Board of Trustees recap of Dec. 8, 9 meetings

December 12, 2011

Paul Cocke

University Communications director

[ Editor’s Note: After each Board of Trustees meeting, Western Today provides a recap of decisions and discussion. ]

Trustees Learn About and Discuss Some of Western’s Many Partnerships

Western’s Board of Trustees heard presentations on and discussed some of the many ways that Western is partnering with and reaching out to the community.

“Communities support universities that support communities,” President Bruce Shepard said.

The presentations on partnerships included:

A wide range of Western partnerships and community outreach by Steve Swan, vice president for University Relations. He also discussed the new “Western Window” television show, being developed by Western students.
On successful partnerships with regional school districts in science and math education by George “Pinky” Nelson, director, and Shannon Warren, project director, at Western’s Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education program (SMATE), and Scott Ellis, principal at Blaine High School.
On a collaboration of libraries by Chris Cox, dean of Libraries. Cox was joined by area library officials: Joan Airoldi, Whatcom County Library System; Pam Kiesner, Bellingham Public Library; Linda Lambert, Whatcom Community College; Valerie McBeth, Northwest Indian College, and Jane Blume from Bellingham Technical College. “Libraries thrive on collaboration and we’re always looking for ways to do things more efficiently,” Cox said.

In other business, the trustees:

Approved a resolution recognizing the “extraordinary life and service” of the late Ark Chin, who served as chairman and trustee at Western from 1974-1980.
Heard a presentation by Eileen Coughlin, vice president for Enrollment and Student Services, on the topic of Student Debt, Scholarship Consultant and Student Services. Members of Western’s Foundation Board participated in the wide-ranging discussion.
Recognized several members of Western’s community: Jeff Wright, the new dean of the College of Sciences and Technology, and Francisco Rios, the new dean of Woodring College of Education. “We’re really delighted to welcome these deans and their families to Bellingham,” said Provost Catherine Riordan.
The trustees also recognized the contributions of Pinky Nelson to Western and the successful partnerships he has forged to improve science literacy in area schools.
Approved fall quarter degrees, 2012 summer session tuition and fees; delegation of authority to award consultant contract for Fraser Hall renovation; and amendments to student rights and responsibility code.
Heard an update on the comprehensive campaign by Stephanie Bowers, vice president for University Advancement.
Heard an update on the Legislature’s special session by Sherry Burkey, associate vice president for University Relations. Burkey discussed the special session of the Legislature called by the governor, and provided a preview of the upcoming session that begins Jan. 9.
Recognized newly tenured and promoted faculty at a luncheon.

Meeting documents are available at the Board of Trustees website.