Minutes of the Meeting of the
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
of Northern Illinois University

June 19, 1996

The meeting was called to order by Chair Myron Siegel at 1:25 p.m. Recording Secretary Mimms conducted a roll call of Trustees. Present for the meeting were Trustees Robert Boey, Susan Grans, George Moser, David Raymond, Manuel Sanchez, Willie Fowler and Chair Siegel. Not present was Trustee James Myles. Having noted the presence of a quorum, the meeting proceeded.

Confirmation of Open Meetings Act notification compliance was given by Board Parliamentarian Ken Davidson.

June 30, 1996 was the expiration date of Student Trustee Willie Fowler's term. Chair Siegel presented a resolution to Student Trustee Fowler as follows:

Student Trustee Willie Fowler's Resolution

Expressing the hope that future Student Trustees would be as competent and qualified as Mr. Fowler, Chair Siegel presented a plaque from the Board of Trustees:

To Willie Fowler,

in recognition of his significant contributions

as the first student member of the

Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees.

Trustee Fowler said that it had been an honor to serve as a Student Trustee and noted that the new NIU Trustees truly care about students, the university, DeKalb County and the entire state of Illinois. "They say that the team we're sending to the Olympics is a dream team," he said, "but I think that the Governor, when he appointed this Board, gave NIU the real dream team." Fowler thanked all the faculty and staff who helped him grow in his positions of Student Regent and Student Trustee for Northern Illinois University.

Trustee Boey then presented Senator Burzynski with the following resolution:

Senator Burzynski's Resolution

Trustee Moser presented the following resolution to Representative Wirsing:

Representative Wirsing's Resolution

Senator Burzynski and Representative Wirsing made remarks after their presentations noting the leadership role of NIU's new board and the positive impact the Trustees were having on Northern's reputation in the legislature.

Chair Siegel called for a motion to approve all three resolutions. Trustee Sanchez made the motion, seconded by Trustee Grans. The motion was approved.

Chair Siegel then called for a motion closing the public meeting to conduct an Executive Session for discussion of the following subjects authorized by the Illinois Open Meetings Act: legal and risk management matters as generally described under §2(c)(11) and §2(c)(12) of the Open Meetings Act; personnel matters as generally described under §2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act; and property matters as generally described under §2(c)(5) and §2(c)(6) of the Open Meetings Act. Trustee Sanchez so moved and Trustee Moser seconded the motion. A roll call vote of the Trustees to recess to Executive Session was unanimous.

Trustee Sanchez moved for approval of the Agenda. Trustee Grans seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

Trustee Grans moved for approval of the Minutes of the April 17 meeting. Trustee Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

Chair Siegel announced that the Executive Committee Report had been given at the reconvening of the Executive Committee held at 1:15 p.m.

Trustee Grans, Vice Chair of the Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee, reported that the committee met on May 16 and forwarded several academic recommendations to the Board for approval. These included: two new degree programs; three new program minors; five program deletions; and authority for four degrees at off-campus sites.

Trustee Boey, Chair of the Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee, said the committee meeting on May 29, 1996, included an overview summarizing several major capital issues to be faced by the university in the coming year. Dr. Williams provided a schedule of capital projects, including those that may be part of a bond offering: residence hall renovations; recycling center; University Resources for Latinos and Latin American Studies Center; recreation fields, campus roadway and landscape improvement, land acquisition; and a child care facility. Authorization and funding for these projects is to be considered at the September Board of Trustees meeting.

In addition to these reports, the following items were recommended to the Board for approval: contract renewals for Printing Services printing and copier equipment, FY97 Northern Illinois University Foundation professional services contract renewal, International Programs operational authorization, project and budget authorization for the Swen Parson computer center air conditioning and raised flooring upgrade, and an FY96 appropriated funds line item transfer..

Another FFO Committee meeting was held at 10:30 a.m. on June 19 to discuss the purchase of combination refrigerator/freezer/microwave units to be installed in the university residence halls. The committee approved a request to authorize the President, upon receipt of a final recommendation after field tests, and with the concurrence of the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Chair of the Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee, to accept a bid for the purchase of 3,095 refrigerator/freezer/microwave units up to a maximum total cost of $1.33 million, which includes a 5% contingency. This item was recommended to the Board for approval.

Trustee Moser, Chair of the Legislation, Audit and External Affairs Committee reported that the committee met at 11:00 a.m. on June 19 and received an extensive report from Kathy Swanson, the university's Government Relations representative, detailing the results of the legislative session.

