Academic Senate

SC.03.11

September 29, 2003

University of Illinois

Board of Trustees Meeting

May 15, 2003

The meeting convened at 8:35 a.m. in the Illini Union, Urbana, with the introduction of the observers from the senates and University Senates Conference. This was immediately followed by the public comment session. Topics included domestic partner benefits and related non-discrimination issues; anti-Chief statements; impact of change in pay dates for certain categories of faculty and staff; and a statement from a member of the Coalition to Save Allerton Farmland.

At 9:07 the Board recessed for a meeting of the following committee.

Economic Development Committee

Vice President Chicoine presented a third quarter report on the status of economic development at the University. He also introduced John Banta who reported on IllinoisVENTURES. Board Chair Eppley asked for further information about the Illinois Emerging Technologies Fund, a limited liability company. VP Chicoine answered by expanding on the Fund's relationship to IllinoisVENTURES.

At 10:05 the Board reconvened to discuss agenda items. There were several questions about funding and contracts related to UI-Integrate from new Board member Shah.

At 11:00 a.m. the Board went into Executive Session. At 1:20 p.m. the Board returned from Executive Session and began a series of committee meetings. Nearly every major budget item was questioned by new Board members Shah and Sperling. Questions also focused on the content, quality and timeliness of the information provided in presentations.

Committee on Buildings and Grounds

During this meeting, the design for Christopher Hall at UIUC was approved, as was the design for the UIC West Campus recreation center. The request for an additional $17M to fund the UIC South Campus development was questioned. The Facilities Condition Audit Report presented by Vice President Rugg elicited more questions, including whether it was possible to use grant overhead funds for building repairs.

Committee on Academic Affairs

This committee meeting focused on a showcase of UIUC faculty work. Professors Richard Burkhardt, Jonathan Sweedler, and Harris Lewin provided an inspiring look at their work in the New Biology. This presentation was well received by Board members and the audience. Board Chair Eppley commented that the Board's role is to empower the work of faculty and students.

Committee on Finance and Audit

The "Handbook of Good Ethical Practice" was the focus of an ethics presentation by this committee. President Stukel then highlighted some of the budget cuts that would be made to the three campuses and central administration as a result of state funding reductions.

Meeting of the Board

At 3:45 the Board reconvened with a roll call. President Stukel thanked Board member Tom Lamont for his years of service to the Board. The Chancellors of the three campuses provided reports on awards and accomplishments at their respective campuses. Chair Eppley indicated that there may be some changes in the committee structure of the Board. Reports of Board activities and committees were provided by individual Board members. Student trustees from UIC, UIS and UIUC reported on activities at their respective campuses. The new UIUC Student Trustee, Nathaniel Allen, was introduced. There was also recognition of the student trustees for their work during the past year.

Regular agenda items including appointments were then approved. Roll call items were also approved, with the exception of items 27, 28 and 29 (capital projects that needed more information) which were removed. Also, the first item in the purchase list, furniture and renovations at the UIC Westside Research Office Building, was removed. The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

Materials distributed at this meeting have been placed in the Senate Office.

Submitted by

Nancy P. O'Brien

UIUC Senate Observer