Regional University System of Oklahoma

Last published on Feb 19, 2025 07:35 PM CST

February RUSO Regent Meeting

Feb 21, 2025 09:00 AM CST

University of Central Oklahoma

I.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FILING MEETING NOTICE AND POSTING OF THE AGENDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETING ACT

Official action can only be taken on items which appear on the agenda. The RUSO Board of Regents may adopt, approve, ratify, deny, defer, recommend, amend, strike, or continue any agenda item. When more information is needed to act on an item, the Regents may refer the matter to the Chief Executive Officer or Legal Counsel. The Regents may also refer items to staff or committees for additional study. Under certain circumstances, items are deferred to a specific later date or stricken from the

agenda entirely.

II.
CALL TO ORDER AND REGENTS’ ROLL CALL
A.
(Action) Discussion and possible action excusing absent Regents.
III.
Presentation by Regent Jane McDermott regarding the Chairman’s Report.
IV.
(Action) Discussion and possible action regarding the Consent Docket consisting of previous minutes and academic program modifications.
A.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
1.
Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting, January 21, 2025
B.
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
1.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Program Modification:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Spanish (038) – program requirement change, no change in total hours for degree

2.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Program Deletion:

  • Bachelor of Science in Special Education Mild/Moderate Disabilities (099)- delete program. No students enrolled. Delete 10 courses from inventory.

3.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Program Modification requests for the following programs:

 

  • Master of Education in Education (Natural Science Education option)

  • Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education

  • Master of Education in Education (Reading Specialist option)

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts

  • Bachelor of Music

  • Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy

  • Bachelor of Music Education

  • Master of Music

  • Human Resource Management Certificate

 

New Program Requests for the following programs:

  • Professional Community Counseling LPC

  • Professional School Counseling LPC

V.
REPORT OF RUSO COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS
A.
FACILITIES STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE – Regent Amy Anne Ford
1.
Presentation regarding deferred maintenance across the system.
2.
East Central University
a.
(Action) Discussion and possible action regarding facilities approvals for East Central University.

Property Location: 830-832 E. 14th St., Ada, OK 74820

Property Description: 830-832 E. Main is adjacent to the ECU campus.  The sales appraisal value is $173,000. Purchase of this property is congruent with ECU’s capital master plan.

Amount: $173,000.00 + closing costs

Source of Funds: 290 E&G

b.
Master Lease
  • East Central University has submitted to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education a request to be included on the Real Property Master Lease Program Potential Project Listing to utilize master lease funds for two different potential projects.  Such submission was due to OSRHE on or before January 24, 2025, in order to be submitted within the first seven days of the legislative session.

    • The first project is for residential hall repairs and renovations in an amount not to exceed $18,000,000. 

    • The second project is for the construction of a new student dining facility in an amount not to exceed $12,000,000. 

  • ECU, should it decide to move forward with these projects, will seek approval from the RUSO Board at that time.

c.
Update to Deferred Maintenace
  • As we work to expend the funds provided by the State of Oklahoma during academic year 2024-2025, below are the projects we are working on as authorized by SB1185 for deferred maintenance:

    • Roofing Replacements: $2,122,771

    • HVAC Replacements: $1,072,524

    • Total Deferred Maintenance to be reallocated:  $3,195,295

    • Amount estimated to be used for Knight Hall and the student dining hall: $384,250

3.
University of Central Oklahoma
a.
(Action) Discussion and possible action regarding facilities approvals for the University of Central Oklahoma

Project # 120-0060 Health and Safety Projects

Project Description: Request approval to award contracts to multiple vendors in an amount not to exceed $750,000 for the purpose of abating asbestos containing ceiling texture of 31,666 square feet of the second and third floors of West Hall dormitory. This is phase 1 of a 2-phase project.  Environmental Action, Inc., (abatement) and Enercon (air monitoring) are on state contract.