The General Assembly, after considerable deliberation, accepted the Governor's 1997 budget recommendations for higher education leaving intact the university's 1997 operating budget. Legislation permitting Illinois public universities to retain tuition revenues locally was passed by the General Assembly and awaits the Governor's signature. Chair Siegel, President La Tourette, Kathy Swanson and Chair Moser were scheduled to meet with the Governor's Office to discuss the legislation in detail. President La Tourette and several Board members also sent letters to the Governor encouraging him to sign the bill. Sen. Brad Burzynski and Rep. Dave Wirsing were instrumental in assisting Northern Illinois University in obtaining a $976,000 appropriation for planning and utility work on the expansion of Founder's Memorial Library. The expansion will provide collection storage for the library through a basement build-out which will free up other area to address critical space needs. The total project is estimated at approximately $4.5 million.

Concerning audit issues, the university's 1994 Compliance Audit was accepted by the Legislative Audit Commission on April 29, 1996. The Auditor General recently released Northern Illinois University's 1995 Compliance Audit with only ten findings, five of which were repeats. This contrasts favorably with 24 findings in 1994. President La Tourette and Dr. Williams met with the Controller to discuss the 1995 audit findings and determine appropriate measures to address them. The university has already accepted and implemented most of the recommendations.

Finally, the committee was presented with the results of an arena fiscal impact study conducted by the Center for Governmental Studies at the request of the City and the County of DeKalb. The study indicated the City of DeKalb would derive approximately $9 million in local sales, excise and potential ticket tax if an arena were constructed. The City Council voted by a 4-3 margin to continue discussions with the university.

There were no reports from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the University Civil Service Merit Board or the Northern Illinois University Foundation.

Chair Siegel recognized Dr. Charles Larson, President of the University Advisory Council, for comments. Dr. Larson thanked the Board for the cordiality and cooperation that had allowed them all to work together for a common goal during the four months of UAC's existence. Most recently, the example of the Board asking for UAC input on Board Regulations, he said, struck him as the kind of relationship and collegiality that was hoped for when the organization was formed. Dr. Larson also, in behalf of the University Advisory Council, added his thanks and congratulations to exiting Student Trustee Willie Fowler.

Chair Siegel thanked Dr. Larson, Gordon Shneider, Jim Russell, Kate Romano, Linda Sons and Judy Bischoff for their help and hard work on the University Advisory Council and the Board committees.

Chair Siegel asked President La Tourette to introduce the President's Report items.

President La Tourette stated that the first item was a recommendation of the Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee on academic program approvals:

1. Two new degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Education in Health Education; Master of Science in Taxation;

2. Three new program minors: Minor in Marketing (within the B.S. in Marketing); Minor in Electrical Engineering Technology (B.S. in Technology); Minor in Manufacturing Engineering Technology (B.S. in Technology);

3. Deletions of existing program: Ed.S. in Counseling; Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction; Specialization in Administration and Supervision in the M.S.Ed. in Special Education; Minors in Drawing, Electricity/Electronics and Metals in the B.S. in Technology (nonteaching); Minors in Industrial Arts Education, including Minors in Drawing, Electricity/Electronics, Metals and Woods in B.S. in Technology ; and

4. Degree authority at five off-campus sites: M.S.Ed. in School Business Management at Hoffman Estates Education Center (Elgin Community College District); Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) at Hoffman Estates Education Center (Elgin Community College District) and via distance education at the Quad Cities Graduate Studies Center (Blackhawk Community College District); Master of Science in Taxation (M.S.T.) at Hoffman Estates Education Center (Elgin Community College District); B.S. in Technology at Rockford Education Center (Rock Valley College Community College District).

Chair Siegel called for a motion to approve the academic program recommendations. Trustee Grans made the motion, seconded by Trustee Raymond. The motion was approved.

President La Tourette presented items reviewed and approved at the May 29 meeting of the Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee. These actions included a contract for renewal of existing printing equipment lease/purchase and service maintenance agreements in the amount of $434,000 and multiyear copier equipment and central control mechanisms in the amount of $696,000; renewal of the Northern Illinois University Foundation professional services contract in the amount of $325,313 for FY97; International Programs operational authorization for FY97 disbursements up to $2.2 million; the Swen Parson computer center air conditioning replacement and flooring upgrade in the amount of $398,600; and the line item transfer of $350,000 in contractual services to Medicare ($200,000) and Commodities ($150,000).

