Minutes of the
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
of NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
April 22, 1999

Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee
Committee Chair Grans reported that the Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee met on March 25. However, the necessary quorum to vote and bring action items forward to the full Board was not present. The action items on the agenda were Recommendations for Faculty Promotion, Tenure and Promotions with Tenure; Recommendations for Faculty and Staff Sabbatical Leaves for 1999-2000; Request for an interdisciplinary minor in Chinese or Japanese Studies; and Request to Delete an existing emphasis in Theatre Education within the B.F.A. in Theatre Arts. The Annual Oral English Proficiency Report was reviewed as an information item. The Committee discussed and reviewed all of the agenda items. The action items were included in the President's Report for presentation to the full Board at this meeting.

The majority of the March meeting, Committee Chair Grans said, was dedicated to the presentation of the Deans’ Planning Context report. This part of the university's planning activity involved the college deans, who had been meeting to see how much similarity there was among the colleges, the challenges they faced and the ways in which they addressed opportunities. The deans believed that finding common ground among the colleges would provide a useful context for each college's planning efforts. Addressing these issues strategically in this planning context would allow the individual colleges' uniqueness to flourish while contributing to the overall university vision. I really believe the process was inclusive, thorough and forward thinking, Chair Grans said, and it will be ongoing. All Trustees received copies of the Deans’ Planning Context. The areas reviewed in the meeting were institutional distinctiveness, accountability, new sources of funding to support the university, student recruitment and retention, geographic responsibilities in serving the needs of the region, technology in the NIU mission, and faculty, their work and their diversity. The deans then responded to questions from Board members about the statements in the report and the process. Committee Chair Grans said she wanted to emphasize that everyone should be reassured by this report. The report is not an end, she said, but a context that I hope will become part of the fabric of the academic planning and educational actions of NIU. I urge you to read the report and view it as a work in progress towards the NIU of the next century. You cannot get there if you do not have a roadmap, and I encourage the deans, the faculty and the students to take this map and give us a full atlas. Part of the Board’s role at NIU is to be accountable, Trustee Grans stated, to realize that there is a strategic process in place and be able to give it the course it needs. I am very encouraged knowing that everyone has the report and different faculty, staff and students have a chance to talk about these things, she concluded, so that it can become part of that fabric. Chair Boey said that the Board and the university had been talking about this for the last two to three years, and the Deans’ Context was very important because you cannot move forward without a roadmap. We need to have a continuing focus on this so that we do not lose it, he said.

Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee
Committee Chair Sanchez reported that the Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee met on April 1. Informational reports were received regarding the NIU Naperville project; the Stevenson Towers Project, Phase II; and Fiscal Year 2000 Operations and Grants Budget Recommendation Update. The Committee considered the following action items: student fees; out-of-state tuition rate; room and board rates for the upcoming academic year; contractual items such as the Huskie Bus, student insurance, copy equipment, the NIU Foundation professional services contract renewals, and the DuSable Hall performance contract; and capital items, including the campus Child Care Center budget revisions, the Holmes Student Center roof replacement; and, the convocation center project. The Committee also dealt with budgetary matters including the sports camp expenditure authorization, Fiscal Year 2001 budget guidelines and spending authorizations for student laboratory computer equipment. These items were thoroughly reviewed by the Committee and forwarded for approval by the full Board through the President’s Report.

Legislation, Audit and External Affairs Committee
Committee Chair Moser reported that the Legislation, Audit and External Affairs Committee met at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the status of budget discussions in the legislative session in Springfield. The state universities have received several budget adjustments since the Board of Higher Education issued its recommendations to Governor Ryan in December. The IBHE budget for higher education called for an increase of over 7% for FY00, with an NIU specific increase of just over 5%. The Governor's FY00 budget, as presented to the General Assembly on February 17, put Northern's increase at 4.8%, Committee Chair Moser said, and that is still a very significant budget increase for NIU and public higher education in Illinois.

The Senate Appropriations Committee held two budget hearings this spring — the normal appropriations hearing for the university's operational budget for FY00 and a separate hearing on deferred maintenance needs at the state universities. At the hearing on deferred maintenance issues, the total price tag of eliminating the state universities' deferred maintenance initiatives was in excess of $800 million. NIU's immediate deferred maintenance needs total almost $36 million, while the university's complete list of deferred maintenance totals in excess of $70 million.

When the Senate sent each university's appropriation bill to the House for consideration, they lump-summed the universities' budgets, funded the universities’ requests for faculty and staff salary increases, eliminated all new program money for FY00, and targeted those new program funds for deferred maintenance. Therefore, according to the Senate budget, the university would receive $1.5 million in deferred maintenance funding for FY00 at the expense of all new program initiatives, Committee Chair Moser said. In so doing, the Senate action also resulted in a $367,000 reduction of the Governor's proposed budget for Northern Illinois University. At last week's House Appropriations Committee hearing, it was apparent that the House will attempt to return the state universities to the Governor's budget level, he said, thereby overturning the Senate action.

The budgetary situation for state universities and NIU is in a state of flux at this point. It is important that we, as Trustees, remain ready to assist the university in returning the FY00 budget to the Governor's level, a 4.8% increase over FY99 base levels, Committee Chair Moser said, and an opportunity to make significant strides on faculty and staff pay equity issues and build much-needed academic programs, including information technology and computer science. Deferred maintenance is a critical issue, but one which requires an agreed-upon plan over a 10-year time period to adequately address the tremendous deferred maintenance needs at all of the state's public universities.

In February, the Office of State and Federal Relations, in conjunction with the Center for Governmental Studies and the Division of Continuing Education, delivered a one-day training workshop for all state legislative district office personnel around the state. The workshop, which was held in Chicago, drew staff from the offices of over 70 legislators. This was the third time the university has conducted this seminar since the Board of Trustees was created.

Illinois Board of Higher Education
President La Tourette indicated that at its April meeting, the Board of Higher Education approved the Ph.D. program in Physics. It required a great deal of effort, not only on the part of the university, he said, but also on the part of the faculty and staff and the Board to be involved in this issue and to finally bring a proposal to the Board of Higher Education that could be approved, thereby closing what has been a long quest for a program that is much needed not only for the university but to serve this region and to serve the state well in its interface between higher education and Fermi and Argonne National Laboratories. The President thanked all the Board members for their help. He thanked Trustee Siegel in particular, who, when he was Chair of the Board, personally took the issue to Bob Kustra and other people to determine whether a viable proposal would be considered favorably at the Board of Higher Education level. I also want to extend my thanks to Lynne Waldeland, who spent a lot of time making sure that the proposal was in a form that would receive favorable reviews, the President said. We had two very favorable reviews by outside consultants selected by the Board of Higher Education. I think the Board of Higher Education and staff finally realize that some additional programs, even at the doctoral level, are needed and make sense in the way in which the university conducts its basic and applied research. Everyone who has been involved should be congratulated for the way in which this round of the review was conducted, the way in which the proposal was developed and reviewed outside and received approval.