Requested Funding Approval: $750,000

Budget Breakdown: $580,000 abatement/Environmental Action, Inc., $170,000 air monitoring/Enercon

Vendors: Environmental Action, Inc. & Enercon

Congruent with Facility Master Plan or Strategic Plan: Yes

Fund Source(s): Auxiliary

Project # 120-0013 Streets, Sidewalks, Lights, and Landscaping

Project Description: Request approval to award a contract to Trinity Builds in an amount not to exceed $325,000 to replace concrete drive at Main and Garland Godfrey.  The project area covers 20,000 square feet of roadway that is in major disrepair. Trinity Builds has an on-call construction manager contract. (June 2024 RUSO)

Requested Funding Approval: $325,000

Budget Breakdown: $325,000 construction

Vendors: Trinity Builds

Congruent with Facility Master Plan or Strategic Plan: Yes

Fund Source(s): Section 13

    

Project # 120-0033 Existing Buildings Renovations and Additions

Project Description: Request approval to award contracts to multiple vendors in a total amount not to exceed $300,000 for the renovation of the Forensic Science Institute (FSI) Rm 119C and Rm 136.  The renovation will include the conversion of 660 square feet of open office space into three individual faculty offices and conversion of 290 square feet of former I/T server room to a conference room.  Work is needed to accommodate additional faculty requirements as part of FSI’s new doctoral program. Timberlake Construction has an on-call construction manager contract.  (June 2024 RUSO)

Requested Funding Approval: $300,000

Budget Breakdown: $185,000 for construction/Timberlake, $35,000 for design and engineering/FSB, $80,000 furniture and equipment

Vendors: Timberlake Construction, FSB Architects & Engineers

Congruent with Facility Master Plan or Strategic Plan: Yes

Fund Source(s): Course Fees

Project # 120-0027 Major Repairs and Deferred Maintenance

Project Description: Request approval to award contracts to multiple vendors in a total amount not to exceed $150,000 for the renovation of three Health and Environmental Science building classrooms 104, 106, and 206A.  The renovation includes the remodel of 1,361 square feet of classroom space and the conversion of 507 square feet of computer lab space to a student lounge. Timberlake Construction has an on-call construction manager contract.  (June 2024 RUSO)

Requested Funding Approval: $150,000

Budget Breakdown: $75,000 for construction/Timberlake, $35,000 for Audio/Visual, $40,000 furniture and equipment

Vendors: Timberlake Construction

Congruent with Facility Master Plan or Strategic Plan: Yes

Fund Source(s): Course Fees

B.
AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE- Regent Susan Winchester
1.
East Central University
a.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding Board policy 2.3.4, Purchases exceeding $150,000, East Central University is requesting approval to purchase the following items:
  • Request to solicit proposals

    • For professional services/sculptor to create and install life-size bronze statue of Chickasaw Citizen, Daniel (Dan) Hays

      • Fundraised Dollars

b.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding East Central University's Request:

East Central University recently obtained two proposals for a new student dining services vendor.   Both reflect an enhancement to the overall dining experience on campus including capital investments in the current dining hall and the student University Center.  Both of the proposals are for a term of thirteen (13) years.  The total amount of capital investments, contributions and commissions were $14,218,156 (vendor A) and $14,283,000 (vendor B).  The university is requesting approval to begin negotiations and enter into a contract with vendor B on a multi-year agreement to begin on June 1, 2025, if the parties come to an agreement on the terms. Once negotiations are complete, the contract will be reviewed by the RUSO General Counsel’s office.

c.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding academic service fees

Biology Thesis Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $

Proposed: $125.00

Revenue +/-: $2,500

Total Revenue: $2,500

Education Dissertation Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $

Proposed: $350

Revenue +/-: $14,000

Total Revenue: $14,000

Graduate Application Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $

Proposed: $20

Revenue +/-: $8,000

Total Revenue: $8,000

2.
Northeastern State University
a.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding academic service fees

New:

