distribution for the university would be justified as the university provides the initial fees for the patent search and application. These fees could cost up to $20,000.
Regent Henry asked whether the recommended distribution would be in line with what the university has done in the past. President Sias stated that during her term, she had not sought board approval for a patent distribution, but that she expected to see more patent applications as faculty have been encouraged to pursue more research.
Regent Conner asked about the recommended policy language that would permit the university's share of any patent proceeds to be distributed at the discretion of the President. Regent Conner stated his concern that future presidents could use this discretion in appropriately. Regent Conner stated that other comprehensive universities, except for one, specifically designate the distribution of the university's share. Regent Conner stated that KSU should provide a specified designation of its share. Ms. Davis explained that it was recommended that the president have the latitude to determine where best the university could utilize these distributions.
Regent Conner believed that the current patent policy provision regarding the determination of whether an invention or discovery was “related to employment” in Section 4.0.4.e was too broad and believed that it should be revisited in the future. After additional discussion, it was determined that further review of this provision will be done by President Sias with assistance of Regent Conner and Ms. Davis.
Motion was made to approve the amendment of the current patent Policy 4.0.4 e. to state: "Any share of the returns, royalties or income derived from an invention or discovery shall be shared as follows: 60% to Kentucky State University to be distributed at the discretion of the President and 40% to the inventor(s)." The motion was made by Regent Henry. A second was made by Regent Bearden. The motion passed 7-0-1. Regent Conner abstained from the vote.
Regent Bearden presented the Academic Affairs Committee report. The Academic Affairs Committee did not have a quorum at its meeting.
Motion by Regent Bearden was made to approve the tenure and appointment to the rank of Professor to Dr. Joel Thierstein, the incoming Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective August 1, 2012. A second was provided by Regent Barfield. The motion passed, 8-0.
Action: Motion was made to approve the faculty sabbatical leave of Dr. Stephen Gale for the Fall Semester 2012 by Regent Bearden. A second was provided by Regent Conner. The motion passed, 8-0.