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SC.01.15
University of IllinoisThe Board reconvened as a committee of the whole to hear the report on the status of women. Trustee Plummer presented this report. He first reviewed the process of collecting data. Some of the concerns on the campuses relate to the tone of comments directed to women faculty, and the fact that these are often personal remarks rather than factual statements. In summarizing the situation at UIUC, Trustee Plummer indicated that the Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Women and the Board used different data sets, but that both indicate salary differences by gender. At UIC, the climate is generally satisfactory, with some salary equity issues. Student Trustee Gleezen reported on issues at UIS which include a lack of mentoring, rampant salary inequities, far fewer female than male faculty, inability of women to obtain release time, and that women are appointed to less important committees.
The UIS administration is aware of the difficulties. At hearings on the three campuses the following themes emerged: salary inequity; lack of mentoring, isolation in department; need for more professional development opportunities; need for child care; and, campus safety concerns. Individual themes at UIC were that the climate was positive, that 50% of the Deans are female, but that business has a much higher tenure rate for men. Positive factors at UIC are child care, mentoring programs, and the women's research center. Themes at UIS were that women were more isolated in their departments but that the positive factors were campus security and the women's center. At UIUC, the main theme was that the climate was of great concern. Positive factors at UIUC were the women in math, science and engineering program, the campus conduct program, an increase in women administrators, and an acceptable tenure rate. The recommendations to address these issues are:
- Continue systematic, annual salary equity studies for faculty and staffAt 3 p.m. the Board reconvened with a roll call, followed by comments from each of the Trustees. Trustee Gravenhorst indicated that she is supportive of the Chief and finds it a dignified symbol and that "tradition outweighs any objections." Trustee Lamont favors current policy based on historical tradition, but he also supports compromise and recommended the creation of a study committee. Student Trustee Reddy expressed respect for the past, but feels a change is needed to retire the Chief. Trustee Engelbrecht is supportive of the Chief, but feels that work is needed toward a further resolution. Trustee Plummer is supportive of the Chief, but feels that it needs further study.
Trustee Schmidt is supportive of the Chief, but recommended compromise and further study. Student Trustee Gleezen expressed concern that too many resources are being directed to this debate, and recommended compromise with a move toward retiring the Chief. Trustee Vickrey abstained from comment due to his recent appointment. Student Trustee Calderon recommended a compromise upholding the tradition of the Chief, and partnering with the Peoria tribe to further understanding of Native American issues. Trustee Eppley indicated that he is a fan of the Chief, but that resolution to this issue is needed and that a committee should be formed to study the issue. Trustee Shea proposed the formation of a committee to study the issues, and the Board approved. The meeting then adjourned.
March 8, 2001 At 8:30 the Board reconvened and then went immediately into Executive Session. At 9:30 the Board returned from Executive Session. Committee on the University Hospital and Clinics Trustee Plummer presided over the report on the hospital, which focused mainly on ways in which to address problem areas in hospital procedures. Committee on Finance and Audit Trustee Gindorf chaired the report on finances that covered assets, investments and the annual inventory. Meeting of the Board At 10:20 the Board reconvened with a roll call. President Stukel then introduced the Senate observers. C. Bazzani reported on a shortfall for utility expenses, with no relief available from the state. He also indicated that occasionally when the state has cash flow problems the University will transfer funds from its accounts to the state with little impact and prompt transfer back to the University. S. Manning reported that the search for a UIC Provost is at the interview stage, and that the search for the Vice Chancellor for Research is nearing the interview stage. President Stukel then announced significant accomplishments of faculty at the three campuses. Trustee Shea announced that Trustee Schmidt had received a public service award. Trustee Gravenhorst expressed appreciation on behalf of the Board in a farewell to UIS Chancellor Lynn. Trustee Schmidt gave a positive report on the development of the UIUC research park. Trustee Gindorf briefly reported on the I-Ventures project. Trustee Lamont reported that the University Foundation had well over $1 billion at the close of its campaign. Trustee Gravenhorst reported that new officers had been announced for the Merit Board. Student Trustee Reddy reported on the UIC Homecoming. Trustee Shea mentioned that a meeting of the Boards of the Big Ten universities would be held on March 10. Trustee Engelbrecht encouraged the Board to have R. Guenther attend the next Board meeting and report on athletics. Regular agenda items including appointments and sabbaticals were then approved. Roll call items were also approved. The April meeting was cancelled so the next meeting will be in Springfield on May 23 and 24. The meeting was adjourned at 11 a.m. Materials distributed at this meeting have been placed in the Senate Office. Submitted by