Students support the 5 percent faculty/staff pay increase, but they believe this could be covered by the $557,000 increase in Concord’s base this year.  Mr. Cannon presented several visible improvements made due to last year’s increases.  Mr. Call countered stating other funds paid for many of the improvements.  He referred to a resolution relative to the tuition/fee increase, which SGA had passed and he had  previously e-mailed to board members  He said students believe a 2.5 percent board increase and a 2 percent housing increase would be reasonable.

 Mr. Cannon asked Sean Noland to explain the on-line progression sheet, an improvement now possible as a result of the Banner upgrade.

 

Student Affairs:  Mr. Long reported the committee discussed housing and room reservations to date.  It appears all available space will be utilized this fall.  He mentioned Concord’s athletes’ graduation percentage rate is higher than the conference rate, national rate and Concord non-athletes.   The committee discussed needed improvements to the residence halls, improvements to Carter Hall, increases in student fees, an upgrade to the exercise facility, and alcohol use and abuse.

 

Administrative Reports:

 

            Academic Affairs (attachment 02a) – Dr. Turner announced Commencement exercises will be May 19.  As requested at the February 27, 2007, meeting, he distributed a report on Beckley Center Statistics (attachment 02b).  He said it is incomplete at present due to the Banner upgrade, and a complete report will be distributed as soon as possible.  He addressed the question raised at the February meeting regarding the accuracy of the external funding figure on the Compact report and stated the $1,128,147 is correct

 

Admissions and Financial Aid (attachment 03) – Mr. Curry gave an update to numbers that appeared in his written report:  as of 3/30/07 applications are up by 12, acceptances are up by 126 and on-line applications are 997 as compared to 900 last year’s total.  Efforts to recruit international students are increasing.  The Admissions Office is adopting a “recruit the family philosophy.”  A nine-month admissions counselor position is currently being advertised; the individual will focus on recruiting in the Beckley area.

 

            Beckley Center (attachment 04) – Dr. O’Brien reported that at the conclusion of registration this month we will engage in a serious advertising campaign regarding the new Beckley facility.  The future in Beckley will be students who plan to take their entire program at the Beckley Center, and we must increase our course offerings.  Utilizing the National Guard, we can deliver courses nation wide from the wood product facility near Spanishburg.

 

            Development Office – Ms. Young distributed a financial report as of 3/3/07 (attachment 05).  We are up in the number of donors as compared to last year, but down in gift income.  Our focus now must be on funding University Point; approximately $1,000,000 is needed for completion.

 

            Student Affairs (attachment 06) – Dr. Smith said the number of room reservations for returning students now stands at 59 grater than last year at this time.  The university has received an HEPC grant in the amount of $15,000 to recruit international students.  With the renewal of our contract with the Athens Medical Center, the hours will be expanded.  Sean Noland stated the SGA is focusing on enhancing community service activities by groups.  He introduced Travis Prince, who will be the student representative to the Board of Governors next year, and he said the SGA is working hard to give Beckley students better representation.

 

            Action Item (attachment 07a, 07b, 07c):

                       

            Resolved, That the Concord University Board of Governors adopt the proposed tuition and fees schedule for FY 2008. (5 per cent tuition and fees, 3.5 per cent room and board). 

           

