MINUTES

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE

KANSAS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, AND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

ADAMS ALUMNI CENTER

Present: Camille Bribiesca Nyberg, Chair John W. Ballard IIILuke B. BoboAaron R. BrinkmanDonald R. BradaJames E. BredfeldtKevin E. CarrollPaul L. Carttar Carrie W. CoulsonMarci K. DeuthDebi Dennis DuckworthGregory E. EkJohn H. JeterJeff Kennedy, Immediate Past ChairCory L. LagerstromShelle Hook McCoyCindy Emig PenzlerRichard E. Putnam, Chair-Elect Lori Anderson PieningMark C. RandallAlbert I. Shank Jr. Scott R. SeyfarthJerry D. SkillettTimothy T. TrumpBrenda Marzett VannJeff L. Wolfe

Kevin J. Corbett, PresidentTim Brandt, Director, Adams Alumni CenterMichael W. Davis, Senior Vice President for Donor

RelationsBrad Eland, Assistant Director of Kansas ProgramsEmily Ellison, Alumni Programs Coordinator for

Operations

William S. Green, Senior Vice President for Information Systems

Bryan E. Greve, Senior Vice President for Hospitality Services

Teri Harris, Vice President for MembershipKelsey Hill, Alumni Programs Coordinator for National

ProgramsPaige Pendarvis Hofer, Coordinator for Student ProgramsDavid Johnston, Vice President for Internet Services and

MarketingJacey Krehbiel, Alumni Programs CoordinatorMichelle Miles Lang, Director of Kansas ProgramsLynn Loveland, Assistant Director of Kansas Programs-

WichitaJoy Larson Maxwell, Director of Legacy RelationsJodi Nachtigal, ControllerDwight S. Parman, Senior Vice President for Finance

and Human ResourcesHeath Peterson, Vice President for Alumni ProgramsJennifer Jackson Sanner, Senior Vice President for

Communications and Corporate SecretaryLaura Stephens, Assistant Director for Hospitality ServicesAngela Riffey Storey, Associate Development Director for

the Alumni Association at KU Endowment Dan Storey, Staff Photographer and VideographerStefanie Shackelford, Vice President for Alumni RecordsTegan Thornberry, Assistant Director of MembershipBetsy Winetroub, Director of Kansas City ProgramsSusan Younger, Creative Director

Absent: Jill Simpson Miller

CALL TO ORDER:

Mrs. Nyberg called the meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. and asked for a motion to approve the minutes the meeting held May 9, 2014. Mr. Ek made the motion, seconded by Mr. Carroll, and the Board unanimously approved the May minutes.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT:

Mrs. Nyberg reviewed the results of the Board’s self-evaluation survey conducted shortly after the May meeting. Most Board members generally agreed that the preparation for meetings, including the information provided in advance, was helpful and thorough, she said, and members believe their varying opinions are heard and appreciated.

Some members expressed the need for more regular communication from the president and the chair between meetings. In response, Mr. Corbett and Mrs. Nyberg will send regular email updates.

Board members also asked for a review of the selection processes for committee chairs, Nominating Committee members, Executive Committee members and the Chair-Elect. Mrs. Nyberg reviewed all the procedures in the Alumni Association’s Bylaws:

• The Executive Committee selects chairs of the three standing committees (Alumni Programs, Communications and Membership) during its summer meeting. The committee also chooses committee assignments for all Board members, Mrs. Nyberg said, but members can request that their assignments change from year to year.

• The Executive Committee also selects chairs and members of the Audit and Finance committees; typically these Board members have professional expertise in these areas.

• Also at the summer meeting, the Executive Committee chooses members of the Nominating Committee. The bylaws stipulate that the Nominating Committee will be led by the Chair-Elect and include one Board member from each year’s class of members, excluding the newest class. The current national Chair participates in Nominating Committee meetings, but does not vote on the slate of nominees.