Much of the Board of Higher Education meeting dealt with discussions about the restoration of the Governor's budget and some of the issues related to it — the elimination of the programmatic requests and the substitution of a lump sum allocation budget, including a substantial allocation of funds toward the deferred maintenance area. Certainly everyone recognizes that deferred maintenance is a major problem that cannot be solved in one budget adjustment by the Senate, President La Tourette stated. It really has to be addressed on a systematic basis over a substantial period of time.

The state has now moved from what was originally referred to as a "Citizen's Agenda," President La Tourette said, to the Illinois Commitment, which has a total of six goals. Most of these goals have been recognized by the university and we have been involved in addressing them over a long period of time.

Goal 1: Higher education will help Illinois business and industry sustain strong economic growth.

Goal 2: Higher education will join elementary and secondary education to improve teaching and learning at all levels.

Goal 3: No Illinois citizen will be denied an opportunity for a college education because of financial need.

Goal 4: Illinois will increase the number and diversity of citizens completing training and educational programs.

Goal 5: Illinois colleges and universities will hold students to even higher expectations for learning and will be accountable for the quality of academic programs and the assessment of learning.

Goal 6: Illinois colleges and universities will continually improve productivity, cost effectiveness and accountability.

The President said that the introduction of the new Illinois Commitment means that the old P•Q•P report will be eliminated, and each university will submit a results report beginning this summer. This will allow some greater latitude in articulating to the IBHE the university’s more precise goals relative to these six major goals and how NIU is achieving them. Since this is a first-time effort, there should be some greater clarification of how these reports are to be developed in the near future. I think we are in a very good position to articulate our strengths and plans for the future relative to the six goals I have mentioned, the President concluded.

Trustee Sanchez asked if the rumors regarding the new chair of the Illinois Board of Higher Education had been confirmed. President La Tourette said that rumors regarding former Senate President Phil Rock becoming the new board chair had been confirmed, but nothing had yet been released in the press. Trustee Myles said that he also had it on good authority that former Senator Rock would be confirmed as Chair of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

University Civil Service Merit Board
Trustee Myles said that the Civil Service Merit Board had been scheduled at the same time as NIU’s Board meeting, and he opted to attend the Board of Trustees meeting. The only action from the last Merit Board Meeting to be reported was that a proposed termination was overturned and the employee reinstated.

Northern Illinois University Foundation
Mr. Michael Malone, Vice President, Development and University Relations, reported that grants totaling $55,000 from the NIU Foundation to faculty were approved at the last Foundation Board meeting. These are direct grants from the NIU Foundation. The program consists of two grants: the strategic initiative grant and opportunity grants. The strategic initiative grant is a one-time per year, $25,000 grant that goes to support a strategic initiative as identified by the Provost. Deans, faculties, etc. are urged to put together proposals addressing that strategic initiative, and then the Foundation Board, in cooperation with the Provost's Office, makes the award. This year's award went to a collaborative project between the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. This project takes various general education courses offered in both colleges and links them around themes so that throughout their undergraduate careers students may take courses from the arts, the sciences, music or anthropology clustered around a theme that will meet their general education requirements and build on a common theme.

Five opportunity grants were also awarded. These are smaller grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, and are intended to act as venture capital to kick-start new programs or take advantage of a unique opportunity. The grants awarded supported a digital media lab in the School of Music; the John Peter Altgeld documentary project in the Department of Communication; a new peer tutoring program in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology; an innovative program that integrates the most desirable skills identified by businesses in the curriculum of the College of Business; and a $10,000 match to encourage and reward faculty who have outstanding success in acquiring additional grant funding for projects deemed important to the university.

Mr. Malone announced that the Foundation had received an anonymous $400,000 matching pledge over the next two years to support initiatives in the College of Education to improve preparation through school/university partnerships. So, it is now our job, he said, to go out and find $400,000 in matching funds over the next two years. The Foundation held its first endowed scholarship luncheon, whose theme was "Giving to Learn, Learning to Give," on Sunday, April 11, and had 160 guests in attendance. This event is designed to bring the donors of endowed scholarships and their students together in a social situation.

The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology received a $1.9 million gift-in-kind from Veribest Technology. This will allow NIU students to use state-of-the-art tools for the design of microchips and circuit boards. The gift includes the software, a 20-site license, free maintenance and training for faculty at the company's headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.

Through the first three-quarters of the year, Mr. Malone reported, the annual fund is 43% ahead of its total for last year. We are hoping to maintain a full-time calling program throughout the summer with the help of returning student callers who are combining summer school and 25 hours per week at the Calling Center in an innovative new program to keep the calling going full blast at all 29 stations throughout the summer.

Chair Boey announced that there would be no Executive Session, and moved on to cover the information items listened under 8.b., University Reports Forwarded from the Board Committees.

Agenda Item 8.b.(1) - NIU Naperville
The President reported that good progress is being made on the design of the new Naperville facility. It is a design that encompasses the needs of NIU's academic programs, the BIS program and the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory that will also be housed in the building. Everything seems to be moving along very well. We hope the facility will be opened by Spring 2000. This is a rather tight schedule, the President said, but we have had very tight schedules before, and I think we can get this on line with the time lines projected here.

Agenda Item 8.b.(2) - Stevenson Towers Renovation - Phase II
Phase I of the Stevenson Towers renovation dealt with the two north towers and the center food court. Phase II will include the two south towers. This is a recommendation to delay the opening of the two south towers until spring of the year 2000. Delaying the opening will allow the purchase of some of the equipment to be carried over to another budget year so that the maximum amount of renovation can be realized from our funds, the President said.

Agenda Item 8.b.(3) - Fiscal Year 2000 Operations and Grants Budget Recommendation Update
This budget presentation reflected the Governor's recommendations. As Trustee Moser indicated previously, the Senate trimmed the IBHE recommendation by $364,000. The President thought that base cut was the smallest of all the cuts applied to the higher education budgets by the Senate committee. Also as indicated earlier, the focus was placed on deferred maintenance, with which the university agrees, President La Tourette said, but it is essential that the universities and the Board of Higher Education be given some time to come up with a plan that could address this $800 million problem over a five- to ten-year period. Fortunately, the funding for the 3 percent base salary increase was protected. The funding for the one percent add-on to improve the competitiveness of salaries has been protected, and the university will match that additional one percent. The university needs a five percentage point package to become more competitive. The way I look at this is that we have a kind of deferred maintenance in personnel, as important as the deferred maintenance in our physical facilities, the President said, so we really have to balance this and try to deal with these two critical issues.

The disappointment, of course, as already mentioned, was the deletion of the programmatic requests, some of which were directed toward MIS and Computer Science, programs of very high significance, not only for NIU but also for the state in providing for the state's workforce needs of the 21st Century. It is hoped that most of these funds can be restored when the House considers the budget. We will not know the final outcome, however, until closer to the end of the session when some compromise is worked out between the House and the Senate.

