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MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES June 20, 2020 UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BY TELELCONFERENCE 9:00A.M. DRAFT MINUTES Regular Session MEMBERS PRESENT Attorney Henry C. Smock, Chair Ms. Oran C. Roebuck, Vice Chair Dr. David Hall, President and Secretary Mrs. Nisha Clavier, Alumni Trustee Ms. Arah C. Lockhart, BOE Dr. Adam Parr, Faculty Trustee Ms. Raven Phillips, Student Trustee Dr. John A. Quelch Dr. Yvonne E. L. Thraen Rev. Dr. Wesley S. Williams, Jr. MEMBERS ABSENT Mrs. Racquel Berry-Benjamin, DOE OTHERS PRESENT Dr. Camille McKayle, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mr. Mitchell Neaves, VP Institutional Advancement Ms. Earlyn Casimir for VP Administration and Finance & CFO Attorney Marie ThomasGriffith, UVI Legal Counsel CALL TO ORDER The presence of a quorum having been determined, Chairman Henry C. Smock called the Regular Session of the meeting to order at 9:05am. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Trustee Wesley Williams, which was seconded by Vice Chair Oran Roebuck, to approve the minutes of the Regular Session of the Board Meeting held on March 7, 2020 with a minor edit. The vote on the motion to approve the Regular Session minutes was unanimous by the members present. The minutes were therefore approved. GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE……………………………………….………….………Attorney Henry C. Smock Election of Officers Chairman Smock appointed Trustee Yvonne Thraen as Chair pro tem pending the election of officers for the period of 2020-2021. Trustee Thraen, the Chair pro-tem, reported that the Governance Committee conducted its annual meeting for nominations as outlined in the Nomination Process adopted by the Board of Trustees. She reported that nominations were received for the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair. Based on the nominations received, the Committee presented the slate of Henry Smock and Oran Roebuck, for Chair and Vice Chair respectively, to the Board of Trustees for its deliberation and action. After the slate was presented, the Chair pro-temp opened the floor for nominations from the floor. No nominations were made. Trustee Wesley Williams made a motion, which was seconded by Trustee John Quelch, to close the nominations. The vote on the motion was unanimous by the members present. The nominations were closed. A motion was then made by Trustee Wesley Williams, which was seconded by Trustee Quelch, to approve the slate of Smock for Chair and Roebuck for Vice Chair for 2020-2021. The vote on the slate was in favor by the members present with an abstention by Chairman Smock. Trustee Thraen then yielded the Chair back to Chairman Smock. Chairman Smock and Vice Chair Roebuck successively thanked the members of the Board for electing them as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Trustee Williams, which was seconded by Vice Chair Roebuck, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The vote on the motion to approve the Consent Agenda was unanimous by the members present. The consent agenda was therefore approved. PRESIDENT’S REPORT President Hall reported that the President’s Report for this reporting period was organized into two sections. Part I provides highlights of new and ongoing presidential initiatives and institutional accomplishments since the last report. Part II highlights major accomplishments within the framework of Greatness Through Innovation, the University’s current strategic plan. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS  Makeda Mills, Biology major, is the recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. Mills will have access to opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct her own research. With the fellowship award, she will receive a three-year annual stipend of $34,000 and a $12,000 cost for tuition and fees. Mills is expected to enroll at Texas A& M in the Fall, where she will pursue a Ph.D. in Oceanography.  The UVI Student Nurses Association (NSNA) was awarded the “State Excellence Award” and the “Winners' Way” prize for the largest percentage increase in membership in 2020. UVI NSNA falls among Group 1 schools with less than 170 members. This is posted on the National Student Nurses Association website at https://www.nsnaconvention.org/2020-program-activities-awardwinners.html.  The Fourth Annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) Program ran from March 9-13. The ASB collaborated with community partners to offer students the opportunity to become immersed in meaningful community service campaigns while enhancing their leadership and developmental skills. These projects are designed to foster self- awareness, teamwork, reflection, and engagement with diverse others. During the week, students made pledges to be drug and alcohol-free and participated in numerous social activities. This year’s highlight was a catamaran boat trip, including snorkeling at Buck Island, swimming at Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. Fifty-eight students participated in the program.  