HE.07.04
February 19, 2007
University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign Senate
Final;Information
HE.07.04 Report on the IBHE Faculty Advisory Council Meeting, November 17, 2006.*
The FAC met at Illinois State University. While 11 public universities and 8 community colleges were represented, only 3 representatives from private institutions attended. (Each group has 12 representatives on the FAC.)
Phil Adams, Legislative Liaison for ISU, discussed the legislative process as it relates to higher ed. About 20 proposals are “in play” for higher ed each year. A coordinated effort by all of higher education is the best way to secure funds. While the public universities and community colleges work well together, there is little coordination with private institutions. He believes the opportunity for a capital program is improving.
FAC members expressed concern about the failure of the state to fund veteran education scholarships so the institutions have to absorb those costs. A subcommittee was formed to consider drafting a paper on this issue for presentation to the BHE.
The group spent extensive time discussing the teacher preparation paper and the proposed paper on student debt. It was noted that some colleagues in Colleges of Education are not happy with the draft on teaching preparation.
The group plans to meet with the state IFT president at its February meeting in Peoria.
The BHE staff continues its strategic planning activity. An initial draft is being reworked by the staff under the title of “Illinois 2011.” At some point a future draft will be circulated for comment by groups such as the FAC.
The meeting adjourned with thanks to the host school.
Ken Andersen
UIUC Senate FAC Representative