CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Council of Trustees Minutes of the Quarterly Public Meeting March 20, 2018 Marcus Foster Student Union Center Auditorium In Attendance: Council of Trustees Mr. Robert W. Bogle, Chairman Mr. Samuel Patterson, Chair Finance and Administrative Services Committee and Strategic Planning Mr. Larry C. Skinner, Chair Student Affairs Committee Mr. James Raith, Chair Academic Affairs Committee Bishop Audrey Bronson, Member Mr. Joseph Wells, Member Mr. Leon R. Spencer, Jr., Member Mr. Vincent D. Gordon, Member Administration Mr. Aaron Walton, President Dr. Tara Kent, Provost Ms. Elisabeth Burton, Executive Director of Campus Life and Student Affairs Mr. Karl Brockenbrough, Executive Director of Finance and Administration The Quarterly Meeting of the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Council of Trustees was held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, in the Marcus Foster Student Union and Alumni Center Auditorium. With a quorum present and notice of meeting duly exercised in accordance with Trustee By-Laws, Chairman Robert W. Bogle opened the meeting at 1:15 P.M. CHAIRMAN S REMARKS Chairman Bogle welcomed members of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association and thanked the audience for their attendance at the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Bogle called for a motion to accept the meeting minutes of the January 18, 2018 Quarterly Meeting of the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Council of Trustees. This motion was made by Trustee Patterson, seconded by Trustee Gordon, and the motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Imir Bailey, Senior student majoring in Graphic Design, commented that he has enjoyed his college years and thanked everyone at the University who has prepared him academically to succeed. He hopes that the Cheyney students who come after him have the same positive experience. CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Page 1
Ms. Ceani Beaden, Senior Liberal Studies major, commented that she is glad that she chose to study at Cheyney for her degree. She also enjoyed playing sports and hopes that Cheyney students will continue to do so in the future. Ms. Betty Berry-Holmes, Class of 1955, announced that a fundraiser has been proposed to the alumni association to raise approximately $2 million dollars to support volleyball, women s basketball and track student-athletes. Ms. Holmes requested that each Trustee donate $1,000 toward the scholarship goal. Ms. Joan Harris, Class of 1974, commented that as a Cheyney alum, she found it appalling and disappointing that the annual Founder s Day celebration was cancelled. Mr. Alphonso Coleman, President, Cheyney University National Alumni Association, stated that on February 17 th, members of the 1978 Cheyney State College NCAA Division II Men s Basketball Champions were honored, commemorating the 40 th anniversary of the championship at the Cheyney-Kutztown game. A reception also took place on March 18 th (the exact date of the 1978 game) in which the tape of the game was viewed. Mr. Coleman emphasized that it is imperative that the importance of the rich history of Cheyney athletics continues to be heard. Alumni stand ready to assist. Ms. Gaynelle Lewis, Class of 1973, commented that she is pleased with the cooperation she has received from the Office of Financial Aid regarding the reconciliation of alumni scholarship awards to students. The Alumni Association appreciates all the work that has been done. PRESIDENT S REMARKS On Thursday, February 22, 2018, Cheyney University partnered with the UPS Chesapeake District Resource Group to host the 2018 African-American Business Leadership Forum: Building Bridges for Future Leaders. UPS executives shared with Cheyney and Lincoln students, various aspects of leadership such as professional development, networking, and personal branding. Cheyney students have received UPS internships as a result of this endeavor. On Monday, February 19, 2018, WHYY premiered Tell Them We Are Rising The Story of Black Colleges and Universities in the Marian Anderson Music Center at 6:00 P.M. Immediately following the screening, the University held a panel discussion to further engage with Cheyney students. Cheyney University students convened at the Pennsylvania capitol with fellow students from across the State System for Advocacy Day on February 22, 2018. Cheyney students visited state legislators to advocate for increased funding for PASSHE schools and the value of a Cheyney University education. The U.S. Department of Education continues to work on campus two days per week regarding financial aid issues. The Vision Statement has been prepared and will be shared today. PRESIDENT S REPORT The Vision Statement for Cheyney University has been prepared to represent the next three years and captures the future direction of the University. This statement has been shared with the Council of Trustees, and will be integrated, along with the University s Mission Statement, into the University Plan. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to read both documents. CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Page 2
The University s Core Values remain the same. Chairman Bogle requested a motion to approve the Mission Statement and Vision Statement of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. This motion was made by Trustee Patterson, seconded by Trustee Bronson, and the motion carried. President Walton further reported the following: 1. The University continues to work with area community colleges to secure articulation agreements. 2. Cheyney alumni will be working with its local and state chapters to recruit Cheyney students. Alumni members will be trained and certified to recruit Cheyney students with a consistent message as to why a prospective student should attend the University. 3. Students are welcome to recruit and the University will be launching an incentive for any student who recruits other students. The University will provide an initial finder s fee of $250.00 for students who recruit other students. The recruited student must enroll for at least one academic semester and not be on the University s prospect list. A second cash award incentive will go to the same student if their recruited student attends Cheyney for at least one full semester and has a GPA of at least 2.0. 4. The University is assembling a list of alumni in different professions that students can speak with regarding their field of study. 