WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

INSTITUTIONAL BOARD OF ADVISORS

 MEETING OF NOVEMBER 27, 2006

 

ATTENDING: Chairman Robinson, Mr. Goolsby, Ms. Chiles, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Miller, Ms. Smith, Dr. David, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Segsworth, Mr. Sanson (For Mr. Cecil Roberts), President Bayless, Dr. Janeksela, Dr. Brown, Dr. Nottingham, Mr. Darling, Mr. Levy, Dr. Hurst, Ms. Kerby, Mr. Talerico, Ms. DuBois, Mr. Neese  A quorum was present

 

1. Chairman Robinson welcomed all to the meeting at 3:10 p.m.
2. Dr. Janeksela, assisted by Drs. Brown and Nottingham presented five-year program reviews for eight programs to the Board.  The programs were as follows:
   1. BS Technology Management
   2. BS Mathematics
   3. BS Civil Engineering
   4. BS Chemical Engineering
   5. BS Electrical Engineering
   6. BS Electrical Engineering-Computer Engineering Option and BS Computer Engineering
   7. BS Mechanical Engineering
   8. Master of Science in Control Systems Engineering
3. After Board discussion the following actions were taken:
   1. Upon motion by Mr. Goolsby and second by Mr. Miller the BS Technology Management program was recommended for continuation of the program at the current level without specific action.  There were no dissenting votes
   2. Upon motion by Mr. Goolsby and second by Dr. David the BS Mathematics program was recommended for continuation of the program at the current level without specific action.  There were no dissenting votes
   3. Upon motion by Mr. Goolsby and second by Mr. Miller the BS Civil Engineering program was recommended for continuation of the program at the current level without specific action.  There were no dissenting votes
   4. Upon motion by Ms. Chiles and second by Mr. Goolsby the BS Chemical Engineering program was recommended for continuation of the program at the current level without specific action.  There were no dissenting votes
   5. Upon motion by Mr. Goolsby and second by Ms. Chiles the BS Electrical Engineering program was recommended for continuation of the program at the current level without specific action.  There were no dissenting votes
   6. Upon motion by Mr. Goolsby and second by Ms. Chiles the BS Electrical Engineering-Computer Engineering Option and BS Computer Engineering program was recommended for continuation of the programs at the current level without specific action.  There were no dissenting votes
   7. Upon motion by Mr. Goolsby and second by Ms. Chiles the BS Mechanical Engineering program was recommended for continuation of the program at the current level without specific action.  There were no dissenting votes
   8. Upon motion by Ms. Chiles and second by Mr. Miller the Master of Science in Control Systems Engineering program was recommended for continuation of the program at the current level with specific action.  There is to be a follow-up review during the 2007-2008 academic years.  There were no dissenting votes
4. President Bayless gave an overview of progress toward divisional status with West Virginia University.  He noted that several areas have been fully integrated and that most others are well on the way.  He reported that the main campus has been financially supportive as Tech moves to improve in many areas.
5. Mr. Levy gave a report on the recruiting efforts now in progress and an overview of plans for the coming recruiting season.  He gave the encouraging news that student inquires, campus visits, applications and acceptances are all running ahead of the same period last year.  Levy indicated that new programs, additional sports (wrestling, men’s and women’s cross country) and a new focus on recruitment of members for the band and choir, along with the use of innovative technology are all impacting the recruitment effort.  He pointed out that the goal is to enroll 200 additional students for fall 2007.
6. Dr. Janeksela reported that Tech is now offering new academic degree programs in Psychology, Criminal Justice and an on-line bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
7. Mr. Neese gave an overview of activities in the Student Development areas, highlighted by the active planning on renovations of Maclin Hall and the Tech Center.  Maclin Hall will return to its former residence hall status and will be extensively renovated.  The project is planned to be complete and ready for August 2007 occupancy.  The Tech Center will be receiving significant renovations including move all campus dining to that facility, improving activity areas and making the Tech Center a gathering place in the heart of the campus.  He also noted strong attendance at the annual Career Fair, personnel enhancements for Campus Police and noted a grant awarded to the Student Support Services program related to diversity training.  Neese indicated that the retention efforts of the past eighteen months have begun to pay dividends.  Tech’s fall to fall retention rate improved 7% over the last year.  A wide range of services and strategies have been implemented and appear to be having a real effect.
8. President Bayless, assisted by Ms. Kerby, briefly discussed budget matters.  He indicated that deficits will continue, but grow smaller as enrollment grows.  Enrollment needs to grow by approximately 400 students to balance the budget.  He pointed out that enrollment growth on this level will not necessitate additional staff or buildings.  Bayless also noted that he is working with the legislative leaders and the Governor to bring additional, targeted funds to the engineering programs.
9. Mr. Darling gave a facilities report indicating that projects are underway in the Engineering Classrooms building, the Engineering Lab building, Orndorff Hall, Maclin Hall, the Tech Center and Davis Hall.  He noted that funds are being sought to repair the campus swimming pool.
10. Dr. Janeksela reported on recent news about programs and efforts in the College of Business, Humanities and Sciences indicating that the programs in this college have the greatest potential for enrollment growth and that the College is beginning new programs to enhance those potentials.  He also reported successes in garnering research grants.
11. Dr. Nottingham highlighted activities in the Leonard C. Nelson College of Engineering.  He stated that integration efforts with WVU are moving forward smoothly and that Tech’s engineering programs would continue to be independently accredited.  He indicated that faculty vacancies are being filled and that strong recruitment efforts are in full swing.  Nottingham also reported that departmental advisory boards are meeting regularly and contributing to the improvement of programs by their activities.
12. Ms. DuBois reported on activities related to the Tech Foundation, Inc.  She noted that the process toward merging the Foundation into the WVU Foundation are moving forward in a planned manner to assure a successful integration that will benefit both institutions.  The Foundation Board is aggressively acting to strengthen the fund raising capabilities and fund management practices of the Foundation.  DuBois also reported that Alumni Association activities have increased and that far greater effort is being directed toward regular and effective communication with Tech’s alumni.  She noted a number of upcoming alumni events scheduled for the next few months.  They include alumni gathering around WV, in Houston, TX; Canton, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Raleigh, NC and Georgetown, KY.
13. The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.