Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1986 [PAGE 16]

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1984]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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The emphasis in this year's report was more on specific figures for the capital request, and less on the details of the operating request. The latter is being refined and will be presented to the trustees with formal recommendations at the September board meeting. On this point, President Ikenberry, at the conclusion of the discussion, indicated that in general an imaginative, aggressive program is planned, but with appreciation of the limits of funds likely to be available from the State of Illinois. Although specific figures have not yet been determined, perhaps an overall increase in the operating budget of 12 percent would be requested, with salary increases of 6 percent, plus a 2 percent merit and market addition. The Board of Trustees convened in regular session at 2 p.m.

BUSINESS PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY

President Ikenberry recognized and introduced observers from the campus senates and from the University Senates Conference.1

REGULAR AGENDA

The board considered the following reports and recommendations from the president of the University.

Appointment of University Counsel

(4) As the Board of Trustees is aware, the impending retirement of James J. Costello from the position of university counsel resulted in the formation of a search committee* to seek recommendations regarding a successor. Interest in the position was lively, and the committee considered numerous candidates before presenting me with a panel of names. The university counsel is the general officer responsible for the management of the University's legal affairs, as well as being an officer of the Board of Trustees. Because of the close relationship of the university counsel with other general officers, several of them were involved in interviewing the finalists. As a result of this process, I am now pleased to recommend the appointment of Byron H. Higgins, presently associate general counsel at Michigan State University, as university counsel beginning October 21, or sooner, on a twelve-month service basis at an annual salary of $83,000. Mr. Higgins is an able lawyer and has served two major universities as general counsel. He understands the complex legal issues that confront universities and the academic values for which they stand. I sun pleased to recommend his appointment.

On motion of Mr. Howard and Mr. Stone, this appointment was approved. By consensus, the board agreed that one vote would be taken and conUniversity Senates Conference: Victor R. Harnack, professor of speech in communication and theatre] Chicago campus; Chicago campus Senate: Rose Ann Grundman, associate professor of mathematics in medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy, Health Sciences Center, and Gene Ruoff, associate professor of English^ University Center; Urbana-Champaign Senate Council: Kenneth E. Andersen, professor of speech communication and associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 1 Earl W. Porter, secretary of the University and of the Board of Trustees, chairman; Craig _ S. Bazzani, vice president for business and finance; John E. Cribbet, chancellor, Urbana-Champaign campus; Victor R. Harnack, professor of speech in communication and theatre, Chicago campus; Earl L. Neal, attorney, Earl L. Neal and Associates, Chicago, and former trustee.

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