FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHIRLEY LUNA - April 22, 2004

Barnes and Noble (and parking!) coming to SFA

Although a book shouldn't be judged by its cover, the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents decided Tuesday that it was time the University Center bookstore had a new cover of its own. Regents voted to privatize the operation and accepted a bid offered by Barnes and Noble College Booksellers, Inc.

Peter Plotts, vice president for campus relations for Barnes and Noble, said the company is looking forward to a relationship with SFA.

         "From what we've seen on campus, SFA enjoys a family atmosphere," Plotts said. "That is what Barnes and Noble is about, and we are looking forward to extending that atmosphere into the bookstore."

Plotts said representatives from the company would be on campus within the next week to start working on the transition.

"We hope to be in operation in the current store by the end of July, and hope to have the remodel complete in the fall."

The bookstore was added to the University Center in 1979 and was renovated in 1994. Barnes and Noble will spend a minimum of $300,000 on renovations.

Regents authorized the university to proceed with efforts to construct a 400-space parking garage south of the University Center Bookstore. The garage will provide additional parking to support the University Center renovation currently in progress and alleviate many of the parking problems that will result from the renovation. Regents authorized the administration to seek Higher Education Coordinating Board approval, financing and proposals for construction manager at risk for the project at a cost not to exceed $5,500,000.

Regents will continue to accept the services of Dr. Tito Guerrero III, SFA president; Yvette Clark, General Counsel; and Steve McGee, director of audit services. They also recognized the efforts of Dr. Lupe Guerrero, wife of the SFA president, in promoting student enrollment and recruitment through the College for Texans initiative, fund raising, grant procurement and supporting student development and leadership activities. Regents approved a recommendation that Lupe Guerrero be appointed university representative for external relations.

Regents approved an $18 per semester credit hour increase in designated tuition rates, which will bring total tuition to $112 per semester credit hour beginning in the fall. Regents authorized a 1 percent increase in room and board rates to be effective in the fall semester 2004. They also approved a 4 percent meal plan rate increase as provided for in the university’s contract with Aramark.

Regents voted to allow the College of Forestry to offer the Master of Science major in resource interpretation to provide in-depth instruction in the theory, philosophy and techniques that enhance park experiences and promote stewardship of park resources. Course work will include instruction in developing and presenting oral interpretive programs, interpretive writings, comprehensive interpretive plans, interpretive media and graphics, audience research and program evaluation, and curriculum-based educational programs for parks.

The Stephen T. Mather Training Center of the National Park Service has agreed to open its certification review process to interpreters enrolled in the resource interpretation major at SFA. This program will be the only program in the country with such an agreement, according to Dr. Scott Beasley, dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry at SFA.

The SFASU/NISD charter school is expanding to the fifth grade for the school year beginning in August. In order to accommodate the additional class, regents approved the conversion of two rooms in the Human Sciences Building to a classroom and restroom. To accommodate Human Sciences classes currently taught in this area, a classroom in Human Sciences South will be converted and remodeled. A fenced-in area between Human Sciences and the Early Childhood Laboratory will be modified for a playground. Cost of the project is not to exceed $50,000.

SFA received $150,000 in Higher Education Assistance Funds to expand accessible trails in the Arboretum and Native Plant Center. Regents authorized the university to proceed with the project as proposed by the Arboretum, Disability Services and the Physical Plant.

Regents authorized the university to request approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to purchase property at 203 Feazell St. at the appraised value of $55,900.

Regents approved the summer budget and renewed an investment management contract with Merrill Lynch, who was selected as the university's investment manager in 2002.

Regents approved the faculty workload report, curriculum changes and the underenrolled class list. They authorized revisions in policies and procedures, the replacement of four vehicles in the university fleet, repaving projects and budget changes of less than $50,000. The board met in executive session to discuss pending litigation, real estate and personnel matters.

Regents heard reports from the Faculty Senate, Dr. Jerry Holbert, vice president for university advancement; Dr. Tito Guerrero III, SFA president; and a marketing update regarding the university's contract with Stamats, a higher education marketing company. They asked Student Government Association president Chad Harrison to prepare a referendum proposing the construction of a recreation center for SFA students.

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