At the Sept. 13 meeting of the Board of Visitors, the Board approved another revision of the local funds policy, this time to bolster coordination between officials and departments in future uses of local funds. Furthermore, University President W. Taylor Reveley IV discussed “replenish[ing]” funds swept in June, a new development in the ongoing administrative response to faculty backlash over significant changes in the budgeting process.
The updated policy (link), which was unanimously approved by the Board, dictates that uses of local funds will now be “in coordination wi th a given area’s vice president rather than pursuant to University-wide decision-making.” It also adds that local funds may not be used “at the individual discretion or direction of a donor (as distinct from a donor’s right at the time of providing a gift to place restrictions on the eventual use of funds).”
Speaking about the updated policy language during Friday’s meeting, Reveley said, “Those funds raised with such earnest effort in small increments will remain at the departmental level.” Prior to that, in his report, he said, “What I didn't understand is the importance of the annual funds that we raise… The annual funds that we raise, especially at the departmental level, are not coming in the million dollar increments. They're coming in $5 increments, $25 increments, from young alumni, from friends, from family, and they've got plans associated with them that are geared to make a difference for our students.”
During discussion of the policy, Rector of the Board of Visitors Ron White began with, “Mr. President, thank you for not only acknowledging this misstep, but also for accepting full responsibility for it and for acting immediately to rectify it.”
Reveley was then asked by Board member Vellie Dietrich-Hall, “So, where will the money that was moved stand now?” and asked whether funds would be transferred back. In response, Reveley said, “[Board member Chuck Fagan] to me yesterday said [what] solves the short run issue is ensuring that these annual fund dollars at the departmental level are replenished, and that’s a step I don’t want to get into, I don’t have all the details flushed out right now, but I’m eager to see that step in the months ahead as well.”
It is unclear at this point what “replenishing” these funds will look like.
Later during the meeting, Faculty Rep. to the Board of Visitors and Professor of Music Dr. Lisa Kinzer gave her report, in which she further broke down faculty concerns and thanked Reveley and the Board for their action.
“I think faculty were alarmed that, if our budget was in such a state that there had to be this kind of rash sweeping of these funds, What is the financial health of the institution? I think faculty are still concerned about that, but I know we have lots of opportunities to continue the discussion.”
Board member Ricshawn Adkins Roane, who has served on the Board since 2017, said, “You mentioned that the finances of the university might be in a crisis that precipitated this, and I just want to put on record that we don't hold that belief, [and] that the finances of the university are very strong, in fact.”
Kinzer clarified that, “I'm only reporting on the faculty perspective in their reaction to the actions that were taken. President Reveley did a marvelous job at his welcome reporting the long-term health of the institution.”
Kinzer’s report also included accounts of faculty contributions to philanthropy and Love Your Longwood Day, submitted by faculty members campus-wide. Meeting materials, including Kinzer's report, can be found on Longwood's website (link).
The Rotunda requested an in-person interview with White, who began his tenure as Rector this year, on the issue of faculty concern and others and was asked to provide questions via email due to time constraints.
White, in his comments to The Rotunda, confirmed full confidence in Reveley’s leadership in response to previously-reported faculty concerns over Reveley’s credibility. He said, “President Reveley is an exceptional leader who has guided Longwood with great vision and wisdom. What he has accomplished and continues to accomplish for Longwood is remarkable. Against many challenges facing higher education, he has kept Longwood strong, focused on our distinctive mission, and – definitely against national trends – committed to protecting the core Longwood experience of human-scale teaching by full-time faculty.”
White also said that, “I have heard and understand faculty concerns over this [local funds] issue, and [Reveley] has acknowledged missteps in communication. I know he will take lessons from the experience, and he has our complete support.”
The administrative and faculty discussions will continue at the recently-announced Enrollment and Budget Forum, which will be held Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 3:30 p.m. in Blackwell Hall. Reveley, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Larissa Smith and Vice President for Administration and Finance Matt McGregor will take questions from faculty and staff members. The Faculty Senate Finance and Planning Committee is currently gathering questions for the forum.
The Rotunda is still continuing to report on the impact of policy revisions and controversy on donors and philanthropy, and invites donors interested in sharing their thoughts to reach out to therotunda@live.longwood.edu.
Rector Ron White and University President W. Taylor Reveley IV at Friday's Meeting