• The Nominating Committee, which meets in April to select a slate of nominees for general Board positions, also selects at-large members of the Executive Committee from nominees submitted by fellow Board members. Nominees are evaluated based on the following criteria:

i) Candidates should be highly engaged in Board efforts.ii) Candidates should have the potential to be an effective Chair or have

specific attributes that address identified needs for the Association and the Executive Committee, and

iii) should have previously chaired an Association task force or committee or have otherwise demonstrated group leadership capabilities.

• The Nominating Committee uses the following criteria to select a Chair-Elect from nominations submitted by fellow Board members:

i) Candidates must be highly engaged in Board efforts, andii) must have previously chaired a task force or committee or have served on

the Executive Committee.

Mrs. Nyberg reminded Board members that nominations for the Executive Committee and Chair-Elect must be submitted to her or Mr. Putnam by March 1, 2015. This is also the deadline for all nominations of Association members to be considered for five-year terms on the Board. She urged Board members to participate in the nomination process. The Association also encourages all members to nominate fellow alumni to serve on the

national Board; reminders will be published in Kansas Alumni magazine and sent via email to all members.

Mrs. Nyberg also announced the Nominating Committee members for the 2015 selection process. The group, chaired by Mr. Putnam, will include Mr. Carttar, Mr. Randall, Mr. Bobo and Mrs. Duckworth. They will meet in April in Lawrence.

Mrs. Nyberg concluded her review of the Board self-evaluation by explaining that the Board would meet in executive session later in the afternoon to discuss procedural questions regarding the president’s compensation. Mr. Putnam will take notes during the discussion, she said.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT:

Mr. Seyfarth reported that the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, had been the best for fundraising in the Association’s history. According to the financial statements for the fiscal year, the Association concluded the year with a positive net income of $130,056 from operations on a modified cash basis. The Finance Committee accepted the financial statements, he said, and it also approved a motion to transfer $200,000 from the Association’s short-term deposit accounts held at KU Endowment to long-term investment accounts. The transfer will occur over 12 months through dollar-cost averaging. The committee approved the transfer after review of the Association’s net assets, which increased by $2,596,995 during fiscal year 2014 as a result of restricted contributions and unrealized gains on long-term investments held at KU Endowment, Mr. Seyfarth said.

Mrs. McCoy made the motion to accept the financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014. Mr. Carroll seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT:

Mr. Seyfarth, who also chairs the Audit Committee, reported that the group met September 5 to discuss and review the independent auditors’ report for the fiscal year. The auditors from Mize Houser issued a clean opinion with no management letter, and the Audit Committee approved the report, which remains in draft form pending the completion of KU Endowment’s audit and certain Agreed-Upon Procedures regarding investments held at KU Endowment. Mr. Seyfarth added that the auditors commended the professionalism and talent of Mr. Parman, Mrs. Nachtigal, Mr. Corbett and the entire operating staff of the Association, and the Board applauded.

Mr. Parman briefly explained one difference in the audited financial statements compared to previous years. The Association has changed its practice for deferring membership revenue from deferring the entire amount of membership dues to deferring only the value of goods and services for memberships, which is approximately 20 percent of total membership revenue. As before, the deferred amount is then subsequently recognized as revenue over the estimated service period. The new practice aligns with Generally

Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and was approved by the Audit Committee, Mr. Seyfarth said.

Mr. Seyfarth moved for the acceptance of the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, pending the completion of KU Endowment’s audit and the Agreed-Upon Procedures regarding investments held at KU Endowment. Mr. Kennedy seconded the motion, and the Board unanimously accepted the auditors’ report.

ALUMNI PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE REPORT:

Mr. Brinkman thanked committee members for a thoughtful, informative and collaborative discussion earlier in the day. He reported that the annual ’Hawk Days of Summer tour had included 105 events drawing more than 8,000 participants. To host the events, staff members collectively logged more than 90,000 miles. Board members applauded the effort.

Mr. Brinkman described three goals for the year. First, the Association is adopting the term “networks” to identify all groups that serve alumni based on their geographic locations or affinity groups. Staff members have determined that “networks” more aptly describes the activities of what have previously been known as chapters, and the contemporary, more inclusive term should appeal to younger alumni. Currently the Association includes 114 networks in Kansas, the nation and international hubs, including five affinity networks.