College of Education Testing/Clinical Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $-

Proposed: $ 0.50

Revenue +/-: $ 20,000.00

Total Revenue: $ 20,000.00

College of Liberal Arts Testing/Clinical Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $-

Proposed: $ 0.50

Revenue +/-: $ 22,177.00

Total Revenue: $ 22,177.00

International Enhancement Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $-

Proposed: $ 7.50

Revenue +/-: $ 37,500.00

Total Revenue: $ 37,500.00

Changes:                

Graduate Enhancement Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 5.00

Proposed: $ 6.50

Revenue +/-: $ 37,958.00

Total Revenue: $ 164,483.00

College of Liberal Arts Special Instruction Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 7.50

Proposed: $ 7.50

Revenue +/-: $-

Total Revenue:  $ 332,655.00

Occupational Therapy Application Fee  

Per: Use

Current: $ 25.00

Proposed: $ 50.00

Revenue +/-: $ 1,100.00

Total Revenue:  $ 2,200.00

Academic Enhancement Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 30.00

Proposed: $ 40.00

Revenue +/-: $ 1,500,000.00

Total Revenue: $ 6,000,000.00     

3.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
a.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding academic service fees

Massey School of Business Academic Services Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 20

Proposed: $ 22

Revenue +/-: $ 15,000

Total Revenue: $ 380,000

School of Arts & Sciences Academic Services Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 20

Proposed: $ 22

Revenue +/-: $ 35,000

Total Revenue: $ 780,000

School of Education & Behavioral Sciences Academic Services Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 20

Proposed: $ 22

Revenue +/-: $ 18,000

Total Revenue: $ 360,000

Graduation Fee

Per: Use

Current: $ 45

Proposed: $ 50

Revenue +/-: $ 9,200

Total Revenue: $ 90,000

4.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
a.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding academic service fees

Changes:

Pharmacy Academic Service Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 6.00

Proposed: $ 7.00

Revenue +/-: $ 7,500

Total Revenue: $ 52,500

International Application Fee

Per: Admission

Current: $ 25

Proposed: $ 100

Revenue +/-: $ 11,250

Total Revenue: $ 11,250

Academic Service Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 15

Proposed: $ 30

Revenue +/-: $ 1,625,000

Total Revenue: $ 3,250,000

New:

International Student Maintenance Fee

Per: Per Semester

Current: $ 0

Proposed: $ 100

Revenue +/-: $ 30,000

Total Revenue: $ 30,000

Chemistry/Science Lab Fee

Per: Per Course

Current: $ 0

Proposed: $ 40

Revenue +/-: $ 20,000

Total Revenue: $ 20,000

Deletions:

Distance Learning Fee

Per: Per Course

Current: $ 40

Proposed: $ 0

Revenue +/-: $ (1,900,000)

Total Revenue: $ 0

5.
University of Central Oklahoma
a.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding the University of Central Oklahoma's Request to Transfer Funds

University of Central Oklahoma requests a transfer of $450,000 from (290) E&G Funds to (295) Capital Funds established by OSRHE for capital projects. $300,000 (Facilities agenda item 1.c. Forensic Science Institute renovation), $150,000 (Facilities agenda item 1.d. Health and Environmental Science renovation) pending Board approval (February 2025).

b.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding Board policy 2.3.4, Purchases exceeding $150,000, the University of Central Oklahoma is requesting approval to purchase the following items:
  • Blackboard, student and technical support services, Year 2 of 3-year agreement.

Source: Technology Fee…………..…….……....….$501,492

  • Computer Replacements, Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 on November 14, 2025. Windows 11 is not compatible with the hardware in ineligible systems. Approximately 520 computers, monitors and peripherals.

