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# KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY Regular Meeting of the Board of Regents 1:15 p.m., January 24, 2014 KSU Cooperative Extension Building Frankfort, Kentucky Karen W. Bearden, Chair
# MINUTES
### 1. Call to Order:
Chairperson Karen Bearden called the meeting of the Kentucky State University Board of Regents to order at 1:19 p.m. on January 24, 2014.
### II. Roll Call:
Chairperson Bearden asked the Secretary to the President to conduct the Roll Call:
Regent Mindy Barfield, Present
Regent Karen Bearden, Present
Regent David Guarnieri, Present
Regent Travis Haskins, Present
Regent LaVaughn Henry, Absent
Regent Julian Jeter-Davis, Present
Regent Ekumene Lysonge, Present
Regent Elgie McFayden, Present
Regent Syamala H. K. Reddy, Absent
Regent Charles Whitehead, Present
Regent Phyllis Williams, Absent
Eight Regents were in attendance. A quorum was declared.
### III. Opening Remarks:
Chairperson Bearden welcomed attendees to the meeting. Thereafter, Chair Bearden proceeded to the next order of business.
### IV. Approval of Minutes:
Action: Motion to approve the minutes from the Board of Regents meeting held on October 25, 2013, was made by Regent Jeter-Davis and seconded by Regent Haskins. The motion passed, 8-0.
Action: Motion to approve the minutes from the Board of Regents meeting held on December 2, 2013, was made by Regent Barfield and seconded by Regent Whitehead. The motion passed, 8-0.
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### V. President's Report:
## Fall Commencement:
President Sias discussed the December 2013 Commencement Exercises. She stated that the graduation was well-received and attended by over 600 persons. The majority of participants were graduate students. President Sias expects that the Fall Commencement will continue to grow.
## Admissions and Enrollment Update:
President Sias provided an update on student enrollment. Enrollment increased by 1% this Fall. Fall 2013 was the largest class enrolled at KSU. This class also has the highest ACT scores and cumulative grade point averages to-date.
KSU is experiencing an increase in student applications and attracting a larger group of academically prepared students. KSU was recently ranked as a Top Liberal Arts institution by the Princeton Review. KSU was also ranked 25th of HBCU's (tied with Jackson State University).
## SACS Level 5 Approval Status: Nursing Programs:
President Sias informed the board that KSU has been approved to move from Level 3 status to Level 5 status by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Level 5 status allows KSU to offer up to three (3) doctoral programs. KSU plans to offer its first doctoral degree in Nursing this Fall.
President Sias stated that Dr. Constance Hendricks, a visiting nursing faculty member (and former Dean of Nursing) from Auburn University, has been assisting KSU with the launch of its doctoral program. Dr. Hendricks is also providing guidance to KSU with the implementation of a robust Four (4) Year Bachelor's of Science in Nursing.
Dr. Sandra Holmes was introduced as the new Interim Chairman of the School of Nursing. Dr. Holmes has over 20 years of nursing practice, including advanced practice nursing. Dr. Holmes has a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Memphis. President Sias welcomed Dr. Holmes to her new leadership position.
## Green2Gold:
President Sias discussed the Green2Gold Program. Over $1.2 million in awards were offered to KSU students in this university-based work-study type program. Students participating could work on or off campus to decrease their tuition balances. Students are placed in public or private sector environments. Most students were awarded up to $3800 per year.
## Third Thursday Thing:
The KSU College of Agriculture, Food Sciences and Sustainable Systems (CAFSSS) hosts a monthly event entitled the “Third Thursday Thing.” This event focuses on small and minority farmers and how to assist them with the latest farming techniques. The university received an award for the Third Thursday
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Thing program series from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 2013.
## Alltech Partnership:
President Sias shared an initiative between KSU and the Alltech Corporation, an animal nutrition company. The College of Agriculture, Food Sciences and Sustainable Systems will have the opportunity to offer its students internships and research projects in collaboration with Alltech. Possible commercialization of jointly-developed research projects is also a planned outcome of this initiative.