The name change also coincides with the second goal to launch expanded career programs. Many of the Association’s events already involve professional networking. The Association is changing the marketing of these current programs and in 2015 will introduce new services, including an online mentor directory, professional development presentations, and online discussions in which alumni can choose groups based on their career interests.

The third goal focuses on formal evaluations of events to gather quantitative data from participants, Mr. Brinkman said. Most information that staff members currently gather from events is qualitative and anecdotal, but tangible quantitative survey results will help gauge customer satisfaction and plan activities more effectively, he said. Staff members are now assessing several companies that could potentially provide post-event surveys.

Mrs. Maxwell, director of legacy relations, provided a preliminary report on fall 2014 enrollment, which will not be final until the 20th day of classes, September 25. The freshman class includes 4,078 students, slightly more than the fall 2013 freshman class of 4,000. KU admissions and enrollment team estimates that the ideal freshman class size would be 4,200 to 4,300, she said. Among freshmen, the average ACT score is 25.2. Thirty-six percent are from outside the state, and 64 percent are Kansas residents. Although the number of in-state applications increased by 40 percent and out-of state applications doubled, enrollment did not grow accordingly, which means that the yield

rate—students who apply and ultimately enroll—declined from 32 percent last year to 27 percent this year, Mrs. Maxwell said.

KU recruited more students from Missouri and Texas for fall 2014 but saw slight decreases in students from Illinois and California. Out-of-state students pay $727.70 per credit hour for total average tuition of about $25,000 per year, and in-state students pay $318.25 per credit hour for total average tuition of about $10,000 per year, Mrs. Maxwell said. Enrollment among architecture, design, engineering, and music majors increased. The freshman class includes 158 Jayhawk Generations Scholars, who have qualified for partial tuition waivers based on their academic records. The yield rate among Jayhawk Generations Scholars who accepted the scholarship offer is 27.8 percent, identical to KU’s overall yield rate, Mrs. Maxwell said.

Dr. Jeter asked whether KU’s transparent system of four-year renewable scholarships is common among comparable universities, and Mrs. Maxwell said that not many other members of the Association of American Universities use a similar system. This is the fourth year of KU’s revamped scholarship program, and over that time the number of inquiries from prospective students has soared by 500 percent—from 11,000 for fall 2011 to 56,000 for fall 2014. Mrs. Maxwell also explained that KU’s new admissions requirements, which take effect in fall 2016, might result in a slight decrease in enrollment but ultimately should improve KU’s retention rate. Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little’s goals are to increase freshman-to-sophomore retention rate from 80 percent to 90 percent and to improve the six-year graduation rate from 60 percent to 70 percent. Consequently, the admissions team’s philosophy is “We are not recruiting freshmen; we are recruiting future graduates,” Mrs. Maxwell said.

Mr. Lewis, director of alumni programs, reported that as part of the national career networking effort, the Chicago Jayhawks would host an event October 29 for local creative professionals in advertising, design, communications and related fields.

Mrs. Loveland, assistant director of Wichita programs, invited Board members to attend the annual Jayhawk Roundup October 25 at the Murfin Stables in Wichita. This edition, ’Hawks Ahoy, features a pirate theme. She thanked Mrs. Nyberg and her husband, Glenn, for chairing the event.

COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING AND RECORDS COMMITTEE REPORT:

Mr. Putnam shared highlights from the morning’s discussion, including Mr. Johnston’s explanation of the ongoing agreement with iModules, the vendor that provides online communications tools for the Association. Mr. Johnston and other staff members are preparing to negotiate with iModules to renew the current five-year agreement and expand the Association’s use of iModules tools for a mentor directory, event registration and membership processing. Ultimately the additional services will better integrate information on the alumni records database with alumni profile information in iModules, which should make event registration and membership transactions more efficient and convenient for alumni and staff members, Mr. Johnston said.