Source: Section 13……………........………………….$600,000

c.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding academic service fees

Net Zero Changes:

College of Business – Special Instruction Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 18.40

Proposed: $ 20.50

Revenue +/-: $ 86,100

Total Revenue: $ 840,500

College of Business – Classroom/Laboratory Supply and Material Fees

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 2.10

Proposed: $ 0

Revenue +/-: $ (86,100)

Total Revenue: $ 0

College of Education & Professional Studies – Special Instruction Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 16.91

Proposed: $ 17.91

Revenue +/-: $ 68,669

Total Revenue: $ 1,229,862

College of Education & Professional Studies – Facility/Equipment Utilization Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 17.17

Proposed: $ 16.17

Revenue +/-: ($ 68,669)

Total Revenue: $ 1,110,378

College of Fine Arts and Design – Special Instruction Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $38.97

Proposed: $ 40.97

Revenue +/-: $40,000

Total Revenue: $819,400

College of Fine Arts and Design – Classroom Supplies/Materials Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $9.14

Proposed: $7.14

Revenue +/-: $ (40,000)

Total Revenue: $142,800

Forensic Science Institute – Special Instruction

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 19.31

Proposed: $ 21.86

Revenue +/-: $ 17,850

Total Revenue: $ 153,020

Forensic Science Institute – Facility/Equipment Utilization Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 20.64

Proposed: $ 23.00

Revenue +/-: $ 16,520

Total Revenue: $ 161,000

Forensic Science Institute – Classroom Supplies Utilization Fee

Per: Credit Hour

Current: $ 8.91

Proposed: $ 4.00

Revenue +/-: ($ 34,370)

Total Revenue: $ 28,000

New Fees:

International Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application Fee, 1-yr Post Completion

Per: Use

Current: $ 0.00

Proposed: $ 100.00

Revenue +/-: $ 19,700

Total Revenue: $ 19,700

International Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application Fee, 3-yr STEM Extension

Per: Use

Current: $ 0.00

Proposed: $ 200.00

Revenue +/-: $ 15,200

Total Revenue: $ 15,200

C.
SYSTEM ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE- Regent Susan Winchester
1.
Presentation regarding overview of committee meeting.
D.
POLICY AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE - Regent Jane McDermott
1.
Presentation regarding overview of committee meeting.
VI.
Presentation by Workforce Commissioner, Kyla Guyette
VII.
Presentation by Chris VanDenhende
VIII.
Presentation by President Bo Hannaford regarding the President’s Council Report and possible discussion with RUSO Regents
IX.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding the RUSO University Presidents recommendations presented by leadership at each institution.
A.
East Central University President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts ($0)
3.
Purchases
a.
Informational Items
  • Central Oklahoma Family Medical Center

    • Contracted on-campus Student Health Services Clinic

      • Source: Fund 730                              $125,00.00

  • Trane US Inc.

    • For HVAC service technician labor onsite daily Monday through Friday for equipment assessments, diagnostics, and consulting for 3 months

      • Source: Fund 290                              $94,500.00

B.
East Central University President's Report
C.
Northeastern State University President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts ($0)
3.
Purchases (none at this time)
D.
Northeastern State University President's Report
E.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts ($46,250)
3.
Purchases
a.
Informational
  • Audio equipment and services for campus activities: Jerad Bradt (Boss Music), Alva, Oklahoma, at a cost not to exceed $60,000 (Various funds)

 

  • Replacement of the curtains in Herod Hall auditorium: Integrated Lighting Systems, Tulsa, Oklahoma, at a cost of $52,680 (Fund 705 Auxiliary)

 

  • Replacement of the stage lighting in Herod Hall auditorium: Integrated Lighting Systems, Tulsa, Oklahoma, at a cost of $99,800 (Fund 295, Section 13-Deferred Maintenance one-time funds)

4.
Informational Items
F.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University President's Report
G.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts ($8,824,579)
3.
Purchases (none at this time)
H.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University President's Report
I.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts ($102,400)
3.
Purchases (None at this time)
J.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University President's Report
K.
University of Central Oklahoma President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts
3.
Purchases
a.
Informational Items
  • ABM Industries, consumables for the Nigh University Center, housing, and dining.