Item Directly from the President

Agenda Item 8.c.(1) - Summary of Grant and Contract Awards
This summary of grants and contracts received by the university for this period totals approximately $5.5 million. The total accumulation of grants and contracts for FY99 thus far is approximately $22 million. It appears that the university is at or slightly ahead of last year’s total for grants and contracts.

Referring to a comment made by Trustee Moser earlier in the meeting, Chair Boey said that the budget is still a work in progress and a lot of compromises need to be made when the House and the Senate meet again. Chair Boey recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.

Agenda Item 8.a.(1) - Fiscal Year 2000 Student Fee Recommendations
The student fee recommendations were forwarded after review by the Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee. The recommended increase in fees averaged 2.45%. Adding the $1 fee that was approved by the Board in 1997 brings the increase to 4.4%. The detailed recommendations showed that, in almost every case, the recommendation within the individual fee area is 3% or less, and, in many cases, there are no fee increases being recommended. I think this is a reflection of the kind of approach to fiscal matters that the Board has asked the university to follow, President La Tourette remarked, and that is to provide fee increases only for additional services or to cover additional costs to maintain services. These fees apply to both undergraduate and graduate students as well as professional students in the College of Law.

Student Trustee Sosnowski, who attended the Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee meeting, reiterated that in conversations with student leaders around the state, Northern’s process is one of the most productive in tying student input into the whole student fee process. This is an active process in which students are involved every step of the way, learning how the fees work, learning where the money goes, figuring out if we need an increase and why the increase is warranted. He commended the administration for putting together a process that incorporates student input in every aspect of the fee process.

Trustee Siegel inquired about the difference in the student fees being based on students registered for 12 or more credit hours and the tuition increases passed last year based on a student taking 15 or more credit hours. President la Tourette stated that the tuition schedule is based on charges beyond 12 credit hours. In the case of student fees, the 12-hour credit registration is the maximum fee charge. So, if a student goes beyond 12 hours, there are no additional student fee charges. Trustee Siegel said that really would underscore the intent of the Board and the administration to address the affordability issue by lowering the cost to students who take 15 hours a semester. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the FY00 Student fee recommendations. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Moser. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(2) - Fiscal Year 2000 Room and Board Rate Recommendations
The room and board rates were recommended through the same process as those for the student fees with a great deal of consultation between residence hall staff, food service staff and students. The rates are worked out in great detail to be consistent between various facilities on campus, President La Tourette said, and those that are now being or have been renovated. Since the renovation of the north towers of the Stevenson complex, those rooms are very much in demand. We looked at the overall costs for students attending the Mid-American Conference institutions, the President said, many of which are very comparable to NIU. They include three institutions in Michigan, several in Ohio including Miami of Ohio, Ball State in Indiana, the State University of New York at Buffalo and Marshall University in West Virginia. Northern Illinois University ranks ninth in overall costs among the 13 institutions in the Conference. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the FY00 Room and Board Rates. Trustee Grans so moved, seconded by Student Trustee Sosnowski. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(3) - Fiscal Year 2000 Out-of-State Tuition Recommendation
Last year the ratio of tuition charged for out-of-state students was reduced from 3:1 to 2.5:1. The original 3:1 ratio was based on a proposition that is no longer valid, President La Tourette reported. Over 20 years ago, about 67% of the cost of instruction was provided in state support, and the university was expected to charge a tuition that would represent about 33% of the total. Students from out of state would not receive any state subsidy but would pay the full cost. That has changed a great deal due to the fact that state support for higher education has not kept up with the costs. Though it was first thought to be an approximate 2.5:1 ratio, it turned out to be closer to a 2:1 ratio. The university recommended reducing the ratio of 2.5:1 to 2:1, which would mean that out-of-state students would not be charged more than the cost of instruction. This ratio brings us into balance by providing no subsidy for out-of-state students, but at the same time, not charging them more than the actual cost of instruction. It was noted that some of the other universities have already changed their ratios from 3:1 to 2:1. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the new ratio of 2:1 for out-of-state tuition beginning in the fall of 1999. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Moser. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(4) - Huskie Bus Contract Fiscal Year 2000 Contract Renewal
The Huskie Bus contract is a service students originated at Northern Illinois University many years ago. It is operated on a contract basis with an outside vendor. The contract was worked out with considerable consultation with student groups involved in the operation of the bus system. This request is an authorization for the renewal of that contract for the operation of the Huskie Bus system in the year FY00 at $1,939,879. The modest five-cent increase in credit hour fees required to support this budget was included in the FY00 Student Fee recommendations approved in 8.a.(1) above. The university continues to have very good service at a reasonable rate with the arrangement through ACT VanCom Transportation. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the renewal of the Huskie Bus contract for FY00. Student Trustee Sosnowski so moved, seconded by Trustee Grans. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(5) - Student Accident and Sickness Insurance - Fiscal Year 2000 Contract Renewal
Again, the President said, we worked closely with the students on student accident and sickness insurance. This insurance is for those students who do not have family or other coverage, and it permits them to cover their insurance needs at a reasonable rate. The increase in student fees for insurance was $0.22 per credit hour. The $4 million not-to-exceed amount is based on the university's estimate of how many students will be involved times the cost of their involvement. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the FY00 student accident and sickness insurance contract renewal. Trustee Moser so moved, seconded by Trustee Sanchez. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(6) - Printing Services Copier and Controller System - Fiscal year 2000 Contract Renewal
This item was a contract renewal for printing services, copiers and controller systems throughout the campus. This contract for $680,000 covers the entire university's needs. In answer to questions from Trustee Siegel, President La Tourette said that there are some charge-backs to the departments and units that use these services. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the FY00 printing services copier and controller system contract renewal. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Grans. The motion was approved.

Agenda item 8.a.(7) - Fiscal Year 2000 NIU Foundation Professional Services Contract
This is a contract between the university and the NIU Foundation in the amount of $360,000. The Foundation provides the support the university needs to carry out its advancement programs. There is essentially a wash between the services that the university provides to the Foundation and the services that the Foundation provides back to the university, President La Tourette said. This is a procedure that has been followed for many years to maintain an appropriate relationship between the university and the Foundation pursuant to Legislative Audit Commission guidelines. Board Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the NIU Foundation professional services contract. Trustee Moser so moved, seconded by Trustee Grans. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(8) - DuSable Hall - Performance Contract
The performance contract is a new procedure that allows the university to enter into contracts that will have a payback, usually a ten-year payback plan. This performance contract is with an energy services corporation which, under the conditions of the contract, has to meet the projected energy savings. Since this is a new procedure, President La Tourette asked Dr. Williams to give the Board a brief explanation of how it works and how it is beneficial to the university to enter into these performance contracts. Dr. Williams explained that the state legislature enacted Public Act 90-0486 to provide the opportunity for universities to pursue contracting with companies that would provide all of the necessary resources for certain improvements that could be recaptured through energy savings. This is a way to maximize the existing resources that the state universities have, and, thereby, take advantage of utility savings to actually cover the costs. At this point, Dr. Williams said, our thinking is to first try this on a small scale with the DuSable Hall project. Some of the state institutions are doing $8 to $14 million projects, he said, but we want to see how the statute and the whole system work before we make a commitment at that level. It is a very positive project. The university has a ten-year agreement with a very good company. Again, he said, the university does not have to put any of its resources out there; the company is totally at risk.

