Sias reported that the university showcased its campus and choir during the luncheon that featured Assistant Secretary of the United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD), John Trasviña. Secretary Trasviña discussed a collegiate partnership and also shared concerns about civil rights violations.
Mr. Whitaker reported upon the BANNER implementation. Mr. Whitaker stated that the project is on schedule and currently in the verification and validation stages. He also stated that the Finance and Human Resources departments will “go live” through 3 parallel tests first. According to Mr. Whitaker, no major issues in the implementation were reported.
Mr. Hinfred McDuffie stated that expenditures are at 2% of actual expenses. President Sias commended the staff.
President Sias updated the Board about the progress with Academics with Attitude. She stated that AWA started with 100 students and that only one (1) student out of 98 did not meet the grade point average goal. President Sias stated that the students were enthusiastic and wanted to go through the program again. President Sias emphasized the need to replicate the current AWA program in place. She explained that the AWA program has been providing access to opportunity and lifting those students out of poverty with the goal of moving them where they need to be.
Mr. Stephen Mason, Sr., distributed copies of a report entitled “The Economy and Postsecondary Education Institutions.”
President Sias presented an updated organizational chart of her senior leadership staff, including new positions, new staff and title changes.
President Sias reported that changes to language had not been made in the area of shared governance. She also stated that she would be hiring a new General Counsel as a result of Ms. Angela Curry's resignation. The new General Counsel will review possible language changes to the shared governance policy and President Sias will provide proposed changes at a future meeting.