The committee also discussed the recent blog post by Chris Lazzarino, associate editor of Kansas Alumni magazine, who described the backstory behind the making of KU’s popular Traditions Night video starring alumnus and spoken-word poet Tofer Enneking. The post set a new record for traffic on the Association’s website with more than 22,000 page views, which eclipsed the previous record set by the Valentine’s Day promotion. Through social media, the reached approximately 124,000 Facebook users, according to Facebook reports. Mrs. Piening commented that the results were impressive not only in terms of reach but also in good will generated by free, substantive web content.

Mr. Putnam asked Mr. Kennedy and Mrs. Sanner to report on the re-establishment of the Jayhawks for Higher Education Steering Committee. Mr. Kennedy chairs the high-level group, which in past years met with KU leaders to discuss details of legislative strategy. The Association has recruited more than 30 alumni statewide to serve on the committee, which will meet Nov. 14 with Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little and Lindsey Douglas, KU director of state relations.

Mr. Putnam also reported that Mrs. Younger, creative director, and Valerie Spicher, graphic designer had shared a PowerPoint presentation that explained the process of designing and producing Kansas Alumni magazine. He praised their work and said the committee was impressed by the nuances of design and production. He asked Mr. Corbett to make time available during the winter meeting for Mrs. Younger and Ms. Spicher to present to the entire Board.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT:

Mrs. Vann reviewed the morning meeting and highlighted the continued success in recruiting and retaining Life and Jayhawk Society members as well as Future Jayhawks and Student Alumni Association members. Annual memberships continue to decline, however, so the staff is launching several fall campaigns for the critical revenue months of October, November and December. Mrs. Vann commended Ms. Harris and the entire staff membership team for their persistent year-round recruitment and retention efforts on numerous fronts. The Proud Member campaign will continue as staff members add to the library of video, web and print testimonials from members. With the completion of testimonials from alumni Rob Riggle, Neeli Bendapudi and Brian McClendon, the staff will expand the campaign to include less well-known alumni, Mrs. Vann said. In addition, staff members have updated the Association’s entire collection of ongoing direct mail and email renewal notices to incorporate the Proud Member theme. Fall recruitment campaigns will focus especially on the Kansas City and Wichita markets.

In addition, Mr. Corbett and Dale Seuferling, KU Endowment president, will meet with Provost Jeff Vitter and Chancellor Gray-Little to enlist their support for a long-term campaign to emphasize the importance of Association membership to all academic deans and other leaders, who in turn would deliver the message to students, especially seniors who are preparing to graduate. Because there is a proven correlation between Association

membership and giving to KU Endowment, all campus leaders should be motivated to urge students to join the Association, Mrs. Vann said.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIVERSITY INTERNS:

Mr. Peterson introduced two student interns, Rosie Schaumburg of Lawrence and Marilynn Chavez of Manhattan. They are the first students to participate in a new program funded in part by a gift from Mr. Ek and his wife, Debby; Mr. Peterson thanked the Eks for their commitment to increasing the diversity of the Association’s staff by offering internship opportunities for students. Ms. Schaumburg is a junior majoring in psychology and classics, and Ms. Chavez, a senior biology major, leads the Hispanic American Leadership Organization as president.

NATHAN THOMAS, VICE PROVOST FOR DIVERSITY AND EQUITY

Mr. Peterson introduced Mr. Thomas, who recently joined the University staff following the retirement of Vice Provost Fred Rodriguez. Mr. Thomas previously led diversity efforts for eight years at the University of South Florida Polytechnic. He developed a mentoring program and a Diversity Advocacy Group that oversaw diversity training and two campus-wide diversity climate surveys. He also received a National Science Foundation grant to increase the number of women and minorities in technology disciplines. Mr. Thomas will assist in the recruitment and professional development of diverse faculty and staff members and coordinating academic support for under-represented students.

Mr. Thomas briefly described his experience at USF and his research as a doctoral student at Michigan State University. In response to a question from Mrs. Vann, he said the key factors in improving the retention of African-American male students in college are identity development, psychological support, social support, academic and professional development, a sense of belonging and leadership development. Mr. Thomas explained that many historically black colleges and universities (including Norfolk State University in Virginia, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees) have proven success in creating academic and social support for African-American students, and these programs can be replicated at larger universities such as KU.

