Board of Trustees Meeting
June 13, 2003
A regular meeting of the University of Florida Board of Trustees was held on Friday, June 13, 2003 at 11:00 a.m., in the Presidents Room, Emerson Alumni Hall at the University of Florida.
Chairman Marshall Criser called the meeting to order, welcoming all trustees and others. A quorum was verified. Mr. Criser expressed his appreciation to fellow Trustee Dianna Morgan, President Young, Provost Colburn, Vice President Rick Bucciarelli and other members of the University of Florida governmental relations team for their work over the past several months and during the 2003 legislative sessions. Next, Mr. Criser noted that the Board enjoyed breakfast with seven distinguished University of Florida faculty members. He welcomed new trustees Professor Anthony Brennan and Student Government President Kyle Jones. Mr. Criser reported on a congratulatory telephone conversation with newly appointed trustee Earl Powell during which Mr. Powell expressed his pleasure about joining the Board. Mr. Criser noted Mr. Powell's accomplishments as an entrepreneur and a citizen, making him well-suited for his role as a trustee. He indicated that Mr. Powell will serve on the Committees on Facilities and Finance. Next, Mr. Criser asked the Assistant Secretary to place on the Board's September meeting agenda the election of the Board chair and vice-chair. He indicated that in September 2001 at its organizational meeting, the Board was kind enough to elect him chairman for a two-year term. Mr. Criser noted that after the January 7th School Code Rewrite transition, the current Board of Trustees was appointed and the Board again elected him as chair. Mr. Criser stated that, in fairness, after having served a two-year period as chairman, an election should take place in September.
Mr. Criser called for a motion to approve the consent agenda. Trustee Al Warrington moved for approval of agenda item 4.0. The motion was adopted.
Mr. Criser next turned the Board's attention to agenda item 5.0, requesting Trustee Joelen Merkel to present the issue of establishing a charter for the Committee on Audit and Operations Review. Ms. Merkel explained the proposed charter and referenced its importance to ensure appropriate oversight from the Board, then moved for approval of item 5.0. After further discussion concerning the applicability of the charter and audit functions to University direct support organizations, the motion was adopted.
Mr. Criser asked President Charles Young to present item 6.0 concerning an amendment to the University's non-discrimination rule. President Young referenced the discussion in committee yesterday concerning the extension of the University of Florida's non-discrimination rule to include sexual orientation. Dr. Young stated that additional discussion likely would come before the Board in the future on issues concerning the subject, but for now the Board was being asked to approve only the actual amendment to University of Florida Rule 6C1-1.006, as is reflected in the Board materials, not the language contained in the executive summary. After additional discussion, Trustee Mac McGriff moved for approval of the amendment of the University of Florida's non-discrimination rule to include sexual orientation. The motion was adopted unanimously.
Mr. Criser asked Vice President Ed Poppell to present item 7.0 concerning Vision 2040. Mr. Poppell introduced Ms. Linda Dixon, the University's Coordinator for Facilities Planning, who presented information to the Board on campus master planning and the integration of the University's strategic plan into the long-range physical plan for the University of Florida.
Mr. Criser welcomed guest speaker Dianna Bitz who spoke on the subject of the United Faculty of Florida.
Before adjourning, Mr. Criser indicated that the next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on September 4-5, 2003. Trustee Manny Fernandez briefly updated the Board on the status of the presidential search. Mr. Criser then expressed his appreciation for the work of those involved in planning the Board of Trustees meeting, and thereupon adjourned the meeting at 11:45 a.m.
Charles E. Young
Secretary
Pamela J. Bernard
Assistant Secretary