Board of Trustees Meeting
November 17, 2001
A regular meeting of the University of Florida Board of Trustees was held on Saturday, November 17, 2001 at 1:00 p.m., at the J. Wayne Reitz Union Arredondo Room on the campus of the University of Florida.
Mr. Criser delivered the comments of the Chair of the Board, emphasizing the need for the Board to focus on the upcoming legislative sessions and commending Board Vice Chair, Dianna Morgan for her work and presentation on a governmental relations strategy.
Mr. Criser noted the benefits of the continuing generous exchange of information among board committees and the University administration. He then suggested that among the key issues for Board focus at this time was completing the devolution of the state university system powers and duties. He noted that Secretary Horne and Chairman Handy had committed to use their efforts to complete the transition in the upcoming session.
Charles Young delivered the President's report. President Young thanked the trustees, university administration, faculty, staff, students and friends for their support during his recent personal crisis. President Young voiced support for Mr. Criser's comments regarding the need to move forward with the higher education governance system devolution. President Young also noted the need to focus on the budget issues that will be dealt with by the Legislature during the upcoming special session.
Mr. Criser referenced the consent agenda, moving for the approval of the October Board meeting minutes. The motion was adopted. Mr. Dasburg moved for approval and acceptance, respectively, of the Category 2 and 3 Board and presidential representatives. The motion was adopted. Mr. Warrington moved for the approval of the recommended Student Activity, Service and Health Fee increases. The motion was adopted. Certain questions regarding students fees and costs were referred to Provost David Colburn for follow up.
Mrs. O'Connell reported upon the work of the Committee on Public Relations. Dr. Baker provided an overview of the preliminary results of the media audit being conducted as a part of the work of the Committee. Mrs. O'Connell indicated that the Committee would be presenting the Board with findings in the near future.
Vice President Phillips provided an overview of the key issues in research and graduate education at the University of Florida as a part of continued orientation of the Board on major issues.
Provost Colburn discussed a proposed admissions fee. President Young stated that the fee would be brought back to the Board for approval in December, after having been examined thoroughly by the appropriate Board committees.
President Young briefly discussed the 2002-03 proposed budget, the results of the special session, and the upcoming special session. President Young provided information about rescission of raises for certain employees as mandated by Governor Bush, and provided information about certain program closings at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences as a consequence of the budget cuts. Relative to the upcoming special session, President Young emphasized two points: that a goal of the university should be to ensure that the universities are not effected in a disproportionately greater amount that other public education sectors, and that the Legislature should empower the universities to implement any budget cuts rather than having specific cuts mandated by the Legislature or the Florida Board of Education.
President Young asked Vice President Ed Poppell to update the Board on the security measures the university has taken on and since September 11th. Vice President Poppell provided the update to the Board. President Young added that, notwithstanding the difficult issues attendant to the need for increased security and the budget cuts, many positive things are happening at the University, including excellence in the area of federal research funding.
Mr. Criser recognized guest speaker Professor Jonathan Reiskand, whose subject was the United Faculty of Florida.
Mr. Criser made brief closing remarks. The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
Charles E. Young
Secretary
Pamela J. Bernard
Assistant Secretary