5. The Cheyney Foundation, C Club and Alumni Association are to be commended for their ongoing support, as the University received $250,000 from the Foundation; $50,000 from alumni and $33,000 from the C Club. The University has received over $35,000 in commitments from alumni and friends. President Walton called on Dr. Tara Kent, University Provost, who provided an overview and update of the University s Strategic Planning process. REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES - President Walton introduced Ms. Robin Coward to present her report. Institutional Effectiveness, Social Equity and Athletics Information Item No. 1: Institutional Effectiveness. Ms. Robin Coward, Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Director EEO & Title IX Coordinator, announced that on March 13, 2018, Governor Wolf awarded Cheyney University the It s On Us grant in the amount of $30,000. This grant enables the University to implement a social marketing campaign geared toward educating Cheyney students in the areas of bystander intervention, sexual violence, and healthy relationships. Information Item No. 2: Department of Athletics. Ms. Coward reported on the status of the athletic programs at the University. Information Item No. 3: Title IX. Ms. Coward announced that the University is in the process of reviewing all Title IX requirements to ensure compliance. President Walton will be meeting with the volleyball and basketball coaching staff regarding division status. CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Page 3
Academic Affairs Trustee James Raith, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, introduced Dr. Tara Kent to present her report. Action Item No. 1: Minor in Biology. Trustee Raith made a motion to approve the new academic minor in Biology. This motion was seconded by Trustee Gordon, and the motion carried. Action Item No. 2: Concentration in Political Science. Trustee Raith made motion to approve the new academic concentration in Political Science. This motion was seconded by Trustee Bronson, and the motion carried. Action Item No. 3: Biology Concentrations. Trustee Raith made a motion to approve the new academic concentrations in Biology. This motion was seconded by Trustees Gordon and Patterson, and the motion carried. Information Item No. 1: Keystone Honors Academy. Dr. Kent reported that the Keystone Honors Academy welcomed eight new members this spring. The average GPA of students in the Academy is 3.7. Additionally, Dr. Kent acknowledged the exceptional performance of the Cheyney student team at the fall Honda National Qualifying Tournament in Washington, D.C. Information Item No. 2: Achievements in Academic Affairs. Dr. Kent spoke of faculty and student academic achievements. Information Item No. 3: Faculty Development. Dr. Kent reported on the activities of the Center for Instructional Design and Digital Innovation. Item No. 4: Curricular Changes. Dr. Kent provided an overview of the actions taken by the Academic Affairs Council on a number of proposals during the last quarter: Introduction of a new Climate Science Course Reorganization of Fine Arts and Graphic Design degree programs Reorganization of the HRTM program The introduction of Global Designations for biology courses Campus Life and Student Affairs Trustee Larry Skinner, Chair of the Student Affairs Committee, introduced Ms. Elisabeth Burton, Executive Director of Campus Life and Student Affairs, to present her report. Information Item No. 1: Division of Campus Life and Student Affairs Update. Ms. Burton reported that in order to better streamline student support services, most offices within the Division of Campus Life and Student Affairs will be located in the Marcus Foster Student Union. This includes the Health and Wellness Center, Student Activities, Center for Career and Professional Development, and the Life Coaches. Ms. Burton reported that the Life Coaches are receiving alliance training in order to supply additional support for students who are part of the LGBTQ community. In addition, Life Coach William Tweedle will be implementing a free No Zone program on campus No sagging, No cussing, and No N word. CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Page 4
Ms. Burton commented that student ambassadors are calling all newly accepted students to welcome them to the University and speak with them student-to-student regarding any questions or concerns they may have. Ms. Burton reported that University Conference Services continues to market the Ada S. Georges Ballroom and other campus buildings for rental use to the surrounding communities. Finance and Administration Trustee Samuel Patterson, Chair of the Finance and Administration committee, introduced Dr. Karl Brockenbrough, Executive Director of Finance and Administration to present his report. Action Item No. 1: Purchase Orders and Contracts in Excess of $9,999.99. Trustee Patterson made a motion to approve the purchase orders and contracts in excess of $9,999.99. This motion was seconded by Chairman Bogle, and the motion carried. Action Item No. 2: Cheyney University and Cheyney Foundation Proposed Arrangement. Trustee Patterson made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Cheyney University and The Cheyney Foundation, pending any modifications of the MOU by University Legal Counsel and/or The Cheyney Foundation. The motion was seconded by Trustee Bronson, and the motion carried. Information Item No. 1: Interim Budget Report. Dr. Brockenbrough provided an updated budget report to the Council of Trustees, which will be used to assess 2017/18 fiscal activities, modify revenue and expenditure requirements for 2018/19, and develop preliminary budget projections for 2019/20. Further discussion ensued. Information Item No. 2: Campus Projects Status Report. Dr. Brockenbrough provided a status report regarding campus projects. Further discussion ensued. Chairman Bogle made a motion to accept the committee reports as presented. This motion was seconded by Trustee Spencer, and the motion carried. ADJOURNMENT With no further business having to be attended to, Chairman Bogle requested a motion to adjourn. Trustee Patterson made a motion to adjourn the March 20, 2018 Quarterly Meeting of the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Council of Trustees. This motion was seconded by Trustee Bronson, and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned. Submitted By: Irene Scheivert Irene Losak-Scheivert Recording Secretary Approved: Robert Traynham Robert Traynham Secretary to the Council CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Page 5