## KSU Athletics:
KSU's Volleyball Team won the 2013 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Championship! Congratulations were extended to the team and coaches.
KSU's Football Team received the 2013 highest academic (SIAC) conference honors! Congratulations were also extended to the team and their coaches.
## Freshman Pinning Ceremony:
This Fall, KSU initiated a pinning ceremony for first-time freshman and transfer students to encourage students to commit to their learning and persistence at KSU. The ceremony is expected to become a routine component of the Freshman Orientation programming.
## Employee Service Awards:
KSU recently celebrated its faculty and staff with five (5) or more years of service. Over 75 employees were recognized with more than 1000 years of combined service. President Sias noted that KSU has the longest serving employees of any of the comprehensive universities.
## Kentucky River Thorobred:
The KSU Research vessel on the Kentucky River has been dry docked for the winter. The Interpretive Center located in the former Old Federal Building is expected to open soon. The Center will be hands-on and interactive for everyone, particularly for students in elementary grades through graduate school.
## KSU Website:
KSU will launch its newly redesigned website in approximately six (6) weeks. President Sias is particularly pleased with the new interactive functionality that will be included.
## KSU Capital Campaign:
The campaign has reached more than $5 million in contributions and is expected to reach its goal on time.
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## CPE Stronger By Degrees—KSU Scorecard:
President Sias presented a PowerPoint addressing KSU's progress on the state CPE Stronger by Degrees Strategic Agenda. The plan outlines KSU's progress on measures of College Readiness, Student Success, Research, Economic and Community Development and Efficiency and Innovation. The university is making progress on most measures, but is poised to increase its outcomes.
## Retention and Graduation:
President Sias stated that KSU must increase its retention and graduation of students. There are various benefits of college completion. For instance, one who graduates from college makes $600,000 more than a person who does not. Therefore, KSU is developing initiatives to assist students in these areas.
President Sias explained how the graduation rate is calculated for a six (6) year co-hort. The calculation only includes, first time, full-time, entering freshmen. Those students who do not fall within these categories are never captured in KSU's graduation rate. Despite not having students outside these categories "count" for purposes of the official graduation rate, President Sias plans to focus on improving student preparedness, retention and graduation through "best practice" models. KSU will measure its success on its university-wide initiative often and President Sias will report progress to the Board.
## 120 Credit Hour Baccalaureate Programs:
All of KSU's baccalaureate programs have been reduced to 120 credit hours except for the Teacher Education and the Applied Information Technology programs. These programs have additional required courses for completion due to mandates from external accreditation agencies.
## Student Repayment Schedule Plan:
KSU implemented a student repayment plan for Fall 2013 to assist students with outstanding balances. The university must increase its collection of student debt so that its amount for bad debt decreases. This decrease will have a positive outcome on the university's financials.
In January 2014, there were 925 students with unpaid balances. Of this number, 112 students paid their balances this semester and the remaining 813 students were dropped for non-payment of accounts. Of the 813 students dropped, 611 were re-instated after participating in the required payment schedule plan. The remaining 202 students who did not pay their full balances or participate in the repayment plan, were ultimately dropped. Many of these students owed large balances, used financial aid refunds for other needs and/or had low grade point averages. Nonetheless, KSU will seek to graduate those students with large balances by assisting with scholarships (including need-based), Green2Gold, as well as the repayment schedule plan.
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Media reports that students were dropped with only 72 hours prior notice were incorrect. Students had been notified about the mandatory repayment schedule at a Town Hall meeting and by communications through their WIRED accounts, mail and email messaging.
In response to questions asked regarding the students with large balances and financial aid refunds, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Services, Antonio Boyle, explained that only $200 of a student's current loan award could be applied to a prior unpaid balance. Also, Mr. Boyle noted that even students with large balances could pay off their balances except for $3,000 by adhering to the repayment schedule.
### VI. Committee Reports:
## Academic Affairs:
Regent Bearden presented the Academic Affairs Committee report. Regent Bearden commented upon the extensive work and research in which the faculty has been engaged since the last reporting period. She also indicated that Academic Affairs leadership will be more involved with classroom teaching observations in the upcoming semester. A written report was also provided to the board.
