Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1984 [PAGE 297]

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288

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[July 21

tion in the State of Illinois will use LCS for circulation and interlibrary loan. No other state in the nation has an academic library network even close in size — in participants or in titles. Illinois' record of library cooperation is unmatched and stands as a great example of how quality and efficiency can go hand in hand. Affirmative Action Plan For some months, work has been underway on a revision of the University's affirmative action plan. A revised plan is nearing completion and is in the final stages of internal review. It should be available shortly for my approval. I have asked Dr. Porter to reserve time on the agenda of the September meeting for a meeting of the Affirmative Action Committee to allow a careful review of the revised plan and its long-term significance. Testimony Before the Northeast/Midwest Congressional Senate Coalition There continues to be a keen concern for the health of the economy and a growing recognition of the significance of the teaching and research programs of American universities to the long-term health of the economy. On Friday, July 15, I joined with Lee Morgan of Caterpillar Tractor, Barry Sullivan of the First National Bank of Chicago, and others to testify before representatives from Congress led by Senator Alan Dixon. T h e coalition is concerned in particular with the economic health of the northeast and midwest regions of the United States, and focused on the need to stimulate international trade as a means of improving the economic health of the region and enhancing employment opportunities. T h e fact that the University was asked to testify on a matter such as this suggests a growing public recognition of our fundamental role. I am pleased to share a copy of my testimony with you. (A copy is filed with the secretary of the board for record.) The Legislative Session A good deal of attention has been given to the passage of the University's appropriation bill by the General Assembly and rightly so. Several additional pieces of legislation, however, were approved; and several are of considerable significance to the University community. In response to a faculty recommendation, the University-sponsored legislation now on the governor's desk would broaden the options available under the tax-sheltered annuity program. If the governor signs the bill, faculty and staff members will be able to invest funds in a mutual fund. T h e University also sponsored and secured adoption of legislation enabling the purchase of major items of equipment on multiyear, lease-purchase agreements. Heretofore, lease-purchase arrangements were authorized only for the purchase of computer equipment. Broadening the authority to incorporate other items of equipment is an important step forward for our faculty and programs. Three separate pieces of legislation were adopted by the General Assembly in connection with the Chicago Technology Park. The first amends the University's enabling act to make clear it is within the Land-Grant mission and the authority of the Board of Trustees to operate a technology park or comparable initiative. A second bill provides for the purchase of the scientific laboratory facilities at 2020 West Ogden in Chicago. This acquisition will serve as the centerpiece to launch the Chicago Technology Park and will provide space necessary to nurture embryonic high technology firms and bring industry and university personnel into closer collaboration. A third piece of legislation authorizes an appropriation of $1.3 million to cover expenses incurred in the operation and maintenance of the 2020 West Ogden research and development facility. We hope each of these three actions will receive approval by Governor