Board of Trustees recap for April 3 and 4

Western Today staff

April 7, 2014

Western’s Board of Trustees discussed the university’s graduate programs during a presentation on Thursday, April 3.

Kathy Kitto, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for Research and Sponsored Programs, and Kristi Lemm, associate professor of Psychology and Graduate Council representative, provided an update on graduate programs, including that:

  • The graduate programs at Western are well aligned with the university’s vision and strategic goals and contribute significantly to each of Western’s five strategic goals. The mission of the Graduate School itself is to advance, promote, and serve graduate faculty, students and programs through advocacy, leadership, and oversight.
  • Eight types of graduate degrees are offered: Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Education, Master of Business Administration, Master of Music, Master of Professional Accounting, Master in Teaching, and Master of Fine Arts (new, Fall 2013).
  • Currently there are more than 900 graduate students – 670 active graduate students (active is the term used for graduate students actively enrolled in the current quarter) and 268 “dormant” students (those pursuing a degree but not actively enrolled in the current quarter).
  • Graduate students contribute significantly to instruction and mentoring of Western undergraduates.
  • This academic year the Graduate School is conducting an appraisal for each of Western’s graduate programs. Completing the appraisal is the first step in a process designed to help the Graduate Council create guidelines for future strategic investment in graduate education at Western.
  • The ensuring discussion with trustees focused on how to better highlight the success of Western’s graduate programs at a university best known for the excellence of its undergraduate academics.

In other business, the trustees:

  • Discussed 2015-2017 biennium operating budget decision package proposals.
  • Discussed the vice presidents’ draft 2015-2017 capital budget request and 2015-2025 capital plan. A top priority in the next biennium will be seeking funding for the Carver Academic Facility Renovation, which was not funded during the last legislative session as the Legislature did not pass a capital budget.
  • Heard a presentation from Steve Swan, vice president of University Relations and Community Development; Matthew Anderson and Rhys Logan from the Office of Communications and Marketing; students Angelica Metcalfe and Austin Smith, and recent graduate Corey Colbo on how video is being used to effectively market and raise interest in and excitement about Western, including via social media, web sites and the Western Window TV show.
  • Heard a presentation by John Lawson, vice provost for Information Technology, and Linc Nesheim, information technology officer, on current data security initiatives.
  • Approved construction contracts for: Wilson Library Clay Tile Roof replacements and attic insulation, Parks Hall and Fine Arts Gallery flat roof replacement; replacing steam piping at Ridgeway complex; Performing Arts Center exterior renewal; north campus utility upgrade; and delegation of authority to award a construction contract for classroom and lab upgrades.
  • Approved housing and dining rate increases for 2014-15.
  • Received a briefing on the 2014 supplemental legislative session by Sherry Burkey, associate vice president for University Relations and Community Development.
  • Heard an update by Stephanie Bowers, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the WWU Foundation, on performance of WWU Foundation endowments and other development-related initiatives.

For more information on the trustees’ meeting, see: https://trustees.wwu.edu/Site%20Content%20and%20Pages/Meeting%20Materials.aspx

The dates for the next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees are June 12 and 13, 2014.