Trustee Grans mentioned that the Finance Committee had discussed this and she thought it was a very innovative procedure. I also applaud the university for taking this model approach to see if it can be applied on a broader scope, she said, rather than doing it the other way around. She asked that the university keep the Board informed on the progress of the project so they will know in another year or two whether or not it can be applied in other places. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the DuSable Hall performance contract. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Grans. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(9) - Athletic Sports Camps Housing and Meal Expenditure - Fiscal Year 2000  Authorization
During the summer, the university hosts athletic sports camps for which housing and meal expenditures have been bid out in the past. We are fortunate this year, President La Tourette said, to have an internal bid from our own residence halls and dining services. We are asking that the university be allowed to collect up to $480,000 in support of these sports camps, he said, and then use those funds to reimburse our residence halls and dining services for their services. Since these camps are held during the summer when the residence halls are not fully occupied, the university can have some of its fixed costs covered as well as its variable costs. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the FY00 athletic sports camps housing and meal expenditure. Trustee Siegel so moved, seconded by Trustee Moser. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(10) - Academic Computing Services Student Computer Lab Computers
President La Tourette said that the university's Academic Computing Services (ACS) provides and maintains approximately 1,000 computers in 12 student computer labs located throughout the campus. Periodic replacement of this equipment is necessary to maintain state-of-the-art operating systems and software for student use. In order to take advantage of the special pricing available for these purchases, the university would like to purchase 263 new computers. With a contingency for additional departments to order units, the university is requesting Board of Trustees approval of $460,000 for this purpose. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the purchase of computers for the ACS student computer labs. Trustee Siegel so moved, seconded by Trustee Grans. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(11) - Holmes Student Center - Roof Replacement
Both the southeast and southwest sections of the roof on the Holmes Student Center need to be replaced. To avoid the waste of holding two bid openings, executing two contracts and coordinating two roofing contractors, the President said, it was more efficient to combine the two projects and eliminate the unnecessary duplication of effort. The university requested Board of Trustees approval of $445,000 for the replacement of the southeast and southwest sections of the Holmes Student Center roof. Chair Boey asked for such a motion. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Moser. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(12) - Campus Child Care Center Budget Revision
The Campus Child Care Center received project approval at the December 1996 meeting of the Board of Trustees. The original budget was set at $3.1 million and included providing space for the Child Development Laboratory (CDL) as an alternate. Construction bids received in February 1999 exceeded the estimated construction budget, excluding the CDL alternate. President La Tourette stated that in order to construct the Child Care Center with no alternates, the budget had to be augmented by an additional $209,000 for a total budget of $3,309,000. These funds are available through the university's bond reserve account. In answer to a question from Trustee Siegel, Dr. Williams said that there was a contingency in the original bid because the university always wants to maintain some flexibility if there is a cost overrun or some other unforeseen circumstance. The university bid the project, the specific scope, program and drawings. Up to that point, Dr. Williams said, the budget was established through our best-guess estimates and the estimates given to us by our architects. Once the real numbers from the bidding are received, they have be compared with the budget. The amount requested covers the final total for construction plus a contingency, Dr. Williams said. Student Trustee Sosnowski asked what number of children the new Child Care Center would be able to serve. Some NIU students use this service only one day a week and some only two or three hours a day, so the count would include many part-time children, and some university employees utilize it on a weekly basis. The center is now servicing about 45 children, Dr. Williams said, and through the expansion, that number will increase to almost 200. Trustee Sanchez said that the Child Care Center was discussed in his Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee meeting, and he thought it was important for the public to know that NIU and its Board are going to be ahead of the curve when it comes to issues like this. Childcare is an issue that is being debated around the country, but there is no such debate here. We know how important it is to the staff, and the students, he said, and it has been a privilege for the Board members to deal with these kinds of issues and to be ahead of the curve. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the campus Child Care Center budget revision. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Grans. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(13) - Fiscal Year 2001 Budget Guidelines
The budget guidelines for FY01 reflect our commitment to make our salaries more competitive, the President said. A 5.5% salary increase was recommended for faculty and staff. Also in the programmatic areas, the budget deals with some of the priorities that will advance workforce development and preparation. The budget guidelines also included a request for $1.5 million for deferred maintenance. There is a heavy emphasis on technology, information technology and the other kinds of technology that not only are needed for efficient operation of the university, President La Tourette said, but also for the programs that increasingly are using technology, and that is practically every program on campus now. I ask your approval of these guidelines so that we can articulate and defend them to the Board of Higher Education as part of their budget building process for the year 2001. Trustee Siegel pointed out that the budget guidelines are what the university is requesting, and, not necessarily what will be granted. He pointed out the salary increase line where the university has been asking for a 5.5% increase for the last several years. The Illinois Board of Higher Education, which reviews our budget and then submits it with changes to the Governor, has modified that down to 3%, he said, and the Governor only allocated the 3%. So, we are going to try again, and will keep trying to get more state support. There are only a couple of things we can do to get money outside of asking the state for it, Trustee Siegel said, and they are either to reduce our expenses or to increase our revenue from other sources, like tuition and fees, which is something we do not want to do. Board Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the university's FY01 budget guidelines. Trustee Siegel so moved, seconded by Student Trustee Sosnowski. The motion was approved.

Agenda item 8.a.(14) - Convocation Center and Recreational Facilities Project
President La Tourette asked Dr. Williams to present Agenda Items 8.a.(14) through 8.a.(14)(c), which were all part of the convocation center project.

When I came to NIU 29 years ago, Dr. Williams said, I was told two things. First, that there would be an extension of the tollway from Aurora to DeKalb, and second, that there would be a convocation center built at this campus. It took about eight years to get that extension to I-88, he said, and it has taken about 28 years for us to come to the convocation center.

At the December Board Meeting, following discussions with the FFO Committee in November, the President identified three university needs. They dealt with Title IX compliance, the need for additional campus recreation and the need for additional campus parking. We were charged by the Board to look into the feasibility of addressing these needs separately or alternatively through the construction of a convocation center, Dr. Williams said. At the January 14 Board Meeting, a feasibility plan that included the construction of a convocation center, providing additional parking through the convocation center and the renovation of Evans Field House as part of the recreation program was reported as the most feasible and cost effective approach. At that meeting, the Board directed the university to refine this plan, work with consultants and come back with specific items for Board action.

