training to KSU employees on how to run the Oracle system and employees will be tested on their knowledge before they can begin using Oracle.
No action was taken in regard to the Information Technology Report.
President Burse gave an update on the Strategic Plan. He provided copies of the latest draft to all Board members.
He gave particular attention to Goal 1, Objective 1.3 regarding student leadership. In response to the Board's concerns from the last meeting that KSU focus on developing leadership skills in its students, the President updated this Goal with several items to help KSU students develop leadership skills. He asked that the Board review this Goal and the remainder of the Strategic Plan.
President Burse presented Dr. Kirk Pomper to the Board to discuss a special flower developed by Agricultural Department to highlight KSU's 130th Anniversary. Dr. Pomper stated that sunflowers will be the signature plants for the 130th anniversary. The sunflower was chosen primarily because the sunflower features KSU's colors and is very diverse. Dr. Pomper presented 20 different sunflowers for the Board to review and described the planned presentation of the sunflowers on campus.
Dr. Pomper also discussed the possibility of selling sunflowers for commercial purposes. Regent Whitehead inquired as to whether pawpaw plants could be further commercialized. Dr. Pomper stated that this is something that his department has been working on. There are issues to be worked out in terms of dealing with local farmers and finding ways to commercialize the plants.
No action was taken in regard to the Strategic Plan Report.
President Burse reported that there will be no cuts to University funding for the 2016-18 Biennium. He also reported that KSU was exempted from performance funding for the next biennium. However, the Kentucky Legislature has mandated that KSU establish standards for improvement in retention and graduation and present an annual report to CPE on its progress. President Burse said that the University has already begun to set out measurable metrics for reporting to CPE and the Legislature.
Regent Guarnieri asked the President about the consequences of not meeting the goals. President Burse stated that the Strategic Plan outlines goals that will show the necessary progress. He also stated that the Strategic Plan is aligned with the goals set for KSU by CPE, which should also help the University meet
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