WVU at Parkersburg
Board of Advisers
July 31, 2000
8:00 a.m.
Conference Rooms 2536-38
The meeting was called to order by President Erik Bitterbaum following breakfast and introductions.
Those present were Ms. Joyce Okes, Interim Chair; David Hardesty, President West Virginia University; Erik Bitterbaum, President WVU Parkersburg; Dan Curry, Superintendent Wood County Schools; Jim Mylott, Executive Director Mid Ohio Valley Regional Council; George Kellenberger, President Chamber of Commerce; Ed Ball, Manager Washington Site Safety Section GE Plastics; Skip Hackworth Superintendent Pleasant County Schools; Trudy Seita Consultant/Trainer; Jack Burlingame, Jackson County Development Authority; Joe Campbell, Vice President WesBanco; Robert D'Avria, Executive Director Parkersburg YMCA; Gary Swisher for Tony Platis, Environmental Health Coordinator E. I. Dupont; Nell Higgins, Student Representative; Linda Dunlap; Faculty Representative; August Kafer, Staff Representative. Absent: James Hayhurst, Executive Vice President United Bankshares, Inc.
Dr. Bitterbaum called board members attention to a packet of information they had each received containing important information about West Virginia University at Parkersburg. He explained the packet contains information about our Workforce Development Program; Polymer Alliance Zone; WVU at Parkersburg Foundation; WVU at Parkersburg View Book and Catalog; and information on Integration 2000 Plan for Integrating and Strengthening West Virginia University's Four Campus System.
Dr. Bitterbaum introduced his cabinet members to the board, and welcomed and introduced David Hardesty, President of West Virginia University attending today's meeting to present an overview of S. B. 653 and to explain the role of the Board of Advisers.
President Hardesty explained the new legislation, S. B. 653, calls for significant changes in higher education in West Virginia that will allow governance to be much closer to the institutions. This legislation created a new higher education oversight Policy Commission formed to replace the University and College Systems Boards. An Interim Governing Board was also created to be in place for a year of transition. The new system will be comprised of local governing boards and the policy commission. After the first year, WVU's Board of Advisers will become the Board of Governors and the regional campuses will continue to have a Board of Advisers. It will be up to WVU and each of its three regional campuses to engage in a strategic planning effort that will clarify the mission and goal of each institution. He explained that compacts and master plans must be submitted annually to the respective institutional governing board and the new Policy Commission.
WVU at Parkersburg
Board of Advisors
July 31, 2000
Page 2
Dr. Hardesty went on to explain the new legislation calls for a more effective workforce development program for West Virginia over a six -year period. He pointed out that WVU Parkersburg has the finest workforce development plan already in place and will need to lead the way for other institutions. He emphasized that much of the law regarding workforce development was written around WVU at Parkersburg's plan. He expressed the importance of redefining higher education in the state, and that the needs of the community should to drive what we become. He suggested when reviewing the compact that will go to the WVU Board of Governors, WVU Parkersburg Board of Advisers need to think about what is needed in the region and aspire toward meeting community needs.
Next, President Hardesty explained the duties of the Board of Advisers. He called the board's attention to Article 6 of S. B. 653 that defines the duties of the institutional board of advisors for regional campuses and administratively linked community and technical colleges. Specifically he noted the following responsibilities for the board:
The board of advisers shall review, prior to the submission by the president to its governing board, all proposals of the institution in areas of mission, academic programs budget, capital facilities and such other matters as requested by the president of the institution or its governing board or otherwise assigned to it by law.
The board of advisers will review prior to implementation by the president, all proposals for institution-wide personnel policies. The board of advisers may comment on the proposals in writing.
Upon the occurrence of a vacancy in the office of the president of the institution, the board of advisors shall serve as a search and screening committee for candidates to fill the vacancy under guidelines established by the commission pursuant to the provisions of section six, article one-b of this chapter.
The boards of advisors shall develop a master plan for each administratively linked community and technical college. Work on compact will be sent to WVU Morgantown where they will be incorporated into WVU compact and will be sent to the Policy Commission.
President Hardesty expressed his excitement about West Virginia University's relationship with WVU Parkersburg and how it is growing stronger each day. He called board members attention to the document in their folder regarding Integration 2000, and asked them to review the document so they could better understand the relationship of WVU to its regional campuses. He encouraged members to support President Bitterbaum and stressed the importance of their friendship, support, and ideas.
WVU at Parkersburg
Board of Advisors
July 31, 2000
Page 3
Next, Ms. Okes, Interim Chair discussed proposed organizational plan for the Board of Advisers. She indicated the board needs to nominate and appoint a chair, vice chair and possibly secretary. She explained members could nominate and elect officers today, or they could form a nominating committee. Board members agreed to form a nominating committee. Dr. Curry, Mr. Kellenberger and Mr. Ball agreed to serve on the committee. The committee will bring their nominations back to the board at its next meeting.
Ms. Okes next explained the proposed committee structure for the five areas of the college. These include Academic Affairs; Business Affairs; Student Affairs; Public Relations and Business and Industry Services. Board members were asked to select their first and second choices for committee assignments and submit them at the end of today's meeting.
Ms. Okes discussed the establishment of a meeting schedule and explained the board needs to meet at least quarterly, but may need to meet more frequently since our strategic plan is due in February. Board members agreed to meet on Tuesday, October 3, 2000 and Tuesday, December 5, 2000 at 8:00 a.m.
Dr. Bitterbaum shared some of his thoughts with board members. He announced that his number one goal for WVU Parkersburg is to be known as the finest undergraduate institution in the state, and that we need to think about how to offer the best education possible to our students.
Dr. Bitterbaum remarked to board members that WVU Parkersburg has an excellent facility. In addition to the Caperton Center and the new Business Industry and Development Services building, we have also been making repairs to our parking and main facility. He noted his future focus will be a new library, and will require some major fund raising efforts.
Dr. Bitterbaum explained our mission should include all seven counties that WVU at Pakersburg serves. He shared with the board that he had recently met with an individual from Pleasants County about the possibility of offering courses to the St. Mary's Correctional Center. He expressed his hope in providing similar opportunities all seven counties in our service area.
Dr. Bitterbaum invited board members to our college on August 17 to meet with and listen to discussions from Senator Lloyd Jackson regarding S. B. 653, and to join him and other local delegates for lunch. He also invited members to our first annual banquet to start the new semester on August 18 at 6 p.m. in our Activities Center.
WVU at Parkersburg
Board of Advisors
July 31, 2000
Page 4
Dr. Bitterbaum shared good news with board members that a graduate of one of our four-year programs has anonymously donated funds that will be matched by his employer, to support the hiring of a part-time alumni director. He expressed his appreciation to this student and the an importance of an alumni office on our campus
With no further business to be discussed, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m., and was followed by a tour of the main campus, Business, Industry and Development Center and the Caperton Center for Applied Technology.
Respectfully submitted,
Patsy Bee
President's Executive Secretary