Dr. Williams then gave a brief overview of the three components of the plan. The first component dealt with recreation. We have worked with the Recreation Department, he said, and were able to develop a comprehensive recreation program utilizing the existing Recreation Center combined with a renovated Evans Field House. Certain types of activities would be provided in the Field House that are not available in the Recreation Center. These include additional volleyball courts, an indoor soccer field, an indoor floor hockey field, a golf practice area and a jogging track. There also would be a space for the outdoor recreation rental center. There would be meeting rooms, locker rooms and offices for student organizations. This plan provides an opportunity to expand recreational services to meet demand, and it occurs in a way that complements what is already available in the Recreation Center. We were very pleased with the fact that we were able to do this renovation under existing fees, Dr. Williams said, without imposing any additional costs on student fees.

The second component of the plan dealt with the construction of a convocation center that would address Title IX issues by providing indoor track facilities. It would also provide space for concerts, conventions, meetings and activities of that type, career days and sports. Consultants were asked to assist in assessing the financial feasibility of the project, sizing it, and from the general program and the requests of the users, to translate that into a viable facility. The consultants' findings were then shared with the committee, with Dr. Williams giving brief concluding remarks.

We have reached this point through a very open and collective process that has involved all aspects of the university community, Dr. Williams said, especially including our students who have worked hand-in-hand with us at every stage of this plan development. The other thing that I would like to make very clear is that what is before us today is a concept. We have not gone into specifics on construction drawings or on hard design, he said, but we have gone as far as necessary to establish cost and design feasibility to make sure that we could build something that addressed the program as well as meet the budget constraints we were facing. Once we were able to do that, this phase of the work ended. I do not want people to leave with this image and think that is it, Dr. Williams said. There is much work to be done relative to that design. He extended his appreciation to the consultants and NIU staff. Chair Boey said that the Board owed these people a vote of thanks for giving up precious time during the Christmas and New Year holiday period in order to put this information together and come back to address the Board in January. President La Tourette thanked Dr. Williams, the members of his staff and the outside advisors. Certainly, without a lot of hard work, he said, we could not have come to the point of having a very good package that will address the needs identified back in November and December.

Agenda Item 8.a.(14)(a) - Evans field House Remodeling Project
The renovation of the Chick Evans Field House is being included in the package to make sure it is understood that as soon as the convocation center is completed and open the renovation project described herein will immediately commence. I have found in traveling across the country that recreation is in very high demand on college campuses, the President said. Though we have some very fine facilities already, many schools we compete with are already catching up to us. When we complete the work before us on the Evans Field House, he said, we will have one of the largest and most comprehensive recreation programs in the nation for our students. The $2.25 million in funds needed for this project will come out of the reserve account, and there will be time to build this reserve further as the construction proceeds on the convocation center. We want to make sure everyone understands that there is a firm and absolutely irrevocable commitment on the part of the university leadership and the Board of Trustees to carry out the Chick Evans Field House renovation as part of this overall approach to our needs, the President concluded. He asked the Board to approve the Evans Field House remodeling project.

Chair Boey repeated some of the comments he made during the last Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee meeting when that body endorsed the convocation center. I am addressing the subject of the convocation center, he said, as well as the related recreation facilities and other activities. This project is about meeting the needs of the university. Sports are a part of it, the Chair said, but it is not sports driven. It is about the future growth of the university. It is about competing for market share. We are in the education business, and we have to compete for our market share. At the same time, Chair Boey said, this is really about growing the value of an NIU degree, which I believe Trustee Siegel has also previously stated. When they receive a degree from the university, graduates want to know that it is going to grow in value as the years go on and not regress. The only way to maintain that value is to be associated with a growing university; there is no other way to do it. This is sorely needed. As strong as the university has been in the last five or ten years, the next five to ten years should be an exciting growth period, Chair Boey said, and I am glad that we here on the Board of Trustees are part of the beginning of all this.

I know it is somewhat unpleasant sometimes for people to have to pay for something that they may not have an opportunity to use at the time some of the payments are made, Trustee Siegel said, but that was true of students five and ten years ago, who funded the Recreation Center, the Student Life Building and some of the other facilities on campus that our students treasure today. Education includes more than what occurs in a classroom. One of the goals of the educational process is ultimately to go out into the workforce. When we have a career day that is expanding by leaps and bounds and do not have a place to house it so that prospective employers can come in, set up booths and talk to our students, Trustee Siegel said, it makes it very difficult to achieve those goals. I did say, and I stand by it, that the value of a degree increases with the prestige and growth of the university, Trustee Siegel stated.

Student Trustee Sosnowski said that Dr. Williams was absolutely correct that students had been involved every step of the way. In a way, we almost put the student fee process that I complimented earlier to shame, he said, because I think this process was even more inclusive than the student fee process as far as planning, presentation and getting the word out through the web page and a week's worth of forums put on by the students. He read parts of a resolution passed unanimously by the Student Senate in favor of the convocation center. Along with their endorsement, they encouraged the Board of Trustees and the university to research alternate funding, in the form of sponsors and donors to lighten the cost of student fees. Outside of that concern, he said, the student government understood the Title IX problems, the need for more parking and also the need for expansion of the campus Recreation Center. I think that is a good reading on the sentiment of the students, Student Trustee Sosnowski said, and it is good to see that everybody is behind this project. With that type of backing from all facets of the university, it will make this project the best it can be.

THIRTIETH STUDENT SENATE SENATE RESOLUTION 010

        WHEREAS, the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees is planning a vote to approve a convocation center, and
        WHEREAS, a convocation center would alleviate three issues that affect our Campus: the mandate to comply with Title IX Statutes, the need for additional parking and the need for additional recreation space for the Campus Recreation Center due to overwhelming growth, and
        WHEREAS, a convocation center would not only be used for Athletic and Recreational Facilities but also for graduations, entertainment events and conventions, which generate revenue and notoriety for the university and the City of DeKalb,
        THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the THIRTIETH STUDENT SENATE OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY that we value Tradition, Pride and Excellence, and
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Thirtieth Student Senate supports a convocation center to address the aforementioned issues, and
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, although we recognize all of the convocation center's benefits, we urge the Board of Trustees to seek alternative funding in addition to student fees to offset the cost, and
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, the President of the University, the Executive Secretary of the University Council and the Student Trustee.

Witnessed:      Michael J. LaPidus 
                       Speaker of the Senate 

                       Roniciel Joy S. Molano
                       President

Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the renovation of the Evans Field House. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Grans. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(14)(b) - Conceptual Design and Development Agreement
This item dealt with the approval of the site and design concept plans and the extension of the authority to initiate any required selection processes and enter into all agreements required for full development of the project as previously approved by the Board of Trustees. The project budget is not to exceed $35,850,000 subject to applicable statutes and Board of Trustees Regulations. This is the approval to allow the university to proceed with the second phase of the project, President La Tourette said, and to work out all of the necessary agreements and other procedures that need to be followed consistent with state statutes, NIU Board Regulations and all other steps that have to be taken at both the local and state levels.

