President's Quarterly Report to Board of Trustees

President’s Report
Board of Trustees
July 24, 2006

Capital Projects

Ayers Hall Transportation Building

Work has begun to complete this project for the University’s Department of Technology and Engineering. The concrete floor was poured and block interior walls erected. The project is expected to be completed in late August or early September by Hale Building Company. 

McClellan 3181 Forensics Lab

This project has been completed. The Alabama State Forensics Lab has relocated from Brewer Hall and is in operation at the University’s McClellan facility.

Demolition of Steam Plant, Abercrombie and Luttrell Halls

Taylor Corporation completed this project but requested a change order which was denied by the University.   A meeting was held July 5 with the contractor, architect and University personnel in an attempt to resolve the dispute but to no avail.   The contractor may petition relief from the State Building Commission.

Little River Canyon Field School

Our architect, Jenkins, Monroe & Jenkins, continues to develop and improve on the design of this environmentally friendly building using “LEED Certification” technology and materials.    Total funding appropriated from NASA is $6.3M. The DeKalb County Commission will host a JSU presentation on the Little River Canyon Project August 14th in the Commission’ Chambers. Sen. Jeff Sessions will be present along with other government officials. 

Chimney Peak Observatory

A pre-bid conference was held July 6 at the site with bid opening July 13th.  The apparent low bidder is Hale Building Company in the amount of $159,193. Total project cost is approximately $199,000 with architect fees, extra services and contingency allowance.    Project should take four to six months to complete once the contract is awarded. This project will greatly enhance the University’s astronomical observation and allow these scientific tools to be shared with public schools.

 Art Department Annex Building

CCS Duncan of Madison, Alabama was awarded the contract and work commenced on the site of the old steam plant on June 26. This building as approved by the Trustees is within the University Master Plan will provide a safe environment for the Department of Art’s ceramic studio and complete the reaccreditation requirements for this academic program.

Roof Replacement 2002

Standard Roofing Company successfully completed remediation and corrective repairs to Stephenson’s gym roof. 

McClellan 3181 New Parking Lot

Only one bid was received on this project and was substantially over the budget.   Alabama Bid Law allows negotiation with the only bidder.  Our architect negotiated with McCartney Construction on behalf of GSCC and JSU to obtain an affordable parking lot with 68 spaces and reduced scope of work for the funding available for this project.

Stadium Scoreboard

 A Pre-Bid Conference was held July 11 with bid opening July 18 for a new stadium scoreboard and two replacement LED display boards for Montgomery Building and Coliseum. The apparent low bidder is Roberts Construction Company in the amount of $1,345,714. Total project cost is approximately $1,579,341 with architect fees, extra services and contingency allowance. 

Curtiss Hall Pipe Replacement

 Mid-South Controls of Birmingham was awarded the contract to remove the interior mechanical piping system and replace with a four pipe system from Curtiss Hall in preparation of this facility being returned to duty as a residence hall. The contractor is replacing individual room fan coil units with new efficient units. Building renovations should be complete in early August.

University Activities 

Summer Enrollment 

Although Fall and Spring head count enrollment for 2005-2006 in comparison with last year (2004-2005) was higher, our enrollment for all nine summer terms was less than the previous year. Four of the nine summer terms increased over last year but it was not enough to make up for enrollment lost in the other five terms. The final enrollment for all summer terms was 7,754 or 259 less than last year.  We will continue to study summer enrollment patterns to make adjustments for next year. For example, this year we reduced Summer I and II to Monday through Thursday classes to save students one day (20%) in the cost of commuting. Initial anecdotal information indicated that this was a popular move with students as they had Friday for work, study or play. But on the other hand—did the additional contact time of 30 minutes each day Monday through Friday discourage other students from enrollment or limit university offerings? In contrast, and on a positive note, the unduplicated head count for the entire academic year 2005-2006 (number of individual students enrolled at least once throughout the year) was 10,870—an increase of 148 students above the previous year. 

Fall Application and Enrollment 

On July 18 the Admissions Office reported that accepted applications for Fall ’06 were the second highest in University history—only 42 below last year's record. Transfer applications accepted for Fall ’06 were the highest in University history and 52 above last year. Orientation began last week and will continue through the second week in August. It is still too early to determine the enrollment for Fall; however, the projection is positive as Preview Day registrations were above last year's, and pre-registration numbers are also expected to be confirmed above last year's totals when students make their payment later in August. 

University Housing  

Applications for University housing continue to indicate full occupancy for residence halls and apartments. Curtiss Hall is being returned to residence hall status as a sorority hall, and Sparkman Hall is being renovated to accommodate men and women. In addition College Apartments are being refitted with new windows and carpet. It is anticipated that University Housing will be in the ninetieth percentile for occupancy this Fall.

Academic Affairs  

I am pleased to ask Dr. Rebecca Turner, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, to report. Dr. Turner’s written report is in your binder under “Tab 6” which you may read at your leisure. In addition Dr. Turner and Dr. Jeff Chandler, Head of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, have information about a new program that will link academics and athletics. Also, Dr. Turner and Mr. Serviss will share with you some of the good news from the 60th Anniversary of the International House Program held in Paris, France earlier this month. 

Athletics  

I have asked Athletic Director Jim Fuller to share information about the new partnership between JSU Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast that will carry JSU home football games into more than four million homes this season.

Institutional Research

I am very pleased to introduce Dr. Alicia Simmons who has been named the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment. Dr. Simmons had served as acting director until she was selected through a university search process that reviewed applications from across the country. Dr. Simmons has chaired the Strategic Planning Committee which is completing the University Strategic Plan that you will be asked to approve during the next academic year. This is the next step in our planning process as you have approved our redefined mission statement, which helped us establish a vision for the University and clarify our core values.

Institutional Advancement

Mr. Joe Serviss, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, will provide a brief update of our capital campaign.

Special Recognition 

Mrs. Linda Love – retiring as Executive Secretary to the President of JSU 

Mr. Bennett – one of seven Sinfonians recognized by Phi Mu Alpha

 

Mr. Chairman, this concludes my report. 

William A. Meehan

President

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