Attendees:  President Ivory V. Nelson, Vice President William B. Bynum, Vice President Michael B. Hill, Vice President Howard E. Merlin, Dean Judith A.W. Thomas, Ms. Diane M. Brown

Minutes of the August 26, 2002 Cabinet Meeting were approved.

Lincoln University Insurance Premium Costs
The University's FY 2002-2003 insurance premium costs have increased by $447,089 over total insurance premium costs for FY 2001-2002.  The total cost increased from $357,568 in FY 2001-2002 to $804,257 for FY 2002-2003.  This represents an increase of 125%.

New 400 Bed Residence Hall
Lincoln University has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design and engineering services for the new dormitory housing project.  President Nelson will appoint a "Building Committee" to make recommendations on the selection of the architect for the project as well as make recommendations and assist in the conception of the design and lay out of the project.  The Committee will consist of faculty, staff, students and physical plant personnel, and will be chaired by Vice President William B. Bynum.

RFQ and RFP issued
The RFQ for design and engineering services for the new dormitory housing project and the RFP for a Campus Master Plan for Lincoln University have been issued.  Interested parties can access the documents by going to the University web site (http://www.lincoln.edu) and clicking on Requests for Proposals.  A notice regarding the issuance of these documents will also be included in the next scheduled mailing to alumni and friends due out this week.

Educational Housing District Ordinance
President Nelson will jointly sign with other Philadelphia area college and university presidents, a letter to Mayor John Street expressing concerns with, and offering alternatives to, the Education Housing District Ordinance.  In the letter, the presidents ask Mayor Street to suspend any enforcement or implementation of this Ordinance, which was recently passed by City Council and intended to limit the effects of the ordinance to universities and colleges located in the 4th District and to curb certain student behavior that has caused problems for 4th District neighborhood residents.  Area presidents assert in the letter, however, "the ordinance has wide spread implications that go beyond the 4th District, affecting universities and colleges throughout the City.  Indeed, certain aspects of the bill raise serious legal issues for colleges and universities everywhere and the way Philadelphia resolves these issues is being closely watched by our colleagues and higher education associations."

Academic Affairs
Hazardous Waste Committee
The University has established a Hazardous Waste Committee to develop and implement a program to deal with hazardous waste present and generated in the normal activities of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics departments.  The Committee met on August 27, 2002 to develop a plan of action for the proper identification and storage, handling, use and disposal of hazardous material and waste products.

Student Affairs and Enrollment Management (SAEM)
New Student Class
Lincoln University received 4,040 applications for admission for the 2002-03 academic year.  This represents the first time the University has received more than 4,000 applications for admission and represents a 26% increase (825 apps) over last year.  Many schools have seen increases in their applicant pool this year, but few can boast a 26% increase.

While increasing the number of applications received, Lincoln maintained its selectivity by accepting only 48% of those who applied.  This 48% acceptance rate is one of the lowest for Master/Comprehensive Universities in the Northeast, as confirmed by U.S. News and World Report in last year's edition of its College Rankings.

In addition to improving its acceptance rate, Lincoln also increased its overall student SAT and GPA averages.  This year's SAT average is 890, 26 points above last year's 864.  Lincoln's average is also 31 points above the African American national average for SAT takers.  Lincoln also increased its H.S. grade point average to 2.88 for this year's class, which is .11 above last year's 2.77 average.

The Cabinet meeting was adjourned at 10:45 AM.
 

Diane M. Brown
Assistant to the President