his administrative staff authority to pursue teach out of classes/majors to be discontinued and to make any necessary administrative changes to the organizational chart. The motion was seconded by Regent Henry. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
Regent Bearden gave the report of the Student Affairs Committee. Regent Bearden stated that Dr. Francene Gilmer, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, reported to the committee that her department is working to update Student Affairs activities and programs so that they provide better learning outcomes. The programs developed by Student Affairs will also be tied to the goals of the University's Strategic Plan. The Office of Student Affairs is also working with General Counsel to update the Student Handbook. Dr. Gilmer has implemented personnel and policy changes in the University's Career Center to improve placement and to reflect best practices.
No action was taken in regard to the Student Affairs report.
Regent Henry, chair of the committee, summarized the Business Affairs Committee meeting, which was held earlier in the day. He stated that there had been significant progress in making improvements in the Office of Human Resources (“HR”) and in Financial Affairs.
Rayla Smoot, the Director of HR, reported that the Department of Labor (“DOL”) conducted an audit of the Police Department and other specific positions at the University in regard to overtime pay. The auditors concluded that 96 University employees, including police department employees, were underpaid a total of approximately $13,000. In addition, the DOL required the University to re-examine several positions to determine whether they were truly exempt positions. HR conducted such a study, reviewing all University positions. As a result, several positions have been re-classified as non-exempt.
Ms. Smoot and her staff have developed a six-month plan to improve the function of the HR department.
Ms. Smoot also stated that HR will be focusing more on the wellness of University employees during the upcoming year in order to improve experience of employees and to reduce health insurance costs. The committee requested that HR undergo a structured process to implement salary equity by December 31, 2016. The plan for this process should be completed and presented to the Board by the next Board meeting.
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