UC.07.06
30 April 2007

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN SENATE

University Senates Conference
(Final; Information)

UC.07.06 Report on the University Senates Conference Meeting, 28 February 2007

Members present: Bodenhorn (Chair), Burton, Fisher, Ford, Fossum, Grossman, Kagan, Kaufman, Mallory (Vice Chair), Schacht, Scheff, Tolliver, Weller, Wood

Members absent: Anderson, Chambers, Chapman-Novakofski, Jones, Strom, Wheeler

Guests: David Dorris, Larry Mann, Joseph White

The USC met in the General Lounge, Illini Union, UIUC. Chair Bodenhorn called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. The USC immediately went into Executive Session to meet with President White. The President discussed implementation of the Global Campus Partnership. The initiative would be funded by establishing a line of credit with the University, with an outflow over four years.  After the fourth year, the Global Campus should be making money and the University would be paid back over ten years.  President White wanted USC to help determine the makeup of the interim Academic Council. President White provided an update on the review of the Office of the Vice President for Technology and Economic Development and on the search for a Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The business meeting followed with approval of the minutes of the 26 January 2006 meeting as written. Items to be classified from the three campuses were approved. There was no old business for action. New business consisted of a discussion of issues regarding USC membership: attendance, temporarily replacing members, and recalculation of apportionment to each campus. Old business for information and discussion began with President White’s and Chet Gardner’s views on the Global Campus partnering with other institutions. The USC decided to transmit the UIUC Senate’s advice on the Global Campus with some modifications, including a recommendation that there be an impact study and a strengthening of the language on partnering with other institutions. The USC recessed for lunch and a discussion with Trustee David Dorris.

Trustee Dorris commented on the Global Campus and discussed his views on the Chief Illiniwek controversy. He was asked his opinion of how trustees should be selected, and he responded that he believed there should be some sort of procedure where there is University involvement.

The business meeting resumed at 2:10 p.m. Old business for information and discussion continued with modifications on language for USC’s advice on the Global Campus to the President and the Board.  Bodenhorn reported that USC would have the opportunity to interview the final two candidates for Vice President for Academic Affairs soon.  The Conference decided to develop a list of questions beforehand.  Kaufman indicated that he would have a document to share soon on UIC’s procedures to implement the Board’s policy for naming university facilities and programs.

There were updates from the campuses, and a report from the External Relations Management Team (ERMT) forwarded by Burton.

The meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Grossman
UIUC Senate representative to USC
Adapted from minutes approved at the USC meeting of March 30, 2007.
Thanks to Connie Sailor, USC Secretary.