Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1994 [PAGE 381]

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1995]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

369

a prudent tuition policy, presented by Ms. Reese; and future relations with the agricultural community, presented by Mr. Engelbrecht. Dr. Gindorf discussed changes that will be wrought within a system of managed care, particularly with regard to physician referrals. He also noted that the health care delivery system everywhere is growing far too complex and is in need of streamlining. He also presented points in favor of a separate governing board for the hospital. (A copy of the briefing paper is on file with the secretary.) Ms. Reese then opened a discussion of tuition charged at all three campuses and noted that the issue of faculty salaries is linked to tuition levels and that probably the University of Illinois had been charging too little tuition compared to its peer institutions. Some of the trustees stated that the value of the education provided made the tuition paid an important investment and suggested that students are beginning to look at tuition as an investment in their futures. The suggestion was made that the tuition for non-residents be reviewed with an eye to increasing this. President Stukel reminded the board members that each campus has a different peer group and each brings different elements to its degrees awarded. Therefore, it is not expected that the tuition be the same at each of the three campuses. (A copy of the briefing paper is on file with the secretary.) Mr. Engelbrecht then introduced a discussion of the concerns of the agricultural community in the State. Mr. Engelbrecht informed his colleagues that the alumni of the College of Agriculture are in daily or weekly contact with their college, especially if they are in production agriculture. Also, the Cooperative Extension Service is a presence in every county in the State. Mr. Engelbrecht stated that he believed that the college had lost stature in recent years and that the Cooperative Extension Service is not providing the kind of essential services that that unit once did. He cited the recent reorganization of the college as a problem for some of the alumni in the State and the fact that the former dean had not been in as close contact with the agricultural community as was desired. The good news he reported was that the president, chancellor, and others within the University are very interested in fixing any problems that have developed. He stated that he was positive that the basis for solving the problems was available and that there were some who were interested in addressing the problems. (A copy of the briefing paper is on file with the secretary.)

GENERAL DISCUSSION

During this period of the meeting, the trustees voiced their individual concerns and questions about operations within the University. Mrs. Gravenhorst asked that the board direct the president to review all public image materials, such as stationery, to determine if a coherent, consistent image of the University as one University is being presented to the public. Mr. Engelbrecht suggested that this was a symptom of an