persons who participate in such travel must come back to the University and report on what that person learned from the activity.
Ms. Leath also described the purpose of Title III. She started that Title III is generally for capacity building. A university requesting Title III grant funding must provide a rationale for how the proposed funding increases capacity at the university. Title III funds are not perpetual.
She also stated that the University can also use up to 20% of Title III funds to contribute to its endowment, if the University matches the contribution. Title III finds can also be used for new academic buildings, though not residence halls. The funds should not be used to indefinitely fund salaries. The University must find a way to sustain Title III programs after the initial 5-year funding period.
Ms. Leath noted that salaries have been reduced, particularly in the student advising area, for Title III in the last year of the current 5-year grant cycle.
She also emphasized that the renovation of Bell Gym is a good use of Title III funding because it will help the University build capacity for women’s athletic programs and assist the University in its Title IX compliance goals.
Ms. Leath also reviewed expenditures under SAFRA and HBCU Masters. She answered questions from the Board as to both programs. She clarified that although travel may be attributed to a certain person, it actually pertains to a group. She stated that the University must shift from using Title III funds to support the vast majority of Information Technology programs. She stated that the majority of the Information Technology budget currently comes from Title III funds.
She also stated that SAFRA funds will be used to upgrade the library.
HBCU Masters can be used for student stipends and scholarships but must generally be used to support the growth of STEM programs. It currently funds 20-30 students at KSU pursuing Master's degrees.
No action was taken in regard to the Title III Report.
Action: Regent McFayden made a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss personnel matters, pending litigation, and property acquisition pursuant to K.R.S. 61.810 (Kentucky Open Meetings Act). The motion was seconded by Regent Reddy at 11:27 a.m. The motion passed 9-0, and the Board went into closed session at that time.
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