Trustee Sanchez said that Trustee Siegel had already mentioned the possibilities for holding the Job Fair in the convocation Center. Personally, it will be like we have gone full cycle, he said, because back in 1970, 3,000 to 4,000 people went to the Huskie Stadium for graduation ceremonies, and we were blessed not to have rain. The graduation ceremonies were then switched to the Evans Field House. Now they are held in the Holmes Student Center. It will be nice when we go full cycle and have a wonderful facility for graduation and other special ceremonies. It is a very exciting time, Trustee Sanchez said, and I look forward to still being around to enjoy that both as a Trustee and as an alumnus.

At one time or another, Chair Boey said, the Trustees have been at the Evans Field House to attend commencement exercises. When I become a grandparent and attend my grandchildren's ceremonies, I hope I will not have to go through what the present grandparents go through now. On the happiest day of their lives, he said, I think they deserve better than to sit on benches with no seat backs, climb up bleachers, and sit there for three hours to wait for the moment when their grandchild goes up to receive the degree. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the conceptual design and development agreement portions of the convocation center project. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Moser. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(14)(c) - Funding and Fee Structure
The last element of the convocation center project was the funding and fee structure that has been worked out to allow the university to move ahead with the project, President La Tourette said, yet not impose the full fee on students until the project is completed and the building is open. We would like to be able to move ahead and have the building open in early Fiscal Year 2002, which is the fall of 2001, assuming an approximate 24-month development period. The President complimented Student Trustee Sosnowski, Student Association President Joy Molano and the other students who frequently met with the committee. They went out and talked to other students, held student forums and have been on top of this situation all the way, President La Tourette said, and they should be because this is a major investment for the students as well as for the university.

I would like to emphasize that this came out much better than I had ever hoped, the President continued. The maximum figure being requested is slightly less than what was estimated to do the three projects separately. And we have hardly touched on some of the benefits that will accrue to the university for convocations, commencements and other activities that cannot be properly housed at the university right now. Also, since we now have the concept and Board approval to proceed with the convocation center, he said, I am sure Mike Malone and Mallory Simpson, of our Development and University Relations area, are very much committed to enhancing this facility and, hopefully, keeping student costs down. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the funding and fee structure for the convocation center project. Student Trustee Sosnowski so moved, seconded by Trustee Siegel. The motion was approved.

President La Tourette expressed his appreciation to everyone who has worked on this project. Not everyone that has worked on it is here today, but we have had a lot of help. I know Dr. Williams is very appreciative of all of the help that we have had, he said, both internally with faculty, staff and students, as well as with our friends from various outside firms. Chair Boey said that Dr. Williams should also be recognized for his commitment and devotion of time during the holiday period to finalize the presentation of the convocation center project. 

Agenda Item 8.a.(15) - Recommendations for Faculty Promotions, Tenure and Promotions with Tenure
Recommendations for faculty promotions, tenure and promotions with tenure were discussed and endorsed by the Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee on March 25. To answer a question from Trustee Siegel, Dr. La Tourette said that these recommendations had been initiated at the departmental level, reviewed and approved at all the required levels and, finally, reviewed by a committee chaired by the Provost. The Provost and I have discussed this list, President La Tourette said, and I can certify to you that these people meet the standards as established by the Board of Trustees and further articulated by the university. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the recommendations for faculty promotions, tenure and promotions with tenure. Trustee Moser so moved, seconded by Trustee Grans. The motion was approved. Chair Boey and all of the Trustees offered their congratulations to all of those recommended for faculty promotions, tenure and promotions with tenure.

Agenda Item 8.a.(15)(a) - Tenure Appointment Recommendations
President La Tourette departed from the agenda to bring two additional tenure recommendations to the Board. I want to highlight two very significant appointments being made in the Department of History, the President said. He asked Provost Carroll Moody to present a brief background on each of these people. We are extremely pleased to announce these appointments which will address some vacancies experienced in the university's history program with the death of a colleague several years ago, Jordan Schwartz, and with the recent retirement of Bruce Lincoln, both giants in the field of history.

This is a very seldom made request to the Board, Provost Moody said. In order to fill two critical positions occasioned by a retirement and the death of one senior level faculty member, the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Provost approved two senior level searches in the Department of History. These searches were successful in attracting two established teacher scholars who will make their major contributions to the department's undergraduate and graduate programs through their teaching, research and mentoring of Ph.D. students. Because both persons have tenured positions at other institutions at present, the university requested that the Board approve tenure beginning with their appointment on August 17, 1999. This request cames with the unanimous recommendation of the Department of History and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Moody read a few of the many accomplishments of each of the appointees. Dr. David Kyvig received his Ph.D. at Northwestern University in 1971. He served as an archivist in the Office of Presidential Libraries from 1970 to 1971; a Fulbright Scholar of American Civilization at the University of Tromso in Norway from 1987 to 1988; and since 1985, he has been a tenured professor of history at the University of Akron. In 1996, he published Explicit and Authentic Acts: Amending the U. S. Constitution, 1776-1995. This book received the Bancroft Prize, one of the most prestigious awards given to a historian in the United States, as one of two outstanding works in American history. It also received wide notice beyond the scholarly community as a History Book Club selection. He is currently completing editorial work on a collection of essays to be entitled Unintended Consequences of Constitutional Amendment. He has also edited or co-written several other books and currently has two book projects under contract with publishers. His tenure recommendation at the University of Akron, based on peer review, extolled his teaching, saying that he commands the materials magisterially, presents them vividly, engages students, and carries one of the heaviest teaching loads of the 20 members of the department at the University of Akron. He is also very active in his profession, having served as president of the National Council for Public History and as the Governor's appointee on the Ohio Bicentennial Commission.