            Dr. Akers moved the adoption, Ms. Sayre seconded.  Discussion followed.  Sean Noland stated students need to see improvements made as a result of tuition and fee increases, and suggested increases be tied to measurable objectives and goals.  Mr. Long raised concerns that we are adopting an annual pattern and practice of fee increases.  He also said he is concerned that we are pricing ourselves out of the market and taking the easy way out by asking students to pay more.  Dr. Beasley stated he made the increase recommendations based on his judgment that what determines the nature of an institution is the nature of its faculty.  It is essential to keep our capable, energetic, and visionary faculty at Concord, and they need to be fairly compensated and they must have the best tools possible.  This increase is not an easy way out.  (The easy way out was taken several years ago when the state cut our funding and some individuals were asked to do more.)  We need a results-oriented approach to what we are doing.  We must ask for specific results based on the increases we are requesting.  When we raise tuition, a great deal of pressure is put on the administration to raise more scholarship dollars that allow students to enroll.  Every additional dollar raised through tuition increase or support from the state will be invested wisely.  A substantial number of students would work on campus given the opportunity, and this work would increase their ability to stay at Concord.  Part of the additional investment will be to target aid for students who need more help and expand our reach by providing more student jobs.  A 5 percent increase will probably be among the lowest of the increases in West Virginia public institutions.  We need to work with our students to maximize outside aid.  Many financial aid programs are increasing this year - Pell, WVHEG, PROMISE, and Stafford Loan.  Federal tax credit programs are also beneficial to parents of students. Quality attracts quality and if we can keep our quality faculty, we will attract quality students.  The kind of preparation students are getting is first rate, and they need to pay for it.  Mr. Call said it is apparent students are paying for things twice, once with tuition and fees and again with SGA funds.  He also said he believes that the hard work the students have done in getting increases in Pell grants and other funds is being used against them.  He stated there is no way he can justify the proposed increase to students based on the day’s discussion.  Mr. Meisel said over the past five years the board has approved a 44.5 per cent increase, and referred again to the board’s discussion and intent a year ago to propose a zero or minimal increase.  Perhaps the board may be more accountable next year and strive for a zero or lowest possible increase.  Mrs. Sayre said she reluctantly supports the 5 percent increase but she sees it necessary to support Concord.  Mr. Meisel suggested priorities be set for the use of the increase.  Dr. Martin said last year the board did not set a course toward zero or minimal increases and asked if this could be done this year and if Dr. Beasley would appoint someone to monitor these efforts.  Mr. Rogers supported this idea.  Mr. Rogers called the question, four in favor, two opposed, motion passed.

            Mr. Call moved that scholarships to need-based students be increased by a minimum of 5 percent.  Mr. Long seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

President’s Report  (attachment 08)

 

            Dr. Beasley said he is recommending to the Board a 5 percent raise to be put through the faculty salary plan and the classified pay scale.  Promotions and equity adjustments would be outside this amount.  In addition, our full professors will have weight added in the pay plan.  We also want to improve minimum wage for student workers and others on campus.  We need to work on a long-range salary range to bring faculty and staff up to peer institutions, and we need to give specificity to our institution objective to provide competitive salaries at Concord.  

            Redoubling our efforts to raise scholarship funds is a priority. 

            He invited Board members to view sketches and the model for University Point.      He said he and Ms. Young are working with an alumnus who attended Concord for one year who wants to establish a half-million dollar trust. 

            The Strategic Planning Committee has been meeting and focusing on a number of items, primarily our students and what is happening to them.  He invited Board members to attend budget meetings, tentatively scheduled for April 25 and 27.  These will be one-hour budget hearings with each cabinet member.  In these meetings, we will discuss the kind of issues and the specificity and results that we expect.  

            He concluded by saying there was a personnel item which required executive session.  Pursuant to WV code §6-9A-4 Mr. Meisel moved to adjourn to executive session, Mr. Long seconded, motion passed.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

    R. T. Ted Rogers, Chair       

 

 

 

 

Margaret Sayre, Secretary

                                               

 

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Attachment 01a

 

 

Concord University

 

Finance and Facilities Administrative Report

26 March 2007

 

           

 

Business & Finance With the end of the legislative session, state appropriations have firmed up and the budget development process for FY 08 is underway including fee increase considerations and pay raise options. Preparation for the North Central evaluation and strategic planning are in full swing. The strategic focus is on options to reverse the enrollment and revenue declines especially in the Beckley market.

 

            Physical Plant The Rahall Technology Center is on schedule for substantial completion in May. Shipment dates for some of the finish materials could affect timing otherwise the mid May dates should be good. Additional funding is still needed to fully furnish and equip the facility once the building is completed. The road behind Wilson Hall is being moved to provide an ADA walkway from Towers dorms to mid campus. Grading and site preparation work continue on the College Courts parking lot. Part of the lot has been graveled for use this year; we hope to have funds to pave the lot this summer.  Engineered specifications for Sprinkler Systems for North/South Towers are nearly complete. IKM has submitted their revised drawings for the Chapel/Alumni Center. Trane corp. is conducting the investment grade audit for possible Performance Contracting.

 

            Computer Center The upgrade of Banner to SVR 7.3 has been the most difficult in recent memory. The computer center staff has worked long and hard to get the conversion completed and they are now updating the 200 custom programs that many departments depend on. Priority has gone to the Registrar and Financial Aid.