Source: Auxiliary…………………..…….……………............$65,000

 

  • Inceed LLC., contract technical staff.  

Source: Technology Fee….………….……..…………........$81,120

 

  • Apporto Corporation, virtual lab licensing.   

Source: E&G………………..……………………..…….…........$51,000

 

  • OneFire Media Group Inc., marketing consulting services.   

Source: Unrestricted Cash……...….…..……...…...........$54,720

 

  • Xcalibur, professional consulting services.   

Source: Grant……….………………..…………..…….…........$58,670

L.
University of Central Oklahoma President's Report
X.
Regent's Comments and Announcements
XI.
Discussion and possible action regarding New Business (not known about or which could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the time of the agenda).
XII.
(Action) Vote to enter into executive session pursuant to 25 O.S. 307(B)(4) and (8) for the purpose of discussion and possible action on the following issues:
A.
Jackson Shepherd and Mallory Scott v. Regional University System of Oklahoma County ("RUSO") et al., District Court of Oklahoma Case #CJ-2020-2383
B.
Charles E. Sneed and Tabitha Sneed v. Northeastern State University ("NSU"), Acting President Kim Cherry, and NSU Employees, E.C.A.L. [sic et al.], District Court of Cherokee County, Case #CJ-2007-840
C.
Marci D. Walkingstick Dixon v. State of Oklahoma ex rel. the Regional University System of the Oklahoma Board of Regents sic. d/b/a Northeastern State University ("NSU"), Eastern District of Oklahoma Case #CIV-19-391
D.
Tatum Robertson, Eve Brennan, and Marin Rhodes v. University of Central Oklahoma ("UCO") and Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oklahoma ("RUSO"), Western District of Oklahoma, Case # CIV-2022-836-HE
E.
Dr. Rachel Tudor v. Marie Galindo et al. and Ezra Young and Brittany Stewart v. Dr. Rachel Tudor, Southeastern Oklahoma State University ("SE"), and Regional University System of Oklahoma ("RUSO"), Western District of Oklahoma Case #CIV-2022-480-C
F.
Noreen Swank v. State of Oklahoma ex rel. the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents d/b/a Northeastern State University ("NSU"), Eastern District of Oklahoma Case #CIV-2024-102-GLJ
G.
Terry Worcester v. East Central University ("ECU"), District Court of Pontotoc County Case #CJ-2019-37
H.
Alan Scott Asher and Nancy Asher v. Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow ("NSU"), and The Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges-Regional University System of Oklahoma ("RUSO"), District Court of Wagoner County Case #CJ-2022-309
I.
Shekhar Rathor v. University of Central Oklahoma ("UCO") EEOC Charge #564-2022-02211
J.
OCR Docket No. 07-23-2169 - Website accessibility complaint against East Central University
K.
US Department of Education Complaint by Margo McKenzie against Northeastern State University for alleged FERPA violations
L.
MidFirst Bank v. James L. Lindsay II, Northwestern Oklahoma State University ("NWOSU") et al., District Court of Oklahoma County Case #CJ-2022-6342
M.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University Internal Revenue Service Audit
N.
Oklahoma Insurance Department Consumer Complaint against VOYA
O.
Discussion of legal opinion provided by John E. Priddy and next steps
P.
Dr. Ian Gerg v. Southeastern Oklahoma State University ("SE")
Q.
Noah Hankinson v. Sydney Youngblood-Blanton (Southeastern Oklahoma State University Golf Coach) Cause #471-09007-2024 District Court of Collin County, Texas
R.
Dorothy Phelps v. Southeastern Oklahoma State University ("SE"), District Court of Bryan County, Case #CS-24-670
XIII.
(Action) Vote to exit Executive Session and return to Open Session.
A.
Discussion and possible action to implement matters discussed in Executive Session.
XIV.
(Action) Vote to Adjourn the Board Meeting