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August 26, 2011

University Planning Council

Minutes for August 26, 2011

Present: Buffy Bagwell, Jane Fernandes, Catherine Frank, Archer Gravely, Bill Haggard, Gregg Kormanik, Erica Abrams Locklear, Ted Meigs, Kevin Moorhead, Gary Nallan, John Pierce, Anne Ponder, Christine Riley, Robert Straub

Absent: Keller Berry, Melissa Burchard, Eric Gant, Katja Greeson, Julie Heinitsh, Patrice Mitchell, Gary Nallan, Dave Peifer

Guests: Jessica Dunsmore, Don Gray

UPC met from 3pm to 4:20pm in Highsmith Union 222.

1. Dr. Moorhead welcomed all new and returning members to the first meeting of UPC for the 2011-12 year. Participants were asked to introduce themselves and their roles on campus. Chancellor Ponder reviewed the new financial landscape by using the University Strategy for 2011-13 Resource Allocation as a template. She noted that we planned for a 10% cut last year and actually got an 11.8% reduction. The supplemental tuition increases helped to make up the difference between the 10% and the 11.8%. Our state appropriations are now under $35M, which is a huge adjustment. Chancellor Ponder noted the following University decisions that were in alignment with the UPC’s Strategy for 2011-13 Resource Allocation.

  • We were able to save tenure and tenure track positions but lost non-tenured and part-time faculty positions. This year, we have filled eight new tenure-track positions plus some grant funded and visiting appointments.
  • Filled Director of Intercultural Center and Multicultural Programs position
  • Preserved funding for campus safety and enhanced student housing
  • Hired Director of Institutional Effectiveness, funded re-accreditation activities, and provided faculty release time to support the SACS reaffirmation project.
  • Filled four vacant Development positions to help generate additional revenue
  • Increased funding of student scholarships
  • Outsourced bookstore to improve services and stabilize revenue for scholarships
  • Eliminated several middle management positions and redirected work
  • Eliminated retiree services and IT position in Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
  • Eliminated Craft Campus office
  • Since 2009, we have lost a total of 72 staff positions
  • Faculty review of curriculum to obtain greater efficiency is now underway
  • Eliminated Industrial Engineering Management major and Birth-Kindergarten teacher certification program

Chancellor Ponder stated that we are still adjusting to the impact of these losses and how to define quality in the current environment. Since UPC last met in the Spring, several unprecedented changes were made to financial practices of the Office of State Management and Budget, which make the 11.8% reduction feel more like a 15% cut. This means that we begin the year under extremely austere circumstances. Additionally, Chancellor Ponder noted that we did not receive any Repair and Renovation funding last year and don’t know if we will receive any this year. As a bright spot, she reported that we now have new friends in the legislature and among the leadership of the legislature. Additionally, there is the potential for us to acquire the MAHEC property on W.T. Weaver Boulevard and the Health Adventure land on Broadway. The master plan will address the long-term use of the Rhodes property; it is currently used by the Student Environmental Center and as a residence for Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Chancellor Ponder noted that most private liberal arts colleges require their chief student affairs officer to live on campus.

2. Chancellor Ponder introduced Mr. Don Gray as interim Director of the UNC Asheville Foundation. Mr. Gray is retired from the University of Wisconsin, has twenty-three years of fundraising experience, and is a former professor of chemistry. He will serve six to twelve months in a .6 FTE position until a permanent Vice Chancellor is hired. The Foundation has hired a professional search firm to assist with that search, and Mr. Gray will help with that effort as well. Mr. Gray stated his goal is to help UNC Asheville develop a culture where everyone at all levels has a role in major gift development.

3. In planning our work for the year, Dr. Moorhead suggested the following topics and asked for UPC advice:

  • Reaffirmation of accreditation (SACS/QEP)
  • NCAA re-certification
  • Campus master planning
  • Marketing/branding
  • Our role in social sustainability/community building
  • Our new budget environment

A suggestion was made for UPC to review the strategic plan workgroup activities for each goal. Chancellor Ponder suggested that we look for ways to improve social sustainability and communication.

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