Dr. Jeter asked Mr. Thomas about his five-year goals for success at KU, and Mr. Thomas replied that he hoped to increase the number of minority students—especially male students—who graduate and increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. He also hoped that KU could continue to increase its campus diversity. Campus leaders anticipate that fall 2014 enrollment at KU will include a minority student population of 18 percent, which would be an all-time high for KU.

FUNDRAISING REPORT:

Mrs. Storey shared highlights from fiscal year 2014, which set a new record in fundraising, largely as a result of a $20 million planned gift from an anonymous alumnus. Subtracting that gift, the year-end report showed a slight increase in cash gifts ($1,184,067) and growth in the Presidents Club to 475 members, a surge of more than 40 donors since fall 2013.

Through the first three months of fiscal year 2015, the Association has received $525,815 in cash, pledges and planned gifts. Mr. Davis thanked Mr. Kennedy and his wife, Patti Gorham, for their recruitment of Presidents Club members, adding that current donors continue to suggest promising potential donors for staff members to solicit. The Association’s excellent retention of Presidents Club members attests to the importance of good stewardship and maintaining relationships with donors, Mr. Davis said, and this fall’s change in the Association’s football tailgates will assist in stewardship. He thanked Mr. Parman, Mr. Johnston and Ms. Harris for working with David Mucci and his team at the Kansas Union to create a welcoming tailgate for all Association members in the Union. By opening this second tailgate location, the Association can better accommodate Presidents Club members at their tailgate in the Alumni Center. During the first football weekend, 225 Presidents Club members attended the Alumni Center event, while 200 general members participated in the Union tailgate, Mr. Davis said.

In response to a question from Mr. Ek about the Kansas Athletics tailgate tents on the Hill, Mr. Lewis said that the cost of hosting groups in the tents could reach $40 to $50 per person, far beyond the Association’s budget.

Mrs. Storey also shared the latest results from KU Endowment’s Far Above campaign. Donors have directed more than $7.3 million in outright gifts, realized bequests and pledges to the Alumni Association, plus more than $24.5 million in planned gifts, for a total of more than $31.9 million in total giving for the Alumni Association. As of September 1, the Far Above campaign had raised $1.172 billion toward its goal of $1.2 billion to benefit the University and the University of Kansas Hospital.

BYLAWS AMENDMENTS:

Mr. Kennedy referred to the copies of the Bylaws provided to all Board members, which included proposed minor changes in Articles 6 through 9 of the Bylaws (see attachment). He summarized the changes as follows (proposed changes are underlined):

• in Article 6.3.2 pertaining to Nominating Committee Nominations, the committee shall nominate “an appropriate number of directors that it deems qualified for serving on the Board of Directors, based on the needs of the Corporation and the pool of nominees.” The new language replaces the former requirement to nominate a minimum of four nominees to provide flexibility for the Nominating Committee, Mr. Kennedy explained.

• in Article 6.8 pertaining to Board vacancies, “In the event of the death, resignation or other event causing a vacancy on the Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee may nominate a successor director.” The word “may” replaces “shall,” adding flexibility, Mr. Kennedy said.

• in Article 7.3 pertaining to meeting notices, new language specifies that notices can provided by email as well as regular mail.

• in Article 8.3 pertaining to the nominations and election of the Chair, Chair-Elect, and At-Large Members of the Executive Committee, the new language says “The Nominating Committee will nominate at-large directors to serve as members of the Executive Committee.” In another effort to add flexibility for the Nominating Committee, the new language no longer requires the nomination of four at-large directors, Mr. Kennedy said.

• in Article 9.1.2 pertaining to the Executive Committee’s responsibilities regarding executive evaluation and compensation, the new language specifies that the committee “shall adopt written policies that clearly set forth the principles and process that govern the compensation of the President of the Corporation.” This eliminates reference to policies regarding the principles and processes for the compensation of other officers. As revised, the article would further state that the President’s performance review and all compensation for the President shall be presented to the Board of Directors for its review in executive session at its May meeting.” The new language replaces “approval.”