 

           

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Concord University

Campus Development Plan

(Under Revision)

 
Concord University

Campus Development Plan

Table of Contents

 

 

I.              Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Page 2

 

II.           Planning Assumptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     Page 2

 

III.         Property Acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     Page 3

 

IV.         New Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Page 3

 

V.           Renovations, Additions or Demolition . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

 

VI.         Site Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4

 

VII.      Telecommunications, Utilities and Infrastructure. . Page 4

 

VIII.    General Deferred Maintenance and Compliance. . .         Page 6

 

IX.         Hazardous Materials Identification and

         Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Page 7

 

X.      Occupational Health Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . .       Page 7

 

         XI.     Facility Priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Page 8

         Campus Aerial Topographic Map

I.  Introduction

             

            The FY 2006 Campus Development Plan provides a current five-year plan for planning, financing, acquisition, construction and renovation of capital facilities and equipment. The plan also addresses demolition of existing facilities and acquisition or disposal of real property.

 The Concord University Campus Development Plan supports the University mission, the Institutional Compact and the Facility Master Plan as approved by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. The Concord University Campus Development Plan also supports the statewide higher education mission and complies with associated policies.

 

II. Planning Assumptions

 

The Concord University Campus Development Plan is based upon the following major planning assumptions over the plan period:

1.     Average campus enrollment of 2,800 to 3,000 FTE.

2.     Students living on campus of 850 to 1,100 headcount.

3.     The proportion of students driving automobiles to continue increasing.

4.     Conversion to an equitable policy of WV Higher Education system debt payment by FY 2003.

5.     Increasing use of distance education options.

6.     Graduate coursework offerings in up to 3 fields of study.

7.     Academic program offerings similar to existing fields of study.

8.     Continuation of existing housing and required dining plan policies.

9.     Fee increases adequate to support operations and facilities.

10.  Annual Inflation and Construction Cost Index increases averaging 5%.

11.  State appropriation increases adequate to offset inflation.

12.  Construction of a multi-institutional instructional facility in Beckley WV.

13.  Continuation of the policy to maximize use and efficiency of existing facilities in lieu of additional construction or acquisition.

14.  No significant change in compliance requirements (ADA, OSHA, etc) that would create significant additional unfunded mandates.

 

 

III. Property Acquisition

 

The following property acquisition requirements have been identified, although specific sites are not currently available.

           

1.     Soccer Field Complex. Concord University has successfully developed a women’s NCAA soccer team as part of the athletic program. Soccer games and practice are taking place on the baseball field.  A regulation soccer field will require acquisition and development of potentially level property in proximity to the Athens campus. Property donation and external funding will be sought for this project.

 

2.     Plans for development of a limited number of upgraded campus housing units will be considered. The University may purchase lots nearby or contiguous to the campus if they become available at reasonable prices.

 

IV. New Facilities

 

1.     It is anticipated that a multi-institutional instructional facility will be built in       the Beckley area of West Virginia.  The project is in the construction phase and is expected to be open for classes by the fall of 2007.

 

2.     An inter-faith chapel, museum and alumni center known as University Point is in the design and fund raising stage. The facility will be located on the extreme right corner of the front campus property where the campus road formerly made a sharp right turn. The project is being funded in large part with donations although the University has budgeted a $500k contribution.  

 

 

V. Renovations, Additions or Demolition

 

  1. The Rahall Technology Center – A new ten million dollar, multi-purpose, E&G technology facility is under construction on the site of the former White Hall. It is expected to open in the spring of 2007.

 

  1. Wilson Hall and Twin Towers Sprinkler System – The Twin Towers and Wilson dormitory facilities will require fire suppression sprinkler systems by 2010. Sprinkler Project Engineering is complete and installation should be completed in the 2007/2009 time frame.

 

  1. Twin Towers Interior Renovation - The 36 year old Towers contain 300 two bedroom suites capable of housing up to 600 students. The layout of the Tower’s suites is generally preferred by students over the other older style residence halls. The rooms and common areas need aesthetic and energy saving interior renovation. The project is likely to require bond financing. The HEPC is currently considering a joint bond issue that would permit fixed costs to be shared among participating schools. This would be the preferred method of financing this top priority project.