##### Action: Motion was made by Regent Jeter-Davis and seconded by Regent Travis Haskins to approve faculty emeriti status to Dr. Karan Kaul and Dr. Patricia Pearson. The motion passed 8-0
Finance and Administration:
Regent Bearden presented the Finance and Administration report. Regent Bearden stated that the Committee was presented with the university budget vs. actual and unaudited financials.
Additional highlights include:
1. The TouchNet credit card payment processing system became operational in December 2013;
2. Internal Auditor will begin testing in the Land Grant area;
3. Classification and Compensation Study process began on January 7, 2014. The anticipated completion date is July 2014.
4. Two percent salary increases were processed for January 31, 2014 pay date.
5. An Inaugural Readiness for Retirement Seminar was held for employees.
No action items were reported.
Student Success and Enrollment Management:
Regent Bearden presented the Student Success and Enrollment Management Committee report. She provided an update on Student Life Activities, Health Services utilization, Career Placement, Enrollment Management, and Admissions. A written report was also provided to the Board.
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Regent Bearden reported that current student enrollment is 2,168. Additionally, student applications have increased for the Fall 2014 semester. Acceptances have also increased as well. For student applicants, the average grade point average is 3.2.
SSEM goals for the balance of the year include: 1) Targeted intrusive advising to all students; 2) Increased number of police officers to two (2); 3) Acquiring additional police vehicles; 4) Implementation of Course Signals Early Warning Alert System; and 5) Implementation of Degree Works.
No action items were reported.
External Relations and Development:
Regent Whitehead presented the External Relations and Development report. A written report was also provided to the board. Regent Whitehead discussed the university's focus on the Capital Campaign and that over $5 million has been pledged thus far.
Regent Whitehead stated the University's Spring Gala would be held in April. Additional updates on the progress of the Capital campaign will be provided at that event.
Regent Whitehead updated the board regarding the activities of the Alumni Association. From over 24 alumni affiliate chapters, there are 624 annual memberships and 288 complimentary memberships provided to recent graduates.
Regent Whitehead reported that there were 335 newspaper articles and 71 television news stories featuring KSU. The majority of these were positive.
No action items were reported.
## Audit Committee:
Regent Barfield presented the Audit Committee report. Regent Barfield advised the board that the Internal Audit firm, Troncconi and Associates had completed a review of the Financial Aid area. The firm made some suggestions as to added controls particularly in the Title IV area. Also, a suggestion was made to better track student receivables as they relate to the Return to Title IV.
The Internal Auditor firm is currently reviewing the Land Grant area and will begin a review of Auxiliary Enterprises thereafter.
No action items were reported.
### VII. Open Forum:
Dr. George Moore, President of the KSU National Alumni Association was granted an opportunity to address the board pursuant to the KSU Board Bylaws.
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Dr. Moore stated that it was not the policy of the Alumni Association to be involved in the administrative or decision-making process of the university, including personnel matters. The Alumni Association is interested in fostering its association and encourages its alumni to give to the university no matter who is in leadership.
The Alumni Association supports Dr. Sias in her efforts to move the university forward. The Association is concerned with the graduation rates at the university so that the Association will continue.
### VIII. Closed Session:
Action: Motion was made to convene a closed session to discuss personnel matters, pending litigation and property acquisition pursuant to the Kentucky Open Meetings Act. The motion was made by Regent Lysonge and seconded by Regent Whitehead. The motion passed, 8-0.
The Board discussed pending litigation and personnel matters. The Board took no action in Closed Session.
The Board reconvened in Open Session. No action was taken.
1X. Adjournment:
Action: Motion was made to adjourn the Board meeting by Regent Jeter-Davis and seconded by Regent Haskins. The motion passed 8-0.
The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Submitted by:
Lori A. Davis, Secretary
General Counsel
Kentucky State University
Karen W. Bearden, Chair
Board of Regents
Kentucky State University
Approved with no corrections
Approved with corrections
