Board of Trustees Meeting
April 5, 2002
A regular meeting of the University of Florida Board of Trustees was held on Friday, April 5, 2002 at 11:00 a.m., at the Chandler Auditorium of the Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida.
Chairman Criser called the meeting to order and a quorum was established.
Mr. Criser referenced the minutes of the February 25, 2002 Board of Trustees meeting. Mr. Warrington moved to approve the minutes, with the actual reading of the minutes waived as no member objected. The motion was adopted.
President Young delivered his report to the Board, including brief comments on the strategic planning process underway since earlier in the year. Associate Provost Joe Glover gave a report on the process and expressed optimism about the presentation of a final report to the President by the end of May. Provost Colburn provided a brief update to the Board on the work of the Provost's office in its strategic planning activities, including an anticipated meeting with Chairman Handy to ensure the Florida Board of Education's strategic plan is taken into consideration in formulating the University's plan. Mr. Criser emphasized the importance of the work of all groups involved in the effort. On President Young's request, Vice President Win Phillips provided comments on the Governor's initiative on biotechnology. President Young also expressed his pleasure with the appointment of Dr. Douglas Barrett as Vice President for Health Affairs and welcomed Dr. Barrett who was in attendance at the meeting. He also informed the Board of the change in management structure of the Health Center to separate the office of the Vice President for Health Affairs and the Dean of the College of Medicine. Dr. Young noted the appointment of Craig Tisher as Interim Dean. Mr. Criser noted that Dr. Rick Bucharelli has accepted the position of Interim Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics.
Mr. Criser asked Vice President Jim Scott to present information to the Board regarding the Board agenda item relating to increases in the student housing rental rates. Vice President Scott summarized the information in the Board materials noting that, on average, the increase was $12 per month for married housing and $90 across the board for single housing. Vice President Scott outlined the proposed expenditure of the revenues produced by the housing rental rate increases. Mr. Fernandez commended Dr. Scott and his staff on increasing availability of housing for incoming freshmen. Dr. Thweatt moved for adoption of the motion to approve the housing rental rate increases. The motion was adopted.
Mr. Criser requested Trustee Joelen Merkel to report regarding campus security issues as discussed by the Committee on Audit on April 4th. Ms. Merkel provided to the Board information about campus security efforts and reporting. She commended the University Police Department for their efforts regarding campus safety, security and crime prevention.
At Mr. Criser's request, Mr. Robell provided to the Board information about the request for the Board of Trustees to quit claim certain property to the University of Florida Foundation, Inc. Ms. Morgan moved for approval and the motion was adopted.
Mr. Criser discussed with the Board the authority of the Board of Trustees to sell lands and maintain proceeds from the sales. Mr. Alfonso offered to review this issue in the Committee on Facilities if the pending legislation regarding the same was passed.
Mr. Criser requested the Committee on Education Policy to brief the Board on its recommendation regarding the award of tenure to certain University of Florida faculty members. On behalf of the Committee, Provost Colburn reported the work of the Committee regarding the President's request to award tenure to 73 faculty members. Mr. Fernandez moved to approve the award of tenure to such faculty as recommended by President Charles Young. The motion was adopted.
Provost Colburn briefed the Board on the current status of admissions as compared to last year, including minority admissions. The Provost also discussed the Destination Gainesville Program and expressed appreciation to the Board for their participation. Mr. Criser encouraged Board members to send notes to the students. Mr. Fernandez emphasized the positive progress made over the last year in admissions of minority students. Dr. Thweatt commended Dr. Colburn and staff for the efforts and results in the area of minority recruitment.
President Young provided brief comments on the status of Shands Jacksonville.
President Young presented to Trustee Marc Adler a framed resolution of appreciation for Mr. Adler's contributions to the Board of Trustees during Mr. Adler's term, which will come to an end this month. Mr. Warrington moved to adopt the proposed resolution honoring the service of outgoing Trustee Marc Adler. The motion was adopted.
Guest speaker Professor Jonathan Reiskind spoke on the subject of the United Faculty of Florida.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:08 p.m.
Charles E. Young
Secretary
Pamela J. Bernard
Assistant Secretary