The Student Government Association Social and Cultural Committee on the Albert A. Sheen Campus organized and hosted its annual Miss Charter Day Competition under the leadership of Chairperson Damalia Simmonds, UVI senior on March 6. Ariyan Victoria, Hospitality and Tourism Management major, was selected to be Miss Charter Day 2020-2021. Highlights from the Report also included: • Faculty and Staff Achievements • Faculty Staff, and Student Publications • Faculty Conference Presentations Significant Institutional Achievements • University Response to Coronavirus Disease -2019 (COVID-19) • UVI Transition Document • Impact and Results of the Transition • Communications with UVI Community • CARES Act Funding • UVI Class of 2020 Overcomes Overwhelming Odds - UVI Confers over 300 Degrees • Redesigned Graduating Senior Exit Survey • School of Nursing Reaccreditation • UVI CELL Renewed as an Accredited Provider of LACET CEUS • Innovation Unit Exercise Winners • UVI Receives FEMA Award Retrofit Awards President’s Appreciation Award This period’s President’s Appreciation Award was presented to the following units and individuals: 1) Faculty — The presence and threat of the coronavirus in the Territory required all faculty members to move their courses from “in-person” to a remote or virtual delivery platform. This transition had to occur within the span of one week. Not only did each faculty member creatively make this adjustment, but they did so in a seamless and thoughtful manner. Students were very pleased with the thoughtfulness, attention and professionalism that our faculty demonstrated during this challenging moment. The President’s Appreciation Award is presented to the entire Faculty for providing another stellar example of academic resiliency during a global pandemic. 2) Technology Support Team and Leaders — In order for faculty members to make such a successful transition to remote education it was essential that the University provide them with the necessary technology and online training and support. Numerous individuals contributed to this effort, but we especially want to thank Ameeta Jadav, Brian Thomas, Dannica Thomas, Elroy Richard & Cherie Wheatley. They provided technical assistance, coaching and provided platforms upon which the faculty could achieve their educational objectives. They are the unsung heroes and heroines that we honor for their expertise, skills and dedication. 3) Dr. Timothy Faley and Dr. David Morris — During this challenging time, the University was able to be a resource in the fight against the virus through the production of essential personal protective equipment (PPE). President Hall was approached by a physician on St. Croix who was aware of our 3D Printers and inquired if we could assist the medical community in acquiring masks. Across the nation and in the Territory, there were shortages of necessary PPE, such as masks and face shields. President Hall asked Dr. Timothy Faley to explore the potential with the 3D printers in our Innovation Labs and he immediately accepted the challenge. Dr. David Morris was approached by members of the medical community on St. Thomas for the same support. In an effort to address the local demands, Professors Timothy Faley and David Morris have been developing and producing Face Masks and Face Shields for the medical community, first responders and the public. Dr. Faley was supported by a UVI student on St. Croix, Kedisha Charles. Two donors also supported the 3D printed mask program during the height of the pandemic when local frontline responders were in dire need of safety equipment. Donations received from Banco Popular and the Community Foundation for the Virgin Islands provided the necessary resources to allow the 3D printing program to develop more than 350 masks. This is the strength and beauty of this special institution and the people who make it special. When we created the Innovation Centers many years ago, we had no idea that the equipment we purchased would help save lives. This is a reminder that if we invest in our future today, we will save our future tomorrow. RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY PARK UPDATE REPORT The Board received an update report from Mr. Peter Chapman, Executive Director of the RTPark. He spoke about the vision and strategic priorities. He added that this past year, the RTPark assumed much more of a holistic and aggressive approach to facilitating growth and expansion of the tech cluster in the Virgin Islands. After his report, the Chairman ask if there were any questions to the report. There were no questions to the written report. BOARD COMMITTEE ITEMS ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS……………….