FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REGENTS TO CONSIDER DESIGN FOR RIVER CAMPUS TERRACE PARK, PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR ISSUING BONDS FOR RIVER CAMPUS

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 15, 2003 – The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents will consider approving the proposed design for the River Campus Terrace Park project and a resolution authorizing the University to make preliminary arrangements for issuing bonds for the River Campus when the Board meets May 16.

The meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

The proposed Terrace Park would be located on the east side of the seminary. The park proposal, approved by the River Campus Board of Managers April 21, calls for a pergola on the south side of the property adjacent to the parking lot, a trail, and educational displays with historical and geographical facts.

In another River Campus related item, the Board will consider a resolution that would allow the University to make arrangements for structuring and issuing bonds for the River Campus project through the Missouri Development Finance Board. The resolution would allow the University to proceed in selecting a financial advisor or underwriting firm, pursuing a bond insurance company and drafting necessary documents.

The Board also will consider a motion to accept the withdrawal of the St. Louis Charter Academies’ application for a charter school in St. Louis. The withdrawal has been requested by Bishop Lawrence Wooten, president of the board of directors of St. Louis Charter Academies, Inc.

Last December, the Board of Regents voted to amend the charter of the St. Louis Charter Academy to provide for opening of that academy in July 2004 instead of July 2003. Under that action, the extension also required the academy resolve a number of issues by Dec. 1, 2003, raised by the University Charter School Evaluation Committee. The extension called for a progress report this month on resolution of the issues.

In other action, the Regents will consider approving a minor in international business, adopting a Faculty Senate bill outlining protocol for adjudicating alleged violations of academic honesty, and conferring degrees for 2003 spring commencement. The Board also will consider resolutions of honor for Dr. Shirley Stennis-Williams, who is retiring as dean of the College of Education; and Southeast female athletes who were awarded the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Women’s All Sports Trophy and the OVC Women’s Outdoor Track Champions.

The Regents will hear a report from the President, which will include reports from Laura Hockensmith, student representative to the Board of Regents, and from a Student Government representative concerning the Student Association of Missouri. The President’s Report also will include a report on the University’s bid for banking services; a progress report on contracts and Facilities Management projects; and a preview of the University’s new student recruitment video.

Board members also will receive informational materials, including the Department of Public Safety Annual Report and letters from the commissioner of higher education.

A motion to go into a closed session for appropriate considerations will be the final item of business on the agenda. When the open session reconvenes, an announcement concerning Board action will be made. The Regents will then consider a motion to adjourn.