Dr. Christine D. Worobec received her Ph.D. in History at the University of Toronto in 1984. She is now an Associate Professor of History at Kent State University, where she also directs the Soviet and East European Studies program. During the summer of 1998, she was a Visiting Professor at Harvard University. Princeton University Press published her first book, entitled Peasant Russia: Family and Community in the Post-Emancipation Period, in 1991. That same year, the University of California Press published her edition of Russia's Women: Accommodation, Resistance, Transformation. She is currently finishing a book entitled The Bedeviled Village: Hysteria, Shrieking, and Witchcraft in Russia, to be published by the NIU Press. She has published many articles, book chapters and book reviews, and presented a large number of papers at scholarly meetings. Among her many accomplishments, she was elected president of the Association for Women in Slavic Studies. She is a member of the Executive Board of the Midwest Slavic Association, and the Executive Council of the Ohio Academy of History. Dr. Worobec has also distinguished herself as a highly effective teacher. She has taught a wide variety of courses, covering European and world history, as well as her specialty, Russian civilization. She has won numerous teaching awards at Kent State University. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the granting of tenure appointments to Dr. David Kyvig and Dr. Christine Worobec. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Moser. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(16) - Recommendations for Faculty and Staff Sabbatical Leaves for 1999-2000
The recommendations for faculty and staff sabbatical leaves were presented for FY00. These recommendations were also reviewed by the Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee at its March 25 meeting. The President asked the Board's approval. Chair Boey asked for such a motion. Trustee Grans so moved, seconded by Student Trustee Sosnowski. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(17) - Request for a New Minor
New minors require the approval of the Board of Trustees. This request has received approval from curriculum committees at the department, college and university levels of the university and the concurrence of the Provost. The university requested approval of the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Minor in Chinese or Japanese Studies. Chair Boey asked for such a motion. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Siegel. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 8.a.(18) - Request to Delete Existing Emphasis
The Board of Trustees has the final authority to delete academic programs or subdivisions of major programs such as emphases in undergraduate programs. The university recommended deleting the Emphasis in Theatre Education within the B.F.A. in Theatre Arts. The deletion of an existing program through the university's program review process indicates that the program is no longer in demand by students. This request also has received approval from curriculum committees at the department, college and university levels of the university and the concurrence of the Provost. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the deletion of the existing Emphasis in Theatre Education within the B.F.A. in Theatre Arts. Trustee Grans so moved, seconded by Trustee Sanchez. The motion was approved.

Item Directly from the President

Agenda Item 8.c.(2) - Presentation by Ms. Joanne Dempsey, Executive Director of the Illinois Council on Economic Education
President La Tourette introduced Ms. Joanne Dempsey, Executive Director of the Illinois Council on Economic Education (ICEE), for a brief presentation. NIU has housed this office for the program in Illinois for many years. This is a program that provides an excellent opportunity for school children to learn more about economics and to be more prepared for the working world.

It is an honor to be here to talk about our work, Ms. Dempsey said, and to express our appreciation to the university for the long support that we have had and for this great partnership. Although the Illinois Council on Economic Education has a fairly high level of visibility in the education and business communities throughout the state, our visibility on the NIU campus tends to be fairly limited. With two major events imminent, a campaign for economic literacy and the ICEE 50th anniversary, she said, it seemed like a timely opportunity to present this brief report to the Board to make you more aware of the role that ICEE plays as an ambassador for the university. The Sunday, April 18, Parade Magazine cover story was a report on the results of a new Harris Poll on economic literacy. That poll was initiated by the ICEE national office, Ms. Dempsey said, and the report signaled the official kickoff of a five-year campaign for economic literacy. The Illinois Council and the 47 other state councils for economic education will be participating in this effort to increase economic literacy throughout the nation. The Council will use this campaign to further expand its work in Illinois schools and to increase its support in the corporate community. ICEE, the oldest state Council on Economic Education in the nation, is ranked among the strongest of the 48 that exist and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2001.

ICEE has been on the NIU campus since 1973, Ms. Dempsey said, which means that we have spent more than half of our life here on the campus. As one of several public service units in the Division of Continuing Education, we are proud to be part of NIU's mission of community service and public outreach. Our outreach is primarily to three audiences: the K-12 schools, both teachers and students; the business community; and other institutions of higher education in Illinois. Ms. Dempsey noted that ICEE works with K-12 schools through the state through nine university-based centers. It is ICCE's mission to see that every student leaves high school with the skills and the knowledge to be productive workers and entrepreneurs, to be knowledgeable consumers, prudent savers and investors, responsible citizens, competent decision makers and effective participants in a global economy. We reach nearly 3,500 teachers and 250,000 students annually, she said, bringing visibility for the university to the education community statewide. We are recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as the leader in economic education, teacher in-service and curriculum development. With two boards totaling nearly 90 community leaders, Ms. Dempsey said, we bring visibility to NIU as well as to the business community in Chicago and throughout the state. In addition, NIU serves as an outstanding example through its exemplary support of the Council to the other universities where centers are located. We are deeply grateful for that support from the university and hope to continue this model partnership for many years. I would like to express my personal thanks to President La Tourette for his support in arranging this opportunity to share our work with you, Ms. Dempsey concluded, and I also want to thank Provost Moody and Dr. Janet Lessner, in Continuing Education, for their support of the Council and its mission.

President La Tourette mentioned that at least three Board members had attended the annual meeting of ICEE, most recently, Trustee Grans and Trustee Siegel, and in previous years, Trustee Sanchez. I have a personal interest in this as an economics major, the President said, in that people need to be better prepared economically for the working world.

Agenda Item 9.a. - Northern Illinois University's Exhibition of Excellence - Resolution
Trustee Moser sated that on February 24, Northern Illinois University hosted its first "Exhibition of Excellence" at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. Over 150 Northern Illinois University staff, faculty and students were involved in putting together the very successful one-day effort. The displays used to line the main corridor of the State Capitol were set up in the meeting room for Board members and the campus community to review. Trustee Moser reported that the Jazz Band's performance in the Capitol Rotunda over the noon hour was a highlight for many in the Capitol. Since their performance, many requests have poured in for copies of their latest CD. Northern Illinois University's Exhibition of Excellence took almost one year of planning and coordination, he said, but the day came together flawlessly. Much was accomplished in communicating the exciting and innovative educational opportunities at Northern Illinois University to the state legislature. Accountability is the buzzword in Springfield these past few years, Trustee Moser said, and Northern Illinois University must consistently demonstrate the excellent programs we offer to students for undergraduate, graduate and lifelong learning.

Trustee Moser presented a resolution for approval by the Board of Trustees expressing the Board's appreciation to the staff, faculty and students involved in making Northern Illinois University's Exhibition of Excellence such an outstanding success. This took a considerable amount of planning on the part of many, he said, and I think it is important to acknowledge that staff commitment and express our appreciation directly to all those involved.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY'S EXHIBITION OF EXCELLENCE
February 24, 1999
Illinois State Capitol - Springfield

R E S O L U T I O N

    Adopted in a regular meeting assembled this 22nd day of April, 1999.

George Moser, Chair

Trustee Moser recognized all those present at the meeting who participated in the Northern Illinois University Exhibition of Excellence in any way and announced that formal copies of the resolution will be sent to everyone who participated. Again, on behalf to the Board of Trustees, he said, thank you all for helping us share Northern Illinois University's message, "academic excellence at affordable prices through teaching, research and public service."