……Dr. Yvonne E. L. Thraen Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies At the invitation of the Chair of the Committee, Provost McKayle, presented the proposal for the Bachelor of Arts degree program in Interdisciplinary Studies as approved by the faculty. She reported that the program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to pursue multiple interests in their higher education experience. This four-year program will benefit students who are self-disciplined and want to participate in designing their degree by exploring innovative options such as studying abroad or seeking out certificate programs in which they might be interested. Students would be required to complete 120 credit hours, including general education coursework, 45 credits in 2 or 3 focus areas, and a capstone project. The ARSA Committee voted unanimously to accept the proposal to approve the Bachelor of Arts degree program in Interdisciplinary Studies. The committee’s recommendation was forwarded to the full Board for review and action at its meeting on June 20, 2020. A motion was made by Trustee Thraen, which was seconded by Trustee Wesley Williams, to approve the proposal to create Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. The vote on the motion was unanimous. The Degree was approved. Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Provost McKayle, presented the proposal for the Bachelor of Science degree program in Interdisciplinary Studies as approved by the faculty. The program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to pursue multiple interests in their higher education experience. This four-year program will benefit students who are self-disciplined and want to participate in designing their program by exploring innovative options such as studying abroad or seeking out certificate programs in which they might be interested. Students would be required to complete 120 credit hours, including general education coursework, 45 credits in 2 or 3 focus areas, and a capstone project. The ARSA Committee voted unanimously to accept the proposal to approve the Bachelor of Science degree program in Interdisciplinary Studies. The committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the full Board for review and action at its meeting on June 20, 2020. A motion was made by Trustee Thraen, which was seconded by Trustee Wesley Williams, to approve the proposal to create Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. The vote on the motion was unanimous. The Degree was approved. Proposal for the School of Graduate Education Provost McKayle presented the proposal for the School of Graduate Education. The School of Graduate Education will be a unit under which all graduate degree programs at the University of the Virgin Islands will be administered. It will serve as the formal system of oversight for graduate programs and interdisciplinary graduate programs, including the Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change (CLIC) Ph.D. program. The proposed school will set a boundary between undergraduate and graduate education while fostering greater working relationships among units that support graduate activities as well as provide a structure for strengthening the UVI Graduate Council. The ARSA Committee voted unanimously to accept the proposal to approve the School of Graduate Education proposal. The committee’s recommendation is forwarded to the full Board for review and action at its meeting on June 20, 2020. A motion was made by Trustee Williams, which was seconded by Trustee John Quelch, to approve the proposal to create a School of Graduate Education. The vote on the motion was unanimous. The School of Graduate Education was approved. Proposal for the School of Agriculture Provost McKayle presented the proposal for a School of Agriculture. She reported that at the Academic, Research and Student Affairs Committee meeting, Dr. Usman Adamu, Dean, and Director of the proposed school presented the proposal for the School of Agriculture. The School of Agriculture will seek to provide innovative and cutting-edge research, teaching, and extension programs in response to the educational, social, economic, and environmental needs of the US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean region. It will seek to strengthen UVI’s status as a Land-Grant institution and serve as the link between the Agricultural Extension Services (AES), the Cooperative Extension Services, and the academic and certificate programs in several areas within agriculture that are being developed. The ARSA Committee voted unanimously to accept the proposal to approve the School of Agriculture proposal. The committee’s recommendation is forwarded to the full Board for review and action at its meeting on June 20, 2020. A motion was made by Trustee Thraen, which was seconded by Trustee Wesley Williams, to approve the proposal to create the School of Agriculture. The vote on the