 

  1. Sarvay Hall- A dormitory built in 1940, Sarvay Hall has a Deferred Maintenance & Compliance Index of 61% (see page 6).  It is energy inefficient and in need of heating and plumbing systems upgrades. The Building is structurally sound but suffering from deterioration of interior walls, floors, bathrooms and ceilings. The outdated interior design is inefficient in terms of capacity and desirability. Interior renovation of Sarvay Hall will be a second housing priority when sufficient funding is available. Projected cost, ranging from limited to complete renovation, is $1-4M.

 

5.     College Courts Apartments – The College Courts apartment complex consists of twelve, 4-unit, single story, masonry buildings built in the late 50’s and early 60’s. These units are energy inefficient and have a deferred maintenance and compliance index of 25%. During this plan period, the College Courts complex will be under consideration for future replacement, renovation or demolition depending on availability of funds. Projected cost of renovation totals $1M; with replacement cost for garden apartments at $5.5M and demolition costs projected at $65K.

 

6.     Vermillion House – The Vermillion House, over 100 years old, is a wood frame residential rental structure presently divided into two apartments. The house is outdated and renovation is cost prohibitive.  It is anticipated that this structure will be considered for demolition during the plan period.

 

VI. Site Improvements

 

1.   Landscaping, parking, paving and road re-routing in the Twin Towers area are anticipated over the next 5 years. Groundwater seepage is damaging brick retaining walls and soil erosion results from gravel parking lots in need of pavement and proper drainage.

 

2.   Roadwork and sidewalk modifications from the Twin Towers behind Wilson Hall to the main campus will be required for ADA compliance.  Projected cost is estimated at $75k.

 

3.     Sidewalk replacement / pedestrian circulation projects will be required as the University progresses to full compliance with ADA. High and middle priority sidewalk projects total an estimated $440,000.

 

 

VII. Telecommunications, Utilities and Infrastructure

           

1.     Telecommunications - A megabit fiber and Ethernet campus network with an ATM switch and a new telephone EAPBX was installed at Concord University in FY 00.  Most campus locations were wired or served by wireless facilities by the end of FY 01.  Additional telephone distribution cable will be required to meet growing demand in the Towers dormitories. Direct inter-net is provided over the fiber network, with DS3 service feeding the campus.  It is expected that the existing telecommunications network will continue to meet campus needs if maintained and upgraded as technology evolves over the plan period. The Campus television cable network is aged and outdated in many buildings including the dormitories. Replacement costs during the plan period may exceed $150,000.

 

2.     Utilities:

A. Water: Water is supplied to Concord University from the town of Athens municipal water system.  The supply is currently adequate for existing and projected needs.  If the municipal water supply becomes inadequate there are contingency plans and existing lines to convert the town and University to the much larger West Virginia Water Company system.  The water distribution lines on the campus are owned and maintained by the University.  They are generally considered adequate to meet campus needs over the next 10 years with the exception of the lines serving the College Courts Apartments.  If the College Courts apartments are renovated or replaced the water lines should be considered for replacement as well.

 

B. Sewage: The town of Athens municipal sewage system provides Concord University’s sewage disposal. The existing sewage treatment plant is inadequate and fails to meet environmental standards. Athens has initiated a replacement process to build a new sewage plant in the FY 2001-2003 time frame.  The new plant is expected to meet current and projected needs of the Concord campus over the next ten years. The sewage lines on campus, owned and maintained by the University, are of terra cotta clay composition. These lines are believed to be in fair condition with the exception of those serving the College Courts apartments.  If the College Courts apartments are renovated or replaced instead of retired, the sewage lines will need to be considered for replacement. Also a sewer main should be re-routed from beneath White Hall when that building is renovated. The sanitary sewer system should be evaluated by maintenance personnel from Athens and the University for ground water and storm water infiltration to evaluate possible inflow into the Athens sewer system.

 

C. Natural Gas: Natural Gas service is delivered through Allegheny Power Company. The gas lines on campus were upgraded to meet current standards in 1998 and should be adequate for the next 10 years.

 

D. Electrical Service: American Electric Power Company provides electrical service to the Campus with mainline voltage of 12,470. The supply of electricity is considered reliable and adequate for anticipated demand. The campus distribution system, lines, switch-gear and transformers, except at the Towers dormitory, are owned and maintained by the University. The distribution system feeding Sarvay Hall, Wilson Hall, White Hall, College Courts and the Maintenance Building should be upgraded and re-routed during the plan period. This project should be initiated in concert with the White Hall renovation.

