Board of Visitors Discusses Budget Cuts, Textbooks, Real Estate and More
John Ivey and Laura Beth Stricker
The Rotunda Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: News
The Longwood Board of Visitors (BOV) met for the final time in 2008 on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6 to discuss a multitude of issues. There were only six approval items on the agenda during the meetings, so there was plenty of time to discuss other topics. These topics ranged from the forthcoming budget cuts, making college more affordable, textbook pricing, real estate developments and reports from a mix of different student and faculty representatives from Longwood.
The budget cut that Longwood is expected to receive was contained in the BOV handout as follows: "As of Oct. 9, 2008, the projected revenue shortfall for the biennium was $2.5 billion. Longwood was given a new target reduction of an additional five percent, or over $1.3 million. Further reductions are predicted for fiscal year 2010. These reductions will be larger than those for 2009." The decision is expected to be passed down to Longwood by Dec. 17.
The budget cut that Longwood is expected to receive was contained in the BOV handout as follows: "As of Oct. 9, 2008, the projected revenue shortfall for the biennium was $2.5 billion. Longwood was given a new target reduction of an additional five percent, or over $1.3 million. Further reductions are predicted for fiscal year 2010. These reductions will be larger than those for 2009." The decision is expected to be passed down to Longwood by Dec. 17.
In conjunction with the discussion of the budget cuts, a brief PowerPoint presentation entitled "Higher Education Finance: The Challenge of Affordability" was presented to the BOV on Friday. The presentation outlined a "perfect storm" of rising expenses, lower state contributions, lower endowments, competition and credit crises all challenging college affordability. Presenters encouraged the BOV to meet the storm by planning and acting upon cost reduction and management, especially in the academic arena, considering factors such as class sizes, class to professor ratios, materials and compensation. In addition, the BOV was encouraged to look at other efforts, including lobbying legislators, creating collaborative programs with other educational institutions and fundraising.
Another major topic presented to the BOV on Friday was the Report on Pricing of Textbooks. Dr. Wayne McWee, provost and vice president for academic affairs; Vice President for Administration and Finance Kathy Worster; and two Barnes and Noble representatives, Jade Roth, vice president of books merchandising, and Len Scoggins, regional manager of Barnes and Noble, gave the presentation. Three issues were raised: what can faculty do, what can Barnes and Noble do, and the national problem surrounding textbook prices. McWee and Worster reported that Longwood is instructing faculty to give out required books for next semester earlier, as well as other measures, including avoiding changing editions, bundling, unnecessary books and custom books. The Barnes and Noble representatives reported that they are trying to help Longwood and the students as best they can.
There were several real estate and campus developments discussed during the meetings. Under the Review of Debt Ratios/Reserve Report for Year End June 30, 2008, there were several new debt service commitments, including the costs of the new heating plant III at $1.1 million, renovation of athletic offices at $2.6 million and $11.5 million for the Lankford addition/renovation. Longwood President Patricia Cormier said that the new student union will be called the University Center, and that $15 million in private funding must be secured before construction begins, which she estimated would not begin for the next few years.
In addition, it was reported that the IT Center in French is on hold for at least another year. The Academic Residential Community (ARC) building has been appropriated $350,000 for a new roof, but the date for that project is currently unknown.
Other real estate developments that were discussed on Saturday included the completion of the Lancer Park Athletic Complex, establishment of the pedestrian bridge from Lancer Park to campus having to be redesigned, and completion of plans for the Alumni Conference Center. One of the biggest developments was that contracts have finally been signed for Chick-Fil-A and Moe's Southwest Grill for the Midtown Landings, where construction is slated to begin over winter break.
Toward the end of the Saturday session, reports were given by a number of faculty and student representatives to the BOV. The Sustainability Committee announced that Longwood has created a video for the National Wildlife Foundation (NWF) Chill Out Contest for a chance to win $500 in grant money and the video airing on the NWF's annual webcast. There are links to the site where students and faculty can vote for the video both at the Longwood Web site and on Facebook.
Other real estate developments that were discussed on Saturday included the completion of the Lancer Park Athletic Complex, establishment of the pedestrian bridge from Lancer Park to campus having to be redesigned, and completion of plans for the Alumni Conference Center. One of the biggest developments was that contracts have finally been signed for Chick-Fil-A and Moe's Southwest Grill for the Midtown Landings, where construction is slated to begin over winter break.
Toward the end of the Saturday session, reports were given by a number of faculty and student representatives to the BOV. The Sustainability Committee announced that Longwood has created a video for the National Wildlife Foundation (NWF) Chill Out Contest for a chance to win $500 in grant money and the video airing on the NWF's annual webcast. There are links to the site where students and faculty can vote for the video both at the Longwood Web site and on Facebook.
Faculty representative Dr. Pamela Tracy gave a report on citizen leadership and the effectiveness that the English 400 course, Advanced Writing Seminar, has had on Longwood students. She briefly outlined some of the currently enrolled students' projects, including one student who is trying to arrange and organize a charter chapter of the NAACP on campus, as well as recycling and donation programs. Tracy also discussed the Peer Mentor Program and how over 160 students attended the three recent interest meetings within the last two weeks.
Student representative Caitlin Revene, SGA President, gave a brief report on student activities and reactions throughout the semester. She reported that the smoking huts are working and that freshmen don't know the difference and use the huts like everyone else. Revene discussed the voter registration drive, which was very successful with 700 students registering to vote and over 200 that were shuttled to the polls in Farmville on election day. She also reported that the Peer Health Educators gave out over 1,000 free flu shots this semester. Finally, student Josh Rolfe came up and briefly announced and discussed "The Big Event," which is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2009. This event, according to Rolfe, is a way to give back to the community and try to bring Longwood students and the town of Farmville together. He discussed the community service opportunities that are available. Rolfe expects 400 to 500 participants in March, with a long-term goal of having 2,000 participants. Students and faculty can learn more information by e-mailing longwoodbigevent@gmail.com or visiting the official Web site, www.longwoodbigevent.org, which will be up and running after winter break.
The next Board of Visitors meeting will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, 2009, in the Stallard Boardroom, located in Lancaster 102.
The next Board of Visitors meeting will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, 2009, in the Stallard Boardroom, located in Lancaster 102.
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