motion was unanimous. The School of Agriculture was approved. Proposal to revise Policy for Conferring Emeritus Status The proposal to revise the Policy for Conferring Emeritus Status was presented by Dr. Linda Thomas, Associate Provost for Graduate and Academic Affairs. The proposal requests the approval of revisions to the policy previously approved on August 11, 2008, to reflect specific organizational changes of the University of the Virgin Islands between 2008 and 2020. Revisions to the document include replacing the Faculty Review Advisory Committee ((FRAC) with the University Promotion and Tenure Committee (UPT) under Section III of the original document. The ARSA Committee voted to accept the proposal to revise the Policy for Conferring Emeritus Status. The committee’s recommendation is forwarded to the full Board for review and action at its meeting on June 20, 2020. A motion was made by Trustee Thraen, which was seconded by Trustee Wesley Williams, to revise the Policy for Conferring Emeritus Status. The vote on the motion was unanimous. The revisions were approved. FINANCE AND BUDGET COMMITTEE………………………………..….….Oran C. Roebuck FY2020 Proposed Operating Budget Revision Number One Approval The Chair of the committee indicated that the revision to the FY2020 Budget was need to address changes and challenges to the Budget which included issues that evolved due to COVID-19.. The Finance and Budget Committee voted to recommend to the Board of Trustees approval of the proposed Operating Budget Revision Number One of the University of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year 2019-2020. A motion was made by Vice Chair Roebuck, which was seconded by Trustee Wesley Williams, to approve the Revision to the FY2020 Budget . The vote on the motion was unanimous. The revisions were approved. GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE………………………………..…………………..Henry C. Smock Approval of Trustee Emeritus Status The Chair of the Governance Committee reported that the Committee reviewed the trusteeship of a candidate for the status of trustee emeritus: Mr. Alexander A. Moorhead. After review, the committee unanimously approved the candidate and recommended to the full board that he be approved for board chair emeritus status. The resolution was presented for approval. A motion was made by Trustee Thraen, which was seconded by Trustee Wesley Williams, to grant Board Chair Emeritus status to Alexander A. Moorhead. The vote on the motion was unanimous. The resolution was approved. PLANNING COMMITTEE………………………………………..…………..Dr. John Quelch Key Performance Indicators/Greatness Through Innovation The Committee received a report on the Key Performance Indicators as linked to the institution’s new Strategic Plan, Greatness through Innovation. The report focused primarily on the Innovation Exercise, Retention and Graduation Rates, Degrees Awarded, Financial Aid, Development Indicators, and UVI Highlights from February 27-May 15, 2020. Innovation Exercise, Retention Rate and Graduation Rate, Degrees Awarded, and Financial Aid are linked to the following goals in the strategic plan: I.1C, III.8A, II.2E, and III.2A, III.2B. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 11:10 a.m., a motion was made by Trustee Williams, which was seconded by Trustee Thraen, to go into Executive Session to address the following matters, which could be reasonably expected to result in the disclosure of information of personal nature wherein public disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, or premature disclosure that would seriously frustrate implementation of the proposed action(s), and for the Board to obtain legal advice on these matters: 1. Approve Minutes of the Executive Session of the last meeting of the BOT 2. Receive a report from the ARSA Committee 3. Receive a report from the Governance Committee 4. Receive Update Reports from the Administration 5. Receive an update on Personnel Matters 6. Receive an Update on Legal Matters The Executive Session convened at 11:11am. RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION Upon return to the Regular Session of the Meeting at 1:24pm, the Chairman reported that while in Executive Session, the Board approved the following: • Executive Session Minutes of the March 7, 2020 meeting of the Board • Approved the granting of Faculty Emeritus to two faculty members • Approved Board Goals for 2020-2021 • Approved report on the Plan of Action for the University for Fall 2020 regarding the COVID-19 • Authorized the President to move forward with amendments to the Free Tuition Policy • Had a discussion with President regarding personnel matters • Received an update on legal matters from Legal Counsel The Chairman thanked Board Members for their participation. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to be considered in the Regular Session, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 1:28 p.m.