 

VIII. General Deferred Maintenance and Compliance

     

Deferred Maintenance and Compliance (Life Safety) can be quantified using a Deferred Maintenance and Compliance Index. It is calculated by dividing deferred maintenance, improvement and compliance cost estimates by plant replacement cost. The Deferred Maintenance and Compliance Indexes calculated for Concord University Facilities by building are presented in the Facilities Database Summary of the Campus Masterplan. At the beginning of FY 2002 the total campus Deferred Maintenance Index was 10%, adding compliance and improvement costs increased the index to 30%.

                   Spending on physical plant renewal for Education and General (E&G) facilities has been limited by a lack of funds resulting from a State Higher Education System policy that redistributed over $4M in Concord building renewal funds to other schools over the past ten years. Deferred maintenance on the E&G facilities presently totals just over four million dollars. Compliance and improvement cost estimates increase the total to $10M. The current E&G plant replacement value is calculated at $41.5 million. At the beginning of FY02, the E&G total index for Deferred Maintenance, Compliance and Improvement was 24%.  In order to avoid the accumulation of deferred maintenance, annual building renewal spending should average 1.5 to 3% of plant replacement value. Under the current fund redistribution policy the University receives only enough money to fund capital repair and renewal at a level of 1% of replacement value.

 Proper funding of the University’s facilities to address the deferred maintenance and compliance issues can begin when the policy of redistributing the University’s building renewal and repair funds is changed to permit Concord to use all of the facilities maintenance fees paid by its own students.

The Auxiliary facilities index for Deferred Maintenance, Compliance and Improvement is 36%.  The Auxiliary facilities capital budget prioritizes project funding with available resources.

                        A major campus challenge continues to be the low level of renewal funding, high-deferred maintenance and increasing demands by regulators.  Available capital resources are allocated in the Capital budgets to addresses the highest priority deferred maintenance and compliance issues over the next five years.

 

 ADA accommodations for disabilities have been made as buildings have been renovated and as individual situations have required. In FY02 Students with more serious disabilities began living in dormitories, and a greater share of capital spending for facilities accommodations has been required bringing the campus into much higher levels of compliance.  The University ADA section of the facilities master plan identifies options for additional ADA improvements, and continued progress is envisioned over the development plan period.

 

IX. Hazardous Materials Identification and Management

 

 Hazardous materials are managed on a departmental basis through periodic inventory and analysis with assistance from the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection. The WV Fire Marshall’s office and hazardous materials specialty firms are contacted for disposal.

 

 

X. Occupational Health Improvements

 

Known occupational health hazards are believed to be abated or in a dormant state or location which, if undisturbed, pose no threat to inhabitants. Asbestos will require abatement whenever construction or other activity will disturb dormant material such as the roofing shingles on White Hall, insulation in the Alexander Fine Arts building, or boiler room pipe insulation, etc in other locations.

 

XI. Facility Priorities

Facilities projects are prioritized below by category as E&G, Auxiliary or Other.

The campus governing board has approved the following facilities priorities.

 

A. E&G Facilities:

 

  1. White Hall – With a Deferred Maintenance & Compliance Index of 67%, White Hall remains the 1st priority for building renovation. The building, built in 1940, is energy inefficient and non-compliant with current building codes. Moisture penetration of the building envelope continues to erode the integrity of the structure. White Hall has historical significance to the campus community and presently houses a number of important campus offices. Plans are being developed to renovate and expand the facility into a consolidated campus technology center. Cost estimated at $4-6M. A Metal storage building will be required to store existing material from White Hall during renovation.

 

 

  1. The Roof Replacement Plan to replace aged and leaking roofs should be continued with the Science Building and sections of Carter Center as the next candidates. Cost estimated at a $100k per roof average.

 

  1. Progress has been made on the ADA compliance plan and this continues to be a priority, as accommodations require, and facilities are renewed. The ADA Site, Entrance and Vertical Transportation section of the Master Plan lists many compliance options with related costs.

 

  1. The swimming pool in Carter Center requires installation of a pool liner due to extensive rust and wear of the existing pool bed.  Also the pool shower rooms are leaking into the locker rooms on the floor below.  This is a near term priority due to the present condition of the pool, which is used for physical education classes. Cost estimated at $137k.