Chair Boey added a personal thanks to those who participated in the NIU Exhibition of Excellence. A number of us at this table also spent the day there, he said, and let me tell you that we were just proud to tell people we were representatives of Northern Illinois University. One of the things that is very important to the Board is to have the support of faculty, staff and students, because we have to go down to Springfield and convince state legislators that they need to support us, Trustee Siegel commented. Thank you for being our partners and helping us down in Springfield, he said, it means a lot to us, and it means a lot to the legislature when they see that the faculty, staff, students, administration and Board are all together. Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the NIU Exhibition of Excellence Resolution. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Siegel. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 9.b. - Student Association 30th Anniversary Resolution
Student Trustee Sosnowski announced that during the previous week, the Student Association celebrated its 30th year on campus. This resolution recognizes those students who have been a part of the Student Association and their service over those 30 years to both Northern Illinois University and the community. They have kept the students informed, involved and part of the decision making process. In some instances, they even created programs that set the standard for the years to come, such as supporting the Campus Recreation Center building years ago and bringing about recycling on campus. I wanted to bring this resolution to the Board, Student Trustee Sosnowski said, and ask that my fellow Board members support the Student Association in celebrating 30 years on NIU's campus. The Student Trustee said he would hand deliver the resolution on behalf of the Board and the NIU administration to members of the student government.

        WHEREAS the Northern Illinois University Student Association is currently celebrating its 30th year of service to the students and community of Northern Illinois University; and
        WHEREAS said Student Association has provided significant opportunities for students to develop their potential for positions of leadership, public administration, social service and professional life; and 
        WHEREAS said Student Association has provided students experience in working collaboratively to resolve various broad community problems; and
    WHEREAS said Student Association has been the platform for expansion of a multitude of initiatives to improve university life such as health service for students, legal services for students, campus recreation, transportation, community communications and resources recycling; and
        WHEREAS said Student Association has upheld its broad responsibility to provide a student voice in shared governance at Northern Illinois University through representation on campus advisory boards, committees and commissions; and
        WHEREAS said Student Association has demonstrated devotion to, cooperation with, and support for the Board, Northern Illinois University, and the faculty, staff and student personnel of same; and
        WHEREAS the Board of Trustees and Northern Illinois University have received the benefit of the helpful insights of said Student Association which have been of special worth; and
        WHEREAS the Board of Trustees wishes to officially express its appreciation for the many far-reaching contributions by the Student Association to all of the above-mentioned interests of this Board, 
        NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University in formal meeting herein assembled, extends its grateful appreciation to and celebration of the Student Association for its outstanding and loyal service.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this RESOLUTION be presented to the Student Association and a copy of this document be placed in the official files of this Board as a part of the permanent record of the great State of Illinois and as a lasting tribute to the performance and accomplishments of the Student Association. 
        Adopted in a regular meeting assembled this 22nd day of April 1999.

George Moser, Chair
Legislation, Audit and External Affairs Committee

Chair Boey asked for a motion to approve the Student Association Resolution. Student Trustee Sosnowski so moved, seconded by Trustee Grans. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item 9.c. - Comments to Provost Moody on His Upcoming Retirement
We want to recognize a gentleman who has the wisdom to decide that the time is right for him to do some other things, Chair Boey said, like enjoy his retirement. We are talking about the upcoming retirement of Provost Carroll Moody. Given the private moment at lunch earlier in the day, the Chair said, the Trustees had the opportunity to privately thank him for all the help he has been to us. It is wonderful, Carroll, that the Board of Trustees had this great relationship with you, he said, and I just want to spend two minutes to recognize this important occasion. Chair Boey made the following remarks:

Carroll began his job as Provost in 1992, just as the state's difficult P•Q•P exercise had begun. That program took place In the midst of statewide budget cuts. I am told it was a time of great worry and unrest. I am also told that the faculty's confidence in Carroll Moody's academic knowledge and inherent fairness allowed NIU to move strategically and successfully through those challenges. Carroll was Provost when this Board came into being. As one of the first major Board actions, he was called upon to oversee our recommendation to merge the Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Divisions. He was a strong supporter of that merger, and his leadership allowed us to make that change work very well. Carroll convened and chaired a task force on improving the undergraduate experience that was designed to make that merger work, and work it did. Not only did the task force find new ways to integrate academic and nonacademic services, but it also engineered a campuswide commitment to values of good customer service. Those are the key words, "good customer service," because we are in a business — the academic business. On Carroll's watch, NIU has received its first Ph.D. program in 15 years. We are very happy about that, and we thank Provost Moody for his leadership in making that happen. Carroll has always provided this Board with a very clear explanation of just how meticulous the faculty and staff personnel process is on this campus. It has been very important for us, as a relatively new governing board, to have a full understanding of the tenure, promotion and sabbatical decisions we are asked to approve, and Carroll has been instrumental in helping this Board understand these processes. Carroll, your leadership style is quietly effective, and we will miss you very much. You are such a great asset to the university. Best wishes for a long, long, active retirement.

Chair Boey invited any of the Trustees who wished to make additional comments.

Carroll, we shared a lot of our thoughts with you over lunch, Trustee Grans said, and I think that was a very nice, appropriate time to do it. But, on behalf of the Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee, we want to recognize your leadership, your knowledge and the respect that all the people have for you. The respect that you carry in this institution goes very deep and it is very broad. We thank you and wish you well, and ask you to please keep in touch as we move through our lives and enjoy the rest of the foundation that you have laid for us here.

Carroll, I have already said to you privately, and at lunch, my thoughts on your retirement, Trustee Siegel said, but thanks for everything. It has been great working with you. The reaction of your peers and others speaks volumes, and I do not think I need to repeat it. Thanks again.

Provost Moody, we have worked with you on many occasions, Trustee Moser said, and nobody can replace you. I consider you a friend and wish you the best in retirement. Thank you very much.

I am not going to repeat what I said upstairs, Trustee Sanchez said, but it was all heartfelt. I look forward to coming down and doing a little fishing with you, because all I have ever caught in my whole life is bullhead catfish, and I would like to improve on that.

Agenda Item 9.d. - Ethics Policy Issues
Parliamentarian Ken Davidson announced that May 1 was the deadline for the filing of the Statement of Economic Interest as required by state law. He said that the Board would also be receiving a letter from him soon for a supplemental disclosure on the Board of Trustees Conflict of Interest Policy. The Governor has disposed of the Illinois Board of Ethics because it is no longer a necessary governmental entity since the state Gift Ban Act became effective, and that form has been eliminated, Mr. Davidson said, so there will be one less form for you to fill out.

Trustee Siegel said he wanted to reemphasize the fact that the Ph.D. in Physics was the first Ph.D. the university had received in 18 years. When this Board started, one of the first things I heard from the Physics Department was their quest for this degree that they could not seem to get, he said. At that time, I took on that challenge, and we fought and fought for it. The point is that we now have it after, from our Board's side, about two and a half years of work. There are other degrees that perhaps other departments have thought about but have abandoned because they perceived they could not get them. I want to make sure that message has changed and our faculty knows that if they have a legitimate degree request they thought in the past could not be done, those days have passed, Trustee Siegel said, so please bring them forward.

Chair Boey asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Sanchez so moved, seconded by Trustee Siegel. The motion was approved. The meeting was adjourned at 3:09 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon M. Mimms
Recording Secretary