UC.03.04
February 17, 2003
January 22, 2003 University Senates Conference (USC) met as a videoconference from all three campuses. UIUC members were fortunate to have President Stukel and Vice President Rugg available at their videoconference site. A business meeting of USC followed the executive session with the President and Vice President. Some business meeting items were deferred until the February meeting in Chicago. The meeting with President Stukel and Vice President Rugg included discussion of the following topics: - Transition of leadership in Springfield. President Stukel indicated that the transition process will take some time and that it may be early spring before there is substantive information about the budget. While the Governor has not indicated his plans regarding appointments to the Board of Trustees, the Alumni Association has submitted to his office a list of candidates it recommends for membership to the Board of Trustees. - Report on growth of institutional support staff. President Stukel earlier requested each campus to prepare an analysis of growth in the number of administrative employees from 1990 to 2001. A similar report is being prepared on the decline in the number of faculty and its impact on campus programs. This information will be shared with USC. - Media reports of university spending. USC discussed an article that was in the Chicago Tribune regarding University spending that might appear questionable. Many practices, such as expensive dinners for recruiting faculty, are necessary to conduct business. USC members talked about some of the guidelines that are in place and ways to improve accountability. - State support. At the next meeting President Stukel will provide information about the state's support for the University over the past decade. The business meeting included the following: - Approval of the November 21, 2002 minutes. - Status of OT-188, Interim Code of Conduct. This document has been approved by all three senates and will be transmitted to the President. - Status of OT-195, Process of the IBHE Big Picture Meeting. The USC will discuss with President Stukel having a USC observer at future IBHE Big Picture budget meetings. - Discussion of future guests to address University issues of concern. Dates and locations of future meetings were discussed, as were routine items of business. Nancy P. O'Brien
USC Representative to UIUC Senate Executive Committee