At its regularly quarterly meeting today, Coastal Carolina University’s board of trustees approved a measure creating the Presidential Scholarship for ROTC participants in the South Carolina National Guard. The scholarship will grant a $500 cash award to in-state ROTC students who are enlisted in the S.C. National Guard. Out-of-state ROTC students enlisted in the S.C. National Guard will receive a $3,500 tuition waiver in addition to the cash award.

The scholarship is designed to support the efforts of ROTC students who are members of the S.C. National Guard, men and women who are called upon to serve the state in emergency situations. To qualify, students must maintain full-time enrollment and a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

The board asked the University administration to prepare a budget proposal for the February 2012 trustees meeting that includes a tuition reduction for in-state students.

The board approved motions to increase funding for the scheduled baseball/softball field improvements from $10 million to $10.2 million. The addition will be provided by private funds through the Coastal Athletic Foundation. Increased funds for the renovation of Atheneum Hall were also approved, from $2.8 million to $3 million. The board also approved an approximately $3 million renovation of the 48-year-old Edward M. Singleton administration building.

Several leases were approved or renewed, including a 30-year lease for the University Place housing complex with the CCU Student Housing Foundation, to replace the existing support agreement. The lease agreement places University Place under the umbrella of University Housing, ensuring consistent maintenance and standards for all CCU residence facilities. The measure requires final approval by the S.C. Budget and Control Board.

The board also approved hiring a consultant, for an amount not to exceed $50,000, to evaluate student retention and create a plan for increasing retention at the University.