Chair Siegel asked for a motion to approve the items. Trustee Boey so moved, seconded by Trustee Sanchez. The motion was approved.

President La Tourette stated that, the Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee, meeting the morning of June 19, recommended approval of the purchase of 3,095 combination refrigerator/freezer/microwave units to be installed in the university residence halls prior to the opening of the Fall semester. After bids were received, the university requested that the three vendors whose bids appeared to meet the basic specifications provide additional information regarding the specifications and ratings of the equipment proposed, as well as a sample unit for field testing. The university requested that authorization be given to the President, and upon receipt of a final recommendation after the field tests, with the concurrence of the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Chair of the Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee, to accept a bid for the purchase of refrigerator/freezer/-microwave units up to a maximum total cost of $1.33 million, which includes a 5% contingency.

Chair Siegel asked for a motion, per the recommendation of the Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee as stated by President La Tourette, to approve the purchase of refrigerator/freezer/microwave units. Trustee Boey made the motion and Trustee Sanchez seconded. The motion was approved.

Chair Siegel asked President La Tourette to review the grant and contract awards summary. At the present time, NIU is reporting almost $15 million in outside grants and contracts awarded during the current fiscal year. The number and volume of federal grants has tended to decline. Some of this decline has been offset by increased activity at the state and corporate levels.

Under authority granted by the Board in January to streamline purchasing processes on campus, authorization was given to the President to approve transactions under $250,000. There were five purchases ranging between $100,000 and $250,000, and one capital project of $126,000.

President La Tourette explained the salary increment guidelines stating that provisions had been made to distribute a 3.0% merit pool from State funds for faculty and staff with an additional 1% of reallocated funds available for market and equity adjustments. The university requested approval of the recommended guidelines.

Chair Siegel asked for a motion to approve the recommended salary increment guidelines. Trustee Sanchez made the motion, seconded by Trustee Moser. The motion was approved.

Chair Siegel commented that the Board and university did not feel that the increase from state funds was adequate and that they had worked very hard to reallocate funds to bridge the gap. He promised to strive toward a higher goal next year. Trustee Fowler noted that the faculty do an outstanding job teaching students. He hoped progressively higher salary increments could be allocated in the future so that NIU can retain its best faculty and continue to be competitive with other institutions, not only in the state of Illinois, but throughout the country.

Dr. La Tourette said he appreciated the comments made by the Chair and Trustee Fowler. He said it was difficult to reallocate more than 1%, but the Board and university are committed to looking at this issue over the next several years to see if the university can augment whatever the State provides.

Dr. La Tourette stated that this report is important because the university is obligated to respond to the Board of Higher Education with a report on August 15 of this year. He reviewed the questions raised by the IBHE about intercollegiate athletics at the public universities in Illinois. These questions relate to the mission of the program; the size, scope and level of competition; the education and other experiences provided for students; the benefits to the university; and the resources required or provided.

Throughout the initial and ensuing discussion of intercollegiate athletics and P·Q·P, the President noted that IBHE staff reports and discussions continually confused the issue of state support and appropriated support, in some cases referring to a phase-out of state support; in others, a phase-out of appropriated support.

The distinction is important because several public universities had never used state GR (tax) dollars to support intercollegiate athletics. In the case of Northern Illinois University and the other universities under the Board of Regents, there was a board regulation, dating from the early 1970s, which explicitly prohibited the use of state GR dollars - that is tax dollars - to support intercollegiate athletics.

After considerable campus and board discussion and with the recognition that different institutional responses were beginning to emerge, the Board of Regents approved plans for Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, and Sangamon State University to phase out income fund support for intercollegiate athletics. That occurred in 1994.

All the universities presented phase-out plans, which essentially reallocated the income fund dollars to undergraduate instruction and computer support for students. These plans, therefore were consistent with the original IBHE resolution in 1992 that we strengthen instruction and provide more support for computer use by students. The Board of Regents approved these plans and authorized a phase-in of higher student athletic fees to continue to support intercollegiate programs at the three universities.

The board, and particularly ISU, was criticized by the IBHE staff for the increase in fees. In the interim, the response by other institutions made it clear that the original IBHE recommendation was not operative. Each institution examined its own situation and came up with what appeared to be appropriate for its intercollegiate athletic program. Institutional responses were complicated by the fact that, the federal government was pushing on gender equity and requiring all institutions, to increase their support for women's sports. This, of course, would require additional dollars.

