Board of Trustees Meeting
March 28, 2003
A regular meeting of the University of Florida Board of Trustees was held on Friday, March 28, 2003 at 10:45 a.m., in J. Wayne Reitz Union Grand Ballroom at the University of Florida.
Marshall Criser called the meeting to order, welcoming all trustees. A quorum was verified. Chairman Criser welcomed Dr. Larry Tyree, Professor of Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations and former President of Santa Fe Community College, and Dr. Tyree's students who were in attendance to observe the Board of Trustees meeting.
Mr. Criser called upon President Charles Young to deliver the report of the President. President Young opened his remarks with a remembrance of former Vice President for Student Affairs Jim Scott who recently passed away. Dr. Young introduced Interim Vice President Mike Rollo, commending him for his earlier presentation to the Trustees regarding the modern college student, and thanking Dr. Rollo for assuming the responsibilities of the position. In regard to the legislative session, Dr. Young briefly highlighted issues pertaining to the proposed 2003-04 State budget as well as issues not related to the budget. Dr. Young noted the past week's accreditation visit from the American Bar Association, thanking Dean Mills for his leadership during the review. Dr. Young indicated that the ABA was complimentary about the College of Law and its programs, and stated that the problems the ABA has identified in funding areas will be the focus of improvement for the College. Dr. Young commended Dean Mills on his tenure as Dean, and then commented that the University is fortunate to have been able to recruit incoming Dean Bob Jerry to the position. Dr. Young also commented on the strength of the University of Florida's proposals on technological initiatives submitted to the Governor's Centers of Excellence Program, and reported that one of the University's proposals had been accepted for funding. President Young next mentioned the upcoming accreditation peer review team visit of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), calling the Trustees' attention to the information that was provided to the Board. President Young commended Dr. Jill Varnes, the University's liaison to SACS, for her significant work in preparing for the review.
Chairman Criser called attention to the President's Update that had been distributed to Trustees. Mr. Criser made brief comments on the service of outgoing Trustees Jean Larson, Nicole Fried and Louise Courtelis, and read resolutions commending each Trustee for their service on the Board. Trustee Mac McGriff moved approval of the resolution of recognition regarding Trustee Jean Larson. The motion was adopted. Trustee Joelen Merkel moved for approval of the resolution of recognition for Trustee Nicole Fried. The motion was adopted. Mr. Criser then added additional remarks concerning Mrs. Courtelis' service and that of her late husband, Alec. Trustee Roland Daniels moved approval of the resolution recognizing Mrs. Courtelis. The motion was adopted. Each outgoing Trustee made brief positive remarks about their service on the Board.
Mr. Criser requested a motion to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Warrington called for discussion of item 5.3 (approval of University of Florida rules) regarding certain rules addressing alcohol and the Greek system. Mr. Criser suggested that the consent agenda, with the exception of item 5.3, be moved for approval. Trustee Mac McGriff moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of item 5.3. During discussion on the motion, Ms. Merkel raised questions concerning the Direct Support Organization Internal Operating Memorandum and the insurance coverage for University of Florida Jacksonville Healthcare, Inc. Health Support Services Organization, to which President Young and General Counsel Pam Bernard provided responses. The motion to approve the consent agenda with the exception of item 5.3 was adopted. As to item 5.3, Interim Vice President Rollo suggested that he work on developing a code of expectations in regard to student behaviors addressed in the proposed rules. Trustee Warrington responded positively to that suggestion and moved approval of item 5.3. The motion was adopted.
Mr. Criser referred the Board to item 6.0 concerning the proposed recognition of the Graduate Assistants United. President Young outlined his thoughts on the proposal, pointing out that the Graduate Assistants United is different from the University's faculty union because the Graduate Assistants United was certified specifically for the University for Florida, not for the entire State University System. Dr. Young commented that the Graduate Assistants United is the only body that actually represents graduate students' interests because, unlike faculty, graduate assistants typically are not involved in shared governance. The President concluded that it was in the best interests of the University of Florida and the Graduate Assistants United for the Board of Trustees to recognize voluntarily this union. Trustee McGriff moved approval of the resolution voluntarily recognizing the United Faculty of Florida as the collective bargaining representative for the Graduate Assistants Bargaining Unit at the University of Florida, subject to demonstration of majority status. The motion was adopted.
Mr. Criser introduced Trustee Mac McGriff, Chairman of the Finance Committee, for the purpose of discussing the Proton Beam Therapy Project. Trustee McGriff introduced Dr. Nancy Mendenhall, Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, to provide the Trustees with an overview of the science and medicine supporting the project. Trustee McGriff also introduced Dr. Craig Tisher, Dean of the College of Medicine, to present the business aspects of the transaction to the Board. After presentations by Dr. Mendenhall and Dr. Tisher, Dr. Tisher responded to questions from Trustees.
Mr. Criser introduced guest speakers Wendell Paige, Director of the Office of Supplier Diversity for the State Department of Management Services, and Faylene Welcome, Director of the Division of Small Business and Vendor Diversity at the University of Florida. Mr. Paige and Ms. Welcome made presentations on the One Florida Equity and Contracting Plan and on the University's small business and vendor diversity efforts, respectively.
As to new business, Mr. Criser formally introduced Dean Bob Jerry, the incoming Dean of the University's College of Law.
Mr. Criser recognized guest speak Frank Goeddeke of the Graduate Assistants United who delivered comments regarding graduate assistants. Mr. Criser recognized guest speaker Professor Jonathan Reiskind who delivered comments regarding the United Faculty of Florida. Mr. Criser recognized guest speaker Karen Johnston who spoke on the subject of the postdoctoral student association.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1:15 p.m.
Charles E. Young
Secretary
Pamela J. Bernard
Assistant Secretary