 

  1. Handball Courts in the Carter Center require repair due to extensive water damage. Cost estimated at $100k.

 

  1. Parking and paving remains an issue due to enrollment growth and the propensity for a higher percentage of students to own vehicles. Expansion of existing lots and property acquisition for additional parking lots should be considered whenever possible. Costs depend on specifics.

 

  1. The President’s residence, 600 Vermillion street, requires renovation to maintain and protect the structure. Cost estimated at $40k –60k.

 

  1. A phase II electrical power distribution project to replace high voltage feeder lines coming from the Towers / Wilson side of campus is needed to upgrade the circuit cables and provide power feed redundancy to the main campus. Cost estimated at $250k.

 

  1. Marsh and Science Hall Floor Replacement.  Floor and sub-floor may require replacement by FY 06 to prevent ground moisture from continuously buckling floor tile. Cost estimated at $150k.

 

B. Auxiliary Facilities:

 

Housing

 

  1. Sarvay Hall – Sarvay Hall, a dormitory built in 1940, has a Deferred Maintenance & Compliance Index of 61%. It is energy inefficient and in need of heating and plumbing systems upgrades. The Building is structurally sound but suffering from extensive deterioration of interior walls, floors, bathrooms and ceilings. The outdated interior design is inefficient in terms of capacity and utilization. Interior renovation of Sarvay Hall should be a high housing priority when sufficient funding is available. Cost estimated from $826k - $4M

 

  1. Landscaping, parking and paving in the Twin Towers area is an additional student housing priority. Groundwater seepage is damaging brick retaining walls and soil erosion results from gravel parking lots in need of pavement and proper drainage. Cost undetermined.

 

  1. College Courts Apartments – The College Courts should be considered for renovation, replacement or retirement if funding becomes available. $65k demolition to $5.5M replacement.

 

  1. Towers Sprinkler System – Dormitory sprinkler systems will become a mandate by 2009. Costs and financing are presently under study.

 

 

 

 

 

University Center

 

  1. Elevator upgrade for ADA compliance. Cost $30k
  2. Ballroom HVAC & floor repair. Cost estimate $150k
  3. Steam pipe repair. Cost $75K

 

 C. Other:

 

  1. Tree and shrubbery replacement is a near term priority for grounds maintenance. Older unhealthy trees along the campus drive require replacement on an annual basis. Blighted or damaged shrubby in some campus locations should be replaced as funding is available. Cost estimated at $15-20k initially, $4-5k per year.

 

  1. An inter-faith chapel has been identified as an intermediate term priority for the campus community. Private funding will be required. Cost $3M.

 

  1. A NCAA soccer field is an intermediate term priority. Land acquisition or significant modification of existing terrain will be required. Cost undetermined.

 

  1. It is anticipated that a multi-institutional instructional facility will be built in the Beckley area of West Virginia.  The project is still in the conceptual stage and will require coordination, planning and funding.

                                                                       

 

             

 

 

Attachment 01b







Attachment 01c

Attachment 02a

ACTIVITIES IN ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

March 23, 2007

A Brief Report to the Concord University Board of Governors

 

·      Spring 2007 Commencement is scheduled for Saturday May 19th, 10AM in the Carter Center.  We will celebrate the graduation of about 270 students during the ceremony.  The “Class of Spring 2007” will be represented by six co-valedictorians:  Kira Marie Bailey, Huntington; Rebecca Aileen Ball, Oak Hill; Amanda Elizabeth Barie, Kelsey Jade Craft and James Bryan Gibbs all from Princeton; Stephen Daniel Taylor, Athens.

·      Professor of Physical Education Eloise Elliott has been funded to dedicate one-half of her time to the eLearning modules “Healthy Hearts 4 Kids” and “Take Charge! Be Healthy” during the ’06-’07 academic year.  This summer Dr. Elliott will facilitate interventions for the CARDIAC Project, including a summer camp for overweight children with a year-long follow-up with the children and their parents.

·      Six Concord Alpha Chi (AX) Honor Society scholars attended the national conference March 15-18.  Kira Bailey was awarded a prestigious $3,500 Sledge Graduate Fellowship and Amanda Barie received Region V recognition.  Dr. Steven Rowe, sponsor of the Beta (Concord) Chapter received one of two Executive Director’s Awards for his efforts in founding AX chapters at Indiana Institute of Technology, West Liberty State College and Concord University.   

