Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1988 [PAGE 360]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

350

BOARD O F TRUSTEES

[September 10

EXECUTIVE SESSION President Howard, referring to Section T w o of the O p e n Meetings Act, stated: "A motion is now in order to hold a n executive session to consider information regarding the appointment, employment, or dismissal of employees or officers, to discuss pending, probable, or imminent litigation, the acquisition of real property, and to discuss campus security." T h e motion was m a d e by Mr. Wolff and approved unanimously. Report, Negotiations on the Acquisition of Institutes, Department of Mental Health President Ikenberry reported on the current status of the possible transfer to the University of one or more of the following institutes under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Mental Health: the Illinois State Psychiatric Institute; the Institute for Juvenile Research; and the Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities. A General Assembly resolution favored the transfer, effective March 1988. T h e University now is weighing the benefits involved. ( T h e organizations vary in resources, budgets, and relevance to the mission of the University.) T h e president njade clear that the institutions cannot be acquired by the University at any significant cost but must be financially healthy, free of both maintenance and capital obligations. T h e Illinois State Psychiatric Institute may be most likely to offer the difficulties identified. H e assured the board that n o commitments will be made without consultation with the trustees. Report, Evaluation of University Public Affairs David W. Olien, executive assistant to the president, reviewed the prelirninary findings of a review of public affairs operations at the University and campus levels. T h e study compares recommendations of earlier studies (in 1979) with current results and achievements. T h e focus of the study is o n : the coordination of public affairs and the professional relationship between central university and campus departments; the use of resources; and the need for strategic planning. Among the recommendations that may be presented to the president in due course are: organization for improved planning; strengthening the authority and responsibility of the university director; and enlargement of support for public affairs at the Chicago campus. Further internal review is in process. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNED Mr. H a h n joined the meeting at this time. There being no further business, the executive session adjourned at 9:30 a.m. for the quarterly meeting of the Finance and Audit Committee. At 10:05 a,m. the board convened as a Committee of the Whole. 1 T h e Board of Trustees reconvened in regular session at 10:35 a.m.

* The board met as a Committee of the Whole to receive a presentation from Anthony J. Aniello, associate vice president, on Administrative Information Systems and Services. He reviewed the functions of this operation, the status of major reorganization in the last year, and prospects for the future.