Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1994 [PAGE 625]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1996]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

613

that he planned to appoint Associate Dean Kathleen A. Knafl as interim dean of the College of Nursing for a brief period prior to the arrival of the newly appointed dean of that college and that he would report the specific dates for this appointment at a later time. He indicated that the recommendation for the new dean would be presented to the board in the regular agenda.

Development Plans for South Campus, UIC

Dr. Broski then gave the board an update report on the planning underway for the development of the South Campus at UIC. He reviewed the past history of planning for this area, and described the boundaries and the number of acres. He described a Request for Qualification that had been sent to 34 development firms; first, asking for a show of interest in this project, and, second, in competing to provide a master development plan. Dr. Broski noted that there were nine respondents. He also said that there were five judged qualified who were then asked to develop their plans further. Dr. Broski then told the trustees of the partners these five firms suggested using on this project. He went on to describe the projects envisioned for the development. These included housing for students, an office building, an arts center, a research facility, and housing for faculty and staff. Mrs. Calder asked for a description of the authority the recent legislation passed by both chambers of the General Assembly afforded the University for this development. Mr. Higgins responded that this bill basically solidifies the right of the University to sell land and to retain the funds for construction of additional facilities, and to purchase additional land, with the powers limited to a specific area. Dr. Bazzani added that the subject legislation also gave the University the ability to enter into many different kinds of business arrangements than are currently possible. He said that this bill gives the University a chance to put infrastructure and amenities in place concurrently. President Stukel commented that the legislative change would be needed for the University to begin to talk about joint ventures. Dr. Bacon spoke in support of this, citing the strategic location of this part of the campus — in proximity to the development occurring in the South Loop area of the city. Ms. Lopez encouraged involvement of minority and female firms in this development. Dr. Bacon concurred and asked for involvement of minorities in all phases of this development. Discussion then ensued about the involvement of the board in the review of the developers who have expressed an interest in this project. Mr. Engelbrecht opined that the board should set strategy and policy, then let the University administrators do the work of selecting those who will implement plans. Mrs. O'Malley said that a public board in particular should take care to set policy and hire administrators to implement that policy.