In concluding his summary of the proposed Bylaws changes, Mr. Kennedy said the proposed new language had been thoroughly vetted by the Executive Committee. Dr. Jeter made a motion to approve the changes to the Association’s Bylaws. Dr. Brada seconded the motion, and the Board unanimously approved the changes.

The meeting adjourned to executive session at 4 p.m., and the Board reconvened at 9 a.m. Saturday, September 20, at the Alumni Center to hear remarks from Chancellor Bernadatte Gray-Little.

CHANCELLOR’S UPDATE:

Chancellor Gray-Little first addressed concerns regarding the state budget. Tax revenues in recent months have fallen far short of estimates, resulting in a projected budget deficit of at least $290 million. Because of the looming election, no decisions regarding potential budget cuts will be made until after November, she said, but state entities are preparing for cuts of 5 percent or more, which will be difficult to absorb midway through the current fiscal year.

She also discussed proposals from some legislators to institute “performance-based” funding for colleges and universities. Other state legislatures have adopted the practice, and the Kansas Legislature has asked the Board of Regents to develop a plan for potential performance-based funding. University leaders have asked that the criteria include all aspects of each university’s mission, including research, and that any performance-based

approach be applied only to new funding for universities rather than to existing block grant funds, she said.

Chancellor Gray-Little then reviewed recent news and discussions regarding sexual assault policies and procedures that followed a national news story in the online Huffington Post that alleged KU’s mishandling of an anonymous student’s report of a sexual assault. The Chancellor’s remarks included the following:

• The University’s processes for investigating complaints of sexual assault and determining sanctions are modeled on federal guidelines that have been approved by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education.

• KU is one of three Kansas schools on the list of nearly 80 under investigation by the OCR. The other Kansas schools include Kansas State and Washburn. If a school is on the list, it means that the OCR has received one or more letters of complaint. 

• Under federal law, the University cannot discuss the details of an individual complaint unless the student has formally granted permission. In the case that prompted KU to be on the OCR list, the student has not granted permission. 

•When a complaint of sexual assault has been filed, the University’s role is to ensure that equal access to education is provided (in accordance with Title IX). The University does not establish whether a crime has been committed and does not use criminal terms such as “assault” or “rape” in its policies and procedures.

•Law enforcement officials determine whether to charge someone with a crime, and the district attorney decides whether to prosecute. These processes are separate from KU’s investigation and sanctions.

• Complaints are investigated by the KU Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access (IOA). Investigators are trained according to federal guidelines. The results of the investigation are forwarded to the KU Office of Student Affairs, which determines sanctions, if any, for violations of the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities. 

• Because the standards of evidence for criminal prosecution by the county are higher, it is possible that the University might issue sanctions for a perpetrator but the district attorney might not prosecute an alleged crime.

• During the 2012-’13 year, 12 complaints of sexual assault were filed with the IOA. —Six cases resulted in expulsions—Two were not substantiated based on a lack of evidence.—Two resulted in probation.—Two perpetrators left KU voluntarily were not allowed to return.

During the same period, the University received 400 complaints regarding alleged plagiarism. Investigations of these resulted in two expulsions.

• The Chancellor has appointed a task force to review the University’s procedures, policies and sanctions regarding sexual assault. This task force is co-chaired by Angela Murphy, a graduate student, and Alesha Doan, chair of the department of women, gender and sexuality studies and associate professor of political science. 

The Chancellor then turned to campus construction, reporting that the summer phase of the Jayhawk Boulevard renovation was completed the day before fall classes began. The next renovation phase in summer 2015 will extend to14th Street. On Daisy Hill, two new residence halls are under construction to replace McCollum Hall, which will be demolished to make way for additional parking. The new halls are positioned to create a central green space or “quad” in the middle of the Daisy Hill residence halls. In Kansas City, construction of the new medical education building will soon be underway, thanks to a gift from the Hall Family Foundation and the state-backed bonds that were approved by the Legislature earlier this year. In Lawrence, officials will break ground for the new Earth, Energy and Environment Center, which will be an extension and renovation of the current Lindley Hall. The new structure will be the first in the “Innovation Way” corridor envisioned in the KU master plan, the Chancellor said. The new business school on Naismith Drive is underway, and Summerfield Hall, the school’s former home, will be renovated for other classroom spaces. The DeBruce Center for students, which will house James Naismith’s Rules of Basketball, also is under construction this year.