By 1995, it was clear that the original IBHE dictate was not going to work. In a May 1995 report, the IBHE staff blamed NCAA sports regulations and the reluctance of institutions to examine the P·Q·P priorities for the failure of the program, while ignoring the fact that all the institutions and boards were struggling with this issue. At the July 1995 meeting, two new resolutions were considered and then carried over to the following meeting. At the September 1995 meeting, the IBHE voted to set aside the original policy on phasing out all tax funds for intercollegiate athletics by July 1, 1996, and asked the public universities to submit a report on intercollegiate athletics by August 15, 1996 addressing the issues outlined earlier.

The record of NIU over the past twenty years, the President said, has been one of continued assessment of intercollegiate athletics, and these evaluations have repeatedly reaffirmed the mission, scope, size, and level of competition and the commitment of the university resources to intercollegiate athletics for the benefit of students and the university.

Dr. La Tourette then asked Cary Groth to briefly review where the university is now in self-studies, internal and external reviews, and related actions over the past twenty years in athletics.

Ms. Groth stated that two years ago, when she was hired as director of athletics, a strategic plan was put together to move the athletic program forward.

The number one goal was to improve the academic success of the NIU program - both department grade point average and the graduation rate. The department has done that. The number two goal was to hire and retain outstanding staff. NIU has an outstanding Athletic Department staff. The number three goal was to align NIU with a conference that mirrors the university mission. This has been done. Northern Illinois University will enter the Mid-American Conference July 1, 1997 which means that, for the first time, all NIU sports programs will be aligned under one conference affiliation. The number four goal was to improve facilities. The institution has some of the most outstanding outdoor facilities in the Midwest. Work has continued towards phase two of the east side of Huskie Stadium. The number five goal was to increase external funding, probably the most critical goal for university intercollegiate athletic programs across the country. The university has the people in place and is working on the relationships it needs to realize this goal. The final goal was to improve the overall image of intercollegiate athletics, on campus and off campus.

Ms. Groth stated that a successful intercollegiate athletic program is built on five key areas: Integrity and values. In May of 1994, Northern Illinois University's athletic program was certified at the highest level within the NCAA ­ one of the first eight institutions in the country. Academics - the program must recruit top students, increase the grade point average and the graduation rate. Resources - existing resources must be used very wisely and augmented by growth in external funds. Commitment and leadership - from the Board of Trustees to the university community and our constituents, all have to be moving in the same direction and believe in the direction we are headed. Of course, vision, is the most key area, Groth said, not to "keep up with the Joneses," but to be a leader in intercollegiate athletics.

Ms. Groth provided the Trustees with an informational booklet on IA with detailed information on budgets, staffing, and academic patterns.

Chair Siegel commended Ms. Groth on the past season and thanked her for all of her efforts. He encouraged all the Trustees to go to some of the games, especially the away games to see the programs and facilities of other schools, especially those in the Mid-American Conference and of similar size.

To answer a question from Trustee Fowler, Ms. Groth stated that the one reason for the increase in GPA's in Northern's athletics department is the fact that the coaches try to instill pride in the fact that the students are Huskies. Students are required to wear Huskie apparel in practice instead of T-shirts and other apparel bearing other university names. The athletes understand that less than one percent of collegiate student athletes go on to professional sports. Therefore, having a degree is very important. Finally, the accountability of coaches has increased because they know that fifty percent of their evaluation is on the academic success of students in their programs.

Chair Siegel asked for a motion to approve the release of Executive Session Minutes. Trustee Sanchez made the motion, seconded by Trustee Fowler. The motion was approved.

Introduction and Sections II, III, V, VI and VII

Chair Siegel stated that a great deal of time was spent going over the Regulations, modifying and rewriting sections, with Dr. Anne Kaplan and other university staff. The University Advisory Committee was given a copy and given time to make comments, suggest changes, modifications or adjustments. Chair Siegel inquired if UAC representative Larson was satisfied with the Regulations presented. Dr. Larson indicated that he was.

Chair Siegel asked for a motion to approve the Introduction of the Regulations and Sections, II, III, V, VI and VII, subject to correction of editing errors or omissions, if any. The motion was approved.

Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Raymond.

The next meeting date of the Board of Trustees is currently set for September 18.

Chair Siegel then called for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Sanchez made the motion, seconded by Trustee Boey. The motion was approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon M. Mimms

Recording Secretary