June meeting highlights (part 1):

http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/admin/downloads/BdJune05.pdf

Mr. Roy Klumb was absent. (p. 1)
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Ms. Newton and Dr. Magee congratulated Mr. Scott Ross for being elected Mayor of West Point, Mississippi. (p. 1)
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REAL ESTATE & FACILITIES AGENDA
3. USM – Approved the initiation of GS #108-241, Mannoni Performing Arts Center, for repairs and renovation, the appointment of Eley Associates as the project architects, and request approval by the Bureau of Buildings. The stage area has deficiencies in electrical, rigging, sound and architectural systems that need immediate attention to allow safe and proper functioning of the main auditorium. The estimated cost of the repairs is $500,000. Funds are available from S. B. 2010, Laws of 2004. (p. 3)

5. USM - Approved the construction documents for GS #114-005, 2004 Campus Site Enhancements at Gulf Park Campus, and authorized advertising for the receipt of bids by the Bureau of Buildings. Funds are available in the amount of $355,000 from S. B. 3313, Laws of 2000. (p. 3)

8. USM - Approved the bids and request approval and the award of a contract by the Bureau of Buildings in the amount of $121,000 to the lowest bidder, Williams Paving Company, LLC, for GS #110-086, 2004 Renovation Program, Phase One, Ocean Springs on the Gulf Park campus. Funds are available in the amount of $750,000 from S. B. 2988, Laws of 2003. Supporting documents are on file in the Board Office. (p. 4)

9. USM – Approved the bids and the award of a contract in the amount of $298,690 to the lowest bidder, Hanco Corporation of Hattiesburg, Mississippi for IHL #208-261, Bond Hall Renovation. Funds are available from University sources. Supporting documents are on file in the Board Office. (p. 4)

14. USM - Approved the purchase of property located at 503 and 505 North 25 Avenue and 2303 and 2305 West 4 th Street in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The property is owned by The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation and is currently residential and commercial property. The average of two appraisals is $194,000, and the purchase price is $192,311.38. Funds are available from University sources. Supporting documents are on file in the Board Office. (p. 4)
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[GAMING CASE]
Payment of legal fees for professional services rendered by Maxey Wann, PLLC, (Statement dated 5/2/05) from the funds of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. (This statement represents services and expenses in connection with the IHL v. State case.) TOTAL DUE......................................................$4,588.28 (p. 6)

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SYSTEM GOVERNANCE
[ORIGINAL STATEMENT]
301.0702 DUTIES OF THE COMMISSIONER A. To serve as system executive officer of the university system and to perform such services assigned by the Board as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the Board was established, namely the management and control of the several state institutions of higher learning and other like bodies presently existing and any which may be hereafter created by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi.

[AMENDED TO]
301.0702 DUTIES OF THE COMMISSIONER A. The Commissioner shall serve as system executive officer of the university system and the Institutional Executive Officer of each of the several state institutions shall report directly to the Commissioner, who reports to the Board of Trustees. The Commissioner shall also perform such services assigned by the Board as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the Board was established, namely the management and control of the several state institutions of higher learning and other like bodies presently existing and any which may be hereafter created by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi. (p. 9)

[ADDED]
301.0801 DUTIES OF THE INSTITUTIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS A. The Institutional Executive Officer of each of the several state institutions shall report directly to the Commissioner of Higher Education, who reports to the Board of Trustees. (p. 9)

[ORIGINAL STATEMENT]
301.0801 DUTIES OF THE INSTITUTIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS C. The Institutional Executive Officer shall have the initiative in shaping the educational policy and academic standards of his/her institution.

[AMENDED TO]
301.0801 DUTIES OF THE INSTITUTIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS C. The Institutional Executive Officer shall have the initiative in shaping the educational policy and academic standards of his/her institution in consultation with the Commissioner. The Commissioner will may recommend such policy to the Board for approval. (p. 10)

702.04 TUITION APPROVAL PROCESS
[ORIGINAL STATEMENT]
C. Consideration of Requests Requests to establish tuition, required fees, and room and board charges shall not be considered until at least thirty days after they have been submitted to provide an opportunity for review by the Board and the Commissioner, and for comment by Institutional Executive Officers. Any comments by Institutional Executive Officers shall be submitted to the Commissioner for consideration by the Board.

[AMENDED TO]
C. Consideration of Requests Requests to establish tuition, and room and board charges shall not be considered until at least thirty days after they have been submitted to provide an opportunity for review by the Board and the Commissioner. The Board reserves the right to waive the thirty-day review requirement during periods of extreme time constraint. (p. 11)

[????]
5. System Administration - Proposed amendment to the Board Policies and Bylaws – 301.03 Board Committees – for first reading. This proposed policy is included in the bound June 16, 2005 Board Working File and attached hereto as Exhibit 11.

A motion was made by Dr. Magee, seconded by Dr. Neely, to approve the proposed amendment to the Board Policies and Bylaws – 301.03 Board Committees – for first reading.

Ms. Whitten asked that the record reflect that she is not against this bylaw amendment. She feels that approval of this amendment at this time is very premature. As she pointed out yesterday, this amendment is inconsistent, it limits the Board President’s authority, and it limits the authority of the next Board President.

The motion failed on a 5 to 5 vote, with Mr. Roy Klumb absent and not voting and Ms. Newton not voting. Board members voting for the motion were: Mr. Ed Blakeslee, Dr. D. E. Magee, Dr. Bettye Neely, Mr. Aubrey Patterson, and Ms. Robin Robinson. Board members voting against the motion were: Mr. Thomas Colbert, Dr. Stacy Davidson, Mr. Bob Owens, Mr. Scott Ross, and Ms. Amy Whitten. (p. 11)