·      Dr. Roy Ramthun (Recreation and Tourism Management) has just returned from    Mari State Technical College in. Russia.  Dr. Ramthun had presented to Russian visitors three years ago and was consequently invited to visit Mari State to explore recreation and tourism potentials in their West Virginia-similar topography.  His visit provides additional opportunities for future student/faculty exchanges and study abroad. 

·      Derek Trull (BSED ’05 and son of Concord Associate Professor of Education Cheryl Trull) has been recognized as “Teacher of the Year” at Wendell Phillips Elementary School, Indianapolis, IN.  A significant achievement during his second year of teaching and first year at Wendell Phillips Elementary.

·      Associate Dean Jane Smith, Assessment Director Danette Light and Professor Charles Brichford have attended “Making a Difference in Student Learning:  Assessment as a Core Strategy” to strengthen Concord’s NCA/HLC-required assessment program  The NCA/HLC consultant/evaluators will visit Concord 3/30-4/2/08.

·      Assistant Professor Fernando Porras (Advertising/Graphic Design) continues to place Concord interns in prestigious graphic arts businesses in the Charlotte, NC area.  He also continues to exhibit his works in the Virginias and Carolinas.  If you haven’t seen the art produced by Mr. Porras and his students, I’ll do what I can to arrange this.

 

Attachment 02B


Attachment  03

Board of Governors

Admissions & Financial Aid

April 2007

Submitted by Michael Curry

 

 

The first quarter of 2007 proved to be a challenging one for Admissions & Financial Aid.  While our counselors and staff were busier than in past years with more follow-up visits and fairs, a computer glitch brought our staff to a level of frustration rarely seen.  From January 26 to March 22, we were unable to access student and applicant data which guides and generates our direct mail system.  During this period, we were unable to send acceptance letters, financial aid awards, or other basic information to students.  This problem may have enrollment consequences in the fall but we are trying to compensate by other means.  We are trying to contact students via email, telephone, and personal contacts (both at fairs and in follow-up visits) to let them know about the problem.  Fortunately, the problems now seem to be resolved and we are again engaging our recruits via the mail.

 

The Financial Aid staff drew down 1909 student applications and began (on March 22) to process those awards.  More than 400 of those pending packages are first-time freshmen.  They will be the priority as we dig-out from the backlog.

 

As of March 23, 2007, we were able to discern that our “acceptances” were up by 146 students over last year at this same date.  While our applicants appear to be close to where we were last year, the data is still not absolute and it will take another week to get solid numbers.  Since the same computer problem hit the Housing Office, we are still not sure how deposits are doing, but before the glitch, they were also up.

 

Online applications have already exceeded the total submitted all last year 968 to 909 and this should be a good sign.

 

International recruitment has been enhanced by several “stringer” efforts abroad and those numbers will become clearer in the coming months.

 

Attachment 04

CONCORD UNIVERSITY BECKLEY CENTER

Board of Governors Report – April 3, 2007

 

The timing of this particular report to the Board of Governors, coming just after midterms and just prior to early registration for summer and fall classes, dictates that it will be both brief and speculative.  A few key points warrant mention:
 
1.     Student Recruitment – we have begun a series of public information sessions in Beckley to educate the community on financial aid and scholarship opportunities at Concord, as well as the impact that Concord’s presence in the new higher education facility will have on available programs and services.  Radio and newspaper ads will precede each session.  April 19th is the next session at the Mining Academy.
 
2.     Advertising – we are working with Anita Moody’s office to develop a series of ads that speak directly to prospective students in the Beckley-Raleigh County market.  These information messages are designed to target key considerations on making the decision to go [back] to college and on choosing the right college.  The issues of cost, academic quality, long-term debt, alumni success and support, the “hot” career prospects, lifelong learning, skills development, and becoming an informed consumer in a more competitive higher education market will be featured.
 
3.     Class Scheduling – we continue to work toward the kind of schedule in Beckley that will attract and retain the region’s best student prospects.
 

4.     The Beckley Public Higher Education Center [PHEC] – construction on the new facility continues.  Fr. Acker assures us that the facility will be ready, though the access road to the facility may not be completely paved [ch