Longtime architecture dean John Gaunt is retiring, and KU is searching for his successor as well as deans to lead the schools of Social Welfare, Nursing and Health Professions. A search for a new vice provost for research is also underway.

The Chancellor reported that KU’s overall ranking by U.S. News and World Report fell from 47th to 50th among public universities, but the schools of Engineering and Business improved their rankings, as did graduate programs in engineering, business and medicine.

In response to a question from Mr. Carroll, the Chancellor said average debt among KU students in the mid-$20,000s, relatively low compared to other universities in the nation.

Mr. Ek asked about KU’s ideal enrollment, and the Chancellor said she thought about 30,000 overall, including all campuses, would be ideal. That total allows for continuing growth on the Edwards campus in Overland Park and at the Medical Center in Kansas City, where the new medical education building will accommodate additional students.

The Chancellor reminded Board members that KU achieved National Cancer Institute designation in 2012, adding that KU leaders now have set their sights on earning NCI designation as a comprehensive cancer center. KU’s research and treatment already have reduced the deaths from cancer in the region, but Cancer Center Director Roy Jensen wants to broaden KU’s impact through aggressive anti-smoking and smoking cessation campaigns, the Chancellor said.

Mr. Putnam asked the Chancellor to comment on discussions of KU’s Commencement speaker and the interest among students and the Alumni Association in inviting a

nationally known speaker to encourage students to attend the formal ceremony in Memorial Stadium following their walk down the Hill. She said the University would not pay a “celebrity” speaker for Commencement, so she is not sure that KU will lure a nationally known speaker for the 2015 ceremony. “I think there are other things we can do to keep students in the stadium,” she said.

In response to a question from Ms. Deuth about campus safety and prevention of sexual assault, the Chancellor explained that KU’s current online sexual assault education program has not been mandatory and she expected that a more comprehensive training session would become mandatory. She also emphasized the fact that reported sexual assaults at KU occur among acquaintances and persons in current or previous relationships—not as a result of attacks by strangers. Alcohol use is often involved in sexual assault, but addressing the issue of alcohol is delicate, the Chancellor said, because warnings about excessive drinking are sometimes perceived as blaming victims.

Mr. Carttar asked about the ways in which the University addresses inconsistencies in classroom teaching, and the Chancellor replied that student evaluations are reviewed by department chairs and deans, who along with the provost are held accountable for the effectiveness of classroom teaching. KU’s Center for Teaching Excellence offers many resources to improve teaching, and when faculty are reviewed for reappointment or tenure, deans and other leaders visit their classrooms to observe their performance.

Mrs. Piening asked how faculty members’ performance in both teaching and research are balanced, and the Chancellor said that evaluation methods vary across academic disciplines. Young faculty vying for tenure must achieve high standards in both teaching and research. “They don’t have to be outstanding in all areas,” she said, “but they can’t be disastrous in one area.” Dr. Bredfeldt commented on the importance of mentoring at all levels, especially for graduate students, who often are not prepared for teaching.

The Chancellor also reported that KU is one of 11 universities in an “innovation alliance” to improve the graduation rates of low-income, minority and first-generation students. Universities in the group will try various methods for improving academic advising, course redesign or summer bridging programs and measure their effectiveness. She reiterated her goal of increasing KU’s overall six-year graduation rate of 60 percent, which is above the national average, to 70 percent.

In response to a question from Mr. Ballard about potential budget cuts, the Chancellor said cuts would be necessary regardless of the outcome of the gubernatorial election.

Following discussion with the Chancellor, Mrs. Nyberg said the winter meeting would be January 9-10, 2015, and would include a reunion of former Board members. Mrs. Piening suggested that at the May 2015 meeting the Board perhaps could tour the new Rock Chalk Park complex for KU’s track and field, soccer and softball programs.

The meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jennifer Jackson SannerCorporate SecretarySenior Vice President for Communications