Board of Trustees Meeting
October 2, 2001
A regular meeting of the University of Florida Board of Trustees was held on Tuesday, October 2, 2001 at 10:15 a.m., at the J. Wayne Reitz Union Rion Ballroom on the campus of the University of Florida.
Board Chair Marshall Criser welcomed the Board of Trustees and asked that a quorum be established. Assistant Secretary Pamela Bernard called the roll and established a quorum.
Mr. Criser referenced the minutes of the September 7, 2001 Board of Trustees meeting. Ms. Morgan moved to approve the minutes, with the actual reading of the minutes waived as no member objected. The motion was adopted.
Mr. Criser then made brief comments, including expressing on behalf of the Board of Trustees to President Young, who participated by telephone conference, condolences about Mrs. Young's passing.
Dr. Colburn delivered brief comments to the Board on behalf of President Young.
Mr. Criser turned to the subject of Trustee service on direct support organizations, health service support organizations or other affiliated boards as outlined in Board of Trustees Policy 01-1. Emphasizing the importance of the University of Florida Foundation's work, Mr. Criser suggested that Trustees Carlos Alfonso, Manny Fernandez and Joelen Merkel be designated as representatives of the Board of Trustees on the University of Florida Foundation board of directors. Mr. Criser also suggested that Trustee Mac McGriff be the Board's representative to the University Athletic Association, Inc.; that Trustee Al Warrington be the Board's representative to Gator Boosters, Inc.; that Trustee Manny Fernandez be the Board's representative to the University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.; that Trustees Roland Daniels and Mac McGriff be the Board's representatives to Shands Teaching Hospitals and Clinics, Inc., with Mr. Criser resigning as a director; and that Trustee Marshall Criser be the Board's representative to Shands Jacksonville Health Care, Inc., and Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, Inc. Mr. Criser indicated that as to Category 2 and 3 corporations, final recommendations would be made by President Young when he returns to campus. The Board concurred with Mr. Criser's recommendations.
Mr. Criser called the Board's attention to the proposed mission statement for the Committee on Governmental Relations, found in the board materials. Mr. McGriff moved to approve the mission statement. The motion was adopted. Mr. Criser made brief remarks about the importance of the issues this Committee will face and the important role the Committee will serve in preparing for the 2002 legislative session. Mr. Criser recognized Ms. Morgan's experience in the area of government relations and indicated he had asked her to be responsible for organizing the work of the Committee.
Mr. Criser recognized Provost David Colburn regarding the recent visit to campus by Governor Jeb Bush. Mr. Colburn provided a brief report on that visit.
Mr. Criser again recognized Provost David Colburn, who updated the Board on admissions and enrollment issues, highlighting the quality of University of Florida students, and the positive national rankings regarding retention rates and four-year graduation rates.
Mr. Criser asked for committee reports at which time Mr. McGriff delivered the report of the Committee on Finance. Next, Ms. Morgan delivered the report of the Committee on Educational Policy.
Mr. Criser recognized guest speaker Jim Horne, Secretary of the Florida Board of Education, who spoke on the subjects of State University System governance and the state's education budgets. Mr. Horne extended his appreciation to the Board of Trustees, stating that the University of Florida is the flagship institution of the state university system. Mr. Horne indicated the need to complete the devolution of the governance of the state university system, and emphasized the need for the universities to move forward in exercising their powers and duties rather than asking for permission to do so. Mr. Horne emphasized that the Florida Board of Education intends to exercise authority only over high-level policy issues and budget issues. He expressed his desire that the University of Florida focus its efforts on graduate and professional education programs, noting, however, that the current funding models and formulas do not encourage expansion of graduate programs because universities enhance their budgets more by expanding undergraduate programs. As to governance issues, he stated that the Florida Board of Education will support universities moving away from state agency status; providing more tuition flexibility to universities, at least comparable to what community colleges have; and establishing differential tuition. Mr. Horne recognized the University's leadership in the admissions area. Mr. Horne addressed issues relating to the anticipated special session and potential budget cuts in education. He indicated that classroom instruction will be protected and that the plan for the 2002-03 budget reductions is a road map for cuts in the existing budget this year. Mr. Horne referenced potential ways in which universities could respond, including administrators teaching and state government otherwise contributing to the K-12 student success. Mr. Horne recognized the partnerships the University of Florida has established with under-performing high schools and noted the public service mission could be given higher priority in the K-12 sector, which needs the help.
Mr. Criser then recognized Mr. Alfonso, who delivered the report of the Committee on Facilities.
Mr. Criser recognized Ms. Merkel, who delivered the report of the Committee on Audit and Management Operations Review.
Mr. Criser suggested that because of the previous discussion of budget issues and legislative priorities, additional discussion of the subjects would not be necessary during the Board meeting unless any member of the Board so desired.
With regard to public appearances before the Board, Mr. Criser noted the proposed Board practice in the Board materials. Mr. McGriff moved for approval of the practice. The motion was adopted.
Mr. Criser referenced the Board materials regarding the establishment of the Committee on Public Relations. Mr. Fernandez moved to approve the establishment of the Committee on Public Relations and the Committee's mission statement. The motion was adopted. Mr. Criser noted that Mr. Daniels would be added as a member of the Committee in addition to the members specified in the Board materials. Mr. Criser then recognized Ms. O'Connell who delivered the report of the Committee on Public Relations.
In regard to future Board meeting dates, Mr. Criser suggested that the next Board meeting be held on Saturday, November 17th from noon to 2:30 p.m., with committee meetings to be held that morning. With regard to other meeting dates, Mr. Criser reminded the Board of the December 12-13 meeting. Mr. Criser also distributed a list of proposed 2002 Board meeting dates and requested trustees to contact Assistant Secretary Bernard with any concerns about the dates.
Mr. Criser distributed a document setting forth commencement dates for University of Florida commencements. A brief discussion occurred about trustee representation at University of Florida commencements.
Mr. Criser recognized guest speaker Professor Jonathan Reiskand, whose subject was the United Faculty of Florida.
As to new business, Mr. Alfonso raised a question about P.K. Yonge school, to which Mr. Colburn responded.
The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
Charles E. Young
Secretary
Pamela J. Bernard
Assistant Secretary