The April 6 Board of Trustees meeting saw the coming and going of key board members, recognition of the championship season of women’s basketball, an update on the budget, and the approval of various academic programs and faculty tenure, promotions and sabbaticals.
Trustee Terrance Carroll, who replaces Trustee Antonio Esquibel on the board, was officially sworn in by General Counsel Loretta P. Martinez. All of the trustees present shared their appreciation for Esquibel’s commitment to the College over 31 years. BOT Chair Robert Cohen, in listing many of Esquibel’s accomplishments, said, “You should be impressed with yourself.”
President Stephen Jordan, referring to Esquibel’s committee work, said, “You have been a constant presence in giving your love back to the College.”
In response to the heartfelt comments from the trustees, Esquibel gave a lengthy account of how the College’s commitment to the Latino community has grown over the years to the point of Metro State’s seeking Hispanic Serving Institution status. Saying he realized he’d still be on campus in one way or another, Esquibel bid the board “hasto luego.”
Cohen also announced that Trustee and former board chair Adele Phelan had sent a letter to the governor saying that she would not be able to complete her term, and Cohen said a new search would begin for her replacement. “It’s a sad and exciting time,” said Cohen, noting that a reception was on tap to honor both Esquibel and Phelan for their service to the College.
Roadrunner recognition
RMAC Coach of the year Tanya Haave led her women’s team before the board to be recognized for their record fifth-place finish in the nation (30-3). Jordan said, “Being a part of a team like this with this kind of chemistry is special. Next year the national championship!”
Trustee William “Bill” Hanzlik, a former NBA player and head coach, said, “I really enjoyed watching you play this year. You’re an outstanding group. Watching you work as a unit exemplifies what’s at Metro State.”
College moving forward on budget planning
The Board approved the revised Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget presented by Natalie Lutes, vice president for administration, finance and facilities. She said it was important to have this approval to begin building the 2012 budget. The original budget has been adjusted by $866,009 to account for the increased revenue of $867,737 due to higher than expected enrollment, plus a minor decrease of $93,762 for late registration and application fees, according to trustee documents.
On the most recent budget news from the Colorado legislature, Jordan said, “When all is said and done, for us, it meant the governor’s recommendation of $519 million [for higher ed] was left as what it was. I suspect there will be some tinkering around the edges” as the budget moves through the Senate and House.
New academic program approvals
In other action, the board approved the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences study abroad course “Global Environment Field Problems: the Mountains, Valleys and Coasts of Chile.”
Executive Director of International Studies Ali Thobhani reported that a previously approved study abroad trip to Japan this summer has been canceled due to the recent tragic events there. He also reported that there is only one Metro State student in the Middle East, a woman studying in Syria specifically, and that his office is in contact with her and she is okay.
Also approved:
- Department of Theatre program fee to assist students with supplies
- Linguistics major in the English Department
- Behavioral Science 2 concentration in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Behavioral Science
- Two separate concentrations--Tourism Management Concentration and Events Management Concentration in the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Events
- Sports Industry Operation Certificate in the Department of Human Performance and Sport
- Sales certificate in the Department of Marketing
General Studies update
School of Letters, Arts and Sciences Dean Joan Foster provided an update on the College’s progress in addressing items in the College’s General Studies program, as requested by the College’s accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission.
Foster, who serves as chair of the 15-member General Studies task force, provided a timeline of the task force’s work from fall 2009 to present that included preparation for an HLC site visit, the development of a proposed General Studies 2012 policy and a vote by tenure-line faculty on the proposed new policy.
She also reported that a Faculty Senate General Studies Committee had been created and trained through a workshop on how to evaluate General Studies curriculum proposals. With the task force’s work coming to completion at the end of the semester, the committee, a standing one with faculty representation from the senate and the three schools, will have the ongoing responsibility of approving General Studies courses to be included in the fall 2012 course catalog.
Emeritus, tenure and sabbatical approvals
The board approved the following seven professors for emeritus status:
- Richard Doerr, Associate Professor Emeritus—Modern Languages
- Elizabeth Friot, Professor Emeritus—Elementary, Linguistically Diverse, K-12, and Secondary Education
- Nancy Frontczak, Professor Emeritus—Marketing
- Dolph Grundman, Professor Emeritus—History
- Anne Hatcher, Professor Emeritus—Human Services
- Nancy Shanks, Professor Emeritus—Health Professions
- Martha Shwayder, Professor Emeritus—Sociology, Anthropology, and Behavioral Science
The board also approved eight professors for sabbatical leave , promoted 23 for tenure, 19 from assistant professor to associate professor and 12 from associate professor to full professor.
Alumni news
Alumni Trustee Eric Peterson reported the Alumni Association will hold a board retreat on April 21-22. He also reported that Meghan Hartvigson has been hired as Assistant Director of Outreach and Engagement for the Office of Alumni Relations, effective July 1.
Looking toward the May 15 commencement, Peterson reported the Alumni Association is working with the commencement committee to place graduation packets under the chairs of each of the graduates.
Top of Page
