Regents Minutes - September 2012
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Board of Regents

1:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, 2012

Fidel Center, Ballroom A

Socorro, New Mexico

M I N U T E S

 

The New Mexico Tech Board of Regents convened at 1:37 p.m., with Board of Regents Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Armijo presiding. Other Board members present were Regent Deborah Peacock and Student Regent Omar Solimon. University administrators, staff, and guests who were also present included:

 

Proof of Meeting Notice:  The meeting was called to order at 1:37 p.m. by Regent Armijo, after President López confirmed that proper notice for the meeting had been given.

Approval of Agenda: Regent Peacock moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Regent Solomon seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Announcements

Enrollment updates.  President López reported a significant increase in both graduate and undergraduate enrollment, with enough faculty to maintain the University’s small class size. Dr. Gerity, V.P. for Academic Affairs, said the University has filled 12 of 19 open teaching positions, with priority based on program growth, along with continuing efforts to rebuild the Chemistry Department. Ms. Jaramillo-Fleming, V.P. for Student and University Relations, reported improved recruitment efforts through strategic marketing and focus groups, noting her appreciation with the Office of Admission. The President cited a shift in how the University communicates with the younger generation, adding that recruitment efforts are moving in the right direction.

Housing update.  Underground utilities are in place for the new residence hall, with framing scheduled to begin Oct. 18, according to Mr. Hidalgo. Weather delays prompted construction crews to work on Saturdays, with the project on schedule for a May 20, 2013 completion. Regent Armijo noted that a project on budget and on time is positive news.

President’s Golf Tournament Update.  President López reported that the Sept. 17 – 18 event raised $207,195 by signing up 340 players plus sponsorships and minus expenses, adding that later in the meeting he would brief the Board on how funds are handled. Regent Armijo congratulated the President and his staff on a highly successful tournament, noting that the event has grown in scope and participation, a plus for the school while providing critical scholarship support for its students.

Estate Update. The status of estate in which the university is named as a beneficiary was described by the President.

Bond Issue.  The President emphasized the importance of knowing what bond issue funds will be used for; if passed by voters on Nov. 6, New Mexico Tech’s share would be $18 million for the new Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources building. University personnel are allowed to educate people about the bond issue, but cannot solicit votes.

Budget on President’s Golf Tournament.  Board members were given a one-page outline showing how golf tournament funds are collected and deposited, along with general information on the budget process. President López said it was his intent to make the process an administrative policy. Mr. Marquez, V.P. for Administration and Finance, explained that scholarships are listed in budget Exhibit 19, and that tournament proceeds are included in that line item. Assoc. V.P. for Budget, Leyla Sedillo, noted that the table of contents in the budget details all exhibits; and that she would give the Board a full report at the October meeting: “The numbers explain it very well.”

CCS Consulting Report.  President López told Regents that the University is poised to develop a full-blown capital fund-raising campaign based on the consultant’s report and to be implemented in phases, beginning with a formal announcement. Relationship-building activities are under way as part of a silent phase. The President thanked Regent Peacock for providing a comprehensive document from a sister school, part of which can be used to flush out a working plan for Tech, and that he would keep Regents apprised of any progress.

Public Comment: None.

Degree Conferrals for August 2012:  

Financial Analysis for August 2012: 

Research and Public Service Projects Funding Request: 

Notification of Procurement Award – Restricted Funds:

Property Items Resolution, Reference4 NMSQA 1978, 13-6-1, Resolution 1120925-01 &  129025-02:

Individual Board Member Comments: 

New Business:

Employee Benefit Trust:

Executive Session, NMSA 1978, Sec 10-15-1 (H)(2) (To provide information on legal matters): 

Adjournment